Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Arizona Forbids University Mandates On Covid Vaccines, Tests And Masks
CBS News: Arizona Governor Issues Executive Order Prohibiting Universities From Mandating COVID-19 Tests, Vaccines And Masks
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey issued an executive order Tuesday that prohibits public universities and community colleges from mandating COVID-19 tests, vaccines and masks for students to participate in learning. The decision comes days after Ducey criticized a recent announcement from Arizona State University that outlined COVID-19 protocols for the upcoming school year. (Powell, 6/15)
AP: Wisconsin Bill Would Forbid Proof Of COVID-19 Vaccination
The Wisconsin Assembly planned to vote Wednesday on a Republican-backed bill that would prohibit businesses, colleges and universities, governments and anyone else in the state from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The measure must also pass the Senate and be signed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers before becoming law. Evers has signaled that he will veto the bill. (6/16)
Los Angeles Times: San Francisco To Require COVID-19 Vaccine For Some Workers
San Francisco will eventually require workers in hospitals, nursing homes and jails to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with limited exceptions. The order is notable as some companies have internally debated whether to impose vaccination requirements for workers. Many companies have generally avoided requiring workers to be vaccinated. But the University of California and California State University systems have announced they will eventually require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, faculty and staff on campus properties. (Lin II, 6/15)
Houston Chronicle: Unvaccinated Houston Methodist Employees Appeal Judge's Ruling On COVID Vaccine Mandate
A group of Houston Methodist employees who sued the hospital system over its COVID-19 vaccine requirement have appealed a ruling dismissing the case. Over the weekend, U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes tossed the lawsuit, calling it “reprehensible” to compare the vaccine requirement to Nazi Germany’s medical experiments. “Equating the injection requirement to medical experimentation in concentration camps is reprehensible,” Hughes said. “Nazi doctors conducted medical experiments on victims that caused pain, mutilation, permanent disability, and in many cases, death.” (Wu and Banks, 6/15)
And in news about mask-wearing —
NBC News: Iowa Man Convicted Of Assault Over Mask Fight Sentenced To 10 Years
An Iowa man convicted of assaulting a man who told him to pull his mask up last year was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison, according to a court representative. Shane Michael, 42, was convicted last month to willful injury causing serious injury — a Class C forcible felony, according to court records — which has a mandatory 10-year prison term. (Fieldstadt, 6/15)
CBS News: Vaccinated Visitors Can Take Off Masks At Disney World
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is making it easier to see smiles again, but guests still can't hug the characters. Starting Tuesday, face masks will be optional for visitors to the theme park resort who are vaccinated, though Disney workers won't require proof of vaccination, the company said on its website. Visitors who aren't fully vaccinated still will need to wear face masks indoors and on all rides and attractions. Because vaccines aren't yet available for children under age 12, they too will have to mask up still. (6/14)
