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Botched Botox Causes Illness For 19 People In 9 States Including New Jersey, New York: CDC Botched Botox Causes Illness For 19 People In 9 States Including New Jersey, New York: CDC
Botched Botox Causes Illness For 19 People In 9 States Including New Jersey, New York: CDC Nineteen people in nine states, including New Jersey and New York, reported illness after injections from a "counterfeit or mishandled" injection of botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports. As of April 15, a total of 19 people from 9 states reported harmful reactions after receiving botulinum toxin injections from unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings, such as homes and spas, the CDC said.  Counterfeit Botox packages. FDA States reporting these reactions include Colorado, Florida, Illinois, K…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens
Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens Production has been halted at the largest producer of fresh eggs in the United States after bird flu was discovered in chickens. Cal-Maine Foods reported that one of the company’s facilities located in Parmer County, Texas, tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), resulting in depopulation of approximately 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets, or approximately 3.6 percent of its total flock. "Production at the facility has temporarily ceased as the company follows the protocols prescribed by the USDA," Cal-Maine said in a statement, noting that it is working to s…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Parents Of Stillborn Babies Would Qualify For Paid Family Leave Under NY Bill Parents Of Stillborn Babies Would Qualify For Paid Family Leave Under NY Bill
Parents Of Stillborn Babies Would Qualify For Paid Family Leave Under NY Bill New York lawmakers are considering legislation aimed at easing the immense burden on parents whose babies are stillborn. A bill introduced by Democratic State Sen. Timothy Kennedy – whose 63rd District represents most of Buffalo – would add birth of a stillborn child as a qualifying condition for receiving Paid Family Leave benefits. An earlier version of the bill passed the senate in March 2023, but it was not voted on in the assembly. Speaking on the senate floor before its passage in the chamber, Kennedy told his colleagues that the legislation is personal to him and his wife, whose bab…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Bacterial Infection With Unusual, Serious Symptoms Prompts CDC Warning Bacterial Infection With Unusual, Serious Symptoms Prompts CDC Warning
Bacterial Infection With Unusual, Serious Symptoms Prompts CDC Warning A bacterial infection is appearing nationally with unusual and serious symptoms according to federal authorities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has just issued a Health Alert warning that the rare illness, caused by a strain of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, has a higher fatality rate than normally seen with meningococcal infections. As of Monday, March 25, 143 cases have been reported to CDC for the current calendar year, an increase of 62 cases over the 81 reported as of this date in 2023.  Cases caused by this strain are disproportionately occurring i…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC
Covid-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC New isolation guidelines for those infected with COVID-19 or other respiratory infections have just been announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency said there is no longer a need to isolate for five days before returning to work or school in a statement issued Friday, March 1. The CDC said it's making updates to the recommendations now because the US is seeing "far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV." Three "core prevention tips" were also detaile…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Nationwide Recall Issued For Meat Products Due To Possible Contamination Nationwide Recall Issued For Meat Products Due To Possible Contamination
Nationwide Recall Issued For Meat Products Due To Possible Contamination A  nationwide recall has been issued for a brand of meat products. Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., based in Mount Olive, NJ, says the undetermined amount of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat charcuterie products containing Coppa may be under-processed, which may have resulted in possible contamination with foodborne pathogens. The recall was announced by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The Coppa products have various best-by-dates.  Coppa, a dry-cured capicola, is a boneless pork shoulder product that is dry-cured. Click here to view product…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: US Sees Surge In Hospitalizations, Deaths; Take These Steps, CDC Director Says COVID-19: US Sees Surge In Hospitalizations, Deaths; Take These Steps, CDC Director Says
