Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Transparency? Feds would update public about any omicron cases – not FL’s state health department

Transparency? Feds would update public about any omicron cases - not FL's state health department

On New Year’s Eve about a year ago, the Florida Department of Health informed the public about a troubling new COVID-19 variant through a tweet, announcing that the United Kingdom variant had been detected in Florida.

But about a year later, the state health department appears to be shifting from updating the public about any potential cases of the new omicron variant, to relying on federal health officials to provide any updates.

In an email to the Florida Phoenix on Tuesday evening, a spokesperson from the state health department acknowledged that the agency has been monitoring COVID mutations but said the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be leading efforts for variant cases.

“Public health surveillance and controlling the spread of infectious diseases have always been core functions of the Florida Department of Health,” Jeremy Redfern, press secretary, said in an email Tuesday.

Redfern continued: “CDC is the lead agency for all variant surveillance in the United States, and they will distribute any updates on the omicron variant. Since the pandemic’s beginning, the department has conducted sequencing efforts and maintains surveillance of emerging variants in Florida. As of November 30, 2021, the CDC has not detected omicron within the United States.”

While no cases have been detected, federal officials are expecting the omicron variant to seep into the country. At issue is whether Floridians will receive any communication from the state health department about any cases that have been identified – or will residents have to rely on federal health authorities to get information.

That tweet by state health officials on December 31, 2020 was in reference to the B.1.1.7, the variant first identified in the United Kingdom, stating that “Florida has evidence of the first identified case of the UK COVID-19 variant in Martin County…The Department is working with the CDC on this investigation. We encourage all to continue practicing COVID-19 mitigation.”

Around March 1, 2021 another new, more contagious COVID-19 variant — one first identified in South Africa — was now in Florida, according to the CDC.

At the time, Scott Rivkees was Florida’s Surgeon General and head of the Florida Department of Health.

Florida’s new surgeon general is Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who has fully embraced Gov. Ron DeSantis’ personal-freedom approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state health department plans to respond to the potential threat of the new variant with mitigation measures, Redfern said, but no details about what safety plans will be implemented were released in the email. Still, Redfern mentioned that “the state continues to operate monoclonal antibody treatment sites and ensure accessibility statewide by allocating doses of monoclonal antibodies to ensure inventory levels meet county demand.”

“Florida stands ready to mitigate COVID-19 through prevention and treatment, rather than focusing on one solution,” Redfern said. “As we have done with previous variants of concern, the State of Florida will adapt and respond as necessary to protect public health.”

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Gov. Ron DeSantis told the Phoenix this week that the state plans to monitor data on vaccine effectiveness and monoclonal antibody treatments against the new variant, which was first identified in South Africa. But the Republican governor said during a news conference that Florida will not impose any lockdowns in response to omicron.

On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified the B.1.1.529, known as omicron, as a variant of concern.

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A podcast follows a family’s dramatic struggle with an AIDS diagnosis

A podcast follows a family's dramatic struggle with an AIDS diagnosis

In 1996 the then St. Petersburg Times published a series called Three Little Words.

It was noticeable for several reasons. It ran in short chapters over 29 days in February (it was a leap year). It contained a narrative about what was then a shameful family secret – AIDS.

It was the story of Jane Morse, who lived in St. Petersburg, and told of the death of her husband and the fear of his illness. It was written by Roy Peter Clark, who had worked at the Times as a writing coach until he switched to faculty at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in St. Petersburg. The newspaper occasionally published his work as a contributing writer.

Mick and Jane married in June 1968. He had been one of their high school teachers. [ MORSE FAMILY PHOTO | FAMILY PHOTO ]

“In 1996 the response was overwhelming, and it came from so many directions,” said Clark. “Some readers were frustrated when I withheld some dramatic information until another chapter. Many admired Jane and understood her struggle as the wife of an AIDS sufferer. But others wish she had made other decisions. “

The series turns 25 this year but is brought to life as a podcast available today, World AIDS Day, from your favorite podcast service. The five-part series was written and produced by Austin Fast, a former intern with the Times. Fast is now assistant producer on the National Public Radio investigation team.

