Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Different Takes: Should Toddlers Still Be Masking?; HB 1557 Harms Florida Children's Mental Health
The Atlantic: Masking Policy Is Incredibly Irrational Right Now
Even as adults and older children all over the country fully shake off the pandemic posture, one group has been left behind in the old world: toddlers. Although the CDC recently moved to relax COVID guidelines, it continues to recommend universal indoor masking in early-childhood-education programs for those ages 2 and older. Accordingly, in New York City and elsewhere, kids in kindergarten and above may attend school maskless, but kids in pre-K and below may not. (Emily Oster, 3/9)
Scientific American: When Is It Safe To Have Sex After COVID?
Recently, my husband endured a mild case of COVID—a cough, a sore throat, some aches and fatigue. Fortunately, he is vaccinated and boosted, and he recovered quickly. On day 10 after infection, he produced a negative rapid antigen test. Cool! So when can we have sex? (Carolyn Barber, 3/9)
Also —
Miami Herald: Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Isn’t About Parental Rights
Just listen to the rhetorical gymnastics Republicans in the Florida Legislature have employed to defend what opponents call the “Don’t say Gay” bill. We have nothing against LGBTQ kids, they argued. We’re just protecting parental rights, they said, trying — and failing — to defend themselves against charges that they are homophobic. But it took a debate on the Florida Senate floor on Monday for the true views of at least one of the politicians behind House Bill 1557 to emerge: There are just too many gay kids nowadays. (3/8)
Miami Herald: Speaking Up Tests Florida Legislature’s Don’t Say Gay Bill
You don’t know, dastards who rule the diverse state of Florida from the hills of Tallahassee, the pain and suffering gay children endure staying in the closet and not being accepted for who they are by society. Or, maybe you do, and you’re just plain evil and taking shelter behind your so-called Christian facade. Who else can vote for a bill — dubbed ‘Don’t Say Gay’ for good reason — that hurts children, gay and otherwise, by fomenting a culture of silence in schools? (Fabiola Santiago, 3/8)
