By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/watch-live-white-house-covid-task-force-holds-news-briefing-12 Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: White House COVID task force urges vaccine requirements Nation Updated on Aug 31, 2021 4:57 PM EDT — Published on Aug 31, 2021 10:26 AM EDT The White House Coronavirus task force is urging public and private sector vaccine requirements to boost vaccination rates and make headway against COVID-19. Watch the briefing in the player above. “The president first adopted vaccination requirements for federal workers last month,” said Jeff Zients, the task force’s response coordinator. “And now over 800 colleges and universities, over 200 health care employers, small and large businesses across the country, and dozens of state and local governments and school districts have stepped up to follow the president’s lead,” he said. “Bottom line, vaccination requirements work.” The task force also provided Labor Day travel guidance and advice to parents as children head back to school. “We have actually articulated that people who are fully vaccinated and who are wearing masks can travel,” said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky. “If you are unvaccinated, we would recommend not traveling,” she said. “CDC recommends that everyone eligible for vaccination be vaccinated before school starts,” she said. “Next, universal masking is critically important in schools for students, teachers, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status,” Walensky said. “CDC also recommends schools employ additional key strategies in school to keep kids safe, including improved ventilation, physical distancing and establishing screening programs for students and teachers.” By — Associated Press Associated Press
The White House Coronavirus task force is urging public and private sector vaccine requirements to boost vaccination rates and make headway against COVID-19. Watch the briefing in the player above. “The president first adopted vaccination requirements for federal workers last month,” said Jeff Zients, the task force’s response coordinator. “And now over 800 colleges and universities, over 200 health care employers, small and large businesses across the country, and dozens of state and local governments and school districts have stepped up to follow the president’s lead,” he said. “Bottom line, vaccination requirements work.” The task force also provided Labor Day travel guidance and advice to parents as children head back to school. “We have actually articulated that people who are fully vaccinated and who are wearing masks can travel,” said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky. “If you are unvaccinated, we would recommend not traveling,” she said. “CDC recommends that everyone eligible for vaccination be vaccinated before school starts,” she said. “Next, universal masking is critically important in schools for students, teachers, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status,” Walensky said. “CDC also recommends schools employ additional key strategies in school to keep kids safe, including improved ventilation, physical distancing and establishing screening programs for students and teachers.”