Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
CDC Study Finds Restaurant Dining Heightens Risks Of COVID
The Hill: CDC Report: Dining Out Increases Risk Of Contracting Coronavirus More Than Other Activities
Dining out is one of the riskiest possible activities during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday, citing the fact that masks are not used while people are eating and drinking. CDC officials interviewed about 314 people who experienced symptoms of the virus and got tests, about half of whom were positive. Both the positive and the negative subjects said they had engaged in activities such as attending church and in-person shopping. However, people who tested positive were about twice as likely than those who tested negative to say they had dined at a restaurant. (Budryk, 9/10)
CNN: Restaurant Dining Linked To Covid-19 Risk In CDC Study
There were no significant differences between those who tested positive versus negative when it came to shopping, gathering with fewer than 10 people in a home, going to an office, going to a gym, going to a salon, using public transportation or attending religious gatherings, according to the study. However, people who tested positive, the data showed, were more likely to have reported dining at a restaurant in the two weeks before they started to feel sick. (Howard, 9/10)
In other news about restaurants and bars —
NPR: Hangover From Alcohol Boom Could Last Long After Pandemic Ends
When the coronavirus swept the country, a lot of things government did in response were controversial. Politicians fought over mask wearing rules and quarantine restrictions. But one policy, making sure Americans have ready access to alcohol, was truly bipartisan. ... It's been an economic lifeline for many businesses, but healthcare experts caution there could be serious consequences for millions of Americans that linger long after COVID-19 has passed. (Mann, 9/11)
Politico: Florida To Reopen Bars, Pack Restaurants After DeSantis Claims Covid-19 Under Control
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and a top state official on Thursday cleared the way for bars to reopen and restaurants to begin packing in patrons again, even as some pockets of the state recorded recent spikes in positive Covid-19 test results. Florida's top alcohol regulator said late Thursday he will allow bars to reopen statewide at 50 percent capacity starting on Monday. The move by Halsey Beshears, the secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, gives the industry a second chance at heeding safety precautions meant to protect the spread of the virus after an earlier attempt to ease restrictions fueled a resurgence of the virus in Florida. (Sarkissian, 9/10)
St. Paul Pioneer Press: Inspectors Checked MN Bars And Restaurants For COVID Compliance. Just Over Half Were OK.
State and local inspectors Wednesday reported results for coronavirus compliance checks at 167 bars and restaurants in selected parts of Minnesota outside the east metro. Just over half were in compliance. (Orrick, 9/10)
AP: Puerto Rico Reopening Beaches, Gyms, Theaters Amid Pandemic
Puerto Rico’s governor on Thursday announced she would reopen beaches, casinos, gyms and movie theaters across the U.S. territory as officials report a recent drop in COVID-19 cases and deaths that some experts worry could once again spike. The changes will be in effect from Saturday until Oct. 2. Face masks and social distancing, especially at the beach, remain mandatory, bars and clubs will stay closed and a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew will continue. (Coto, 9/10)
