VP Biden, on NBC's 'Today Show' April 30, told viewers he would tell his family to stay off planes and subways because of fear of infection by swine flu virus. Medical experts were quick to disagree, and his office had to issue a retraction.
Asked whether he'd advise his family against a trip to Mexico, the vice president said: "It's not just going to Mexico, if you're any place in a confined aircraft and one person sneezes it goes all the way through the aircraft. That's me. I would not be at this point, if they had another way of transportation, suggesting they ride the subway."
New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, asked about Mr. Biden's remarks at a news conference Thursday morning, declined to criticize the vice president.
"This flu does not seem to be taking over the city and so there's no evidence that being on the subway would, in a confined space, increase dramatically the probability," Mr. Bloomberg said, noting that he rides the subway everyday. "I don't see people coughing or sneezing on the subway. I don't see people complaining."
From NPR: Biden Clarifies Travel Comments: "The clarification was fast in coming" . Video has the original excerpt from the Today Show, and a medical expert refuting the VP's assertions. Also interviewed is NYC Mayor Bloomberg, and Jet Blue representative who was more forthcoming.
Thanks to NYTimes.com's Politics newsletter
FULL STORY: Biden’s Advice to Stay Off Planes, Subways
Coronavirus Vaccine Could be Available by End of the Year, But...
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is helping to lead the Trump administration's response to the pandemic, shared positive news with CNN on the progress of the vaccine project but admitted that due to two factors, it is likely not to achieve herd immunity.
Coronavirus Declared a Pandemic. What Does That Mean?
The director-general of the World Health Organization announced on Wednesday that the COVID-19 viral disease that has killed more than 4,000 people, infected nearly 120,00 people and is present in 114 nations is a pandemic.
‘Architectural Epidemiology:’ Centering Public Health in Urban Design
A new book asks, what if cities were designed around health equity?
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie