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U.K. Regulator Approves Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID Vaccine; Biden Asks Americans to Wear Masks for First 100 days; Biden: Lack of Cooperation Could Hurt National Security; Top U.S. Senate Republican Blocks Vote on $2,000 Stimulus. Aired 4-4:30a ET
Aired December 30, 2020 - 04:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[04:00:00]
ISA SOARES, CNN ANCHOR: A new ray of hope. The U.K. approves the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. The country's health secretary pledges a path out of the pandemic by spring.
Plus, sounding the alarm. The U.S. President-elect Joe Biden says the Trump administration vaccine distribution plans are falling far short.
And an historic vote. Scenes of celebration and disappointment as Argentina moves to legalize abortion.
Hello and a very warm welcome to our viewers in the United States and right around the world. I'm Isa Soares. CNN NEWSROOM starts right now.
ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.
SOARES: It is 9 a.m. here in London and we start this hour with breaking news out of the U.K. where the government says regulators have approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. It becomes the second vaccine authorized for use here in the U.K.
The British Prime Minister is celebrating the approval with this tweet.
It is truly fantastic news and a triumph for British science that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use. We will work to vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible.
CNN's Phil Black joins me from here in London with the latest. Phil, finally a dose of good news. Talk to us about the advantage of this vaccine and crucially when they expect it to be rolled out.
PHIL BLACK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: So very quickly, they plan it to roll out. Deliveries in the next day or two and vaccinations starting as early as next week. And what's I guess so exciting about this vaccine is that it is logistically convenient. It doesn't need to be kept at deep cold storage temperatures as the Pfizer vaccine does, for example. It can effectively be kept in the fridge, which means that it can be moved around and stored relatively easily. Rolled out more widely. So you start to get it to more people and that happens at a much faster rate than has been possible up until now. Trying to maximize that potential the government has also announced a
shift in tactics. Instead of trying to get two doses of vaccines to people as quickly as possible. The plan now is to delay the second dose of the vaccine but to prioritize rolling out that first dose to as many people as possible as the vaccine stock becomes available.
And the logic there is that although you are not giving the maximum possible immunity to specific people as quickly as possible, you are broadly, more broadly building up a level of protection and immunity across the population. And so therefore, that will hopefully allow that level of immunity, because to start to get ahead of the level of transmissions and that can all happen a little faster than would otherwise be the cases.
SOARES: And Phil, there have been questions for some time about the efficacy and whether it can be effective against this new strain that we've been seeing here in the U.K. what are you hearing about this?
BLACK: So the end result, the initial phase three trial results from Oxford University and AstraZeneca are a little more complicated than people expected. But there's I think the key efficacy figure that is relevant to the U.K. because it matches the dosing regimen that is going to be applied here, and that is two full doses of this particular vaccine. Results in an effectiveness at 62 percent. That is 62 percent of trial participants who receive that dosage did not develop symptomatic COVID-19 infection 14 days or later after receiving the second dose. And crucially, no one received -- no one suffered severe infection that required hospital treatment. So that's the key figure.
There is some confusion because over the course of the trial there was a mistake which meant that a small number of the trial participants receive an initial dosage that was weaker than planned. But then when they got to the end and had their second dose that particular subset of the trial group was found to be the better protected with an efficacy of 90 percent.
Now because of that Oxford University and AstraZeneca believe they have stumbled upon a potential sweet spot for dosage. But what they now need to do is prove those results more broadly. Because we're only talking about something over 2,000 people. They need to prove with further study and trials that, yes, that half dose initially somehow resulted in even greater protection.
[04:05:00]
Because at the moment they don't know why that would be the case. So the U.K. has adopted using the bulk of the data that AstraZeneca and Oxford University have compiled to go with two full doses. And they believe that will make a really significant difference in terms of slowing the transmission of the disease over time -- Isa.
SOARES: Phil Black there in London. Thanks very much, Phil.
I want to bring in now Lawrence Young, he's a virologist and professor of molecular oncology at the University of Warwick. Professor, thank you very much for joining us.
Let's start with the breaking news out of the U.K. How much is this vaccine a game-changer?
LAWRENCE YOUNG, VIROLOGIST AND PROFESSOR OF MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK: Well, it really is, and it's a ray of hope during a very, very difficult time for us in the United Kingdom. And the benefit of this vaccine of, course is twofold. One is that the U.K. government have ordered 100 million doses. And the second is the logistics. It's much easier to roll out because it doesn't require the ultra-cold temperatures for storing. So, it's a good news day really, given everything else that we are going though at the moment.
