By Jackie Park
In campus news, App State is allowing students take on a pass/no credit option for classes this semester. The Appalachian reported that students have until December 14, when they get their final grades, to decide whether they’d like to take up the option. This option is similar to the one offered this spring due to COVID-19. Students will see a “P” for pass or “NC” for no credit if they failed a class.
In state news, secretary of North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Mandy Cohen is in the running to serve in President-elect Joe Biden’s administration as the director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Politico reported that Cohen is among 3 contenders for the position.
In national news, drug maker Pfizer announced this morning that an early analysis of its trial for a COVID-19 vaccine shows that the vaccine is 90% effective and does not appear to have any serious safety concerns. The New York Times reported that the vaccine, which was created in partnership with the German drugmaker BioNTech, would be put among some of the most highly effective vaccines on the market alongside the vaccine for measles. Pfizer asked the Food and Drug Administration for emergency approval to begin manufacturing the dose, of which there could be 20 million doses by the end of the year.