Tulanians in the News Responding to COVID-19

March 2022 News

After 2 Years of Pandemic Life, Turn Toward Normalcy Is a Shake-Up, Thomas LaVeist, dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says it is too soon to lift mask and vaccine mandates. The New York Times, March 12, 2022.
Epidemiologist: Louisiana colleges have rolled back COVID-19 policies ‘far too quickly’, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says universities need to be prepared and that "they cannot assume that, just because things are better now, it's going to stay better." Louisiana Illuminator, March 9, 2022.
Pandemic specialist John Barry explains reasons for cautious hope, John Barry, distinguished scholar at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says that he is optimistic that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, but warns that we should not be overconfident. Washington Examiner, March 8, 2022.
Great Influenza of 1918 vs. COVID19 — Which Affected US More? John Barry, distinguished scholar at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, reflects on the similarities between the 1918 influenza epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Planet, March 6, 2022.
Lessons from the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic, John Barry, distinguished scholar at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says one key lesson learned from the 1918 epidemic was the importance of telling the truth, and that misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines has directly led to increased deaths. CBS News, March 6, 2022.
With One Eye on Covid, New Orleans Celebrates Return of Mardi Gras, Thomas LaVeist, dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says Mardi Gras could serve as an important test to see what life with COVID will look like. The New York Times, March 1, 2022.

February 2022 News

You asked: What's safer during covid — a long flight or layovers? According to Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, people still need to be cautious on a direct flight because they are so close to others. The Washington Post, February 17, 2022.
Opinion: Why I'm not ready to unmask, an article written by John Barry, distinguished scholar at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, about why he will keep wearing a mask indoors. The Washington Post, February 16, 2022.
Can New Orleans pull off a safe Mardi Gras season? COVID, staffing shortages are concerns, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the risk associated with health care shortages during the Mardi Gras celebrations.
Colorado schools soon can treat COVID like a routine disease, health officials say, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, believes it is too soon for schools to drop mask and quarantine requirements. Chalkbeat, February 11, 2022.
Holes in NOLA Public Schools’ COVID data reporting emerge, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says that schools that have not submitted a report of cases should not be marked with zero cases because it creates inaccuracy in reported cases. The Lens, February 10, 2022.
In-Depth: Pandemic history offers lessons for COVID-19, John Barry, distinguished scholar of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, warns us that the 1918 influenza pandemic came in waves, and we could see more COVID variants before the end of this pandemic. ABC San Diego News, February 7, 2022.
John Barry Tells Newsy We're Ceding Control to the Virus, Distinguished Scholar John Barry of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine says, "We may be tired of the virus, but the virus isn't necessarily tired of us." Newsy, February 1, 2022.

January 2022 News

As cases plummet, NYC tweaks COVID testing at schools and limits remote learning, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, recommends rapid tests over PCR tests for schools with random testing programs because the PCR tests can take days for results to be reported. Chalkbeat, January 31, 2022.
Mandate to Vaccinate New Orleans Schoolchildren Kicking In, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says that even with a waiver option, a vaccine mandate is an effective way to get more kids vaccinated. U.S. News, January 31, 2022.

December 2021 News

How Effective Are Travel Bans During a Pandemic? According to Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, travel bans are not very effective at all. Healthline, December 7, 2021.
Tulane University Epidemiologist discusses COVID-19 cases on Norwegian Cruise ship, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, was not surprised by the recent outbreak on a Norwegian cruise ship because we cannot rely on vaccines alone, and indoor spaces are particularly dangerous to the spread of COVID-19. WGNO, December 6, 2021.
Gov. Edwards plans to add COVID-19 vaccine to Louisiana's required school shots list, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, explains that vaccines do not automatically mean lifetime protection, and that many booster shots are required for students to enter school. KTBS3, December 6, 2021.
Ochsner makes good on vow to fire workers who refuse COVID shot; deadlines loom at other hospitals, Charles Stoecker, a health policy and management professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the calculated risk in requiring vaccines despite knowing the hospital will lose some of its workforce. Nola.com, December 3, 2021.
White House advisor on Equity: Free COVID-19 tests to be distributed in an equitable way, Charles Stoecker, a health policy and management professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, praises the plan to distribute free COVID-19 tests: "More surveillance is always good, empowering people to be able to detect viruses in themselves without the extra burden of having to go to a doctor or go to a pharmacy is a really good idea." KALB, December 2, 2021.

