U.S. extends mask rule for travel while weighing new approach
The mask mandate was scheduled to expire March 18, but the Transportation Security Administration said Thursday that it will extend the requirement through April 18.
Justice Department reports more than $8B in alleged fraud tied to federal COVID aid programs
In some of the cases, suspects wrongfully obtained federal loans to bolster companies that didn’t actually exist. In others, large, transnational crime syndicates stole workers’ identities to receive generous unemployment benefits under someone else’s name.
Statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations hit lowest level since July
Despite the decline in hospitalizations and cases, the virus is still claiming lives. Another 77 COVID deaths were reported on Wednesday, raising the pandemic total to 22,215 in Indiana.
Global death toll nears 6M as pandemic enters its third year
The milestone is the latest tragic reminder of the unrelenting nature of the pandemic even as people are shedding masks, travel is resuming and businesses are reopening around the globe.
New offices for the hybrid era? Many companies are on board
Businesses recognize there is a place for offices despite the fact that they plan to give workers more flexibility to work from home.
Meeting platforms grow even as COVID wanes
Online gatherings are here to stay, but after two years of Zooming, people are looking for something more than the standard videoconferencing sites can offer.
UPDATE: Holcomb signs bill to end health emergency, limit vaccine mandates
Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a new order Thursday, effectively ending the health emergency. It had been renewed on a monthly basis for nearly two years.
As vaccine demand falls, states left with huge stockpiles
As demand for COVID-19 vaccines collapses in many areas of the United States, states are scrambling to use stockpiles of doses before they expire and have to be added to the millions that have already gone to waste.
Biden seeks $10B for aid to Ukraine, $22.5B for coronavirus
The Biden administration is seeking more funds to help protect Ukraine against the Russian invasion and to cover coronavirus pandemic-related expenses, two major additions to budget talks already underway.
White House unveils new COVID plan, says shutdowns, school closures unnecessary
The 96-page road map is part of a broader White House strategy to move the country from crisis footing and convince Americans that their lives can return to normal amid the president’s tanking approval ratings.
Indiana Southern District Court lifts mask, social distancing mandates
Visitors of the federal courthouses in the Southern District of Indiana won’t be required to wear face coverings or socially distance while entering and occupying public spaces beginning next week.
Pfizer nearing big gains in COVID treatment production
Pfizer’s new COVID-19 treatment came with a catch when it debuted late last year: Supplies were limited, and it would take months to make the tablets.
Indiana’s COVID-19 death toll climbs past 22,000
Meanwhile, statewide hospitalizations due to COVID fell to 751 as of Tuesday, the lowest number since July 25.
Watered-down vaccine mandate limits clear Senate, return to House for consideration
The Indiana Senate passed a watered-down version of the House Republicans’ bill to limit employer vaccine mandates, sending it back to the House where its future is cloudy.
More than 140M Americans have had COVID-19, according to CDC
The estimates, compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, show that about 43% of the country has been infected by the virus. Indiana is among 14 states where more than half the population has been infected.
Statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations fall to lowest mark since July
COVID-19 hospitalizations have plummeted 77% in Indiana since hitting a pandemic high of 3,519 on Jan. 13.
Remote work seen more persistent than planners expected
The analysis found that work-from-home situations rose for every major demographic group and industry, but was especially sharp among highly educated workers.
Nearly half of 500M free COVID tests for public still unclaimed
On the first day of the White House test giveaway in January, COVIDtests.gov received over 45 million orders. Now officials say fewer than 100,000 orders a day are coming in.
Some Americans welcome new CDC mask guidance, but others wary
Many Americans, including parents of school children, have been clamoring for an end to masking while others wonder if the pandemic could throw a new curveball.
CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines
The new policy comes as the Biden administration moves to shift its focus to preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19, rather than all instances of infection, as part of a strategy adjustment for a new “phase” in the response as the virus becomes endemic.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC Resources for Businesses and Employers OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 Indiana State Department of Health Indy Chamber Rapid Response Hub Small Business Administration The SBA is making low-interest loans for working capital available to Indiana small businesses. Indiana Unemployment Information Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Dashboard Critical Industries Hotline(for business and industry only)
877-820-0890
[email protected] State’s virus-related executive orders State plan to reopen Indiana