Austin Fast at the Tampa Bay Times recording studio.Austin Fast at the Tampa Bay Times recording studio. [ Austin Fast ]

Hear from the Morse family and get an update on their lives on the podcast, titled Three Little Words. And you will hear how the AIDS epidemic has developed over the past few decades and what striking parallels have with the pandemic we are going through.

“When it comes to disease, there is always fear and stigma,” said Clark. “The lessons of the Three Little Words can help us find a more hopeful path.”

Visit www.tampabay.com/threelittlewords to find all of the episodes from the podcast, read Clark’s original 1996 series, and explore related bonus material such as photos, news articles, and video content.

For Fast, the resumption of Three Little Words meant sharing the Morse family’s experiences through another medium with their own voices.

“The original series describes Jane Morse wrestling with feelings of betrayal, but a bite of sound can say a thousand words,” he said. “Listeners will immediately recognize these complicated emotions in the sighs and pauses as Jane searches for the right words.”

Almost didn’t want the podcast to simply brush up on the 1996 series, so he spent hours interviewing the family and health experts to help bring the arc of AIDS into the 21st century. The pandemic limited his ability to shadow family while reporting, but COVID-19 provided a frame of reference for younger listeners.

He was inspired by the Morse family, who made it possible to tell such a personal story. “I admire how close the Morse family is today,” he said. “No family is without problems, but I can say that there is a lot of love there.”

Roy Peter ClarkRoy Peter Clark [ C. Dykes ]

Clark is still amazed that the Times back then backed his idea of ​​breaking the story over so many chapters. But the Times had produced serial narrative before, and as the teacher Clark points out, this style is an ancient form of storytelling that is still common today. Think of TV series that play this way and, of course, many of your favorite podcasts.

The “Three Little Words” podcast is a reminder that “AIDS is still with us. Almost 40 million people are infected with HIV worldwide, ”said Clark. “There is no cure. There is no vaccine. But here is the main message: There are very effective treatments.”

Fast said it was important to remember that some people still fear and condemn HIV-AIDS patients.

“Roy Peter Clark wanted to help overcome this stigma 25 years ago,” said Fast.

Erin Morse, Jane Morse-Swett and Meghan Rice.Erin Morse, Jane Morse-Swett and Meghan Rice. [ Swett family ]

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Florida basketball’s win over Troy Trojans

Florida basketball’s win over Troy Trojans

Florida basketball extended its season-opening winning streak to six games with an authoritative 84-45 win over the Troy Trojans in the O’Connell Center on Sunday. Led by guards Myreon Jones and Tyree Appleby early on with a three-point assault, the Gators never trailed in this game after jumping out to a massive early lead.

Colin Castleton added 10 points and collect eight rebounds, fading a bit in his role for the second-straight game, while Phlandrous Fleming Jr. got his first start in Gainesville and freshmen Elijah Kennedy and Kowacie Reeves each played 13 minutes. Florida’s tenacious D forced 21 turnovers, scoring 32 of its 84 points from its opponent’s gaffes, while holding the Trojans to 32.1% shooting overall and 12.5% from beyond the arc.

Take a look below at highlights from Sunday afternoon’s blow-out win for the Florida Gators.

Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida guard freshman guard Elijah Kennedy (10) takes a second to eye a three…

University of Florida guard freshman guard Elijah Kennedy (10) takes a second to eye a three pointer and then make it during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 11

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida forward Anthony Duruji (4) leaps up make a slam dunk during a basketball…

University of Florida forward Anthony Duruji (4) leaps up make a slam dunk during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 06

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida guard Brandon McKissic (23) and center Jason Jitoboh (33) gesture after a big…

University of Florida guard Brandon McKissic (23) and center Jason Jitoboh (33) gesture after a big three made by McKissic during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 05

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida forward Keyontae Johnson (11) cheers on his teammates during a basketball game against…

University of Florida forward Keyontae Johnson (11) cheers on his teammates during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 21

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida guard Myreon Jones (0) dribbles the ball down court during a basketball game…

University of Florida guard Myreon Jones (0) dribbles the ball down court during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 09

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida forward Colin Castleton (12) backs down a defender during a basketball game against…

University of Florida forward Colin Castleton (12) backs down a defender during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 07

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida guard Tyree Appleby (22) is flagrantly fouled by Troy guard Desmond Williams (11)…

University of Florida guard Tyree Appleby (22) is flagrantly fouled by Troy guard Desmond Williams (11) during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 13

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida guard Tyree Appleby (22) dribbles the ball up the court during a basketball…

University of Florida guard Tyree Appleby (22) dribbles the ball up the court during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 12

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida guard Brandon McKissic (23) puts up a floater for a score over a…

University of Florida guard Brandon McKissic (23) puts up a floater for a score over a defender during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 08

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida forward Colin Castleton (12) reaches in to knock the ball away from Troy…

University of Florida forward Colin Castleton (12) reaches in to knock the ball away from Troy forward Zay Williams (10) during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 10

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida forward Anthony Duruji (4) stretches out for a dunk during a basketball game…

University of Florida forward Anthony Duruji (4) stretches out for a dunk during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 04

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida guard Phlandrous Fleming Jr. (24) puts in a basket during a basketball game…

University of Florida guard Phlandrous Fleming Jr. (24) puts in a basket during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 16

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida head coach Mike White yells to his team during a basketball game against…

University of Florida head coach Mike White yells to his team during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 17

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida guard Tyree Appleby (22) drives the ball down court against Troy guard Christyon…

University of Florida guard Tyree Appleby (22) drives the ball down court against Troy guard Christyon Eugene (5) as the two teams play a basketball game at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 01

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

After getting a hard foul while shooting University of Florida guard Tyree Appleby (22) gets up…

After getting a hard foul while shooting University of Florida guard Tyree Appleby (22) gets up and runs after Troy guard Desmond Williams (11) during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 14

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

After getting a hard foul while shooting University of Florida guard Tyree Appleby (22) is held…

After getting a hard foul while shooting University of Florida guard Tyree Appleby (22) is held back by teammates during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 15

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida forward Colin Castleton (12) turns and puts up a shot during a basketball…

University of Florida forward Colin Castleton (12) turns and puts up a shot during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 18

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida forward Anthony Duruji (4) crashes in for a slam dunk during a basketball…

University of Florida forward Anthony Duruji (4) crashes in for a slam dunk during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 02

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida forward Colin Castleton (12) looks to drive the ball in the paint during…

University of Florida forward Colin Castleton (12) looks to drive the ball in the paint during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 20

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida head coach Mike White in the huddle during a timeout at a basketball…

University of Florida head coach Mike White in the huddle during a timeout at a basketball game against Troy in the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 22

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida guard Tyree Appleby (22) plays hard defense on Troy guard Desmond Williams (11)…

University of Florida guard Tyree Appleby (22) plays hard defense on Troy guard Desmond Williams (11) during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 19

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Syndication: Gainesville Sun

University of Florida guard Myreon Jones (0) shoots in a three during a basketball game against…

University of Florida guard Myreon Jones (0) shoots in a three during a basketball game against Troy at the Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla., Nov. 28, 2021. The Gators beat the Trojans 84-45 to continue on their 6 game winning streak.

Flgai Ufvs Troy Bball 03

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Police investigate a woman’s sexual battery in Miami Beach – NBC 6 South Florida

Police investigate a woman's sexual battery in Miami Beach - NBC 6 South Florida

Police are investigating after a woman in Miami Beach announced she had been sexually assaulted.

