The U.S.’s key public health organization, buffeted by relentless criticism over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has struggled to bend the curve of infections — and it’s affecting morale.
Redfield is concerned about people having to move around and stay with others in close quarters, whether in a homeless shelter or cramped living with extended families or friends. The same is true for the upcoming holiday weekend. He added that getting a flu shot in the fall is important to help avoid the strain on hospitals as flu season approaches, which could coincide with a second wave of the virus.
Vaccine hopesWith mitigation steps still in place in many parts of the U.S., hopes are pinned on a vaccine — which could be available in limited supply by year’s end. On Wednesday, McClatchy reported that Redfield sent a letter to governors requesting that vaccine distribution centers be expedited and ready to roll by November 1, stoking new concerns about politics influencing the process.
FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said Wednesday the agency is beginning to plan meetings of the committee, which will be open to the public. “The most important thing I do as a director now is remind the men and women how important they are, how valuable they are, how their work is valued...and to stay focused on the goal line. This is an agency that is not used to having negative criticism,” the director stated.
Guy who allowed his agency to become politicized bemoans the politicization of his agency. 🙄