Things to Know: Fewer Black Americans are getting vaccinated

Here’s what’s happening Saturday with the pandemic in the U.S.:

THREE THINGS TO KNOW TODAY:

— An Associated Press analysis shows that Black people in many parts of the U.S. are lagging behind whites in receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Statistics released by 17 states and two cities tell the same story: Through Jan. 25, Black people were getting inoculated at levels below their share of the general population. The early look at the racial breakdowns of those getting the shots is particularly troubling given that the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention says Blacks, Hispanic and Native Americans are dying of the virus at nearly three times the rate of white people.

— The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an order that will require masks to be worn nationwide on federal property and certain modes of public transportation, including planes, trains, subways, buses, taxis and ride-shares. The order takes effect Monday night will require passengers to wear masks that cover their noses and mouths while at transportation hubs and during rides. The order exempts children under age 2 and people with a disability that makes it unsafe to wear a mask, though transportation operators can require medical documentation as proof.

— Hospital systems around the country are coming under fire over accusations that they are playing favorites when it comes to who gets the first crack at COVID-19 vaccines. As millions of Americans wait for vaccines, there are a growing number of accounts of hospital board members, major donors and others with clout jumping the line. In Rhode Island, Attorney General Peter Neronha has opened an inquiry into reports that two hospital systems offered board members vaccinations. “We all know the stakes are incredibly high. People are frustrated, they’re scared,” Neronha...