U.S. Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic News Updates -- December 20, 2020

Daily Mail: California reports more than 46,000 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours as hospitals prepare to 'ration care' - and more than one million Americans ignore CDC advice and take to the skies for Christmas

* California officials reported more than 46,000 new cases in the last 24 hours

* As hospitals grapple with growing cases, health officials said they may have to prepare for the possibility of rationing care

* Meanwhile, TSA officials said an additional 1 million people passed through airport security checkpoints on Saturday; 1 million people also flew on Friday

* Health officials have warned Americans to forgo holiday travel due to COVID-19

California has reported more than 46,000 new cases of the coronavirus Saturday, prompting hospitals in the state to prepare for the possibility of rationing care.

As of Saturday, nearly 17,400 people were hospitalized with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infections - more than double the previous peak reached in July - and a state model that uses current data to forecast future trends shows the number could reach 75,000 by mid-January.

More than 3,600 confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients were in intensive care units.

California also recorded an additional 161 deaths, bringing the state's total to 20,593.

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Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic News Updates -- December 20, 2020

Coronavirus infections and deaths skyrocket heading into Christmas week, and 'it will get worse' -- CNN

Overwhelmed California hospitals contemplate rationing care -- SFGate/AP

First shipments of Moderna vaccine roll out, a new weapon in U.S. Covid-19 response -- NBC

Moderna vaccine shipments begin as US reels under Covid surge -- The Guardian

FDA investigating allergic reactions to Pfizer vaccine reported in multiple states -- The Hill

General at Operation Warp Speed apologizes for 'miscommunication' after six states revealed they were being shipped fewer vaccine shots than promised -- Daily Mail