The NPR Politics Podcast Biden's COVID Response Lags Behind The Crisis, Experts Say
Jan 5, 2022
Allison Aubrey, NPR's health correspondent, shares insights on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, particularly the surge of the Omicron variant. She discusses the strain on the healthcare system despite lower hospitalization rates and critiques the Biden administration's testing strategies amidst rising cases. The conversation addresses vaccination urgency and evolving treatments, including plans to increase Pfizer antiviral pill stock. Additionally, Aubrey highlights the emotional toll on reporters covering the pandemic and the impact of misinformation.
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Current COVID-19 Metrics
- COVID-19 cases are surging, while hospitalizations and deaths are rising less drastically.
- Although Omicron's individual risk is lower, the sheer number of infections strains the healthcare system.
Biden's COVID-19 Address
- President Biden acknowledges the challenging weeks ahead but assures the administration's readiness.
- He emphasizes vaccines and boosters' effectiveness and pleads with unvaccinated Americans to get their shots.
CDC Isolation Guidelines
- The CDC's new five-day isolation guideline is reasonable, but the lack of testing requirement disappoints some experts.
- If you have access to rapid tests, use them before leaving isolation for more information, even without an official policy.