The pandemic reached a somber milestone on this day, particularly in the United States, where the daily death toll surpassed 3,100 , exceeding the lives lost during the September 11 attacks.

The United States was navigating a tense presidential transition:

However, the day also brought major breakthroughs in the race for vaccines:

The United Arab Emirates became the first nation to authorize the Sinopharm vaccine from China, citing an 86% efficacy rate.

President Bolsonaro confirmed Gilson Machado as the new Minister of Tourism. Concurrently, the government reduced the import tax on revolvers and pistols to zero.

A federal judge dismissed the case against former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn following his presidential pardon, though the judge noted the pardon did not imply innocence.