Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Quarantine Pay? Britain Weighs Idea Of Issuing Payments For Positive Tests
It costs people to stay home from work when they test positive — and have to isolate — so they might shy away from getting tests. News reports are also on Japan’s plans for the Summer Olympics, Canada’s slow vaccine rollout and more.
Viewpoints: Pros, Cons Of Biden’s Vaccination Plan; 100 Million Doses A Day Falls Short
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to sit back and enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on covid-19, vaccinations, “shared psychosis,” empathy, a woman who was wrongfully declared dead and more.
Fringe Hydroxy Doctor Arrested In Connection With Capitol Riot
Simone Gold, head of America’s Frontline Doctors, told the media she didn’t regret being there. Reports are also on fewer ACOs participating in Medicare, rising hospital profits and HCA’s plans to increase PPE products.
Listeria Recall On Butternut Squash; Reopening D.C. Restaurants
Media outlets also report on the best masks for the new variant, concerns about children’s mental health, population declines in 16 states, and Ben & Jerry’s flavors for pups.
Trump’s Pardons Included Doctors, Health Care Execs Convicted Of Fraud
At least 10 of the 143 people who were pardoned by former President Donald Trump were convicted of defrauding health care programs or other crimes involving the health care industry, Becker’s Hospital Review reports.
In A First, FDA Approves Monthly Injectable Drug For HIV Patients
It’s a huge change in quality of life, health experts say, because patients won’t have to take multiple pills several times a day, timed around meals.
Groups Push To Expand Vaccine Access
Washington, D.C., could start including people who are obese; Republicans in Wisconsin want to give access to everyone. Other vaccine news is on Pfizer’s scare in Norway, a Texas doctor accused of stealing a covid shot and more.
Unclaimed Second Doses: Utah Plans To Release Them To New People
As many states express frustration over shortages, people in Utah who delay their second appointment could lose out.
One-Year Mark: Last US County Records First Cases
While the spread started in cities, it’s even reached isolated areas of the country, now including Molokai, Hawaii, despite steps to seal off the area set aside for patients with Hansen’s disease.
Dwindling Vaccine Supply Hinders Plans To Speed Up Distribution
“The brutal truth is it’s going to take months before we can get the majority of Americans vaccinated,” President Joe Biden said. Dr. Anthony Fauci said he still thinks that 70-85% of all Americans could be inoculated by the end of summer.
Eli Lilly’s Bamlanivimab Can Prevent Covid Infection, Clinical Trial Shows
It’s the first time an antibody treatment has prevented infection. Eli Lilly’s chief scientific officer told Stat: “Of course, I think the vaccines are more effective … and likely longer lasting. So this should not be seen in any way as competition to vaccines. It should be for when it’s too late, when there’s an outbreak and people are getting exposed and there’s not going to be time for a vaccine to work.”
Variants Could Fuel Reinfections, Affect Vaccines
A surge of cases is being reported in Brazil where herd immunity was thought to have been achieved. Reports are also on a new strain affecting California children and people of color, and other covid topics, as well.
Drugmakers Sharing Zero Covid Information With Pool Set Up By WHO
The Guardian reports that a “pool” set up by the World Health Organization for pharmaceutical companies to voluntarily share covid-19 knowledge has received no contributions since last May.
For Dr. Fauci, Relief and Liberation Now That Biden’s At The Helm
In a press conference Thursday, infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci expressed his joy that he could now “let the science speak” after being sidelined by former President Trump. Fauci also said he recently suffered mild side effects after his second covid shot.
Republicans Already Pushing Back On Biden’s $1.9T Stimulus Plan
With a razor-thin majority in the Senate, the Biden administration will have to negotiate broad concerns from many lawmakers to get another round of aid passed.
Biden To Reverse Global Anti-Abortion Restrictions Expanded By Trump
President Joe Biden is preparing to overturn the “Mexico City Policy” — also known as the “global gag rule” by critics — that governs U.S. funding for international family planning organizations that “perform or promote” abortion.
Hunger, Wages, Worker Protections: Economic Hardships Targeted Next
The executive orders President Joe Biden is expected to issue Friday aim to put stopgap financial relief measures in place until — and if — a larger legislative aid package can be negotiated.
17 Executive Orders Over 24 Hours: Travel Requirements Top Latest Batch
News outlets keep a tally of all the directives issued by President Joe Biden.
