Unions sue Biden administration for stricter COVID mandates

HEALTH AND SCIENCE

Labor unions sue Biden administration to expand Covid vaccine mandates and cover smaller businesses

PUBLISHED MON, NOV 15 202111:06 AM ESTUPDATED MON, NOV 15 202112:05 PM EST

Spencer Kimball@SPENCEKIMBALL

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KEY POINTS

• The AFL-CIO, United Food and Commercial Workers, and Service Employees International unions challenged the Biden administration’s business vaccine mandate in federal appeals courts last week.
• While they support the vaccine and testing requirements, the unions want the mandates to cover as many businesses as possible, not just those with 100 or more employees.
• As unions are trying to get the mandates expanded, Republican attorneys general are trying to get them overturned.

Liz Schuler, AFL-CIO President, speaks as Thousands welcome back Congress by marching for Citizenship, Care, And Climate Justice on September 21, 2021 in Washington, DC.

Paul Morigi | Getty Images

Several of the nation’s largest labor unions are suing over President Joe Biden’s vaccine and testing requirements, not to overturn them, but to expand them to cover more businesses.

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union and the AFL-CIO asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia last week to review the requirements. The AFL-CIO is the largest federation of trade unions in the U.S., and the UFCW is the largest meatpacking and food processing union.

While the unions did not provide arguments in their petition, a spokesman for the food workers union told CNBC the group wants the mandates expanded to cover as many businesses as possible. The union also wants the new Labor Department rule to ensure employees don’t have to cover the costs of Covid testing and face masks. The Biden mandates don’t force companies to cover those costs.

The food workers’ union said in a statement to CNBC it wants to “strengthen the worker protections to ensure that as many workers are covered as possible, that frontline employees have a voice in how vaccine requirements are implemented, and that employees do not shoulder the cost of masks, testing, or other critical safeguards needed to keep workers and customers safe.”

The Service Employees International Union also challenged Biden’s vaccine and testing requirements last week in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. SEIU local 32BJ represents 175,000 workers — primarily building security guards and cleaners — across New York, New England, New Jersey, parts of Pennsylvania, the D.C. metro area and Florida.

The service employees, in their petition, said the Biden policy “fails to adequately protect all workers who face a grave danger from COVID-19 exposure in the workplace.” SEIU 32BJ President Kyle Bragg told CNBC in a statement Friday that his local wants the mandates expanded to include all businesses.

“We believe that we all have to do our part to help our communities return to normal and that the COVID vaccine or test mandate should be broader in scope to also apply to employers with less than 100 employees,” Bragg said. “An exemption for these employers undermines the effort to protect public health.”

The Labor Department declined to comment on the unions’ lawsuits. Biden, in a speech shortly after Labor Day, said he intends to be “the most pro-union President leading the most pro-union administration in American history.”

The AFL-CIO, food workers and service workers unions lobbied White House officials in conference calls with the Office of Management and Budget last month to include broader protections in the mandates for workers, such as ventilation standards and requirements for businesses to ensure physical distancing where appropriate. The administration did not include those measures in its vaccination and testing policy.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which will enforce the mandates for the Labor Department, has said it set the threshold at businesses with 100 or more employees because it was confident those companies had the tools in place to implement the requirements.

OSHA said it decided against mandating broader Covid mitigation measures across industries because doing so “is an extraordinarily challenging and complicated undertaking.” The agency said it had to “act as quickly as possible” to protect workers from the grave danger posed by Covid, and vaccination is “the single most efficient and effective means” to do so.

However, OSHA has indicated that it could expand the mandates to cover smaller businesses and is considering whether to add more requirements to protect employees. The agency is seeking information, through a public comment period, from companies that have broader protections in place as well as businesses with fewer than 100 employees that have vaccination and testing requirements.

The Biden administration now faces a legal tug of war over the vaccine and testing requirements. As labor unions push to have the courts expand the mandates, Republican attorneys general in at least 26 states have sued in five federal appellate courts to have the Biden policy overturned.

The Republican National Committee has also sued in the D.C. Court of Appeals to overturn the mandates. That case has been consolidated with the AFL-CIO and UFCW’s petition for review.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, considered one of the most conservative in the country, halted the requirements on Nov. 6, writing that the lawsuits “give cause to believe there are grave statutory and constitutional issues with the Mandate.”

The court reaffirmed its decision to delay the requirements on Friday evening, calling them “fatally flawed” and “staggeringly overbroad.” The court said the lawsuits seeking to overturn the requirements are likely to succeed.

