Indiana among 21 states to file suit to end transportation mask mandate
The effort in mostly Republican-led states is the latest effort seeking to abolish the mandate, put into place in February 2021, shortly after President Joe Biden took office.
FDA approves another Pfizer, Moderna COVID booster for those 50 and up
The latest expansion, regardless of people’s health, allows an extra shot to millions more Americans—and the question is whether everyone who’s eligible should rush out and get it.
Moderna sees 1-in-5 odds of dangerous future COVID variant
Moderna is working to reassure investors about its longer-term growth prospects as the new cases decline following the winter spread of highly transmissible omicron.
Airline CEOs call for end to federal mask mandate in letter to Biden
In making their case, executives cited the “persistent and steady decline” of hospitalizations and death rates related to the coronavirus.
Indiana COVID-19 hospitalizations hit lowest mark since first month of pandemic
Hospitalizations have plummeted 90% since hitting a pandemic high of 3,519 on Jan. 13. COVID patients occupy only 2.9% of Indiana’s intensive care unit beds.
Pandemic relief money spent on hotel, ballpark, ski slopes
Scores of projects across the United States are being funded with federal coronavirus relief money despite having little to do with combating the pandemic, a review by The Associated Press has found.
Scientists worry virus variant might push up COVID cases in U.S.
One reason the variant has gained ground, scientists say, is that it’s about 30% more contagious than the original omicron.
COVID budget impasse halts aid to test, treat uninsured
With an urgent funding request stuck in Congress, a federal agency says it can no longer cover COVID test and treatment bills for uninsured people and will stop taking claims at midnight Tuesday.
Doctors finding hurdles to using pills to treat COVID-19
The goal is to get patients started on either Pfizer’s Paxlovid tablets or Merck’s molnupiravir capsules within five days of symptoms appearing. But the tight deadline has highlighted several challenges.
U.S. likely to see uptick in COVID-19 cases, Fauci says
The likely rise in U.S. cases probably won’t amount to a full-scale surge, Anthony Fauci, Biden’s chief medical adviser, said Sunday.
Report: Vaccines highly effective at preventing serious illness, death during omicron surge
Although some fully vaccinated and boosted people came down with mild infections during the omicron surge, the study showed that the vaccines—and especially the booster shot—protected most people from the virus’s worst effects.
Lagging business travel delays adding international flights at IND
Indianapolis Airport Authority officials are looking to 2023 and 2024, with a focus on renewing the nonstop flight to Paris and possibly other international destinations.
Moderna seeks FDA authorization for 4th dose of COVID shot
The company said its request for approval for all adults was made “to provide flexibility” to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and medical providers to determine the “appropriate use” of a second booster dose of the vaccine.
Scientists explore potential connection between diabetes, COVID-19
It’s clear that in those who already have diabetes, COVID-19 can worsen the condition and lead to severe complications. But there are other possible links.
Pfizer, BioNTech seek OK for 2nd COVID booster for people 65 and older
The decision from the FDA could come relatively quickly, especially if officials conclude the data is straightforward and does not have to be reviewed by a panel of outside vaccine experts.
U.S. extends mask rule for travel while weighing new approach
The mask mandate was scheduled to expire March 18, but the Transportation Security Administration said Thursday that it will extend the requirement through April 18.
Justice Department reports more than $8B in alleged fraud tied to federal COVID aid programs
In some of the cases, suspects wrongfully obtained federal loans to bolster companies that didn’t actually exist. In others, large, transnational crime syndicates stole workers’ identities to receive generous unemployment benefits under someone else’s name.
Statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations hit lowest level since July
Despite the decline in hospitalizations and cases, the virus is still claiming lives. Another 77 COVID deaths were reported on Wednesday, raising the pandemic total to 22,215 in Indiana.
Global death toll nears 6M as pandemic enters its third year
The milestone is the latest tragic reminder of the unrelenting nature of the pandemic even as people are shedding masks, travel is resuming and businesses are reopening around the globe.
New offices for the hybrid era? Many companies are on board
Businesses recognize there is a place for offices despite the fact that they plan to give workers more flexibility to work from home.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC Resources for Businesses and Employers OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 Indiana State Department of Health Indy Chamber Rapid Response Hub Small Business Administration The SBA is making low-interest loans for working capital available to Indiana small businesses. Indiana Unemployment Information Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Dashboard Critical Industries Hotline(for business and industry only)
877-820-0890
covidresponse@iedc.in.gov State’s virus-related executive orders State plan to reopen Indiana