Coronavirus COVID-19 Update - - - FDA Allows More Flexible Storage, Transportation Conditions for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: U.S. Food and Drug Administration Allows More Flexible Storage, Transportation Conditions for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine | site |



Update Provides Alternative Temperature for Transportation and Temporary Storage for Frozen Vials Before Dilution


(Information contained in U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] press release dated: February 25, 2021) Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it is allowing undiluted frozen vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to be transported and stored at conventional temperatures commonly found in pharmaceutical freezers for a period of up to two weeks. This reflects an alternative to the preferred storage of the undiluted vials in an ultra-low temperature freezer between -80ºC to -60ºC (-112ºF to -76ºF). The change is being reflected in updates to the Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers)....

Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration Awards Over $70 Million To Support Economic Recovery Across The U.S. And Territories | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Commerce press release dated: February 11, 2021) Today, the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration announced over $70 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance, Disaster Recovery, and Public Works Program grants to support businesses and communities adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters, and bolster public works projects to spur economic growth. These grants provide critical gap financing for local companies, support infrastructure improvement projects, and strengthen workforce development programs to help create jobs and generate private investments in communities across the country. The Department of Commerce is committed to promoting equitable economic growth that strengthens U.S. businesses, creates goo...

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launches Public Guidance to further protect Veterans’ personal Information | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs press release dated: February 22, 2021)

Washington - - This February the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched Ethics Principles for Access to and Use of Veteran Data as part of ongoing efforts to protect Veteran data.

The new online resource outlines nine principles for communicating clear expectations on how Veteran data is to be managed and viewed by Veterans, staff, VA partners and other stakeholders. These principles reinforce VA’s standards of data privacy and protection maintained during VA’s distribution of nearly 2 million COVID-19 vaccinations to date, and other critical health care services during the coronavirus pandemic. “VA’s principle-based ethics framework takes a proactive approach to data management and privacy ...

Office for Civil Rights Resolves Three Discrimination Complaints After Medstar Health System Ensures Patients With Disabilities Can Have Support Persons in Health Care Settings During Covid-19 Pandemic | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] news release dated: February 25, 2021) Today, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S Department of Health and Human Services announces the resolution of three disability discrimination complaints to ensure that patients with disabilities are allowed access to support persons in MedStar Health hospitals and care locations during the COVID-19 pandemic. A support person may be a family member, personal care assistant, similar disability service provider, or other individual knowledgeable about the management or care of the patient who is authorized to assist the patient in making decisions. None of the individuals in the complaints had COVID-19, but all w...

U.S. General Services Administration Names Key Positions in Leadership Roster Bringing in Congressional, State, and Local Government Experience | site |



(Information contained in U.S. General Services Administration [GSA] press release dated: February 16, 2021)

Washington - - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the appointments of four key roles. These new appointees are:

• Exodie Roe III, Associate Administrator, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
• Roberto Rosas, Policy Advisor, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs
• Venecia Fernandez, Policy Advisor, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs
• LeJamiel Goodall, Senior Advisor to the Deputy Administrator
• Laila ElGohary, White House Liaison

“We are thrilled to have Exodie Roe III on board. His team will partner with the Federal Acquisition Service and the Public Buildings Service to broaden diversity, equity,...

Creating Equity in Energy for People of Color | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Energy [DOE] news release dated: February 23, 2021)

Today’s battle against climate change and efforts to develop clean, renewable sources of energy, have laid bare the disparities facing Black, Indigenous, and people of color in America in the energy space. Efforts like President Joe Biden’s latest executive order to address climate change aim to address inequities that have prevented underserved communities from accessing the benefits of clean energy. Amid this shifting landscape, Shalanda Baker sees a chance to make a positive difference as the Department of Energy’s first-ever deputy director for Energy Justice. “I’m excited about the potential to remediate the most hazardous and harmful impacts of climate, while also creating opportunities for economic empowerment in the communities who are most impacted by climate change,” she said. B...

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces FY 2021 Round of the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant Program | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Transportation press release dated: February 17, 2021) Washington - - The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) today announced it is seeking applicants for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 round of the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program. INFRA grants will fund transportation projects of national and regional significance that are in line with the Biden Administration’s priorities including creating good-paying jobs, improving safety, applying transformative technology, and explicitly addressing climate change and racial equity. The funding available for this year’s grants totals approximately $889 million. The Department recognizes the role that infrastructure investment plays in economic development and job creation, and the a...

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: February 23, 2021 | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] press release dated: February 23, 2021)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the following actions taken in its ongoing response effort to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Yesterday, the FDA issued guidances for medical product developers, specifically covering vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics products, to address the emergence and potential future emergence of variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
• The FDA issued a safety communication to inform patients and health care providers that pulse oximeters have limitations and a risk of inaccuracy under certain circumstances. The Pulse Oximeter Accuracy and Limitations: FDA Safety Communication provides:
  • Important recommendations for patients and their caregivers on how to use pulse oximeters at home.
  • Recommendations for health

...

U.S. Office of Personnel Management Announces Key Biden-Harris Staff Appointments | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Office of Personnel Management [OPM] press release dated: January 25, 2021) Washington, DC - - Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced several political appointees to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The group will work alongside OPM civil servants in support of OPM’s mission and the Biden Administration’s commitment to build a federal workforce that reflects the diversity of America. “President Biden made a promise to the American people that he would assemble diverse and talented teams that look like America, and today he continues to fulfill that promise,” said Chris Canning, incoming Chief of Staff. “We are looking forward to joining the hard working and committed civil servants at OPM to support and empower the federal workforce.” OPM works in several broad categories to lead and serve ...

Listeria Outbreak Update: CDC Warning| site |



(Information contained in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] press release dated: February 24, 2021)

CDC has updated its food safety alert for a Listeria outbreak linked to queso fresco made by El Abuelito Cheese Inc.: https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbrea...-21/index.html

Key points:

• CDC has expanded its advice to not eat, sell, or serve any cheese sold under the brand name El Abuelito, in addition to recalled queso fresco cheese sold under the brand names of El Abuelito, Rio Grande, and Rio Lindo. CDC is concerned that any cheese made or handled at this facility could be contaminated and make people sick.

• Three new illnesses were reported this week. This outbreak has sickened a total of 10 people in four states (Connecticut, Maryland, New York, and Virginia).

• Nine people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

• Interviews with sick people

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