The NPR Politics Podcast Sixty-Six Percent Of Alabamians Still Need The Shot. Can Tommy Tuberville Help?
Jul 28, 2021
The discussion kicks off with a humorous fishing trip gone wrong and quickly dives into the serious implications of the Delta variant. Analysts explore how public weariness complicates new CDC guidelines. Alabama is spotlighted for its dismal vaccination rates, prompting the question: Can former football coach Tommy Tuberville sway locals to get vaccinated? The tension between politics and public health remains palpable, revealing innovative strategies to increase vaccination through Alabama’s college football culture. The team emphasizes the ongoing battle against COVID-19.
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Delta Variant & Mask Guidance
- The Delta variant surge necessitates revised CDC mask guidance, recommending indoor masking in high-spread areas, regardless of vaccination status.
- This change is due to new data showing vaccinated individuals with breakthrough infections can transmit the virus.
Biden's Political Challenge
- President Biden's political standing, initially bolstered by high pandemic handling approval, is now threatened by the resurgence.
- This poses a challenge as the pandemic becomes increasingly politicized, hindering public health efforts.
Policy for Federal Employees
- The White House is strongly considering requiring unvaccinated federal employees to undergo weekly testing and wear masks indoors.
- This is part of an effort to increase vaccination rates without implementing a mandate.