Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Study Backs Up Claims That Schools Can Be Safe For Kids During Pandemic
Bloomberg: NYC Schools Aren’t Covid Super-Spreaders, City Study Finds
In-person learning in New York City’s public schools was not associated with increased Covid-19 infections compared with the general community, according to a peer-reviewed study released Wednesday. The study, led by senior health adviser Jay Varma and published in the Pediatrics medical journal, provides data to back up claims by city officials that school buildings are among the safest places in New York. (Banjo, 3/10)
The Baltimore Sun: Baltimore City, Counties Review Maryland Governor’s Order To Ease COVID Restrictions
Officials in Baltimore and several Maryland counties spent much of Wednesday scrambling to rework potential new local coronavirus rules following Gov. Larry Hogan’s announcement that most statewide restrictions will loosen significantly at the end of the week. (Stole and Opilo, 3/10)
Axios: Minnesota's More Normal Pandemic Summer Starts To Take Shape
Another "dial turn" announcement in the state's return to pre-pandemic life is coming as soon as this week. An update on capacity restrictions at Twins games at Target Field and other large events could come within "days," Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday. The governor is also expected to address rules for restaurants and other businesses. (Van Oot, 3/10)
KHN: High Obesity Rates In Southern States Magnify Covid Threat
In January, as Mississippi health officials planned for their incoming shipments of covid-19 vaccine, they assessed the state’s most vulnerable: health care workers, of course, and elderly people in nursing homes. But among those who needed urgent protection from the virus ripping across the Magnolia State were 1 million Mississippians with obesity. Obesity and weight-related illnesses have been deadly liabilities in the covid era. A report released this month by the World Obesity Federation found that increased body weight is the second-greatest predictor of covid-related hospitalization and death across the globe, trailing only old age as a risk factor. (Varney, 3/11)
In other news from Georgia —
Albany Herald: Foundation Grant Aimed At Medical Billing, Debt In Southwest Georgia
Community groups and health care providers in southwest Georgia will get help addressing problems with medical billing and debt thanks to a $190,000 grant, Atlanta-based consumer advocacy group Georgia Watch announced Wednesday. The grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will let Georgia Watch work with two other nonprofits — Georgians for a Healthy Future and SOWEGA Rising — to help hospitals in the region improve their billing and collections practices. (Williams, 3/10)