November 2021 News

New Orleans officials warn public about omicron, stop short of re-imposing mask mandate, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the concern about the omicron variant and Louisiana's increase in cases. WWNO Radio, November 29, 2021.
Vaccine Requirement for Louisiana Schools Drawing GOP Anger, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical medicine, said vaccines do offer substantial protection, particularly against the most severe outcomes of a disease. US News, November 23, 2021.
How to tell when the COVID pandemic is nearing its end, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says she suspects the threshold of 100 deaths per day in the U.S. due to COVID-19 may be what the CDC will aim for as an indication that the pandemic is nearing an end, however she is not certain that this is the most morally responsible approach. Popular Science, November 22, 2021.
FDA Gives OK for Fully Vaccinated Adults to Get COVID-19 Boosters, Thomas LaVeist, dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says states such as Louisiana have shown that it’s possible to distribute COVID-19 vaccines in an equitable way and notes that planning a distribution method that makes access to vaccines easy for all is key. Healthline, November 19, 2021.
Louisiana's hospitalization rate now lowest in the country, Susan Hassig, epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says she thinks Louisiana could still experience another surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations since many residents are still not vaccinated. 4WWL, November 18, 2021.
What the CDC Got Right and Wrong with Its COVID-19 Vaccine Programs, Kenneth L. Campbell, assistant professor and interim director of the online Master of Health Administration Program at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses the lessons learned during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the U.S. Healthline, November 17, 2021.
History As It Happens: Heading toward herd immunity, Distinguished Scholar John Barry of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine explains why at least 90% of the US population could have at least some immunity to COVID-19. The Washington Times, November 10, 2021.
Costa Rica requires all children to get a coronavirus vaccine, Arachu Castro, Samuel Z. Stone Endowed Chair of Public Health in Latin America at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says that Costa Rica’s decision to require coronavirus vaccinations for everyone under 18 “helps normalize the vaccine.” The Washington Post, November 8, 2021.
Why Black teens are getting vaccinated at higher rates than white teens across the South, Thomas LaVeist, dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the increase in vaccination rates among the Black community in the South and attributes the change to health departments in the South working to address a long history of distrust. WWNO, November 4, 2021.
In Alaska Native villages and across communities of color, the enduring silence of grief, Stress causes a rush of neurological and hormonal signals in the bloodstream – overexposure to these hormones “weathers” the body faster. The pandemic “is a weathering event,” says Thomas LaVeist, dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. The Washington Post, November 4, 2021.

October 2021 News

Schools must require quarantines to drop their mask mandates. But the state doesn’t know which districts are following quarantine guidelines. Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says masking while the transmission rate is low is the best way to get ahead of the next surge in cases. The Lens, October 28, 2021.
COVID Now a 'Major Cause of Death' in Kids But Many Parents Remain Hesitant on Vaccine, Thomas LaVeist, dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says that for many holdouts in minority communities, they are hesitant to trust a vaccine after a long history of distrust in healthcare and public health. Newsweek, October 27, 2021.
Public health experts say lift of Louisiana mask mandate is 'premature', Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says the vaccine rate should reach at least 70% before easing public health measures, including masking. WWNO, October 26, 2021.
Louisiana orders 148K COVID vaccines for kids ages 5 to 11; pediatricians prepare to receive it, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says vaccines for children will bring urban centers in Louisiana closer to herd immunity. Nola.com, October 26, 2021.
More People Are Getting COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters Than Initial Doses: What’s the Impact? Kenneth Campbell, assistant professor and director of the online Master of Health Administration program at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, is optimistic that booster shots will decrease the COVID-19 transmission rate. Healthline, October 24, 2021.
Louisiana is only state where White people's COVID vaccination rates lag behind other races, Thomas LaVeist, dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the role that politics has played in the suppression of vaccine uptake among White Louisianans. Nola.com, October 21, 2021.
Red America’s Compassion Fatigue: A Report From Mobile, Alabama, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on our common ground: a desire for the pandemic to be over. The New Republic, October 21, 2021.
Herd immunity is almost here. But what does that mean? Distinguished Scholar John Barry of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine explains the possible short-term scenarios in the event that COVID-19 herd immunity becomes a reality. The Washington Post, October 7, 2021.
Professors teaching without masks complying with social distancing policy, students say, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says professors should wear a mask even if they are six feet away from students. The GW Hatchet, October 4, 2021.

