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Dozens of medical groups call for mandatory health worker vaccinations – US politics live Dozens of medical groups call for mandatory health worker vaccinations – US politics live
(32 minutes later)
Statement comes as vaccinations stall in US and Delta variant surges and New York mayor requires city workers to get vaccinatedStatement comes as vaccinations stall in US and Delta variant surges and New York mayor requires city workers to get vaccinated
Hugo Lowell reports for the Guardian:
The House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, is readying the committee that will on Tuesday begin its investigation into the attack on the Capitol to press ahead with an aggressive inquiry into Donald Trump, as she seeks to exploit a Republican refusal to participate that could leave the former president unguarded.
Pelosi’s move last week to block Jim Banks and Jim Jordan – vociferous allies of Trump – from serving on the House select committee, prompted the House minority leader, Kevin McCarthy, to boycott the inquiry, pulling his three other Republican picks from the panel.
But Pelosi won strong support from Democrats and told lieutenants she may have emerged with the upper hand ahead of the select committee’s first hearing.
“We have the duty, to the constitution and the country, to find the truth of the 6 January insurrection and to ensure that such an assault on our Democracy cannot again happen,” Pelosi said of the investigation in a letter to Democrats.
The speaker has suggested to top Democrats in recent days that McCarthy’s move to boycott the panel leaves Trump without any defenders in the high-profile investigation into the 6 January insurrection, according to a source familiar with the matter.
House minority leader Kevin McCarthy was among those who attended Joe Biden’s speech on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Before the president’s remarks, the Republican leader was asked about his thoughts on a second member of his caucus, Adam Kinzinger, accepting speaker Nancy Pelosi’s invitation to serve on the January 6 select committee.
McCarthy reiterated his previous criticism of Republican members accepting committee invitations from a Democratic speaker, describing the situation as unprecedented.
McCarthy dismissed Kinzinger and congresswoman Liz Cheney, who previously accepted Pelosi’s invitation to serve on the committee, as “Pelosi Republicans”.
Joe Biden took a couple questions from reporters as his event celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act was wrapping up.
Asked about whether he’s confident the US can get more unvaccinated Americans vaccinated, Biden replied, “We have to.”
The president was also asked whether he is optimistic about the chances of a bipartisan infrastructure deal being reached this week.
“You know me, I’m always optimistic,” Biden said.
The bipartisan group crafting the infrastructure bill is still working to reach a final agreement, and it’s unclear whether negotiations will conclude this week.
Joe Biden praised the Americans with Disabilities Act as “a triumph of American values”.Joe Biden praised the Americans with Disabilities Act as “a triumph of American values”.
Marking the 31st anniversary of the signing of the ADA, Biden said of the law, “It’s testament to our character as a people.”Marking the 31st anniversary of the signing of the ADA, Biden said of the law, “It’s testament to our character as a people.”
The president noted he recently spoke to two of his former Senate colleagues who helped make the ADA a reality, Republican Bob Dole and Democrat Tom Harkin.The president noted he recently spoke to two of his former Senate colleagues who helped make the ADA a reality, Republican Bob Dole and Democrat Tom Harkin.
But Biden also warned that too many Americans with disabilities are still not adequately protected by the legislation, and he outlined some of his administration’s efforts to strengthen the ADA.But Biden also warned that too many Americans with disabilities are still not adequately protected by the legislation, and he outlined some of his administration’s efforts to strengthen the ADA.
Among other initiatives, Biden announced that his administration is working to ensure that Americans will long-term coronavirus symptoms are covered by the ADA.Among other initiatives, Biden announced that his administration is working to ensure that Americans will long-term coronavirus symptoms are covered by the ADA.
The president noted that many Americans who contracted coronavirus have suffered from long-term symptoms, such as breathing problems and brain fog, that qualify as a disability.The president noted that many Americans who contracted coronavirus have suffered from long-term symptoms, such as breathing problems and brain fog, that qualify as a disability.
Biden emphasized that those Americans should be protected by the ADA and receive the necessary accommodations in schools and offices to ensure their success.Biden emphasized that those Americans should be protected by the ADA and receive the necessary accommodations in schools and offices to ensure their success.