The court-ordered halt came in response to suits filed by the Republican attorneys general of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Utah, as well as several private companies.

The cases will be consolidated in a single court through random selection among the jurisdictions where petitions have been filed. The Justice Department said last week that the random selection will take place on Tuesday at the earliest.

The selection process could prove crucial to the future of the vaccine and testing requirements. While Republican attorneys general have filed in federal appellate courts with more GOP-appointed judges, the unions have filed in courts with more Democratic-appointed judges.

David Vladeck, a professor of law at Georgetown University, told CNBC last week that there’s a “high probability” the case could end up in the Supreme Court, where there’s a conservative majority.

The White House has told businesses to continue implementing the requirements as the legal drama plays out in the courts. Companies with 100 or more employees have until Jan. 4 to ensure their staff have received the shots required for full vaccination. After that date, unvaccinated employees must submit a negative Covid test weekly to enter the workplace. Unvaccinated employees must start wearing masks indoors at the workplace starting Dec. 5.

“People should not wait,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters last Monday. “They should continue to move forward and make sure they’re getting their workplace vaccinated.”

Above is from:  https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/15/biden-vaccine-mandate-unions-sue-to-include-more-covid-protections.html?recirc=taboolainternal

November 18: Johns Hopkins COVID 19 Report

COVID-19 Situation Report

Editor: Alyson Browett, MPH

Contributors: Clint Haines, MS; Natasha Kaushal, MSPH; Amanda Kobokovich, MPH; Christina Potter, MSPH; Matthew Shearer, MPH; Marc Trotochaud, MSPH; and, Rachel A. Vahey, MHS.

The COVID-19 Situation Report will not publish next week in recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will resume publication on November 30.

GLOBAL HEALTH SECURITY INDEX On December 8 (9am EST), the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) are launching the 2021 Global Health Security Index. The GHS Index is a comprehensive assessment that provides a benchmark for capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to epidemics and pandemics across 195 countries. COVID-19 continues to disrupt lives and livelihoods, stress health systems, and exhaust social protections and government budgets around the world, and it will not be the last global health emergency the world will face. The need for durable national health capacities and political and social environments that foster effective prevention and response measures has never been clearer. Attendees are requested to register in advance, and an agenda will be sent to registrants. The launch event will be conducted in English with translation available in French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, and Russian.

EPI UPDATE The WHO COVID-19 Dashboard reports 254.3 million cumulative cases and 5.1 million deaths worldwide as of November 17. Global weekly incidence increased for the fourth consecutive week, while global weekly mortality rose slightly over the previous week. Weekly incidence increased by 7.84% compared to the previous week, and mortality increased by 1.45%. During the week ending November 14, 3.3 million cases were reported, with Europe accounting for 2.15 million of those, according to the WHO COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update.

Global Vaccination

The WHO reported 7.3 billion cumulative doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines administered globally as of November 15. A total of 4.05 billion individuals have received at least 1 dose, and 3.06 billion are fully vaccinated. Analysis from Our World in Data indicates that the overall trend in global daily vaccinations has decreased over the past week, down to 29.6 million doses per day on November 17 from a recent high of 33.48 million doses per day on November 14.*

Our World in Data estimates that there are 4.13 billion vaccinated individuals worldwide (1+ dose; 52.41% of the global population) and 3.25 billion who are fully vaccinated (41.23% of the global population).

*The average daily doses administered may exhibit a sharp decrease for the most recent data, particularly over the weekend, which indicates effects of reporting delays. In an effort to reflect the longer-term trends, the numbers reported here may not correspond to the most recent data.

UNITED STATES

The US CDC reports 47.2 million cumulative COVID-19 cases and 762,994 deaths. The current daily incidence average is approximately 85,944 new cases per day and appears to be increasing. Daily mortality appears to be holding relatively steady, with the US currently averaging 1,028 deaths per day.*

*Changes in state-level reporting may affect the accuracy of recently reported data, particularly over weekends. In an effort to reflect the longer-term trends, the numbers reported here may not correspond to the most recent dates.

US Vaccination

The US has administered 434.5 million cumulative doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The daily vaccination trend reached a recent peak at 1.2 million doses on October 29 but has declined slightly to 1.17 million doses as of November 5.* Since CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky endorsed the recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to authorize use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years, an estimated 1 million elementary-age kids have received their first dose, according to a White House official.

