White House resists declaring ‘triple-demic’ national emergency

The Biden administration is resisting calls from pediatric health groups to declare a national emergency because of the triple-demic.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)—The Biden administration is resisting calls from pediatric health groups to declare a national emergency because of the triple-demic.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association say cases of the flu, Covid-19, and RSV are overwhelming the health system.

Declaration of a National Emergency would give providers additional funding, as well as more flexibility from regulations to deal with what they call a crisis. According to CDC data, the hospitalization rate in all kids for the week of Nov. 12 was twice as high as any other flu season on record.

Instead of declaring a national emergency, federal health officials say they are ready to provide assistance to communities in need on a case-by-case basis.