Latest KFF Health News Stories
CDC Pressured To Make Decision On Safe Distancing As Schools Reopen
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is facing calls to issue new safe-distancing guidelines, possibly lowering the current 6-foot limit, as schools begin to reopen. And new data shows that Florida’s in-person learning did not translate to covid hotspots in schools.
Concern Grows That People With Disabilities Left Out Of Vaccine Plans
In other news, Missouri and Maryland expand their covid vaccine eligibility; Atlanta Hawks staff and players get vaccines; and many medical workers still have doubts about getting a shot.
Supply And Demand Challenges Drive Uneven Rollout In States
States like California, Florida, Oregon, Arkansas and Michigan continue to report ups and downs in the vaccine distribution flow.
In Study, Aspirin Linked To Less-Severe Covid Infections
Patients taking low-dose aspirin had less-severe coronavirus outcomes, including lower requirements for ventilation. Meanwhile, the WHO has announced it may have found where the virus began.
Hearing Focuses On Spiking Violence Against Asian Americans Made Worse By Pandemic
Lawmakers and other prominent Asian Americans testified about issues with complicated public health ties, including the covid crisis, violence against women, gun laws as well as racial disparities in the U.S. health care and criminal justice systems.
Fauci And Paul Engage In Another Heated Exchange Over Masks
“I totally disagree with you,” Dr. Anthony Fauci responded to Sen. Rand Paul’s assertions that vaccinated people wearing masks is “just theater” because they can’t be infected. Fauci explained that risks remain from variants and future changes to the virus.
15 States Report Rising Covid Cases, Sparking Worries Of New Surge
The past month has seen lower covid case numbers nationally, but concerns grow that an uptick reported in more than a dozen states is a warning of an incoming wave. Experts note herd immunity has not been reached yet and restrictions are still required.
US To Send 4M Surplus Doses Of AstraZeneca Vaccine To Canada, Mexico
The plan to send 2.5 million doses to Mexico and 1.5 million to Canada is expected to be announced Friday. AstraZeneca’s vaccine is not currently authorized for use in the U.S., which has a large stockpile that the international community has urged the U.S. to share.
US Poised To Cross 100M Vaccination Milestone
When he took office, President Joe Biden pledged to improve the covid vaccine rollout in order to reach that mark within his first 100 days. The nation is set to hit it today — 40 days ahead of the target.
Becerra Confirmed To Run HHS In Tight Senate Vote
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra was approved in a 50-49 vote as the next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Gibraltar Has Finished Vaccinating Its Adults — And Life Is Back To Normal
About 30,000 people live in the British territory that borders Spain. Its small size and steady stream of vaccine doses from Britain worked in its favor. Other global news is from Mexico, France, New Zealand and elsewhere.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Is It Time To Retire ‘The Match’?; Female Veterans Struggle To Receive Care
Opinion writers weigh in on residency programs, female veterans and vaccine history.
Opinion writers tackle covid, vaccines and long-term health effects.
Research Roundup: Covid; MRSA; Community-Acquired Pneumonia; Alzheimer’s; Decompensated Cirrhosis
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
President Of Tanzania, A Covid Denier, Dies Amid Rumors He Had Coronavirus
The official announcement said President John Magufuli died of heart complications. Magufuli had railed against masks and said that God had helped the country eliminate the virus. As vaccine rollouts began, he also discouraged his Health Ministry from securing doses for Tanzania, The New York Times said.
Indiana Probes Man’s Death After Nurse Says She Removed Oxygen Mask
The nurse at Wedgewood Healthcare Center allegedly wrote about the incident in social media posts. “I asked him on day 4 … do you want me to take all this off for you and let you go and fly with the angels and he said yes,” she wrote. She did not have orders to remove the mask.
Advanced Cancers Surging; Screening Slowdowns During Lockdown Blamed
In other news, Ford is trialling a home-work system for tens of thousands of employees; Michelle Obama has a new campaign to fight hunger and food insecurity; and child hunger levels in the richest U.S. counties are reportedly surging in some of the steepest rises.
Iowa, Oregon, Massachusetts Soon To Dramatically Expand Vaccine Program
Starting April 5, Iowa plans to offer covid vaccines to all residents. Meanwhile, Massachusetts plans a similar move for all people aged 16 and older starting April 19, and Oregon will open vaccines to everyone 16 and older on May 1. Plans for these vaccinations hinge on increased supplies.
Human Embryo-Like Structures Created In Lab, A Research Breakthrough
Scientists have created living samples that mimic human blastocysts, a breakthrough it is hoped will help research into embryonic development. The model cells are stirring mixed responses amid moral and legal debates surrounding this type of science.
