Doing a double take, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday generate significant doubt over its stance on the airborne transmission of the coronavirus. The agency published and then retracted its new guidance that suggested that coronavirus can spread beyond the 6-foot parameter currently used as guidance for social distancing policies.
The new guidance, would’ve created a dramatic change in the way the public and private sector handles measures to prevent and reduce the possibility infection. The CDC’s original guidance indicated that the virus spread through direct exposure and inhalation of droplets only within about six feet of another person.
Recently, there has been a shift in philosophy as scientific research has advanced the idea that infected aerosol particles can linger in the air for longer than previously thought — something the CDC appeared to acknowledge before it quickly reversed itself, saying the new language was posted by mistake.
According to epidemiologist Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding, the new developments mean that six feet may not be enough of a distance, especially in indoor spaces — and that there had been growing convergence on that point among scientists around the world for months.
But the CDC’s reversal, even if temporary, is both shocking and expected, Feigl-Ding said.
“I don’t understand what there is to politically gain by denying the existence of aerosol transmission. At this point, trust in the CDC and FDA are just so woefully deficient,” he told resource on Monday.
The CDC’s head-spinning shift stirred new controversy in the increasingly politicized battle over how the U.S. is addressing the COVID-19 crisis. The agency has come under fire for its contradictory messages on testing asymptomatic carriers, masking, and the rapid moves to develop an effective vaccine.
Political pressure on the approval or authorization of a coronavirus cure continues to be a concern, even as health officials and pharmaceutical companies have pledged to maintain strong standards for safety and efficacy.
But as some experts feared, there aren’t enough defenses against political pressure. A new report from U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Sec. Alex Azar spells out his authority over the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and clears the path for an expedited emergency use authorization of any vaccine.
In a Sept. 15 memo, Azar declared that any new rules for the health agencies under HHS, including FDA, could only be signed by himself, according to a report in the New York Times.
Yet experts had warned that Azar’s authority supersedes FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, throwing into question the FDA’s credibility and ability to fight political pressure to authorize a vaccine that may not be truly safe and effective, even as several officials — including Hahn — committing to uphold gold standards of approval.
Existing regulations already allow Azar to override Hahn, if he deems the product can “protect the public health” and there is already a public health emergency declaration.
While HHS has said the Sept. 15 memo will have no effect on coronavirus vaccines, experts are wary of the impact and are watching how the department ultimately handles vaccine approvals.
Dr. Howard Koh, former HHS assistant secretary, recently told news resources that the significant erosion of trust and confidence in the FDA is concerning amid the pandemic.
The lack of national coordination of information and dissemination through the top health officials, hosted by the White House, is hampering the nation’s response, Koh said.
“In a time like this…we need coordination and a one nation approach more now than ever before,” Koh said.
COMMENTS