Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump Abandons Rosy Forecast: Pandemic To ‘Get Worse Before It Gets Better’
In the first briefing of the White House coronavirus task force since April, President Donald Trump warned the nation about the state of the pandemic. He also told Americans to, “get a mask.”
Positive COVID Test? Isolate For 10 Days, CDC Now Says
Updated guidelines from the CDC for those who’ve gotten a positive coronavirus test result recommend isolating for 10 days after symptoms begin. For asymptomatic patients, it’s 10 days from the testing date.
COVID Death Rate In America Back Up To Over 1,000 In A Day
For the first time since early June, the United States reported Tuesday more than 1,000 deaths in a single day due to the coronavirus. The alarming climb in death rates and hospitalizations undercut arguments about the severity of the current surge.
True Number Of COVID Cases Could Be 10 Times Higher
The CDC reports that blood samples taken from people in 10 U.S regions show that far more Americans have been infected by COVID-19 than have tested positive. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, also indicates that not enough people have been exposed for widespread immunity.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Bingeing on Doom: Expert on the ‘Black Death’ Attracts Cult Following
A 2016 series on the 14th-century plague became must-see TV during spring’s COVID-19 outbreak — and flooded Purdue medievalist Dorsey Armstrong with questions about parallels between that pandemic and the current crisis.
Essential and in Danger: Coronavirus Sickens, Even Kills Public Health Workers
As the coronavirus threatens the nation’s public health army, an outbreak in Maryland reflects the tension between serving the community and protecting workers from a deadly disease.
Scientists Want to Know More About Using UV Light to Fight COVID-19 Spread
‘Germicidal’ ultraviolet light technology has a proven track record against indoor transmission of tuberculosis and other airborne microbes. It’s now being used in some restaurants and on subways.
Another Problem on the Health Horizon: Medicare Is Running Out of Money
With millions out of work because of the coronavirus pandemic, fewer payroll taxes are coming in to help keep Medicare’s trust fund intact.
Alarma por nuevas etiquetas nutricionales y alergias, en medio de COVID
Ante la escasez de suministros por la pandemia de COVID-19, la FDA elaboró directrices que permiten a los fabricantes sustituir ingredientes sin cambiar las etiquetas de los alimentos.
Estudio federal analiza COVID-19 y las disparidades raciales en Estados Unidos
Investigadores del NIH tratan de establecer la relación entre factores socioeconómicos como el ingreso, la estructura familiar, la dieta, el acceso a la atención médica y las infecciones por COVID y sus resultados.
Viewpoints: COVID Lessons On Preparations For Election Season
Opinion writers weigh in on how the country needs to prepare for the 2020 vote.
Parsing Policies: Pros, Cons Of The Next Virus Economic Relief Package
Opinion writers focus on efforts under way in Congress and at the local level to address the economic recovery and fight the pandemic.
Global Update: EU’s Mega-Stimulus Package; China’s New Visitors’ Test
Pandemic news from the European Union, China, South Korea and Spain.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic issues and others.
Fla. Sheriff Says He Can’t Provide Security For GOP Convention
Duval County Sheriff Mike Williams, a Republican, says a lack of plans and funding for the Jacksonville event are troubling. Plus, other news from Kentucky, Maryland and Illinois.
Rising Caseloads, More Deaths As States Confront Virus’s Spread
Montana deals with a care facility outbreak, while additional news on the coronavirus comes from Indiana, Nebraska, Oregon, Nevada, Washington, Texas and Louisiana.
Economic Toll Of COVID Epidemic Often Hidden
Wage cuts, unemployment checks delayed and workers comp claims denied add up to more economic misery in the pandemic, but much of it is not visible.
Health Care Construction Boom Anticipated
Health care companies in New York City are expected to spend 38% more on construction. And a lab company settles federal kickback allegations.
Some Recovered COVID Patients Shunned Or Stigmatized
A Mayo Clinic publication interviews people who had the virus who report being treated differently since recovering. Other news stories on disparities in America report on telehealth challenges for low-income seniors, ageism and the beating of a veteran at the Portland protests.