Latest KFF Health News Stories
Strategic Stockpile Of Medical Gear, Equipment Falling Far Short Of Needs, States And Hospitals Say
State and local governments are scrambling to secure medical equipment for the expected surge of patients as well as protective gear for their health workers. But leaders say they’re only receiving a fraction of what they’ve requested from the national stockpile. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning hoarding of scarce medical equipment, and doctors begin to think about rationing care.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care topics during the pandemic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Fauci May Be Earning Praise From Public, But President Might Be Losing Patience With Doctor
Dr. Anthony Fauci has emerged as a leading voice in the government’s response. But as he continues to correct President Donald Trump’s statements on the outbreak, some think the White House may be growing tired of the contrast. Meanwhile, Trump’s daily briefings give him a way to present himself and his message to voters despite social distancing measures.
Trump Mulls Lifting Social Distancing Recommendations In Face Of Economic Concerns
President Donald Trump signaled a growing willingness to restart the economy despite public health experts’ advice that the country should be more strict on shutting down. Meanwhile, states that hesitated to shut down could become the “next Italy,” some warn.
Some Economists Worry That U.S. Might Slip Into Depression Rather Than A Short-Lived Recession
Amid massive job losses, economists offer estimates unseen since the Great Depression that began in 1929 and continued for a brutal decade. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve continues to take drastic measures to try to keep the economy from collapsing, and some wonder if it’s time to shut down the stock market. Other economic news focuses on mortgages and workers, as well.
Senate On Cusp Of Agreement On Wide-Ranging $2T Stimulus Package
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said they had not come to agreement like they’d hoped on Monday night, but they seemed optimistic they’d be able to get there soon. They gave no specifics about remaining obstacles, but Democrats have been opposed to the lack of restrictions that Republicans’ proposal places on corporate bailouts. Meanwhile, after Sen. Rand Paul (R-K.Y.) tested positive for COVID-19, some lawmakers are concerned about the health risks of gathering in the Capitol.
Does Everyone Over 60 Need To Take The Same Coronavirus Precautions?
Just how careful should older people be? Here’s what geriatricians think is reasonable.
Senators Who Led Pharma-Friendly Patent Reform Also Prime Targets For Pharma Cash
Three senators on a revived subcommittee received more than $100,000 each from drugmakers.
Listen: The Reverberations of Gun Violence In Baltimore
KHN’s Chaseedaw Giles discusses her story about the West Baltimore barber who cares for his clients in life and death on Baltimore’s news radio station, WBAL.
Coronavirus: ¿todos los mayores de 60 años necesitan tomar las mismas precauciones?
¿Son necesarias las precauciones como las que respaldan los CDC para todos los adultos mayores?, ¿Incluso en áreas donde el nuevo coronavirus todavía no parece estar circulando ampliamente?
Listen: The Hard-Knock Health Law Turns 10 Amid Pandemic
On the 10th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Kaiser Health News chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner and Kaiser Family Foundation Executive Vice President Larry Levitt put the law in perspective.
En Seattle, enfermeras se vuelven creativas para cuidarse y trabajar en medio de la pandemia
Al aumentar el número de pacientes con coronavirus, escasean las máscaras y otros equipos de protección. Y las enfermeras de Washington recurren a métodos alternativos para cuidarse y cuidar a los pacientes.
La decisión de los CDC sobre la prueba del coronavirus atormentará al país por meses
Los kits iniciales para la prueba del coronavirus se distribuyeron casi por igual en localidades de los 50 estados. Sin pensar demasiado aquéllas zonas que realmente los necesitaban con urgencia.
With Medical Safety Gear Scarce, The Public Is Stepping Up. Here’s Help On Ways To Help.
If you or your company have useful supplies and want to donate them, here are some answers to questions you might be asking.
Editorial pages express views about policies being shaped by COVID-19 and other issues, as well.
Chief Of Summer Olympics In Tokyo Admits Postponement Is Being ‘Closely Examined’
Some Olympic athletes and sports associations have called for a delay to the July games, but organizers have been reluctant to alter the start date. Other global news on the pandemic looks at lessons from Italy, President Trump’s offer to help North Korea, good news from South Korea, public health concerns about religious practices, Spain examines harsher confinement measures, European countries build temporary hospitals, New Zealand and India weigh lockdowns, and an 88-year-old holocaust survivor is Israel’s first loss.
Being shut away in their homes carries extra risk for Americans who are disabled or abused by family members. “We’re going to be seeing some deaths in our caseloads,” said one Florida social worker. “We might not even know about it until they’ve been dead for several days.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said allowing construction workers, staff and cooks to mingle with the residents of Atria Willow Wood ”is exactly what you’re not supposed to do.” In Florida, nearly 20 facilities suspect or confirm cases. One quarter of all COVID-19 deaths have occurred at elder care facilities. Beyond Seattle facilities where the virus was first reported, the pandemic has emerged in 22 states operating senior facilities including Louisiana, Ohio, and Virginia.
Unsubscribing Times: All Those ‘Reassuring’ Emails From Companies Can Just Pile On More Anxiety
At first, people seemed to feel safer after receiving emails about steps companies are taking to protect them. But now for many it’s become way too much and they’re not even opening them, The Wall Street Journal reports. Technology news is on scams increasing, testing and privacy concerns rising, and new business trends emerging, as well.