Latest updates:

VACCINATIONS OF CHILDREN AGAINST COVID COULD START NEXT WEEK: COVID-19 vaccines could be available for 5- to 11-year-olds as early as Nov. 3 if the CDC approves emergency authorization, said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, Santa Clara County's vaccine officer. Read the full story.

SCHOOL MASK REQUIREMENTS LIKELY TO STAY INTO 2022: State public health officials said Wednesday that indoor mask requirements in schools are likely to remain in place into 2022, but could be modified as more students get vaccinated against COVID-19. Read the full story.

FDA PANEL SUPPORTS VACCINE FOR 5-11 AGE GROUP: An advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration voted Tuesday in support of authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 5 and 11. Read more below.

YOUR COVID-19 VACCINE QUESTIONS — ANSWERED: We've compiled a list of who can currently get vaccinated in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, plus answers to common questions and links to resources. Read the full Q&A.

COVID-19 TESTS AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT: Santa Clara County is operating appointment-only COVID-19 test sites on a rotating basis. View the full list.

An advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration voted Tuesday in support of authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 5 and 11.

The panel voted 17-0, with one abstention, in favor of expanding the federal government's emergency use authorization for the vaccine, which is currently available to everyone ages 12 and up.

While the FDA is not beholden to the advisory panel's vote, it generally sides with decisions the panel makes.

An advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to consider the vaccine's efficacy and safety for children ages 5 to 11 early next week.

With the CDC's approval, the younger age group could begin receiving COVID-19 vaccines in most states as soon as the end of next week.

In California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, the vaccine's approval will face an additional hurdle in the form of the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.

The four-state group is on track to issue its own approval of COVID-19 vaccines for 5-11 year olds by Nov. 5 or 6.

In a joint statement, California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly and Department of Public Health Director and state Public Health Officer Dr. Tomas Aragon said the state will be prepared to immediately begin vaccinating children ages 5-11 when the review process has been completed.

"Research from rigorous clinical trials indicate the pediatric formulation of the vaccine is safe and highly effective in this age group," Aragon and Ghaly said. "Real-world evidence continues to show that the vaccine is preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death."

For coverage by subject — how the virus is affecting public health, residents, schools, cities, businesses, nonprofits, arts groups, etc. — please go to our Wakelet page.

View an archive of previous updates here.