Texas became the first state to surpass a million coronavirus cases in the United States on Saturday, as the country battled a third wave of new infections and recorded over 100,000 infections three times in less than a week.
In Texas, the surge is straining medical facilities, with the city of El Paso converting a convention center into a field hospital.
If Texas were a country, it would be the tenth most affected in the world for total COVID-19 cases.
Texas became the first state to surpass a million coronavirus cases in the United States on Saturday, as the country battled a third wave of new infections and recorded over 100,000 infections three times in less than a week.
In Texas, the surge in new cases in the past week came mainly from Harris, Dallas and El Paso counties, based on a Reuters tally. The surge is straining medical facilities, with the city of El Paso converting a convention center into a field hospital.
If Texas were a country, it would be the tenth most affected in the world for total COVID-19 cases. The state added about 8,000 new cases a day in the past week on average, based on a Reuters tally.
Texas, which accounts for over 10% of total U.S. cases, reported the largest number of new cases in the United States last week and was followed by the state of Illinois, which has half as many people.
California, which was the first U.S. state to surpass 600,000 cases of COVID-19 back in August, is currently just short of Texas in the number of infections and deaths.
The most populous U.S. state has added roughly 30,000 cases in the last seven days, and has reported over 950,000 cases of coronavirus.
Los Angeles County in California, which carries 33% of the state's caseload, has so far registered the highest number of deaths at 7,118 as of Nov. 5.
With the holiday season and cold weather fast approaching, health officials have been raising an alarm to contain the spike in cases in the last few weeks.
The United States is the worst affected country in the world, with over to 9.8 million cases reported and over 230,000 deaths.
President-elect Joe Biden addresses the nation in Wilmington, Delaware.
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As President-elect Joe Biden and his running mate, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris delivered their victory speeches in Wilmington, Delaware, their overarching theme for the country was hope.
Biden and Harris will be tasked with governing a fractured nation, inflamed by the culture wars of the Trump years and divisions over how to control the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden played up the role as a steady hand who would govern as a consensus-builder.
Harris, who will make history as the first female, first Black, and first Indian-American vice president in January, sought to reassure the American public that their best days were ahead of them.
As President-elect Joe Biden and his running mate, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris emerged onstage to deliver their victory speeches in Wilmington, Delaware, their overarching theme for the country was hope and unity.
After four years of consternation and soul-searching within the Democratic Party, Biden and Harris assembled a coalition of urban, moderate, and suburban voters, mixed in with political independents and even some disaffected Republicans. They amassed the votes of millions of younger voters, many of whom initially backed Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont in the Democratic primaries, along with legions of senior voters who abandoned President Donald Trump, and every demographic in between.
It worked.
On the day where most major news networks finally called the race for the Democratic ticket, Biden, long a fixture in American politics, sought to unite a country that often seemed like it was tearing apart over the past four years.
"The people of this nation have spoken," Biden said. "They've delivered us a clear victory. A victory for 'We the people.' Tonight, we're seeing all over this nation an outpouring of hope and renewed faith that tomorrow will bring a better day."
Biden, hoping to turn a page from the political disorientation that has often defined the Trump years, was consistent in his victory speech Saturday night, framing his remarks around a nation that has endured a year of crisis, anchored by a coronavirus pandemic, and that has impacted every facet of American life.
"America is all about people," he said. "I sought this office to restore the soul of America...to restore the backbone of America...the middle class."
Part of that restoration involves what Biden believes is the much-needed unification of the country, which was all too present on Election night, when the country seemed bitterly divided between red and blue.
"Let's give each other a chance," he emphasized. "It's time to put away the harsh rhetoric. See each other again. Listen to each other again. We have to stop treating our opponents as enemies. They're Americans. This is the time to heal in America."
For her part, Harris delivered a buoyant speech, rooted in the struggles of both the women's suffrage movement and the fight for equality led by Black Americans.
"We the people have the power to build a better future," she said. "When our very democracy was on the ballot in this election, with the soul of America at stake, and the world watching, you ushered in a new day for America."
"I know times have been challenging, especially the last seven months," she said. "We've also witnessed your courage, resilience, and the generous ity of your spirit."
Harris thanked voters for the confidence that they've placed in the historic ticket. In January, she will be the first female, first Black, and first Indian American vice president in American history.
"You delivered a clear message," she said. "You chose hope and unity, decency, science and yes, truth."
