CDC
Experts warn that widely used surgical masks are putting health care workers at serious risk
With medical supplies in high demand, federal authorities say health workers can wear surgical masks for protection while treating COVID-19 patients — but growing evidence suggests the practice is putting workers in jeopardy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently said lower-grade surgical masks are “an acceptable alternative” to N95 masks unless workers are performing an […]
Lawmakers advance small business relief bill without extra cash for states
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Tuesday cleared an “interim” COVID-19 relief package that includes billions of dollars for small businesses, hospitals and testing, but no additional funds for state and local governments. The nearly $500 billion package passed by unanimous consent Tuesday afternoon. The U.S. House is expected to reconvene on Thursday to vote […]
American leadership and the new normal
When Donald Trump took office in 2017, Democrats everywhere pledged to not “normalize” his politics. Cries of “this is not normal” resounded through social media as the left mobilized to resist Trump’s attacks on health care access, the stripping of environmental protections, xenophobic immigration policies, and more. Now Trump’s feckless COVID-19 coronavirus response is challenging […]
Health care workers using expired gear during pandemic and ‘hoping for the best’
WASHINGTON — States are receiving old or expired medical supplies from the federal stockpile. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s advice: Use them anyway. The shortage of vital medical supplies, such as masks and ventilators, in the face of COVID-19 has led public health officials to advise hospital workers to reuse personal protective equipment […]
Congress clears 2nd major coronavirus package; 3rd in the works
WASHINGTON — A second major coronavirus package cleared the U.S. Senate Wednesday and is now headed to President Donald Trump for his signature. The bill passed 90-8, with overwhelming bipartisan support. The multi-billion dollar measure aims to slow the spread of a new coronavirus and stimulate the economy as a major recession looms. Both Ohio […]
Congress rebukes Trump’s bid to slash CDC funding amid outbreak
WASHINGTON — U.S. House lawmakers resoundingly rebuffed a Trump administration request to cut funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention amid the coronavirus crisis. The CDC director testified Tuesday before the House Appropriations Committee, where Republicans and Democrats alike said Congress won’t comply with the budget cuts requested in Trump’s fiscal year 2021 […]
COVID-19 situation highlights unreliable hours, benefits and paid time off for Ohio workers
Along with state and local leaders and our fellow Ohioans, Ohio’s foodbanks are monitoring and mobilizing around the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. First and foremost, we want everyone in our state to know that our network is here for you. We are assessing our food sourcing and food distribution options, conferring with our […]
Trump the performer, and his inadequacy to the moment
The thought began with some armchair political speculation a few weeks back: President Trump was putting Vice President Mike Pence in charge of the administration’s coronavirus efforts. I had just recently mentioned in a column an awful HIV outbreak in Indiana that occurred under Pence’s watch, his response to which did not help matters. Politico […]
U.S. Senate Democrats slam Trump officials for coronavirus response
WASHINGTON — U.S. senators want Trump administration officials to be more forthcoming about coronavirus amid concerns the White House has given misinformation on the disease. A Senate panel with oversight on health issues heard from top public officials Tuesday from the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug […]
What Ohio can do to fight coronavirus
Last week, Nancy Messonnier, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, released a statement on coronavirus’s likely spread to the United States, saying that “It’s not a question of ‘if,’ but rather a question of ‘when’ and how many people in this country will have severe […]