Latest KFF Health News Stories
NIH Staffer Unmasked As Online Peddler Of COVID Misinformation; Will Retire
William Crews, a public affairs specialist for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will leave the agency led by Dr. Anthony Fauci after the Daily Beast revealed that Crews is the managing editor of a conservative website where he authored many posts slamming Fauci, masks and other government COVID guidance.
Another CDC Reversal: Agency Takes Back Info On How COVID Spreads In Air
On Friday, the CDC website was updated to say that 6 feet of distance may not be enough to avoid airborne transmission of COVID-19. That guidance was removed on Monday. CDC officials say draft language was posted in error, but the misstep comes at a time when public confidence in the agency is taking a hit due to confusing messaging.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers express views about these health issues and others.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
‘Wrong Direction’: Increase In England’s Cases Could Be Tipping Point
Global news is from England, Israel, France, Spain, Australia, Guatemala and Sweden.
New Hampshire’s New Cases Likely Linked To Maine Gatherings
Media outlets report on news from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, Louisiana and more.
Michigan Joins Other Colleges Canceling Spring Break
Colleges aim to reduce risks by minimizing mass travel to and from campuses. News is on successes and failures of reopenings, privacy issues, a gap year for kindergartners and more.
Kids Exposed To Wildfire Smoke Will Likely Suffer More Asthma, Doctors Say
Other public health news is on obesity, the flu and mental health.
As Months Tick By, Doctors Say They’re Improving Their Fight Against COVID
“Health-care preparedness today is much better than it was in February and March,” said Andrew Badley, head of the Mayo Clinic’s Covid Research Task Force.
Airline Travel: Exposures Around 11,000; One Person On London Flight Infected 15
Airline news is on tracing infections, workers’ lower infection rates, safety standards and border closures.
How To Win Anti-Misinformation Strategies About Vaccines On Social Media
Pinterest might have a lesson to offer Facebook about how to spread healthy information about vaccines and COVID, according to STAT. News is on fewer Americans wanting to take the vaccine and more, as well.
Tocilizumab Tested In First Large Study Of Black And Hispanic COVID Patients
The drug, currently sold as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis under the names Actemra and RoActemra, helped prevent the need for breathing machines in hospitalized patients.
You Likely Can Give Coronavirus To Your Pet, 3 New Studies Suggest
Antibodies found in dogs and cats suggested that a large proportion of the animals tested may have gotten COVID-19 from their owners. Another study found that the coronavirus jumped back and forth between people and minks.
CMS Holds Off On Garnishing Medicare Payments
CMS is evaluating when to begin recoupment as Congress also considers the issue, CMS Administrator Seema Verma told Modern Healthcare.
1 Million COVID Tests In 1 Day: US Breaks Record
On Saturday, 1,061,411 COVID-19 diagnostic tests were performed in the U.S., according to The COVID Tracking Project.
Obamacare, Reproductive Rights Join COVID In The Campaign 2020 Spotlight
The future of those and other key health care issues hinge on the outcome of November’s elections: Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and President Donald Trump are reinforcing that point to voters on the campaign trail.
Azar Bars FDA, CDC From Issuing Rules, Escalating Fears Of Political Meddling
All health agencies that fall under the Department of Health and Human Services umbrella can no longer issue their own regulatory actions related to foods, medicines, medical devices and vaccines, according to a memo from HHS Secretary Alex Azar obtained by The New York Times.
Ricin-Laced Letter Sent To Trump; Woman Arrested
Law enforcement intercepted the poisoned package mailed from Canada. A woman that authorities suspect is responsible was arrested at the border trying to enter the U.S.
Get Tested If Exposed, CDC Now Says After Ditching Controversial Guidelines
The previous phrasing suggested asymptomatic people did not need a test. That phrasing sparked strong criticism from public health experts and has since been revealed to have been shaped by political appointees, not scientists.
