Latest KFF Health News Stories
Here’s What’s In The COVID Stimulus Bill
More will unfold about details inside the bill, but for now we know there is $600 for anyone making less than $75,000, extended unemployment benefits of up to $300 per week through March 14, an extension of an eviction moratorium until Jan. 31, and food stamp increases by 15%.
Mutating Virus?: Stay The Course On Mask Wearing, No Reason For Alarm
And it doesn’t appear that the vaccines will be any less effective, experts say.
Johnson Orders Strict Lockdown In Britain To Fight Coronavirus Mutation
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting today with ministers after setting heavy restrictions in part of the country this weekend. The variant of the virus is not believed to lead to more serious illness but it spreads more easily.
Operation Warp Speed Chief Takes Blame For Vaccine Distribution Error
Gen. Gustave Perna said a “miscommunication” over available shipments and the FDA’s certificate of analysis requirement resulted in a lowered number of expected doses going to 14 states this week.
At Last, A COVID Stimulus Bill From Congress
A deal was struck over the weekend and it appears that a $900 billion stimulus bill will be voted on today. What’s in it?
With Two Vaccines Now Available, Inoculation Pace To Pick Up
CVS launched its portion of the federal program to vaccinate nursing and long-term care home residents.
Allergic Reactions To COVID Vaccine Investigated
Scientists are examining a few severe allergic reactions to the coronavirus vaccine.
Biden Lines Up For His COVID Shot As Others In Government Tout Theirs
The president-elect is scheduled to be vaccinated on live television today, although the time had not been announced as of early Monday. Meanwhile, both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell received their shots Friday.
First Moderna Shots Expected To Be Administered Today
After its vaccine cleared final regulatory hoops for emergency use authorization, Moderna began shipping out to the states on Sunday.
Next In Vaccine Line?: CDC Panel Advises Essential Workers, People Over 75
A CDC advisory committee voted over the weekend on recommendations to the states on who should get the vaccine after health care workers and nursing home residents. Those groups include police, fire, school and grocery workers as well as Americans over the age of 75.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to sit back and enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on COVID, Alzheimer’s, hearing aids, hospital police, violence against nurses, youth issues, mental health and composer Molly Joyce.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic issues and others.
Perspectives: The Year Of Pushback; Systemic Racism And Children; Holidays And Depression
Opinion writers express views about a multitude of topics impacting public health and mental health during 2020.
Maryland Discourages Out-Of-State Travel; D.C. Relaxes Rules On Churches
As infections rise in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia area, politicians identify new safety protocols. News is from Pennsylvania, California and Michigan, as well.
Spain Passes Last Major Hurdle To Legalize Euthanasia
Other global news is from the United Kingdom, European Union, Africa and the West Bank.
Layoffs Begin At State Hospital Even As Cases Soar Among Patients, Staff
Western State Hospital In Washington was struggling with staff shortages and other problems before the pandemic hit. Other industry news is on thriving uniform stores, Highmark Health, diversity issues in the American Hospital Association and more.
Study: Pulse Oximeters Can Give Inaccurate Results For Black People
The devices shine a red light through the user’s fingertip, and for those with darker skin, the device may give misleading readings, said a pulmonologist who was the study’s lead author.
Survey: Most Americans Accept Benefits Of Wearing Masks
Just over half of Americans think the worst of the pandemic is yet to come. Reports are on the idea of vaccine mandates and misinformation, losses impacting indigenous people and more.
Sackler Family Members Apologize For Opioid Victims’ Suffering, But That’s It
Two members of the family that controls Purdue Pharma testified before a House panel Thursday, marking one of the first times in years the family had been publicly questioned under oath on the company’s role in the deadly opioid epidemic. Neither accepted personal responsibility.