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Protests against covid restrictions intensify in New Zealand, even as new cases surge across the country. Meanwhile, in the U.K. studies show that most pregnant women are avoiding getting covid shots, even though the vaccines are known to be safe for both mother and child.
Meanwhile, Kentucky schools shift to outdoor teaching and more trucker protests are planned for California. Recreational pot bills, forever chemicals in Wisconsin, microplastic protections in California and more are also in the news.
A new international study found that when regulators issue drug safety warnings it only leads to modest drops in prescription rates. Separately, the Columbus Dispatch notes that the State Medical Board of Ohio has closed most sexual misconduct complaints reopened after a scandal.
This is the first time, reportedly due to lack of data, the Food and Drug Administration approved condoms for anal as well as vaginal sex. The move could help combat the spread of HIV. Separately, reports show maternal death rate disparities worsened during the pandemic, and pregnant people were "left behind" during the vaccine push.
The defects were discovered by Stanford and University College London scientists in a molecule that processes and preps RNA. A rise in the extensively drug-resistant Shigella sonnei infections in Europe, and the risk of C Difficile infections from contaminated hospital rooms are also in the news.
In other news, D.C. traffic deaths hit a 14-year high; the United Nations warns that wildfires will dramatically rise over the next 80 years with serious human health impacts, and the World Health Organization has formally recognized video game addition.
In a win for doctors, a federal judge in Texas on Wednesday struck down part of the Biden administration’s regulations, taking issue with its mediation process for hospitals and doctors and insurers to settle disputes over out-of-network medical bills.
The Fraternal Order of Police had been "vigorously" fighting the city's rules, according to AP, but an arbitrator said the mandate stands. Denver is taking a different position and is lifting a shot mandate for municipal employees. And in New York the mayor is keen to end vaccine rules for restaurant visits.
The National Guard is preparing to respond to potentially disruptive protests. Meanwhile, lawmakers working on a mental health bill face a ticking clock. And from the Florida capital: the state Senate confirms a controversial surgeon general nominee.
Both Axios and the Wall Street Journal report that highly-infectious omicron, and its new subvariant BA.2, are spurring worries as reopening plans begin to take effect. Meanwhile AP reports on expert warnings that a mass omicron infection is not the same as reaching herd immunity.
A CDC scientist tells CNN that the agency will issue new guidance on how communities can gauge their local virus risk in order to set policies on covid precautions like masks. Dr. Anthony Fauci also says that current indicators could lead to restrictions easing.
In an update to its guidance, the CDC now recommends that some space out their initial two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer covid shots. The latest research shows that the longer interval can boost protection levels and lower the risk of rare side effects. People with weakened immune systems and those 65 and older should stick with the original, shorter schedule.
Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline is preparing to request regulatory authorization in the U.S. and Europe for their covid vaccine. After setbacks, early data from the late-stage trials showed its two-dose shot was 100% effective against severe illness and hospitalization and 75% effective against moderate disease.
Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers examine these covid issues.
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues, as well as a look back on the life of Dr. Paul Farmer.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN's Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
In a further sign that the pandemic's current peak has likely passed, the European Union agreed that member states should relax restrictions placed on incoming foreign visitors. Meanwhile, concerns swell over the covid situation in North Korea, and South Korea reports a huge surge in new cases.
The Mississippi Clarion Ledger reports on progress toward legalizing medical marijuana, and how it may prompt a big change in ideology in the South. Other news includes a Maryland program to help HIV patients pay for meds, and New York City starts its program to clear homeless people from the subway.
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