September 2021 News

Ochsner will make unvaccinated spouses of employees pay $200 per month to remain insured, Charles Stoecker, a health policy and management professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says the new increased premium for unvaccinated spouses shifts the cost to those willing to accept that risk. Nola.com, September 30, 2021.
Do Vaccinated People Have to Quarantine If They're Exposed to COVID? Kenneth Campbell, assistant professor and director of the online Master of Health Administration program at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, explains the difference between isolation and quarantining and says a COVID-19 test should be the final indication of when an individual can rejoin society safely. Very Well Health, September 24, 2021.
US to drop travel ban for vaccinated international travelers starting in early November, Are travel bans worth the effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19? Susan Hassig, School of Public Health epidemiologist, gives her opinion. USA Today, September 20, 2021.
As New Orleans schools reopen after Hurricane Ida, some students scramble for COVID tests, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says getting regular COVID-19 testing back online is crucial for understanding the number of cases in the community. Nola.com, September 16, 2021.
Delta surge eases in some Southern states, but hospitals still feel the strain, Susan Hassig of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine suggests Louisiana’s decrease in new COVID-19 cases may be partly due to Hurricane Ida causing an artificial drop. Washington Examiner, September 3, 2021.

August 2021 News

College campuses reopen as the Delta variant spreads. Experts say that can put students of color at risk, Dr. Alyssa Lederer, assistant professor at Tulane's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and lead author of "More than Inconvenienced: The Unique Needs of College Students during the Covid-19 Pandemic," told Insider that students have not merely been inconvenienced by the public health crisis; they've been dealing with issues like food and housing insecurity, loneliness, and grief. Insider, August 31, 2021.
Kindergarten or ‘Russian roulette’? To some parents, the Delta variant and lax mask rules make those one and the same, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, explains that more children are being exposed to and infected by the delta variant and says masks are an important tool to help slow the spread. STAT, August 20, 2021.
Coverdell Fellow at Tulane University helps combat COVID-19, Christopher Taylor, a master's student studying epidemiology at the School of Public Health and Tropical medicine, explains the work of the Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) in Atlanta. Peace Corps, August 18, 2021.
Overwhelmed by Coronavirus, Cuba’s Vaunted Health System Is Reeling, Dr. Arachu Castro, Samuel Z. Stone Endowed Chair of Public Health in Latin America, studying Cuba’s response to Covid-19, said the country had one of the best coronavirus responses in Latin America in the early stages of the pandemic. But the situation shifted sharply after November when tourists were allowed back into the country. The New York Times, August 17, 2021.
NHL players must get vaccinated or risk pay loss, Thomas LaVeist, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine dean, hopes for more celebrities to use their platforms to promote vaccination. Edmonton Journal, August 16, 2021.
Fact check: COVID-19 vaccine protects both the person vaccinated and those around them, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, explains how the COVID-19 vaccine protects both the individual who is vaccinated as well as individuals in their community. USA Today, August 16, 2021.
Fact check: Viral video misleads on individuals' risk of COVID-19 transmission, death, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the dangers of trying to assess a person's individual risk for COVID-19. USA Today, August 13, 2021.
As US battles delta variant, tens of thousands of vaccine doses are set to expire, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says it's frustrating that vaccine doses are about to expire in the US when other people in other countries don't have the same access to the vaccines. ABC News, August 12, 2021.
As Delta Variant Drives Surge in New Cases, History Shows It Could Get Worse Before It Gets Better, Distinguished Scholar John Barry of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine explains how the Delta variant was predictable based on previous pandemics, and what the future of the pandemic is likely to bring based on history. Democracy Now, August 12, 2021.
Is it okay to ask if someone is vaccinated? Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, explains that certain contexts are reasonable for asking about vaccination status. 4WWL, August 11, 2021.
There is a difference in how this COVID surge is being dealt with compared to the others, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the lack of restrictions accompanying the fourth surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. 4WWL, August 10, 2021.
Could touching gas pumps be the cause of spreading COVID-19? The Verify Team finds that false. Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, explains that COVID-19 transmission is airborne and therefore transmitted through breathing in particles from other people, and has less to do with touching things other people have touched, WFMY News 2, August 10, 2021.
COVID Vaccinations Rise in Laggard Louisiana as Delta Batters State, Thomas LaVeist, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine dean, says he thinks more governors, including Louisiana’s, need to issue statewide vaccine mandates. Voa News, August 10, 2021.
COVID deaths surge, cases continue to rise in Louisiana as leaders fear 'catastrophic situation', Susan Hassig, epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, doesn’t expect the latest surge of COVID-19 cases to peak within the next two weeks and notes that it’s a bad sign that many hospitalized patients are on ventilators. Nola.com, August 10, 2021.
‘This virus is behaving differently’: Experts weigh how NYC should protect schools against COVID this fall, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, weighs in on the best ways for New York City K-12 schools to safely hold in-person classes. Chalkbeat, August 6, 2021.
Vaccine hesitancy among Blacks driven in part by longstanding concerns over racism in medicine, Thomas LaVeist, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine dean, says there is hesitancy in African American communities to get vaccinated due to the history of medical racism in the U.S. Louisiana Radio Network, August 5, 2021.
Even as delta variant swarms in Louisiana, infectious disease expert says calls for booster shot are 'premature', Susan Hassig, epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says booster shots might be necessary for people with compromised immune systems, but might not be for the general population yet. WBRZ 2, August 4, 2021.
Could comorbidities & medications make some people more susceptible to breakthrough COVID infections? Thomas LaVeist, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine dean, comments on the way environmental health risks interact with the respiratory system and can increase susceptibility to COVID-19. WLOX 13, August 4, 2021.
Even for vaccinated people, now is the time for masks and testing, public health experts say, Susan Hassig, epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says it is crucial to wear masks indoors no matter where you live. NBC News, August 4, 2021.
When delta strikes: Latest coronavirus surges grow faster, hit record heights in Louisiana, Florida, “It’s a tenfold increase in just one month, and it’s not showing any signs of stopping,” Susan Hassig, epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, said of the increase in COVID-19 cases in Louisiana. The Washington Post, August 3, 2021.
Underlying conditions, once cited as root of COVID disparity, now seen as one factor among many, Thomas LaVeist, dean of the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses how underlying conditions are a possible contributing factor in the COVID-19 virus’s disparate toll on the Black community, “but not the main driver.” Nola.com, August 2, 2021.
The Deep Divide: Why coronavirus kills an outsized share of young Black Louisianans, Health-equity expert and dean of the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Dr. Thomas LaVeist, discusses how Black workers are more likely to have frontline jobs that expose them to the COVID-19 virus. Nola.com, August 1, 2021.
Link between cases and deaths greatly weakened in delta surge, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says that individuals in older age groups who would have been more vulnerable to deadly COVID-19 cases are mostly vaccinated now. Washington Examiner, August 1, 2021.

