A Doctor's Note

June 25, 2021: A Doctor's Note on COVID-19

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June 25, 2021

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, I joined Republican Whip Steve Scalise, House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, and the GOP Doctors Caucus for a press conference on the origins of COVID-19.

I made remarks about how we should not simply be taking China's word because that would be like trusting Winnie the Pooh to guard a honey pot. Discovering the origins of this virus is not a moment to point fingers. It is a necessary step to ensure that we can prevent this from happening again in the future.

National Update:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices held an emergency meeting to examine cases of Myocarditis and Pericarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations. Upon examination, the CDC still recommends the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for those 12 years of age and older.

  • CDC issued a report studying the mental health of parents and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 70% of the subjects reported experiencing adverse mental health symptoms.
  • CDC awarded $200 million to 59 jurisdictions to support disease intervention specialists (DIS) workforce.
  • CDC extended the eviction moratorium for 30 more days.

Over $3 billion will be allocated to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Antiviral Program for Pandemics to develop COVID-19 antiviral treatments.

  • HHS released data on the impact of COVID-19 on Medicare beneficiaries in nursing homes during 2020.

The Indian Health Service announced the allocation of $1.8 billion of the $4.3 billion received from the American Rescue Plan to address COVID-19.

The Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for Actemra (tocilizumab) to treat hospitalized patients receiving systemic corticosteroids requiring supplemental oxygen.

The National Institutes of Health is studying the impacts of COVID-19 vaccination antibody responses during postpartum and pregnancy.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced its emergency temporary standard for occupational exposure to COVID-19 in the healthcare industry.

Until next time, this is your doctor's note.
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Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.