A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has now infected more than 71.5 million people and killed over 1.6 million worldwide, according to real-time data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
Here's how the news developed this week. All times Eastern.
Dec 09, 2020, 2:27 PM EST
Pennsylvania governor tests positive
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said he tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday and is isolating at home.
"I have no symptoms and am feeling well," Wolf said in a statement. “I am continuing to serve the commonwealth and performing all of my duties remotely."
Wolf's wife has been tested and is awaiting results.
Dec 09, 2020, 2:13 PM EST
Germany reports record rise in deaths
A record 590 new fatalities were reported in Germany on Wednesday, beating the record previously set Tuesday of 568 new deaths, the Robert Koch-Institute reported.
Germany has now lost 19,932 lives to COVID-19.
"A reversal of this trend so far is not in sight," German Deputy Government spokesperson Martina Fietz said, adding that in some regions, hospitals are reaching their limits.
"With more than 4,200 people in intensive care, the number is considerably higher than in the spring," Fietz said.
Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke in parliament Wednesday, pleading with regional leaders to enforce tighter regulations to stop the spread.
Over 1.2 million people in Germany have been diagnosed.
ABC News' Christine Theodorou contributed to this report.
Dec 09, 2020, 12:27 PM EST
Canada authorizes Pfizer vaccine
Canada has authorized the Pfizer vaccine, becoming the third country to do so after the United Kingdom and Bahrain.
Canada's health department said, "after a thorough, independent review of the evidence, Health Canada has determined that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine meets the Department's stringent safety, efficacy and quality requirements for use in Canada."
A rollout date was not announced. Initial supplies will be limited with more doses available in the spring, officials said.
Health Canada is also reviewing another three vaccines.
ABC News' Kirit Radia and Christine Theodorou contributed to this report.
Dec 09, 2020, 12:01 PM EST
Baltimore mayor shuts down indoor, outdoor dining
Baltimore will shut down indoor and outdoor dining beginning Friday, said Mayor Brandon Scott, who was sworn in on Tuesday.
Restaurants can offer takeout and delivery.
Scott’s order also sets a 25% capacity limit at retail stores, religious institutions, gyms and malls.
The new rules come as Maryland reported a record number of hospitalizations during the pandemic -- 1,715 patients -- surpassing the previous peak in April.