Search Results for keywords:"COVID-19"

The NYSE Arca has extended the expiration date of temporary rules that allow disciplinary hearings to be conducted via video conference instead of in-person, due to COVID-19 health risks. Initially set to expire on December 31, 2020, the temporary amendments to Rules 10.9261 and 10.9830 will now last until April 30, 2021, aligning with similar extensions by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The proposed rule change does not alter the rule texts but ensures that disciplinary actions and hearings can continue safely and without delay during the ongoing pandemic. The Securities and Exchange Commission has waived the usual waiting period so the changes can take effect immediately.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a temporary exception to its previous order, allowing unaccompanied noncitizen children to remain in the United States rather than being expelled. This exception, effective around January 30, 2021, will stay in place until the CDC completes a new public health assessment regarding their initial order which restricts entry of certain persons from countries with communicable diseases like COVID-19. The CDC's decision aligns with an Executive Order by the President aimed at addressing migration and ensuring safe processing of asylum seekers. All other rules applying to adults remain unchanged pending further notice from the CDC.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted an information collection request for the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) to be reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget. This request, part of the Paperwork Reduction Act, focuses on collecting health-related data on reportable diseases from various jurisdictions, including 60 U.S. territories and freely associated states. The proposal includes new data collection for diseases like COVID-19 and Anthrax, and aims to enhance data quality and reduce data collection burdens through electronic means. The CDC encourages public comments on the information collection, emphasizing areas such as the necessity, accuracy, and burden of the proposed data gathering.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a correction to a previous rule regarding Utah's State Implementation Plans (SIP) for the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Initially, the EPA mistakenly stated that no comments were received during the public comment period. However, it turned out they had overlooked one electronically submitted comment. The EPA clarified that they had temporarily stopped accepting mailed comments because of COVID-19, but they maintained the requirement to consider public feedback through electronic means. This rule is now effective as of February 23, 2021.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security continues to enforce temporary travel restrictions at land ports of entry along the United States-Canada border. These restrictions allow only "essential travel," which includes returning U.S. citizens, travel for medical or educational purposes, and essential work, among others. Non-essential travel, like tourism, is not permitted during this period. These measures aim to limit the spread of COVID-19 and are in effect until February 21, 2021.

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is providing extra support to farmers impacted by COVID-19. This final rule offers more help to swine producers who applied for CFAP 1 and extends aid to some swine and poultry contract producers under CFAP 2. It also updates eligible commodities, changes payment calculations for some crops, and includes new rules based on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Eligible producers don't have to reapply if they've applied before but must meet certain criteria to receive aid.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) are holding a public meeting on April 20-21, 2021, for the CDC/HRSA Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STD Prevention and Treatment (CHACHSPT). The meeting will be open to the public via phone and web conference, though only 1,000 lines will be available. Key topics to be discussed include STI screening, innovation and COVID-19, and youth and mental health. The public is invited to submit written comments by April 19, 2021, and may request to speak during the meeting’s public comment period.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is announcing that TUV Rheinland of North America, Inc. has applied to expand their recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. This expansion involves adding fourteen more test standards to the scope of their recognized capabilities. OSHA is currently reviewing the applications and is seeking public comments on whether TUV Rheinland meets the requirements for this recognition expansion. Comments and requests for more time to comment should be submitted by February 18, 2021.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced its meeting schedule for early 2021 under the Sunshine Act. No meetings are planned for the weeks of January 25, February 1, February 22, and March 1. Public meetings will be held on February 11 and February 18 to discuss topics like dry cask storage of nuclear fuel and equal employment opportunity. Due to COVID-19, public attendance at these meetings will be virtual via webcast, and accommodations are available for those with disabilities.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued five Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for drugs and biological products during the COVID-19 pandemic. These authorizations, allowed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, aim to help address public health emergencies by making medical products available when there are no adequate alternatives. The products authorized include those requested by Baxter Healthcare, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Eli Lilly and Company, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. The FDA ensures that these authorizations are based on scientific evidence indicating that the benefits of using these products outweigh the risks.