Masks Off, Masks On: Philly, NJ, NY Wrestle With Rules
Some businesses and residents are suing to halt Philadelphia's mask mandate, which begins today. Also: advocates for those with immunodeficiencies call for a mask-only train car on NJ Transit; masks are still required in all Broadway theaters; and more.
AP:
Suit Seeks To Overturn Renewed Philadelphia Mask Mandate
Several businesses and residents have filed suit in state court in Pennsylvania seeking to overturn Philadelphia’s renewed indoor mask mandate scheduled to be enforced beginning Monday in an effort to halt a surge in COVID-19 infections. The lawsuit, filed in Commonwealth Court on Saturday, said Philadelphia lacks the authority to impose such a mandate. (4/16)
NJ.com:
When Mask Mandates End, Advocate Asks NJ Transit To Have A Face-Covering-Only Car
A commuter advocate and passenger asked NJ Transit officials to consider designating one car on each train where face coverings or masks would be required to be worn, to accommodate passengers with immunodeficiency diseases or other health issues that might make them susceptible to COVID-19. (4/17)
The New York Times:
Most Broadway Theaters Will Drop Vaccine Checks, But Not Mask Mandate
Most Broadway theaters have decided to stop checking the vaccination status of ticket holders after April 30, but all will continue to require that audience members wear masks inside theaters through at least May 31. The Broadway League, a trade association, announced the change on Friday. The decision was made by the owners and operators of Broadway’s 41 theaters, who had initially decided to require vaccines and masks last summer, before the city imposed its own mandates. The theater owners — six commercial and four nonprofit entities — have been periodically reconsidering the protocols ever since. (Paulson, 4/15)
Vox:
It’s Time To Rethink Mask Mandates
The pandemic is different than it used to be — but we’re still fighting about masks. Vaccines that keep most Covid-19 cases from leading to hospitalization are now widely available, and many of those at highest risk have access to treatments to prevent severe illness. Nevertheless, public attention and policy are still focused on mask mandates, like the one Philadelphia reinstated on April 11. (Landman, 4/15)
In related news about nursing homes —
AP:
Vaccine Mandate Prompts Officials To Eye Nursing Home Sale
Local officials are citing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers among reasons for selling a county-owned nursing home in southwestern Virginia. The Bedford County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a special meeting to consider selling the nursing home. The nursing home was established as the County Poor Farm in 1831. (4/16)
USA Today:
COVID-19 Staffing Crunch Forces Nursing Homes Across US To Shut Down
A 99-bed nursing home in one of Cleveland's poorest neighborhoods will close its doors in less than two months. Like many nursing homes in urban and rural pockets of America, Eliza Bryant Village has struggled to maintain operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Costs are too high and reimbursement isn't enough. The home loses more than $100 each day for every resident covered by Medicaid, which represents about 95% of the home's population. (Alltucker, 4/18)
