Full approval for the first COVID-19 vaccine, enduring pandemic impact, stalled votes on major economic bills, and how some small businesses established company culture remotely are among the top business news items this morning.
National
The Food and Drug Administration has given full approval to the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, the first dose to be upgraded from an Emergency Use Authorization. Possible effects of the decision could include convincing vaccine-hesitant individuals to get a shot and more widespread use of vaccine mandates by businesses.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the White House’s chief medical adviser, says the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to endure into next year. Fauci anticipates that the pandemic will be brought under control in the spring of 2022 if an “overwhelming majority” of the population gets vaccinated.
Disagreements within the Democratic Party are stalling votes on major economic legislation in the House of Representatives. Some moderate members are demanding a vote on a $1 trillion infrastructure package before one on a more sweeping $3.5 trillion bill on social initiatives; the rift delayed a vote on Monday, but one could still take place today.
Business trends
The New York Times looks at how three small businesses were able to establish a company culture and bring on new employees despite remote work arrangements. These strategies included relaxed Fridays to combat burnout and greater autonomy to allow employees to test new ideas.