SOARES: Do we know, professor, whether it's effective against this new strain given the number of cases we have seen in two days in a row, of record cases out of the U.K., and how much that new strain is behind that increase, that surge in the numbers -- how effective is it against this new strain?
YOUNG: Well, it's likely that the surge in cases we're seeing is because this new more transmittable strain is replacing all other varieties and variance of the virus. We know from looking at the changes in that -- in that virus where the mutations have occurred but it's extremely likely that the vaccines that are all being developed at the moment including the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that's already been rolled out in the U.K., and this -- and the new AstraZeneca- Oxford vaccine, will be effective.
Because the body's immune system mounts a very profound and broad response to the virus. And these small changes will not affect that immune response.
SOARES: Right, but having consider what you've just said to me, if we take, if government takes a long time, let's say, to actually vaccinate the population, is there a change -- is there a fear within the scientific community here, professor, that perhaps the mutation will keep occurring and that will make it harder for vaccines to actually try to be effective? Is there a fear of that?
YOUNG: Yes, there is and that's a very good point for two reasons. One is we really got to get on and vaccinate as soon as possible to try and stamp out the virus.
But we also know the virus is changing. And we also know that the virus will continue to change and will change in response to vaccination. So, whilst this vaccine program is so important, what we've got to do immediately is continue with these harsh restrictions.
Because whatever happens with the virus in terms of it changing, it will still transmit in the same way. And therefore, the restrictions that prevent transmission, that is wearing face masks, be very careful about hand and face hygiene, social distancing, being careful in crowded spaces and the need for ventilation inside. All of those things will prevent transmission of any variant.
So, what's really important, I know we're going to hear more about this I know today in terms of further restrictions in the U.K. -- is that people will take notice of this advice --
SOARES: Yes.
YOUNG: -- that even with this variance we can stop transmission.
SOARES: And professor, we heard -- I don't know if you heard our correspondent Phil Black at the top of the show in the last few minutes saying that potentially the vaccination plan is to try and vaccinate at least the first round as many people as possible. Then build -- and then vaccinate much later the second round. What is the thinking behind? It is still -- is that to break -- is that to build a strong immune system. What can you tell us?
YOUNG: We know that all vaccines work best if you give two doses. There is a priming dose that alerts the body's immune system, and then there is the boosting dose. And the times between those two doses is very, very variable.
What we know from the data coming out of most of the vaccines being developed, but particularly the AstraZeneca vaccine, is that the first dose does give you quite a proportion of protection.
SOARES: Right.
YOUNG: So that you get an immediate protection. And given the need to roll this out to as many people as possible, it makes sense in the first round to get as many people vaccinated with the prime vaccine, and then up to 12 weeks later -- you got a margin of about three months before you need to give the second dose.
So, I think this is a very sensible approach to ensuring we get as many of the vulnerable folks in our population and now health care workers vaccinated as soon as possible.
[04:10:00]
So, I think it does make -- it does make immunological sense as well.
SOARES: Right. Very briefly, professor, I'm hearing from the Health Secretary Matt Hancock who has said in last few minutes that the U.K. will be out of this by the spring. How realistic is this, you think?
YOUNG: I think that's really optimistic. I mean, the issue here is, one of logistics.
SOARES: Yes.
YOUNG: Getting this vaccine rolled out to the entire population and certainly the most vulnerable, is going to take time. And I'd love to think that we can do this, this time of the spring. I anticipate it being a little bit later. But we've just got to get on with it and we got to get all the organizational, logistical bits and pieces in place whilst we know that our National Health Service is under so much pressure.
SOARES: Indeed. Professor Lawrence Young, I appreciate you taking the time to speak for us this morning. Thank you, sir.
Now in the U.S. the number of coronavirus cases is accelerating rapidly as we near the end of 2020. On Tuesday more than 3,700 COVID- related deaths were reported. That's a troubling new record for a single day. More than 330,000 people have died in the U.S. since the pandemic started.
Meantime, the new coronavirus variant first found in the U.K. has been detected in the U.S. Health officials say a man in Colorado was somehow infected even though he had no travel history.
And President-elect Joe Biden is criticizing the Trump administration's vaccine distribution plan, CNN's MJ Lee has that part of the story for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOE BIDEN (D), PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE UNITED STATES: Things are going to get worse before they get better.
MJ LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to grip the nation, Joe Biden slamming the vaccine distribution currently underway on President Trump's watch.
BIDEN: The Trump Administration 's plan to distribute vaccines is falling behind, far behind.
A few weeks ago, the Trump Administration suggested that 20 million Americans could be vaccinated by the end of December. With only a few days left in December we've only vaccinated a few million so far.
