U.S. talking to several countries about extra COVID-19 vaccine: Biden

 U.S. President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the United States is in talks with several countries about who will get any extra doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

“We’re talking with several countries already,” Biden told reporters as he left the White House to promote his coronavirus stimulus package in Pennsylvania. “I’ll let you know that very shortly.”

Biden has promised to make sure every American has access to a vaccine before giving any to other nations.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronaviurs-usa-vaccines-idUSKBN2B82O8

Russia says its COVID vaccines work on new variants after South Africa cases discovered

 Russia’s COVID-19 vaccines have proven effective against new variants of the coronavirus in trials, a scientist with Moscow’s consumer regulator said on Tuesday, after the agency reported its first cases of a variant first detected in South Africa.

President Vladimir Putin last month ordered a review to determine the efficacy of the three vaccines produced and registered in Russia against new variants spreading in different parts of the world. He said he wanted the results by March 15.

Consumer regulator Rospotrebnadzor said earlier on Tuesday it had identified the first two cases in Russia of the new variant of the coronavirus first detected in South Africa.

“In fact, trials have already been done in Russia and we can say with confidence that the (Sputnik V and EpiVacCoriona) vaccines registered in Russia also work against new strains,” Alexander Gorelov, deputy head of research at Rospotrebnadzor’s Institute of Epidemiology, said on state television.

Gorelov gave no details on trials that had tested vaccines against variants first discovered abroad.

Researchers conducting trials under the review ordered by Putin said on Feb. 27 that results were looking strong when volunteers were re-vaccinated with Sputnik V against new mutations of the virus.

Reporting on trial results last week, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said that Sputnik V had shown itself effective against the virus variant that was first detected in Britain.

The level of participants’ neutralising antibodies against that variant did not significantly differ from the level of those associated with the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, according to Murashko.

Rospotrebnadzor said it had conducted 8,159 tests for mutations of the coronavirus so far. It was collecting and testing samples from a wide range of people, including those who have recently travelled abroad or are suspected to have been infected with coronavirus for a second time.

The regulator has also now found 28 cases of the coronavirus variant at first appeared in Britain, reporting the first case of that strain in January, though none of the variant first registered in Brazil.

The variant associated with South Africa was first identified there in December, where it now predominates. It has also now been detected in over 40 countries, according to the World Health Organization.

South African scientists say there is no clear evidence that the variant triggers more severe disease or worse outcomes. But it does appear to spread faster than previous iterations of the virus.

Since the start of the pandemic, Russia has reported more than 4 million COVID-19 cases and over 90,000 deaths.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-russia-safrica/russia-says-its-covid-vaccines-work-on-new-variants-after-south-africa-cases-discovered-idUSKBN2B80OZ

Nearly 1M Vaccinated as Mass. Prepares to Move into Final Reopening Phase

Nearly one million people are considered fully vaccinated against the coronavirus in Massachusetts, according to health officials, as the state prepares to enter its final phase of reopening.

As of Monday, 914,927 people were fully vaccinated, according to the Department of Public Health's latest COVID-19 Vaccine Data report. But officials are still working to fight the spread of the virus amid a growing number of reported cases of various strains. 

“The message is that we can’t let our guard down," said Dr. Michael Misialek of Newton-Wellesley Hospital. "We’ve come a long way and there is still the pandemic ongoing out there.”

Safety measures including masks, social distancing and getting vaccinated are the best way to fight back, experts say.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts is expected to move into Phase 4, Step 1 Monday, which will allow indoor and outdoor stadiums, ballparks and arenas to operate at 12% capacity, among other relaxed restrictions. Venues will be required to submit a plan to the Department of Public Health.

Next week, fans will be in the stands at the TD Garden for the first time in more than a year. 

“It’s definitely going to be odd because I anticipate being able to hear the coaches, hear the players," Celtics season ticket holder Jake Flannery said. “We have to sign a safety waiver of some sort, like a safety promise. You have to read all of the rules and regulations and wear your mask at all times.” 

Also effective March 22, gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

The state moved into Phase 3, Step 2 of the four-phased reopening on March 1, and Gov. Charlie Baker has said that provided public health metrics continue to improve all communities in Massachusetts will move into Phase 4, Step 1 on March 22.

