Business

Rockland’s Pfizer-U.S. Government Reach $1.95B Deal to Provide Americans with Free COVID-19 Vaccine

Published

6 years ago

July 22, 2020

PEARL RIVER, NY – Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE today announced the execution of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense to meet the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed program goal to begin delivering 300 million doses of a vaccine for COVID-19 in 2021.

Under the agreement, the U.S. government will receive 100 million doses of BNT162, the COVID-19 vaccine candidate jointly developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, after Pfizer successfully manufactures and obtains approval or emergency use authorization from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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The U.S. government will pay the companies $1.95 billion upon the receipt of the first 100 million doses, following FDA authorization or approval. The U.S. government also can acquire up to an additional 500 million doses.

Americans will receive the vaccine for free consistent with U.S. government’s commitment for free access for COVID-19 vaccines.

“We’ve been committed to making the impossible possible by working tirelessly to develop and produce in record time a safe and effective vaccine to help bring an end to this global health crisis,” said Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and CEO. “We made the early decision to begin clinical work and large-scale manufacturing at our own risk to ensure that product would be available immediately if our clinical trials prove successful and an Emergency Use Authorization is granted. We are honored to be a part of this effort to provide Americans access to protection from this deadly virus.”

“Expanding Operation Warp Speed’s diverse portfolio by adding a vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech increases the odds that we will have a safe, effective vaccine as soon as the end of this year,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Depending on success in clinical trials, today’s agreement will enable the delivery of approximately 100 million doses of this vaccine to the American people.”

Rockland County Executive Ed Day commented on the news – “It is right here in Pearl River where the majority of Pfizer’s R&D efforts to support this vaccine are taking place. Thank you to everyone at Pfizer’s Pearl River site for their hard work developing a possible vaccine.”

More information:

U.S. government placed an initial order of 100 million doses for $1.95 billion and can acquire up to 500 million additional doses
Americans to receive the vaccine for free consistent with U.S. government’s commitment for free access for COVID-19 vaccines
Pfizer and BioNTech remain on track to begin an anticipated Phase 2b/3 safety and efficacy trial later this month, seek regulatory review as early as October 2020, and manufacture globally up to 100 million doses by the end of 2020 and potentially more than 1.3 billion doses by the end of 2021

Business

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Return to Hudson Valley: How to Attract Them

Published

5 days ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Ruby-throated hummingbird are arriving across the Northeast, including the Hudson Valley, as part of their annual spring migration from Central America and southern Mexico. Early arrivals begin in mid-to-late April, with populations typically established in Rockland and Bergen counties by late May. Males arrive first to claim feeding territories.

Homeowners can attract hummingbirds by planting nectar-rich, native flowers such as bee balm, columbine, cardinal flower, coral bells, salvia, trumpet vine, and jewelweed. Bright, tubular blooms in red, orange, and pink are especially effective.

Local garden center Down to Earth Living recommends additional steps like using a simple sugar-water feeder (1:4 ratio, no dye), providing shrubs for shelter, adding a water source, and avoiding pesticides.

Beyond their beauty, hummingbirds help pollinate plants, control insects, and support biodiversity. Creating a welcoming habitat can sustain them through their breeding season, which lasts from spring into early fall.

Gardeners can find hummingbird-friendly plants and supplies at Down to Earth Living, which is also offering free repotting with plant or pot purchases this spring.

Business

Down to Earth Living Highlights Benefits of Indoor Plants for Health and Air Quality

Published

4 weeks ago

March 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Indoor plants have become a popular addition to homes and workplaces, valued not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their wide-ranging health benefits. From improving air quality to enhancing mental well-being, these natural elements can transform indoor environments.

Benefits of Indoor Plants

Improved Air Quality
Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. Research, including NASA’s Clean Air Study, has shown that certain plants—such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants—can help remove indoor pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

Enhanced Mental Health and Productivity
Studies published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology indicate that interacting with plants can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Additional research in Environmental Psychology found that workplaces with plants experienced up to a 15 percent increase in productivity.

Aesthetic Appeal
Indoor plants enhance interior spaces by softening architectural lines and adding natural beauty. Popular varieties like fiddle-leaf figs, pothos, and succulents complement a wide range of décor styles. The National Gardening Association reports that visual appeal is one of the primary reasons people incorporate plants into their homes.

Physical Health Benefits
Plants can increase indoor humidity, potentially reducing issues caused by dry air such as sore throats, coughs, and dry skin. They may also help absorb sound, contributing to quieter indoor environments.

Ease of Care
Many indoor plants are low-maintenance and adaptable to different lighting conditions. Hardy options such as pothos, ZZ plants, and succulents make it easy for beginners to enjoy the benefits of greenery.

Indoor plants do more than enhance décor—they contribute to cleaner air, improved well-being, and a more vibrant living or working space.

Down to Earth Living’s expanded indoor plant showroom is now open for the spring season, offering a wide variety of plants. Customers can also take advantage of a complimentary repotting service with the purchase of a pot.