Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump Still Pumps For Hydroxychloroquine
President Trump continued to promote the use of hydroxychloroquine despite his own administration’s scientists warning against its use. His latest evidence is from a doctor with strange medical beliefs.
Russia Behind COVID Disinformation Campaign, US Intel Finds
The AP and New York Times report that Russian military operatives are using English-language websites to spread false information about the coronavirus outbreak to Western audiences, according to newly declassified intelligence .
Trump Calls Portions Of US ‘Corona-Free,’ Bemoans His Approval Ratings
Despite the ongoing viral surge, President Donald Trump said during a briefing Tuesday night, “You can look at large portions of our country — it’s corona-free.” He also wondered why public health experts Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx poll well while his popularity shrinks.
Federal List Of Dangerous ‘Red Zone’ States Grows To 21; US Nears 150,000 Deaths
According to a Trump administration report, 21 states fall into the “red zone” where coronavirus outbreaks are so serious that federal officials recommend more restrictions; 28 states qualify for the “yellow zone.” Meanwhile, new cases may be plateauing in some of those places, yet six of the states report record deaths.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Where Mask-Wearing Isn’t Gospel: Colorado Churches Grapple With Reopening
Long considered one of the country’s evangelical strongholds, Colorado Springs cautiously returned to church after nearly two months without religious gatherings. But how congregations are handling Colorado’s new mask rules varies in this conservative city.
Analysis: When Is a Coronavirus Test Not a Coronavirus Test?
If it takes 12 days to get results, testing is basically pointless.
Public Health Experts Fear a Hasty FDA Signoff on Vaccine
The FDA must approve any coronavirus vaccine before it’s widely distributed, but political pressure could cloud the decision.
In Texas, More People Are Losing Their Health Insurance as COVID Cases Climb
During the pandemic, nearly 700,000 additional Texans have lost health insurance. The Lone Star State already had more uninsured people than any other. It has given people with COVID symptoms pause before seeking medical care.
Editorial pages express views about the quality of COVID research, a nationwide effort to tackle the virus and other topics.
Viewpoints: Is It Time To Enforce Mask Wearing?; Lessons On Reopening Schools
Opinion writers express views about mask wearing, opening schools and other public health issues.
How Other Countries Are Faring; Thousands More Children Facing Food Insecurity
Media reports from England, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bosnia, Mexico, Burkina Faso and elsewhere.
Appeals Court Rejects Bid To Block California Ban On ‘Pay-To-Delay’ Deals
California officials say the ban is necessary to prevent drug companies from thwarting competition and maintaining higher prices. In other news from the state: Legislators say they may offer extra jobless benefits if the federal government doesn’t act in time; and how California’s pandemic fight compares with New York’s.
Media reports about COVID from Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Iowa, Maine, Texas, Oregon, Montana and Nevada.
While few question the sweeping impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law 30 years ago, the legislation falls short in certain areas and the COVID pandemic has revealed other flaws.
School Reopenings Continue To Vex
New stories look at children’s fears, parents promoting homeschooling, shifting decisions and a look at HBCU decisions, as well.
FDA Issues Hand Sanitizer Warnings; Google Workers Can Stay Home Until Summer 2021
Toxic hand sanitizers contain methanol or wood alcohol. Public health news includes Sinclair Broadcast’s decision to not run a false Fauci conspiracy story, Google’s work-from-home plans and an assurance that hyper-hygiene is unnecessary.
While professional sports teams continue to grapple with how to bring the paying public into stadiums, let alone how to field a healthy team, cruise ship companies examine ship systems that could spread the virus onboard. Also, a water park flouts rules, as do wealthy partygoers on the Hamptons.
COVID’s Long-Term Impact Includes Heart Damage, Lingering Symptoms
As scientists work to discover the effects coronavirus has on the human body, new research finds alarming heart damage. Another study shows that 1 in 5 people exhibit longer-term symptoms.
Calling In Reinforcements: Military Teams Arrive At Los Angeles Hospitals
In other news affecting health care personnel: Monument Health hospitals open doors to visitors; Massachusetts doctors weigh in on an increase in cases; and a call to raise pay for home health workers. Also, Dr. Joseph J. Costa, head of Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Center ICU, dies at 56 of COVID-19.