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/nearly-1m-vaccinated-as-mass-prepares-to-move-into-phase-4-reopening/2329807/ 

COVID-19 vaccine: Eligibility lowered to age 45 in Indiana

 The Indiana Department of Health Tuesday announced that Hoosiers age 45 and older are now eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine.

This expansion of eligibility makes the vaccine available to an additional 415,640 Hoosiers.

Additional groups will be added as more vaccine becomes available.

Vaccine appointments for this newly eligible population will be available over the next several weeks to align with expected vaccine deliveries to the state. Individuals seeking an earlier appointment are encouraged to look at openings in surrounding counties.

To schedule a vaccine, visit https://ourshot.in.gov and select a location from one of more than 400 clinics around the state. Hoosiers who do not have a computer or cell phone or those who need assistance scheduling an appointment can call 211 or contact one of Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging or AARP. Nearly 70 libraries around the state also are helping Hoosiers schedule their appointments.

How to register for the COVID-19 vaccine in Indiana 

Vaccination clinics that are part of the federal vaccine program, including those at Meijer and Kroger, appear on the clinic map at https://ourshot.in.gov but are scheduled through those retailers’ platforms, not through the state centralized system.

https://www.mywabashvalley.com/news/regional-news/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility-lowered-to-age-45-in-indiana/

Wyoming Lifts Mask Mandate and Opens to Full Capacity

 Gov. of Wyoming Mark Gordon will lift their state-wide mask mandate on March 16 and allow all businesses to open fully.

According to Gov. Gordon’s statement released on March 8, the state has seen the number of COVID-19 cases decline and believes it is time to return to normal operations.

“I thank the people of Wyoming for their commitment to keeping one another safe throughout this pandemic,” Gov. Gordon said. “It is through their efforts that we have kept our schools and businesses operating and our economy moving forward.”

Wyoming is one of the few states that did not issue a stay-at-home order and issued their first mask mandate in December of last year.

Gov. Gordon still encourages Wyoming residents to wear face coverings for their own personal safety but is not required to.

“I ask all Wyoming citizens to continue to take personal responsibility for their actions and stay diligent as we look ahead to the warmer months and to the safe resumption of our traditional spring and summer activities,” Gov. Gordon said. 

However, facemasks will still be enforced for K-12 schools to ensure teachers’ and students’ safety.

“The face-covering protocol will remain in place in K-12 schools as a safety measure to ensure that classroom learning and all student activities can continue to occur safely,” Gov. Gordan said.

K-12 schools in Wyoming remained open this past year so kids can continue to learn in the classroom.

Gov. Gordon continues to say that their vaccination efforts are efficient, and nearly 100,000 of the first doses of the vaccine have been administered so far.

https://scriberrnews.com/2021/03/15/wyoming-lifts-mask-mandate-and-opens-to-full-capacity/

Ohio COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to 40+, cancer, obesity; all over age 16 eligible March 29

 Ohio's eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines will expand this week to people 40 and older and those with additional medical conditions, including cancer and obesity, Gov. Mike DeWine announced at a news conference Tuesday morning in Cleveland.

And by the end of the month, all Ohioans 16 and older will be eligible to get the vaccine.

Eligibility starts Friday for about 766,000 Ohioans in Phase 1E, which includes those 16 and older with cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and obesity.

Friday also marks the start of Phase 2C — those 40 and older, including about 818,000 Ohioans between age 40 and 49.

On March 29, all Ohioans 16 and older will be eligible to get the vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for those 16 and older, while the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are only approved for those 18 and older.

DeWine was in Cleveland for the "soft launch" of Ohio's first federally coordinated mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center.

Dubbed Operation Magnus — after the CSU Viking mascot — the mass vaccination clinic is expected to administer shots to some 210,000 Northeast Ohioans over the next eight weeks.

Ohio and vaccines:Military takes over Cleveland State's Wolstein Center to set up mass COVID-19 vaccination site

The expansion of eligibility, DeWine said, is thanks not only to a steady flow of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines arriving in the state but an anticipated influx of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson variety later this month.