Before Harris departed the stage, her closing message emphasized the challenges that were ahead, but with the spirit of unity in mind.
"The road ahead will not be easy," she said. "But America is ready, and so are Joe and I."
Rep. Matt Gaetz, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has informed several people on Capitol Hill and the White House that he has contracted the coronavirus, according to Politico.
Neither Gaetz nor his office responded to a request from Insider for comment to Politico.
The conservative Florida congressman from the state's Panhandle region was recently re-elected to his third term in the US House of Representatives. Gaetz is a close Trump ally and was a staunch defender of the president during his impeachment trial earlier this year.
In March, at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in the US, Gaetz went into self-quarantine after learning he'd come in contact with an individual who tested positive for the virus.
Gaetz was initially skeptical of the virus, wearing a gas mask on the House floor in what Democrats slammed as making light of COVID-19.
White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, greets supporters before a Trump rally.
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Mark Meadows had already informed a close circle of White House aides he had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week, but efforts were made to keep it quiet, Bloomberg reported.
His diagnosis was only formally revealed on Friday after he spent the week supporting Trump's re-election campaign and was seen in close proximity to the Trump family without a mask.
At least four other White House officials have tested positive for COVID-19, including Cassidy Hutchinson, one of Meadows' closest aides, and senior campaign advisor, Nick Trainer.
Efforts were made to keep quiet the fact that Mark Meadows had already informed a close circle of White House aides he had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week, according to Bloomberg.
A White House official who spends a considerable amount of time around Meadows during the week said they were not told he had tested positive. Instead, they were only that "contact tracing was done," leaving staff alarmed that he might have been around them while infectious, CNN reported.
His diagnosis was only formally revealed on Friday after he spent the week supporting Donald Trump's re-election campaign, and was seen without a mask and in close proximity to the Trump family.
He met with Vice-President Pence and Jared Kushner on Wednesday at the campaign headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, to organise the post-election response, according to the Independent.
Meadows also made an appearance at a White House party. Several hundred people gathered and mingled without masks at the event, while watching election coverage throughout the night, the Independent said.
Jennifer Jacobs, the reporter who wrote the Bloomberg piece tweeted a video from the event at the White House's East Room which shows Meadows shaking someone's hand.
At least four other White House officials have tested positive for COVID-19, including Cassidy Hutchinson, one of Meadows' closest aides and senior campaign advisor, Nick Trainer.
Meadows previously refused to give a statement to reporters after they asked him to wear a mask, in a video that has been shared widely across social media, the New York Times reported.
He also stayed at Trump's bedside when he was hospitalized with COVID-19 in early October but returned to the White House to answer reporters' questions without a mask.
Speaking with CNN's Jake Rapper on the 'State of the Union', Meadows said: "We are not going to control the pandemic. What we need to do is make sure that we have the proper mitigation factors, whether it's therapies or vaccines or treatments to make sure that people don't die from this."
The news comes after the US recorded a new daily record for COVID-19 cases for the third straight day, with more than 127,000 infections being reported in 24 hours, as well as 1,149 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
On Thursday, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 along with the health authorities issued the green light to the Sports Ministry and the Sri Lanka Cricket Board to host the Lanka Premier League after concerns were raised if the tournament could kick off amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s LPL tournament which is the first of its kind to be held in the island nation, is a tournament which was long needed in this country. Especially since the progress of local sports has seen a decline in recent years, including cricket, for which Sri Lanka earned its name and fame after winning the World Cup.
Infact Sri Lanka has produced some of the best cricketing heroes of all time and continues to produce talent which has in recent years, unfortunately, not been exposed efficiently in the international arena.
Sri Lanka has long been trying to kick off the LPL but this proposal did not proceed further than discussions. However a few weeks after I was sworn in as the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, the proposal was put forward to my Ministry once again and we are guiding the Sri Lanka Cricket Board to now make it a reality.
While all procedures are ongoing to ensure that the tournament is held according to international standards, in recent weeks however we suffered setbacks down due to a surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions were then raised if the tournament could go ahead as international players and other members are expected to arrive here for the tournament and whether the safety of players and the local public would be compromised.
However after several discussions with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and the health authorities, the necessary mechanisms were discussed and the health guidelines which would strictly be in place before and during the tournament were also spoken of. Following these guidelines and plans, I, as the Minister of Sports along with the health authorities took the proposal once again to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who after studying all the guidelines discussed it with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. The green light was then given to the Ministry and the organizers.
