Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
White House Nixed CDC Order Mandating Masks On Public Transit
The New York Times: White House Blocked C.D.C. From Requiring Masks on Public Transportation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention drafted a sweeping order last month requiring all passengers and employees to wear masks on all forms of public and commercial transportation in the United States, but it was blocked by the White House, according to two federal health officials. The order would have been the toughest federal mandate to date aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus, which continues to infect more than 40,000 Americans a day. The officials said that it was drafted under the agency’s “quarantine powers” and that it had the support of the secretary of health and human services, Alex M. Azar II, but the White House Coronavirus Task Force, led by Vice President Mike Pence, declined to even discuss it. (Kaplan, 10/9)
And more news related to the White House 'superspreader' event —
The Hill: Pentagon Puts On Show Of Force As Questions Circle On COVID-19 Outbreak
The Pentagon is putting on a show of force as most of its Joint Chiefs of Staff quarantine after two top military officials tested positive for COVID-19 last week and possibly exposed others. Defense Department officials have repeatedly insisted that military readiness has not been affected and that it remains ready to defend the country, a stance it repeated on Thursday. (Mitchell, 10/11)
Politico: Christie Exits Hospital After Bout With Coronavirus
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has been able to leave the hospital a week after testing positive for the coronavirus, he announced Saturday. “I am happy to let you know that this morning I was released from Morristown Medical Center,” Christie tweeted. (Landergan, 10/10)
In other updates from the Trump administration —
USA Today: Donald Trump Signs Law To Address Missing, Murdered Native Americans
President Donald Trump signed a bill Saturday aimed at addressing missing and murdered Native Americans. Savanna's Act will establish national law enforcement guidelines between the federal government and American Indian tribes to help track, solve and prevent crimes against Native Americans. The law is named after Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, a pregnant 22-year-old Spirit Lake tribal member from North Dakota who was killed in 2017. ... Murder is the third-leading cause of death for American Indian/Alaska Native women, according to the Urban Indian Health Institute. (Flores, 10/11)