“So they can live their lives in dignity and get the support they need as they navigate these challenges,” Biden said.“So they can live their lives in dignity and get the support they need as they navigate these challenges,” Biden said.
Joe Biden is speaking at the White House to commemorate the 31st anniversary of President George HW Bush signing the Americans with Disabilities Act.Joe Biden is speaking at the White House to commemorate the 31st anniversary of President George HW Bush signing the Americans with Disabilities Act.
House speaker Nancy Pelosi and minority leader Kevin McCarthy are among those in attendance at the White House for Biden’s remarks.House speaker Nancy Pelosi and minority leader Kevin McCarthy are among those in attendance at the White House for Biden’s remarks.
The president was introduced by Kamala Harris, who said the ADA gives all Americans “the opportunity to fully participate in our democracy, in our economy and in our society”.The president was introduced by Kamala Harris, who said the ADA gives all Americans “the opportunity to fully participate in our democracy, in our economy and in our society”.
But the vice-president emphasized that the ADA still needs to be strengthened in terms of provisions and enforcement.But the vice-president emphasized that the ADA still needs to be strengthened in terms of provisions and enforcement.
Artist Tyree Brown, who became quadriplegic after a 2015 car accident, spoke after Harris, and she called for the passage of Biden’s American Families Plan to invest in the care economy and better support disabled Americans.Artist Tyree Brown, who became quadriplegic after a 2015 car accident, spoke after Harris, and she called for the passage of Biden’s American Families Plan to invest in the care economy and better support disabled Americans.
The new coronavirus vaccination mandate will apply to all of New York’s city employees, including police officers, firefighters and public school teachers.The new coronavirus vaccination mandate will apply to all of New York’s city employees, including police officers, firefighters and public school teachers.
Dr Dave Chokshi, the New York health commissioner, joined mayor Bill de Blasio’s press conference to emphasize the need to get more city residents vaccinated.Dr Dave Chokshi, the New York health commissioner, joined mayor Bill de Blasio’s press conference to emphasize the need to get more city residents vaccinated.
“In the tug of war between vaccines and the variants, we should continue to bet on vaccines,” Choksi said. “But now is the time for our whole city to pull together to defeat delta.”“In the tug of war between vaccines and the variants, we should continue to bet on vaccines,” Choksi said. “But now is the time for our whole city to pull together to defeat delta.”
The delta variant of coronavirus is much more highly transmissible than the original variant of the virus. The spread of the delta variant has led to a surge in cases in US regions with lower vaccination rates.The delta variant of coronavirus is much more highly transmissible than the original variant of the virus. The spread of the delta variant has led to a surge in cases in US regions with lower vaccination rates.
Mayor Bill de Blasio encouraged New York’s private-sector employers to mandate coronavirus vaccinations for their workers as well.Mayor Bill de Blasio encouraged New York’s private-sector employers to mandate coronavirus vaccinations for their workers as well.
“My message to the private sector is: go as far as you can go right now. Do what you can do,” the Democratic mayor said at his press conference.“My message to the private sector is: go as far as you can go right now. Do what you can do,” the Democratic mayor said at his press conference.
De Blasio added, “Each private sector employer needs to do what they believe is right, but I would strongly urge a vaccination mandate whenever possible.”De Blasio added, “Each private sector employer needs to do what they believe is right, but I would strongly urge a vaccination mandate whenever possible.”
The mayor said that offices should “at minimum” require employees to either get vaccinated or receive weekly coronavirus tests, mirroring the new mandate for all of New York’s city workers.The mayor said that offices should “at minimum” require employees to either get vaccinated or receive weekly coronavirus tests, mirroring the new mandate for all of New York’s city workers.
All of New York’s city employees will be required to get vaccinated against coronavirus, mayor Bill de Blasio has just announced at a press conference.All of New York’s city employees will be required to get vaccinated against coronavirus, mayor Bill de Blasio has just announced at a press conference.
The Democratic mayor said that, as of September 13, all city workers must either be vaccinated or start receiving weekly coronavirus tests.The Democratic mayor said that, as of September 13, all city workers must either be vaccinated or start receiving weekly coronavirus tests.