There are 228.2 million individuals who have received at least 1 vaccine dose, equivalent to 68.7% of the entire US population. Among adults, 81.7% have received at least 1 dose, as well as 15.3 million children under the age of 18. A total of 195.6 million individuals are fully vaccinated, which corresponds to 58.9% of the total population. Approximately 70.7% of adults are fully vaccinated, as well as 12.9 million children under the age of 18. Since August 13, 31.5 million fully vaccinated individuals have received an additional or booster dose, including 37.3% of fully vaccinated adults aged 65 years or older.

*Due to delays in reporting, estimates for the average daily doses administered are less accurate for the most recent 5 days. The most current average provided here corresponds to 5 days ago.

BOOSTER DOSES The US FDA is expected to expand eligibility for booster shots of mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to all adults who received their second dose at least 6 months prior, as early as today. Both vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna already are authorized as booster doses* for adults aged 65 years and older, adults at risk of severe disease due to underlying health conditions, and adults at risk of disease due to their occupation. According to some estimates, between 30-40% of adults are not eligible for booster doses under current authorizations. The FDA is expected to decide on Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s requests to expand their vaccines’ emergency use authorizations (EUAs) without convening the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) for discussion. VRBPAC previously rejected initial requests for booster doses for all adults for both vaccines in favor of scaled back authorizations focusing on at-risk populations. There are some concerns that not convening the expert panel could undercut its influence and skip important public discussions about the use of limited global vaccine resources and breakthrough cases. A meeting of the US CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to discuss booster dose efficacy on November 19. Some US states—amid rising COVID-19 cases and frustration with what they see as a delay in federal approval for widespread booster shots—have moved forward to expand eligibility among their populations.

Meanwhile, the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) expanded SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine booster eligibility in England from all adults aged 50 and older to all adults aged 40 years and over in an effort to stem new infections, as mainland Europe experiences a large surge. The panel also recommended a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for adolescents ages 16-17 years, a minimum of 12 weeks after their initial dose. Many in Europe are expecting a difficult winter with high SARS-CoV-2 transmission. But as wealthier nations continue to expand booster dose eligibility to larger swaths of their populations, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus last week called SARS-CoV-2 vaccine disparities between high-income and low- and middle-income countries a “scandal.” There are currently 100 countries at risk of falling short of the WHO’s previous goal of fully vaccinating 40% of the global population by year’s end. The WHO claims that this goal could still be achieved if COVAX immediately received 500 million additional doses of vaccine. Experts warn that ongoing global vaccine disparity could lead to the rise of additional SARS-CoV-2 variants with the potential to escape current immunity and vaccine design.

*The Pfizer-BioNTech dose is the full dose of the prime-boost series (30μg) while the Moderna booster is administered as a half dose of the original 2 shots (50μg vs 100μg).

VACCINE SUPPLY The administration of US President Joe Biden this week announced plans to invest billions of dollars to expand domestic manufacturing capabilities to increase the supply of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by 1 billion doses annually. According to the White House, the funds will go to companies that make mRNA vaccines—including Pfizer, BioNTech, Moderna, and other subcontractors—to expand vaccine infrastructure and capacity, such as facility space, equipment, and staff. Funding will come from the American Rescue Plan that President Biden signed into law in March. So far, the US has pledged to donate at least 1.1 billion doses to LMICs and is requesting that other wealthier countries make similar commitments to address global inequities in vaccine access and distribution. The Biden administration is under increasing pressure to do more to close vaccine access gaps and reach global vaccination goals, and while this latest announcement is welcomed, no agreement has been reached with the pharmaceutical companies and any results in increased manufacturing are not expected until the latter half of 2022. In a US House of Representatives Appropriations subcommittee hearing this week, some lawmakers focused their criticism on Moderna, saying the company has not contributed enough to global vaccine supplies and criticizing it for its reluctance to give credit and share vaccine technology patent rights with government scientists. For its part, the US government has asked Moderna to take steps to help increase vaccine supplies, particularly in Africa—where less than 7% of the population is vaccinated— and with COVAX. It is unclear whether these latest steps by the Biden administration will help quell the growing anger among some activists.

