Latest KFF Health News Stories
Gilead’s experimental drug remdesivir has shown promising results and been made available for compassionate use in critical cases. But the drugmaker is unable to meet the surging demand. Meanwhile, media outlets examine some of the drugs President Donald Trump touts as treatments that might help in the efforts to curb the pandemic. One of the medications is used by lupus patients–who now face shortages of their needed drug.
45-Minute Test Is Here But Will Only Be Used In Urgent Scenarios; FDA Warns About At-Home Kits
“This is not a test for the worried well,” said David Persing, the chief medical officer of Cepheid, the company that developed the test. Meanwhile, desperate Americans want a way to access tests, but the FDA is warning against fraudulent testing kits. Meanwhile, many are wondering why celebrities and officials can easily get tested while most Americans can not.
Trump’s Past Crisis Experiences Unlikely To Help Him Against A Pandemic
The issues that President Donald Trump has dealt with before tended to involve human adversaries on who he could deploy his trademark bluster-based crisis management style. But that won’t work as well against a virus. Meanwhile, governors grow alarmed with Trump’s insistence that the federal government take a back seat to states’ response.
Trump Resists Calls To Use War Powers, Says Private Companies Are Rising To Occasion
President Donald Trump faces criticism over not using the Defense Production Act to force private companies to make protective gear and other medical equipment during the crisis. Trump says that companies are doing so themselves without “putting the heavy hand of government down.” Administration officials point to the fact that 3M, a large manufacturer of protective N95 masks for medical workers, said it is shipping half a million masks to New York and Seattle. Meanwhile, automakers Ford, GM and Tesla have been given the green light to produce ventilators.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh on these health care issues and others during the pandemic.
Handful Of Senators Self-Isolate After Rand Paul Tests Positive For COVID-19
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is the first senator to test positive for the coronavirus, though he was showing no symptoms. Some colleagues, following medical advice, also removed themselves from the Capitol, which means, as of now, they can’t vote on the stimulus legislation. On the House side, Rep. Ben McAdams (D-Utah) was hospitalized with the disease.
Both sides pointed fingers at the other following the vote, but Senate leaders say they are hopeful they’ll reach an agreement over the crucial legislation.
Editorial pages focus on these policy issues and others during the pandemic.
Experts say the risk of the virus lingering on the mailings is highly unlikely and dangers of loneliness are severe. Other news on seniors in care facilities is on reductions in care and a shortage of intensive care beds, as well.
New York Governor Cuomo’s Informed Daily Briefings Are Attracting Hordes Of Followers
In contrast to President Donald Trump’s style at briefings, the governor is getting praise for his sense of urgency, tactics and ability to handle a crisis. News is from Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, as well.
Governor Newsom Orders 40 Million Californians To Stay At Home As State’s Outbreak Escalates
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday night, “We will look back at these decisions as pivotal” as models predict that more than half of the state could become infected. Other news from California reports on rising unemployment, the death of a young man, and more.
Administration officials insist the policies are necessary to stem the outbreak. Immigration news is on groups pushing for the release of thousands of detainees from detention facilities unable to handle spread of the disease and negotiations to close borders temporarily with Mexico and Canada.
Coronavirus Upends Day-To-Day Operation Of Criminal Justice System
“The new normal is complete chaos right now,” said Steven Halpert, juvenile division chief for the public defender’s office in Harris County, Texas. Meanwhile, advocates ask for the release of inmates amid fears that the outbreak could spread like wildfire in the nation’s jails.
How Did Rich Americans Get Tests When There Were Shortages?
As more celebrities and sports professionals announce the results of their tests, Americans who were denied tests even when showing worrying symptoms wonder at the disparity. Meanwhile, testing may have ramped up, but frustration over the chaos as the beginning of the crisis remains.
Walmart To Hire 150,000 Temporary Workers, Pay $550 Million in Staff Bonuses
The announcement comes amid sharp increases in layoffs in other industries, highlighting the fact that the economic impact of the virus is more complex than it might seem.
Tech Tools Play Role In Keeping People Connected To Doctors, Health Officials And Co-Workers
Smartphones and watches, telehealth and video conferences are already playing a role in reconfigured world where people are staying physically away from each other.
Veterans Affairs Braced To Help Hospitals Deal With Overflow Of Patients
The Department of Veterans Affairs is designated by federal law to act as back-up to other hospitals in times of crisis. Over the past two weeks, the VA expanded hospital capacity, dropping occupancy in acute care beds from about 80% to over 60% to make room for possible civilian patients
The simulations revealed shortcomings–such as a lack of supplies and staff for hospitals–that the government is now trying to address during the coronavirus outbreak. In other news, Stat provides a who’s who list of those in the Trump administration handling the crisis.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and the impact the pandemic is having on everyday activities.
