1.6 million deaths in the U.K. Sources added that a vaccine co-developed by German biotech firm BioNTech and U.S.

Matt Hancock is the UK's health and social care secretary and has reportedly told the BBC he is 'absolutely thrilled' by DHSC's move and expects care home staff and elderly people to be the first recipients of the vaccine. "Things will get better when this vaccine is rolled out and we will start the process next week. Help is on its way." DHSC reportedly announced its decision to introduce vaccinations following months of rigorous clinical trials and a thorough analysis of data by experts that concluded that "the vaccine met stringent standards of safety, quality and effectiveness." News of the upcoming launch reportedly helped lift individual shares of Wynn Resorts Limited up 2.71% to $105.13 yesterday, while fellow U.S. firm MGM Resorts International gained a similar 1.87% to $29.35. Las Vegas Sands and Caesars Entertainment were also reportedly up 1.75% and 0.97% at $57.61 and $68.50, respectively, while the stock value of Macao's stout Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited was up 0.11% to $18.21. Elsewhere, shares of MGM China Limited subsidiary of MGM Resorts International were reportedly up 3.06% at $1.47 on Wednesday afternoon, while similarly Hong Kong-listed Sands China Limited's subsidiary rose 2.61% to $4.31. Shares of Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited were unchanged at $7.78, but shares of Win Macau Limited and SJM Holdings Limited were reportedly up 0.74% and 0.66% respectively.