New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city will run out of vaccines by next week due to supply shortages. President-elect Joe Biden has picked former FDA head David Kessler to help lead the U.S. COVID-19 task force.

The world is about to hit a frightening COVID-19 benchmark, with 2 million people dead and few expectations for infections to start dropping soon. The U.S. leads all countries in deaths, with Brazil, India, Mexico and the U.K. next in line.

The virus's spread is showing signs of slowing in England, though Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Britons not to go out this weekend. Germany and Italy are looking to tighten restrictions. Norway said COVID-19 vaccines may be too risky for the very old and terminally ill.

(With input from agencies)