Oversight

As Vaccine Rollout Expands, Black Americans Still Left Behind

COVID-19 vaccines are reaching more Americans, but Black residents are being vaccinated at dramatically lower rates in the 23 states where data is publicly available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans to release national data next week.

Tech

Can the U.S. Keep COVID-19 Variants in Check? Here’s What It Takes

The U.S. has fumbled almost every step of its public health response in its battle against COVID-19. Experts say that must change if we’re going to outflank the variants emerging as the virus continues to mutate

Management

How Anthony Fauci Survived Donald Trump

The new White House chief medical adviser explains what it was really like to work for an administration that tried constantly to undermine him.

Tech

GovExec Daily: The Biden Administration’s Coronavirus Response

Courtney Bublé joins the podcast to discuss how the Biden administration is addressing the COVID-19 crisis.

Workforce

VA Expands Vaccination to Some Non-Health Care Staff as Postal Workers Face Uncertainty

Agencies have started vaccinations for more than 1 million people, but many federal workers have not received clear guidance.

Management

White House Directs Agencies to Revise Their Pandemic Plans

The “paramount concern is the health and safety of all federal employees, on-site contractors, and individuals interacting with the federal workforce,” OMB said. 

Tech

5 Ways Biden Can Help Rural America Thrive and Bridge the Rural-Urban Divide

A new federal antipoverty program for both rural and urban areas is part of the solution, but the power of Big Ag, lack of internet and struggling towns need attention, too.

Management

To Beat the Pandemic, Biden Needs to Take the Politics Out of It

The vast majority of recent survey respondents said “Politics has made it harder to learn the truth about COVID-19.”

Management

Biden Directs OSHA to Bolster Actions to Combat Pandemic

He also asked the agency to consider issuing emergency temporary standards.

Management

Coronavirus Roundup: Biden Launches Aggressive Pandemic Plans 

There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.

Management

Biden’s COVID-19 Challenge: 100 Million Vaccinations in the First 100 Days. It Won’t Be Easy.

But keeping campaign promises regarding the nation’s COVID-19 response will go beyond stepping up the rollout of the vaccines.

Management

How Operation Warp Speed Created Vaccination Chaos

States are struggling to plan their vaccination programs with just one week’s notice for how many doses they’ll receive from the federal government. The incoming Biden administration is deciding what to do with this dysfunctional system.

Pay & Benefits

Biden COVID-Relief Plan Offers More Leave for Frontline Feds

Although the plan calls for private sector employers to provide hazard pay to essential workers, it is unclear whether the president-elect would call on federal agencies to do the same.

Management

Health Workers Unions See Surge in Interest Amid COVID

Many front-line health workers who have faced a perpetual lack of PPE and inconsistent safety measures believe the government and their employers have failed to protect them from COVID-19.

Management

Americans Have Unrealistic Expectations For a COVID-19 Vaccine

Two in five Americans say they don't want a COVID-19 vaccine, which is a problem. Finding out what Americans do want from a vaccine might help.

Management

Homeland Security Begins Vaccinating Its Own Employees, With VA's Help

DHS will start the COVID-19 vaccines in eight locations, but officials hope to expand the offering nationwide.

Oversight

CDC Shut Down a Lab Involved in Making Faulty Coronavirus Tests

A CDC lab involved in making faulty coronavirus tests sent to state and local officials early in the pandemic was closed down hours after an October investigation by ProPublica exposed key mistakes the CDC made in manufacturing those tests.