Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
'A Mask Is Not A Political Statement': Biden Pushes More Mandates
Stat: How Might A Mask Mandate Play Out? Look To The Battle Over Seat Belt Laws
If public health officials want to get people to wear masks to curb the spread of Covid-19, they might take a lesson what is now a widely accepted aspect of American life: buckling up. Beginning in the 1950s, the effort to get people to adopt seat belts took legislation, enforcement, and public health campaigns. And, especially in its early days, it was met with misinformation and pushback, especially around personal freedom. (Silberner, 11/10)
CNN: Biden Wants To See Masks Mandated In All 50 States. These Are The Ones That Don't Require Them
Most states already have some type of mask mandate, but some have no statewide rule -- either leaving it as a recommendation or giving the authority to local officials. Here are the states with no statewide mask requirement. (Asmelash, McNabb and Watts, 11/9)
The Hill: Biden Implores Americans To Set Aside Differences And Wear Masks
President-elect Joe Biden on Monday implored every American to put aside political differences and wear masks. "A mask is not a political statement, but it is a good way to start pulling the country together," Biden said during a somber address that acknowledged the COVID-19 crisis is likely to get worse before it gets better. (Weixel, 11/9)
CNN: Yes, We Have A New US President, But You Still Have To Wear Your Mask And Social Distance
Many people watched with relief as President-elect Joe Biden announced an aggressive plan on Monday to control the pandemic that is escalating at an alarming rate. The United States has now surpassed 10 million Covid-19 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University's tally. And coronavirus has already infected 50 million and killed over 1.25 million worldwide. (Hetter, 11/9)
And the vice president-elect cheered the news from Pfizer —
The Hill: Biden Lauds Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine News, But Urges Country To Remain Cautious
President-elect Joe Biden on Monday lauded the news of Pfizer's progress on a COVID-19 vaccine but urged Americans to be cautious because widespread vaccination is still many months away. In a statement, Biden said Pfizer's announcement that interim data showed its vaccine was 90 percent effective was "excellent news" that gives Americans "cause for hope." (Weixel, 11/9)
Reuters: Biden Says Vaccine Approval Process Must Be Guided By Science
President-elect Joe Biden on Monday said a coronavirus vaccine approval process must be guided by science so the public can have confidence it is safe and effective, warning that the United States is still facing a very dark winter and that a vaccine likely won’t be available for months. “I implore you, wear a mask. Do it for yourself. Do it for your neighbor. A mask is not a political statement,” Biden said, adding that he would spare no effort to turn the pandemic around once he is sworn in. (11/9)
Also —
Modern Healthcare: Healthcare Trade Groups Ready To Work With Biden On COVID, Affordability And Access
Trade groups representing insurers and hospitals Saturday pledged to work President-elect Joe Biden and a new administration on combating the coronavirus pandemic and continuing to reshape the nation's healthcare system." There are many healthcare challenges that our nation must face together—from continuing to battle the COVID-19 crisis, to making healthcare and prescription drugs more affordable, to protecting patients from surprise medical bills, to ensuring stable coverage markets for those who need it most," Matt Eyles president and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans, said in a statement. (Weinstock, 11/7)
