USA COVID-19 response changes now
President Biden orders face coverings on all federal property, pledges science-based policy and consistent communications to counter dark days ahead
Newly inaugurated President Biden has ordered that people must wear face coverings on all federal property and on interstate transportation, which are the areas within federal authority. He is urging state and local officials to issue similar orders. He also restored the health unit in the White House National Security Council.
Biden adviser Dr. Celine Gounder told NPR how the COVID-19 approach will rely on more effective partnership across federal, state and local governments and a focus on science-based, expert communication.
One of the striking sights at the inauguration was that everyone was wearing a mask (though a few had noses sticking out.)
Few masks were spotted in the crowd at Joint Base Andrews, where the former president made remarks before leaving the National Capital area.
Mr. Biden has repeatedly said masks are not political statements. That did not stop at least one senator from wearing a mask with a pro-gun slogan.
More on masks: some authorities in Europe are starting to require medical-grade surgical or N95 masks instead of cloth face coverings. Their rationale is that the more virulent strains make better filtration important. Tight-fitting, protective N95s are now mandatory on German public transit.
About 16,000 COVID vaccine doses spoiled due to temperature variation. About 12,000 doses delivered to sites in Michigan by McKesson arrived too cold, and 4,000 doses reached sites in Maine with out-of-bounds temperature recordings.
More details about how Starbucks is helping devise ways to speed vaccinations. And now, Amazon is offering to help nationwide:
Lots likely to happen in the next several days, while the surge keeps pressuring hospitals and the national psyche. More tomorrow.