Coronavirus live news: US hospitals stretched to limits; Pfizer seeks vaccine approval 'in days'

New data shows treatment more efficient than thought; US deaths pass 250,000; Swiss intensive care units at full capacity. Follow the updates

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12.02am GMT

Despite the shocking landmark of 250,000 deaths reached in the US, there are some signs of hope that Republicans are realising that they must allow president-elect Joe Biden to work up his plans to tackle the pandemic despite Donald Trump’s refusal to cooperate.

Ed Pilkington of our US staff has this analysis:

Related: US engulfed in crisis as Covid death toll hits 250,000 – but there are signs of hope

11.48pm GMT

The United States is struggling to cope with the devastating spread of the virus. Fatalities related to Covid-19 have passed 250,000 within the last hour marking a terrible milstone for the nation.

Associated Press reports another grim figure showing that 77,000 people are in hospital in the US suffering from the virus. Many emergency wards have been set up, including one in the car park of a hospital in Reno, Nevada, as staff struggle to cope.

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