U.S. government’s Covid-19 response will continue in a shutdown, but health agencies will face major staff shortages

The federal Covid-19 response will continue if there’s a shutdown, mostly The federal efforts to address Covid-19 will continue even if the government shuts down this week, an administration official tells STAT. Nicholas Florko STAT

The federal government’s efforts to address the Covid-19 pandemic will continue even if the government shuts down this week, a Biden administration official tells STAT — but key health agencies will still face major staff shortages. ...

The Department of Health and Human Services is promising that they’ll keep the pandemic response running by relying on exemptions that let officials keep working if their jobs help keep people safe. Here’s what we know. ...