Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
California Theme Parks To Reopen, Some Covid Limits Remain
Bay Area News Group: California Theme Parks Can Allow Out-Of-State Visitors, According To New State Guidelines
Disney, Universal and other theme parks in the state that had been forced to limit attendance to California residents can now allow out-of-state visitors under revised state guidelines — but not all parks are swinging open their gates to interstate travelers just yet. Revised guidelines in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy now allow fully vaccinated out-of-state visitors to attend activities or events that are currently limited to California residents only. California theme parks can allow fully vaccinated visitors from out of state, according to California Department of Public Health officials. (MacDonald, 4/21)
Orange County Register: Why 30+ Disneyland And DCA Rides, Attractions And Shows Will Remain Closed When The Parks Return
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will return without three dozen of their 80+ rides, attractions and shows when the Anaheim theme parks reopen later this month after a yearlong coronavirus closure. Most of the shuttered Disneyland and DCA rides, attractions and shows will remain closed due to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines issued by the state. More than three-quarters of the closed attractions will be shuttered for five coronavirus-related reasons: High-touch environments, social distancing, large crowds, time constraints and a ban on live shows. The rest of closures are due to regular seasonal maintenance or ride renovations. (MacDonald, 4/20)
WDW News Today: Guests Once Again Allowed To Fill Their Own Beverages At Self-Service Refill Stations At Walt Disney World
Another COVID-19 safety procedure has been updated. Disney changed their website to reflect the new protocol, allowing guests to use self-service stations to fill their refillable mugs and beverages. (Francis, 4/21)
In other public health news —
USA Today: Vitafusion Recall: Church & Dwight Recall Select Gummy Vitamins After Reports Of 'Metallic Mesh'
A popular vitamin brand recalled some of its gummy products because they could contain metal. In a recall notice posted on the Food and Drug Administration website Tuesday, New Jersey-based Church & Dwight said it "initiated a voluntary recall of select vitafusion gummy products after the Company’s investigation of two consumer reports identified the possible presence of a metallic mesh material." The products were manufactured from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3, the notice said, and the company is not aware of any reports of consumer illness or injury. However, it said, in "some severe cases, ingesting a metallic material could lead to damage of the digestive tract." (Tyko, 4/21)
Axios: Pew: Over 80% Of Asian Adults Say Violence Against Them Is Increasing
More than 80% of Asian adults say that violence against them is increasing, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. The big picture: The survey, conducted April 5-11, comes after the recent shootings in Atlanta in which eight people, including six Asian women were killed, as well as a yearlong spike in hate incidents against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. By the numbers: 32% of Asian adults say they fear someone might threaten or physically attack them, "a greater share than other racial or ethnic groups," Pew writes. (Gonzalez, 4/22)
AP: Burning Man Mulling Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccines For August
Burning Man festival organizers have said that they are considering requiring attendees to prove they have been vaccinated for COVID-19 if the organizers move forward with plans to hold this year’s counter-culture festival in the Nevada desert. (Sonner, 4/22)
Albuquerque Journal: Ex-Salon Owner In ‘Vampire Facials’ Case Is Indicted
In August 2018, a person contracted HIV after getting a “vampire facial” at an Albuquerque salon. When officials inspected the business a month later, they discovered unwrapped needles strewn about, unlabeled blood tubes in the kitchen area and phony certificates – for Botox and “vampire facial” training – hanging on the walls. Now, the former owner of the salon has been indicted on two dozen felonies, including fraud and practicing medicine without a license. (Reisen, 4/21)
KHN: After Accident, Patient Crashes Into $700,000 Bill For Spine Surgery
Mark Gottlieb’s life changed in an instant when another driver crashed into his car, damaging four vertebrae in his upper spine and smashing six teeth. In the months following that January 2019 crash, Gottlieb got the teeth crowned and, for debilitating neck pain, tried injections, chiropractic care and physical therapy. The treatments were all covered by his car insurance. (Appleby, 4/22)
In sports news —
USA Today: Justin Fields Has Revealed Epilepsy Diagnosis To NFL Teams, Per Report
Former Ohio State quarterback and NFL hopeful Justin Fields has confirmed to the league's teams that he has been treating epilepsy, according to a report. NFL Network reported that teams became aware of Fields' condition during the pre-draft process and that the condition has not had any effect on Fields' football career. The report also added that doctors are confident that Fields will grow out of the condition, as other members of his family have. (Reyes, 4/21)
AP: AP Source: NFL Exploring Changes To Scouting Combine
The NFL is exploring changes to the annual NFL scouting combine to improve the professional and medical experience for draft prospects, a person familiar with those discussions told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The combine in Indianapolis was canceled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, so prospects displayed their talents for scouts, coaches and general managers at their college pro days instead. Teams interviewed players virtually and most medical and psychological testing was done by video. About 150 draft prospects did in-person medical evaluations in Indianapolis earlier this month. (Maaddi, 4/22)
