Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Memo Reveals Covid Tore Like A Fire Through Meat-Packing Plants
Axios: COVID Cases, Deaths At Meat Plants Far Higher Than Previously Thought
Cases and deaths from COVID-19 among workers at the five largest U.S. meatpacking companies were nearly three times higher than previously thought, according to a memo from the House panel probing the response to the pandemic. At least 59,000 workers contracted COVID-19 and 269 workers died at Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill, National Beef and Smithfield Foods — which together make up more than 80% of the beef market and 60% of the pork market in the U.S. — according to counts through January of this year. (Doherty, 10/27)
In other news about the spread of the coronavirus —
Axios: COVID Cases Fall By 20%
The number of new COVID-19 cases continues to plummet all across the U.S. The U.S. is now averaging roughly 70,000 new cases per day, a 20% drop over the past two weeks. Deaths fell 15% over the same period, to an average of 1,400 per day. That's still a lot, equivalent to a 9/11 roughly every two days. But that number has been steadily coming down throughout the fall, and likely will continue to drop. (Baker and Beheraj, 10/28)
Detroit Free Press: Michigan's Delta Variant Surge Might Be On Its Way Out, Experts Say
Michigan's fourth coronavirus surge, driven by the highly contagious delta variant, may be starting to retreat after more than three months of a steady rise in cases, hospitalizations and deaths. The seven-day average of new daily cases fell to 3,210 on Monday — about 500 new daily cases fewer than at the Oct. 13 peak, when the seven-day average topped out at 3,745 daily cases. Though the trends are encouraging, it may be too soon to declare it over just yet, said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state health department's newly appointed chief medical officer. (Jordan Shamus, 10/27)
USA Today: Only 40% Of Americans Know Vaccinated People Less Likely To Get Virus
A new Axios/Ipsos poll finds Americans are uncertain about how well the COVID-19 vaccines work, despite reams of data about their ability to protect people from severe disease, hospitalization and death, and to a lesser extent infection. That lack of knowledge is likely contributing to the continued vaccine holdout of 60 million people who are eligible for the shots, and to diminished faith in the Biden administration. Confidence that his government can make sure the economy recovers quickly after the pandemic dropped from 52% in late January to 44% in the latest poll. Some of that eroding confidence may be rooted in how little Americans know about the vaccines, which are central to Biden's plan for the U.S. to escape the pandemic. In the poll, only slightly more than 25% of respondents correctly said that a vaccinated 80-year-old is at greater risk of dying of COVID-19 than an unvaccinated 30-year-old. And only 40% knew that vaccinated people are less likely to test positive for the coronavirus than those who haven't been inoculated. (Ortiz and Bacon, 10/27)
What about trick-or-treating? —
AP: Is It OK To Go Trick-Or-Treating During The Pandemic?
Is it OK to go trick-or-treating during the pandemic? It depends on the situation and your comfort level, but there are ways to minimize the risk of infection this Halloween. Whether you feel comfortable with your children trick-or-treating could depend on factors including how high the COVID-19 transmission rate is in your area and if the people your kids will be exposed to are vaccinated. (Tobin, 10/28)
Deseret News: Here’s How To Avoid COVID This Halloween
In addition to getting the shots, the state advises wearing a face covering. “Not only your grim reaper mask, but also your COVID-19 mask. If you’re headed somewhere indoors, like a haunted house or a wild witching party, put on a mask and don’t be the creature that spreads COVID,” the site says. Other tips include washing hands, staying home if you’re sick and getting tested for the coronavirus, holding any Halloween parties outdoors and making sure trick-or-treaters avoid traffic when they’re making their neighborhood rounds with some likely to go out on Saturday night rather than Sunday. (Roche, 10/27)
AP: Not A Trick: No White House Treats For Halloween This Year
Ghosts and goblins can scratch the White House from their trick or treating routes this year. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will be in Europe on Halloween and won’t be at the White House to help hand out candy and other treats. Instead, the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the White House will be lit up in orange light to celebrate the spooky holiday, said the first lady’s spokesperson, Michael LaRosa. (Superville, 10/28)