US HEALTHCARE WORKER EXODUS Due to the protracted nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, many US healthcare workers are facing extreme burnout and leaving their posts in droves. About 18% of healthcare workers in the US have quit since the beginning of the pandemic and another 12% have been laid off. The stressors of the current emergency have nearly doubled the risk of burnout among physicians, with up to 75% reporting symptoms of exhaustion, depression, sleep disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Healthcare workers also are reporting higher rates of “moral injury,” prolonged moral trauma caused by factors including staffing shortages, a lack of equipment necessary to treat patients, decreasing wages, or feelings of helplessness. The exodus is increasing strain on already pressured healthcare systems as they struggle to fill vacancies and ensure patients' needs are met. Some experts—worried about how to restore and reinvigorate an essential, yet exhausted, workforce—are calling on the federal government for help to address healthcare worker shortages and urging healthcare systems to implement better preventive measures, such as creating chief wellness officer positions to oversee employees’ needs. With so many healthcare workers leaving their jobs, steps must be taken to ensure continuity in patient care and to prevent an implosion of the nation’s healthcare system.

PFIZER ORAL ANTIVIRAL Pfizer submitted a request for emergency use authorization (EUA) of its candidate oral antiviral COVID-19 treatment PAXLOVID—a combination of a new antiviral, PF-07321332, and ritonavir—with the US FDA on November 16. The submission is based on an interim analysis from a Phase 2/3 clinical trial showing the treatment demonstrated an 89% risk reduction in COVID-19-related hospitalization or death among high-risk adults when administered within 3 days of symptom onset. If authorized, the medication could help people with COVID-19 recover at home instead of seeking treatment at a hospital, and therefore reduce the strain on the healthcare system. Another similar COVID-19 treatment could be authorized soon, with an FDA advisory committee set to consider an EUA application from Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics for their candidate antiviral drug molnupiravir on November 30. The US government plans to purchase 10 million courses of Pfizer’s treatment at a cost of $5 billion, although the deal is not yet finalized. Both Pfizer and Merck have announced voluntary license agreements with the Medicines Patent Pool to allow sub-licensed generic medicine manufacturers to produce the antivirals for 95 countries, including all low- and lower-middle income countries. However, availability will remain a challenge, as Merck expects to supply around 3 million courses of its treatment before February 2022 and Pfizer expects to supply only about 300,000 courses prior to February. For context, an average of more than 500,000 cases are confirmed daily worldwide.

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE An increasing number of countries are pledging to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), but the COVID-19 pandemic has stalled progress and potentially drove an increase in the prevalence of AMR infections, according to a survey supported by the WHO, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Funding reductions, coordination challenges, lack of political commitment, and delays in surveillance are some of the factors impacting the development and implementation of national AMR plans, according to the 163 countries that responded to the Tripartite AMR survey. Part of the problem is a lack of regulatory enforcement in many countries, with only 33% of nations saying they have guidelines and practices in place to improve the use of antimicrobials in healthcare settings.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) this week warned that the overuse of antimicrobial medicines has risen to unprecedented levels during the pandemic and some nations are reporting surges of drug-resistant infections. A large majority of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the region are given antimicrobials for treatment—90% to 100%—but only 7% have a secondary infection that warranted the use of those drugs. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also released new data this week showing antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections fell in 2020 for the first time since 2016. However, the agency cautioned the world could move from one pandemic into another “hidden pandemic” of AMR and warned the number of resistant infections could increase in the coming years if efforts to reduce them are not sufficient. For years, experts have been calling for more investment into ways to address AMR and prepare for potential outbreaks of drug-resistant diseases. World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is recognized November 18-24.

US OVERDOSE DEATHS An estimated 100,000 people died of drug overdoses in a yearlong period ending in April, a record high number spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and a more deadly drug supply, according to new data from the US CDC. Social isolation and a lack of access to treatment during the beginning of the pandemic likely drove the increase, leading to what US President Joe Biden called “a tragic milestone.” The number of overdose deaths rose 28.5% from the same period a year earlier and has nearly doubled over the past 5 years. Experts warn that even if the COVID-19 pandemic ended today, the increasing use of the synthetic drug fentanyl will continue and urgent steps must be taken to improve access to treatment.

Flying soon? These are the TSA rules you need to know

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

Updated November 15, 2021

TSA Response to COVID-19

The Transportation Security Administration continues to adjust its security operations during the COVID-19 global pandemic. We established this webpage to provide resources and information to assist passengers who travel during this time. TSA is ready to meet the current and future security needs of the nation’s transportation systems and remains dedicated to keeping travelers and our frontline workforce healthy and secure.

For the latest press releases and statements related to COVID-19, please visit our media page.

Face Masks Now Required

The Transportation Security Administration has implemented the Executive Order on face masks at airport security checkpoints and throughout the transportation network when indoors. For more information, please read our latest press release.

Any passenger who violates federal regulations, such as refusal to wear a mask in U.S. transportation systems covered by the January 31, 2021 Security Directive and subsequent amendments, may be subject to penalties or fines. The traveler will also be denied TSA PreCheck expedited screening benefits for a period of time.

Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.

TSA launched the “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.” campaign, which details proactive and protective measures we have implemented at security checkpoints to make the screening process safer for passengers and our workforce by reducing the potential of exposure to the coronavirus. The campaign includes guidance and resources to help passengers prepare for the security screening process in the COVID environment.

Click here for a printable infographic on “What to Know Before You Go.”

Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Travelers are reminded to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel guidance as well as local and state advisories regarding COVID-19.  Starting February 2, 2021, all airline travelers must wear a face mask throughout the travel experience when indoors. You will be asked to adjust your mask for ID verification or if it alarms the security screening equipment.

Travelers are also encouraged to:

• Maintain a social distance of six feet wherever possible while at the checkpoint.
• Remove belts and all personal items from your pockets such as wallets, keys or phones before you enter the checkpoint queue and place them in your carry-on bag.  (Does not apply to TSA PreCheck® members).
• Practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, including directly before and after completing the security screening process. If it is not possible to wash your hands, please use hand sanitizer.
• Arrive at the airport early to allow adequate time for checking bags, completing security screening and getting to the departure gate. COVID-19 has affected staffing and operations across the airport environment, potentially adding time to your pre-flight experience.

Employees or travelers who believe they may have been in contact with a person who has COVID-19 should consult with their healthcare provider. Employees or travelers who have tested positive for COVID-19 should seek medical attention and follow the guidance of their healthcare provider and local health department.

Passenger Volumes

Click to View a comparison of TSA checkpoint travel numbers (current year versus prior year(s)/same weekday).

Security Checkpoints

While security is TSA’s top priority, the health and safety of our employees and the traveling public is of utmost importance to us. TSA remains in close communication with medical professionals, the CDC, and various government agencies as we continue to carry out our important mission. Below are some adjustments TSA has made at security checkpoints to make the security screening process safer.

• Social Distancing

TSA has implemented procedures to increase social distancing and reduce direct contact between our employees and the traveling public whenever possible – without compromising security. Adjustments include increasing distance between passengers as they enter the security checkpoint queue and throughout the screening process, placing visual reminders of appropriate spacing on checkpoint floors, and opening more checkpoint lanes where possible to reduce time spent in line.

• Reduced Physical Contact

TSA is implementing a phased installation of acrylic barriers at various points throughout the checkpoint that require interaction between passengers and TSA officers. Travelers should keep possession of their boarding pass, place it on the document scanner and show the boarding pass to the TSA officer for visual inspection while at the travel document checking station.

• Personal Protective Equipment

TSA officers are required to wear face mask and gloves. They may also choose to wear eye protection or clear plastic face shields. In addition, TSA officers change their gloves following each pat-down and upon passenger request.

• Cleaning and Disinfecting

TSA has increased the frequency and intensity of cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces throughout the checkpoint including security screening equipment and bins. TSA officers are also required to change Explosives Trace Detection swabs after each use.

• Medical Exemption for Hand Sanitizer

As a temporary exemption from the 3-1-1 rule, TSA is allowing one oversized liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags. Since these containers exceed the standard allowance typically permitted through a checkpoint, they will need to be screened separately. This will add some time to your checkpoint screening experience. Please keep in mind that all other liquids, gels and aerosols brought to a checkpoint continue to be limited to 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters carried in a one quart-size bag. TSA’s special procedures for traveling with medication.

• Touchless Technology

New technology continues to be a major priority for TSA. Here are just a few examples of technologies that are changing the way we do business: 1) Computed Tomography (CT) produces high-quality, 3-D images for a more thorough visual analysis of a bag’s contents. 2) Enhanced Advanced Imaging Technology (eAIT) safely screens passengers without physical contact for threats such as weapons and explosives, which may be hidden under a passenger’s clothing. 3) Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machines automatically verify identification documents presented by passengers during the security screening process.

• Expired Driver’s License and REAL ID Extension

If your driver's license or state-issued ID expired on or after March 1, 2020, and you are unable to renew at your state driver’s license agency, you may still use it as acceptable identification at the checkpoint. TSA will accept expired driver’s licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 3, 2023. Learn more about REAL ID on TSA’s REAL ID webpage.

TSA PreCheck®

TSA PreCheck® benefits are even more valuable in today’s travel climate. TSA PreCheck passengers spend less time waiting in line and keep their shoes, belts and jackets on during screening and laptops in their carry-ons, reducing overall contact during screening. Visit TSA PreCheck to learn more. Any passenger who violates federal regulations, such as refusal to wear a mask in U.S. transportation systems covered by the January 31, 2021 Security Directive and subsequent amendments, will be denied TSA PreCheck expedited screening benefits for a period of time.

