Covid-19 causes workplace tension
Scientists overruled again at CDC; FDA pledges independence, and eyeglass wearers have an infection-control edge over others
The top stories
In a stunning, detailed and documented report, MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show discovered that CDC scientists who investigated what was the largest COVID-19 outbreak in the nation were ordered to “water down” their findings so that they were making infection control “suggestions” instead of issuing a health order. The investigators’ report on an outbreak at a South Dakota meat plant was changed to delete specific measures known to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
Eyeglasses help protect eyes: A study from China concludes that those who wear eyeglasses are less likely to become infected with the novel coronavirus.
A paper in press by Houston researchers backs up other studies showing that the virus that causes COVID-19 has changed since it first arrived in the USA. Mutations that have been identified may have made the virus easier to pass from person to person, although they do not appear to make it deadlier, the researchers say.
Hospital execs and front-line staff are at odds over protection against COVID-19 on the job, according to a report by Kaiser Health News. More on worker safety issues below, and paying subscribers received a special report on workplace safety earlier today. Click subscribe for more information.
From Washington
Wait for more data on vaccines: FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn told a Senate hearing that politics will not influence the FDA’s decision on vaccine approval. Multiple reports say the FDA wants vaccine sponsors to collect an additional 60 days worth of data after Phase 3 trials reach their endpoint.
Fighting misinformation: NIAID Director Anthony Fauci held his ground when confronted once again by Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. “You misconstrued that, senator, and you’ve done that repetitively in the past,” said Fauci after Paul questioned previous Fauci comments about New York’s COVID-19 rates. Paul earned a medical degree from Duke University and practiced ophthalmology for 18 years. Watch the video.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued fines against two meatpacking companies and three healthcare entities for failing to protect workers from COVID-19. Critics say the fines are so small that they are meaningless.
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