Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Pennsylvania Plans Memorial Day Reopening; Philly Will Be Slower
Philadelphia Inquirer: Pennsylvania Will Fully Reopen On Memorial Day, Lifting COVID-19 Rules. Philadelphia Won’t Follow Suit — Yet
Pennsylvania will lift its coronavirus mitigation measures on Memorial Day, state officials announced Tuesday, marking a milestone in the pandemic recovery and freeing businesses and patrons to prepare to fill restaurants, bars, and stores for the first time in more than a year. Philadelphia, however, was not yet set to follow suit: The city will said it will review the state’s policy but retain its own restrictions. Officials are working on the city’s reopening plans. (McCarthy and McDaniel, 5/5)
The New York Times: Sudden Decision To Reopen Leaves New Yorkers Dizzy And Divided
The news longed for by so many for so long landed like a jolting boom: New York City is reopening — not someday, not hopefully soon, but in two weeks. Last year’s erasure of the city’s nightlife, culture, dining and shopping — the things that make New York New York — would be suddenly undone. By Tuesday, a day after Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s announcement, New Yorkers were responding with a mix of joy, did-I-hear-that-right double-takes and doubt. The idea of having so much come back so soon — on May 19, a seemingly random Wednesday around the corner — was, for many, dizzying. (Wilson, 5/4)
Fox News: DeSantis Emergency Order Does Not Convince Publix, Florida Public Schools To Ditch Masks
Many Florida schools and the state’s largest grocery store chain will continue to require masks for the time being, despite Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive action this week to suspend local COVID-19 emergency orders, according to multiple reports. DeSantis’ executive order does not block businesses within the state from requiring mask or social distancing. During a press conference earlier in the week, the governor noted that establishments such as supermarkets or Disney theme parks could still implement mask mandates on-site. Grocery giant Publix told FOX 13 that it will still require customers to wear masks while shopping at its stores. The chain has mandated masks on-site throughout the pandemic. (Barrabi, 5/4)
Bloomberg: LA, San Francisco Move To Lowest Tier For Covid Restrictions
Los Angeles and San Francisco entered California’s least-restrictive tier for economic reopenings, increasing capacity for a wide range of businesses and private gatherings as the state tamps down new Covid-19 cases. Restaurants, gyms and movie theaters can expand to 50% of their regular occupancy. Bars will be able to open at 25% capacity indoors. Stadiums and other outdoor events may expand to as much as 67% of capacity. The new health orders will go into effect Thursday. (Palmeri and Baker, 5/4)
Also —
The Oregonian: Oregon To Lift Indoor Dining Restrictions Because Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients Increased By 14.9%, Not 15%
To the relief of cash-strapped restaurants and residents desperate for a return to normalcy despite a fourth wave of COVID-19 cases, Gov. Kate Brown on Tuesday announced that by the end of the week she’ll lift a set of “extreme risk” restrictions that have stifled businesses in 15 counties across Oregon. What’s more, Brown said she doesn’t expect to restore those restrictions again during the pandemic. (Green, 5/4)
The Oregonian: Oregon Businesses Challenge COVID Restrictions In Federal Lawsuit Against Gov. Kate Brown
A group of businesses has filed a lawsuit against Gov. Kate Brown over her recent extension of Oregon’s state of emergency, which was first implemented in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state of emergency, which Brown extended by 60 days last week, gives her the authority to issue restrictions on business operations, among other things. (Ramakrishnan, 5/4)