Airport Closures and Flight Cancellations

TSA does not make decisions about flight cancellations or airport closures. These decisions are made locally, on a case-by-case basis, by individual airlines, airports and public health officials. Before traveling, passengers should check with their airline and airports of origin and destination for the latest information on closures and cancellations.

Supporting our Workforce

The health and safety of our frontline workforce is paramount to TSA. In addition to the measures taken to protect our frontline workforce from COVID-19 transmission, we are also using our unique authorities to provide them with the additional support and care they deserve during this unprecedented time. This includes:

• Granting paid administrative leave or excused absences (rather than requiring use of personal leave) for those who are diagnosed with COVID-19, need to self-quarantine while awaiting a COVID-19 test result, or have had direct contact with an infected individual.
• Providing for the maximum use of telework to promote social distancing.
• Affording new protections and alternatives to employees who are members of vulnerable populations to fit their individual situations.

We will continuously evaluate and adapt our procedures and policies to keep our workforce safe as we learn more about this devastating disease and how it spreads.

TSA Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

TSA has 271 employees with active COVID-19 infections. Those individuals are staying home to help keep the traveling public safe. Since the beginning of the pandemic, TSA has cumulatively had 11,117 federal employees test positive for COVID-19. 10,846 employees have recovered, and 32 have unfortunately died after contracting the virus. We have also been notified that two screening contractors have passed away due to the virus.

TSA is committed to notifying the public about airport locations where TSA employees or screening contractors have tested positive for COVID-19. The chart below lists airports with confirmed COVID-19 cases and the last date worked for the most recent screening employee who tested positive. It does not include non-airport TSA employees or contractors who have limited or no interaction with the public. Passengers who believe they may have come in contact with an infected individual within the past 14 days should follow the  CDC’s recommendations for travel-associated exposure.

Above is from:  Flying soon? These are the TSA rules you need to know (msn.com)

November 11: Johns Hopkins COVID 19 Report

COVID-19 Situation Report

Editor: Alyson Browett, MPH

Contributors: Clint Haines, MS; Natasha Kaushal, MSPH; Amanda Kobokovich, MPH; Christina Potter, MSPH; Matthew Shearer, MPH; Marc Trotochaud, MSPH; and, Rachel A. Vahey, MHS.

EPI UPDATE The WHO COVID-19 Dashboard reports 250.7 million cumulative cases and 5.06 million deaths worldwide as of November 10. Global weekly incidence increased for the third consecutive week, while global weekly mortality fell slightly over the previous week. Weekly incidence increased by 2.68% compared to the previous week, and mortality decreased by 3.68%. The global cumulative incidence surpassed 250 million cases early this week, with several countries in Europe experiencing record numbers of new cases.

Global Vaccination

The WHO reported 7.08 billion cumulative doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines administered globally as of November 8. A total of 3.9 billion individuals have received at least 1 dose, and 3.0 billion are fully vaccinated. Analysis from Our World in Data indicates that the overall trend in global daily vaccinations has decreased over the past week, down to 27.83 million doses per day on November 10 from a recent high of 30.83 million doses per day on November 4.*

Our World in Data estimates that there are 4.04 billion vaccinated individuals worldwide (1+ dose; 51.34% of the global population) and 3.16 billion who are fully vaccinated (40.13% of the global population). Europe, South America, North America, and Oceania all have fully vaccinated at least 50% of their populations, while Asia sits at 44.52% and Africa lags far behind at 6.34%.

*The average daily doses administered may exhibit a sharp decrease for the most recent data, particularly over the weekend, which indicates effects of reporting delays. In an effort to reflect the longer-term trends, the numbers reported here may not correspond to the most recent data.

UNITED STATES

The US CDC reports 46.6 million cumulative COVID-19 cases and 755,201 deaths, passing 750,000 cumulative deaths on November 4. The current daily incidence average is approximately 74,584 new cases per day and appears to be increasing. The decline in daily mortality appears to have passed an inflection point and appears to be holding relatively steady. The US is currently averaging 1,078 deaths per day.*

*Changes in state-level reporting may affect the accuracy of recently reported data, particularly over weekends. In an effort to reflect the longer-term trends, the numbers reported here may not correspond to the most recent dates.

