Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Is The Bay Area’s ‘Unprecedented’ Lockdown The First Of Many?

KFF Health News Original

About 7 million people across the San Francisco Bay Area began to “shelter in place” Tuesday to limit the spread of the new coronavirus. Although public health officials acknowledged the orders were drastic, they also agreed they were necessary.

There Is No Good Choice For Leaders When Potential To Save Lives Comes With Devastating Side-Effect Of Wrecked Economy

Morning Briefing

The U.S. and governments around the world are taking extreme measures to stop the spread of the virus. But as a result the economy is tanking. “Everything else will come back,” President Donald Trump said. “Lives won’t come back.” But the economic health of a country is deeply tied to the physical health of its people, and the long-term stress could play out for years in the future. Meanwhile, media outlets take a look at some of the industries that have been hard-hit, including hotels, restaurants, gig jobs and small businesses.

As Coronavirus Testing Gears Up, Specialized Swabs Running Out

KFF Health News Original

Nationwide, testing for coronavirus is ramping up. But the supply of specialty swabs needed to collect potential coronavirus specimens can’t keep up with demand, creating a bottleneck in testing capabilities. So two top manufacturers are working with U.S. and Italian governments to increase production.

Italy’s Morgues Inundated With Coronavirus Victims As Loved Ones Mourn In Isolation

Morning Briefing

In Italy, with the oldest population in Europe, the toll has been heavy, with more than 2,100 deaths — the most outside of China. On Monday alone, more than 300 people died. The nation is grieving, and yet cannot grieve together with everyone in isolation.

‘I Am Dipping Myself Into The Swamp Every Day’: For Health Care Professionals There’s No Option To Practice Social Distancing

Morning Briefing

Doctors and other medical professionals are on the front lines of the crisis, and experience all the trauma that comes with that. In other news on how humanity is reacting to the outbreak: anxiety inspires charity in some, distilleries do their part to help with sanitizer shortage, fraudsters abound, and more.

Advocacy Groups Step Up Efforts To Free Health-Compromised Immigrants In Detention Centers

Morning Briefing

The lawyer for a Cuban asylum-seeker with breast cancer said exposure to COVID-19 could be deadly for his client. She was recently transferred to a detention center in Louisiana. News on how the pandemic is impacting immigrants comes out of Washington and Massachusetts, as well.

New York Adheres To ‘Common Set Of Rules’ Over Closures, Curfews With Neighbors Connecticut, New Jersey

Morning Briefing

When the governors spoke with reporters, they urged the federal government to issue more uniform guidance. Other news is on New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s decision to close public schools and Saturday Night Live going dark.