First Edition: March 31, 2021
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
KHN:
Durango’s Covid ‘Cowboy’ Rounds Up Spring Break Scofflaws, Lines ’Em Up For Shots
Bartenders were pouring Old-Fashioneds at a bar with a bullet hole straight through the wood. Servers in corsets and fishnet stockings roamed the room, passing an old piano that, twice a week, fills the building with ragtime tunes. It was a Friday evening at the Diamond Belle Saloon on the main drag in Durango, Colorado. Outside, a man in boots, a cowboy hat and a button-down vest adorned with a U.S. marshal badge patrolled the block, eyes scanning the streets for trouble. If trouble were to appear, it would likely take the form of errant Texans. (Ellen Bichell, 3/31)
KHN:
‘I Can Breathe Again’: Older Adults Begin To Test Freedom After Covid Vaccinations
With a mix of relief and caution, older adults fully vaccinated against covid-19 are moving out into the world and resuming activities put on hold during the pandemic. Many are making plans to see adult children and hug grandchildren they haven’t visited for months — or longer. Others are getting together with friends indoors, for the first time in a long time. (Graham, 3/31)
KHN and The Guardian:
Lost On The Frontline: Explore The Database For This Week's New Profiles
As of Wednesday, the ongoing KHN-Guardian project is investigating 3,605 deaths of U.S. health workers in the fight against covid-19. Today we add 10 profiles, including a dialysis technician who was a "protector" of his tribe and "drag mother" at the club, and an EMT and 9/11 responder who taught firefighters to save lives. Our interactive database investigates the question: Did they have to die? (3/31)
KHN:
Dramatic Drop In Common Viruses Raises Question: Masks Forever?
Masks and physical distancing are proving to have major fringe benefits, keeping people from getting all kinds of illnesses — not just covid-19. But it’s unclear whether the protocols will be worth the pain in the long run. The teachers at New Hope Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, were chatting the other day. The private Christian school has met in person throughout much of the pandemic — requiring masks and trying to keep kids apart, to the degree it is possible with young children. And Nicole Grayson, who teaches fourth grade, said they realized something peculiar. (Farmer, 3/31)
The Wall Street Journal:
U.S. Calls For Independent Study Of Covid-19 Origin
The U.S. and more than a dozen other countries expressed concern about a World Health Organization-led mission to China to explore the origins of Covid-19, saying it came too late and wasn’t afforded full or timely access to pertinent data. The statement, backed by Australia, Japan, Canada, the U.K. and other states, called for “transparent and independent analysis and evaluation, free from interference and undue influence.” (Hinshaw and Page, 3/30)
USA Today:
Coronavirus Origins: Five Key Points From WHO Report On China Trip
The World Health Organization released a report Tuesday detailing the findings of its review into the origins of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The report is the result of a trip to China taken by a 17-person WHO team from Jan. 14 to Feb. 10. The team collaborated with an equal number of Chinese scientists to explore genetic, epidemiological and animal data from the earliest known days of what became a pandemic. The 120-page report, produced by the WHO team, offered four possible origin stories for the SARS-CoV-2 virus – ranging from a lab leak to a jump from animals to humans. Rather than offering firm conclusions, it called for further investigation. (Weibtraub, 3/30)
Politico:
WHO Chief: Team Investigating Coronavirus Origins Had Difficulties Accessing Data
The team investigating the origins of the coronavirus in China had difficulties accessing the raw data, World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Tuesday. Referring to the team’s investigation into the theory that the pandemic could have resulted from a laboratory leak, Tedros said that he did “not believe that this assessment was extensive enough.” “Further data and studies will be needed to reach more robust conclusions,” he added. He made his remarks to member countries before a press conference coinciding with the publication of the report. (Furlong, 3/30)
The Wall Street Journal:
U.S. Restores Reproductive Rights Report In Global Survey
The Biden administration is resuming the practice of evaluating women’s reproductive rights in various countries as part of the State Department’s annual survey of global human rights, reversing a decision by the Trump administration. The State Department released its annual human-rights report on Tuesday. The report said an addendum to be added later this year will cover previously dropped topics, including maternal mortality, access to contraception and reproductive healthcare. Those topics were last reported upon in 2016. (Donati, 3/30)
