Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
States Starting To Broadly Lift Mask Mandates, Other Covid Restrictions
NPR: South Carolina Bans 'Vaccine Passports,' Mask Mandates
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued a coronavirus mandate Tuesday preventing schools and local governments from creating mask mandates. His order also bans the use of so-called vaccine passports in the state. Under the 15-page executive order, parents — not public school officials or school districts — will decide whether students wear masks in class. (Diaz, 5/12)
The Post and Courier: Gov. McMaster Order Ending SC Mask Mandates Created 'Chaos,' Schools Chief Says
An order from Gov. Henry McMaster putting an end to mask mandates statewide prompted emergency meetings as schools and local governments worked to understand how the ruling affected them. The announcement also earned a sharp rebuke from the state’s chief of public schools. (Wildeman and Stanford, 5/12)
The Hill: Ohio To Lift Most COVID-19 Restrictions June 2
Ohio is set to lift most of its coronavirus restrictions in less than a month, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced the new guidelines Wednesday, saying that the mask mandate and remaining coronavirus health orders will be lifted on June 2. Social distancing and capacity restrictions will no longer be required, although schools and businesses will have the ability to put their own rules into place. (Polus, 5/12)
The Baltimore Sun: Coronavirus Restrictions Are Being Eased In Maryland This Weekend. Here’s What You Need To Know
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan held a news conference Wednesday announcing loosened coronavirus restrictions. The Republican governor even said it might be feasible to ditch masks across the state soon if Marylanders continue to get vaccinated. “There is simply no excuse for putting off your vaccination any longer,” Hogan said. (Oxenden, 5/13)
Los Angeles Times: Newsom Says California's Mask Mandate Will End June 15
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that California could significantly ease its mask mandates in the coming weeks as COVID-19 cases continue to decline and vaccinations increase. State health officials have not offered guidance, but Newsom said it could come soon. (Smith, 5/12)
ABC News: New Hawaii Vaccine Pass Allows Vaccinated Residents To Travel Between Islands
Starting this week, fully vaccinated Hawaii residents can skip COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements when flying between the islands. According to the new rules, which Gov. David Ige announced last month, Hawaii residents who were vaccinated in the state are exempt from testing and quarantine on the 15th day after their final vaccine shot. (Schumaker, 5/12)
In related news —
ABC News: Schools Ditch Student Mask Requirements In Growing Numbers
Even as a number of U.S. schools remain closed to minimize infections, districts in states from Alabama to Wyoming decided to ditch student mask mandates. Many more are likely to do the same before the next school year starts, despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance that schools “should prioritize universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing.” Some public health experts are alarmed. (Amy and Whitehurst, 5/13)
CNN: These Long-Awaited Milestones Could Soon Return As More Young Americans Get Vaccinated, CDC Director Says
Americans could soon see milestones like a full return to in-person classrooms now that Covid-19 vaccinations are open to young teens, the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. "I think we should be five days a week everybody present in school in the fall," CDC director Rochelle Walensky told CNN's Chris Cuomo. "I think we will be in a place in this pandemic that we will be able to do that. I think we should all be leaning in." (Holcombe, 5/13)
Axios: 57% Believe Proof Of Vaccines Should Be Required For Sporting Events
57% of U.S. adults believe proof of COVID-19 vaccination should be required to attend a sporting event, per the latest Axios-Ipsos survey. Coincidentally, 58% of American adults have received at least one shot, which President Biden hopes to increase to 70% by July 4. The fully vaccinated NIAID director Anthony Fauci told CNN he "would not hesitate to go to an outdoor baseball game. My risk would be extremely low, particularly if I wear a mask." (Tracy, 5/12)