July 2021 News

Why The Delta Variant Is So Contagious, And The Fourth Surge Is Different, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses the Delta variant and why the surge in cases is different. WWNO, July 28, 2021.
Delta variant poses high risks for the unvaccinated, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses the potential reasons for the recent spike in Covid-19 hospitalizations for children under 17. Washington Examiner, July 22, 2021.
As Louisiana COVID hospitalizations rise, doctors brace for deaths: 'We could have prevented this', Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the difficulty of predicting what will happen in a new surge of cases. The Advocate, July 21, 2021.
Return of masks? Mayor LaToya Cantrell eyes new COVID rules and 'all options are on the table', Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the benefits of reinstating the indoor mask mandate due to the lack of a method to validate vaccination status. Nola.com, July 20, 2021.
Unvaccinated citizens in imminent danger as COVID-19 cases begin to spike, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the likelihood for the increase in cases to continue to surge. Market Assessment, July 18, 2021.
These Louisiana residents were reluctant to get COVID vaccines. This is what tipped the scales. Charles Stoecker, a health policy and management professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses the continuum of people and their willingness to get vaccinated against Covid-19. Nola.com, July 17, 2021.
Unvaccinated could be breeding ground for Covid variants, US officials fear, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the additional opportunities for the Covid-19 virus to mutate and form a new variant while spreading among unvaccinated individuals. The Guardian, July 17, 2021.
Here’s what’s going on with Tarrant County’s COVID-19 vaccine numbers, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses the need for communities to collect local vaccine data to determine the most effective outreach strategies. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, July 16, 2021.
Louisiana schools set to reopen in the coming weeks as pandemic surges in the state, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the likelihood for Covid-19 to continue developing variants the longer it spreads. World Socialist Web Site, July 16, 2021.
A 'statewide outbreak' in Louisiana: COVID cases soar as vaccination rates stall, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses the high transmissibility of the delta variant and the concern for parts of Louisiana that have not taken mitigation efforts. The Advocate, July 14, 2021.
High vaccination rates drive low numbers of new COVID deaths in Louisiana nursing homes, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the unambiguous evidence that the Covid-19 vaccines have both individual and collective benefits. Nola.com, July 11, 2021.
200 campers sent home after 2 test positive for COVID, stomach virus spreads at Covington camp, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the dangers of disease spreading in an uncontrolled environment. Nola.com, July 9, 2021.
One of the riskiest regions for a COVID outbreak in America includes 29 Louisiana parishes, Charles Stoecker, a health policy and management professor, and Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discuss the differences in Covid-19 response based on location and the concern for new variants to appear as the spread continues. Nola.com, July 9, 2021.

