Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
White House Renews 'Public Health Emergency' Pandemic Status
Fox News: Biden Administration Renews COVID-19 'Public Health Emergency' Declaration
The Biden administration has once again renewed a declaration that a "public health emergency" exists due to the continued spread of the coronavirus. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra issued the renewal on Monday – the sixth time the federal government has done so since the initial declaration was made at the start of the pandemic last year. Following the declarations, the federal government can tap into certain funds to combat the public health emergency, amongst other actions. (Norman, 7/20)
The Hill: Biden Says US Has 'A Way To Go' On Coronavirus
President Biden on Tuesday touted the progress the U.S. has made against the coronavirus pandemic but acknowledged that the country has a long way to go amid a rise in cases due to the delta variant. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting marking his first six months in office, Biden said that his administration’s focus is on persuading those who are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19 to get their shot. (Chalfant, 7/20)
Politico: Biden Tiptoes Around Fox News Amid Pushback On Covid Vaccine Disinfo
As President Joe Biden scrambles to convince hesitant Americans to get the Covid-19 vaccine, his White House has largely steered clear of Fox News, the major cable news outlet whose opinion hosts and guests have been spreading unsubstantiated fears about vaccinations. The White House has so far taken an arms-length approach to Fox, despite its strong following among supporters of former President Donald Trump, who watch the network more regularly than any other cable outlet, and are less likely to be vaccinated than the average American. Administration officials have appeared only sparingly on the network to discuss the necessity of the vaccine and counter persistent doubts about its efficacy being voiced there. And off of Fox’s airwaves, they have been reluctant to call out the network. (Cadelago and Stein, 7/20)
The Washington Post: Delta Variant Poses Major Risk To Biden’s Promises Of Swift Economic Comeback
A resurgence in coronavirus cases is threatening the Biden administration’s promises of a swift economic recovery, with Wall Street getting battered on Monday and some leading forecasters beginning to rethink their extremely rosy projections. The administration is closely monitoring the economic risks associated with the delta variant, and senior U.S. officials have in recent days suggested that local restrictions may have to be reimposed in response to the pandemic. (Stein and Long, 7/20)
