Life Will Start Getting ‘Back To Normal’ In April Or May, Operation Warp Speed Head Projects

Topline

The head of the White House’s program to accelerate the development of a coronavirus vaccine, Operation Warp Speed, said Sunday that he anticipates that life will begin to return to normal in April or May of 2021, a more rapid timeline than some other public health experts. 

Key Facts

Crucial Quote 

“It’s absolutely vital that everybody take comfort in the fact that we have light at the end of the tunnel,” said Slaoui, urging Americans to “pay attention to what we’re doing to make sure we’re there by the spring to benefit from the vaccine.” 

Key Background 

A return to normalcy in the U.S. hinges on the Food and Drug Administration approving vaccines for distribution — BioNTech and Pfizer’s vaccine candidate is currently under review. Speaking on Sunday morning shows, both Slaoui and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar suggested that approval may be imminent. Slaoui said that he expects the FDA to make a “positive decision” based on the data he’s seen, while Azar predicted authorization could come “within days.” “The first vaccine shipment will happen on the day after the vaccine is approved,” said Slaoui, adding that his team has a “good understanding” of the side effects of Pfizer’s vaccine: “There are no serious adverse effects associated with these vaccines, to the best of our understanding.” 

Further Reading 

“Here’s When Experts Say Things Could Get Back To Normal After Coronavirus” (Forbes) 

“U.K. Grants Emergency Approval Pfizer-BioNTech’s Covid-19 Vaccine, The First Country To Do So” (Forbes)

“Birx: Pandemic Is Worst Event The U.S. Will Ever Face” (Forbes)

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