Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
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, eating disorders, PTSD, the art of play, mosquitoes and more.
Coronavirus Cases Slide In Oregon, But Many States Are Battling Uphill
The latest case tallies from Oregon, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Indiana.
Travel To China, Italy And Iran Fueled Start Of Pandemic, Research Shows
Nearly two-thirds of the first confirmed patients in each affected country outside of China had traveled to those places, the findings show. Global pandemic developments are also reported out of Europe, Hong Kong, Brazil, Poland, Russia and the Philippines.
Losing Buddy: First Dog In US To Test Positive For Coronavirus Dies
Other news on pandemic-related topics includes reporting on prison conditions; income and physical distancing; immunity; pregnancy; primary care; and more.
Social Distancing Around The World Pushes Flu Rates To Record Low
In China, new reports of mumps, measles and some sexually transmitted diseases have also fallen off. In other public health news: turning the Diamond Princess’ outbreak into a case study; research on ventilation systems; the impact of air conditioning; West Nile virus in Austin; and more.
Message From Birx To States, Local Officials: A Mask Mandate Would Help
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers did exactly that on Thursday, issuing a statewide mask mandate. Meanwhile, men are dying from the virus at higher rates than women in Los Angeles.
Double Lung Transplants Saving Lives Of COVID Patients
Performing the surgery, normally reserved for otherwise strong people with irreversible lung damage, is a ”paradigm change” for COVID patients, says Dr. Ankit Bharat. Several patients have received them.
Can Safety In Schools Be Guaranteed?
President Donald Trump replies: “Can you assure anybody of anything?” Meanwhile, parents worry about their children falling behind without in-class instruction, especially parents of special-needs children.
FDA Chief: Doctors Can Make Own Decisions About Hydroxychloroquine
While Stephen Hahn says the FDA is not in a position to “regulate the practice of medicine,” a group of researchers oppose doctors prescribing the anti-malarial drug for COVID.
Attention Focused On Distribution Of COVID Vaccines
As drugmakers race to develop a vaccine, exactly how those vaccines will be manufactured and delivered to Americans is also being planned. In other vaccine news: Johnson & Johnson moves to human trials of its vaccine. And a Moderna board member resigns.