Latest KFF Health News Stories
Fauci’s Mask Forecast: Indoor Rules Could Relax, Use May Become Seasonal
Appearing on several weekend news programs, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that federal guidance on masks should “start being more liberal as we get more people vaccinated” — a message echoed by White House covid crisis coordinator Jeff Zients. Fauci also talked about the flu and undercounted coronavirus deaths in the U.S.
Airborne Coronavirus Transmission Officially Recognized By CDC
The revised Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s official guidance now acknowledges that the virus can be transmitted through aerosolized particles and that people indoors could become infected even when more than 6 feet away.
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Opinion writers examine these covid, vaccine and herd immunity issues.
India’s Covid Surge Reaches Another Record High
Over 414,000 new covid cases were recorded in India on Friday, the highest one-day total yet. AP reports on how the widespread surge is even affecting the family of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on covid, lead pipes, birth injuries, grief, BMI, racism in psychiatry, a pregnant mummy and more.
Pfizer Donates Covid Shots To Tokyo Olympians; Europe’s Rollout Speeds Up
Meanwhile, a slow rollout for the covid vaccination program in Japan is blamed on staffing and logistical issues; the fallout of the J&J vaccine production error hits the rest of the world; and the Philippines sends back Chinese vaccines.
Largest Migrant Children Facility Less Overcrowded, Still Has Issues
In other news, Alabama’s lawmakers move forward with a medical marijuana bill; Florida’s $1,000 first responder bonus will arrive in summer; and North Carolina’s 20-week abortion bill is challenged in federal appeals court.
Norwegian Cruise May Not Operate In Summer, Might Avoid Florida Anyway
The sticking point for a return to Florida for Norwegian Cruise Line is reportedly the state law prohibiting checks on employee or customer vaccination status. Separately, reports cover the mental health impact of covid and the pandemic.
McKinsey’s, Publicis’ Roles In Opioid Epidemic Targeted By Lawsuits
In other pharmaceutical news, Incyte will pay $12.6 million to settle a kickbacks scandal; reports cover new “natural killer” cells cancer treatments; and a $100 million investment will boost efforts using artificial intelligence to develop gene therapies.
Amazon Health Care Efforts Boosted With First Enterprise Customer
Precor, a fitness business recently bought by Peloton, has signed up to be part of Amazon’s new virtual care-first effort. Other news covers a $22 million boost for Atlanta Health Center, a new Houston Methodist hospital and more.
Medicaid Lawsuit Aims To Force Biden To Unwind Waiver Allowed By Trump
NBC News reports on the legal tightrope the Biden administration is walking related to waivers allowed by the previous administration in Tennessee and other states. In Oklahoma, the Legislature guts Medicaid expansion funds from the governor’s budget. And more Medicaid news is reported out of North Carolina and South Dakota.
Maternal Health, Hate Crimes Against Asians Targeted In New Legislation
House Democratic leaders announced a series of bills expected to come up for a vote in May. One is on workplace protections for pregnant employees and another aims to combat increasing hate crimes against Asian Americans. In related news, lawmakers heard testimony Thursday on rising maternal deaths, especially among Black people.
Health Insurance Keeping Many From Quitting Their Job, Poll Finds
According to a new West Health-Gallup survey, 16% of Americans are sticking with current employer out of fear of losing health benefits. That number is even greater for the two poorest-income tiers. In some economic good news, unemployment claims drop to a new pandemic low and hunger rates fall, too.
Nearly 1M People Have Signed Up For Obamacare Coverage Since February
The strong enrollment numbers could help Democrats make the case that some of their changes to the Affordable Care Act should become permanent, Axios reports.
Covid Death Toll Is Double What Has Been Reported, Analysis Finds
The data show that the United States has undercounted by about 300,000 deaths, for a total of approximately 900,000. Meanwhile, health experts warn that variants and the slowing pace of vaccinations could cause another deadly surge this winter.
Come To The Big Apple, Get A Shot: New York Aims For Vaccine Tourism
From perks like beer to free public transit, reports talk of efforts to reach more citizens with the covid vaccination program and to combat hesitancy: Half a million Texans apparently haven’t come back for their second shot.
Just 30% Of Parents Of Younger Teens Will Get Them Vaccinated ASAP: Poll
FDA authorization of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for children ages 12-15 is expected soon. Other news is on scholarship raffles, mask and vaccine mandates in schools and universities, and more.
Moderna Shots Are 96% Effective In Teens, Trial Data Show
Moderna said in its financial report that the vaccine was well tolerated by the kids who received it in the phase 2/3 clinical testing. In other development news, a study of health care workers confirms covid shots do reduce covid infections.
