- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated a large number of guidelines.
- A new study found that Pfizer’s vaccine is effective against new COVID-19 variants from the U.K. and South Africa.
- This article explores how vaccines can adapt to respond to new variants of the coronavirus that cause COVID-19.
- Johnson & Johnson’s CEO says COVID-19 vaccines might be needed annually.
- The federal government is investigating a massive counterfeit N95 mask scheme.
Congress
- Congressional Committees continue to work on their portions of a budget reconciliation bill that will be used to pass new COVID-19 stimulus. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) intends to pass this bill before federal unemployment assistance expires on March 15.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Updates
- CDC Director Rochelle Walensky is warning states against lifting COVID-19 restrictions.
- The CDC now says that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need to quarantine if they are exposed to someone who was infected.
- The CDC will publish school reopening guidelines on Friday.
- The CDC updated its websites for:
- A Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) on COVID-19 Vaccination Intent, Perceptions, and Reasons for Not Vaccinating Among Groups Prioritized for Early Vaccination – United States, September and December 2020.
- A MMWR on Decline in COVID-19 Hospitalization Growth Rates Associated with Statewide Mask Mandates – 10 States, March-October 2020.
- Cases in the U.S.
- Information for Healthcare Professionals about Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- COVID-19 Vaccine Inventory Management Best Practices.
- Healthcare Professional Preparedness Checklist For Transport and Arrival of Patients With Confirmed or Possible COVID-19.
- Ensuring Equity in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution.
- Workplaces and Businesses.
- When to Quarantine.
- What to Expect at Your Appointment to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19.
- Guidance for Wearing Masks.
- Types of Masks.
- Improve the Fit and Filtration of Your Mask to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19.
- Improve How Your Mask Protects You.
- How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask.
- Use of Masks to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19.
- When You Can be Around Others After You Had or Likely Had COVID-19.
- Toolkit for Pregnant People and New Parents.
- Sick Parents and Caregivers.
- Caring for Someone Sick at Home.
Economy, Vaccines, Testing and Treatment
- According to the CDC, 46.3 million vaccine doses have been administered. Of that total, 11.1 million people have received two doses while 34.7 million people have received their first dose.
- A new study found that Pfizer’s vaccine is effective against new COVID-19 variants from the U.K. and South Africa.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization for Eli Lilly’s bamlanivimab treatment for COVID-19.
- The federal government will begin distributing vaccines directly to community health centers in an effort to increase vaccinations for vulnerable communities.
- This article explores how vaccines can adapt to respond to new variants of the coronavirus that cause COVID-19.
- A new study shows that common asthma drug budesonide is an effective treatment for COVID-19.
- Johnson & Johnson’s CEO says COVID-19 vaccines might be needed annually.
- The federal government is planning to open mass vaccination sites in Texas, New York City and California.
- Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that the Fed intends to keep interest rates at their current levels for the foreseeable future
- The federal government is investigating a massive counterfeit N95 mask scheme.
