Latest KFF Health News Stories
President Donald Trump has been hesitant to declare an emergency as it might contrast with his optimistic messaging in the early days of the crisis. Meanwhile, the travel ban he announced this week is criticized by public health experts. And, former Trump administration officials have been sounding the alarm even while their former colleagues project a rosy outlook. Media outlets also take a peek inside the White House’s slowly shifting views on the coronavirus outbreak.
A vaccine for broad public use is still 12 to 18 months away. Anyone promising anything faster “will be cutting corners that would be detrimental,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Meanwhile drugmakers are working non-stop to try to find a treatment for the illness.
The legislation will include measures to boost paid family leave and unemployment insurance, ensure free coronavirus testing, and strengthen nutritional aid like food stamps. The final sticking points between House Democrats and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, the administration’s point person on the deal, involved paid sick leave. The House is expected to vote on Friday, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) canceled the Senate’s weeklong recess next week to assess the legislation.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
The basic premise of the organization is that it serves as a global coordinator. But even as the organization attempts to fulfill that role in the current pandemic, its efforts have fallen largely flat and there’s been a lack of a unified global response to the crisis. Meanwhile, China continues to grapple with the fallout from the outbreak, both politically and socially.
There is some evidence that temperature and humidity are playing a role in where the virus is thriving. In other news: a look at how long the virus can live in a patient’s body, questions about quarantines, why soap is so effective, tips on cleaning your phone, and more.
Coronavirus Gives 2020 Candidates A Real-Time Test To Demonstrate How They’d React In A Crisis
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) both addressed the nation the day after President Donald Trump gave a speech from the Oval Office. The three candidates’ response to the outbreak is giving voters an insight into what they can expect in terms of leadership going forward. Meanwhile, the virus is fundamentally altering the race in other ways as well, from canceled rallies to missed fundraising opportunities. The full extent of the impact might not be visible until November. And states are working on ways to increase health protections for voters.
What’s Getting Canceled: Disneyland, Broadway, Sports, Cruises, Courts, Schools And More
A look at the wide-ranging list of closures, cancellations and postponements as cities and states try to contain the coronavirus.
The elderly are getting hit hardest by the coronavirus and public health experts are recommending they avoid large crowds and other social gatherings. But for a group that already struggles with loneliness — which can lead to poor health outcomes — social distancing due to coronavirus will likely exacerbate the issue. Meanwhile, health officials and medical providers are having a difficult time convincing older Americans to take the threat seriously.
One of the top concerns for public health experts is how virus cases are likely to overwhelm hospitals, like is happening in Italy. Patients there are dying while waiting for treatment and doctors are forced to choose who to treat and who to let die. European health officials say Italy’s experience with its faltering health system is just a preview of things to come for other countries.
Markets Have Worst Trading Day Since 1987 As Coronavirus Fears Weigh Heavy On Global Economy
The markets made up some ground early on Friday morning, but the global economy has been thrown into a state of tumult as world leaders struggle to deal with the spreading pandemic. The Federal Reserve Bank on Thursday took drastic measures by pumping $1.5 trillion into the bond market to try to stabilize it.
Scientists across the country are working around the clock to develop quicker tests for the coronavirus. But many worry that the lack of testing in the early days of the outbreak will come back to haunt the country. Meanwhile, travelers returning from international hot spots say they’re still not getting screened when they re-enter the country.
Editorial pages focus on issues surrounding the pandemic.
Media outlets report on news from Utah, District of Columbia, Ohio, and Colorado.
Opinion writers express views on how leadership and policy issues can impact recovery from the coronavirus.
A number of states have also taken steps to help unburden patients and the government with high costs that have nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013.
The NBA has indefinitely suspended its season, the NCAA basketball tournament will be played without fans, and actor Tom Hanks announced that he and his wife Rita Wilson have been infected. The events helped crystallize just how serious the outbreak is and how much it will likely disrupt Americans’ daily lives in the months to come.
Many lawmakers said they felt uneasy about throngs of tour groups and lobbyists continuing to shuffle between offices on a daily basis, defying guidance from U.S. public health agencies. The news came as a staffer in Sen. Maria Cantwell’s (D-Wash.) office tested positive for the virus.
Judging by how the virus may have responded to temperatures so far, the study suggests areas just north of its current zone may be most vulnerable through April. But much like with everything on the virus at the moment, it’s hard to predict and take all influences into account. Meanwhile, a study finds that the virus can live on surfaces for up to three days. In other news: calming your anxiety over the outbreak; a look at what coronavirus does to the body; why closing schools matters; and more.
Scientists aren’t testing in animals first in a highly unusual step that some consider justified and others irresponsible.