The incident happened on November 21, when the woman said she went to Mango’s Tropical Cafe with some friends, a police report said.

At the bar, the woman said she was approached by a man who said he was visiting Miami and introduced her to his friend. The two men later invited the girls for more drinks.

After a while, the victim remembered sitting alone in a car with the two men, a police report said.

In the car, one of the men made a sexual approach to the victim, which made her uncomfortable, so she climbed over the center console to get in the passenger seat. The victim then reported a blackout and could not remember anything from the drive, the report said.

The report said the woman woke up in a house and the man was on top of her while she was completely naked and tried to rape her.

The woman ran out of the house on foot and tried to find help, but was in an unfamiliar neighborhood in Miami Beach. She tried to stop drivers but no one stopped, the report said.

Police said the woman was finally confronted by one of the men from the night before and told him to drive her to the police station.

Instead, he ordered a car service to take her to the airport, the police report said.

At the airport, two employees helped the victim contact the police and they reported the sexual battery. Officers later took her to Jackson Memorial Hospital for further medical evaluation.

The incident is still being investigated.

The post Police investigate a woman’s sexual battery in Miami Beach – NBC 6 South Florida first appeared on Daily Florida Press.

from Daily Florida Press https://dailyfloridapress.com/police-investigate-a-womans-sexual-battery-in-miami-beach-nbc-6-south-florida/
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Tallahassee trees deliver the goods for a Meyer Lemon Tart

Lemon tart with a ginger crust has a light lemon flavor and would be a decadent, sweet finish to your Christmas dinner or a special occasion.

It’s Meyer lemon season in Tallahassee, and fruit trees across town are laden with beautifully rounded balls of citrus-like delicacy.

If life gives you lemons, you’ll need my simple gingerbread crust lemon tart recipe. This flavorful lemon tart made from Meyer lemons with its crunchy, flavorful ginger biscuit crust will make your taste buds sing the hallelujah chorus.

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Not too sweet and not too sour, this gingersnap crust lemon tart has a light lemon flavor and would make a decadent, sweet way to end your Christmas dinner or any other special occasion.

Meyer lemons are a cross between a normal lemon and a mandarin orange. The ones I had were so big and juicy that I could get a whole pint of juice out of just three lemons.

The juice is a little sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons. Looking like sunshine on a plate, with a silky lemon filling that is bursting with fresh citrus flavor, this simple yet elegant dessert is every lemon lover’s dream.

Meyer lemons are a cross between a normal lemon and a mandarin orange.

Lemon tart with ginger crust recipe

Serves 8-10

Ingredients:

Ginger crust

12 ounces ginger cookies

6 tbsp butter, melted

Lemon filling

1 ½ cups of granulated sugar

¼ cup of cornstarch

3 large eggs

3 large egg yolks

⅔ Cup of fresh Meyer lemon juice

1 ½ tablespoon Meyer lemon peel

½ cup butter, cold – cut into small cubes

Directions

Ginger crust

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Pour the ginger cookies into a food processor with a steel blade. Process until the biscuits are fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and pulse until well blended.

Pour the cookie mixture into a 9- or 10-inch cake and distribute it evenly. Use your fingers to press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of the pan to form the crust.

Bake for 9-10 minutes. Take out of the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.

Lemon filling

Grate and squeeze the lemons. Put aside.

Put sugar, cornstarch, eggs, egg yolks and lemon juice in a heavy saucepan and heat over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, for a minute or two or until thickened to a pudding-like consistency.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the lemon zest and butter. Keep stirring until the butter has melted and everything is well mixed.

Pour the lemon filling into a small bowl and place that bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice. Let cool for about 15 minutes.

Pour the cooled mixture into the cooled ginger crust. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours. Before putting the tart in the refrigerator, press the cling film lightly onto the top of the filling to prevent a film from forming.