DeWine said Ohioans can anticipate a more robust availability of shots in the coming weeks at the 1,300 providers scattered around the state along with soon to open state-run mass vaccination sites in Akron, Cincinnati, Columbus and other locations (see below).

Smaller pop-up temporary vaccination sites will be coming to communities throughout the state once the availability of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine increases, DeWine said.

As of Tuesday, some 2.4 million Ohioans had received at least one dose of a vaccine — covering roughly one-fifth of the state's total population.

DeWine said he visited Tuesday morning with some of the first Ohioans to receive a vaccine administered by medics from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, at the Wolstein Center.

"The reaction was one of relief and happiness," he said. "This is a great day."

But DeWine cautioned that while the news on the vaccine front is promising, Ohioans still are contracting the potentially deadly virus.

"The virus is still very, very much out there," he said. "This is a race."

And that's why mass clinics like the one in Cleveland that opened in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency are critical.

It is the first such site in the state and all the vaccines distributed are in addition to the state's usual allotment from the federal government.

Kevin M. Sligh, FEMA deputy regional administrator, said the location was selected because of its proximity to underserved populations who might otherwise struggle to find access to the vaccine.

Working with community groups, Sligh said, some of the vaccines and appointment times have been set aside to ensure an equitable distribution for those who may not have access to the technology to make an appointment or the means to get to the arena.

Special, free bus shuttles have been set up, along with ample free parking around the Wolstein Center.

Sligh said he knows firsthand the dangers of the virus as a number of his close family members, including his mother and grandmother, both contracted the coronavirus.

They all survived, but Sligh said he knows other families have not been so lucky.

"This is a No. 1 priority for people of color and all Ohioans," he said.

DeWine said he believes Ohio is finally at a turning point and everyone can do his or her part by continuing to social distance, wearing a mask and signing up to get the vaccine.

"This is a lifesaver," he said. "This enables you to live your life and get your life back."

Who can currently get the shot in Ohio?

Ohioans 50 and older, as well as others based on health conditions and occupations, are currently eligible for vaccinations at the mass clinics and pharmacies statewide. To sign up for the mass clinics as well as pharmacy sites, go to gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-427-5634. 

Mass vaccination clinic staffed by National Guard, Army troops

DeWine was at the clinic Tuesday morning with FEMA Region 5 Acting Administrator Kevin Sligh, Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish and Cleveland State University President Harlan Sands.

The super vaccination center at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center is the largest of its kind coordinated by the federal government and is being staffed by a combination of Ohio National Guard and Army troops.

It will vaccinate 1,500 on the first day and then ramp up vaccinations by another 1,500 each of the ensuing days until it reaches its capacity of 6,000.

The initial smaller number of vaccinations will allow the 200 Ohio guardsmen and 217 medical personnel from the 101st Airborne out of Fort Campbell Kentucky to work out any logistical issues.

More mass vaccination sites coming soon across Ohio

The state also is planning to host other mass vaccination clinics across Ohio. DeWine has said they're expected to open by the end of this month.

Those sites include:

• Chapel Hill Mall, 2000 Brittain Road, Akron (Summit County Public Health)

 Knights of Columbus, 810 S. Cable Road, Lima (Allen County Public Health)

• Lucas County Recreation Center, 2901 Key St., Maumee (Lucas County Public Health)

• Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton (Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County)

• Celeste Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus (Columbus Public Health)

• Cintas Center at Xavier University, 1624 Herald Ave., Cincinnati (Kroger, Cincinnati Health Department, Hamilton County Public Health and The Health Collaborative)

• Adena PACCAR Medical Education Center, 446 Hospital Road, Chillicothe (Adena Health System)

• Marietta Memorial Hospital, 401 Matthew St., Marietta (Marietta Memorial Hospital)

• Colony Square Mall (Elder Beerman), 3575 Maple Ave., Zanesville (Genesis Health)

• Wilmington Air Park, 1113 Airport Road, Wilmington (Kroger)

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2021/03/16/ohio-covid-vaccine-distribution-dewine-when-ohioans-can-get-the-shot-wolstein-center-coronavirus/4706290001/

Global fund manager poll: 'It's Over: COVID Is History'

 At the end of January, when looking at the plunge in covid cases, deaths and hospitalizations we asked a question: "Is it almost over?"

