Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
What We Know About the Airborne Spread of the Coronavirus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has gone back-and-forth on this issue. One thing remains clear: Though science is evolving, indications do point toward the potential for airborne transmission.
Post-COVID Clinics Get Jump-Start From Patients With Lingering Illness
Pop-up care facilities bring together a range of specialists to address the needs of patients who survive but continue to wrestle with COVID-19’s physical or mental effects, including lung damage, heart or neurological concerns, anxiety and depression.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Germany’s Fauci Praises His Country For Masking, Social Distancing
As a second wave rolls through parts of Europe, Christian Drosten releases a prevention plan for the coming months with the backing of Chancellor Angela Merkel. Global news is from WHO, the Clinton Health Access Initiative and looks at Belgium’s ban on prostitution, and more.
Opinion writers express views about politicization of federal health agencies and other issues.
Lawsuits Ask: Who’s To Blame For COVID Deaths At Nursing Homes?
There’s no database of case filings, but a COVID-19 complaint tracker posted on the website of the law firm Hunton Andrews Kurth, which is headquartered in Virginia, shows 55 wrongful death lawsuits filed against long-term care facilities across the country as of early September.
Conservatives Ask Judge To Overturn Wis. Governor’s Mask Mandate
The case argues that Gov. Tony Evers doesn’t have the authority to issue such an order. New outlets look at a variety of coronavirus news across the country, including increasing case counts in several states.
Army Leaders Focus On New Factors Behind 30% Spike In Suicides
Forced isolation during the pandemic could be one of the problems adding additional stress to troops. Mental health news is on telemedicine, loneliness and aging, care for transgender children, and more.
California Governor Signs Bill Allowing State To Make Generic Drugs
Gov. Newsom signed the bill that gets the state of California into the business of making insulin and other generic drugs. The hope is it will lower prices.
Researchers Eye Florida After Schools Open Without Resulting COVID Surge
Also in school news, a Maryland elementary school is open for the kids who need it most; heading back to school brings new financial stressors for families; what some colleges are getting right; and more.
The Invention That Saved Halloween 2020: A Candy Chute?
The creator, a Cincinnati dad, says the chute will allow his family to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters without getting closer than 6 feet. Also, the CDC warns against attending Thanksgiving parades and large indoor gatherings; a woman is Tasered for not wearing a mask at a middle school football game; and narcissism’s impact on COVID behaviors.
Teens Twice As Likely To Test Positive For COVID Than Younger Kids
The report, out Monday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, looked at more than 277,000 cases among kids ages 5 to 17 whose illness was diagnosed from March to September.
Panel Urges Less Sugar Consumption
And in other research news: the promise of ECMO in COVID treatment, fecal transplant effectiveness and putting a motion sensor on a toothbrush.
FDA Pauses Inovio’s Vaccine Trial
Inovio didn’t explain why the Food and Drug Administration issued the partial hold except to note the delivery device used in administering the shot. Also other news on vaccine progress.
As Evictions Loom, Does CDC’s Temporary Ban Go Far Enough?
The “porous and confusing” nationwide ban on evictions only lasts through the end of 2020. In other news on the pandemic’s economic toll: losing health insurance.
Survey: Employers OK With Larger Government Role, Expanding Medicare
A survey says most employers would favor a larger government role in keeping drug prices and hospital prices down.
House Dems Unveil $2.2 Trillion Relief Plan, Including Stimulus Checks
The White House and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) reopened discussions, yet the House Democrats’ plan would likely face stiff opposition in the Senate. The relief plan also includes help for the devastated airline industry.
Mail-In Voting Battles Escalate In States, Courts
Pennsylvania Republicans are appealing a case to the Supreme Court, as state officials and voters continue to struggle with plans for people to vote safely during a pandemic.
Barrett’s Dim View Of High Court’s Ruling On ACA Mobilizes Democrats
The Supreme Court nominee’s essay — written before she was appointed a federal judge — says Chief Justice John Roberts’ opinion upholding the federal health law “pushed the Affordable Care Act beyond its plausible meaning to save the statute.” In other news about the fight over the court, Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris criticizes Barrett, and a new survey suggests Americans don’t want to see the decision that legalized abortion overturned.