On his second day in office, President Biden launched a national Covid-19 strategy and signed 10 executive orders and other directives as part of the plan. Here are details about what is planned and specific changes that people can expect in the coming weeks and months:
- Increased consumption, such as masks, gowns, gloves, quick test kits Covid-19, test agents and vaccine materials through actions of federal agencies that include the authorization of the Defense Production Act.
- States and schools will see more funding. Reimbursement of the cost of personnel and supplies of the National Guard will increase to 100% from 75%, and a federal disaster relief fund will be operated to cover eligible reopening costs of schools.
- A federal testing board will be created to enhance testing, increase U.S. test production, support school screening, and ensure fairness in testing communities of color.
- Travelers will have to wear masks at airports and on certain types of public transport, such as many trains, ships, intercity buses and airplanes. International travelers will need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test before leaving for the US and follow the self-isolation and quarantine guidelines on arrival.
- A federal preclinical drug discovery and development program will focus on developing and evaluating treatments for pandemic threats and will support access to treatments for people without health insurance.
- Publicly available dashboards with information on Covid-19 cases, testing, vaccinations and hospitalizations will be available nationally and statewide.
- Covid response links will be established for each state, as the administration supports the launch of 100 federally supported community vaccination centers and the availability of vaccines in pharmacies next month.
- The Occupational Health and Safety Administration will issue the employer’s guide to keep workers safe from exposure and will examine the establishment of temporary emergency standards.
- A federal working group will be set up to provide recommendations to Mr Biden on the allocation of resources and funding to communities with inequities in virus outcomes by race, ethnicity, geography, disability and other considerations.
- A presidential directive focuses on supporting the international pandemic response effort.
Write to Stephanie Armor at [email protected]