Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Trump’s critics warn his order to keep meat plants open imperils workers
WASHINGTON — Democratic senators are accusing President Donald Trump of putting workers at risk by ordering meat and poultry processors to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate Democrats including Democratic Ohio U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown are asking Trump to amend an executive order he signed last week, which declared meat plants to be “critical infrastructure” and […]
Dr. Birx’s decision: protecting American lives or protecting the president
Dr. Harold Bornstein should have been our first clue that President Donald Trump might not fully respect what physicians do. Yet, here we are, on the cusp of a risky “reopening” of our country’s social and economic life, hoping that physicians and scientists are driving federal policy. Among other things, Trump has used his daily […]
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 […]
Lawmakers debate paid sick leave as COVID-19 closes businesses, schools
State and federal legislators are criticizing the lack of action on paid leave policy as the COVID-19 pandemic causes the closure of schools, sporting events and businesses. Some state leaders have been urging administration to handle the ripple effects of the public health crisis as they balance the health risks of the disease. House Minority […]
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 […]
Ohio Black Maternal Health Caucus sets 2020 goals for reproductive rights, health
Just weeks after the birth of her twin daughters in 2004, state Rep. Erica Crawley, D-Columbus, went to an emergency room with severe abdominal pain. At the time, she was breastfeeding her girls, and was still recovering from the trauma of their emergency C-section. She sat in the waiting room for hours in pain. She […]