“Let’s be clear about why this is so important: this is about our recovery. This is about what we need to do to bring back New York City,” de Blasio said.“Let’s be clear about why this is so important: this is about our recovery. This is about what we need to do to bring back New York City,” de Blasio said.
“This is about keeping people safe. This is about making sure that our families get through Covid safe. This is about bringing back jobs. You name it.”“This is about keeping people safe. This is about making sure that our families get through Covid safe. This is about bringing back jobs. You name it.”
De Blasio described September as “the pivot point of the recovery” because it is when students will return to schools and more offices will start reopening.De Blasio described September as “the pivot point of the recovery” because it is when students will return to schools and more offices will start reopening.
The White House is not lifting travel restrictions “at this point” because of concerns over the delta variant, an administration official told Reuters.The White House is not lifting travel restrictions “at this point” because of concerns over the delta variant, an administration official told Reuters.
According to Reuters, the official cited the more highly transmissible delta variant and the rising number of coronavirus cases in the US to justify keeping the restrictions in place.According to Reuters, the official cited the more highly transmissible delta variant and the rising number of coronavirus cases in the US to justify keeping the restrictions in place.
The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, has been repeatedly asked about when the administration will relax the restrictions on international travel.The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, has been repeatedly asked about when the administration will relax the restrictions on international travel.
“There are ongoing working groups that are having discussions about how to, hopefully, move forward to a point where there is international travel and is returning something we would all like to see -- not just for tourism, but for families to be reunited,” Psaki said on Friday.“There are ongoing working groups that are having discussions about how to, hopefully, move forward to a point where there is international travel and is returning something we would all like to see -- not just for tourism, but for families to be reunited,” Psaki said on Friday.
“There are a range of topics in those discussions that are ongoing. The president receives regular briefings on them, but we rely on public health and medical advice on when we’re going to determine changes to be made.”“There are a range of topics in those discussions that are ongoing. The president receives regular briefings on them, but we rely on public health and medical advice on when we’re going to determine changes to be made.”
Anthony Fauci, the White House chief medical adviser, said on Sunday top US health officials were discussing whether to revise mask guidance for Americans vaccinated against Covid-19.Anthony Fauci, the White House chief medical adviser, said on Sunday top US health officials were discussing whether to revise mask guidance for Americans vaccinated against Covid-19.
“This is under active consideration,” Fauci told CNN’s State of the Union, though he also emphasized that local governments can issue their own rules under current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).“This is under active consideration,” Fauci told CNN’s State of the Union, though he also emphasized that local governments can issue their own rules under current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Los Angeles county and St Louis, Missouri, have reinstated indoor mask requirements and other cities are weighing whether to do the same.Los Angeles county and St Louis, Missouri, have reinstated indoor mask requirements and other cities are weighing whether to do the same.
After a significant drop in Covid-19 cases because of the national vaccine campaign, infections are rising in all 50 states and Washington DC. The increases are highest in states with large groups of unvaccinated people. More than 610,000 have died from Covid-19 in the US.After a significant drop in Covid-19 cases because of the national vaccine campaign, infections are rising in all 50 states and Washington DC. The increases are highest in states with large groups of unvaccinated people. More than 610,000 have died from Covid-19 in the US.
At a White House briefing on Thursday the surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, said 97% of hospital admissions and 99.5% of Covid deaths were occurring among unvaccinated people.At a White House briefing on Thursday the surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, said 97% of hospital admissions and 99.5% of Covid deaths were occurring among unvaccinated people.
More than 162.7 million Americans are vaccinated – or 49% of the population, according to the CDC.More than 162.7 million Americans are vaccinated – or 49% of the population, according to the CDC.
Meanwhile, the mayor of New York is reportedly preparing to expand his vaccination mandate to include all city employees.Meanwhile, the mayor of New York is reportedly preparing to expand his vaccination mandate to include all city employees.
NBC New York reports:NBC New York reports:
De Blasio announced on Wednesday that all workers at city-run health care facilities and hospitals would be required to get vaccinated or receive weekly coronavirus tests.De Blasio announced on Wednesday that all workers at city-run health care facilities and hospitals would be required to get vaccinated or receive weekly coronavirus tests.
