NEW: COVID vaccinations for 5-to-11 year-olds can start as soon as CDC Dir. Walensky sends out final recommendations, which could happen as early as next Tuesday.
The CDC's independent advisors plan to discuss and hold a non-binding vote on the recommendations for the pediatric vaccine on Nov. 2.
National metrics continue to fall, according to federal data. About 51,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, down from 104,000 patients at the end of August-ABC News' Arielle MitropoulosEmail this article The model also estimates that 14 states and territories have a greater than 50% chance of having more deaths in the next two weeks compared to the past two weeks.Share to TwitterAfter more than 18 months, Australia announced Wednesday that it will lift a ban on its own people from leaving the country without permission.