Latest KFF Health News Stories
Scientists aren’t testing in animals first in a highly unusual step that some consider justified and others irresponsible.
U.S. Hospitals Don’t Have Enough Ventilators, ICU Beds To Care For Surge Of Coronavirus Cases
Even if most cases of the coronavirus are mild, the health system can’t handle the uptick in critical patients that the outbreak is likely to bring, especially coming off the back of a difficult flu season. But over-stretched hospitals are doing their best to prepare for the crisis. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to increase the availability of respirators in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Defense, Intelligence Officials Struggle To Respond To A Virus That Respects No Borders
The coronavirus adds a dangerous layer for national security officials who still have to assess threat levels from things beyond the pandemic. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has implemented a 60-day travel ban for service members and their families to and from countries whose populations have been the most stricken by coronavirus.
Azar’s Waning Role In Crisis Gives Hints Into Politics Of Administration’s Response
While in the early days of the crisis, HHS Secretary Alex Azar took the lead, he has since been noticeably absent from a number of relevant briefings. In other news from the Trump administration, CMS is working with Medicare and Medicaid officials to craft responses to the outbreak.
Beware Of Fake Emails From Cybercriminals Trying To Piggyback On Virus Fears
In a growing number of phishing scams, fraudsters are using emails disguised as information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak to get people to click on malicious links. Meanwhile, the hand sanitizer shortage is leading to counterfeit products and people looking for alternate solutions.
Global Leaders Speak Out But Coordinated Messaging And Action Plan Is Missing
News outlets look at how world leaders, diplomats, cruise and airline executives as well as civil protesters are all shifting their messages and policies to adapt to global pandemic.
Candidates, President Put Public Campaign Events On Hold
“If coronavirus has the lasting impact that we all fear it will, it will also dramatically reshape the way a presidential campaign unfolds,” said Jesse Ferguson, a veteran Democratic strategist and former spokesman for Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
Coronavirus infections climbed by more than 2,000 on Wednesday to surpass the 10,000 mark, with an additional 170 deaths in one day. Italy has been particularly hard hit by the virus, with the outbreak overwhelming its hospital system to the point that doctors are having to decide who to treat and who to let die. Experts have predicted that currently the United States is on the same trajectory as the country in terms of number of expected cases.
States Declare Emergencies, Ban Large Gatherings As Coronavirus Sweeps The Nation
States from California to Georgia to Michigan to New York cope with more cases while state leaders take containment precautions like canceling events or banning gatherings over 250 people.
The coronavirus outbreak shines a harsh spotlight on sick leave policies, and the fact that American workers aren’t guaranteed any paid days off. A Republican senator blocked an attempt by Democrats to pass an emergency bill on the issue, but more companies like Amazon are starting to adjust their policies amid the crisis. The outbreak is also disrupting the workplace with the first wave of layoffs and more organizations teleworking.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care issues and others.
House leaders rushed to put together multi-billion dollar legislation to help address the looming public health and financial crisis. The House is expected to vote Thursday on the sweeping package and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) had been in close contact with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin as they drafted the bill to ensure the lawmakers were on the same page as the administration. It’s unclear if Republicans in the Senate will support the package, though.
President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday night to announce an expanded travel ban. While he touched on the need for older Americans to take precautions, there were scant details in the speech. Meanwhile, airlines, travel officials and Americans abroad scramble to understand what the new restrictions on travel from 26 European countries means.
WHO Declares Coronavirus Outbreak An Official Pandemic: ‘We Have Rung The Alarm Bell Loud And Clear’
Critics have been wondering for weeks when WHO would decide to officially label the outbreak a pandemic, but the organization had been hesitating. Now, even as the head of WHO raised the health emergency to its highest level, he said hope remains that COVID-19 can be curtailed. Meanwhile, the markets tumbled on the news.
The method, which has seen success in other countries like South Korea, would help protect other patients, staff and the potentially infected person themselves. But it can’t be implemented properly when there aren’t enough tests and supplies in the first place. Meanwhile, insurers work to limit testing costs for patients.
‘Flatten The Curve’: A Mantra Emerges As Coronavirus Spreads In U.S. Beyond Containment
Public health experts are adamant that all Americans must do their part to “flatten the curve” to help contain the virus spread. That means taking precautions even by people who are not sick or at high-risk. Such steps will help mitigate a surge in cases that could overwhelm the hospital system. Meanwhile, past outbreaks and other countries’ responses to the coronavirus pandemic help highlight what courses of action are best.
‘Things Will Get Worse’: Fauci Strikes Grim Tone To Congress When Asked About Scope Of U.S. Outbreak
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stressed that the coronavirus “is a really serious problem that we have to take seriously,” noting that it’s 10 times more lethal than influenza, which kills nearly 0.1% of Americans who get it each year. It was a notably different tone than the Trump administration has employed in recent days.
The Startling Inequality Gap That Emerges After Age 65
The good news: Life expectancy for people who make it to 65 has increased. Yet, coastal and urban people fare better than those in rural and middle America.
Tampons, Pads And Politics Mesh In New Push For Access To Menstrual Supplies
As a national movement for better access to menstrual products gains steam, “period equity” activists in Colorado are finding the path to change isn’t straight. Although Denver last summer repealed sales taxes on menstrual products and the state now requires supplies to be provided in prisons, an effort to repeal the statewide sales tax on the products failed. So, activists assemble supply kits to donate to those who need them.