- An appeals court opinion said the federal vaccine mandate for large employers is flawed. This legal challenge temporarily stops the mandate from taking effect while the legal challenge plays out. However, the mandate does not take effect until January 4.
- The Biden Administration announced $785 million in new investments to support state COVID-19 response and recovery efforts in the hardest-hit and high-risk communities.
- The Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 76% of those that originally received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine received Moderna or Pfizer as a booster.
- Dr. Jefferson Jones, a medical officer on the CDC’s COVID-19 Epidemiology Task Force, stated that achieving national herd immunity through vaccination may not be possible.
- The CDC has updated its website and many of its guidelines including: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility.
White House and Federal Agencies
- An appeals court opinion said the federal vaccine mandate (through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) for large employers is flawed. This legal challenge temporarily stops the mandate from taking effect while the legal challenge plays out. However, the mandate is not scheduled to take effect until December 6th. Practices that are not obligated to follow the OSHA mandate may still be required to follow CMS masking requirements set to take effect on January 4th.
- The Biden Administration announced $785 million in new investments to support state COVID-19 response and recovery efforts in the hardest-hit and high-risk communities.
- The Biden Administration announced that nursing homes can lift most COVID-19 visitation restrictions.
- President Biden nominated Dr. Robert Califf for Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Califf was FDA Commissioner during the Obama Administration.
Economy, Vaccines, Testing and Treatment
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci said vaccinated people can “feel good” about gathering for the holidays.
- Nearly 1 million children have received their first COVID-19 vaccine.
- California, Colorado, and New Mexico are allowing all adults to receive COVID-19 booster shots prior to FDA approval.
- Moderna stated that their COVID-19 vaccine yields fewer breakthrough infections than Pfizer.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 76% of those that originally received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine received Moderna or Pfizer as a booster.
- Dr. Jefferson Jones, a medical officer on the CDC’s COVID-19 Epidemiology Task Force, stated that achieving national herd immunity through vaccination may not be possible.
- A study shows that non-white people are at higher risk for COVID-19 infection and admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) compared to white people, but are less likely to die of the disease.
- A study reveals that unvaccinated nursing home staff are 10 times more likely to have a positive COVID-19 test result than vaccinated staff.
- A study shows COVID-19 vaccines are safe for most cancer patients.
- New data supports that it is safe for people to receive the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
- Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the end of rising inflation will be directly tied to the further developments in the COVID-19 pandemic.