June 2021 News

U.S. Officials Say 50% of American Adults Are Now Fully Vaccinated, Thomas LaVeist, Dean and Weatherhead Presidential Chair in Health Equity for the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the concern about a new variant outsmarting the Covid-19 vaccines. The Jewish Voice, June, 2021.
Life after the 1918 flu has lessons for our post-pandemic world, John Barry, distinguished scholar at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses how life after the 1918 flu has lessons for our post-pandemic world. CNN, June 28, 2021.
US fight against Covid threatened by growing vaccine gap in the south, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the lower COVID-19 vaccination rates in southern states in comparison to the rest of the country. The Guardian, June 27, 2021.
The future of COVID-19: What can we expect over the next six months? Charles Stoecker, a health policy and management professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses the differences between cities that have higher vaccination rates and areas that have much lower rates. The Denver Channel, June 24, 2021.
All classrooms to have 2 air purifiers next year, New York City officials pledge, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on safe occupancy and ventilation requirements for schools to open safely in the fall. Chalkbeat, June 23, 2021.
High Hopes for Johnson & Johnson’s Covid Vaccine Have Fizzled in the U.S., Andrew Anderson, a health policy and management professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses the trend for people to get Pfizer or Moderna vaccines instead of Johnson & Johnson because they have been available longer. New York Times, June 18, 2021.
Governor announces $2.3 million in vaccine incentives beginning next month, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses incentives for encouraging vaccination and the importance of timing those incentives effectively. The Lens, June 17, 2021.
What it means when sports stars stay coy about their COVID-19 vaccine status, Thomas LaVeist, Dean and Weatherhead Presidential Chair in Health Equity for the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses hope for celebrities to share vaccination status and use their platforms to encourage people to get vaccinated. USA Today, June 16, 2021.
COVAX Effort to Vaccinate the World Is Faltering, Valerie Paz-Soldan, Director of Tulane Health Offices for Latin America, comments on the lack of trust among people in Peru after a political scandal involving vaccines that were intended for clinical trials. Scientific American, June 16, 2021.
The Jab: Why was Latin America hit so hard? Valerie Paz-Soldan, Director of Tulane Health Offices for Latin America, discusses why Peru has the highest per-capita Covid-19 death rate. The Economist, June 15, 2021.
What to expect from states with low vaccination rates in a summer COVID-19 surge, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses one reason the South could experience a Covid-19 surge this summer is that its vaccination rates tend to be lower than other states, Yahoo! News, June 10, 2021.
Biden’s 70% July 4 vaccination goal still within reach, expert believes, Susan Hassig, epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the likelihood of reaching President Biden’s goal of having 70 percent of adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4. The Washington Examiner, June 8, 2021.
Vaccine data show deep gap between nursing home residents and those who care for them, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the willingness for nursing home residents to get vaccinated because many of their neighbors became severely ill. The Advocate, June 7, 2021.
Federal government and businesses offer perks in boosted effort to vaccinate 70% for COVID-19, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the use of incentives for encouraging individuals to get the COVID-19 vaccine, The Washington Examiner, June 5, 2021.