US Vaccination

The US has administered 434.5 million cumulative doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The daily vaccination trend reached a recent peak at 1.2 million doses on October 29 but has declined slightly to 1.17 million doses as of November 5.* Since CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky endorsed the recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to authorize use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years, an estimated 1 million elementary-age kids have received their first dose, according to a White House official.

There are 224.7 million individuals who have received at least 1 vaccine dose, equivalent to 67.7% of the entire US population. Among adults, 80.9% have received at least 1 dose, as well as 15.1 million children under the age of 18. A total of 194 million individuals are fully vaccinated, which corresponds to 58.5% of the total population. Approximately 70.3% of adults are fully vaccinated, as well as 12.8 million children under the age of 18. Since August 13, 26.1 million fully vaccinated individuals have received an additional or booster dose, including 32.4% of fully vaccinated adults aged 65 years or older.

*Due to delays in reporting, estimates for the average daily doses administered are less accurate for the most recent 5 days. The most current average provided here corresponds to 5 days ago.

PFIZER-BIONTECH BOOSTER Pfizer and BioNTech on November 9 submitted a request to the US FDA to authorize their SARS-CoV-2 vaccine as a booster dose for all adults aged 18 years and older. If the FDA grants an amendment to the existing emergency use authorization (EUA)—which it is expected to do, possibly ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday—all 181.5 million fully vaccinated adults in the US would become eligible for an additional shot. Such a move would represent a turnaround from 2 months ago, when an FDA expert panel overwhelmingly recommended against the companies’ request for booster doses for all adults. Notably, that committee is not scheduled to meet in November, meaning the FDA could grant the request without seeking external advice. Pfizer-BioNTech made the request based on unpublished data from a randomized, controlled clinical trial of more than 10,000 people aged 16 and older who previously received a primary 2-dose series of the vaccine. Among those who received a booster dose, relative vaccine efficacy reached 95.6% when compared to those who did not receive a booster. Currently, a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized for individuals aged 65 years and older, individuals ages 18 to 64 years who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 or who have frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2, as well as eligible people who completed primary vaccination with a different SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Health Canada on November 9 authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as a booster dose for all people aged 18 years and older, at least 6 months following the primary 2-dose regimen. A booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the same, 30 μg, as those used in the primary series. Mounting evidence shows a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine significantly increases the antibody response among recipients, although it remains unclear how long any resulting immunity lasts.

MODERNA Moderna and the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) are currently in a dispute over which entity should receive patent rights to the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine the company and the agency developed in partnership. The collaboration to develop the vaccine was widely hailed as a shining example of successful interaction between public and private entities for the benefit of the global population. However, Moderna’s patent paperwork noticeably does not include the government scientists involved in the vaccine development process as co-inventors. Moderna’s stance on this dispute is that they “reached the good-faith determination that these individuals did not co-invent” the vaccine. The NIH and consumer advocacy group Public Citizen disagree with this assessment, believing that federal scientists were core to the invention of the vaccine and should be included on the patent. The NIH and Moderna currently are engaged in talks to resolve the dispute, but if left unresolved, the issue could be taken into the court system for resolution.

Ownership of patents vital to vaccine manufacturing has implications beyond the financial aspect; decisions about distribution of the product and information-sharing on patented technology fall under the patent owner’s control. Moderna has repeatedly come under fire for not providing technical information with vaccine manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), although the company has said it will not enforce patents during the pandemic. Both Moderna and Pfizer—which developed a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in partnership with BioNTech—have limited licensing opportunities with other vaccine manufacturers in an effort to protect their large investments in the technology. But this tight hold on mRNA vaccine technology inhibits other countries with vaccine manufacturing capabilities from negotiating access to the information needed to make the products. Following the successful procurement of ample vaccines for the US population, the US government is now making concerted efforts to send more vaccine doses to the rest of the world. However, those efforts are being significantly stymied by strict contractual language with Moderna that prevents the US from sending doses abroad or sharing manufacturing information. Increased scrutiny on Moderna’s tight grip on vaccine supply and technology have led to promises from the company to play a more significant role in global vaccine distribution, but many have stated these pledges are too little, too late and do not guarantee enough action. Some progress in changing contractual language was made in June, but additional efforts still need to be made to improve worldwide availability of vaccine doses and technology.

