| Pfizer releases promising vaccine news, president-elect Biden announces his coronavirus task force, and a new mutation develops on Danish mink farms. Here's what you should know: Headlines Early data indicates Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine is more than 90 percent effective Pfizer announced on Monday that its coronavirus vaccine is more than 90 percent effective, according to an initial review of Phase III trial data. No significant safety concerns were found. The company is expected to apply for emergency authorization from the FDA later in November once it has the necessary two months of safety data. While these results are very early and have not been peer-reviewed, they're very promising. The government's Operation Warp Speed promised Pfizer $1.95 billion to deliver 100 million doses, but did not pay for research or development of this vaccine. Joe Biden announces 13-member coronavirus task force and pandemic plans This morning, Joe Biden announced the members of his coronavirus task force and their preliminary plans for tackling the pandemic. The task force is made up entirely of doctors and public health experts, including an Obama-era surgeon general and former FDA commissioner. Biden has emphasized the importance of consistent messaging across the country, which members will work with state and local officials to develop. Virus mutation coming from minks leads to new lockdowns in Denmark Last week, Danish officials announced concerning news of a new coronavirus strain that had mutated on mink farms and spread to humans. In response, the prime minister ordered the euthanization of 15 million minks, and new lockdowns were initiated. There have been 214 human Covid-19 cases from mink variants since June, and 12 cases associated with this unique strain. But there's no evidence yet that the mutation makes the disease more dangerous. Daily Distraction Why spend money on shoes that make it feel like you're barefoot? We can think of a few reasons. Something to Read Ironically, Trump's efforts to curtail China's tech capabilities inspired the country to prioritize its technological independence. Now, Biden will need to figure out whether to continue along the same path or try a new approach. Sanity Check Making purchases with a smartphone is more efficient, and more secure, than carting around a credit card. If you haven't set Apple or Google Pay up yet, what are you waiting for? One Question What will it take to make indoor spaces Covid-safe? Most scientists now agree that SARS-CoV-2 spreads most easily in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. In order for people to start spending time together indoors, something has to filter potentially infectious particles out of the air and keep it moving. If you have lots of windows, and the outside air isn't worse, opening them is one option. High-grade filters—which can be built into a central air system or installed on their own—also work well for cleaning air inside. And new devices are being developed that can remove viral microorganisms from the air, though the efficacy of these technologies is still somewhat unknown. Ultimately, even the best heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems we have are faulty when they aren't well-maintained. In the long term, the best approach to improving ventilation in our buildings might well be to change how we design them. Covid-19 Care Package ❓ From social distancing to viral spread to staying sane, here's everything we know and advise about the coronavirus. 📦 The Covid-19 virus can linger on objects for as little as a few hours or as long as a couple of days, depending on the surface. Here's an updated look at the research. 😷 If you're planning to go out in public anytime soon, you're going to need a mask. Here are the best ones you can buy, or how to make one at home. 🧼 It's not just your hands that need washing—your gadgets, clothes, and home need it too. Here's how to properly disinfect your stuff. 💻 Some of you are work-from-home pros, but if you're new to it, here's how to stay productive without losing your mind. 😔 It's hard not to be anxious about a global pandemic, but here's how you can protect yourself and your family without spiraling and how to not hate the loved ones you're quarantined with. ✂️ It may still be a while before you can see your hairstylist, so here's how to cut your hair at home, plus other ways to keep yourself lookin' fresh. 🦠 Read all of our coronavirus coverage here. | 
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