May 2021 News

Vaccinations lag in the South as health experts push states to reach 40% threshold, Delays in getting COVID-19 vaccines create space that allows for the virus to mutate into vaccine-resistant strains, says Thomas LaVeist, dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, The Washington Examiner, May 31, 2021.
CNN Transcript, Distinguished Scholar John Barry of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine comments on whether the worst of the pandemic is over in this country, CNN, May 31, 2021.
US moves toward coronavirus herd immunity, Susan Hassig, epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says some states in the Northeast are close to herd immunity, Washington Examiner, May 28, 2021.
What the science says about lifting mask mandates, Susan Hassig, epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says it is rare that a public health intervention, such as wearing a mask, is widely accepted without some type of enforcement mechanism, Nature, May 25, 2021.
U.S. COVID Infections, Deaths Drop to Levels Not Seen Since Last Summer, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Dean Thomas LaVeist says he is concerned that there is going to be a COVID-19 variant that can evade the current vaccines. Health Day, May 24, 2021.
Fake news, conspiracy theories and a deadly global pandemic — and that was in 1918, John Barry, distinguished scholar at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses the similarities and differences between the 1918 influenza pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. Salon, May 8, 2021.
The Hidden 1918 'Spanish Flu' Pandemic: How a Deadly Disease Altered History and the Lives of Millions, John Barry, a distinguished scholar at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses how the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic affected society. Inside Edition, May 5, 2021.
CDC has confirmed another 5 cases of ‘Brazilian variant’ in Louisiana, Susan Hassig, epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says she is not sure if local policymakers would use more detailed data on variant COVID-19 cases to make decisions, but thinks they should, Lens, May 4, 2021.
'I just keep crying' | Local Indian community reeling from COVID-19's impact on home country, Susan Hassig, an epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, weighs in on COVID-19’s impact on India. WWLTV, May 4, 2021.
Health officials say some COVID long-hauler patients are experiencing "relief" after vaccination, Dr. Michele Longo oversees Tulane’s post-COVID-19 clinic, where some long-hauler patients are seeing improvement after vaccination. WDSU, May 3, 2021.

April 2021 News

COVID risk outdoors is low, indoors much higher, Chad Roy, director of infectious disease aerobiology at the Tulane National Primate Research Center and alumus of the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses what settings are considered high and low risks for contracting COVID-19. WWLTV, April 28, 2021.
New COVID-19 cases plummet at Louisiana’s nursing homes, Susan Hassig, epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says that COVID-19 cases reported in nursing homes have substantially decreased since many of the homes’ residents have been vaccinated, and it is an indication that that community is reaching herd immunity. AP News, April 26, 2021.
Cancellation of Care Came Mostly From Patient Side Early in Pandemic, Kevin Callison, assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, co-authored a study that suggests the decline in non-COVID-19 medical care last spring can mostly be attributed to patients’ decisions to avoid healthcare settings where they might contract COVID-19. Medscape, April 26, 2021.
A million COVID shots are sitting on shelves as Louisiana slips in vaccination rankings, Charles Stoecker, health economist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says a large demographic group in Louisiana that is more hesitant to get a COVID-19 vaccine is White residents in rural areas, which is a substantial population in Louisiana compared to other states. Nola.com, April 25, 2021.
State record-keeping on vaccinations leads to patchwork approach, Susan Hassig, epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, said Louisiana connected healthcare providers with its immunization registry program to keep track of who has been vaccinated. The Hill, April 13, 2021.
Vaccine equity improving in city, but still not reflective of racial demographics, Thomas LaVeist, dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says it’s either issues with access or hesitancy that are playing a role in the inequities of COVID-19 vaccinations in the state. The Lens, April 12, 2021.
Louisiana colleges split over requiring COVID-19 vaccine for fall semester, Patrick Norton, senior vice president and chief operating officer, says the university is strongly recommending the Tulane community get a COVID-19 vaccine, and some Tulane students share why they got theirs. WWLTV, April 12, 2021.
In Louisiana, young people can get a COVID vaccine. But does everyone want it? Susan Hassig, epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says one of the biggest challenges the state is seeing in getting younger people vaccinated is that this age doesn’t perceive themselves at high risk for getting COVID-19, Nola.com, April 10, 2021.
CDC says racism is a ‘threat to public’s health,’ School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Dean Thomas LaVeist discusses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledging racism as a threat to the public’s health, Fox News, April 9, 2021.
Injustice in Health: Mistrust comes from untrustworthy behavior, Research by Thomas LaVeist, dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, reveals that mistrust in the medical system among African Americans is high, Milwaukee Independent, April 9, 2021.
City-run walk-up testing helped achieve COVID testing equity goals, study finds, Julie Hernandez, associate professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses a study she led that found walk-up COVID-19 testing sites significantly increased testing in low-income and minority neighborhoods, Nola.com, April 8, 2021.
Vaccine appointments in Louisiana are going unfilled -- sooner than officials thought, Dr. Charles Stoecker, a Tulane University health care economist who studies vaccine policy, discusses ways the state of Louisiana could adapt its approach as challenges to vaccinating people change. Nola.com, April 7, 2021.
Why should people who were infected get vaccinated? Because their immunity may not last, Susan Hassig, a Tulane epidemiologist, comments on studies looking at how long the natural immune response is in people who were infected with COVID-19. The Advocate, April 1, 2021.

