Latest KFF Health News Stories
Death Rates Begin To Climb In Hard-Hit Areas Of U.S.
Public health experts had warned that the big surge in cases in the South and West would reverse the downward trend in U.S. mortality rates. Total cases in the nation now top 3.3 million.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Families of Health Workers Killed by COVID Fight for Denied Workers’ Comp Benefits
Attorneys say some state workers’ compensation laws leave workers and families struggling for benefits after a COVID illness or death.
States Allow In-Person Nursing Home Visits As Families Charge Residents Die ‘Of Broken Hearts’
Half the states are rolling back strict policies that have kept family members out of nursing homes because of fears of spreading the coronavirus.
Ex-West Virginia Health Chief Says Cuts Hurt Virus Response
The former West Virginia public health leader forced out by the governor says decades-old computer systems and cuts to staff over a period of years had made a challenging job even harder during a once-in-a-century pandemic.
KHN executive editor Damon Darlin wades through mounds of health care policy stories — so you don’t have to.
Longer Looks: HIV; Coronavirus; Police; Ice Cream; Buffets; And More
Each week, KHN finds interesting reads from around the Web.
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health issues and others.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic issues and others.
Bolivian President Contracts COVID-19; Seoul Mayor Found Dead
Global pandemic developments are also reported out of Serbia, France, Greece, Japan, New Zealand, India and other countries.
Steamed Over Canceled Convention, Texas GOP Sues Houston Mayor
Other states in the news include Montana, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona.
State Legislatures Experience COVID-19 Outbreaks
The Mississippi statehouse is closed for two weeks after 26 lawmakers and at least 10 employees tested positive for the virus. Meanwhile, in Ohio, the state House of Representatives has returned to work-from-home status.
Autopsies On COVID Victims Show ‘Dramatic’ Blood-Clotting Problems
Other research involves the deepening link between blood type and coronavirus risk, as well as the benefit of exercise on the aging brain.
On recent nights, about 100 homeless people have typically slept in tents and on the ground in the NYC park, organizers said. They’re getting free meals and other care as protests wane. Other news on the medically vulnerable is on racial disparities, prison inmates, foster children and more, as well.
Which Mental Health Apps Are Best? Online Tool Helps Patients Tailor What Might Help Them
While there are nearly 20,000 such apps, there’s little guidance about which ones can really help someone. Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center get high points for developing a guide that includes what clinical evidence has to say about the apps. Mental health news is on using GPS data to determine moods and shrinking programs in Colorado.
An Ominous Sign: Big 10 Cancels This Fall’s Non-Conference Games
The plan to scale back the conference’s athletic schedule will affect football, men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. It will only be put into action if public health officials advise playing sports at all, as concerns grow regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
It’s A Growing Chorus: Wear The Mask Already
It’s being repeated by elected officials and public health experts in regard to President Donald Trump’s upcoming New Hampshire rally. It’s also the new rule if you want to get a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
Return To Magic?: Disney World Set To Reopen With New Policies, New Safety Protocols
A recent surge of cases in Florida has led a group of employees at the Orlando park to request delaying the opening, but Disney says it’s committed to keeping everyone safe and is eager to open after being closed for more than 100 days. Public health news is on best safety ideas, challenges for Hollywood and more.
In At Least A Dozen States, Testing Woes Reappear With A Vengeance
Issues like longer wait times and supply shortages are becoming apparent in many areas. In related news: Wyoming will test all prisoners for COVID-19.
Florida’s HCA Hospitals Slam Brakes On Non-Emergency Surgeries
Other health care companies in the news: Oscar, Sutter Health, Teladoc Health and United Hospital Fund.