COVID-19 updates: Austria orders nationwide lockdown for unvaccinated residents

The lockdown for unvaccinated residents began at midnight on Monday.

Last Updated: November 15, 2021, 6:59 AM EST

As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe, more than 5 million people have died from the disease worldwide, including over 763,000 Americans, according to real-time data compiled by Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering.

Just 68.8% of Americans ages 12 and up are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news developed. All times Eastern.
Nov 08, 2021, 4:43 PM EST

Jill Biden visits children's vaccination clinic

First lady Jill Biden and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy visited a children's vaccination clinic Monday at Franklin Sherman Elementary School in McLean, Virginia, to promote pediatric vaccinations.

"The vaccine is the best way to protect your children against COVID-19," Biden said. "It’s been thoroughly reviewed and rigorously tested, it’s safe, it’s free, and it’s available for every child in this country, 5 and up."

First lady Jill Biden meets with children as she visits a pediatric COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Franklin Sherman Elementary School in McLean, Va, Nov. 8, 2021.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

Franklin Sherman Elementary was the first school to administer the polio vaccine in 1954.

Sixth-grader Everett Munson, who introduced Biden, said, "I'm excited to be vaccinated because now I'll be able to visit my cousins and grandfather. ... I'm looking forward to going places without worrying that I could get COVID and give it to my family, friends or teachers."

Munson also pitched an idea inspired by the school's history.

"Maybe we should even take an idea from the polio vaccine at Franklin Sherman: Everyone should get ice cream after their shots," Munson said.

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

Nov 08, 2021, 4:17 PM EST

US sees slight uptick in pediatric cases after weeks of declines

The U.S. saw 107,000 pediatric cases last week, an uptick following eight consecutive weeks of declines, according to a weekly report from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association.

But this is still much lower than the pandemic peak -- 252,000 child cases within one week – which was recorded in early September.

Last week, children accounted for 24% of the cases. Children make up 22.2% of the U.S. population.

Approximately 45.8% of adolescents ages 12 to 17 have been fully vaccinated.

Severe illness due to COVID-19 remains "uncommon" among children, the two organizations wrote in the report. However, AAP and CHA continue to warn that there is an urgent need to collect more data on the long-term consequences of the pandemic on children, "including ways the virus may harm the long-term physical health of infected children, as well as its emotional and mental health effects."

-ABC News' Arielle Mitropoulos

Nov 08, 2021, 1:06 PM EST

LA's vaccine mandate goes into effect

Los Angeles' new vaccine mandate goes into effect Monday, requiring proof of vaccination to enter most public indoor spaces, including: any establishments where food or beverages are served; gyms and fitness venues; entertainment and recreation venues; personal care establishments; and buildings owned or operated by the city.

Patrons shop indoors at the Hollywood & Highland shopping center in Hollywood, Calif., March 19, 2021.
Aaronp/bauer-griffin/GC Images

The mandate also requires proof of vaccination for large outdoor events with 5,000 or more attendees.

Enforcement will begin on Nov. 29.

-ABC News' Catherine Thorbecke

Nov 08, 2021, 11:16 AM EST

Regeneron monoclonal antibody lowers COVID risk by nearly 82%, company says

Regeneron's monoclonal antibody treatment can lower the risk of contracting COVID-19 by nearly 82% for up to eight months, the company said.

Regeneron's monoclonal antibody treatment, given as an intravenous infusion or a subcutaneous injection, is already FDA-authorized as a way to prevent COVID-19 among people who have recently been exposed and are considered "high risk" for more serious illness. This new data shows that when given as preventative measure, it dramatically reduces the risk of infection for up to eight months. 

A box and vial of the Regeneron monoclonal antibody is seen at a COVID-19 treatment site opened by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 19, 2021.
SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images, FILE

Regeneron and the FDA say that vaccination is the best way to prevent infection and serious illness. However, Regeneron's antibody treatment can be a good option for people who are immune compromised or haven't mounted an adequate immune response through the vaccine.

-ABC News' Sony Salzman, Sasha Pezenik

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