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FDA Panel Recommends Authorization of Pfizer/BioNTech Vaccine; 2.9 Million Doses of Pfizer/BioNTech Vaccine Ready to Ship; Survey: 50 Percent of U.S. Nurses Feeling Overwhelmed; Parts of Europe Weigh Restrictions as Vaccines Roll Out; Britain Braces for No Deal Exit from European Union; Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Charged Under National Security law. Aired 4:30-5a ET

Aired December 11, 2020 - 04:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[04:30:00]

MICHAEL HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back. Not all vaccine candidates are working out. The so called Sanofi/GSK venture by France and U.K. drug companies, has been delayed until next year because it failed to generate a significant immune response in the elderly.

Meanwhile the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to decide within days on authorizing the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for emergency use in the U.S. That means some 3 million doses could soon be made available. CNN's Nick Watt with the details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Tallman (ph) voted yes.

NICK WATT, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): History was just made in little boxes.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And that concludes the vote. So, we do have a favorable vote.

WATT: The FDA Advisory Committee just voted to recommend a green light for Pfizer's vaccine.

DR. CODY MESSNER, VACCINES AND RELATED BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, FDA: I think that safety is very pretty well demonstrated and balance that against over 2,000 deaths a day or 2,500 deaths a day, I am comfortable.

DR. STEPHEN HAHN, COMMISSIONER, U.S. FOOD AND DRUGS ADMINISTRATION: Our plan is to take their recommendations into account for our decision-making and make a decision shortly thereafter. Again, it really depends upon the complexity of the issues discussed, but we intend to act quickly.

WATT: Needles and syringes already on the move. Nearly 3 million vaccine doses ready to be deployed within hours to states. But --

DR. CARLOS DEL RIO, CNN MEDICAL ANALYST: I'm really, really, you know, just fearing what's going to happen over the next several weeks. Hospitals are overwhelmed. People are tired. And quite frankly, people are dying.

WATT: Yesterday in America 3,124 people were reported killed by COVID- 19, the highest daily toll of the pandemic, more lives lost than 9/11. Get used to it.

The CDC forecasts another 70,000 or so Americans could die from now through New Year's Day. That's an average of over 3,000 people every day. ICUs at one in three hospitals were over 90 percent full last week.

Reno, Nevada, this wasn't a hospital. It was the parking garage, now filled with beds and patients.

ROSALIA MARTINEZ, COVID-19 PATIENT: He coughs at nighttime. I can hear him. And if I yell, he can hear me. He knows that I'm still alive.

WATT: The worst days, months could still be to come. So, Bill Nye, the science guys on TikTok explaining why masks really do work.

BILL NYE, TIKTOK, THE SCIENCE GUY: Viruses don't travel by themselves. And they travel in droplets of spit and snot and the fibers are a tangle.

WATT: And those who know best are grinching Christmas.

MICHAEL OSTERHOLM, MEMBER, BIDEN CORONAVIRUS ADVISORY GROUP: No Christmas parties. There is not a safe Christmas party in this country right now. I don't think we're going to see really a sizeable amount of vaccine for the America public well until March and April.

WATT: Nick Watt, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HOLMES: Now, as soon as the U.S. government signs off on the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, a fleet of trucks will fan out across the country to deliver nearly 3 million initial doses. It is an epic undertaking. CNN's Pete Muntean with those details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PETER MUNTEAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The FDA says trucks carrying the vaccine could begin leaving here within 24 hours off that final FDA Emergency Use Authorization.

What's so interesting here is we know this spot, Pfizer's Kalamazoo, Michigan plant, is critical to the vaccine distribution network. It's Pfizer's larges facility, a sprawling facility, 1,300 acres.

We know that vaccine arrived here late last month, but Operation Warp Speed, the federal government, says a vaccine will be leaving here, going directly to 600 individual locations. Those are places like hospitals, pharmacies, CVS, Walgreens. We know that UPS and FedEx will be carrying the packages incased in dry ice. UPS is responsible for delivery on the Eastern half of the country.

We also know that temperature is so critical to the transportation here that the Pfizer vaccine needs to be negative 100 degrees Fahrenheit during transportation.

