ATLANTA — An executive order from President Trump freezes all mass communication from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unless it’s approved by the White House.
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This includes health advisories, updates on its website and social media, news releases and speaking engagements. The acting director of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, sent a memo this week saying the directive would be in effect through Feb. 1.
It also applies to other health and science agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.
The CDC posts information on its website, including everything from healthy living to workplace safety. It also publishes the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which is highly influential among public health officials.
The Jan. 23 edition is expected to include updates on the widening bird flu outbreak, but before it’s posted, it must first get approval from a Trump appointee.
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Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, said this is not uncommon for a new administration. But he said the scope and details of the order are heavy-handed, smacking of micromanagement and politics.
“Let’s say we had a big outbreak that we needed to stop tomorrow,” Benjamin told Channel 2′s Bryan Mims. “They would have to go and get permission in order to communicate.”
Benjamin said most of the information shared with the public is helpful and without controversy.
“But there are some things, of course, as you know, this administration is triggered by: reproductive health issues, climate change, gun violence,” he said.
Ryan Sloane, a spokesman for the CDC, sent a written statement to Mims that states:
“HHS has issued a pause on mass communications and public appearances that are not directly related to emergencies or critical to preserving health,” it said. “This is a short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization. There are exceptions for announcements that HHS divisions believe are mission critical, but they will be made on a case-by-case basis.”
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Mims also emailed HHS for a comment and was given the same statement.
“I think the public should be irritated they’re not getting timely communication at this time,” Benjamin said.
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