Coronavirus Vaccine Updates: NBA All-Star Game, spring break causing superspreading concerns

COVID-19 Live Updates, News and Information

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

Monday, March 8, 2021

Fears of superspreader events from NBA All-Star Game, spring break

There are growing fears of potential COVID super spreader events.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- There are growing fears of potential COVID superspreader events.

Federal and local health officials are keeping a close eye on South Florida where thousands of young people are flocking to beaches and bars for traditional spring break celebrations.

There are also concerns for Sunday night's NBA All-Star game.

Only a small number of people will be allowed inside the arena, however that's not stopping many fans from traveling to Atlanta, hoping to get a glimpse of their favorite players.

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Here are more of today's headlines:

How COVID relief bill will impact New York

Fresh off the Senate's passage of a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 rescue package, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was back in New York on Sunday to promote what he said would be the plan's $100 billion impact on his home state.

The Democrat detailed aid that he said would be headed to schools, small businesses, museums, restaurants, transit, theaters, vaccine distribution and local governments plus the $1,400 in direct aid that most New Yorkers are slated to receive as part of the relief package.

Bike Week: Daytona motorcycle rally goes on despite COVID pandemic

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Daytona Beach's annual Bike Week has brought tens of thousands of motorcyclists to the city and its neighbors this weekend - and few of them are wearing masks.

The city made a bargain with its bars - 60% capacity indoors in return for the permits necessary for temporary outdoor sales and entertainment. The city is trying to avoid what happened at the Sturgis, South Dakota, motorcycle rally in August - that event led to a disputed number of infections around the country, ranging from several hundred to tens or hundreds of thousands.

Newark couple celebrates golden anniversary with vaccine

Two retired school teachers from Newark celebrated their golden anniversary by getting their COVID-19 vaccinations Saturday.

Eighty-eight-year-old Alan Greene and his 78-year-old wife, Judy, went to the Meadowlands vaccination mega-site for their second doses of the vaccine. Judy says they feel fortunate to have gotten through the pandemic without getting sick, especially after Alan broke his hip in a fall back in July.

Joe Biden's approval on COVID-19 steady as country wary about reopening: POLL

President Joe Biden retains broad support for his coronavirus response, though the country appears to be wary of aggressively loosening restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the virus, according to a new ABC News/Ipsos poll.

On the cusp of scoring his first major legislative achievement, more than two-thirds of Americans (68%) approve of Biden's approach to the pandemic -- a consistent result since he took office in January. At a moment of deep political polarization, his steady approval is also reinforced by positive marks from 35% of Republicans, 67% of independents and an overwhelming 98% of Democrats in the poll, which was conducted by Ipsos in partnership with ABC News using Ipsos' KnowledgePanel.

NY indoor dining capacity to increase March19

Restaurants in New York, but outside of New York City, will be allowed to increase their indoor dining capacity to 75% beginning March 19, Gov. Cuomo announced Sunday. "We also think 75% is what the consumer is ready for," Cuomo said. It will be an increase from the current 50% capacity. Meanwhile, there is no word on when capacity at restaurants in New York City will be increased beyond the current 35% restrictions.

Protesters burn masks at rally against rules at Idaho Capitol

At least a hundred people gathered at the front of the Idaho Capitol on Saturday to burn masks in a protest against measures taken to limit infections and deaths caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Some groups say mask mandates are a restriction of their freedoms. Health experts say they help slow the spread of the disease. Videos posted on social media showed adults encouraging children to toss masks into a fire.

NYRR welcomes back in-person races for 1st time since start of pandemic

Runners took their mark in the first of a six one-mile races in New York City. It's a return to in-person races hosted by the New York Road Runners.

UK students off to class backed by virus tests

British children are gearing up to return to school on Monday after a two-month closure, part of what Prime Minister Boris Johnson said was a plan to get the country to "start moving closer to a sense of normality." As part of the plan, millions of high school and college students coming back to U.K. classrooms will be tested for the first few weeks. Authorities want to quickly detect and isolate asymptomatic cases in order to avoid sending entire schools home.

New Caledonia into lockdown as infections emerge

Local authorities ordered New Caledonia, a French archipelago in the South Pacific, to be placed under lockdown for at least two weeks to try to prevent the virus from spreading. The decision comes after nine new infections were confirmed on Sunday. The president of the Caledonian government, Thierry Santa, said "there's a very strong risk that the virus starts circulating" on the archipelago.

Israel in final phase of easing of lockdown

Israel has opened most of its economy as part of its final phase of lifting coronavirus lockdown restrictions, some of them in place since September. Bars and restaurants, event halls, sporting events, hotels and all primary and secondary education may reopen to the public on Sunday, with some restrictions on entry and capacity. The move comes after months of government-imposed shutdowns.

When did you realize the COVID pandemic changed everything?

Many of us had a moment, most often occurring in March 2020, when we realized that COVID-19 had completely changed our lives forever. Even though we've managed to move forward and adapt to a new normal, that memory still sticks with us. Tell us: What was that moment to you?

Top 7 COVID vaccine questions answered

You had questions about COVID-19 vaccines and 7 On Your Side is getting you answers from doctors on the front line of the pandemic.