The Friday Five – New Administration COVID Response
While it may seem like a lifetime, it has only been a little over two weeks since President Biden was sworn into office. Needless to say this administration has hit the ground running, they absolutely had no choice, and one of their top priorities is getting the coronavirus pandemic under control. This week’s Friday Five takes a look at some of the administration’s plans and the experts who have been put in charge of making it all come to fruition.
White House Promises
The new administration is determined to repair and rebuild the trust of the American people. According to the White House website the Biden-Harris administration will always:
- Listen to science
- Ensure public health decisions are informed by public health professionals
- Promote trust, transparency, common purpose, and accountability in our government
In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, President Biden is taking action by establishing a Pandemic Testing Board, increasing treatment and testing, and protecting public health workers. pic.twitter.com/S1sVPLqXda
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 25, 2021
National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness
The Biden- Harris Administration has put together a plan of action to manage and gain control of the coronavirus pandemic. The first one hundred pages of the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness describes seven goals while the next one hundred focus on Executive Orders to get things moving.
Today’s executive actions represent our Administration’s effort to aggressively change the course of COVID-19 by expanding testing, vaccinating more people, protecting those most at risk, and addressing racial and other disparities in COVID impact and care. pic.twitter.com/AgWtxAyFhO
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 21, 2021
The 10 Biden Officials to Watch on the Covid-19 Response
President Biden has called on a number of experts to work together to help guide us through this unprecedented time. STAT singles out the 10 officials worth watching closest. Additionally, this administration promises to hold regular briefing with these health officials so that Americans are informed of our progress.
The 10 Biden officials to watch on the Covid-19 response https://t.co/xRceBSfUsk
— STAT (@statnews) January 22, 2021
Marcella Nunez-Smith, Chair COVID-19 Equity Task Force
Soon after he was elected Biden named health equity expert Marcella Nunez-Smith (@DrNunezSmith) chair of the new administration’s COVID-19 Equity Task Force. She has since appeared numerous times in the national media, explaining the disproportionate impact that the pandemic has had on people of color.
“Now is the time to lift our national policy from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of human dignity.” — Dr. King
As we work to distribute this vaccine safely, quickly, and equitably, we will ensure communities hit hardest by the virus get the care they need. pic.twitter.com/xn51O2zKTc
— Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith (@DrNunezSmith) January 18, 2021
New CDC Director, Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH
Prior to being named the 19th Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky (@CDCDirector) served as Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital from 2017-2020 and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School from 2012-2020. She served on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic and conducted research on vaccine delivery and strategies to reach underserved communities.
It is a privilege to join @CDCgov. For 75 years, CDC has carried out a mission to protect America’s safety, health, & security at home & abroad. I recognize the seriousness of the moment – the toll that #COVID19 has had on America is truly heartbreaking. https://t.co/NLVqme863t
— Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH (@CDCDirector) January 20, 2021
ICYMI – Our other Friday Fives and Blog posts from HCNR’s Nurse Lauren.
