Jaham said the Biden administration is still focusing on vaccinations, boosters and access to Covid-19 treatment. To that end, he also called on Congress to take a multibillion-dollar funding package after returning from a break later this month.
“My hope is that they will take up the issue immediately and make sure we get funding for the American people to provide treatment, vaccines, tests, everything will be available again.”
Jaha was also asked about the prospective return of indoor masking requirements such as this Rebuilt in Philadelphia. He said these decisions should be made at the local level.
“Some may choose to go this way, some may not,” he said. “I think these decisions should be made here.”
He also defended the decision of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to extend the mandate of the Federal Travel Mask by at least 15 days amid an increase in Covid cases. The rule expired on April 18, but will remain in force until May 3.
“They say another 15 days will give us a much better sense of whether these cases lead to serious illness, hospitalization and death,” Jham said. “And I think 15 days is a pretty reasonable time to gather more data and make a stronger decision.”
Also Sunday, Jaham expressed confidence that the existing menu of vaccines continues to be effective against the highly contagious BA.2 subtype that has become the dominant strain of the virus in the United States.
“Our vaccines work well; “Especially if you are stronger, you will do well,” Jham told ABC on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos.”
Correction: An earlier version of this report incorrectly mentioned one of China’s provinces.
The head of Biden Covid denies the use of a lock like China
