Reopening America

What does it mean to be asymptomatic? As Covid guidelines constantly change around us and infections keep spreading, many don't want to believe a sniffle or scratchy throat could be a symptom. To be clear, being asymptomatic means you feel your best and aren't taking any medications to manage symptoms such as a headache. If anything seems amiss, a Covid test might be a smart choice. Allie Volpe, contributor to Vox, joins us for what to know.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health experts are warning that nations could be giving up too soon in the fight against the pandemic. Many are looking forward to a time when the virus will be endemic and we can just live with it, and certain policies have already begun to reflect that. Joel Achenbach, science reporter at the Washington Post, joins us for why experts say it’s not time to let your guard down just yet.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For those working remotely, the sick day may be gone. As the Omicron variant continues to cause disruptions, some remote workers experiencing mild symptoms are opting to work through it. Some figure that since they are not in the office posing a risk to others, they are taking the posture of, “If I can work, I’ll work.” Kathryn Dill, reporter at the WSJ, joins us Americans complicated relationship with taking time off.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some good news when it comes to jobs and the pandemic. Texas, Arizona, Idaho and Utah have recovered all the jobs they lost since the start of the pandemic and another dozen states could hit that mark by the middle of this year. A lot of this was driven by population growth due to companies and workers shifting away from coastal cities. Bryan Mena, reporter at the WSJ, joins us for more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of human resources at your place of work could be some of the most important people as we face constantly changing guidelines when it comes to the pandemic. They are key figures in setting new policy on mask wearing, testing and vaccine mandates and have had to quickly become experts on public health. Emma Goldberg, reporter at the NY Times, joins us for all the new complexity brought to the world of H.R.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The disruptions from the latest Covid surge continue as college campuses are changing plans for the start of the semester. In-person instruction has been delayed, boosters are being mandated, and they are even restricting student travel. Yale University is asking students not to go to local businesses, restaurants or bars until later in the semester. Melissa Korn, higher education reporter at the WSJ, joins us for more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Omicron surge is putting a heavy strain on hospitals around the country with many hospital workers themselves testing positive, forcing them to stay home. To help with serious staffing shortages, California is implementing a temporary and controversial new policy that allows asymptomatic healthcare workers who have tested positive to return to work immediately. Hayley Smith, reporter at the LA Times, joins us for Covid-positive medical workers staying on the job. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In some grocery stores around the country we are again seeing empty shelves. Some of the reasons remain the same as early in the pandemic, others have changed slightly. The Omicron surge coupled with labor shortages is making it difficult to keep things stocked. Supply chain issues in other countries are affecting us, and more people are eating at home. Laura Reiley, business of food reporter at The Washington Post, joins us for what to know.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health experts see at-home Covid tests as a key tool in the fight against the pandemic. Starting Saturday, Jan. 15th people with private health insurance will be able to get reimbursed for up to 8 tests per month. The administration is also encouraging insurers to create networks of preferred stores or pharmacies so that costs can be covered up front. For those without private insurance, 500 million at-home tests will soon be available for people to request online. Despite all this action, limited supply of tests is still a concern. Annie Nova, personal finance reporter at CNBC, joins us what to know about free at-home Covid tests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Omicron variant continues to surge, but we aren’t hearing the same calls for shutting things down again, at least not from Democratic mayors and governors. We have seen an attitude shift and recognition that Covid fatigue is real and people just want to get back to normal. This fight is especially playing out with school closures in Chicago. Susannah Luthi, reporter at Politico, joins us for why many Democratic leaders are changing their tune.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.