Remove from the tart pan to serve, cut into slices and serve. Enjoy!

Sharon’s tips:

  • I love the sour lemon filling and gingernap crust combo, but a graham cracker crust, shortbread, or cookie crust would work too. Of course, you can also use a pre-baked regular pie crust, or even a store-bought graham cracker pie crust.
  • A tart pan is a flat baking pan, similar to a cake pan, but with a removable base and ribbed edges. When baking with a tart pan, make sure the pan is placed on a baking sheet so that it can be pushed into the oven easily and without glitches. Also, when you handle a tart pan, hold it by the sides and not just by the bottom, or the ring and bottom will fall apart.
  • The easiest way to remove the cake ring before serving is to put a large round tin or upturned bowl on the counter. Place the tart on the tin or bowl and gently pull the ring down. I usually don’t try to remove the cake from the bottom.
  • You can substitute for regular lemons, but they’re not that sweet and sour. If you’re using regular lemons in this recipe, you may want to add a quarter cup of extra sugar.
  • To see a twisted lemon garnish like the photos: take a lemon wedge, remove all the pips, cut a straight line from the center of the lemon to the edge, turn one side of the lemon forward and the other back.
  • To make candied lemon wedges for garnish, cut a lemon into thin slices and remove the stone. Place in a small saucepan with a quarter cup of sugar and half a cup of water. Simmer over low heat for six to seven minutes. Use a slotted spoon and remove the slices from the syrup when the peels are translucent and tender. Let cool and use as a garnish.

Sharon Rigsby

Sharon Rigsby is the blogger behind Grits and Pinecones, a southern cuisine and hospitality blog. Search all of their recipes by visiting www.gritsandpinecones.com.

Never miss another story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.

The post Tallahassee trees deliver the goods for a Meyer Lemon Tart first appeared on Daily Florida Press.

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Comcast expands Internet service in Cape Coral

Comcast expands Internet service in Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL, Florida – Diplomat Pkwy in Cape Coral is one of the many areas concerned with slow internet service.

But the people who live in this area will soon no longer have this problem.

To provide better Internet service, the City of Cape Coral has signed an agreement with Comcast to expand their cable network.

The city plans to contribute $ 500,000 to the project, and Comcast will also contribute to the cost of expanding its facilities.

Comcast is expected to begin operations within 14 days of the approval being granted.

The estimated completion date for this new service is expected to take up to six months.

The total cost of the project is estimated at over $ 14 million.

See similar https://abc-7.com/news/local/2021/12/01/comcast-to-expand-internet-service-in-cape-coral/

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Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Con el fin de las licencias pagas por covid, empleados sienten la presión de ir a la oficina

With Federal Covid Sick Leave Gone, Workers Feel Pressure to Show Up at Work

Tanto economistas como expertos en salud pública dicen que la licencia por enfermedad con goce de sueldo es una herramienta esencial, tanto como las pruebas, las máscaras y las vacunas, en el esfuerzo por prevenir la infección por covid-19 y mantener seguros los lugares de trabajo.

Sin embargo, Estados Unidos se encuentra en medio de otra temporada navideña con covid, y las leyes federales que ofrecían a sus trabajadores licencias pagas por enfermedad vinculadas a esta infección han expirado.

Colorado, Los Ángeles y Pittsburgh se encuentran entre una pequeña cantidad de lugares que han implementado sus propias protecciones contra covid. Pero alrededor del país, muchos trabajadores enfermos deben lidiar con difíciles cuestiones financieras y éticas al decidir si quedarse o no en casa.

“Millones de trabajadores no tienen acceso a licencias por enfermedad pagas y todavía estamos en una pandemia”, dijo Nicolas Ziebarth, economista experto en el mercado laboral de la Universidad Cornell.

Estados Unidos es uno de los pocos países industrializados que no tiene una política nacional de licencia por enfermedad paga. Por el contrario, Alemania, la patria de Ziebarth, ha tenido una durante casi 140 años.

