WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, said on Thursday that based on recent seven-day averages, coronavirus infections may be about to hit a plateau in the United States.
COVID-19 has spiraled out of control for months in the United States even with a massive vaccination campaign underway.
The U.S. death toll has exceeded 400,000.
At a White House news briefing, Fauci also said coronavirus vaccines can be modified to account for new variants of the virus, and that while the South Africa variant is concerning, it does not appear to be in the United States.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iraq attack: Twin suicide bombings in central Baghdad kill 32.
Amid crippling sanctions, Iran traders seek lifeline in Iraq.
Lebanon extends lockdown until February 8 as COVID deaths soar.
Lebanon central bank chief says he’ll comply with Swiss probe.
EU, Turkey to work on improving relations after tumultuous 2020.
Bahraini minister criticises Qatar despite accord to end rift.
Saudi minister optimistic U.S. ties will be 'excellent' under Biden: Al-Arabiya.
ASIA
IOC president says there's no 'plan B' for Tokyo Olympics this summer.
Pakistan urges Biden to ‘push forward’ Afghan peace talks.
Mongolian prime minister submits resignation after COVID-19 protests.
South Korea remains on guard for provocations from North.
Thai opposition politician charged with slandering king after vaccine remarks.
AFRICA
South African cabinet minister dies of COVID-19 amid surge.
Central African Republic declares state of emergency as rebels surround capital.
U.N. sets dates for Libyan transitional government selection.
Ten more bodies discovered in Libya mass grave.
Uganda faces pressure to end Bobi Wine’s house arrest.
Sudan's prime minister loses support over failures of power-sharing with army.
EUROPE
Merkel warns of third Covid wave as EU considers bans on UK travelers.
Angela Merkel calls for standard COVID measures across the EU.
Coronavirus digest: Netherlands introduces curfew to halt spread of new variant.
Coronavirus: Hungary first in EU to approve Russian vaccine.
Albania expels Russian diplomat for breaching Covid guidelines.
European Parliament calls for halt on Nord Stream 2 construction after Navalny arrest.
European Court rules Russia violated human rights in 2008 Georgia war.
AMERICAS
Biden signs order to require masks on planes and public transportation.
Biden unveils coronavirus plan, warns it will take months to 'turn things around'.
Biden is already facing pressure to scale back his $1.9 trillion Covid relief plan.
Filibuster face-off: Schumer, McConnell at loggerheads over U.S. Senate power sharing.
Witness implicates Mexican soldiers in mass student kidnap, president says.
Canada’s governor general resigns after report finds workplace harassment.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR IS claims
ISIS claims credit for Baghdad twin bombing that killed 32, wounded 110.
US charges Indonesian extremist in 2002 Bali bombings.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
S&P, Nasdaq close at record highs on optimism about Biden stimulus plan.
China's telecom giants ask for Wall Street relisting.
Bitcoin price down 11.73%
Aramco emissions filings fail to account for full climate toll.