Covid-19: US Sees Surge In Hospitalizations, Deaths; Take These Steps, CDC Director Says COVID-19 is on the rise just in time for the height of the holiday season. "COVID is starting to increase again after being stable for the last few weeks," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy Cohen said this week.  Nationwide, in the latest data for the week ending Saturday, Dec. 2, there was a 17.6 percent rise in COVID hospitalizations (a total of 22,513) and 25 percent increase in deaths. COVID accounted for three percent of deaths in America from Sunday, Nov. 26 to the end of last week. In addition, the test positivity rate went up around one percent. …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
NY Will Begin Screening Newborns For Congenital Cytomegalovirus, Becoming Second State To Do So NY Will Begin Screening Newborns For Congenital Cytomegalovirus, Becoming Second State To Do So
NY Will Begin Screening Newborns For Congenital Cytomegalovirus, Becoming Second State To Do So New York is adding a common congenital virus to its list of screenings for newborn babies. Beginning Monday, Oct. 2, all babies will be screened for Congenital Cytomegalovirus, making the Empire State the second in the nation to screen for the virus, according to the New York Health Department. Minnesota began such screenings in February 2023. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral infection in newborns and most people infected show no symptoms.  However, about 10 percent of infants born with the virus will have health problems at birth, including rash, jaundice, low birth we…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: Here's How To Order Free At-Home Tests Through Mail Now COVID-19: Here's How To Order Free At-Home Tests Through Mail Now
Covid-19: Here's How To Order Free At-Home Tests Through Mail Now The federal program offering free COVID-19 rapid at-home tests through the mail has just been restarted. Every American household may order four of the tests starting Monday, Sept. 25 by visiting covid.gov/tests, the Department of Health and Human Services says. But first, before throwing out tests past their expiration dates, HHS recommends visiting this page to see if expiration dates have been extended. The news comes as a newly identified COVID-19 strain BA.2.86 strain, known as Pirola, with around 30 mutations, has now been identified in 10 states. Earlier report - COVID-…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: Here's When Free At-Home Tests Will Become Available Again By Mail COVID-19: Here's When Free At-Home Tests Will Become Available Again By Mail
Covid-19: Here's When Free At-Home Tests Will Become Available Again By Mail Just days after the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccination booster shot started, the Department of Health and Human Services announced on Wednesday, Sept. 20 that its program of offering free rapid tests for the virus through the mail will be restarted. Every American household may order four of the tests starting Monday, Sept. 25 by visiting covid.gov/tests. But first, before throwing out tests past their expiration dates, HHS recommends visiting this page to see if expiration dates have been extended. The news comes as a newly identified COVID-19 strain BA.2.86 strain, known as Pirola, w…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Potentially Fatal Bacteria Prompts CDC Warning Potentially Fatal Bacteria Prompts CDC Warning
Potentially Fatal Bacteria Prompts CDC Warning A potentially fatal bacteria confirmed in the United States has prompted a warning from federal authorities. Three cases of B. pseudomallei, which can become lethal if not treated, have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has declared the bacteria endemic in the US Gulf Coast with the most recent case reported in Mississippi in January, Julia Petras of the CDC's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, told HealthDay News. However, most of those exposed to the bacteria don't have symptoms and develop antibodies against it, s…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says ‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says
‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says Recent mass shootings that killed six people at an elementary school in Tennessee and five more at a bank in Kentucky might not have occurred had those states implemented so-called “red flag” laws like New York, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul. In an op-ed written for USA Today Network and shared on the governor's website, Hochul touted the measures, which allow a court to issue an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) that temporarily prohibits someone from buying or possessing a gun should they be deemed a danger to themselves or others. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the state’s ERPO in…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
'Unusual Odor' In Hudson Valley Sparks Fears Of Contamination From Chemical Train Derailment 'Unusual Odor' In Hudson Valley Sparks Fears Of Contamination From Chemical Train Derailment
