Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
EPA Approves Use Of Long-Lasting COVID Disinfectant In Texas
The Washington Post: EPA Approves Cleanser For Use Against Covid19
The Environmental Protection Agency gave emergency approval Monday for the application of a cleanser intended to kill the novel coronavirus on surfaces for up to seven days, and the state of Texas said it would allow American Airlines and two branches of Total Orthopedics Sports & Spine to start using the new product. The agency said it hoped the product — called SurfaceWise2 and made by Allied BioScience — would provide longer-lasting protection in public spaces and increase consumer confidence in air travel, which has suffered a big hit during the covid-19 pandemic. (Mufson, 8/24)
ABC News: American To Spray Some Planes With EPA-Approved 'Long-Lasting' COVID-19 Disinfectant
The EPA granted emergency authorization for the Allied BioScience product, Surfacewise 2, on Monday. It is effective against the SARS-CoV2 virus for up to 7 days after a single application, according to testing by the agency. Texas had requested the authorization. “SurfaceWise2 creates an invisible barrier on surfaces, which physically breaks down and kills virus cells,” said Dr. Charles Gerba, an infectious disease expert who works with Allied BioScience. (Ebbs and Kaji, 8/24)
In other travel safety news —
MarketWatch: Report Card: Which Hotel Brands Have Adapted Best To COVID-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned travel upside down, and the hotel industry has been forced to cope with a constantly changing landscape of traveler expectations. From new cancellation policies to improved cleaning and social distancing procedures, major hotel brands have scrambled to adapt to the new reality. But which hotel brands have adapted best? Which have offered the most customer-friendly policies and been willing to sacrifice bottom-line concerns for the sake of guest safety? (Kemmis, 8/25)