We got the answer today, when BofA published its latest Fund Manager Survey (which as is the tradition every month, polled some 220 panelists with $630bn in AUM). The title said it all.

Of course, the social impact of the covid pandemic is far from over and in fact, now that the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine is on the ropes, it appears that Europe (for various political and monetary reasons) may be relapsing and get yet another round of lockdowns soon. But at least as far as markets are concerned, Covid is officially yesterday's news and is no longer the biggest bogeyman on Wall Street.

Indeed, as the March BofA fund manager survey (which was taken between March 5 and 11) reveals, COVID-19 is no longer the #1 “tail risk” for the first time since Feb’20...

... with finance pros now saying inflation & taper tantrums are bigger risks.

While the biggest tail risk on Wall Street was a notable change, where there was no change was that for yet another month, investor sentiment remained unambiguously bullish, with a record amount of investors (91%) expecting a stronger economy on what is the "best economic outlook ever"...

... leading to BofA finding that as the majority of respondents now see a V-shaped (over a U or W-shaped) recovery.

As expected, the FMS views on macro and policy are euphoric, with the former “bust” view having first shifted to a “Goldilocks” macro view and now to a V-shape boom (see chart above) with record expectations for GDP, EPS (record 89%), inflation (record 93%) and profits which are now expected to be the highest ever...

... which in turn has led to a surge in rate expectations, with a net 49% of investors now expecting higher short-term rates (up 16% M/M):

... a number which probably should be higher as inflation expectations are now at an all time high (net 93% of FMS investors expect higher inflation in the next 12 months, up 7% MoM, now an all-time high)...

... which also led to soaring growth expectations, with the March FMS indicating that higher growth-higher inflation (53%) has now surpassed “peak Goldilocks” of higher growth-lower inflation (29%) - this has happened on only 2 other occasions in Mar’11 and Dec’16.

It is the soaring inflation expectations that sparked a puke of duration, with the spread between the net investors OW equities and the net investors OW bonds close to the highest levels ever (as investors continued to get more cyclical in terms of asset allocation)...

... resulting also in the highest commodity allocation ever...

... and a capitulation into cyclicals (for the first time in over a year, banks have now risen into the “rising optimism” quadrant while tech has fallen into the “rising pessimism” quadrant. Similarly, energy is the only cyclical sector that has not seen a drastic rise in allocation.)

And even though hedge funds’ net exposure to equities also rose in March to 46% (+7% MoM), to the highest level since Jun’20, up from 29% in Aug’20...

... it wasn't to buy tech: in fact, tech saw the biggest drop in investor exposure in 15 years as asset allocators cut their tech weighting to the lowest OW since Jan’09 to net 8%. (for context, the last time tech was underweight was Nov’08).

Meanwhile, since nobody needs buybacks to push stocks higher thanks to a sea of liquidity, investors now want capex not buybacks or debt reduction;

What we find most laughable is that while everyone is clearly euphoric and once again rushing to buy stocks, if not so much tech, only 15% think we are in a bubble,  with another 25% saying it's an early-stage bull market, and 55% late-stage bull market. An "early-stage bull market" where the Fed injects $120BN in liquidity every month... it's truly amazing how people are willing to lie to themselves.

Another remarkable observation: 28% think policy is easy...

... and yet the majority of FMS investors believe that the Fed will start hiking rates in Feb 2023.

Puttig it all together, the March FMS survey shows consensus is “cyclical” with high exposure to commodities, industrials, banks, discretionary, EM relativeto the past 10 years….

... which is a drastic 180 from a year ago when investors were heavily invested in “defensives” like cash, healthcare, staples and utilities.

Elsewhere, the survey found that cash levels rose from 3.8% to a still-low 4.0% (1st rise since Jul’20)...

... with “long tech” still deemed most crowded trade (then long Bitcoin & long ESG)...

... and the proposed contrarian trades are long cash-short commodities, long utilities-short industrials if GT10 heading to 2%; long tech-short banks, long EM-short Europe if Fed YCC coming.

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/its-over-far-wall-street-concerned-covid-done