'Unusual Odor' In Hudson Valley Sparks Fears Of Contamination From Chemical Train Derailment This story has been updated. Environmental officials in New York are investigating multiple reports of strange odors in the air, sparking concerns they may be tied to the chemical train derailment in eastern Ohio, about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh, and its subsequent fire. In a statement to Daily Voice on Friday, Feb. 17, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) said it is responding to reports in the Hudson Valley of an “unusual odor in the air.” “DEC has not received any reports from regulated emissions sources about releases that could contribute to the odors describe…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Price Gouging: NY AG Issues Alert About Dramatic Price Increases For Children's Medication Price Gouging: NY AG Issues Alert About Dramatic Price Increases For Children's Medication
Price Gouging: NY AG Issues Alert About Dramatic Price Increases For Children's Medication New York Attorney General Letitia James is cautioning consumers about price gouging of children's painkillers and fever reducers as demand increases due to the "tripledemic" of COVID-19, RSV, and the flu. James issued the alert on Monday, Dec. 26, saying her office received reports about children's medication being sold online and in stores at prices that are two or three times their retail value. Earlier report: CDC Warns Of Increase In Strep Throat Infections Among Kids Amid Rise In COVID, Flu, RSV Cases New Yorkers should stay alert for potential price gouging of medications, such …

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Warning Issued In Hudson Valley For Counterfeit Oxycodone Pills Containing Fentanyl Warning Issued In Hudson Valley For Counterfeit Oxycodone Pills Containing Fentanyl
Warning Issued In Hudson Valley For Counterfeit Oxycodone Pills Containing Fentanyl Authorities in the Hudson Valley are warning residents of the increased presence of fentanyl in the area, in particular counterfeit 30mg oxycodone pills containing the dangerous drug. Since January 2022, the Dutchess County Drug Task Force has seized several thousand counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl through investigations conducted in the Dutchess County area, Det. Sgt. Adam Harris, coordinator of the task force. In September 2022 alone, the task force seized more than 2,000 counterfeit prescription pills. These pills are typically light blue in color and imprinted “M-30” …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
COVID-19: CDC Announces Sweeping New Guidance, Including For Schools, Quarantines COVID-19: CDC Announces Sweeping New Guidance, Including For Schools, Quarantines
Covid-19: CDC Announces Sweeping New Guidance, Including For Schools, Quarantines Federal health officials have announced sweeping new COVID-19 guidelines, including for schools and quarantines for those infected. In the updated guidance unveiled on Thursday, Aug. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it was no longer recommending that unvaccinated people quarantine after possibly being exposed to the virus. Instead, the CDC said they should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested five days after they were exposed. The agency had previously said unvaccinated people and those who haven't received their booster shots should q…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Reported In Hudson Valley First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Reported In Hudson Valley
First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Reported In Hudson Valley State health officials have confirmed a case of polio in New York, the first time the disease has been seen in the United States in nearly a decade. The case was confirmed in Rockland County, the New York State Department of Health announced Thursday, July 21. State and county health officials said they were advising medical practitioners and healthcare providers to be on the lookout for additional cases. Today NYSDOH notified NYers of a case of polio in Rockland County, identified through sequencing at Wadsworth, confirmed by @CDCgov. Working with @rockhealth & @nychealthy, we wil…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: Newly Emerging Omicron Mutant Strain Sparking Concerns Among Scientists COVID-19: Newly Emerging Omicron Mutant Strain Sparking Concerns Among Scientists
Covid-19: Newly Emerging Omicron Mutant Strain Sparking Concerns Among Scientists More people are contracting the Omicron strain of COVID-19 multiple times in quicker sequences compared to other subvariants, and a newly emerging mutant of the strain is sparking concerns among scientists. The BA.5 strain is now the most dominant COVID variant in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  A new mutation of the Omicron strain -- identified as BA.2.75 -- is being described as perhaps the most contagious yet. "Previous infections from Omicron are not giving us the same antibody protection against the newer variants," Dr. Alok Patel of St…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
New Case Of Monkeypox Reported In Hudson Valley New Case Of Monkeypox Reported In Hudson Valley
New Case Of Monkeypox Reported In Hudson Valley A Hudson Valley resident has tested positive for monkeypox, bringing the number of cases in the region to five. Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announced on Wednesday, June 29 that a county resident has been diagnosed with the orthopoxvirus, better known as the monkeypox. The confirmed case is limited to one person who has not had any contact with anyone locally and poses no risk to county residents, officials said. As of Tuesday, June 28, a total of 61 confirmed cases have been identified in the state including 55 in New York C…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