La pandemia de coronavirus provocó un cambio a corto plazo. Según explicó Ziebarth, el Families First Coronavirus Response Act ordenó una licencia por enfermedad con goce de sueldo a nivel nacional, la primera en la historia del país.

La ley incluyó aproximadamente dos semanas de pago completo para los empleados que fueran puestos en cuarentena o que buscaran atención médica por síntomas similares a los de covid, y semanas adicionales con pago parcial para cuidar a un niño en cuarentena debido al virus.

Pero el mandato de licencia por enfermedad paga solo se aplicó consistentemente a los empleadores con 50 a 499 empleados, por solo nueve meses, y expiró a fines de 2020. Después, los empleadores pudieron decidir si querían seguir ofreciendo la licencia por enfermedad con goce de sueldo a cambio de créditos fiscales, aunque éstas expiraron a finales de septiembre.

Alrededor del 5% de los empleados en el país utilizaron esta protección federal, escribieron Ziebarth y sus colegas en la revista PNAS, y parece haber ayudado inicialmente a aplanar la curva de la pandemia. Pero no fue suficiente. La cantidad de personas que estaban enfermas, con cualquier enfermedad, pero que no podían tomarse un descanso pasó de unos 5 millones por mes antes de la pandemia a 15 millones a fines de 2020, incluso con la licencia federal vigente.

Las personas con los ingresos más bajos son las que tienen menos probabilidades de contar con licencias por enfermedad pagas, dijo la doctora Rita Hamad, epidemióloga social y médica de familia de la Universidad de California-San Francisco. “Nos quedamos con cualquier mosaico de políticas estatales y de empleadores que existían antes, que dejan a las personas más vulnerables menos cubiertas”, expresó.

La Ley Build Back Better, que fue aprobada en la Cámara de Representantes el 19 de noviembre y espera el voto del Senado, puede otorgar algunos permisos médicos y familiares pagos para que los trabajadores puedan lidiar con enfermedades de más largo plazo o con el cuidado de un ser querido, pero no incluye tiempo fuera del trabajo para recuperarse de una enfermedad de corto plazo.

Jared Make, vicepresidente de A Better Balance, una organización legal nacional sin fines de lucro que aboga por los derechos de los trabajadores, ha estado presionando a los legisladores federales, estatales y locales durante años para que amplíen la licencia por enfermedad con goce de sueldo y ha redactado una legislación modelo.

Make dijo que 16 estados, Washington, DC. y alrededor de 20 localidades tienen leyes permanentes de tiempo por enfermedad remunerado. Una de las más generosas, la de Nuevo México, entrará en vigencia en julio. Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, Nueva York y el Distrito de Columbia ofrecen licencias por enfermedad de emergencia específicas para covid, al igual que Pittsburgh y algunas ciudades de California, como Los Ángeles, Oakland y Long Beach.

En algunos lugares, los empleadores están tomando la iniciativa para abordar el problema. Una encuesta reciente de KFF con alrededor de 1,700 empleadores de todo el país halló que el 37% de los empleados trabajan en un lugar que expandió o comenzó a ofrecer licencias pagas, ya sea para recuperarse de una enfermedad o para ayudar a un familiar a recuperarse de una. Mientras tanto, al 1% de los trabajadores se les redujo o eliminó la licencia paga por enfermedad.

Aún así, las llamadas a la línea de ayuda legal gratuita de A Better Balance se han disparado desde que comenzó la pandemia, dijo Make. “Muchos trabajadores están arriesgando su trabajo o no tienen más remedio que ir a trabajar cuando están enfermos, y es un verdadero problema de salud pública”.

En agosto, los departamentos de salud pública locales en California pidieron a los líderes estatales que extendieran la licencia por enfermedad paga a todos los trabajadores, diciendo que no hacerlo desanimaba a las personas a recibir una vacuna contra covid y afectaba desproporcionadamente a las comunidades desfavorecidas.

