Latest KFF Health News Stories
In Denmark, 214 People Were Infected With Mink-Related Versions Of COVID
As the country deals with culling its entire mink herd, the United Kingdom has imposed a two-week quarantine on travelers from Denmark. And while some scientists say the outbreak is “scary,” they also say fears about mink-to-human transmission are likely overblown.
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 mothering during COVID, special-needs children, body temperature, why you should sign up for a health savings account and more.
DC Visitors From High-Risk States Required To Get Tested Before Arrival
But they do not have to self-quarantine for 14 days in the nation’s capital. News is from Vermont, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Nevada, California, and Alaska.
‘The Witches’ Slammed For Portrayal Of People With Limb Differences
In the new movie, which is based on the book by Roald Dahl, the witches have three long fingers. One Paralympic swimmer said that was particularly troubling because doctors will fashion similar three-fingered hands for disabled children or adults to help them live a normal life.
4 Drug Companies Agree To $26 Billion Opioid Settlement
The tentative deal for opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and the “Big Three” distributors, McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen, must still pass muster with judges who have been handling the complex litigation in federal and state courts.
In Ferrets, Nasal Sprays Seem To Prevent COVID Infection
The next step would be to pursue clinical trials in humans. The study has been submitted to the journal Science for peer review. News is on children’s response, looking for treatment in llamas, and more.
Missouri Election Judge Dies After Working Polls Despite COVID Diagnosis
Breaking quarantine after a positive COVID-19 test on Oct. 30, an election judge supervisor in Missouri worked alongside nine other people at a polling location where 2,000 people voted. His cause of death is not yet known.
Economy Shaky As More People Use Up Savings During Pandemic, Fed Warns
Meanwhile, new claims for unemployment benefits are holding steady.
Senate Control Looms Large Over Health Agenda, With Georgia Races Going To Runoffs
Both of Georgia’s seats will be decided by a Jan. 5 runoff election, determining overall control of the U.S. Senate.
Many State Leaders Balk At New Orders To Control Virus, While Pleading With Citizens To Do More
With coronavirus infections surging in at least 43 states, the state of the crisis is reported out of Utah, Iowa, Ohio, Minnesota, Idaho, Oklahoma and Kentucky.
Trump Made Surprising Gains In Counties Hit Hardest By COVID
From 2016 to 2020, electoral support grew significantly for President Donald Trump in 68 of the 100 counties with the highest death rates, according to an NPR analysis. The AP found the same trend in a majority of counties with the most coronavirus cases per capita.
Maine, Massachusetts Issue Stronger Mask Mandates
A few states are starting to take steps to contain the virus. Face coverings must be worn in Maine at all time in public spaces, no matter the physical distance. And a Massachusetts mask mandate and stay-at-home advisory go into effect today.
Are Americans ‘Giving Up’? COVID Cases Skyrocket Past 120,000 In A Day
That’s the second record daily total in a row. Now that the elections have passed, public health officials hope that state lawmakers may muster the political will to take action to control the rapid viral spread.
Vaccine Rollout Guidelines: Put All Health Care Workers First, CDC Says
“It’s not just the doctors and nurses that are interacting with patients, but also the support personnel that help,” Dr. Jose Romero said. News is on the Pentagon’s work on the vaccine, the ethics of paying trial volunteers and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Make Vaccine Trials Transparent To Gain Trust; Only COVID Made Voting, Trump Vulnerable
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and other health topics, as well.
Denmark Plans To Cull 17 Million Mink Over COVID Mutation Fears
Health authorities found virus strains in humans and in mink that showed decreased sensitivity against antibodies, potentially lowering the efficacy of future vaccines. News is from Australia and South Korea, as well.
Texas Faculty Group Pushes Governor To Cancel In-Person Graduations
Media outlets report on news from Texas, Maine, Kentucky, Missouri, and Iowa.
Research Roundup: Bacteria In Hospitals; COVID; Infant Mortality; And Tobacco Use
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Medical Marijuana Recall Under Way; 2 More Die From Church Virus Outbreak
News reports are on an Oklahoma recall of medical marijuana, a growing number of COVID deaths from a North Carolina gathering, new challenges for the homeless, the new normal in sports and more.
