Latest KFF Health News Stories
First At-Home COVID Testing Kit Approved By FDA
The FDA granted emergency-use authorization for Lucira Health’s nasal swab test for people over 14. The kit provides results within 30 minutes on the self-collected sample.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Government-Funded Scientists Laid the Groundwork for Billion-Dollar Vaccines
Drugmakers will walk away with massive profits, but much of the pioneering work on mRNA vaccines was done with government money.
Push Is On in US to Figure Out South Asians’ High Heart Risks
While there’s growing momentum to understand South Asians’ high propensity for cardiovascular disease, researchers stress culturally tailored prevention.
Anger After North Dakota Governor Asks COVID-Positive Health Staff to Stay on Job
Doctors and nurses say order puts lives in danger, amid a COVID surge and a statewide shortage of health care workers.
Lo que los doctores no aprenden: a detectar el racismo en la atención médica
Cuando la raza interviene en los cálculos médicos, puede conducir a tratamientos menos eficaces y perpetuar las desigualdades basadas en la raza.
Viewpoints: Pros, Cons Of Emergency FDA Approvals; Why Tell People To Defy Public Health Cautions?
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and other public health issues.
Largest Virginia School System Pauses Reopening Plans
In other news from the state, Arlington National Cemetery said Monday that it is canceling the annual “Wreaths Across America” event because of COVID-19. News is also from New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Washington state and more states.
Viral Video From Russia Suggests COVID Toll May Be Worse Than Reported
Other global COVID developments are reported from Greece, England and the World Health Organization.
Editorial writers focus on these public health topics and others.
Researchers Identify A Dominant Disease-Causing Strain In Genome Study
Research on COVID looks at lower survival rates from cardiac arrest and damages to the cardiovascular system, as well.
Marijuana Finds Fewer Roadblocks
On Monday, New Mexico’s state medical cannabis advisory board voted in favor of nearly doubling the patient purchase limit. In other public health news: seasonal affective disorder, what to do about Thanksgiving and more.
Cruise Ship Empties In Barbados; NCAA Will Play March Madness In A ‘Bubble’
The SeaDream I was carrying 66 crew and more than 50 passengers, with the majority of passengers hailing from the U.S. The ship reportedly had seven people aboard test positive for COVID. Those passengers left the ship Friday and were transferred to an isolation facility in Barbados.
Hate-Crime Killings Hit Record In 2019, But COVID May Have Eased Violence
Brian Levin, director of California State University’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, said preliminary data from 2020 show overall declines in hate crimes, which he explained as a result of social distancing measures and business closures from the coronavirus pandemic.
1M Children In USA Have Had COVID, American Academy Of Pediatrics Says
AAP President Sally Goza said in a statement: “As a pediatrician who has practiced medicine for over three decades, I find this number staggering and tragic.”
American Medical Association Declares Racism A Public Health Threat
The resolution was approved during a special meeting of the AMA House of Delegates on Monday and calls for the organization to acknowledge the role that “racist medical practices” have played in patients’ health care.
Cleveland System Voices Concerns About Protecting Health Care Workers
“If we have many of our staff out because of exposure, while there’s a large influx of COVID patients, we will not be able to provide the best care to everyone who needs it,” said Dr. Akram Boutros, MetroHealth president and CEO.
In Major Shake-Up For Drug Industry, Amazon Launches Online Pharmacy
Just as a doctor can send your prescription to CVS or Walgreens, a doctor will be able to send your prescription to Amazon Pharmacy — and Prime members get free two-day shipping.
Mask Confrontation Jolts Senate Floor; Two More House Members Test Positive
The coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt the usual course of business on Capitol Hill.
Experts: Make Reducing Spread Top Priority Until Vaccines Arrive
The news is very promising about vaccines, but it’s during these next critical months — when people are forced inside — that the virus will spread more quickly, health experts say.