Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
White House Reveals Plan For Free Uber, Lyft Rides To Get Covid Shots
NPR: Uber And Lyft Will Give Free Rides To COVID-19 Vaccination Spots, White House Says
Anyone needing a ride to get a COVID-19 vaccine shot will be able to get a free trip from the ride-sharing companies Lyft and Uber, the White House announced Tuesday, in the latest push to encourage Americans to get vaccinated. "The feature will launch in the next two weeks and run until July 4," the White House said. People who want to use the program would need to select a vaccination site near them and then redeem the companies' offer of a free ride. The two ride-sharing firms will promote the offer in their apps. (Chappell, 5/11)
In other news about the rollout —
ABC News: In NYC, Vaccinations Are Coming To A Subway Station Near You
In an effort to meet New Yorkers where they are, the state is offering pop-up COVID-19 vaccination sites at some subway and commuter stations this week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday. The eight sites include Penn Station, Grand Central, Coney Island, Myrtle-Wyckoff in Brooklyn, E.180 St. in the Bronx, 179 St. in Queens, LIRR Hempstead and MetroNorth Ossining. They will be open from May 12 to May 16. (Schumaker, 5/11)
The Baltimore Sun: Memes, Gifs And Vaccine Clapbacks: How The Baltimore Health Department Is Making Public Health Messaging Fun
The Baltimore City Health Department prides itself on being the oldest health department in the nation, having been around since 1793. But you wouldn’t think of them as old if you follow them on Twitter. In the past week, @BMore_Healthy has been racking up praise — and calls for a pay raise — for its expert use of memes, gifs and epidemiologist-approved graphics to share the latest public health information and encourage Baltimore residents to get the COVID vaccine. (Kamidi, 5/11)
Philadelphia Inquirer: Nearly Half Of Philly’s Firefighters, Police Have Skipped COVID-19 Vaccines, Unions Say
Nearly half of Philadelphia’s fire and police workers are unvaccinated despite being eligible to receive the shot for months, according to unions representing both groups. Philadelphia Firefighters Local 22, which represents about 2,800 firefighters and EMTs, reported 51% of its members have been vaccinated. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge Five reported 3,562 members have been vaccinated, more than half the force. The union did not offer any demographic breakdowns of that number and was not able to distinguish between officers and civilian employees. (Laughlin and Orso, 5/12)
Los Angeles Times: Hundreds In Orange County Protest COVID Vaccine Passports
On the same day that Orange County recorded some of its most positive coronavirus statistics to date — nearing the least restrictive yellow tier in the state’s reopening blueprint — hundreds of protesters gathered to blast the Board of Supervisors for a proposal to create “vaccine passports,” or digital records that document COVID-19 vaccination status. The public backlash began in April after the county announced plans to launch a pilot program for credentialing. Almost immediately, a vocal group of opponents expressed concern that the digital records would be used to “track” people and reveal private healthcare information. Opponents also said it would allow the county to favor residents who chose to get vaccinated. (Smith and Vega, 5/11)
The Mercury News: Videos Show 'Sovereign Citizen' Stealing Vials Of COVID-19 Vaccine. He Posted The Videos On Social Media
A 32-year-old St. Paul man twice last week recorded and posted videos on social media that showed him pretending that he wanted a COVID-19 vaccine, but instead walking off with the vials that he said were “poison” and wanted to have tested in a lab. Thomas Edward Humphrey, who touts his involvement with an anti-governmental group, has gained national attention since making the videos and posting them on Facebook. He also has the attention of local law enforcement. (Ferraro, 5/11)
Also —
The Oregonian: Gov. Kate Brown Outlines Path To Reopening: When 70% Of Oregon Gets Partially Vaccinated, She’ll Lift Most COVID-19 Restrictions
Gov. Kate Brown on Tuesday laid out a specific roadmap for fully reopening Oregon’s economy and making a big step toward normalcy: When 70% of the state’s residents 16 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, she’ll eliminate most statewide restrictions meant to hamper the spread of the disease. That includes the lifting of capacity limits on restaurants, bars, stores, gyms, sporting venues, movie theaters and limitations on the number of people who can gather indoors or out for events such as road races and festivals. No counties will remain under the current “risk level” tiers based on their rates of infections. (Green, 5/11)