If it continues to move as it is now, it's going to take years not months to vaccinate the American people.
LEE (voice-over): The president elect laying out his own plan for administrating 100 million vaccine shots by the end of his first 100 days in office.
BIDEN: I've directed my team to prepare a much more aggressive effort with more federal involvement and leadership to get things back on track. I'm going to work to set up vaccination sites and send mobile units to hard reached communities -- hard-to-reach communities.
LEE (voice-over): Biden has also proposed a nationwide mask mandate.
BIDEN: I'm going to be asking the American people to wear a mask for the first 100 days of my administration.
LEE (voice-over): And Dr. Anthony Fauci now endorsing that plan.
DR. ANTHONY FAUCI, DIRECTOR U.S. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Everybody, every single person, put aside this nonsense of making masks be a political statement or not. We know it works.
LEE (voice-over): This as the Biden transition team and the department of defense continue to clash over the transition process. Biden accusing the DOD this week of obstruction.
BIDEN: We just aren't getting all the information that we need for the ongoing, outgoing -- from the outgoing administration in key national security areas. It's nothing short, in my view, of irresponsibility.
LEE (voice-over): A DOD spokesperson insisting that there have been plenty of meetings with the Biden transition in recent weeks. But a source familiar telling CNN that as of Monday no formal transition meetings have taken place between the two sides since December 18th.
BIDEN: And all of it makes it harder for our government to protect the American people, to defend our vital interests. In a world where threats are constantly evolving, and our adversaries are constantly adapting.
LEE: Now what Biden advisers have told CNN is that they are concerned that a lack of cooperation from the Trump Administration now could lead to serious national security implication extending into the Biden presidency.
And as for those transition meetings between the DOD and the Biden transition team, we are learning that there are now three scheduled for some time this week. Two of those will be about COVID-19 and one of them will be about cybersecurity.
MJ Lee, Wilmington, Delaware. CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: Now President Trump is responding to Joe Biden's criticism of the slow vaccine rollout in a tweet. The president blames state governments for not getting vaccines distributed quickly enough. He has often shifted blame to the states for mishaps during the pandemic. The president also criticized Biden for his handling of the swine flu while he was vice president under Barack Obama.
Because that contrasts remarks Donald Trump made in 2009 when he praised the Obama administration's early handling of the swine flu outbreak.
Now millions of Americans are waiting for their new COVID stimulus checks. Democrats and President Trump want to increase those direct payments. But a new Republican maneuver threatens to kill that bill.
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Plus, a landmark moment for women's rights in Argentina. Huge crowds -- you can see there -- gathering as lawmakers voted on a historic abortion bill. We'll show you the moment the results were announced. That coming up after a very short break. Do stay right here with CNN.
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SOARES: A new round of stimulus payments has started going out to people right across the United State. Some might have received money in their direct deposit account overnight. While paper checks will start going out in the mail later today.
Now on Tuesday remember, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked an effort by Democrats to increase the $600 payments to $2,000. Instead the Republican leader introduced legislation to combine that measure with unrelated demands from the president and what Democrats to swallow a poison pill deal. Our Phil Mattingly explains now from Capitol Hill.
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PHIL MATTINGLY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, the big wild card going into the week was how does Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell going to manage the president's request for $2,000 direct payments, up from those $600 payments in the COVID relief package. How is he going to manage the House passing as bill with some Republican support, 44 House Republicans voting for a bill to do just that, expand the payment to $2,000.
[04:20:00]
What about the two Republicans Senators from Georgia in very tight reelection runoffs, also supporting the policy. Well, he tipped his hand a little bit with his initial remarks on Tuesday. Take a listen.
SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R-KY), MAJORITY LEADER: Those are the three important subjects the president has linked together. This week the Senate will begin a process to bring these three priorities into focus.
MATTINGLY: And then later in the day it became clear what exactly he meant. McConnell introducing his own legislation. And in that legislation, yes, an increase of those direct payments from $600 to $2,000. But also two other provisions.
Two other provisions President Trump himself demanded in exchange for signing that COVID relief and government spending bill earlier in the week. That would be online liability protection, on the section 230, a repeal of them entirely. As well as a voter fraud commission even though despite what the president says, there's no evidence of mass voter fraud anywhere in the country.
What that means, what the proposal is, is to quote Democrats, is a poison pill. They will not vote for that proposal and repeal section 230 and voter fraud commission. They want an up or down vote on the stand alone House bill. That is something that while on the table isn't likely to be pursued.
