The Biden administration on Monday released a new internal guide saying it would reduce daily coronavirus testing for White House staff to once a week, Axios reported.
Why is it important?: Now that most officials working on the 18-acre complex have been vaccinated, the administration is relaxing some of its coronavirus restrictions, a step closer to normal.
Flashback: Unlike the Trump administration, which had a disproportionate attitude, causing outbreaks of COVID-19 in the western wing and after a Rose Garden event, the Biden administration created a bubble around the president during the 2020 campaign that continued with his arrival in the oval office. .
- President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were vaccinated before being sworn in.
- The White House reduced the Western wing personnel count, required COVID testing for authorized employees inside, as well as routine use of N95 masks at all times and social distancing.
- One week after work, Biden’s medical team had already administered the coronavirus vaccine to several hundred officials, with the aim of vaccinating all staff in person during the first few weeks, Axios reported for the first time. .
White House spokesman Kevin Munoz said the “White House maintains strong protocols related to COVID-19,” such as the use of masks and social distancing, in addition to testing.
- “Our testing protocol is based on a number of factors, including an employee’s vaccination status, and is just one of several measures taken to mitigate risks in the workplace,” Munoz said.