CDC’s Updated Mask Recommendation Leads to Criticism; Changes to COVID-19 Reporting Structure

May 21, 2021

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently put forth updated mask recommendations; vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask. In addition to these new recommendations, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky has also implemented changes to the data modeling and visualization task forces that make up the CDC COVID-19 response team. This news comes as several high-ranking CDC members have resigned or retired, which has led to changes in the overall reporting structure.

“The loss of two longtime CDC leaders combined with Walensky’s reshaping of the Covid-19 response is solidifying the CDC chief’s power, giving her control over some of the most critical policy conversations related to the pandemic. The changes she has made are also reinforcing her agency’s independence from the White House. As POLITICO has reported, several senior White House officials — including some on the White House Covid-19 task force  said the CDC did not warn them until the morning of the announcement that vaccinated people can forego masks in most situations.” Read more here.

(Source: Erin Banco & Adam Cancryn, POLITICO, 5/17/21)

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