[04:35:00]

And UPS tells us each of its packages will come equipped with a thermal monitor able to broadcast the temperature of the package back to UPS quarters.

We are also hearing from the FAA that its air traffic controllers will now give flights carrying the vaccine top priority.

Pete Muntean, CNN, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HOLMES: Health care workers on the frontlines of the pandemic face daunting challenges as the number of COVID cases keeps on soaring in the U.S. Yesterday, more than 2,700 deaths were recorded. That comes after the U.S. reached a daily high of more than 3,100 deaths on Wednesday. That is of course the most since the pandemic began. And more than 107,000 people are in hospitals in the U.S. with the virus. Now, that is pushing many health care systems in the U.S. to breaking point as the intensive care beds near capacity.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HOLMES: Tessa Johnson is president of North Dakota Nurses Association. She joins me from Dickinson, North Dakota. Tessa really appreciate your time. I wanted to start with this American Nurses Association surveyed more than 10,000 nurses, more than half felt they were overwhelmed. They said they were experiencing depression as well. I imagine those numbers might have worsened since then. How would you summarize how nurses are coping, how tough it's been?

TESSA JOHNSON, PRESIDENT, NORTH DAKOTA NURSES ASSOCIATION: Yes, absolutely. Thank you for that question. I think it's a very important topic to discuss within our health care community. I feel that nurses are struggling right now. I know that everybody has worked at lot of hours, days on end since this started in March, and we're getting to that point that there's not much left to give. And nurses in general are just humans who give and give and give, even if their cup has nothing left to give. And I really fear for the mental health of nurses right now because I think we're stepping a lot of things down, and we're not addressing the issues, our mental health issues that are approaching.

HOLMES: Yes, look, I couldn't agree more. I mean, do you get a sense that there's any real appreciation among the general public about the realities, those who've not been at the cold base and experienced what you guy due to the stress, but also the loss, watching people die. JOHNSON: Yes, you know, I don't sadly. I know that at the beginning of

this pandemic, everywhere you turned was thank you, health care heroes, and that was great. But here we are, nine months later and nobody really knows the reality until you walk in our shoes, and see the things that we see, make decisions that we make, you make compromises, you give your all, putting everything else aside. Unless you walk in those shoes, you simply do not know the reality.

HOLMES: And you know, it seems extraordinary but, in your state, the governor at one point called for asymptomatic nurses to show up for work anyway. I mean, that's a head shaker. That must have been a shock to all of you.

JOHNSON: It was. Unfortunately, we weren't part of that conversation, the Nursing Association, when that executive order came out, and we had a lot of opinions, a lot of emotions that came out of that from members of our association and nurses in our state. And we really felt that, here we are giving our all, and then if we contract the virus, then yet we still have to come to work, and we don't get that rest, and we have to keep giving even at that point. And it wasn't swallowed well by the nurses in our state.

HOLMES: Extraordinary and tone deaf. We talk a lot about capacity, hospitals filling up, ICUs running out of space. But, you know, it's important to talk about capacity when it comes to health care workers. Many, as you point out are exhausted month after month. Incredibly stressful work. You can add beds, but you can't add people. At some point, there's a cut off of how many you have to treat the sick. How concerned are you about that aspect?

JOHNSON: Very concerned. Especially two, three weeks back, our hospital capacity was very, very high. Our nursing shortage was tremendous. It really made everybody pause and think, what is our next steps going to be. And so mitigation strategies that we begged for all along, such as the mask mandate, and some other things that our governor did about a month ago, and it's made some serious impact. And it's very concerning because I think the general public fails to realize that it's not just about COVID-19.

If there's not a hospital bed, there's a lot of reasons any of us could need a hospital bed or a nurse to take care of us. And so, people really need to stop and think that there's different reasons why this could affect you, other than just COVID-19.

HOLMES: You know, one of the things, major factors we have discussed is the incessant nature of, you know, treating people, watching people die, and I guess with every record tally that comes out, you guys know that in a week, two, three weeks, some of them are going to be in the hospital wards.

