COVID-19 Federal Responses: Monday, March 14, 2022

According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention’s (CDC’s) new mask guidance, 98% of Americans live in counties where universal masking is no longer necessary.
Pfizer plans to submit data to the FDA on a fourth dose of its COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, Pfizer is working on a universal vaccine targeting all variants.
A new variant, “Deltacron,” made from a combination of genes found in Delta and Omicron variants, has been found in the United States. However, researchers suggest it is unlikely to spread as quickly as omicron or to be designated with its own Greek name.
A new study found that mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccines are 86% effective against Omicron hospitalization, but three doses are needed to reach that efficacy.

Economy, Vaccines, Testing and Treatment

Pfizer plans to submit data to the FDA on a fourth dose of its COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, Pfizer is working on a universal vaccine targeting all variants.
A new variant, “Deltacron,” made from a combination of genes found in Delta and Omicron variants, has been found in the United States. However, researchers suggest it is unlikely to spread as quickly as omicron or to be designated with its own Greek name.
A new study found that mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccines are 86% effective against Omicron hospitalization, but three doses are needed to reach that efficacy.
According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention’s (CDC’s) new mask guidance, 98% of Americans live in counties where universal masking is no longer necessary.
A CDC study found that Arkansas schools – with a mask mandate in place – had 23% lower transmission of COVID-19 than those without such a mandate.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) is deciding whether to reduce research related to COVID-19 treatments, vaccines, and variants due to an estimated $1 billion funding shortfall.

The CDC published the following reports and website updates: