Morning Breakouts

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Overdose-Reverser Narcan Used Over 4,200 Times In San Francisco In 2021

Morning Briefing

From January to June, 344 people died of overdoses in San Francisco, but medical attempts to reverse overdoses by administering Narcan happened thousands of times. Separately, reports say several highly potent synthetic opioids have shown up in Toronto’s street drug supply.

Senators Push Becerra For Cheap Canadian-Sourced Prescription Drugs

Morning Briefing

A bipartisan group is pushing Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to allow imports of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada. Stat, meanwhile, reports on generic manufacturing plant closures’ impact on the Biden administration’s effort to boost drug supplies.

To Mask Or Not To Mask In School — States Are Deciding, Differently

Morning Briefing

In New Mexico, officials say vaxxed students in K-12 schools may unmask in some situations. In Hawaii, a week before school starts, authorities suggested masking at all times indoors. Louisiana’s schools can decide their own covid restrictions.

Missouri Sues To Stop St. Louis’ New Mask Mandate

Morning Briefing

Missouri’s attorney general is targeting St. Louis’ newly reinstated mandate that everyone over 5 wear masks in indoor public places and public transport, saying it’s “arbitrary and capricious.” Masking rules in Georgia, Oregon and nine western Washington counties are also in the news — as is possible revised guidance from the federal government.

60% Of Covid Cases Were Unreported As Of March, Study Suggests

Morning Briefing

The case count is probably higher now, but not too much higher because vaccines have rolled out, said the lead author of the study at the University of Washington. Other news is on covid transmission during wildfires, how hospitals are coping with the covid surge and more.

Worst In The US: Florida, Arkansas Have ‘High Transmission’ Everywhere

Morning Briefing

In the past week, Florida accounted for nearly a quarter of all cases in the country — more than any other state. Meanwhile, health care workers at Jacksonville’s Baptist Medical Center say severely ill covid patients are begging to receive the vaccine just before being put on ventilators.

US Travel Bans To Remain, New Warnings Issued As Delta Flares Around Globe

Morning Briefing

The Biden administration plans to maintain restricted entry into the country by non-U.S. citizens from the U.K., Europe and other nations. The CDC and State Department is also warning Americans against travel to countries like Israel, Portugal and Spain.

Want To Drink In 300 San Francisco Bars? Prove You’re Vaxxed Or Negative

Morning Briefing

The San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance, which represents 300 businesses, has decided to protect employees and patrons by limiting indoor service to those who are vaccinated or provably covid-negative. Separately, reports say California’s current surge is driven by vaccine holdouts.

Over 50 Medical Groups Press For Mandatory Shots For Health Workers

Morning Briefing

In a joint statement, many prominent associations that represent health care workers, including the American Medical Association, American Nurses Association called for health facilities to require the covid vaccine. And some hospitals are revising or weighing their policies.

VA Mandates Vaccines For Its Health Workers; California, NYC Set New Rules

Morning Briefing

The Department of Veterans Affairs became the first federal agency to require employees to get vaccinated for covid-19. The order impacts 115,000 of its “patient-facing” health workers. In California and New York City, unvaccinated state workers will face weekly testing starting in August.

Olympians Can Now Unmask For Medal Photos On The Podium — Briefly

Morning Briefing

The International Olympic Committee announced the change Sunday, noting unmasking can only last 30 seconds. Separately, news outlets reports on behind-the-scenes action at the covid-afflicted Olympics, and 16 more people at the Games, including three athletes, tested positive.

Marlboro Cigarettes To Disappear From UK Shelves Inside 10 Years

Morning Briefing

Philip Morris revealed its plans Sunday, with CEO Jack Olczak saying, “The first choice for consumers is they should quit smoking.” Meanwhile, EU regulators have approved Moderna’s covid vaccine for kids 12 to 17; notably, the FDA has not approved Moderna for children younger than 16 in the U.S.

10-Year-Old’s Death Linked To Plague Infection In Colorado

Morning Briefing

Colorado state health officials are investigating reports of plague in animals and fleas. Separately, reports say the abortion rate in Georgia has now increased for the third consecutive year; Missouri joins opioid monitoring prescriptions; a North Carolina woman will be a two-time living organ donor; and more.

Even As Schools Plan Reopening, Homeschooling Is Booming

Morning Briefing

The AP reports on homeschooling across the U.S., as parents opt to teach their kids at home as pandemic-related education restrictions ease. Salmonella in carrots, IUD pain, Disney executives and CinemaCon, and a Japanese man who almost died from masturbation are also in the news.