COVID-19: New Wave With 'Worst Version' Of Omicron Starting, Leading NY Doctor Says COVID-19: New Wave With 'Worst Version' Of Omicron Starting, Leading NY Doctor Says
Covid-19: New Wave With 'Worst Version' Of Omicron Starting, Leading NY Doctor Says A new COVID-19 wave with the strongest strain of the Omicron variant appears to have started in New York, one of NYC's top epidemiologists in the city is saying. Dr. Jay Varma, who was former Mayor Bill de Blasio's top public health advisor during the pandemic, said the infection rate appears to have stabilized at a high level rather than subsiding as summer starts to get into full swing. "This is likely the beginning of a BA.5 wave," Varma stated in a Tweet.  "Reported cases are at a high plateau, which means actual transmission is very high when you account for the &g…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
New Monkeypox Cases Confirmed In NY New Monkeypox Cases Confirmed In NY
New Monkeypox Cases Confirmed In NY New monkeypox cases have been identified in New York. The New York State Department of Health said on Monday, June 13 that the number of confirmed cases this year is 11, with 10 in New York City and one in Sullivan County. The cases have been confirmed through testing for orthopoxvirus, the department said, adding that "from a public health perspective, it's important to treat these as probable monkeypox cases because": The monkeypox virus belongs to the orthopoxvirus family; The rarity of orthopoxvirus, generally; The presentation of symptoms, in confirmed orthopoxvirus cases, being cons…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Connecticut Woman Dies After Tick Bite, Department Of Health Says Connecticut Woman Dies After Tick Bite, Department Of Health Says
Connecticut Woman Dies After Tick Bite, Department Of Health Says State health officials announced the death of a Connecticut resident who developed symptoms of Powassan virus weeks after she was bit by a tick. The Connecticut Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday, June 7, that the New London County resident who was in her 90s died at the hospital on Tuesday, May 17. Powassan virus is typically spread through the bite of an infected black-legged or deer tick, and it takes between a week and a month to develop symptoms, health officials said.  The woman began experiencing symptoms in early May that included fever, altered mental statu…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
First Probable Monkeypox Case In New York State Outside NYC Confirmed In Region First Probable Monkeypox Case In New York State Outside NYC Confirmed In Region
First Probable Monkeypox Case In New York State Outside NYC Confirmed In Region State health officials have confirmed the first case of monkeypox outside New York City has been diagnosed in a patient in the region.  The infected person is located in Sullivan County, the first case beyond NYC, the New York State Department of Health announced on Tuesday, June 7. The Sullivan County Health Department is treating this as a probable monkeypox case, and contact tracing efforts are underway, department of health officials aid. As of Tuesday, a total of nine confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox cases have been identified in the state, including eight in New York City. "As…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
New Monkeypox Case Identified In NY New Monkeypox Case Identified In NY
New Monkeypox Case Identified In NY Another person has tested positive for monkeypox in New York. That brings the number of cases in the state to five, with all the cases being in New York City so far. "We are monitoring the situation and will investigate any other suspected cases," the NYC Department of Health said. The department said that those who recently traveled to Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada or Central or Western African countries are more likely to have been exposed to monkeypox. Monkeypox is spread through direct contact with an infected animal or human. Person-to-person transmission is rare and us…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Cases Of Mysterious Hepatitis Outbreak Now Confirmed In 10 States, Including NY Cases Of Mysterious Hepatitis Outbreak Now Confirmed In 10 States, Including NY
Cases Of Mysterious Hepatitis Outbreak Now Confirmed In 10 States, Including NY New York is among a growing number of states reporting a mysterious outbreak of hepatitis among children, NBC News reports. So far, health officials in at least 10 states have reported multiple severe cases of pediatric hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, according to the New York Post. The latest to report such cases is Minnesota. Earlier Report: Death Confirmed Days After CDC Issues Nationwide Alert For Mysterious Hepatitis Outbreak It comes days after the World Health Organization announced that one child has died from the condition and 17 others had to undergo liver transplan…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