The Sports Ministry commends the President and Prime Minister towards their commitment to proceed with economic activities even during the COVID-19 pandemic. While they lead the nation to ensure that citizens remain safe from the virus, their commitment in kickstarting the economy at the earliest is a necessity. We all know that while the virus has caused havoc across the globe, and countries have been forced to lockdown, Sri Lanka has at this crucial juncture has taken steps to ensure that the people’s livelihoods continue and the impact from the virus is minimal. Afterall, according to global health experts, the world will now have to adjust to a new normal with the presence of the coronavirus as the signs of the pandemic easing seems to be far away.
Following the greenlight issued for the LPL to continue, the Sports Ministry along with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board decided to postpone the tournament for a further week and kick it off on November 27. All matches will be played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota as a ‘bubble concept’ will be adopted during the tournament. Under this concept, all ground staff, supporting staff, local players and broadcasting crew will undergo the mandatory 14 day quarantine before the tournament kicks off and all will undergo the PCR tests. International players who will be arriving to take part in the tournament will also be subjected to PCR tests while they will undergo a 7 day quarantine.
As the Minister of Sports, I assure that all those involved in organizing the LPL will strictly ensure that all health guidelines are followed for the safety of all. While many question the necessity of holding the tournament at this juncture, I would like to explain that it is time that Sri Lanka too adjusts to the ‘new normal’ in a COVID world and seriously look at strengthening the nation’s economic progress. Cricket is not just a sport or an entertainment, it brings hope for the nation, progress for the players, promotes the country and brings in economic stability. Other nations have already begun hosting international sporting events.
It is time Sri Lanka now goes ahead and promotes itself as a sports destination and looks at hosting international tournaments, not only in cricket but in all other sports as well. The direct and indirect employment it will create is tremendous. Further this will also promote our athletes in the international arena and expose them to star class training and global opportunities. Sri Lanka has the talent, we just need to look at promoting it in the most efficient manner.
Further, I am also in discussions to see the possibility of giving Sri Lankan grounds for countries to host their international tournaments. This will not only be for cricket but it will even be for sports such as football, rugby and other sports for which we have the suitable facilities. Ofcourse hereon, in the new normal world, we will ensure that during every step, health guidelines are not compromised and my ministry will work closely with all the stakeholders.
As the Minister of Sports, it is my duty to create an environment, suitable for international tournaments to be held in Sri Lanka. Doing so will benefit towards the progress of the country. This will bring in the much needed foreign exchange, promote Sri Lanka as an ideal sports destination, strengthen Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and thousands of people will benefit directly and indirectly as jobs will be created.
While I will work my best to achieve the necessary goals, I also seek the support of all sports organizations including the Sri Lanka Cricket Board to ensure transparency in all the tournaments, work towards organizing it in par with international laws and ensure that there is no corruption whatsoever. Under my leadership I will ensure that tournaments maintain their transparency.
In a post COVID world, there are challenges we all will have to face including myself. But for the benefit of the country, and all its citizens including the athletes, it is a challenge I have accepted. I look forward to the road ahead and request for the public’s support. Sri Lanka’s new journey has begun.
Scientists and health officials can address concerns and questions about the vaccine by involving the public.
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Health care officials should use the COVID-19 vaccine testing period to build trust — not brush aside concerns or suspicions, say public health researchers Sterling M. McPherson, Erica Weintraub Austin, and Porismita Borah.
They believe scientists and experts should explain safety issues, be transparent, own up to any setbacks in development, and invite skeptics into conversations to build confidence.
When experts involve the public in the decision-making process, providers and patients are able to come together and work towards a common goal.
Recent polls indicate that more than a third of the country has concerns about a vaccine that in all likelihood will be the only reliable way to end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These results reflect a similar public sentiment in the US in the 1950s when a polio vaccine was introduced. There are likely multiple reasons for this suspicion, including safety concerns, lack of transparency from the scientific community, lack of trust in the government, and the desire to wait until a longer track record of safety can be established.
We are experts in media literacy, health, and political communication and biostatistics and biomedical research for future health care providers, from Washington State University's Edward R. Murrow Center for Media & Health Promotion Research and the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. We also live in the communities we hope to serve with our science.
