Latest KFF Health News Stories
Mask On, Mask Off: Americans Tackle Tricky Unlocking Guidelines
A poll shows many people over 50 are unmasking and beginning to return to normal life, even as others are continuing to wear masks despite being vaccinated or facing no mask-wearing rules. OSHA may also still mandate masks indoors at work.
Young Americans Are Lagging Other Groups In The Vaccine Rollout
Only 7.6% of 18 to 24 year olds have been vaccinated, says the CDC. Experts warn younger Americans who think covid may not pose a serious illness risk that the virus may still bring long-term symptoms.
FEMA Readies For Hurricanes As Covid Occupies Staff
Also, people seeking reimbursement from FEMA for funeral expenses of family members who died of covid have trouble if death certificates do not list covid as a cause of death.
Becerra Urges WHO To Expand Probe Of The Origin Of Covid-19
In a message for the opening of the annual assembly of the World Health Organization, the U.S. secretary of Health and Human Development says, “Phase 2 of the COVID origins study must be launched with terms of reference that are transparent, science-based, and give international experts the independence to fully assess the source of the virus and the early days of the outbreak.” This comes as U.S. officials are examining reports that the virus may have escaped from a Chinese virology lab.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages tackle these public health topics.
Opinion writers weigh in on these Covid and vaccine issues.
Covid Treatment Efforts Pushed Aside By Vaccine Drive
As Politico reports, efforts to develop effective treatments for covid have suffered, potentially threatening efforts to end the pandemic. In other news, the trial of Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes begins to take shape.
Some Tucson Medical Providers Reportedly Billing For Free Covid Tests
Meanwhile, reports show racial disparities in covid vaccinations in Georgia and Florida; Maryland’s vaccine lottery is in the news; and people experience unmasking in Baltimore and Ohio.
India Nears 300,000 Covid Fatalities, Battles Fatal Fungal Infections
Mucormycosis, usually rare, is suddenly a growing issue in India. Separately, the U.K. has said an official study proves Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are effective against the Indian covid variant.
Pandemic Leads To Surge In Eating Disorders And Delays In Treatment
Some patients are waiting four to five months to get treatment, a health expert says. Before covid-19 hit, waits usually lasted only a few weeks. In news on other effects of the pandemic, reducing children’s screen time will tough as the country returns to a more normal schedule. And New York announces that city schools will not have a remote learning option in the fall.
Study Of Blood Donation From Gay Men Could Change FDA Restrictions
Three of the country’s largest blood donation organizations have completed a study into whether individual risk assessments could replace the current three month waiting rule.
Missouri Lawmakers Fail To Extend Tax That Funds Medicaid
The legislators did not approve a long-standing Medicaid provider tax that provides funds to care for elderly, disabled and low-income residents. Nursing home owners say if the state doesn’t fix the problem, their businesses will suffer and residents will be caught in the middle. Other advocates are also challenging the decision by the Missouri governor to not implement a Medicaid expansion approved by voters. Efforts to expand Medicaid in Florida and Wyoming are also making news.
Report Details Governor’s Role In Boston Nursing Home’s 76 Covid Deaths
Meanwhile Politico covers how nursing homes are using Trump-era protections to defend against covid lawsuits. The “massive” shortage of health care workers across America is highlighted by Axios.
Senators Say Upcoming Abortion Case Could Trigger Revamp Of High Court
Democratic senators predict that if the Supreme Court next year overturns or weakens the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, pressure will build for Congress to add more justices to the court. Also in congressional news, health care providers hope for more money through the renewed earmark process on Capitol Hill.
Two Studies Hint At Why Covid May Hit Some Women Harder And Longer
New research opens a window on why women with a little known circulation disorder or who have polycystic ovary syndrome may suffer more severe covid symptoms.
As Hope Of Sweeping Health Initiatives Fade, Biden Looks To Build On ACA
President Joe Biden and Democratic lawmakers came into office promising major health initiatives. But that is proving hard. They have revamped parts of the Affordable Care Act, adding more than a million people to the insured rolls and reducing costs for many families. But those gains will only last two years and Democrats are divided on how to move forward with health policy.
Vaccine Passports Are Back In Spotlight
A survey by the Covid States Project reveals that more of the public support government-mandated vaccinations versus businesses using covid passports, even though other reports say medical experts support the use of the passport system.
As Vaccinations Spread, Officials’ Emphasis On Covid Testing Retreats
In what appears to be a shift in the focus of the epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that people who are fully vaccinated and have no covid symptoms don’t need to be screened for the virus, even if exposed to someone who was infected. In other administration health news, officials weigh new policies for handling unaccompanied minors crossing the border without authorization.
Covid Cases, Deaths Drop To Levels Not Seen Since Summer 2020
The seven day average of new infections dropped to about 26,000 Sunday, the lowest since June 2020. The news comes as figures show half of states have fully vaccinated at least 50% of their adult population.
