Pandemic strategy
published in the Republican February 2021
As President Biden takes office, one of his biggest challenges is to handle the COVID-19 pandemic. His plan includes signing several executive orders, such as increasing access to vaccines and mask requirements in certain settings.
The White House is giving guidelines through the Centers for Disease Control to assist people with disabilities. The focus will be providing assistance to immediate care facilities and community-based services.
Disability advocates have been asking for research on how COVID-19 is affecting people with disabilities. They and the federal government feel that this research is needed to ensure that the needs of disabled people are met.
Another part of the plan is for the CDC to provide resources to help states reopen schools while providing information on how to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
As for vaccines, the CDC will establish new methods of ensuring that high-risk people will get the vaccine. President Biden said, “We didn’t get into this mess overnight and it’s going to take months for us to turn things around. But let me equally clear: We will get through this. We will defeat this pandemic. Help is on the way.” Many disability advocates are calling the plan a good first step.