Latest updates: Anthony Fauci ‘extremely confident’ in vaccine; BioNTech’s CEO says tests being run on mutant strain; Ireland to tighten restrictions from Christmas Eve
- US Congress passes $900bn Covid-19 aid bill
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- Taiwan confirms first local case in more than 250 days
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Late on Monday night, Congress approved a $900bn stimulus package which will deliver financial aid to millions of families and businesses facing economic distress from coronavirus pandemic.
Though far smaller than a bill lawmakers passed at the outset of the pandemic, earlier this year, the measure is one the largest pieces of legislation in US history.
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US president-elect Joe Biden said his administration will put forward another Covid-19 relief package next year, including a new round of stimulus payments.
At a news conference on Tuesday, Biden said a $900bn relief package passed by Congress this week was a “first step” but the government will have to do more.