CDC Is Bowing to Political Pressure With COVID Changes

For two years, governors across the country have issued orders to businesses, schools, and public services, including vaccination and mask mandates. With the precipitous drop in Omicron cases, virtually all states (including blue state governors) are lifting most, or all, COVID-19 restrictions. Under political pressure to return to a semblance of normality, the White House announced that the CDC will significantly ease federal mask-wearing guidelines. (CDC requirements to mask on mass transport including air travel will stay intact). The White House is also overhauling its pandemic response strategy to step down from crisis response, although President Biden has informed Congress he will extend the federal emergency declaration due to expire on March 1. The President is expected to announce the COVID-19 overall in his State of the Union address.

Read the op-ed here.