The People’s CDC affirms that the pandemic is not over. It is not over precisely because the federal government has failed to support mitigations, verbally and financially. Downplaying the virus’s widespread and harmful impacts, insisting that people go back to work despite mass infection, is not an indication the pandemic is over but rather a failure of leadership and justice. This decision in fact perpetuates and accelerates the pandemic, allowing new and more dangerous variants to emerge and spread.

In the US alone, this virus continues to kill over 400 people every day and to disable many more: 1 in 5 COVID cases leads to Long COVID. And, with the newly released CDC recommendations weakening infection control measures such as mask requirements in medical facilities, the negative impacts of COVID-19 will worsen, preventing people from safely accessing medical care.

Proclaiming the pandemic is over is especially dismissive of vulnerable and high risk people and communities that continue to face death, disability and chronic illness from COVID. It reveals the Biden Administration’s prioritization of corporate and narrow political interests over the health of communities across the nation and beyond.

Tell Biden and Congress: Mass infection must not be normalized.

The People’s CDC will continue to advocate for a layered, collective, and equitable response to the pandemic that prioritizes all people’s rights to safety, access to resources, and dignity. We will continue to fight for a new normal that prioritizes community care and the well being of the most vulnerable among us.

Letter Text:

Dear President Biden and Members of Congress,

The Pandemic is Not Over. In the US alone, this virus continues to kill over 400 people every day and to disable many more: 1 in 5 COVID cases leads to Long COVID. And, with the newly released CDC recommendations weakening infection control measures such as mask requirements in medical facilities, the negative impacts of COVID-19 will worsen, preventing people from safely accessing medical care.

Downplaying COVID’s risks instead perpetuates and accelerates the pandemic, allowing new and more dangerous variants to emerge and spread.

We need responsible, clear CDC guidelines that will keep our communities and our loved ones safe. We need you to act to stop the unchecked spread of COVID-19, immediately. We need:

• Free access to N95-grade masks for all;

• Free access to PCR and rapid testing;

• Robust, universal, paid sick leave;

• Mask mandates in public places, including schools, public transport and medical facilities;

• Federal funding and guidance for ventilation and filtration updates, coupled with meaningful regulation;

• Universal access to healthcare including continued COVID treatment and testing for uninsured people;

• Updated vaccines and universal access to them globally.

You must choose a healthier, more equitable pandemic response. We all deserve better.

If you wish to call the White House, the Comment line is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11am-3pm EST

• White House Phone #: 202-456-1111 — TTY / TTD 202-456-6213 (*)

Or if you prefer to write to the White House directly, here is the contact form & mailing address:

• White House Contact form: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

• Mailing address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

Find your representatives:

https://whoaremyrepresentatives.org/