Efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, both nationally and globally, continue. Federal, state, and local governments all play a major role in interventions that keep people healthy and support economic recovery. The Center for American Progress is committed to researching and developing strategies to manage and ultimately end the current as well as future pandemics. The following publications represent a collection of CAP's work in this area.
While monkeypox is less contagious than COVID-19 and largely preventable through vaccination, the outbreak has highlighted that the U.S. public health system remains underprepared for crises.
Federal investments kept millions of Americans in their homes during the pandemic; in the long term, commitment to bold federal housing policy can eliminate housing insecurity for millions while uplifting historically disadvantaged communities.
Significant and sustained investments in public health would improve societal health, advance equity, and foster economic and climate resiliency.
Mia Ives-Rublee argues that masks remain a critical preventive measure to avoid future COVID-19 surges and protect those at higher risk of severe illness.
As COVID-19 wanes and governments relax public health measures, policymakers must closely monitor indicators that reflect prevalence and severity, precautions and protections, and treatment availability to maintain readiness for future surges and resume precautions as needed.
Workplaces will need to adapt to significant increases to both the disabled population and disabled workforce, and future labor market analysis must center disability.
The federal government can make it easier and more affordable for individuals to reduce their own COVID-19 risk and take action to support public health.
Jill Rosenthal outlines next steps that the Biden administration, state and local policymakers, and private companies should take to prevent a winter surge in COVID-19 cases.
By addressing key priorities, the budget reconciliation process can advance health and economic recovery and deliver benefits to the individuals, neighborhoods, and communities that need them the most.
Author Emily Gee argues that the Biden administration should expand its recent vaccine mandate—requiring vaccination for staff at all nursing homes receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds—to all entities receiving payment from the programs.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for providers participating in Medicare and Medicaid, as this action would protect vulnerable patients, set a positive example for other employers, and contribute to the national effort to contain the virus.
Zeke Emanuel and Emily Gee explain why the private sector should begin mandating vaccines for its employees.