Based on our research, we believe that officials need to use this testing period to build trust, not to create reasons for diminishing it. Respect and forthrightness can turn the tone from adversarial to collaborative, and from a provider-directed practice to a shared decision-making process.
Vaccines are among the safest, most transformative drugs on Earth, with adverse events so low that very nearly universal vaccination is a reasonable expectation. With such a safety record, and with so much at risk with diseases like COVID-19, measles, and influenza, vaccine advocates have good reason to stress the overwhelmingly positive safety record.
Instances like these undoubtedly fuel people's concerns. Such occurrences should give us all pause, scientist or not, to do better next time and strive to never repeat such notable grievances.
Why can't vaccines bounce back from mistakes?
As medical and public health researchers, we have found it interesting that corporations that have been lax and dishonest have bounced back without lasting damage to their reputations. For example, Volkswagen was caught in 2014 for outright lying to the public about their emissions. By 2019, the company topped its pre-scandal sales record of 2014.
We accept these occasionally fatal flaws and ethical missteps because cars are essential to our lives. The documented safety record of vaccines is staggering, not unlike the impressive safety record boasted by most automobiles on the road today.
Why do vaccines get special scrutiny? Have scientists and health care providers engaged in scientific snobbery by assuming people should do what we advise, without question or any decision-making process? Can scientists and health care providers communicate the good and positive (and bad) background of vaccines better? Has social media sown doubt in an authority that can be perceived to be overconfident? Personal health care decisions have a lasting impact on our kids and our families, so let's rise to the occasion and utilize this unique opportunity to reframe the conversation about vaccines.
The existence of a little-known but critical government office both acknowledges past problems with some vaccines and also provides a method of recourse for those injured by vaccines. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, launched in the 1980s, is a powerful tool for transparency and accountability that should help shape this important, shared decision-making process.
Rather than brushing off concerns among parents and others who are concerned about safety, experts should listen. When they do talk, they should explain safety issues and should use metaphors such as the safety of vehicles and other medical breakthroughs (e.g., insulin, heart valve surgery) so often relied upon in an effort to work toward the same goal together as a country, and as health care provider and patient.
Experts should acknowledge that the practice of medicine and public health research is a relatively new field of science to drive public health, medical practice advancement and policies when compared to other, far more established scientific disciplines such as physics or chemistry.
Let's begin by acknowledging that all parties want to achieve the same end goal of a healthy, safe return to daily life. Despite the explosion of misinformation about COVID-19, a clear, consistent, and respectful approach can reset the vaccine conversation.
Next, let's acknowledge that vaccines are not now and have not been 100% perfect (nor is any medicine or car). We should also note that the same science that produces vaccines also produces myriad breakthroughs in specialties such as cardiology and oncology, along with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen that mitigate minor ailments but also have limitations and warning labels.
Finally, invite skeptics to a conversation and acknowledge up front that, like any other scientific advancement of things that now work, there was a time when they didn't work as well, or at all.
A study out this week in a leading medical journal suggests that having long, drawn-out conversations with people who are sick with COVID-19 is one of the easiest ways to get sick from them.
The study comes out of Singapore, where researchers tracked down every single person who lived, worked, or socialized with a sick person.
Other high-risk activities they found included: sharing a bedroom, sharing a vehicle, and being a spouse of a COVID-19 patient.
See below for the full lists of risky acts for roommates, colleagues, and friends of COVID-19 patients.
Spending more than 30 minutes chatting with someone who has COVID-19 — the disease caused by the coronavirus — appears to be one of the most dangerous things you can do right now.
So is sharing a bedroom or a car with someone who has the virus.
Those two findings come from Singapore, where the country's impressively strict virus-tracing techniques dealt researchers a near-perfect living coronavirus laboratory this spring.
Their study, published in the leading medical journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases earlier this week, traced back every person who was a close contact of an infected patient in that city-state from January 23 to April 3: all 7,770 people who lived, worked, and socialized with people who got the virus in Singapore.
By conducting detailed surveys with those people, asking them where they went and what they did with the COVID-19 positive cases, the researchers were able to identify certain activities that overwhelmingly overlap with coronavirus infections.
Living with someone who is sick is, overall, far more dangerous than sharing any social or work activities, their study suggests. (Research by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, too, recently found that living with someone who has COVID-19 is a very easy way to get sick.)