March 2021 News

What are 'vaccine passports' and will you need one in the near future? Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses some concerns regarding “vaccine passports.” WWLTV, March 31, 2021.
New COVID wave may not be as deadly, Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says that impatience with following COVID-19 protocols among some people could be a factor in the next wave of #COVID19 cases in the U.S. Washington Examiner, March 31, 2021.
COVID vaccine disparity in New Orleans: Why inoculations are lagging in poor, Black neighborhoods, Thomas LaVeist, dean of Tulane University's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Charles Stoecker, associate professor at Tulane University's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discuss the Covid-19 vaccine disparity in New Orleans. Nola.com, March 27, 2021.
Congress grills Big Tech CEOs on vaccine misinformation, Susan Hassig, epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says attention on rare cases of side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine and misinformation about them have cut into the bigger picture of vaccine progress. WWLTV, March 25, 2021.
'It's like six Katrinas:' More than 10,000 suspected of dying from COVID in Louisiana, Susan Hassig, epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on Louisiana health officials’ recent report of more than 10,000 people dying from COVID-19. Advocate, March 22, 2021.
How NBA fandom has changed due to COVID-19, Susan Hassig, epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says virus particles can hang around in the air when in enclosed arenas. Yahoo! News, March 18, 2021.
Opinion: Abandoning masks now is a terrible idea. The 1918 pandemic shows why. John Barry, distinguished scholar at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, writes an opinion piece on how abandoning masks and social distancing would be “the worst possible move” for the country and points to the 1918 influenza pandemic as a reference. The Washington Post, March 12, 2021.
America’s Next COVID Obstacle: Vaccine Deserts, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Dean Thomas LaVeist, who is also co-chair of Louisiana’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force, says the task force is finding creative ways to utilize other sites such as schools, community centers and churches to distribute the vaccines in underserved communities. New York Magazine, March 11, 2021.
How Chile built one of the world’s most successful vaccination campaigns, Arachu Castro, the Samuel Z. Stone Endowed Chair of Public Health in Latin America at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, explains that Chile decided to not align the country geopolitically when it came to pre-purchasing COVID-19 vaccine doses from several companies. Vox, March 10, 2021.
COVID clobbers US birthrate with big impacts to come, Dr. Mark VanLandingham, director for the Center for Studies of Displaced Populations at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses how Covid-19 has clobbered the US birthrate. WWL Radio, March 5, 2021.
State-by-state mask mandates send mixed messages as vaccination efforts ramp up, Susan Hassig, epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says state messaging on COVID-19 can and will likely differ from federal messaging due to the particular state’s focus on the pandemic’s impact within its area. WWLTV, March 4, 2021.

February 2021 News

The true toll of coronavirus: How the pandemic led to Louisiana's deadliest year ever, Mark VanLandingham comments, Nola.com, February 28, 2021.
Louisiana deaths jumped by nearly 30% in 2020: How the victims died, Mark VanLandingham, a professor at Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on the 30% jump in Louisiana deaths during 2020. Nola.com, February 28, 2021.
Health experts weigh in on their efforts to reverse vaccine distrust in the Black community, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Dean Thomas LaVeist discusses some of the fears within the Black community regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and what efforts are needed to combat those fears. Daily Kos, February 12, 2021.
3 things may make you a COVID-19 ‘super-spreader,’ Chad Roy, director of infectious disease aerobiology at the Tulane University National Primate Research Center, corresponding author of the paper, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and alumnus of Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine discusses. Futurity, February 11, 2021.
New COVID study offers free coronavirus tests, amazon gift cards, Patricia Kissinger, infectious disease epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses a COMPASS study that seeks to find the prevalence of COVID-19 infections – past and present – in the community.
WWLTV, February 8, 2021.
60 Black Health Experts Urge Black Americans to Get Vaccinated, Thomas LaVeist, the dean of the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and health care equity researcher a Tulane University, is one of 60 Black American members of the National Academy of Medicine who authored a The New York Times opinion piece encouraging all Black Americans to claim in their place in line to get vaccinated. The New York Times, February 7, 2021.
NOLA Public School COVID-19 cases inch down as students return to campus, Susan Hassig, epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses how Covid case counts have recently improved, citywide and in the school district’s weekly reports. The Lens, February 1, 2021.

