The vaccination effort and the frontline’s response were the topics of a Senate Health Committee hearing.
Public health officials urged Americans to “stay the course” on fighting the virus. They told lawmakers, schools and businesses are on the path to reopening, with the vaccine supply growing.
The Washington State Health Secretary called on the government to make long-term investments in public health.
According to Dr. Umair A. Shah, “Everyone, everywhere, in all communities should be able to rely on strong public health systems. This pandemic has shown the shortcomings of our current system, including emergency response. This is due to the fact that we have not adequately invested in it...”
He says that it is critical for communities to social distance, wear masks, and wash hands while vaccines are being distributed.