Latest KFF Health News Stories
Governors In Northeast Ask Colleges To Test Students Before Thanksgiving Break
They are also “strongly recommending” that colleges and universities finish fall semesters online and keep students home through the December holidays. News is on a plan in Massachusetts to test all students, long wait lines for tests and more.
Exhausted Hospital Workers Crushed As Coronavirus Patients Flood In
With no relief in sight from the current unrelenting surge of sick Americans into medical facilities, front-line workers are feeling the physical and mental toll. They are begging Americans to take more care.
Health System Toll: Midwest Mayo Has More Than 900 Infected Workers
“There are three things you need to take care of any patient,” Dr. Amy Williams, the executive dean of the Mayo Clinic practice said. “Space, supplies and staff. And what we are most worried about is staff.” Other health industry is on signing up the uninsured, a new care center in North Dakota and more.
Attention Taxpayers: Walmart, McDonald’s Workers Get Large Share Of Federal Aid Programs
Walmart was one of the top four employers of SNAP and Medicaid beneficiaries in every state, according to a GAO report requested by Sen. Bernie Sanders. News is on millions of Americans about to lose unemployment and a poll surveying Americans about a stalled relief package.
Bill Altering Orphan Drug Act Passes House
The legislation aims to close a loophole that provides drugmakers with an extended monopoly and the opportunity for big profits on drugs for rare diseases. An orphan drug bill has also been introduced in the Senate.
Biden Plows Forward With COVID Planning Despite Transition Delays
President-elect Joe Biden warned about the dangers of stonewalling the transition while meeting with frontline health workers while his advisers provide early windows into their coronavirus response strategy.
Every State Will Get COVID Vaccine Within 24 Hours Of FDA Approval, Warp Speed Chief Says
At least some doses will be available immediately, Gen. Gustave Perna said Wednesday. After that, Perna said there will be weekly distributions as doses become available.
COVID Immunity May Last Years; AstraZeneca’s Vaccine Helps Seniors
AstraZeneca/Oxford University’s COVID vaccine produced a strong immune response in people 70 and older, data published Thursday showed. There’s no word yet on how effective the AstraZeneca vaccine is. Meanwhile, a new study from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Icahn School of Medicine suggests COVID immunity can last at least six months.
Trump Administration Must Stop Deporting Minors Due To COVID, Judge Rules
A federal judge ordered the federal government to quit expelling unaccompanied minors from the U.S. on the basis of the pandemic. Other Trump administration news reports on Thanksgiving guidance and Army discharges related to mental health.
With No National Plan, States Cobble Together Response To Rapid Surge
With virus spread out of control and Thanksgiving looming, some governors and local officials are ordering new restrictions — though none are as aggressive as ones issued last spring. And states are taking different approaches, as exemplified by mask mandates.
A Quarter Of A Million Americans Are Now Dead From COVID
Will this be the tragic milestone that finally sinks in? As the U.S. passes 250,000 deaths, there appears to be no bottom for the crisis with daily cases shattering another record and over 3 million people in the U.S. estimated to be currently infected by COVID-19.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health issues and others.
China’s Vaccine Appears Safe, But It Produces Lower Levels Of Antibodies
Other global news is from Russia, Sweden, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Perspectives: What President-Elect Biden Can Do About Drug Prices; Trumponomics Won’t Go Away
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Louisiana Prison Didn’t Isolate Inmates Who Had COVID, Report Finds
In other news from the states: North Dakota’s coronavirus mortality rate is the highest of any U.S. state or country; Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) is quarantining after members of his security detail tested positive for COVID-19; and more.
End To England’s Quarantine?: British Airways Announces Testing Plan
News is on flying safety, travel bubbles, the end of SeaDream’s season, Canada’s plans for the NBA and more.
Deep Sleep Can Help Ward Off Alzheimer’s Disease, Studies Show
Other news is on ALS therapy, chronic fatigue syndrome, mouthwashes that fight COVID and more.
Need A COVID Test? Brace For Long Lines And Shortages Again
Demand is spiking as coronavirus infections hit record highs and Americans try to get tested ahead of Thanksgiving. But kits are running out in many areas and labs report that they are running out chemicals and supplies.
About 800 Nurses Go On Strike Near Philadelphia
“Safe staffing is the main issue in our negotiation,” said a nurse who has worked for 10 years at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, near Philadelphia.
