Latest KFF Health News Stories
Vaccine May Be Available In Limited Supply To Some Health Care Workers As Early As The Fall
Experts have consistently said it will likely take at least a year before any vaccine could be deployed widely, but Moderna officials said their version might be available under emergency-use authorization sooner than that. And after President Donald Trump touted the promising results of a malaria medication, there was a run on the drug and those who need it for reasons other than the coronavirus are facing shortages. Meanwhile, a man in Arizona died after taking the drug, highlighting the risk of promising miracle cures.
Strategic Stockpile Of Medical Gear, Equipment Falling Far Short Of Needs, States And Hospitals Say
State and local governments are scrambling to secure medical equipment for the expected surge of patients as well as protective gear for their health workers. But leaders say they’re only receiving a fraction of what they’ve requested from the national stockpile. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning hoarding of scarce medical equipment, and doctors begin to think about rationing care.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care topics during the pandemic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Fauci May Be Earning Praise From Public, But President Might Be Losing Patience With Doctor
Dr. Anthony Fauci has emerged as a leading voice in the government’s response. But as he continues to correct President Donald Trump’s statements on the outbreak, some think the White House may be growing tired of the contrast. Meanwhile, Trump’s daily briefings give him a way to present himself and his message to voters despite social distancing measures.
Trump Mulls Lifting Social Distancing Recommendations In Face Of Economic Concerns
President Donald Trump signaled a growing willingness to restart the economy despite public health experts’ advice that the country should be more strict on shutting down. Meanwhile, states that hesitated to shut down could become the “next Italy,” some warn.
Some Economists Worry That U.S. Might Slip Into Depression Rather Than A Short-Lived Recession
Amid massive job losses, economists offer estimates unseen since the Great Depression that began in 1929 and continued for a brutal decade. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve continues to take drastic measures to try to keep the economy from collapsing, and some wonder if it’s time to shut down the stock market. Other economic news focuses on mortgages and workers, as well.
Senate On Cusp Of Agreement On Wide-Ranging $2T Stimulus Package
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said they had not come to agreement like they’d hoped on Monday night, but they seemed optimistic they’d be able to get there soon. They gave no specifics about remaining obstacles, but Democrats have been opposed to the lack of restrictions that Republicans’ proposal places on corporate bailouts. Meanwhile, after Sen. Rand Paul (R-K.Y.) tested positive for COVID-19, some lawmakers are concerned about the health risks of gathering in the Capitol.
Editorial pages express views about policies being shaped by COVID-19 and other issues, as well.
Being shut away in their homes carries extra risk for Americans who are disabled or abused by family members. “We’re going to be seeing some deaths in our caseloads,” said one Florida social worker. “We might not even know about it until they’ve been dead for several days.”
Chief Of Summer Olympics In Tokyo Admits Postponement Is Being ‘Closely Examined’
Some Olympic athletes and sports associations have called for a delay to the July games, but organizers have been reluctant to alter the start date. Other global news on the pandemic looks at lessons from Italy, President Trump’s offer to help North Korea, good news from South Korea, public health concerns about religious practices, Spain examines harsher confinement measures, European countries build temporary hospitals, New Zealand and India weigh lockdowns, and an 88-year-old holocaust survivor is Israel’s first loss.
Unsubscribing Times: All Those ‘Reassuring’ Emails From Companies Can Just Pile On More Anxiety
At first, people seemed to feel safer after receiving emails about steps companies are taking to protect them. But now for many it’s become way too much and they’re not even opening them, The Wall Street Journal reports. Technology news is on scams increasing, testing and privacy concerns rising, and new business trends emerging, as well.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said allowing construction workers, staff and cooks to mingle with the residents of Atria Willow Wood ”is exactly what you’re not supposed to do.” In Florida, nearly 20 facilities suspect or confirm cases. One quarter of all COVID-19 deaths have occurred at elder care facilities. Beyond Seattle facilities where the virus was first reported, the pandemic has emerged in 22 states operating senior facilities including Louisiana, Ohio, and Virginia.
Some Local Governments Try To Address Raising Economic Concern By Halting Evictions
Directives from state and federal officials to shelter in place is even more difficult for Americans facing eviction. Some local and state governments are trying to head off that brewing crisis. In other economic news: sending checks out en masse to Americans might be trickier then it sounds, workers face tough choices between caring for children and getting paid, a look at what’s needed to restart the economy, and more.
Some Prisoners Released Early As Crowded Jails Fear Prospect Of Widespread Outbreaks
Prisons in at least 16 states are sending home low-level offenders or inmates who are older or sickly home early due to coronavirus fears. Other steps taken by prison officials include banning visitors and restricting prisoners’ activities.
A Look Inside Army’s Efforts To Create Coronavirus Strains To Support Vaccine Research
The work being done at Maryland’s Fort Detrick provides a glimpse at the administration’s vaccine-related research efforts. “This is the frontline of the battle against the coronavirus,” said Army Chief of Staff James McConville of the Fort Detrick scientists. “And I would suggest that some of the people here are going to be the heroes that are going to help us defeat it.”
Little research has been done to see whether certain strategies would save more lives or years of life compared with a random lottery to assign ventilators or critical care beds. But doctors may be forced to make such decisions if the expected wave of coronavirus patients manifests. Meanwhile, health care providers continue to have to scrounge for protective gear and hospitals begin canceling elective surgeries.
Dr. Linda Quick left amid a bitter U.S. trade dispute with China when she learned her federally funded post, officially known as resident adviser to the U.S. Field Epidemiology Training Program in China, would be discontinued as of September. Meanwhile, a government watchdog is assessing HHS’ response to the coronavirus outbreak, amid criticism that early missteps exacerbated the pandemic.
Some Democratic Voters Want To See More Biden, But 2020 Candidate Has Slipped To Background
Former Vice President Joe Biden has not made an appearance on camera in front of the public since he gave a brief live-streamed address from his home last Tuesday. Biden says he plans to give remarks today, but Democratic voters are expressing frustration that he hasn’t been talking more to the public during this time of crisis.
The seasonal pattern is similar to what epidemiologists have observed with other viruses–but that means if it peters out in the summer it’s likely to re-surge in the fall. In some other research and science news: lung patterns reveal some clues about the illness; loss of smell might be symptom of virus; lessons from the 1918 flu pandemic; and more.