Yolette Bonnet, 60, the chief executive of a group of community health clinics in underserved neighborhoods across Palm Beach County, Florida, got vaccinated. Perhaps this would be unremarkable, except that she got her shot Thursday, more than seven months after she was eligible to get the vaccine with ready access as a healthcare provider.Yolette Bonnet, 60, the chief executive of a group of community health clinics in underserved neighborhoods across Palm Beach County, Florida, got vaccinated. Perhaps this would be unremarkable, except that she got her shot Thursday, more than seven months after she was eligible to get the vaccine with ready access as a healthcare provider.
Bonnet, who is Black, described her resistance as a mix of hope the pandemic would fade, and skepticism born from the American medical establishment’s history of racism.Bonnet, who is Black, described her resistance as a mix of hope the pandemic would fade, and skepticism born from the American medical establishment’s history of racism.
Bonnet’s story is just one example of how people in a vast, heterogeneous country are reckoning with the re-emergence of the pandemic with the more contagious Delta strain predominantly causing new cases and their own willingness to prevent it using the most powerful tool at humanity’s disposal – the vaccine.Bonnet’s story is just one example of how people in a vast, heterogeneous country are reckoning with the re-emergence of the pandemic with the more contagious Delta strain predominantly causing new cases and their own willingness to prevent it using the most powerful tool at humanity’s disposal – the vaccine.
It also reveals the complex, highly personal deliberations behind a stalled vaccination campaign in the US, one that threatens to undermine vaccine efficacy as each new infection provides an opportunity for the development of a new variant.It also reveals the complex, highly personal deliberations behind a stalled vaccination campaign in the US, one that threatens to undermine vaccine efficacy as each new infection provides an opportunity for the development of a new variant.
Bonnet said she was still uncertain when she got her first Pfizer shot, but the encouragement of her two daughters, husband and staff prevailed, and amid fanfare she got the shot. So did 12 of her staff members, who saw their leader’s willingness to get vaccinated as a sign of its safety.Bonnet said she was still uncertain when she got her first Pfizer shot, but the encouragement of her two daughters, husband and staff prevailed, and amid fanfare she got the shot. So did 12 of her staff members, who saw their leader’s willingness to get vaccinated as a sign of its safety.
Greetings from Washington, live blog readers.Greetings from Washington, live blog readers.
Nearly 60 medical groups, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, are now calling for mandatory coronavirus vaccinations of all health workers in the US.Nearly 60 medical groups, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, are now calling for mandatory coronavirus vaccinations of all health workers in the US.
“Due to the recent Covid-19 surge and the availability of safe and effective vaccines, our health care organizations and societies advocate that all healthcare and long-term care employers require their workers to receive the Covid-19 vaccine,” the groups said in a joint statement, which was shared with the Washington Post.“Due to the recent Covid-19 surge and the availability of safe and effective vaccines, our health care organizations and societies advocate that all healthcare and long-term care employers require their workers to receive the Covid-19 vaccine,” the groups said in a joint statement, which was shared with the Washington Post.
“This is the logical fulfillment of the ethical commitment of all healthcare workers to put patients as well as residents of long-term care facilities first and take all steps necessary to ensure their health and wellbeing.”“This is the logical fulfillment of the ethical commitment of all healthcare workers to put patients as well as residents of long-term care facilities first and take all steps necessary to ensure their health and wellbeing.”
The statement comes as vaccinations have stalled in the US, even as the Delta variant of coronavirus has caused a surge in cases in regions with low vaccinations rates.The statement comes as vaccinations have stalled in the US, even as the Delta variant of coronavirus has caused a surge in cases in regions with low vaccinations rates.
Because of the recent uptick in cases, the medical groups also suggested that employers in other sectors consider requiring vaccinations for their workers.Because of the recent uptick in cases, the medical groups also suggested that employers in other sectors consider requiring vaccinations for their workers.
“As the healthcare community leads the way in requiring vaccines for our employees, we hope all other employers across the country will follow our lead and implement effective policies to encourage vaccination,” the groups said.“As the healthcare community leads the way in requiring vaccines for our employees, we hope all other employers across the country will follow our lead and implement effective policies to encourage vaccination,” the groups said.
“The health and safety of US workers, families, communities and the nation depends on it.”“The health and safety of US workers, families, communities and the nation depends on it.”
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.