Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Some Businesses, Stores Keep Mask Rules Despite CDC Guidelines
CNN: Stores Like CVS, Walgreens And Macy's Review Mask Policies After New CDC Guidance
CVS, Walgreens and Macy's said they are reviewing their requirements for facial coverings following new CDC guidance easing mask wearing for people vaccinated against Covid-19. The CDC said Thursday that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks or practice social distancing indoors or outdoors, except under certain circumstances such as in healthcare settings, on public transportation, or in areas where governments require masks. The CDC also said people will still need to follow workplace and local businesses' mask guidance. (Meyersohn and Wiener-Bronner, 5/13)
Bloomberg: CDC’s U-Turn Puts Business In ‘Damned If You Do’ (Or Don’t) Bind
Companies are rushing to assess their mask policies after a sudden announcement by U.S. officials put newly relaxed federal guidelines in conflict with the rules at many businesses. Home Depot Inc. and TJX Cos. said they don’t immediately plan to change their policies advising face coverings be worn inside their stores, while Macy’s Inc., Levi Strauss & Co. and Gap Inc. said they’re reviewing the new guidance. The National Restaurant Association is also looking at the recommendations and is evaluating its Covid-19 operating guidance and best practices for restaurants, while some banks are indicating they’ll continue to require face coverings -- at least for now. (Clough, Boyle and Court, 5/13)
NPR: Shopping Without A Mask Depends On Where You Live, Despite New CDC Guidelines
"Now is the moment" to relax the guidance for vaccinated Americans, said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on Thursday. She credited a drop in infections, effective vaccines and availability of the shots to nearly everyone who wants one. But local and state leaders in some places are still telling people to adhere to existing face-covering and social distancing guidelines, and businesses generally need to stick with the restrictions. It's no surprise then that the sweeping reversal is causing some confusion about how people should behave out in the world — specifically in grocery stores. (Romo, 5/13)
The Wall Street Journal: With Busy Airports And Restaurants, U.S. Moves Closer To Full Reopening
The return to a pre-pandemic normal in the U.S. is gaining speed. The New York City subway hit its highest daily ridership since March 13, 2020, with some 2.2 million riders last Friday. More than 1.7 million people traveled through the nation’s airports on Sunday, the most since the start of the pandemic. The San Francisco Symphony held its first in-person performance in more than a year, and the Kansas City Symphony plans to return later this month to its concert hall. (West, 5/13)
