Search Results for keywords:"COVID-19 pandemic"

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comments on petitions asking for E-Rate program funds to be used for remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Various petitions, including those from coalitions and states like Colorado and Nevada, request flexibility in using these funds to support students and schools unable to connect to the internet from home. The FCC is exploring how to ensure cost-effective use of these funds, prevent misuse, and prioritize schools and students in greatest need. They are also examining their legal authority to adjust E-Rate funding to address these challenges.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will hold a public meeting on January 7, 2021, via an audio-only conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting will discuss several important items, including a final rule on conciliation procedures and a formal opinion letter about health reimbursement arrangements under the ADEA. Interested members of the public can listen in by following specific instructions available on the EEOC website 24 hours before the meeting. Closed captioning services will also be provided.

The Copyright Royalty Judges are proposing an amendment to their regulations to allow flexibility in how they conduct hearings. Traditionally held in person at the Library of Congress, the hearings could also take place at an alternative location or virtually, depending on the situation. This change aims to adapt to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many hearings to shift online. The Judges are inviting public comments on this proposed rule change.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing a public advisory committee meeting for the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. The committee will discuss and provide recommendations regarding the strains to be included in the influenza vaccines for the 2021-2022 flu season. The meeting will be held online on March 5, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public comments can be submitted until March 4, 2021, and those received by February 24 will be shared with the committee before the meeting.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has published a notice regarding a proposed rule change by NYSE National, Inc. This change extends the expiration date of temporary amendments to its rules allowing hearings via video conference from December 31, 2020, to April 30, 2021. These amendments were initially made to accommodate public health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. The change aligns with similar actions taken by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and aims to ensure that hearings can proceed safely and without significant delays during the pandemic.

On February 15, 2019, a national emergency was declared concerning the southern border of the United States to tackle issues related to border security and a humanitarian crisis. The ongoing situation continues to pose threats to national security, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To address these challenges, the national emergency has been extended for another year beyond February 15, 2021. This extension will allow further measures to control unlawful migration and the flow of narcotics and criminals across the border.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released new guidelines for testing alcohols like ethanol and isopropyl alcohol for methanol contamination, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance alerts pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacists about the dangers of using methanol-contaminated alcohols in drug products, which can pose significant health risks. Due to the urgent health emergency, these guidelines were issued without prior public comment and are immediately effective, although they can still receive comments for future updates. The guidance aims to ensure the safe use of pharmaceutical alcohol by focusing on proper identity testing and supply chain oversight.

The Secretary of Homeland Security has decided to continue temporary travel restrictions at land ports of entry between the United States and Mexico due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions limit travel to "essential travel" only, which includes returning U.S. citizens, medical travel, educational travel, work-related travel, and certain other categories. The goal is to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and protect public health. These limitations do not affect air, freight rail, or sea travel but do apply to passenger rail and ferry travel, and they will be in effect from January 22, 2021, to February 21, 2021.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection request related to the HHS Teletracking COVID-19 Portal. This portal collects data from approximately 5,500 hospitals to help manage the distribution of resources like protective equipment and medication during the COVID-19 pandemic. The collected data also aids in understanding outbreaks and determining the need for federal assistance. Comments must be submitted by February 22, 2021, through the specified online portal.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has decided to end a study, known as a Notice of Inquiry (NOI), examining how oil pipeline capacity is allocated during unusual circumstances, particularly those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study initially sought to understand if current policies meet the demand for pipeline capacity, which had been disrupted, especially for transporting jet fuel. Various airlines had argued for changes to these policies to help rebuild capacity allocations. However, after reviewing feedback from different stakeholders, the Commission concluded that there wasn't enough evidence for making broad policy changes at this time and will terminate the proceeding.