The House Budget Committee completed its ”markup” of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a bill to address the public health and economic consequences of COVID-19. The legislative package includes $880 million to fund the federal government’s food assistance program called Women Infants and Children (WIC), reinstating the paid sick and family leave benefits that expired at the end of December, and addresses extension of Medicaid coverage for pregnant women through one year postpartum.
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The CDC has issued 'Interim Considerations for Infection Prevention and Control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Inpatient Obstetric Healthcare Settings'.
They have pointed out the need for a support partner to be present for all birthing moms. They also address removing a baby from a COVID-positive mother after birth and the need for the mother to be involved in that decision.
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We know it’s been a heavy week for even the toughest moms. Some of you still have the energy to follow federal policy and have asked how the most recent federal COVID law (the third bill so far addressing Coronavirus and a whopping 1000 pages) titled the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (S. 3548) impacts mothers and birth.
But first, to get your bearings, here is a recap of the other two COVID laws:
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A new issue brief by the Kaiser Family Foundation examines how uneven paid family and sick leave policies across the U.S. may impact workers affected by COVID-19.
The CDC has encouraged employers to allow employees to work from home, but many jobs are not amenable to telecommuting. Furthermore, the limits on paid leave benefits are important to parents who work outside the home, as some schools across the country have closed and many others are considering closing in response to COVID-19.
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UPDATE MARCH 12, 2020 — As the U.S. response evolves around the COVID-19 outbreak, we wanted to let you know how we’re approaching the latest developments.
Though 80% of the population who gets sick will experience mild symptoms (fever/cough), the U.S. is taking extreme measures to ensure the health care system can handle those who need to be hospitalized due to respiratory distress. To prevent further spread, the CDC and other officials are now calling for upcoming events to be postponed or adjusted.
The mayor of DC last night declared a state of emergency (given 10+ confirmed cases).
With all this in mind, we are pivoting our strategy. Our team is working hard exploring virtual options to bring you together in meaningful ways in May.
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