Today is Thursday, December 23rd, and you're listening to The Morning Announcements presented

by Betches Media.

I'm Sammy Sage, and this episode is sponsored by Harper Wilde.

Harper Wilde makes bras that put comfort first.

We have a quick episode today with more good news than bad.

It looks like the news is getting in the holiday spirit, just like I hope you are.

Biden announced yesterday that his administration will extend a pause on federal student loan

payments through May 1st, given the threat of the Omicron variant to the US economy.

And we'll see, maybe Biden will even turn out to be that parent who swears that this

is the last cookie, only to give you another one later.

Here's hoping.

Next we have two optimistic stories on the Omicron Front.

The first is that Pfizer's pill Pax Levit was authorized by the FDA for the treatment

of mild to moderate COVID in anyone 12 or older.

Pax Levit will be available by prescription and should be taken as soon as possible, ideally

within five days of symptom onset.

Data shows that when taken early, the pill was 89% effective at reducing the risk of severe

illness and death.

And to top it all off, Pax Levit was also shown to be effective against the Omicron.

And if you've been wondering when this Omicron nightmare is going to end, data from South

Africa can be informative.

It appears that their huge Omicron wave is already falling quickly, which could be a

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