The New York Times:
State Dept. Reverses Trump Policies On Reproductive And Religious Freedoms
Women’s access to contraceptives and reproductive care is a global human right that will be monitored by the United States, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken declared on Tuesday, reversing a Trump administration policy that had overlooked discrimination or denials of women seeking sexual health services worldwide. The announcement was one of several departures Mr. Blinken made from the previous administration’s approach as the State Department issued its annual report on human rights violations, even while he similarly condemned abuses and state-sanctioned oppression from China to Syria to Venezuela that have continued for years. (Jakes, 3/30)
Politico:
New York Legislature Votes To Legalize Adult-Use, Recreational Cannabis
New York state lawmakers voted late Tuesday to legalize adult-use cannabis and create the country’s second-largest recreational marijuana market, setting the stage for the Empire State to officially join 16 other states that have embraced full legalization. The “Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act” NY S854 (21R) / NY A1248 (21R) cleared the Assembly and Senate after hours of debate on the bill’s proposed regulatory structure, public safety and health implications. It now awaits final approval from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has said he looks forward “to signing this legislation into law." (Young, 3/30)
The Hill:
New York Senate Passes Bill To Legalize Recreational Marijuana
The New York state Senate passed a measure that would legalize recreational marijuana Tuesday night, the Albany Times Union reported. The bill, which is estimated to help bring in $350 million in annual revenue for New York, passed the Senate with a 40-23 vote Tuesday night. Three Democrats joined Republicans in voting against the bill. The measure is also expected to pass the Assembly later Tuesday night, the Times Union noted. (Polus, 3/30)
Modern Healthcare:
Threat Of Medicaid Cuts Weighs On Outlook For Safety-Net Providers
It’s budget season in most states, meaning safety-net hospitals are anxiously waiting to hear whether their Medicaid payments will be cut. The concerns regarding Medicaid reimbursement reductions are greater given the pandemic-related threat of an economic downturn, which generally translates to more people being added to the program when tax revenue may be falling. “It’s this perfect storm that leads to states having to make some very difficult decisions,” said Matt Salo, executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors, who saw this pattern play out during the Great Recession of 2008 and the 2001 recession. (Van Dyke, 3/27)
The Hill:
House Democrats Target HHS 'Sunset' Rule With Congressional Review Act
House Democrats are eyeing the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn a controversial Department of Health and Human Services rule passed in the final days of the Trump presidency that would require the agency to review thousands of regulations to prevent them from expiring. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) and Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) on Monday introduced a resolution of disapproval over the HHS "sunset" rule, which requires all 18,000 agency regulations to be reviewed every 10 years, or else they expire. (Weixel, 3/30)
The Hill:
GOP Lawmakers Press Social Media Giants For Data On Impacts On Children's Mental Health
Four Republican lawmakers are pressing social media giants for data on the impact their products have on children’s mental health. The lawmakers, led by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Wash.), who is the top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, sent letters to Facebook, Twitter and Google on Tuesday asking for the information by April 16. (Williams, 3/30)
The Atlantic:
The AstraZeneca Vaccine Blood-Clot Issue Won't Go Away
The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is indispensable right now. As one of the first vaccines out of the gate, it’s been at the center of the World Health Organization’s plan to roll out some 2 billion doses to 92 nations by the end of the year. It’s also one of just a handful of vaccines that are already being produced and distributed on such a massive scale that they might change the near-term course of the pandemic. That’s why the past few weeks have felt so catastrophic. (Bastian, 3/30)
AP:
Germany To Restrict AstraZeneca Use In Under-60s Over Clots
