Jun 22, 2020 - Politics & Policy

White House scales back coronavirus temperature checks for visitors

President Trump after delivering remarks on testing in May. Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The White House announced Monday it was "scaling back" coronavirus temperature checks for visitors upon entering the complex.

The state of play: While people who will find themselves in close proximity to President Trump or Vice President Pence will still get temperature checks and coronavirus tests, it reflects a continued loosening of restrictions around the executive mansion, as the administration moved to make face masks optional last week.

  • "Social distancing, hand sanitizer, regular deep cleaning of all work spaces, and voluntary facial coverings" all remain in place for visitors, according to White House spokesman Judd Deere.
  • Deere said that the decision was made in conjunction with Washington, D.C.'s move into "phase two" of its coronavirus reopening plan on Monday — which allows for indoor dining and gym use at reduced capacities, per the Washington Post.

The big picture: NBC News' Monica Alba tweeted this morning that the temperature checks and health questions that had been in place "for months" at White House entrances were not taking place — and the tents where they had been conducted were coming down.

Go deeper: Kudlow: "There is no second wave coming"

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Orion Rummler
Sep 18, 2020 - Health

CDC again recommends coronavirus testing for asymptomatic people

CDC director Robert Redfield testifies at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Sept. 16. Photo: Anna Moneymaker-Pool/Getty Images

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its previously revised guidance for coronavirus testing on Friday to say that testing asymptomatic people who were exposed to COVID-19 is recommended for treatment and contact tracing.

Why it matters: The CDC's modification in August to recommend against testing for asymptomatic people was not written by scientists and posted despite their "serious objections," New York Times first reported. CNN confirmed that the agency's update was published outside the agency's "normal review process."

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Ursula Perano
Sep 18, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Rep. Brooks: We need to better prepare for pandemics

Axios' Margaret Talev (L) and Rep. Susan Brooks (R). Photo: Axios

Insufficient stockpiles and a lack of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic should serve as a warning for America on future preparedness, Rep. Susan Brooks (R-Ind.) said at an Axios virtual event on Friday.

What they're saying: "Congress had been beefing up for years — the appropriations for preparedness — it certainly was not enough, and we recognize that," Brooks said.

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Ursula Perano
Sep 18, 2020 - Health

Rep. Khanna: COVID-19 could change the perception of public health care

Rep. Khanna and Axios' Margaret Talev

The universal experience of COVID-19 could change how opponents view Medicare for All, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said at an Axios virtual event on Friday.

What they're saying: "The pandemic has reminded us of our shared humanity with other American citizens. It's no longer possible to think, 'Oh, we're not part of those who get sick.' Now almost everyone knows, unfortunately, someone who has been hospitalized, someone who had a serious bout with COVID," Khanna said.

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