COVID‑19 Still on the U.S. Radar—E.O. Extended for 90 Days
In a move that keeps the pandemic’s cookie‑cutter emergency status alive, Health Secretary Xavier Becerra announced on Thursday that the U.S. will stay in the “public health emergency” zone for another quarter‑of‑a‑year (90 days). That means the folks who pump extra cash into hospitals and keep Medicaid expansions on track get to keep doing just that.
Why the “Emergency” Still Matters
- High hospital payments stay intact so doctors aren’t tempted to suggest you quit their practice.
- Medicaid stays open for those whose finances gave a quick knock down the rope.
- The 90‑day extension gives Congress a breathing space to rally more funds if the next wave rolls in.
Biden’s “It’s Over” Slip‑up – Health Experts whine
Last month, President Joe Biden waved a “the pandemic is over” flag in an interview. The message got snagged by a chorus of health officials who argued the numbers still paint a solemn picture: over 900 deaths a day in the U.S. when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chimes in. They’d rather say the pandemic is still doing its quiet, persistent trickle.
Hospitals Keep Pumping Life‑Support
Remember how early in the Biden era, the death toll could top 3,000 Americans a day? Those days are behind us thanks to professional care, meds, and a growing vaccine army. But the wave’s tail is still rippling, and the CDC keeps confirming that this “gauntlet” has not vanished. It’s enough to keep many folks on the edge of a daily fatal list.
Biden’s Pinch‑Point: Request for More Money
To stay ahead of any future spike, Mr. Biden pitched to Congress a $22.4 billion (roughly $32 billion Singapore‑style) pump‑to‑pump funding squeeze. The aim? Ramp up readiness—from labs holding back new syringes to field teams that could jot down “patient” on the spot.
Trump’s Re‑Play: 50 Billion for a 2020 Crisis
Cooler, cooler, before all the news we’re hearing droves in: a former president, Donald Trump, called on a national emergency back in 2020 – unlocking $50 billion of federal aid. That older call was a lesson that injecting money can give hospitals a cushion when the curve flips back up.
Bottom line for the average Joe: the emergency status lives on, the extra healthcare money stays in the pipeline, and the U.S. government’s strategy isn’t about slackening; it’s about staying ready in case the next coronavirus wave decides to throw a surprise bash.