Muchas personas que han evitado la vacunación temen sufrir efectos secundarios que las obligarán a faltar al trabajo durante uno o dos días, algo que no pueden permitirse, dijo Hamad.

Pero sin fondos federales para reembolsar a los empleadores, California y otros estados tendrían que encontrar dinero para pagar las licencias por enfermedad, y hay poco entusiasmo entre los legisladores por pasar los costos a las empresas.

“En nuestra opinión, es una brecha evidente que el gobierno federal no haya continuado con alguna forma de licencia por enfermedad de emergencia, ni siquiera por covid-19”, dijo Make. “Obviamente, es una gran deficiencia dado el punto en el que nos encontramos en la pandemia”.

Colorado, que está experimentando un aumento de casos de covid, aprobó el año pasado lo que Make, con sede en Denver, considera las protecciones de licencia por enfermedad por covid más sólidas que cualquier otro estado.

La ley, que permite a cualquier empleado ganar hasta seis días de licencia por enfermedad con goce de sueldo por año y entra en vigencia por completo en enero, dice que cuando los funcionarios locales, estatales o federales declaran una emergencia de salud pública, los empleadores deben complementar la licencia acumulada de los trabajadores para que el empleado pueda tomar hasta dos semanas de licencia por enfermedad paga por, en este caso, motivos relacionados con covid. La disposición de licencia de emergencia no vencerá al menos hasta febrero.

Sin embargo, algunos empleadores no la cumplen. A principios de noviembre, la División de Normas y Estadísticas Laborales de Colorado estaba investigando las quejas relacionadas con la ley de licencia por enfermedad que se presentaron contra 71 empleadores, según Eric Yohe, gerente de alcance. Eso representó alrededor del 8% de todas sus quejas salariales bajo investigación. Yohe dijo que su división ya había restablecido la licencia remunerada para “un buen número” de empleados bajo la nueva ley.

La ley de licencias de Colorado todavía tiene limitaciones. Los trabajadores no reciben “recargas” de la licencia por covid si se enferman de nuevo o un familiar se enferma: solo 80 horas en total desde enero de 2021 hasta que finalice la emergencia de salud pública. Y la ley permite que algunos lugares de trabajo obliguen a los empleados a utilizar su tiempo libre remunerado (PTO), siempre que notifiquen a los empleados con anticipación y ofrezcan al menos dos semanas de PTO a los empleados de tiempo completo.

Jamie Bradt, maestra de educación especial en una escuela secundaria en Mead, Colorado, se encontró en esa situación este mes después de dar positivo para covid. Bradt, que está completamente vacunada, pensó que podría aprovechar la licencia por enfermedad por covid sancionada por el estado. Pero su empleador, St. Vrain Valley Schools, le dijo que tendría que usar su PTO, que había estado guardando durante una década.

“Es tan frustrante que me estén castigando por acumular mi licencia”, dijo Bradt, que estuvo en cuarentena en su casa. El distrito no respondió a las preguntas.

Las políticas que obligan a los empleados a trabajar cuando están enfermos son contraproducentes, dijo Barbara Holland, asesora de la Society for Human Resource Management, un grupo comercial nacional. “Es una enfermedad contagiosa”, dijo. “No quieres que se presente en el lugar de trabajo”.

Desde que expiraron las disposiciones federales, Cristina Cuevas y sus colegas en una escuela de Minnesota deben usar su tiempo acumulado por enfermedad y vacaciones si contraen covid.

Recientemente, un compañero de trabajo de Cuevas fue a trabajar enfermo, asumiendo que era un resfriado. “De hecho, tuvo covid todo el tiempo”, dijo Cuevas. La escuela tuvo que cerrar brevemente y varios estudiantes se enfermaron, contó.

La corresponsal de California Healthline, Rachel Bluth, colaboró con esta historia.

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