The NPR Politics Podcast Weekly Roundup: August 8th
Aug 6, 2021
Jasmine Garsd, NPR's national correspondent focused on the COVID-19 situation in New York City, dives into pressing issues surrounding job growth and vaccine mandates. They discuss the surprising surge in the hospitality sector and the challenges in hiring amid rising COVID cases. Garsd highlights the stark contrast between New York's stringent vaccine policies and Florida's lenient approach, revealing how these differences impact health outcomes. The conversation also touches on the broader political implications of the pandemic responses across the U.S.
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Delta Variant's Impact on the Economy
- The July jobs report shows a pandemic-era low unemployment rate of 5.4% with 943,000 new jobs.
- Despite the positive numbers, the report predates the Delta variant surge, impacting interpretations.
Restaurant Staffing Shortages
- Restaurant owner Liz Villeney operates only five days a week due to staffing shortages.
- Many experienced hospitality workers left the industry and haven't returned, impacting restaurants' ability to meet demand.
Biden Connects Economy and Virus
- President Biden's economic address highlighted the Delta variant's impact.
- He emphasized vaccination as crucial for continued economic recovery and preventing deaths.