Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Different Takes: Covid Experience In Europe Differs From East To West; Vaccine Mandates Are Working
Bloomberg: Covid In Europe: France, Spain, Bulgaria, Romania See Different Pandemics
A year ago, the course of the pandemic changed, thanks to the first safe and effective vaccines against Covid-19. Today, after administering 7.3 billion doses and preventing countless severe deaths, we have more data than ever to justify that early enthusiasm — and the need to keep jabbing. On top of waning immunity and the lifting of restrictions, countries with persistently low vaccination rates are being hit hard by new waves of the virus. As the delta variant rears its ugly head across Europe once more, the continent is experiencing two very different pandemics. Both will need action. (Lionel Laurent, 11/10)
Bloomberg: Vaccine Mandates Are Essential To Stopping Covid-19
Covid-19 case numbers, which had been steadily falling in the U.S. since the delta variant crested in September, have again plateaued. The decline from more than 200,000 daily cases has been welcome, but why have the numbers now stalled in the 70,000s? Perhaps it’s the colder weather driving people indoors, in closer contact with others, sometimes unmasked. But here’s another crucial factor: Less than 60% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated. More people need to get their shots as soon as possible. (11/9)
Mercury News and East Bay Times: California Needs Biden Vaccine Mandate On Employers
California and the nation need President Biden’s vaccination mandate on companies with more than 100 employees. The new policy, announced Thursday, is necessary to quell COVID-19 and protect workers from getting the virus and spreading it to their communities. Red states, as expected, are challenging the law’s constitutionality. The U.S. Supreme Court will likely make the final call. When it does, the court should recognize the law entitles workers to a safe workplace. Biden’s rule does just that. (11/9)
