Coronavirus updates: 1st vaccines now on the way to all 50 US states
Two main trucks left the Pfizer facility on Sunday morning, the company said.
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.
Latest headlines:
Maryland could begin vaccine distribution next week
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced coronavirus vaccine distribution could begin as early as next week for critical health care workers, long-term care facility residents and staff and first responders.
Hogan said the state will initially receive 155,000 first doses of the two-dose COVID-19 vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine could begin distribution starting Dec. 14, while the Moderna vaccine could begin distribution a week later, according to the governor.
"The state has signed up all of the state's 227 nursing homes and 1,668 assisted living facilities for the federal distribution partnership through CVS and Walgreens," according to a statement from the governor's office.
Maryland will also roll out a campaign educating residents on the vaccine and encouraging residents to get the shots.
California hospitalizations up 70%
Hospitalizations in California have jumped 70% in the last two weeks and intensive care unit hospitalizations have increased by 68.7%, California Health Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said.
In Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley, ICU availability has fallen to 10.1% and 5.6% respectively, he said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered any region with less than 15% ICU capacity to follow a three-week stay-at-home order. In those regions, restaurants, bars and personal care services are closed.
When it comes to the holidays, Ghaly said, "We ask you to cancel travel plans."
Travel is explicitly restricted in areas under regional stay-at-home orders.
North Carolina to begin modified stay-at-home order
North Carolina will begin a "modified stay-at-home order" on Friday requiring residents to stay home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Restaurants, bars, and most retail stores and more must close by 10 p.m. and alcohol sales must end by 9 p.m., said Gov. Roy Cooper
"Our trends are alarming," Cooper tweeted.
"We already have strong safety protocols and capacity limitations in place -- including a statewide mask mandate," Cooper said. "With this additional action beginning Friday, we hope to get these numbers down."
The order lasts until Jan. 8.
Colorado's first gentleman home from hospital
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis' husband, Marlon Reis, was released from the hospital Tuesday after being admitted this weekend for COVID-19, the governor said.
"Marlon and I are so thankful for the doctors, nurses, and staff who took care of him," Polis tweeted.
Reis is "feeling well" and will take steroids for two more days per his doctor's recommendation, the governor's office said.
Polis, who also tested positive for COVID-19, "continues to not experience any symptoms," his office said.
ABC News' Jeff Cook contributed to this report.
Germany further tightens COVID-19 restrictions
Starting Wednesday, Dec. 16 through Jan. 10, all non-essential stores and schools will be closed in Germany and social meetings will be limited to five people from two households, with an exception made for the Christmas period from Dec. 24 to Dec. 26 when four more people beyond a household will be allowed.
No exceptions will be made for New Year's Eve.
COVID-19 transmissions remain high in the country despite softer restrictions in place. As of Dec. 13, the Robert Koch Institute reported a total of 20,2000 new cases and 321 deaths, bringing the totals to 1,320,716 and 21,787, respectively.
Germany had initially planned for a "semi-lockdown," allowing for a holiday exemption from Dec. 23 to Jan 1 where up to 10 people from two households could meet but those plans were scrapped in favor of these new rules.
ABC News' Christine Theodorou contributed to this report.