Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
New York Plans To Limit Size Of Private Gatherings; Curfews Set In Parts Of New Jersey
The New York Times: N.Y. Will Limit Private Gatherings And Require Bars And Restaurants To Close Daily At 10 P.M.
With coronavirus cases surging in New York and across the country, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Wednesday that private indoor and outdoor gatherings statewide would be limited to 10 people and that gyms, bars and restaurants must close daily at 10 p.m. The restrictions will take effect Friday, and Mr. Cuomo said that local governments will be responsible for enforcing them. The limit on gatherings will apply to private homes. The curfew will apply only to bars and restaurants licensed by the state liquor authority, and restaurants can continue to provide takeout and delivery after 10 p.m., but only for food. (11/12)
The New York Times: 19% Positivity Rate As Outbreak Accelerates In N.J.’s Largest City
As the coronavirus started surging in New Jersey’s largest city, officials introduced the state’s first new coronavirus lockdown two weeks ago, mandating an 8 p.m. indoor closing time for all restaurants, bars and nonessential businesses citywide. But then the number of new cases in the city, Newark, climbed even higher: Over the last four days, there have been 842 new reported infections, and 19 percent of people tested over three days last week were found to have the virus, city and county officials said. (Armstrong and Tully, 11/11)
Columbus Dispatch: COVID In Ohio: DeWine Says Restaurants, Bars Could Close; Businesses Must Enforce Mask Wearing
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine took action to curtail the exploding COVID-19 epidemic on Wednesday, threatening to close restaurants, bars and fitness centers, imposing a revised mask order that could briefly close businesses for violations and cracking down on post-event gatherings. ... DeWine did not specify what virus case level would trigger the closures as infections spiral to unprecedented levels and the rapid spread of the virus likely will continue to fuel cases for days to come. The governor's office could provide no more details on Wednesday night. (Ludlow, 11/11)
The Hill: Indiana Governor To Reimpose Coronavirus Restrictions In Most Counties
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) is expected to reimpose coronavirus restrictions in most counties in the state on Wednesday amid rising hospitalizations and deaths. The restrictions, set to go into effect next weekend, will apply to 87 of the state’s 92 counties, which are considered to be at the two higher-risk levels of virus spread. The highest-risk red counties will only allow gatherings of up to 25 people, while the next-highest orange counties will permit crowds of up to 50 people, the governor said during his address. (Coleman, 11/11)
Mississippi Clarion Ledger: COVID-19 In MS: Reeves Extends Mask Mandate For 15 Counties
Gov. Tate Reeves announced Wednesday he is extending his Safe Recovery order into December, affecting residents in 15 counties across the state. The order will now remain in effect until Dec. 11. It was originally set to expire at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Reeves said in a news release that he knows everyone in the state is growing increasingly more frustrated by the orders, but reiterated their importance. (Rowe, 11/11)
In other COVID-related news from the states —
Burlington Free Press: Burlington Detects Increased COVID-19 Prevalence Per Wastewater Monitoring
Residents of Burlington's New North End appear to be flushing down the toilet evidence of an increased presence of COVID-19 in their neighborhood. The city's wastewater monitoring program detected heightened prevalence of the disease in this neighborhood, according to a statement issued Monday by Mayor Miro Weinberger, who called on residents in the area to keep gatherings small and take other COVID-19 precautions (like testing) if warranted. (Syed, 11/11)
Albuquerque Journal: Governor Chooses UNM Dean/Doctor As DOH Secretary
A New Mexico doctor with a research background and a self-described interest in social justice issues will take the reins of the state Department of Health, a state agency on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Tracie Collins, the dean of the University of New Mexico’s College of Population Health, was appointed on Wednesday by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and will start her new job next month.She will succeed former DOH Secretary Kathy Kunkel, who stepped down this fall. (Boyd, 11/11)
