The emergence of the Omicron variant highlights that vaccines alone will not end the pandemic and the US administration’s newly-announced pharmaceutical-dependent winter plan is far from adequate. To stop the spread of Covid-19, and prevent the emergence of even more virulent variants, we need strong public policies, not merely relying on individual actions.
Image via JustSeeds.org
VaxPlus Coalition unites scientists, public health experts, physicians, educators, parents, and others affected by Covid-19 in calling on all levels of government to adopt a comprehensive evidence-based public health strategy that prioritizes the wellbeing of those most affected by the pandemic: Black, Brown, Indigenous and poor and working people in the US and abroad. Such an approach must take advantage of a wide range of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions, including some public health measures which were effectively employed earlier but abandoned with the advent of vaccines. These NPIs continue to reduce Covid’s impact in many other countries and contexts and are essential to preventing more avoidable illness and death in the coming weeks and months. We urge you to use your platform to call for:
CLEAN AIR Fund evidence-based air filtration and ventilation in schools, workplaces, public buildings, congregate settings, and more. Promote clean indoor air standards. Advocate for clear messaging from the federal government and the CDC that Covid is airborne and guidance on the implications of this for public health.
MASKS Clear guidance and support from the CDC regarding data-driven municipal, state, and federal mask mandates, accompanied by programs making high-quality FF2-level masks freely available to all.
TEST AND TRACE Robust, equitable test, trace, and isolate programs. Free and accessible testing options for all, include widely available rapid tests.
ECONOMIC SUPPORT For those affected by Covid, vital economic supports include continued moratoriums on eviction. Universal paid sick leave, paid time off for those seeking a vaccine. Supports for people struggling with Covid-19 and Long Covid. And — to help stop spread within households and beyond — financial and other supports for safe quarantine of confirmed and suspected Covid cases.
WORKPLACE PROTECTIONS Strict enforcement of the OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard for health care workers, and prompt OSHA issuance of enforceable and comprehensive emergency airborne virus protections for all workers.
VACCINES FOR ALL Equitable vaccine delivery both in the United States and globally. Putting public health ahead of corporate profits, use all possible US influence to pass the TRIPS waiver and remove other barriers to increased global vaccine production and delivery.
REDUCE CROWDING FOR ALL To stop an airborne virus, “6 foot” distancing is insufficient. We must: Lower capacity limits in public spaces. Reduce congregate shelter use with uncrowded hotel space and other safe housing for unhoused people. Decarcerate, with policies limiting incarceration and detention, including expanded use of clemency powers. Encourage remote options for workers and students. Support people who must quarantine/isolate, to stop spread in households and beyond.
DIVERSE AND SCIENCE-BASED LEADERSHIP A diverse pandemic leadership team led by scientists and public health experts and essential workers in place of the White House Covid Response team led by investor/businessman Jeffrey Zieints.
Contact Us: VaxPlusCoalition@gmail.com