Search Results for keywords:"COVID-19"

The Miami International Securities Exchange, LLC proposed a rule change to the Securities and Exchange Commission to amend their Exchange Rule 1308, concerning the supervision of accounts. The changes involve removing outdated rule text and allowing members more time to complete their 2020 branch office inspections due to COVID-19 challenges, with extensions up to March 31, 2021, and allowing remote inspections for both 2020 and 2021. These temporary rules aim to address operational challenges faced by members during the pandemic while still maintaining regulatory compliance and protecting investors. The Exchange aligns these proposals with similar temporary rules from FINRA and Cboe to assist members in navigating the unique circumstances of the pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted an information collection request regarding "COVID-19 Pandemic Response, Laboratory Data Reporting" to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This proposed data collection aims to gather comprehensive laboratory testing data to aid in the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic by tracking disease trends, facilitating contact tracing, and managing testing resources. The CDC is inviting public comments for an additional 30 days to ensure this collection is efficient, clear, and minimally burdensome. Interested individuals can comment on the necessity and accuracy of the data collection or contribute suggestions for improvement.

The New York Stock Exchange LLC (NYSE) filed a proposal with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to extend the temporary changes to NYSE's Rules 9261 and 9830 until April 30, 2021. These amendments, initially set to expire on December 31, 2020, allow for hearings to be conducted via video conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mirroring similar actions by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The proposal aims to ensure that disciplinary hearings can continue safely during the ongoing health crisis without causing delays. The SEC has agreed to expedite the processing of this proposal so it can take effect immediately.

Prairie State Solar, LLC has submitted an application for market-based rate authority, which includes a request for blanket approval for future securities issuance and liability assumptions, to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In this supplemental notice, FERC has outlined the procedure for filing interventions or protests, emphasizing electronic submission through their website. The deadline for filing any protests regarding this application is March 15, 2021. Due to COVID-19, FERC's Public Reference Room is closed, but documents can be accessed online.

The Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance (FACI) will hold an open meeting via videoconference on February 18, 2021, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. This meeting is organized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and will be accessible to the public. Participants can attend the meeting online through live webcast links provided. During the meeting, FACI will discuss updates from its subcommittees on topics such as COVID-19, insurance product availability, international initiatives, and public-private partnerships, along with planning the 2021 agenda. Public comments are invited, and more information can be obtained by contacting FACI through the provided contact details.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has decided to continue limiting travel from Mexico into the United States at land ports of entry, allowing only "essential travel." This decision is in response to the risks posed by COVID-19 and is intended to prevent further virus transmission. Essential travel includes U.S. citizens and residents returning home, medical travel, work-related travel, and more, while tourism and recreation are not considered essential. These restrictions are in effect from February 22, 2021, through March 21, 2021, and do not apply to air, freight rail, or sea travel.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for biological products during the COVID-19 pandemic, one requested by Pfizer, Inc., and the other by ModernaTX, Inc. These Authorizations allow the use of vaccines to help manage the public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Authorizations include specific conditions and are part of efforts to protect public health and national security in response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The FDA ensures that such products can be used when there are no adequate, approved alternatives available.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requesting emergency approval for a change to the CAHPS for MIPS survey, which will add a question about telehealth services used during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. This change aims to collect self-reported data from patients on their telehealth experiences to support the quality and performance assessments of healthcare providers. The new survey item will be used for informational purposes and not affect quality scoring or payments. Public comments on this proposed change are invited until April 9, 2021.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is correcting a previous announcement about their upcoming meetings. These meetings will be held online from March 1, 2021, to March 5, 2021, due to COVID-19 concerns. Committees such as the Law Enforcement, Mackerel Cobia, Snapper Grouper, and others will meet, with a particular update noting a change in the SEDAR Committee schedule. The SEDAR Committee will discuss stock assessments for mutton snapper and black sea bass, with some details handled in a partially closed session.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has announced a series of online meetings organized by the Michigan Advisory Committee to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected voting rights in Michigan. The first meeting on this topic was held on September 12, 2020, and upcoming meetings are scheduled for February 8 and February 17, 2021. These sessions are open to the public, who can join via a toll-free phone number or online platform. Melissa Wojnaroski is the point of contact for further information, and additional details can be found on the Commission's website.