‘There’s No Quick Fix For COVID-19,’ Cautions Pennsylvania Secretary Of Health

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A waitress in South Philadelphia watches a television briefing by Pennsylvania’s health secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine, on Nov. 17. Levine says a COVID-19 vaccine is «the light at the end of the tunnel, but says it will be months before it’s available to the general public.





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Initial Batch Of COVID-19 Vaccines Will Go To States Based On Population, Not Risk

With initial supplies expected to be limited, Levine said officials will need to determine which doctors and nurses will be first in line. For example, should older workers get them first or only those who treat COVID-19 patients? She said the state are finalizing plans that hospitals can use for prioritizing within the priority groups.

One factor beyond her control is funding. The federal government has spent billions on the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, but Levine said only $340 million has been allocated to states for vaccine distribution and administration.

«It will be essential for the federal government to provide more funding to the states, territories and cities that will be tasked with administering the vaccine, she said.

Levine said Pennsylvania is ready, but she acknowledged the scope of the challenge. On Thursday alone, she noted, the state was reporting more than 11,000 new infections.

«The basic public health tool of containment … is extremely difficult for public health [officials] to do when we’re seeing this type of widespread community transmission.

A vaccine holds promise, she said, but it won’t solve the crisis overnight. She said it could be autumn of 2021 before there are enough vaccines for distribution to the general public.

«This is not a quick fix. And I think that it really shows that we all have to work together and stand united to stop the spread of this virus.