German health officials agreed Tuesday to restrict the use of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine in people under 60, amid fresh concern over unusual blood clots reported in a tiny number of those who received the shots. Health Minister Jens Spahn and state officials agreed unanimously to only give the vaccine to people aged 60 or older, unless they belong to a high-risk category for serious illness from COVID-19 and have agreed to take the vaccine despite the small risk of a serious side-effect. The same option will be available to anyone who gets the shot at their GP, which will start to become possible later this month. (Jordans, 3/30)
ABC News:
With Older Americans Largely Vaccinated, More New COVID-19 Cases Among Younger Adults
As more older Americans get vaccinated an increasing number of new COVID-19 cases are impacting younger adults, prompting warnings that Americans remain vigilant in an effort to prevent more people from becoming sick. The number of new COVID-19 cases increased more than 10% in 26 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico since last week, a possible signal that the country is on the cusp of a new surge. And for the first time, the majority of new hospitalizations have been younger adults, with cases among people ages 50-65 increasing more than those older than 65, who are more likely to have been vaccinated. And in some states, like Michigan and Massachusetts, the number of cases among older children, teenagers and young adults have also increased. (Ebbs and Brownstein, 3/31)
The Atlantic:
The Fourth Surge Of The Pandemic Is Upon Us
Across the United States, cases have started rising again. In a few cities, even hospitalizations are ticking up. The twists and turns of a pandemic can be hard to predict, but this most recent increase was almost inevitable: A more transmissible and more deadly variant called B.1.1.7 has established itself at the precise moment when many regions are opening up rapidly by lifting mask mandates, indoor-gathering restrictions, and occupancy limits on gyms and restaurants. (Tufekci, 3/30)
AP:
Cases Of Vaccinated People Getting COVID-19 Confirmed In WA
The Washington State Department of Health is investigating reports of people in the state who tested positive for COVID-19 more than two weeks after they were fully vaccinated. Scientists call these “vaccine breakthrough” cases, which officials said are expected with any vaccine. Out of 1 million fully vaccinated people in Washington state, epidemiologists report evidence of 102 breakthrough cases in 18 counties since Feb. 1, State officials said Tuesday in a news release. That represents .01 percent of vaccinated people in Washington. (3/31)
CNN:
A Dangerous Coronavirus Variant Is Wreaking Havoc In Parts Of Europe. Experts Fear US Could Be Next
A dangerous coronavirus variant is already wreaking havoc in other parts of the world and an expert says it's critical the US sticks with safety measures during the next few months to be able to beat another surge and keep people safe. The B.1.1.7 variant, first spotted in the UK, is more contagious, may cause more severe disease and is rapidly infecting younger populations, epidemiologist Michael Osterholm told CNN on Tuesday night. Recent research suggests the strain may also be more deadly. (Maxouris, 3/31)
Axios:
Advocates Warn: The Clock Is Ticking On New Variants
Some experts say the world may only have a year or less to stave off a new round of COVID-19 variants that could evade the existing vaccines, according to survey conducted by advocates trying to speed up vaccinations in developing nations. Variants emerge when viruses spread widely, so quickly vaccinating the entire world is the best way to curb new variants. But some experts are afraid we won't get there fast enough. (Fernandez, 3/31)
USA Today:
All 50 States Have Plan To Lift Vaccine Limits
The majority of U.S. adults say that they've either being vaccinated for COVID-19 or intending to do so as soon as possible, and that number continues to rise. That's according to a new survey from nonpartisan health foundation Kaiser Family Foundation, which puts that number at 61% of respondents while the share that responded said they're taking a “wait and see” approach has shrunk to 17%. Meanwhile, all 50 states have announced when they plan to open up coronavirus vaccinations to all adults. More than a dozen have already lifted restrictions. (Aspegren, 3/31)
CNN:
All 50 States Will Open Covid-19 Vaccine Eligibility To Everyone 16 And Older
All 50 states have announced when they plan to open up coronavirus vaccinations to everyone eligible under US Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations -- if they haven't done so already. Arkansas is the latest state to announce plans to expand vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 and older, starting on Tuesday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced. (Howard, 3/30)
Axios:
Demand For Coronavirus Vaccines Varies Significantly Across The U.S.