AT-HOME TEST RECALL The FDA has issued a recall for additional batches of Australia-based company Ellume’s at-home COVID-19 test kits for potentially false-positive results. This recall is for the same issue that was previously reported in early October and classified as a Class I recall, the most serious recall designation that may result in “serious adverse health consequences or death.” Product batches with a manufacture date between February 24 and August 11, 2021, and distribution dates between April 13 and August 26, 2021, are included in the recall, which includes more than 2.2 million of the 3.5 million tests shipped to the US; Ellume’s previous estimate of faulty tests was 427,000. Those who attempt to use the affected tests will be notified through the app of the recall status, and replacement tests can be requested online. Thus far, the FDA has received reports of 35 false positives from the tests. The Biden administration made a $231.8 million deal with Ellume in February to boost availability of the at-home testing kits in the US, which also helped fund the company’s first manufacturing plant in the US in Frederick, Maryland, with a 500,000 test production capacity per day. The White House made an additional $1 billion allocation for the purchase of the 8 types of at-home testing kits available in the US shortly after the first Ellume recall was publicized.

VACCINE ACCESS The global rollout of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines continues to face various challenges, including hoarding and inequities in vaccine distribution, unfulfilled pledges, vaccine production backlogs, export restrictions, supply chain disruptions, communication breakdowns, logistical hurdles, and misinformation and hesitancy. Experts warn that if wealthy nations continue to put their own interests ahead of the rest of the world and continue to stockpile vaccines, the COVID-19 pandemic will remain two-pronged, with some nations working toward recovery while others continue to be threatened by ongoing outbreaks. Increasingly, public health officials and policymakers are looking toward the future, highlighting lessons learned from this pandemic and drafting an international treaty on pandemic preparedness and response.

The fact remains that the world needs to take steps to fix inequities in vaccine access now in order to reach a goal of vaccinating 70% of the world’s population by September 2022. On November 10, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted a virtual COVID-19 ministerial, during which he said the US will step up efforts to boost vaccine production, increase vaccine donations, and fulfill current pledges. He announced the US helped broker a deal between Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and COVAX to help deliver more doses of the J&J-Janssen SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to conflict zones, humanitarian settings, and frontline workers such as UN peacekeepers, including a US donation of 1.5 million doses of surplus supply. Secretary Blinken also announced a new public-private partnership, called the Global COVID Corps, to facilitate private sector companies in lending expertise and resources to support vaccination campaigns, including supply chain management and on-site vaccine administration. Earlier this week, the heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Group, WHO, and World Trade Organization (WTO) met with the CEOs of vaccine manufacturing companies, acknowledging the urgency of delivering more vaccine doses to low-income countries and calling on G20 nations to join efforts to meet the end-of-year goal to vaccinate 40% of the population in all countries.

The Center for Health security released a report on October 29, Navigating the World that COVID-19 Made: A Strategy for Revamping the Pandemic Research and Development Preparedness and Response Ecosystem, urgently calling on governments, international institutions, and private sector actors to immediately act to address gaps and explore opportunities at each step along the vaccine value chain.

MEASLES In a report published in an early edition of the US CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), researchers from the CDC and WHO voiced concern over diminished progress toward measles elimination, as more than 22 million infants missed their first dose of measles vaccine in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Also in 2020, only 70% of children received their second dose. Additionally, 24 vaccination campaigns in 23 countries were planned in 2020 but were postponed due to the pandemic, leaving more than 93 million people at risk for the disease. Notably, reported measles cases decreased more than 80% in 2020 compared to the previous year, but surveillance activities significantly dropped, with the lowest number of specimens sent in for testing in more than a decade. Missed vaccination doses and gaps in disease surveillance programs highlight the largest increase in unvaccinated children in decades and put many more children at risk of contracting the disease. Major measles outbreaks occurred in 26 countries in 2020, accounting for 84% of all reported cases last year. Despite disruptions to immunization services worldwide, 81 countries (42%) maintained their measles elimination status through the end of 2020, but no new countries were verified as having achieved measles elimination. 

PLASTIC WASTE Global plastic waste was a problem prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and an increase in demand for single-use plastics—especially those used in medical settings—has intensified the problem over the past 2 years, according to a research article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Worldwide, 193 countries have generated about 8 million tons of mismanaged plastic waste (MMPW). Of that waste, nearly 26,000 tons has entered the oceans, where it threatens to have a “long-lasting impact” by disturbing marine life and polluting coasts. The researchers, from China and the US, urged all nations, particularly low- and middle-income countries, to better manage medical and other plastic waste as the pandemic continues. A separate crowd-sourced project is tracking instances of wildlife being killed or disrupted by pandemic-related waste, with researchers noting cases of animal entanglement, entrapment, and ingestion of COVID-19 trash.