An update on MCPS’ contact tracing program

MCPS sent out a message on April 26 informing the community about changes to their contact tracing process “to align with the recommendations of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).” So, what’s new?

As of May 2, MCPS states they will no longer “identify or individually notify individuals who are in close contact with students or staff members who test positive for COVID-19.” 

The end of their contact tracing program was in line with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Maryland Department of Health (MDH) guidance that stated that “universal contact tracing is no longer necessary in school and childcare programs.” 

In their community update, MCPS recognized the continuing impact of COVID in the community and around the nation, but credits the ability to phase out contact tracing due to the “important work we have all undertaken to follow health guidelines, including vaccinations, that mitigate and minimize the spread of COVID-19.”

Politicians tackle baby formula shortages

Parents are getting worried as they approach the shelves at their grocery stores, only to find themselves in the midst of a baby formula shortage, in part due to an Abbott Laboratories recall and subsequent closure of their baby formula manufacturing plant.

On May 18, President Joe Biden invoked the Defense Protection Act to help alleviate these shortages. The Defense Production Act will require those who supply formula manufacturers to fulfill the orders of formula manufacturers over other customers, in an effort to help formula manufacturers obtain the necessary ingredients to make it in the first place.

Meanwhile, Congress has been busy with passing the Access to Baby Formula Act in near-unanimity, which allows beneficiaries of the federal government’s nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC) to use their WIC benefits to buy whatever formula they can get their hands on rather than being restricted by WIC’s contracting rules that only permits WIC beneficiaries to buy certain formula products.

Krispy Kreme rewards high school, college classes of 2022

Graduation is a celebration that Krispy Kreme wants to be a part of. That’s why the doughnut chain, known for their limited-time giveaway promos such as price-matching the price of a dozen original glazed doughnuts to the price of a gallon of gas, will give away a “Senior Day Dozen” of doughnuts to members of the Class of 2022.

All seniors will have to do is show up in any gear that represents they are part of the class of 2022 – such as a shirt or graduation cap and gown – to receive their free dozen of doughnuts. The free dozen includes eight original glazed doughnuts and four additional doughnuts decorated with each individual digit of “2022.” The “Chocolate Iced Kreme” doughnut, the “Original Glazed” doughnut, the “Cake Batter Filled” doughnut, and the “Strawberry Iced Kreme Filled” doughnut will be the four doughnuts decorated with the digits of 2022, in their respective order.