Some states are expanding vaccine eligibility partially because of a troubling reason: Not enough people want to get vaccinated. Vaccine supplies are still limited, but they're already outpacing demand in some parts of the country, especially rural areas. And that could be a bad sign for the future. (Owens, 3/31)
Axios:
Poll: 61% Of Americans Have Been Vaccinated Or Intend To Be
The number of Americans who have already been vaccinated or want to receive their shots as soon as possible continues to rise, although enthusiasm still varies significantly by demographic group, according to the latest KFF vaccine tracking poll. Republicans, white evangelical Christians and rural residents remain most likely to say that they won't get the vaccine, while older Americans, Democrats and college graduates are most enthusiastic. (Owens, 3/30)
The New York Times:
Confidence In Covid-19 Vaccination Keeps Rising Significantly In The U.S., But Pockets Of Resistance Remain, A Survey Shows
As eligibility for Covid-19 vaccination rapidly expands to all adults in many states over the next month, a new poll shows a continuing increase in the number of Americans, particularly Black adults, who want to get vaccinated. But it also found that vaccine skepticism remains stubbornly persistent, particularly among Republicans and white evangelical Christians, an issue that the Biden administration has flagged as an impediment to achieving herd immunity and a return to normal life. By now, roughly 61 percent of adults have either received their first dose or are eager for one, up from 47 percent in January, according to the latest monthly survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation. (Hoffman, 3/31)
The Washington Post:
Republicans Attack Biden Administration Over Vaccine Passports
Republicans are opening a new front in the pandemic culture wars, attacking efforts by the Biden administration to develop guidelines for coronavirus vaccination passports that businesses can use to determine who can safely participate in activities such as flights, concerts and indoor dining. The issue has received an increasing amount of attention from some of the party’s most extreme members and conservative media figures, but it has also been seized on by Republican leaders like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is considered a potential 2024 presidential candidate. (Linskey, Diamond and Pager, 3/31)
The Wall Street Journal:
Covid-19 Vaccination Cards Are The Only Proof Of Shots, Soon An Essential
Millions of adults vaccinated against Covid-19 have little to prove it beyond a paper card they received at inoculation sites. The U.S. has no central database for immunizations. States maintain an incomplete patchwork of records. Nor is there standard proof of Covid-19 vaccinations like the yellow-fever cards that are required for travel to many countries where that disease remains prevalent. With some countries and businesses preparing to make digital proof of vaccination a requirement for entry and travel, the paper cards may be the only ticket to access those platforms. Proof is already being requested on some first dates and at weddings. (Wernau, 3/30)
The Wall Street Journal:
Pfizer To Test Covid-19 Vaccine That Doesn’t Need Ultracold Storage
Pfizer Inc. PFE -1.39% and partner BioNTech SE BNTX 8.89% plan to begin soon testing a freeze-dried version of its Covid-19 vaccine, which if proven to work safely could ease storage and handling of the shots in rural U.S. areas and low-income countries. In April, Pfizer is set to start a clinical trial evaluating a so-called lyophilized formulation in adults 18 to 55 years old in the U.S., according to a government database, clinicaltrials.gov, and confirmed by the company. The 1,100-subject study would last about two months, with researchers seeking to determine whether the lyophilized version is as safe and effective as the version authorized by regulators beginning late last year. Researchers would administer to subjects either the lyophilized version or the current formulation. (Hopkins, 3/30)
Reuters:
T Cells Induced By COVID-19 Infection Respond To New Virus Variants: U.S. Study
A critical component of the immune system known as T cells that respond to fight infection from the original version of the novel coronavirus appear to also protect against three of the most concerning new virus variants, according to a U.S. laboratory study released on Tuesday. Several recent studies have shown that certain variants of the novel coronavirus can undermine immune protection from antibodies and vaccines. But antibodies - which block the coronavirus from attaching to human cells - may not tell the whole story, according to the study by researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). T cells appear to play an important additionally protective role. (Steenhuysen, 3/30)
CIDRAP:
Study Shows Deeper COVID Impact In Socially Vulnerable Neighborhoods
An analysis of neighborhood-level data in three US cities highlights the racial and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 positivity, incidence, and mortality, researchers reported today in the Annals of Internal Medicine. For the study, researchers from Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health used data on the total numbers of tests, confirmed cases, and deaths by ZIP code tabulation area (ZCTA) of residence from Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia from the beginning of the pandemic through early October 2020. (3/30)
Stat:
A CRISPR 2.0 Pioneer Sees Imitation, Not Flattery, In A Competitor's Slides
Last week, the genome-editing scientists behind base editing, a technology dubbed CRISPR 2.0, gathered for an update from the competition. Intellia Therapeutics, a company invested in the classic form of CRISPR, was to unveil its take on base editing, a refined approach to fixing DNA that corrects single letters of the genome without breaking the double helix. The presentation, hosted by the famed Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, sounded familiar. (Garde, 3/30)
AP:
USA Football Recommends 8 Procedures For Youth Safety
USA Football has introduced eight procedures to enhance safety and health for youth players, with all of those methods endorsed by some major medical organizations. USA Football’s Athlete Health & Wellness Recommendations for youth football play have been supported by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), and the National Youth Sports Health & Safety Institute (NYSHSI). Using new training and practice standards, the eight recommendations include use of the two-point stance and days of rest between full-contact games and scrimmages. (Wilner, 3/31)
The Washington Post:
Health-Care Workers At Higher Risk Of Insomnia And Burnout As Pandemic Resurges, Warns WHO
As new coronavirus cases and deaths surge again across most regions of the world, with new deaths rising by 5 percent over the past week, health-care workers are facing mounting mental health challenges, the World Health Organization warned Wednesday. Doctors, nurses and other medical staff now report higher levels of anxiety and depression than other professional groups, the WHO said in its weekly epidemiological report. The organization cited a recent study published by the British Medical Journal that found that insomnia, sleeping disorders and burnout were significant risk factors for covid-19 infection among health-care workers in six Western countries. (Cunningham, 3/31)
Modern Healthcare:
Insurers Test Re-Enacting Cost-Sharing For COVID-19 Treatment
Blue Cross North Carolina will soon begin charging members for COVID-19 treatment, representing one of the nation's first insurers to end its waiver pausing cost-sharing and out-of-pocket expenses for coronavirus care during the public health crisis. Come April 1, Blue Cross NC's fully-insured and group members will be responsible for all the copayments, coinsurance and deductibles related to their treatment for COVID-19. The North Carolina Department of Insurance declined to comment. (Tepper, 3/30)
Modern Healthcare:
CDC Data Modernization Lead Outlines 4 Challenges To Tracking COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's acting deputy director for public health science and surveillance on Monday said the U.S. is handicapped when collecting COVID-19 data and tracking the outbreak. Here are the four challenges Dr. Dan Jernigan shared during a panel discussion at HHS' Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology's virtual annual meeting: (Cohen, 3/29)
Modern Healthcare:
FCC Retools COVID-19 Telehealth Program Application Process
The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday voted to formalize new procedures and criteria for its COVID-19 telehealth program. The FCC is gearing up to start accepting applications for the second round of the program, which Congress established through COVID-19 relief bills. It's designed to provide healthcare organizations with funds to purchase telecommunications equipment, information-technology services and devices needed to offer telehealth services during the pandemic. (Cohen, 3/30)
Modern Healthcare:
Hospital, Nursing Home COVID-19 Liability Protections Poised For Repeal
New York legislation nixing broad legal protections for healthcare providers during the pandemic stands ready to become law after receiving the approval of veto-proof majorities in the Assembly and state Senate. The vote drew the condemnation of healthcare and nursing home industry representatives, who called the move premature. "What if the variants do something unexpected? What happens if something goes awry in the near future?" asked Southern New York Association President Neil Heyman, whose group represents long-term-care facilities in New York City, Long Island and Westchester. "I think people should still be protected until we reach herd immunity and this thing is gone." (Kaufman, 3/30)
Stat:
FTC Seeks To Block Illumina From Buying Grail, Citing Threats To Competition
The Federal Trade Commission is once again trying to block Illumina (ILMN), a dominant maker of genetic sequencing machines, from pursuing a big acquisition. And this time, the agency is targeting the planned $7.1 billion purchase of Grail, which is developing a long-sought blood test for detecting cancer early by using DNA sequencing. (Silverman, 3/30)
The Hill:
New Research Questions Florida's COVID-19 Death Toll
A study published this month says that Florida has underreported its coronavirus deaths by thousands of cases. As Yahoo News reported Tuesday, the study published in the American Journal of Public Health states that the impact of the pandemic in Florida “is significantly greater than the official COVID-19 data suggest.” Researchers came to their conclusions by comparing the estimated deaths in the state from March to September and compared that figure to the actual number of recorded deaths, or the “excess deaths.” (Choi, 3/30)
The Hill:
Louisiana Lifts Most Coronavirus Capacity Limits, Keeps Mask Mandate
