Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
California Sets June 15 Full-Reopening Date, With Vaccine Supply Caveats
Los Angeles Times: California Aims To Fully Reopen Its Economy June 15
California is aiming to fully reopen its economy June 15, more than a year after the COVID-19 pandemic upended the lives and businesses of millions across the state. Officials emphasize the move hinges on two factors: a sufficient vaccine supply and stable and low hospitalization numbers. (Money and Luna, 4/6)
ABC News: Disneyland Announces New Details On Reopening Plan, Reservation System And Safety Guidelines
With its April 30 reopening date approaching, Disneyland Resort has announced details of how it plans to safely welcome guests for the first time in over a year. The reopening plan includes new rules regarding ticket reservations as well as enhanced health and safety measures. (Azari, 4/6)
AP: ACLU Sues McMaster For Ordering State Workers' Office Return
The American Civil Liberties Union this week sued South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, arguing that his executive order requiring state agencies to “immediately expedite” employees’ return to the office during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic exceeds the governor’s authority. The complaint, filed Monday in state court, asked that a judge halt McMaster’s order, which the ACLU said “is contrary to the safety, security, and welfare of the state.” (Kinnard, 4/6)
AP: Nebraska Advances Unemployment Benefit For Family Caregivers
Nebraska residents who stop working temporarily to care for a family member with a serious health condition could claim unemployment benefits under a bill that lawmakers advanced Tuesday. Lawmakers gave the measure first-round approval with a 27-11 vote. (4/6)
NBC News: Why One Organization Is Placing Sanitation Units Under Bridges And In Atlanta's Parks
Terence Lester has spent nearly half his life helping people dealing with homelessness live with dignity. When the pandemic began to overtake cities and stretch hospitals to capacity, he understood the existential challenges the homeless would encounter as they tried to avoid contracting the deadly virus. One simple obstacle: hand-washing. (Bunn, 4/6)
In other state news —
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Transgender-Bill Veto Overridden
Arkansas became the first state in the nation Tuesday to ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors, after a majority of the state Legislature voted to override the governor's veto. The GOP-sponsored legislation prohibits providing surgeries -- which are not currently done on children in the state -- and hormones to people under 18. Barring legal action -- which human-rights groups have promised -- the law will go into effect during the summer. (Wickline and Herzog, 4/7)
Cincinnati Enquirer: Autism: Ohio Medical Marijuana Program May Add To Conditions
Parents, physicians and even a handful of state lawmakers have repeatedly asked Ohio's State Medical Board to add autism to the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, and each time it's said no. "I think they have been put in a difficult situation," said Republican Sen. Steve Huffman, an emergency room physician who co-wrote Ohio's medical marijuana law. "We still don’t have the scientific data that I believe the board is looking for, and we can’t have it because of the federal government." (Staver, 4/6)
Indianapolis Star: 'Slap In The Face For Pregnant Workers': Weakened Pregnancy Accommodation Bill Goes To Holcomb
Legislation allowing women to ask for pregnancy accommodations — but not requiring business to provide them — is on its way to Gov. Eric Holcomb's desk. It's far from what advocates of a more expansive pregnancy accommodation bill had hoped for — including the governor. Holcomb had called for a much stronger bill during his State of the State. However, he's indicated he will sign the act. (Lange, 4/7)
AP: State Urges Homeowners To Test Wells For Arsenic, Uranium
Connecticut health officials are urging homeowners who rely on well water to have their systems checked for arsenic and uranium contamination. The advice comes as the result of a study by the U.S. Geological Survey released Tuesday that found almost 4% of private wells in the state have elevated levels of arsenic and 4.7% have higher concentrations of uranium than acceptable under guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (4/6)
