WTF Just Happened Today

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

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1/ The CDC’s independent vaccine advisory committee recommended booster doses of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for 12- to 17-year olds. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky is expected to accept the recommendation and make it official policy later today. The CDC also updated its vaccine guidance, recommending that individuals who received the Pfizer shot get a booster five months after getting their second shot instead of six. The updated guidance means nearly 6 million more people are now eligible for a booster shot. (Washington Post / NBC News / Axios / CNBC)

2/ The CDC will not add a testing requirement to its isolation guidelines for people infected with Covid-19 who want to end their isolation after five days. Last week, the agency shortened the time people should isolate after they test positive from 10 days to five if they’re free of fever and their symptoms have improved – no test required. The CDC also said it is not changing the definition of being fully vaccinated to include booster shots. “Individuals are considered fully vaccinated against Covid-19 if they’ve received their primary series. That definition is not changing,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. (NPR / NBC News / ABC News)

3/ Coronavirus cases have been reported on all 92 cruise ships sailing with passengers in U.S. waters, according to the CDC. In every case, the CDC has either started an investigation or has investigated and continues to observe the ship. Last week, the CDC warned all travelers, including those who are vaccinated, to avoid cruise ships. (Washington Post)

4/ Trump canceled his planned Jan. 6 news conference to mark the first anniversary of the attack on the Capitol by a mob of his supporters, blaming the media and the bipartisan congressional committee investigating the attack. Instead, Trump promised to “discuss many of those important topics” at a rally he is planning for Jan. 15 in Arizona. Republican senators had said a press conference from Mar-a-Lago wasn’t a “good idea.” (Washington Post / Politico / New York Times)

5/ Trump’s former press secretary will speak to the committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol today. Stephanie Grisham resigned from the White House on Jan. 6 in response to the riot. Separately, Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of select committee, wants Pence to voluntarily speak with the panel about what he witnessed on Jan. 6 and the conversations he had with Trump and allies in the days leading up to the a...

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