Public Attitudes

Los Angeles ringleader of $18M COVID fraud scheme extradited LOS ANGELES (AP) — A leader of a Los Angeles-based fraud ring that stole $18 million in COVID-19 aid money was extradited Monday from Europe to the United States, where she could face more than a decade in prison, authorities said. AP NEWS

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Dadyan, her sister, brother-in-law and five others fraudulently applied for about 150 relief loans intended to help businesses and employees struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, federal prosecutors said.

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A bipartisan approach to pandemic security? It's within reach A diverse group of pandemic warriors offer ways to better protect Americans from pandemic threats while at the same time reinforcing American values of freedom and democracy. Patrick Skerrett STAT

... Americans can achieve pandemic security through creative, pragmatic action that bridges political divides and provides community-focused options for public health protection. What’s needed is a concrete pathway for action that attracts support from Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and others....

COMMENTARY: Wear a respirator, not a cloth or surgical mask, to protect against respiratory viruses CIDRAP

Two recent publications conclude there are no differences between surgical masks and respirators for preventing person-to-person transmission of infectious respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. But these studies are deeply flawed.