Coronavirus vaccine and Delta variant updates for 11-24-2021

<p>This is Vaccine 411, the latest coronavirus vaccine information for November 24th, 2021.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The EU’s version of the FDA said Merck has put in its request to authorize its coronavirus antiviral, the first pill shown to treat COVID-19. They expect a decision to be made on molnupiravir within weeks. Earlier this month, Britain became the first country in the world to OK the drug.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It is just speculation and guesswork, but the World Health Organization's Europe office says its projections show the continent could see another 700,000 deaths in the pandemic by next spring. That means it would top 2 million total. The WHO Europe says boosters should be given as a priority to vulnerable populations, but its own international headquarters is still calling for a moratorium on boosters.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It's mask on, mask off depending on where in America you live. Health officials in Oregon announced they’re lifting statewide mask requirements in crowded outdoor settings. It was the first state to reimplement an outdoor mask mandate for both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents. But in Denver they’re renewing a mask mandate for indoor public spaces until January 3, even though 76% of Denver residents have gotten at least one vaccine dose.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Governor of Minnesota has called up the National Guard to help long term care facilities as a huge surge in hospitalizations overwhelms the health care system. About 400 members of the Guard have been training as certified nursing assistants and temporary nursing aides. Only 2% of the state’s ICU beds are available.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A lot of people are very up front, even proud of the fact they have refused to get vaccinated. But new research shows there are some who are more than happy to lie about it when it’s convenient. Of those who aren’t vaccinated, 28% would consider lying about their status to eat in a restaurant that has a vaccine mandate. It’s a problem for businesses because they’re increasingly held accountable f