But, even so, not all household activities are created equal. Take a look at what the researchers found were some of the most risky things to do with sick people at home, ranked from high risk to low:
Going to work or socializing with a sick person are both, overall, not as risky as being home with someone who has COVID-19.
But those activities aren't risk free.
The researchers discovered that long, drawn out conversations are also a major risk factor for catching the virus in those settings. (The authors didn't specify whether conversations in the study took place indoors, or outside, where the virus would have more room to dissipate.)
Talking loudly is dangerous because it can project more virus-loaded spit into the air than sitting quietly would.
When we communicate verbally, we release both large, heavy droplets and tiny aerosols that are smaller and can stay aloft longer in the air. The more forceful the spray, the likelier it is to waft over to someone else, entering their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Keeping a distance from the people you're chatting with, and avoiding yelling and spitting when you converse is key.
That can be hard to do, though, when you're sharing a vehicle with someone, which might be part of the reason why the researchers also found that ride-sharing is another of the riskiest pandemic activities for co-workers and friends. It's difficult to avoid whatever your fellow passengers might be spewing into the air when you're in such a close, confined space.
Indeed, six National Health Service workers in the UK who recently flouted car-sharing rules there all got sick, after they took off their masks while carpooling together, the Guardian reported.
Opening a window when you're in the car and putting on masks can both help, but as this study showed, not even wearing a mask at all times you're around sick people is perfect at preventing infections.
Berlin's Brandenburg Airport opened on October 31 after nine years of delays resulting from faulty construction, design flaws, and corruption allegations.
The massive consolidation to the new airport will see Berlin's smaller airports closed in favor of the sprawling new gateway.
EasyJet and Lufthansa operated the first flights into the airport with Qatar Airways inaugurating a new runway on Wednesday.
Berlin's long-awaited Brandenburg Airport has finally opened, nine years behind schedule and 29 years in the making.
A day that most Berliners thought would never happen, October 31 saw the first flights arrive at the German capital's first new international airport since the Cold War, with Brandenburg replacing the smaller Tegel and Schönefeld Airports. All travelers arriving in Berlin by air will soon be utilizing the consolidated gateway that shares the name of the famed Brandenburg Gate.
The idea of a unified Berlin gateway airport is almost as old as German reunification itself, according to DW, with plans to build the new airport formed in 1991. Construction didn't begin until 2006 with a planned opening in 2011, then countless setbacks further delayed the airport's realization.
Issues surrounding the terminal's construction, improper fire safety systems, and allegations of corruption made the airport a revolving door for executives, DW reported, who tried and failed to rein in the out-of-control project. But the airport persisted and not even the coronavirus pandemic could further delay its revised 2020 opening plans.
Lufthansa and EasyJet, the latter to be one of the largest carriers at the new airport, marked the official opening with the first flights, following by the first full day of operations on November 1. The German flag carrier even designed a special aircraft livery for one of its Airbus A320neo jets to commemorate the occasion.
Take a look inside the brand-new Berlin Brandenburg Airport.
Terminals 1 and 2 are the primary achievements of the new airport, comprising the expansive U-shaped structure.
Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
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The old Schonefeld Airport was transformed into Brandenburg Airport's Terminal 5 shortly before the new terminal's opening, though nothing will change there. The new Brandenburg site is located on the opposite side of Schonefeld's former runway.
Berlin's old Schonefeld Airport.
Markus Mainka/Shutterstock.com
Although they couldn't be more different in look and feel, both airports are now united under one name and one airport code, BER. Just as Berlin unified in 1990, its airports will now do the same.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Patrick Pleul/picture alliance/Getty
Brandenburg Airport is dedicated to German statesman Willy Brandt, a strong advocate for peace and freedom who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1971. Signage around the airport will also say "Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt."
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Terminal 1 is the largest at the airport, forming an L-shape and complete with 25 jetway-equipped gates. Most full-service carriers and those with wide-body aircraft will use this terminal.
Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Terminal 2 houses 12 non-jetway equipped gates, preferred by low-cost carriers as they're often cheaper to lease. It's currently not open as the lack of traffic caused by the coronavirus pandemic has further delayed its debut.
Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
The combined area of both terminals is over 3,875,000 square feet with the structure located between the airport's two runways in what's known as a midfield terminal configuration.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
The centerpiece of the airport is the new arrivals and departures hall for Terminal 1.
Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
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The rectangular structure features a glass facade with floor-to-ceiling windows, a growing trend in airports around the world, that allows in more natural light and gives the building a spacious feel.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
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Inside, the main check-in hall serves all passengers using the terminal with 10 piers in total.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Hanging over the check-in area is an art installation called "The Magic Carpet" from an American artist Pae White.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
It was actually installed over six years ago but this is the firm time the public will get to see it up close.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Though it makes for a stunning first impression, the airport is asking travelers to use online check-in so they can avoid this space as a way to prevent long lines and crowding during the pandemic.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Below the check-in area is the arrivals hall with eight baggage carousels.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Patrick Pleul/picture alliance/Getty
The opening didn't get to see the airport put through its paces as only around 3,000 passengers departed on the first full day of flights in another sign of the pandemic's impact on air travel.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
The departure gates are then just an escalator ride away, following by a trip through the security checkpoint with 36 screening lanes.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
The 2,300-foot main pier houses the bulk of the terminal's gates with 16 jetway-equipped parking stands, as well as retail shops and eateries.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
The south pier features an additional nine jetway-equipped gates intended for smaller aircraft while the Terminal 2 north pier has 12 gates, connected by a walkway to Terminal 1 and the main pier.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
The terminal is stacked vertically with gates for flights departing the Schengen Area located on this upper level.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP/Getty
Passport control features both the standard checkpoint and electronic gates with European Union passport holders.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
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Come November 8, Brandenburg will be the sole airport for Berlin, ending a decades-long chapter in German aviation.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Michael Kappeler/picture alliance/Getty
Berlin's Tegel Airport to the north of the city will be closed, with Berliners showing their appreciation with the hashtag "DankeTXL."
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
And while most were celebrating the long-awaited debut of the new airport, one group was protesting it.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
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Extinction Rebellion, an environmentalist group, staged a sit-in at the new terminal during its opening, protesting aviation's use of fossil fuels.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Ironically, Lufthansa and EasyJet had brought two of their most fuel-efficient jets to celebrate the opening.
Lufthansa and EasyJet planes at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/POOL/AFP/Getty
EasyJet had ferried the aircraft from Tegel to Brandenburg, a quick flight across the city.
EasyJet's inaugural flight to Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Christoph Soeder/picture alliance/Getty
Lufthansa had flown in from Munich with the flight number LH2020.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Peter Kneffel/picture alliance/Getty
The Airbus A320neos parked face to face for the traditional water cannon salute, welcoming the airlines to the new airport.
Lufthansa and EasyJet planes at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty
They were supposed to both land on Brandenburg's two runways at the same time but poor weather had put a stop to that plan.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
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EasyJet then flew the first commercial flight on November 1 from Berlin to London using the new terminal.
An EasyJet Airbus A320 at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
The British low-cost carrier began operations in the new terminal with no delay as the largest carrier in Berlin, operating flights across Europe.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Lufthansa brought one of its newly-delivered A320neos, covered with Berlin-themed tickets, including one of the airport code.
A Lufthansa Airbus A320neo at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty
The jet is known as the "hauptstadtflieger," or the "capital flyer."
A Lufthansa Airbus A320neo at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Peter Kneffel/picture alliance/Getty
Qatar Airways, soon after, kicked off intercontinental service to the Middle East with its daily service from Doha using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
A Qatar Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner at the opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Patrick Pleul/picture alliance/Getty
On November 4, Qatar Airways also became the first airline to use the airport's south runway, upgrading the flight to the Airbus A350-900 XWB just for the occasion.
A Qatar Airways Airbus A350-900 XWB at f Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
The German Air Force is also setting up shop at the new airport with a dedicated government terminal.
Germany's "Air Force One" at the opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
Soeren Stache/picture alliance/Getty
One familiar face is the new German "Air Force One," an Airbus A350-900 XWB delivered earlier this year.
Germany's "Air Force One" at the opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
United Airlines will become the first US airline to fly to Brandenburg Airport in March when it begins service from Newark, the only scheduled route between Berlin and the US.
A United Airlines Boeing 767-300ER.
Thomas Pallini/Business Insider
The airport is expected to serve 55 million people by 2040 and plans to expand the airport are already in the works.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
A master plan calls for the addition of two concourses and an expansion of "airport city," the developments and businesses surrounding the terminal.
The opening of Berlin's Brandenburg Airport.