[04:40:00]

What is it you would like to tell people about what they don't see, what's going on, what do you want people to know?

JOHNSON: We really want people to know that there's very simple things that the general public can do to help us. Nurses, health care workers are always willing to help their communities, and we're always willing to go the extra mile and do these extra things, and we're asking for very simple things, we're asking for a mask, a face covering when you're in public. We're asking you to avoid large groups. We're asking you to make choices over the holidays.

Health care workers for our entire lives have missed a lot of events. We've missed a lot of holidays taking care of our community's loved ones, and we're asking for that in return for just once. And so many people think it's an infringement on their rights, and it's political. But at the end of the day, it's just simply about human lives. It's not about a political party. It's just about saving lives.

HOLMES: Yes, well put, and you're a good advocate for your colleagues. Tessa Johnson, thank you, and thank you for all that you do.

JOHNSON: Thank you for having me.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HOLMES (on camera): Let's turn our attention to Europe now, and while some countries are showing signs of numbers leveling off, Germany struggling with increase in cases since October. Berlin set to implement significant restrictions in the days ahead of Christmas, hoping to stem the spread. The German chancellor also calling for a full lockdown after Christmas.

And the Swedish government is considering a temporary pandemic law that would allow them to close public spaces. This coming as Stockholm reports 99 percent of its ICU beds are full. For more on how Europe is contending with the latest virus surge, we're going to turn to CNN's Salma Abdelaziz in London, and Fred Pleitgen in Mainz, Germany. Let's start with you Fred. You're at the BioNTech HQ, what are they after getting this recommendation?

FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well obviously, they're happy about getting that recommendation from that expert panel, Michael. Of course, they are still now waiting on the edge of their seats to see if and when they are going to get the Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. However, we have already heard in a press release from the CEO of BioNTech, Ugur Sahin. I want to read you really quick, what he had to say.

He said, quote, I would like to thank the FDA's advisory committee for recognizing the critical role that our vaccine may play in helping to address this ongoing pandemic. Today's positive discussion -- obviously speaking about last night's decision -- today's positive discussion and vote reinforces the potential of our COVID-19 vaccine candidate in helping to protect people against this deadly and devastating disease.

Of course these guys not only waiting on the edge of their seats to get that Emergency Use Authorization, but of course when that happens, Michael, that whole logistics chain is going to be set in motion. We just saw that report if Pete Muntean, and of course, also a lot of the vaccine is going to come here from Europe, from Belgium and then be shipped to the United States.

Meanwhile, you're absolutely right, Germany absolutely right now struggling to contain a surge in new coronavirus infections. In fact, woke up early this morning and checked the data from Germany's Center for Disease Control, a record number of new infections for a single day nearly 30,000, unfortunately also a record number of deaths -- Michael.

Yes, tragic. Fred, thank you so much there in Germany for us. Let's go to Salma Abdelaziz in London now. You know, vaccine starting to roll out, but you know, there's been some worrying signs of increases there in the U.K. where you are. Is there a sense that there's, I don't know, people are dropping their guard because of it?

SALMA ABDELAZIZ, CNN REPORTER: Absolutely, Michael, here like in Germany, you heard from my colleague, Fred, they are dealing with a spike in coronavirus cases. This is after weeks of it leveling off, and the government really is trying to strike a balance here between the optimism of getting people vaccinated -- like in the hospital behind me here -- and the very real reality that this country is still in the throes of the second wave of this pandemic.

It's important to remember, yes, vaccines are being rolled out, but they are only going to a very limited section of the population, over 80s and health care workers. By and large, life has not changed for the rest of Britain. That's why the health secretary yesterday said don't blow it now, help is on the horizon. Pressing people to follow rules and restrictions, but also to potentially face more regulations next week when England's regional restriction system is reviewed. They're also rolling out mass testing for school children because between the ages of 11 to 18 are contributing most to this surge in cases.

But look, here and everywhere across Europe and Germany as well, look at the big picture. What are people actually worried about? They're worried about Christmas time, about the possibility of people coming into a close confined space and causing another surge of cases before the vaccine is even ready for the wider population next year -- Michael.

