Summary
Since the start of the pandemic, both former President Trump and President Biden have repeatedly renewed a special declaration of a national and public health emergency. But the government’s approach toward COVID has dramatically changed and Biden said he would allow that emergency declaration to end in May. William Brangham spoke with Lawrence Gostin about what it will mean. For a transcript of this story, click here .Five Facts
- Who is interviewed for this story, and what is his background?
- What is the COVID public health emergency?
- Why is the White House announcing an end to the emergency now?
- When will it end, and why is the ending delayed for months more?
- How has the public health emergency supported the healthcare system?
Focus Questions
What do you think might be the biggest change or risk of ending the public health emergency order? Why do you think it's happening now? Media literacy: Guest Lawrence Gostin says that, "So, on May 11, like it or not, Title 42 is gone, unless, for some reason, CDC were to issue a fresh order. CDC won't do that because my understanding is CDC has never been in favor of this, because it's really not justified by public health. It's really more a border control policy, and an inhumane one, at that." Do you know what Title 42 is, or can you guess from this quote? How could you find out more about why this public health emergency is tied to border policy?For More
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Student Video of the Day: How the pandemic disrupted the lives of American students, from Student Reporting Labs
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