The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Tuesday December 15, 2020

Olivia Butts
 
False claims about COVID are spread over social media, even as heatlh officials try to limit the pandemic's spread.

False claims about COVID are spread over social media, even as heatlh officials try to limit the pandemic's spread. Engin_Akyurt/Pixabay

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Tuesday December 15, 2020

Today’s headlines:

  • Illinois received its first shipment of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine Monday.

  • The University of Illinois still doesn't have emergency use authorization from the FDA for its COVID-19 saliva test, but anticipates having it by January.  

  • Illinois public health officials reported 7,214 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, and an additional 103 deaths.  

  • Hospitals in Central Illinois are preparing to receive their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In today’s deep dive, months into the pandemic, misinformation about COVID-19 continues to circulate online. Side Effects Public Media's Steph Whiteside debunks a few of the most common myths.

 217 Today is produced by Olivia Butts and hosted by Brian Moline. Reporting today contributed by Sean Crawford, Lee Gaines, Christine Herman, and Steph Whiteside.