Documenting America's Path to Recovery: February 17, 2021

February 18 →

← February 16

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A daily summary of major changes in the world of politics, government, and elections happening each day

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Welcome to Documenting America’s Path to Recovery. We are committed to keeping you updated on everything from mask requirements to curfews to vaccine-related policies. We will keep you abreast of major developments—especially those affecting your daily life. Today we look at expanded vaccine eligibility in California, changes in coronavirus restrictions in Connecticut, and much more. Want to know what we covered yesterday? Click here.

 

 

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The next 24 hours

What is changing in the next 24 hours?

• Arizona (Republican trifecta): The state is partnering with the University of Arizona to operate a mass vaccination site, starting Feb. 18. Registration opened on Feb. 16. At full capacity, the site will be able to distribute 6,000 vaccines daily.

 

 

 

 

Since our last edition

What rules and restrictions are changing in each state? For a continually updated article, click here.

• Arkansas (Republican trifecta): Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) lifted the requirement that indoor event gatherings of more than 10 people must obtain state approval. Indoor events larger than 100 people still need state approval.

• California (Democratic trifecta): Health Secretary Mark Ghaly announced the state will expand vaccine eligibility to individuals with state-defined severe disabilities and high-risk health conditions. Qualifying conditions will include down syndrome, cancer, and severe obesity.
  

• Connecticut (Democratic trifecta): Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced gathering limits for weddings and other social events will expand from 100 to 200 people starting March 19.

• Massachusetts (divided government): On Tuesday, Feb. 16, Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced a vaccine initiative to reach communities placed high on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index. The Index measures a community’s ability to respond to hazardous events based on factors like poverty and unemployment. Under the initiative, state officials will use town halls and other events to raise awareness of coronavirus vaccines in collaboration with local health boards, faith leaders, and community centers. 
  

• Ohio (Republican trifecta): On Tuesday, Feb. 16, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced the Department of Health was working on a website that would allow a resident to enter their zip code and find open vaccine appointments within 20 miles of their location.
  

• Rhode Island (Democratic trifecta): Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until March 17.

• Washington (Democratic trifecta): On Tuesday, Feb. 16, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced the state is adding an additional 48 schools to a coronavirus testing program. The program, which 13 school districts piloted earlier this month, supplies districts with same-day coronavirus tests. The districts decide who is eligible to be tested.

 

 

 

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