Latest KFF Health News Stories
COVID Hitting Colleges Not Even Fully Open Yet
A broad survey of universities reveals that the coronavirus has already affected the institutions — even before classes have resumed. The schools struggle with how to cope.
High Hopes For Vaccine Could Cause People To Slack Off On Protections
Scientists and public health officials worry that people have unrealistic views of how a coronavirus vaccine would roll out. Others wrestle with the question of who gets inoculated first. Other vaccine news covers income disparity, clinical trials and more.
7 Companies Awarded Nearly $250M To Develop Faster Testing Models
The money comes from a $1.5 billion pot allocated to the NIH in April and is intended to add 6 million tests a year. Technology news is on antibody tests and more.
K-12 Schools Face Daunting Obstacles Before Reopening
More schools report COVID cases and parents understandably fret. And President Trump’s son’s private school in Maryland remains closed.
Another Lockdown Is Considered, Dismissed By Some
While the economic damage of the COVID epidemic grows, the debate has resumed whether the country would be better off financially if it went on a brief, but intense, lockdown.
‘Move On’ From Hydroxychloroquine, Giroir Urges; New Drug RLF-100 Shows Dramatic Results
COVID-19 patients recovered rapidly from respiratory failure after three days of treatment with RLF-100, or aviptadil, Reuters reports. Also in the news: CytoDyn, GoodRx and Catalyst.
Rep. Grijalva Blasts Maskless House Colleagues After His Positive Test
After finding out about the positive coronavirus test, Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Arizona) called out Republican members who “routinely strut around the Capitol without a mask to selfishly make a political statement at the expense of their colleagues, staff, and their families.”
Stimulus Stalemate: Hope Fades For Quick Aid Deal As Talks Pick Back Up
The White House and congressional Democrats remain far apart on measures that should be included in the next round of coronavirus relief legislation as negotiations resume.
Pandemic Affecting November Election Voting
As predictions of a shortage of poll workers grow, adding to the anxiety of a well-run election in November, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said mail-in voting will be an essential option for Americans‘ safety.
‘Operation Warp Speed’ Secures Another Potential Vaccine
The latest deal by the U.S. federal government pays $2.1 billion to Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline for COVID-19 vaccine development and delivery of 100 million doses, if successful.
Deaths Rose 20% In July With 25,000 American Lives Lost
While new cases dipping give reason for cautious optimism, the fatality rate from COVID-19 maintained grim levels. A new model forecasts that the U.S. could pass 180,000 deaths this month.
Birx Warns Of Pandemic’s ‘New Phase,’ Advises More Caution From Americans
“I want to be very clear: What we are seeing today is different from March and April,” Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator, said during a CNN interview. “It is extraordinarily widespread. This epidemic right now is different … and it’s both rural and urban.”
Fauci Testifies: Inconsistent Shutdowns Caused Surge, Virus Won’t Disappear
As the nation’s top public health officials appeared before a House committee, Dr. Anthony Fauci also said he’s “cautiously optimistic” about a vaccine this year.
Hospital Merger in Washington State Stokes Fears About Catholic Limits on Care
Virginia Mason Health System and CHI Franciscan announced plans in July to merge 12 hospitals and more than 250 other treatment sites in the Puget Sound region and the Yakima area. Some patient advocacy groups warn the proposal would jeopardize access to needed services, such as emergency termination of pregnancies, contraception and physician aid in dying.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
What Seniors Can Expect as Their New Normal in a Post-Vaccine World
Experts say folks 60 and up must continue to limit exposure in the years to come — even after there is a vaccine for COVID-19.
Forced Sports Timeout Puts Squeeze on College Coffers, Scholarships and Towns
Sports events — with their sprays of sweat and spit, not to mention large crowds — are ideal settings for the coronavirus to spread. Although some college leagues have canceled their fall seasons, schools with big athletic programs are still hoping for a partial return to the gridiron and the hardwood.
Fauci Unfazed as Scientists Rely on Unproven Methods to Create COVID Vaccines
Teams are starting to test vaccines using messenger RNA or chimpanzee cold viruses to inoculate humans. Will their benefits last?
Viewpoints: Economic Woes, Plus Other Lessons On Lockdown; 150,000 Dead Along With Good Information
Opinion writers weigh in on topics related to the pandemic.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others relating to the pandemic.