Latest KFF Health News Stories
Shock, Rage Flare Over Trump’s ‘Reckless’ Tweet Downplaying COVID Danger
After spending three days in the hospital treated by an army of doctors and receiving cutting-edge care, President Donald Trump told Americans: “Don’t be afraid of Covid, Don’t let it dominate your life.” Doctors and scientists were aghast at the advice that counters all public health messaging about a disease that has killed over 202,000 Americans so far. Many families of victims voiced devastation over the president’s words.
White House Forgoes Contact Tracing Of Attendees At Rose Garden Ceremony
The White House had resisted an offer from the CDC. Health officials are concerned the event might turn into a super-spreader. So far, 30 people in the Trump circle have tested positive.
Trump Returns To White House From Hospital While Questions Remain About His Condition
President Donald Trump will remain under around-the-clock medical care since leaving Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Monday evening. Before departing, he tweeted that he’s “Feeling really good!” while tagging on some advice to Americans that downplays the severity of COVID-19. Upon his return to the White House, he also remarked about his possible immunity.
Not ‘Out Of The Woods’: Trump Faces COVID’s Precarious Second Week
Without providing many details about President Donald Trump’s condition, his physician Dr. Sean Conley said Monday afternoon: “Though he may not entirely be out of the woods yet, the team and I agree that all our evaluations and most importantly his clinical status support the president’s safe return home where he’ll be surrounded by world class medical care 24/7.” COVID patients are watched closely during the second week of the disease as they can relapse quickly.
VIP Treatment For President Contrasts Sharply With Care Of Ordinary Patients
That is especially true for COVID-19 cases, which have disproportionately struck low-income communities, Black and Hispanic Americans and people with less access to health care. Other unique factors in President Donald Trump’s case are also in the news.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
‘No Mercy’ Chapter 2: Unimaginable, After a Century, That Their Hospital Would Close
After Mercy Hospital Fort Scott shut its doors, investigative reporter Sarah Jane Tribble traveled to Kansas and spent time with former hospital president Reta Baker and City Manager Dave Martin — to understand what their town lost.
Campus Dorm Resident Assistants Adjust to a New Role: COVID Cop
Students charged with keeping their peers in line on college campuses say they are dealing with hostility, unclear policies and health risks as they try to enforce policies to prevent COVID-19.
Analysis: ‘Don’t Be Afraid of COVID’? Not Buying It, Unless Businesses Do Job Right
COVID precautions may seem like overkill. But I won’t set foot in a store unless certain steps are taken.
Easier-to-Use Coronavirus Saliva Tests Start to Catch On
Regulators and scientists have been leery of introducing the tests, preferring to rely on tried-and-true methods, but evidence is mounting that the spit and swab tests may be more convenient and just as accurate.
5 cosas que debes saber sobre la vacuna para COVID. Primero: no será una “bala mágica”
Hay docenas de vacunas candidatas que se están probando, y 11 de ellas están en la etapa final de investigación, cuatro en los Estados Unidos.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic issues and other public health issues.
Perspectives: Costly Mistakes Of Chiding Mask-Wearing, Feeling Invincible
Editorial writers express views on President Donald Trump’s response to the safety measures outlined by medical professionals.
Connecticut Nursing Home Hit By Second Outbreak; 57 Positive Tests
News reports are from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, Alabama and Texas.
Scientists Who Discovered Hep C Virus Awarded Nobel Prize For Medicine
Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton and Charles Rice will share the honor for their “seminal discoveries that led to the identification of a novel virus.” Other global pandemic developments are also in the news.
Different Takes: Briefings On President’s Health Need To Be Honest
Editorial pages focus on the information about President Donald Trump’s condition and other news about how to combat the virus.
‘Burdensome’: High Number Of Probes Into Health Care Fraud Cost Providers
Modern Healthcare looks at what’s behind a spike in investigations launched by prosecutors that sometimes seem to be fishing expeditions.
US On Track Toward Record Low For Lightning Fatalities In 2020
In other public health news: record increases in need at food banks; pandemic screen time and eye problems; work stress and short-term disability; and more.
‘Discovered Very Early’: Son Of Texas Pastor Confirms Father’s Positive Test
Media outlets report on news about the 80-year-old founder of a megachurch, infections in the NFL, nasal swabs, repeat infections, a Texas family’s losses, masks, vaccines, flu, and more.
COVID’s US Grip Strengthens: Record Cases In 9 States, Rising In 21 Others
That trend, in tandem with looming cold weather, alarms public health experts, who urge Americans to take actions that can control the virus spread before winter. Meanwhile, over 200,000 folding chairs are placed on the National Mall to mark each U.S. death from COVID-19, so far.