CDC head calls for sweeping overhaul of agency, says pandemic messaging was 'confusing and overwhelming' for public

The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday called for a sweeping overhaul of the agency following its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, describing guidance for the public as "confusing and overwhelming," the New York Times reported, citing a briefing document it obtained. Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the CDC needs a structure that prioritizes public health needs and efforts to contain current outbreaks, and puts less focus on the publication of scientific papers about rare diseases. ""For 75 years, C.D.C. and public health have been preparing for Covid-19, and in our big moment, our performance did not reliably meet expectations," Dr. Walensky said. "My goal is a new, public health, action-oriented culture at C.D.C. that emphasizes accountability, collaboration, communication and timeliness." The plan was also outlined in a video for employees, the Times reported. On Monday, Walensky told the paper she had urged CDC staff to turn around COVID data as quickly as possible. "Some of the data are messy, and some of the data take time," she said. "I've really tried hard to push data out when we had it."

Market Pulse Stories are Rapid-fire, short news bursts on stocks and markets as they move. Visit MarketWatch.com for more information on this news.