COVID-19: VP Kamala Harris Tests Positive COVID-19: VP Kamala Harris Tests Positive
Covid-19: VP Kamala Harris Tests Positive Fully vaccinated Vice President Kamala Harris has become the latest high-ranking elected official to test positive for COVID-19 amid an outbreak of cases in the Biden Administration. Harris tested positive for COVID-19 on both rapid and PCR tests, her office announced on Tuesday, April 26. According to Kirsten Allen, the press secretary to the vice president, Harris has exhibited no symptoms, is in isolation, and will continue to work from the Vice President’s residence. Harris "has not been a close contact to the President or First Lady due to their respective recent travel schedules,” …

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by Zak Failla
News
New England Man Dies After Contracting Rare 'POW' Virus From Tick Bite, CDC Says New England Man Dies After Contracting Rare 'POW' Virus From Tick Bite, CDC Says
New England Man Dies After Contracting Rare 'POW' Virus From Tick Bite, CDC Says A New England man died after becoming infected with a rare tick-borne infection, officials announced. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has confirmed a fatal case of Powassan (POW) virus infection in a Waldo County, Maine resident who developed neurologic symptoms and died while being treated in the hospital. According to the Maine CDC, the person - whose name has not been released and was described only as being an adult - likely became infected in Maine. They said humans can become infected with the virus through the bite of an infected deer or woodchuck ti…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: US Infections Expected To Rise As Subvariant Cases Triple Every Two Weeks COVID-19: US Infections Expected To Rise As Subvariant Cases Triple Every Two Weeks
Covid-19: US Infections Expected To Rise As Subvariant Cases Triple Every Two Weeks Federal health experts are cautioning Americans about a new, highly-contagious COVID-19 Omicron variant that may lead to a sudden rise in new infections. The emerging variant, called BA.2, is believed to be upwards of 60 percent more transmissible than Omicron, according to infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, though it is not more severe than the original strain. Earlier story - COVID-19: New Strain Of Virus Detected That Combines Two Omicron Sub-Variants According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), BA.2 has been tripling its presence in the US every two wee…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Here's How You Can Now Order Four More Free At-Home Tests COVID-19: Here's How You Can Now Order Four More Free At-Home Tests
Covid-19: Here's How You Can Now Order Four More Free At-Home Tests Americans are now eligible to order a second round of free at-home COVID-19 test kits from the federal government. In January, the website covidtests.gov was launched, permitting Americans to order up to four more free testing kits per household, though supplies were initially limited. Families that ordered up to four tests during the first round are now eligible to order another four, while households that missed the first round are now also able to order up to eight kits. During the first round of distribution of the kits, federal officials said that more than half of US households order…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Wearing Masks Still Recommended In These NY Counties COVID-19: Wearing Masks Still Recommended In These NY Counties
Covid-19: Wearing Masks Still Recommended In These NY Counties While most New Yorkers are eagerly ditching their masks as the recovery from the winter COVID-19 surge continues, some counties are still being encouraged to mask up for a variety of factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its guidance on mask-wearing to concentrate on COVID-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and newly reported infections, permitting most of the state to drop the mandate. Earlier story - COVID-19: CDC Unveils New Strategy Allowing Communities To Ease Masking, Social Distancing The CDC will also offer a color-coded map — with coun…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: CDC Unveils New Strategy Allowing Communities To Ease Masking, Social Distancing COVID-19: CDC Unveils New Strategy Allowing Communities To Ease Masking, Social Distancing
Covid-19: CDC Unveils New Strategy Allowing Communities To Ease Masking, Social Distancing The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance to permit most healthy Americans to ditch their masks indoors, including students. On Friday, Feb. 25, the CDC announced it was altering its metrics that are used to determine which communities can begin lifting their mask mandates with a focus less on positive test results and more on virus-related hospitalization numbers. Previously, the CDC’s prevention guidance for local communities focused on the rate of new COVID-19 cases and the seven-day average positive infection rate; however, as the ongoing fight aga…

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by Zak Failla