Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Mask On, Mask Off: Americans Tackle Tricky Unlocking Guidelines
Axios: Axios-Ipsos Poll: Americans Are Re-Emerging From The Pandemic, But Don't Trust Others' Honesty
Americans are taking off their masks and re-engaging publicly at levels not seen since the start of the pandemic, with the most dramatic shifts in people over 50 and those who've been vaccinated, according to the latest installment of the Axios/Ipsos Coronavirus Index. It's happening despite significant distrust over strangers' honesty about their COVID-19 vaccination status and amid major confusion over Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on mask use and social distancing for those vaccinated. (Talev, 5/25)
Fox News: Despite CDC Mask Guidance, Biden Admin May Still Issue Workplace Mandate
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may still issue a workplace mask mandate consistent with a January executive order from President Biden despite new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines that vaccinated Americans do not need to wear masks indoors. Biden's Jan. 21 executive order directed his administration to "consider whether any emergency temporary standards on COVID-19, including with respect to masks in the workplace, are necessary." The order set a deadline of March 15, which was missed. (Olson, 5/24)
NBC News: They're Keeping Their Masks On. Their Reasons Extend Beyond Their Health.
As mask mandates ease across the country, many people are finding that their affinity for face coverings extends beyond health reasons. Even with no requirement to wear their masks, some people are continuing to do so — having come to appreciate the reprieve they provide from stifling social expectations while out in public. These mask-wearers say they see a multitude of benefits to covering up. No one can tell you to smile when you don’t feel like it. It gives you a break from putting on makeup. And it provides a degree of anonymity. (Chuck, 5/25)
Democrat and Chronicle: NY Ends New COVID Policy Requiring Children In Day Care To Wear Masks
Kids in day care will not have to wear masks to protect against COVID-19, state agencies said late Monday, reversing a widely derided policy put in place last week. The joint announcement from the state Office of Children and Family Services and Department of Health comes after day care facilities and lawmakers ripped a change in a state mandate last week that required those over the age of two to wear masks while at child care. (Spector, 5/24)
WKAR: Mask Or No Mask? Confusion Persists As Businesses Decide On Policies
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Michigan has been at the center of the mask-wearing debate, and it intensified after hundreds of residents flooded the Michigan State Capitol to protest the governor's stay-at-home orders and mask mandates. Today the decision to wear or not wear a mask is seen in Michigan by many as a political statement. But it's one that Michigan restaurant owner Travis Stoliker is not interested in making. (Jokisch Polo, 5/25)
NJ Advance Media: N.J. Mask Mandates Mostly Going Away. But Here’s Where Masks Will Still Be Required.
The indoor mask mandate New Jersey installed to battle the coronavirus pandemic effectively ends Friday for a vast majority of settings — including restaurants, stores, movie theaters, and dozens of other venues. But there are still some places where masks will be required in the state, most notably in schools and public transportation. (Arco, 5/24)
AP: Conservative Lawmakers In Maine Lose Posts After Confrontation Over Masks
Maine’s Democratic house speaker stripped seven conservative lawmakers of committee assignments on Monday after the group had a confrontation with Capitol Police about mask rules in the Maine State House. Republican Representative Laurel Libby released a video of the confrontation, in which the lawmakers entered the state house without masks on. A Capitol Police officer approached the group, and members said they weren’t required to wear masks and continued on. (Whittle, 5/24)