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) on Tuesday announced plans to lift some capacity limits on businesses and other coronavirus restrictions, though the statewide mask mandate will remain in place. Tuesday’s order, which will take effect Wednesday and last through April 28, includes loosened capacity restrictions for bars and restaurants. (Castronuovo, 3/30)
AP:
Mississippi: No Extension Of Postpartum Medicaid Coverage
An effort to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage has failed in Mississippi, a state with high rates of infant mortality and maternal mortality. The state’s program usually has two months of coverage for women after giving birth. Physicians recommended extending coverage to a full year to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. Senators approved the extension earlier this year, but the provision was not included in the final version of a Medicaid bill that the House and Senate both passed Tuesday night. (Wagster Pettus and Willingham, 3/31)
The Washington Post:
Michigan’s Whitmer Asks White House To Surge Vaccines To Virus Hot Spots As Cases Climb
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), battling a surge of coronavirus infections in her state, appealed on Tuesday to White House officials to shift away from a strict population-based formula for vaccine allocation and instead rush more doses to hard-hit parts of the country. “I know that some national public health experts have suggested this as an effective mitigation tool,” she said during the White House coronavirus response team’s weekly call with governors, according to a recording of the conversation obtained by The Washington Post. “And I know we’d certainly welcome this approach in our state.” (Stanley-Becker, 3/31)
The New York Times:
‘It Felt Like Deception’: An Elite NYC Hospital Charges Huge Virus Test Fees
Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan advertised its “Covid-19 Testing” on a large blue and white banner outside its Greenwich Village division’s emergency room. The banner said nothing about cost. But cost turned out to be the testing’s most noteworthy feature. Lenox Hill, one of the city’s oldest and best-known hospitals, repeatedly billed patients more than $3,000 for the routine nasal swab test, about 30 times the test’s typical cost. “It was shocking to see a number like that, when I’ve gotten tested before for about $135,” said Ana Roa, who was billed $3,358 for a test at Lenox Hill last month. (Kliff, 3/30)
AP:
Lawmakers OK Arizona Business Pandemic Liability Shield
The Arizona Senate voted Tuesday to give businesses, nursing homes and others a broad shield from lawsuits related to COVID-19, joining the House in approving the measure and sending it to Republican Gov. Doug Ducey for his expected signature. Senate Republicans approved the measure in a 16-14 party-line vote.. GOP House members approved it Monday on a 31-29 vote with no Democratic support. Republicans said businesses struggled during the pandemic and shouldn’t have to worry about the potential for frivolous lawsuits. (3/30)
Tampa Bay Times:
How Life Changed For 10 Florida Health Experts Who Got Coronavirus Vaccines
As Florida continues to roll out coronavirus vaccines, some health experts who were among the first to receive shots are taking baby steps back toward regular life. Ten from across the state spoke with the Tampa Bay Times about how they’ve changed their habits since vaccination. They specialize in infectious diseases, public health and epidemiology. One is at the forefront of the effort to make the state’s vaccine distribution equitable. Another is head of operations at Tampa Greyhound Track, where thousands of doses are administered each day. (Reeves and Weber, 3/30)
The Baltimore Sun:
Public Health Experts Urge Caution In Maryland As COVID Cases, Positivity Rate Rise
Maryland residents have reached another turning point in the coronavirus pandemic, public health experts say, as the state sees rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and a spiking testing positivity rate — signs that the public health crisis continues to rage even as more people get inoculated against it. “This is the time for all officials to urge caution,” said Dr. Leana Wen, a former Baltimore health commissioner and public health professor at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. “We need to keep wearing masks in public places, and we need to be very diligent about avoiding crowded indoor gatherings for those who are not yet vaccinated.” (Miller, 3/30)
Axios:
Colorado Tries To Combat COVID Vaccine Hesitancy
Colorado announced it will make COVID-19 vaccines available to everyone over 16 starting Friday. The problem is that not everyone wants one. The vaccine-hesitant population in Colorado shrank since September, but remains persistent, according to a recent poll commissioned by the state and obtained by Axios. (Frank, 3/30)
CNBC:
Covid In Brazil ‘Completely Out Of Control,' Says Sao Paulo-Based Reporter
Brazil just reached a grim Covid-19 milestone, and a reporter based in Sao Paulo doesn’t see the situation improving in the near future. “We have people dying because of lack of oxygen, people are literally suffocating,” Patricia Campos Mello, a reporter for Folha de Sao Paulo, told CNBC’s “The News with Shepard Smith” on Tuesday. “There are no medications for intubation, there are no ICU beds. It’s a combination of lack of planning and just denialism of the seriousness of the disease.” (DeCiccio, 3/30)