What does that leave McConnell with? Well, he has his won proposal now. He also has a ticking clock when the U.S. Congress comes to an end in just a couple of days. And before McConnell is willing anything on stimulus checks, he wants to ensure that the U.S. Senate can vote to override the president's veto on the national defense authorization, the crucial defense bill. He will succeed on that front. What happens with the stimulus checks?
Well again, the clock is ticking. McConnell has an alternative the Democrats won't vote for. Democrats have a bill a good number of Republicans won't vote for. And Americans who are looking for those checks, wanting those checks, seeing if $2,000 is an option? Well, if that's the case, this day wasn't exactly a good day towards progressing, towards actually getting an outcome when it comes to those checks. But still time. We'll have to see how things go.
Phil Mattingly, CNN, Capitol Hill.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: Well, earlier I spoke to Professor Robert Gutsche at Lancaster University about the stimulus negotiations in Congress. I asked him about the Republican maneuver to tie several unrelated measures together. And here's what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ROBERT GUTSCHE, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, LANCASTER UNIVERSITY: Well some of this was a negotiation to get Donald Trump to sign the first bill. Right? To provide the $600 to Americans. But also to stop the government from shutting down among lots of other funding budget line items here.
And so, these are -- these are taking a look at some of Donald Trump's issues, having to do with social media and holding them accountable in his eyes to the content that they spread which he thinks led to him losing the election and being anti-conservative and what it supports, or what it deems is being fake news, as well as other concerns of his. But really, it's the 2,000 number. Right? Of wanting larger checks to go into American bank accounts.
SOARES: Now I understand, and correct me if I'm wrong here professor, the move by Mitch McConnell doesn't necessarily guarantee that he will bring up the bill for a vote. But if he does, is this just a game of political chest, likely to kill off all of the three measures altogether?
GUTSCHE: Well, what we're also seeing that's playing into this is the January 5th Senate race in Georgia. And so, a lot of this is trying to curry favor with American voters. Because that decision is going to decide who is going to run, who is going to hold control in the U.S. Senate.
And so, even though there are lot of complexities and general, what looks like dismay on Capitol Hill, there's also an understanding that we need to have voters go to the polls and make decisions that would influence a Senate hold under a Biden presidency.
And so, one of the main issues here is how do we get those voters to go to the polls to secure the Senate for either side? And what they're doing at the same time is having voters be concerned about how the American democracy works. This is going back into the normalcy, I guess, of U.S. politics pre-Donald Trump. Which kind of fits to Donald Trump's rhetoric over the time that government can't get anything done. And so, you know, even though he sat on that bill for five days and delayed a lot of things and added a lot of concerns about whether people get unemployment benefits or whatnot from the first bill. You know, he's actually proving a point in his own kind of bizarre way of running politics. That government is its own enemy at times. And certainly, isn't necessarily thinking about the average American who could use that money but also who is looking to the government for some sort of certainty particularly now in the middle of a pandemic.
[04:25:00]
SOARES: And you know, we are seeing I think it's fair to say, a feud within the Republican Party. Because you've seen several Republicans now supporting the expanded stimulus payments. But many others still believe they are not sound economic policy. So, how real the feud is there within the Republican Party?
GUTSCHE: Well, this is, this has been something that has been boiling up from not just pre-election, but certainly during the election about where they're going to land on if the election itself was valid, legitimate and if Donald Trump lost the election.
And certainly, you know, Republicans have been struggling a long time now for four or five years now to figure out where they stand in terms of what some considered turmoil on Capitol Hill. But some might also see as policies that are making America better if we were to use Donald Trump's sort of rhetoric here.
And so, this kind of feud within the party is a real thing that's been brewing for a couple years. Certainly, then it got a big punch during the election. And this is kind of the first time that it's come before Congress, that they've had to make a decision, put a vote down on a piece of paper, make it, you know, make it stand and speak to their constituencies about who they are, what the Republican Party is, where it's going forward.
And quite frankly, where they are now when people are looking for how they are going to rent, how they're going to put food on the table. It's not a good look for Republicans to be blocking this even though there are a lot of other political pieces at play here. It really does for the American people come down to how do I make rent? How do I not get evicted? How do I put food on the table? And some of these other policies kind of take a second seat.
SOARES: Yes. It's such an important point here. Meanwhile, we have the president saying there are less republic, that they should vote for this unless the Republicans have a death wish. Robert Gutsche, thank you very much for your time, sir.
GUTSCHE: Thank you.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: An historic milestone in the U.K. as regulators approve a second coronavirus vaccine. A live report on this breaking news we have been bring to you over the last hour and a half, coming up next. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