January 2021 News

AP Analysis: Racial disparity seen in US vaccination drive, Thomas LaVeist, dean of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, is recruiting notable Black Americans to address mistrust of the COVID-19 vaccine among the Black community through his campaign “The Skin You’re In.” AP News, January 30, 2021.
How COVID-19 hollowed out a generation of young Black men, Dean Thomas LaVeist of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine explains that people deal with stress by using strategies that make them feel better. MLK 50, January 28, 2021.
Opinion: The coronavirus is mutating. Will our vaccines keep up? John Barry, a distinguished scholar at Tulane University, pens an opinion piece on if our vaccines will be able to keep up with the mutating coronavirus. The Washington Post, January 27, 2021.
Fighting Misinformation: How Doctors Respond to Vaccine Hesitancy, Charles Stoecker, associate professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on how trusted figures and celebrities who receive the COVID-19 vaccine can be useful in encouraging others to get the vaccine. Courthouse News Service, January 22, 2021.
Why business leaders say New Orleans' economic recovery hinges on vaccine rollout, government support, Thomas LaVeist, dean of Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, discusses how getting back to normalcy for restaurants and other sectors of the economy depends on the pace of the vaccine rollout. Nola.com, January 21, 2021.
Is 100 million vaccinations in 100 days too ambitious? Critics say it's not ambitious enough, Charles Stoecker, health economist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, comments on President Biden’s plan to get 100 million people the COVID-19 vaccine in 100 days. WWLTV, January 21, 2021.
Biden promises guidance, vaccines to get schools open, though familiar challenges loom, Susan Hassig, epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says there should be clearer guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on schools reopening. Chalkbeat, January 21, 2021.
Herd immunity is the key to getting festivals back, Charles Stoecker, associate professor at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, explained how herd immunity benefits a community and how it may help New Orleans get back to festing. Nola.com, January 18, 2021.
High Demand For COVID-19 Vaccine Strains Health Departments In South, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Dean Thomas LaVeist comments on state health departments being overwhelmed with high demand for the COVID-19 vaccine. NPR, January 13, 2021.
Newell: Biden admin to shake up US vaccination strategy - will it work? School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Dean Thomas LaVeist discusses how Tulane has played a prominent role in COVID-19 research and, now, vaccine distribution. WWL, January 11, 2021.
An inside look at how Louisiana's early vaccine rollout stumbled: 'We need this in arms', Susan Hassig, epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, says rolling out a vaccine is always difficult but especially for state and local systems that are already busy with patients. Nola.com, January 9, 2021.
After slow public rollout, officials describe path — and obstacles — to mass vaccinations, Richard Oberhelman, the associate dean for Global Health, is mentioned in this article for soliciting volunteers from Tulane public health and tropical medicine students and faculty to assist the city of New Orleans Health Department with a vaccination program. While Susan Hassig, a professor of epidemiology who has advised the state’s vaccine plan, said that the lack of a centralized signup tool wasn’t especially surprising, given the resources that would go into making such a tool, and the lack of federal support. The Lens, January 7, 2021.
Where Is It Safe To Reopen Schools? New Research Offers Answers, Here is the new report on impact of school re-openings on COVID-19 by Tulane University School of Liberal Arts economists Douglas N. Harris and Engy Ziedan, joined by Susan Hassig of Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. NPR, January 7, 2021.
Battling the Infodemic: LJ's 2021 Librarians of the Year, Librarian Elaine R. Hicks of Tulane University’s Rudolph Matas Library was named one of three Librarians of the Year by Library Journal (LJ) for her work helping the World Health Organization manage the flood of COVID-19 information by founding the Librarian Reserve Corps. The Library Journal, January 5, 2021.
Nevada County introduces Dr. Scott Kellermann as Public Health Officer, Dr. Kellermann received his medical degree from Tulane University with a Master’s in Public Health and Master’s in Tropical Medicine. He will now engage in public health in Nevada County, particularly with an immunization campaign to end the current COVID-19 pandemic. The Union, January 1, 2021.

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Tulanians in the News Responding to COVID-19

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