Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Different Takes: What Have We Learned About Covid?; Is It Time To Stop Masking?
Stat: Covid-19 Challenge Trial Results Can Inform New Vaccines, Therapies
Results from the world’s first Covid-19 challenge trial are (finally) in: In the study, which was conducted by Imperial College London and hVIVO at the Royal Free Hospital in London, each of the 36 participants had drops of fluid containing a tiny amount of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, placed in their nostrils. Eighteen became infected, as confirmed by PCR testing, 16 of whom showed symptoms. The data, published in a preprint that has not yet been peer-reviewed, showed intriguing aspects of the virus’ progression, and all 36 participants finished the study healthy. (Josh Morrison, 2/9)
The New York Times: When Can Masks Come Off For Covid?
Policymakers need to be humble about what we don’t know, especially with Covid-19. The first Covid-19 strategy document I wrote, in April 2020, for Bill de Blasio when he was New York’s mayor had multiple pages devoted to metrics for when to relax or tighten restrictions — such as mask mandates — for offices, restaurants, sporting events and more. But I’m just as perplexed now as I was almost two years ago about the best metrics to use to monitor the pandemic and how to use them to trigger actions that slow the spread. (Jay K. Varma, 2/9)
Bloomberg: More States Should Drop School Mask Mandates For Children
So far, four states — Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey and Oregon — have announced that they’ll do away with requirements that K-12 students and teachers wear masks at school. Others may soon follow suit. It’s time. To be clear: There’s evidence that masks may have been useful in blocking Covid infections in schools. A recent study conducted in two large Arizona counties found that outbreaks were more prevalent in schools that did not require masks than they were in those that did. This is one reason that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — in contrast with the World Health Organization — has recommended indoor masking for all students and teachers at K-12 schools, regardless of age or community transmission levels. (2/9)
