The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the first at-home rapid COVID-19 test that doesn't require a prescription and gives immediate results. 

Unlike other at-home COVID-19 tests, sending samples to a lab isn't required. 

The FDA could also approve use of a second COVID-19 vaccine by the end of this week. 
A recent review by FDA scientists found Moderna's vaccine candidate "highly effective," with no serious safety issues.

The vaccine would require two-shots. It was 94% effective during clinical trials. 
It also worked well in people of different ages, races and genders with minimal side effects.

About 20 million Americans are expected to be immunized by the end of December, CNN reports.

Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens are partnering with the federal government to help with immunizations. 
The first doses will go to healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff.

But it will still take time until vaccines are readily available to the general population. 
Meanwhile, infections keep rising across the country and hospitals are running out of space. 

On Tuesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom called infections in the state "perhaps the most intense and urgent moment since the beginning of this pandemic."

Los Angeles County, the most populous in the U.S., reported fewer than 100 ICU beds available.
Governor Newsom also announced the state ordered 5,000 more body bags and has stationed mobile morgues at hospitals in hard-hit counties.

Two states, California and Texas have surpassed 1.5 million positive COVID-19 cases.

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are in talks over COVID-19 aid that would include stimulus checks for most Americans and supplemental unemployment assistance.

A potential deal reportedly would not include new state and local aid for businesses and other organizations.

Lawmakers are hoping to add the new COVID-19 relief to a spending package that must pass by December 18th to keep the U.S. government from shutting down. 

Check out The China Report, our new weekly newsletter. Subscribe here!