Latest KFF Health News Stories
Pelosi Joins Calls For White House To Extend Anti-Eviction Protections
House Democrats had tried to prevent the federal eviction moratorium from lapsing this weekend but failed, prompting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to throw her weight behind the idea. A judge in one Metro Atlanta county took a further step and issued her own 60-day eviction ban.
FDA Pushing Other Projects Out Of Way To Speed Up Work On Covid Vaccine
The agency is deprioritizing some of its existing work to make way for everything that needs to be done to fully approve Pfizer’s covid shot, Stat reports. In other vaccine news, Friday was a good day for vaccinations, with more than half a million new shots recorded; Broadway will require proof of vaccination; Maryland’s vaccine lottery is hailed as a success; and more.
Fauci Predicts ‘Pain And Suffering’ If More Don’t Get Jab, But No Lockdowns
Biden administration officials leading the nation’s pandemic response had tough warnings for unvaccinated America. They also defended the latest policy shift on masks.
CDC Offers Explanation On Why It Again Recommends Masks Indoors
Newly released data from an outbreak in Massachusetts show that fully vaccinated people with breakthrough infections stemming from the delta variant can spread the virus to others, although the CDC stressed that the situation is rare.
‘Sicker And Younger’ Patients Reported In States With Surging Delta Infections
As the delta variant changes the complexion of the pandemic in the U.S., the nation passes the 35 million-case milestone. And California became the first state to reach 4 million covid infections.
As Hospital Beds Fill Up, Some Are Closing Doors To Visitors
Hospitals in Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Nevada, Missouri, California and Arkansas are feeling the crunch again. And while we are all exhausted by the pandemic, consider the mindset of weary health workers who have been trying to save lives for 18 months.
Delta Surge Prompts Kroger, Walmart To Reinstate Mask Policy
Kroger’s stance is to “strongly” recommend mask-wearing in its stores — even for vaccinated people — and Walmart is requiring all workers to wear masks, and encourages patrons to, as well. Meanwhile, news outlets cover different pro- and anti-masking moves made across the country.
Florida Hits ‘Frightening’ Highs For Covid Cases, Hospitalizations
Over the weekend, Florida broke its previous records for daily new covid infections as well as for hospitalizations. It’s also reported that patients in the hospital are trending younger — and nearly all are unvaccinated.
White House Concerned Media Is Too Focused On Breakthrough Infections
CNN reports on frustrations in the Biden administration that news coverage on the delta covid variant is alarmist and misleading, muddling the vaccination message. Meanwhile, The New York Times reports authorities are hiring influencers to help spread the right info about covid.
Senators Unveil 2,700-Page $1T Infrastructure Bill; What’s In It?
Negotiators released the package Sunday night while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer moved the legislation ahead to kick off what is expected to be a lengthy amendment process.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: The Flaw In Medical AI; Australians Struggling With Mental Health
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on the pandemic, cats in medical research, pimple patches and HIV.
As Infections Spike, Japan Extends Emergency Measures
Tokyo has reported a record increase in covid cases for three days in a row, and government officials responded by expanding the state of emergency to three more areas near the city and the western city of Osaka. But inside the “Olympic bubble,” competition continues and most people have been vaccinated.
Opinion writers weigh in on covid, mask mandates and vaccines.
As Covid Rises, Off-Season Surge In RSV Is Landing Children In Hospitals
Oklahoma and Louisiana are seeing pediatric wards fill up as RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, rises nationally. In other public health news, a salmonella outbreak, a severe allergy season and more.
Israel To Start Giving Third Covid Shots To People Older Than 60
It is one of the first countries in the world to make such a move, CNN says. Those who want the booster shot will need to show they received their second dose of the vaccine at least five months ago. Also in the news: Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and New Zealand.
Florida Hospitals Postponing Elective Surgeries Because Of Covid Surge
Several facilities are cutting back the elective procedures as hospitalizations rates have increased 150% in the past two weeks.
Global Plan Fails At Crushing AIDS; New HIV Pill Comes With A Catch
This 5-year campaign was run by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The plan met none of its goals.
Eviction Ban Expires Saturday As Biden Calls On Congress To Extend It
As of earlier this month, 3.6 million Americans said they expected to face eviction in the next two months, yet a legislative path to extend the ban remains unclear.