- The healthcare sector added 64,000 jobs in February. There are still 306,000 (1.9%) fewer jobs in the sector than in February 2020, where the sector lost many jobs due, in part, to restrictions on non-emergency care and stay-at-home orders.
- Congress is still debating if it should pass more COVID-19 funding.
- Federal law still requires that everyone wear masks on planes, trains, and public transportation.
White House and Federal Agencies
- U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy started an initiative to combat misinformation regarding the nature of both COVID-19 and vaccines.
- The White House announced that it is nearly out of money dedicated to the COVID-19 response, and absent Congressional authorization of additional funds, consequences could be felt as soon as this month.
- The Administration specifically mentioned potential declines in at-home testing and treatments such as oral therapeutics and monoclonal antibodies.
- Congress is still debating if it should pass more COVID-19 funding.
Economy, Vaccines, Testing and Treatment
- Less than 10% of the U.S. population lives in counties where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing masks indoors regardless of vaccination status.
- Federal law still requires that everyone wear masks on planes, trains, and public transportation.
- The reported global death toll of COVID-19 will soon exceed six million.
- The healthcare sector added 64,000 jobs in February. There are still 306,000 (1.9%) fewer jobs in the sector than in February 2020, where the sector lost many jobs due, in part, to restrictions on non-emergency care and stay-at-home orders.
- These February gains are higher than recent months, with the sector experiencing practically no change in December 2021, and gaining 17,000 jobs in January 2022.
- A study using MRI scans from both before and after participants’ COVID infections linked even mild cases of the illness with brain damage.
- Other research shows heart conditions caused by COVID-19 infection can also persist after COVID-19 symptoms resolve.
- A group of public health leaders released a report explaining their opinions of the best path forward with COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Updates
- The CDC published the following reports and website updates:
- Cases in the U.S.
- COVID-19 Vaccinations in the United States
- COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Country
- Sample Social Media & Graphics
- COVID-19 Community Levels
- School Testing for COVID-19
- What to Expect at Your Appointment to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19
- Guidance for Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2 for Healthcare Providers Testing Individuals in the Community
