Latest KFF Health News Stories
Canada Sets Aug. 9 Date To Open Borders For Fully Vaccinated Americans
The rest of the (vaccinated) world will be allowed across Canada’s borders starting Sept. 7. Also in the news, the White House will send 3 million Moderna vaccine doses to Guatemala; a WHO scientist worries we’re moving further away from the pandemic’s end; and more.
Wildfire Smoke May Raise Chances Of Catching Covid
A study from the Desert Research Institute in Nevada found that covid infection rates rose during the 2020 wildfire season as smoke from other state fires reached Nevada. Ongoing wildfire risks, salmonella, lead exposure, dental care lapses and more are also in the news.
In Divisive Move, Louisiana Lawmakers Seek To Override Transgender Bill Veto
Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards refused to sign the bill that bans transgender youth from participating in sports, so the legislature will meet in special session today. In Texas, the governor says he has a way to advance legislation denying teens gender-affirming care.
FDA Approves Another Pricey Drug For Immune Condition GVHD
Kadmon is pricing Rezurock at $15,500 per month, which is comparable to other currently approved treatments for chronic graft-versus-host disease, CEO Harlan Waksal said. Other pharmaceutical industry news is on Cytokinetics, Leadiant and California Democratic U.S. Rep. Scott Peters.
Even When In The Same Hospital, Black Patients Fare Worse Than Whites
A new analysis from the nonprofit Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation finds Black patients are more likely to suffer illnesses or injuries tied to surgical procedures than white patients of the same gender and age group. Another report looks at how hospitals are working to help people injured by gun violence.
White House Wants Higher Penalties For Hospitals Dodging Price Disclosure
In a proposed rule, the Biden administration is asking for sharply higher penalties for larger hospitals that don’t make their pricing clear to the public. The government demands price transparency on at least 300 “shoppable” services, but a study says less than 6% of hospitals comply.
Infrastructure Vote Set For Wednesday; Republicans Fight It All The Way
After a month of work, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer set a vote for Wednesday to begin debate on the bipartisan infrastructure bill. News outlets note Republican adversaries will oppose progress on the legislation. Its fate is likely intertwined with a $3.5 trillion spending bill being promoted by Democrats that includes many provisions for health care.
Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Plan Slammed By Justice Department
There are “fundamental concerns” about Purdue Pharma’s potentially unconstitutional opioid epidemic settlement plans in the Justice Department, with U.S. Trustee William Harrington even labelling the Sackler family liability releases from future lawsuits as “impermissible.”
Prisoners Temporarily Freed By Covid Emergency Must Return To Jail
The White House legal team has indicated that thousands of federal prisoners released to home confinement during the pandemic must return to jail within a month of the official state of emergency ending. But criminal justice advocates are pressing President Joe Biden for clemency.
All Kids Older Than 2 Should Mask-Up At School, Pediatrics Group Advises
The advice is from the American Academy of Pediatrics and applies regardless of vaccination status. The group also advocates in-person learning and strict following of CDC guidelines. Separately, news outlets across the country cover new masking rules and debate on the matter.
Covid Again Shows Its Domino Effect As Cases Soar, Deaths Rise, Economy Hit
President Biden and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy pleaded with Americans to get the jab. Meanwhile, nervous stock investors — who hate uncertainty — sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average into a freefall yesterday; if you’re still hesitant to get a covid shot, do it for your 401(k).
Hannity, Other Fox Hosts Tell Fans To Take Pandemic Seriously, Get The Shot
The Daily Beast covers Fox host Sean Hannity’s plea and his declaration of belief in the “science of vaccines” … even as he also took issue with vaccine mandates. The Hill covers other Fox hosts’ similar requests, while CNN notes Fox has quietly launched its own vaccine passport.
Florida Covid Surge Breaks Case Record At Jacksonville Hospital
At the start of Sunday, UF Health in Jacksonville had 86 cases. At one point Monday, the number was 126, an increase of more than 40% in just one day. News outlets around the country cover local covid spikes, with lack of vaccinations and the delta variant blamed.
Biden Eases Pressure On Facebook Over Vaccine Misinformation
President Joe Biden walked back some criticisms of Facebook over the spread of vaccine misinformation and now blames a dozen bad-actor influencers for the problem. Reports say, however, that Facebook is not sharing how many Americans actually view bad information on its platform.
Federal Judge Upholds Indiana University’s Covid Vaccine Mandate
U.S. District Judge Damon R. Leichty said the university’s rule mandating that all staff and students get a shot was reasonable to protect public health. Meanwhile, Central Michigan University offers a scholarship vaccine lottery, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes back at the cruise industry.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle these covid and vaccine issues.
Editorial pages delve into these public health topics.
England Unlocks On ‘Freedom Day,’ But Covid Runs Rampant
Nearly all covid restrictions in England lift today, but the country is suffering a covid surge that’s among the world’s worst. The U.K.’s health minister announced Saturday he tested positive, despite being twice-vaccinated with AstraZeneca’s vaccine. The prime minister is also self-isolating.
Several Athletes Test Positive For Covid Just Days Before Olympic Games Begin
On Sunday, Games organizers confirmed three non-Japanese athletes tested positive for covid. Separately, young tennis star Coco Gauff had to withdraw from the Games because she tested positive, too. The Wall Street Journal highlights commercial flights as a virus-spreading risk for the Olympics.