COVID-19 Federal Responses: Thursday, February 18, 2021

The administration is in discussions with 13 laboratories to improve genome sequencing of the COVID-19 variants.
A new study found that Pfizer’s vaccine is less effective at producing neutralizing antibodies for a variant of the coronavirus that originated in South Africa. However, this does not necessarily mean the vaccine is not effective against this variant.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci said it could take months to develop a more effective vaccine for these COVID-19 variants.
The CDC updated its websites on a number of topics including Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure, 2021; Understanding Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines; and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about COVID-19 Vaccination

Congress

On Monday, the House Budget Committee will begin marking up its budget reconciliation bill that will be used to pass $1.9 trillion in new COVID-19 stimulus. This markup will combine the bills that various House Committees were instructed to craft by the budget resolution Congress passed a few weeks ago.
- The House of Representatives remains on track to pass the reconciliation bill by the end of next week. The bill would then go to the Senate for consideration.
On February 19, the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis will hold a video briefing with public health experts on equitable vaccine distribution.
On February 23 (10:30 am ET), the House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on vaccine manufacturing and distribution featuring executives from the companies that are producing or developing COVID-19 vaccines.

During a town hall appearance, President Biden explained that he believes we will have the virus under much more control by the fall.
- President Biden also clarified his administration’s goal for reopening schools is to have all elementary and middle schools reopen for in-person learning at least five days per week by the end of his first 100 days in office.
- The administration will dedicate $650 million to COVID-19 testing in schools.
The administration is in discussions with 13 laboratories to improve genome sequencing of the COVID-19 variants.
President Biden announced the United States will contribute $2 billion towards global vaccination efforts but that it will not immediately provide vaccine doses.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reiterated her endorsement for more federal stimulus.

As of today, 57.7 million vaccines have been administered. Of that total, 41 million people have received one dose while 16.1 million people have received two doses.
Winter storms have temporarily disrupted and delayed vaccine distribution.
A new study found that Pfizer’s vaccine is less effective at producing neutralizing antibodies for a variant of the coronavirus that originated in South Africa. However, this does not necessarily mean the vaccine is not effective against this variant.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci said it could take months to develop a more effective vaccine for these COVID-19 variants.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened mass vaccination sites in California. Plans to open other sites have been delayed due to the winter storms that have affected much of the country.
- In total, 20 vaccine teams comprised of 4,700 National Guard members, have been approved.
Johnson & Johnson is warning that it only has a small supply of its vaccine readily available pending an expected FDA approval in the coming weeks. It expects to quickly increase supply.