Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Reports: Infections Spread At Gyms Without Masking Policies
Chicago Tribune: Report: Chicago Gym Spurred COVID-19 Outbreak After Indoor Workouts
A Chicago gym spurred an outbreak of at least 55 COVID-19 cases over the summer after infected people attended indoor high-intensity exercise classes — including several who had already tested positive for the virus, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Wednesday. (Leventis Lourgos, 2/24)
Hawaii News Now: Study Found Social Distancing Wasn’t Enough To Stop COVID’s Spread In Hawaii Gyms
Masks might be your most important accessory at the gym. That’s the message of a new report that looked at what triggered a large cluster of COVID cases last summer that were linked to three Hawaii gyms. The study, conducted by a team led by acting state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble, found the clusters started when an asymptomatic fitness instructor taught a cycle class. At the time, face masks were not required in fitness centers on Oahu. Researchers said one of the participants of the original cycle class was a fitness instructor who did not display symptoms and unknowingly transmitted the virus to participants during personal training sessions and kick-boxing lessons at another fitness center. (2/24)
Nature: Superspreading Drives The COVID Pandemic — And Could Help To Tame It
Experts say that we already know enough about the main factors of superspreading to use this phenomenon to our advantage. They are calling on policymakers to harness this knowledge to target control measures that will slow — or even stamp out — the pandemic. One of the most basic steps is closing crowded, indoor hotspots to prevent superspreading events. Researchers also recommend following Japan’s lead, by using backwards contact tracing to uncover superspreading events. (Lewis, 2/23)
Fox News: Cases Of Rare Coronavirus-Linked Inflammatory Illness In Children Reported In Virginia: Officials
Five more cases of a rare but potentially serious coronavirus-related inflammatory condition in children have been reported in Virginia, health officials there said. Officials with the Virginia Department of Health said Monday that the five cases have all been reported in the Richmond area, noting that the increase in what is known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) "coincides with the surge in cases of COVID-19 in the metro area." "Other states have also reported increases in MIS-C concurrent with increases in COVID-19 cases," they added. (Farber, 2/24)
The Hill: DC Surpasses 1,000 COVID-19 Deaths
Washington, D.C.'s mayor proclaimed a day of remembrance Wednesday for residents who have died from COVID-19 as the city's death toll passed 1,000. Muriel Bowser (D) called on houses of worship in the District to observe the tragic milestone with a period of mourning at 6 p.m., while encouraging the city's residents to continue following masking and social distancing guidelines. (Bowden, 2/24)
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Politico: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Sister Dies From Covid As City Passes 1,000 Deaths
The sister of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser died on Wednesday from complications related to Covid-19, the same day the city passed 1,000 deaths from the disease. “Mercia was loved immensely and will be missed greatly, as she joins the legion of angels who have gone home too soon due to the pandemic,” Bowser wrote in a statement. (Choi, 2/24)
Axios: Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy Tests Positive For COVID
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday and is isolating at home with mild symptoms, his office announced. Details: Dunleavy originally got tested after being identified as a close contact to someone who contracted the virus and returned a negative result Sunday morning, per a statement. He still went into quarantine in his home in Wasilla, just north of Anchorage. (Falconer, 2/24)