HOLMES: All right, Salma, thank you. Salma Abdelaziz there in London for us.

We'll take a quick break.

[04:45:00]

When we come back, Prime Minister Boris Johnson warns Britain a no deal exit from the European Union could well be on the way. Is a deal even still possible? We'll be live in London with answers next.

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HOLMES: The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning the U.K. to prepare for a quote, Australian option after Brexit, something better known as a no deal. That is where most trading between the U.K. and the European Union would be conducted under basic World Trade Organization rules. It is a scenario that seems all but certain unless the U.K. and EU hammer out a post Brexit deal by Sunday's deadline. Let's go to London and our Anna Stewart. It has been four years of trying to hammer out a deal, and here we are.

ANNA STEWART, CNN REPORTER: Here we are, and it felt like perhaps a little bit of saber rattling from Boris Johnson, with that stark warning that certainly that's been taken very gravely here. Brits being told, people and businesses, prepare for a no deal Brexit. Expect, Michael, that actually not the term he used. Is it? He said we should prepare for a more Australian style agreement with the EU.

Now that is to say no broad free-trade agreement. That means falling back on W.T.O. rules and tariffs which are very, very costly. And interestingly, last night, the former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the U.K. should be careful what they wish for. That that is not an arrangement that the U.K. should want.

Australia has been trying to negotiate a broad free trade agreement for the last two years. And in addition to that actually, what the the style of the agreement of the EU and U.K. would fall back on is perhaps even worse than the one Australia has. They have won some concessions on certain traded goods such as wine.

[04:50:00]

Now both sides, the EU in the U.K. say they will continue their negotiations right through the weekend, and on Sunday, a decision will be made as to whether they think they can reach a deal before that 31st of December deadline, when the transition period ends or whether they should really start to stop the negotiations and prepare in earnest for a no deal Brexit -- Michael.

HOLMES: All right, Anna Stewart there on the spot for us in London. Thanks so much. And we're going to take a quick break here on the program, be right back.

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HOLMES: Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been charged under the region's national security law. He'd been arrested in his newsroom in August. Well, now he faces formal charges of colluding with foreign forces and endangering national security. If convicted, that could be a life sentence in prison. Let's get more on this with Kristie Lu Stout in Hong Kong. By far the highest profile person charged under this controversial law. What do we know?

KRISTIE LU STOUT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely, Michael, and CNN has confirmed the media mogul Jimmy Lai has been charged under the sweeping new national security law. He is on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces and endangering national security, as you just mentioned.

[04:55:00]

He is the most high profile person so far to be charged under this sweeping piece of legislation that was imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong in late June. It criminalizes secession, sedition, subversion, terrorism, colluding with foreign forces, punishable with up to life in prison. Supporters say it brings stability to Hong Kong. It fills a legal loophole. Critics say it undermines the territories freedoms and autonomy.

And the latest developments of Jimmy Lai cap off what has been a politically charged and eventful week here in Hong Kong. We know that earlier this week on Tuesday, eight activists were arrested for their protests. On July 1st, hours after this new security law was imposed. On Monday, eight others were arrested for a protest last month at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Three of those arrested, arrested under the new national security law.

Human rights groups say that this is a crackdown on peaceful forms of political expression. Let's bring up a statement for you, released earlier this week by Amnesty International saying this, quote, chanting political slogans, singing songs and waving flags should never be crimes, but there is a grim predictability about these arrests that lays bare the deterioration of human right in Hong Kong since the national security law was enacted. Unquote

Now also this week, Hong Kong police and U.K. based bank HSBC have been criticized for freezing the assets of a former opposition lawmaker, as well as a pastor. On Monday, the U.S. leveled new sanctions on Beijing. But Beijing's support of this new national security law isn't wavering -- Michael.

HOLMES: All right, Kristie Lu Stout there in Hong Kong. Certainly a dramatic development there. Appreciate it, Kristie, thank you.

And thank you for your company. I'm Michael Holmes. Thanks for spending part of your day with me. I'm going to head off now. "EARLY START" up next. You're watching CNN.

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