Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Costly Mistakes Of Chiding Mask-Wearing, Feeling Invincible
Editorial writers express views on President Donald Trump’s response to the safety measures outlined by medical professionals.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic issues and other public health issues.
Different Takes: Briefings On President’s Health Need To Be Honest
Editorial pages focus on the information about President Donald Trump’s condition and other news about how to combat the virus.
Scientists Who Discovered Hep C Virus Awarded Nobel Prize For Medicine
Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton and Charles Rice will share the honor for their “seminal discoveries that led to the identification of a novel virus.” Other global pandemic developments are also in the news.
Connecticut Nursing Home Hit By Second Outbreak; 57 Positive Tests
News reports are from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, Alabama and Texas.
US On Track Toward Record Low For Lightning Fatalities In 2020
In other public health news: record increases in need at food banks; pandemic screen time and eye problems; work stress and short-term disability; and more.
‘Burdensome’: High Number Of Probes Into Health Care Fraud Cost Providers
Modern Healthcare looks at what’s behind a spike in investigations launched by prosecutors that sometimes seem to be fishing expeditions.
COVID’s US Grip Strengthens: Record Cases In 9 States, Rising In 21 Others
That trend, in tandem with looming cold weather, alarms public health experts, who urge Americans to take actions that can control the virus spread before winter. Meanwhile, over 200,000 folding chairs are placed on the National Mall to mark each U.S. death from COVID-19, so far.
‘Discovered Very Early’: Son Of Texas Pastor Confirms Father’s Positive Test
Media outlets report on news about the 80-year-old founder of a megachurch, infections in the NFL, nasal swabs, repeat infections, a Texas family’s losses, masks, vaccines, flu, and more.
Biden Tests Negative For COVID-19 A Second Time
Still, it may take days for anyone to know whether the former vice president is truly in the clear. And public health experts wave the caution flag as plans continue for the in-person vice presidential debate this week.
Pelosi Says She’s Finding Out About Trump’s Health Through The Media
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she hasn’t been briefed on President Donald Trump’s health status since he was diagnosed with the coronavirus last week. In other news from Capitol Hill, talk of testing more lawmakers and staff for COVID-19; no deal yet on a relief package; and Jaime Harrison and Lindsey Graham battled it out face-to-face on the debate stage.
Just Like That, Senate’s Vote On Amy Coney Barrett No Longer A Sure Thing
Three GOP senators have tested positive for the coronavirus, forcing the Senate to put confirmation hearings on hold until Oct. 19. Unlike the House of Representatives, which changed its rules to allow lawmakers to cast votes remotely, senators must be physically present to vote.
Email To White House Staffers: ‘Please Stay Home’ If You Have Symptoms
In other Trump administration news, HHS Secretary Alex Azar has ordered a review of the $300 million pandemic ad campaign that’s been drawing scrutiny. Azar also tried to bat away worries from lawmakers over political influence on the COVID-19 vaccine approval process.
Pence To Travel To Utah Today; Many Ask Why He’s Not Isolating
Not only did Vice President Mike Pence attend the Sept. 26 White House ceremony where multiple members of the president’s inner circle appear to have been infected with the coronavirus, but he also sat directly in front of Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and within a few feet of Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Both have tested positive for COVID-19.
COVID Testing: Who’s Positive, Negative Or In Isolation
Attorney General William Barr has changed his mind about quarantining. Meanwhile, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie has been criticized for checking himself into the hospital.
How Did His Inner Circle Get Infected? Rose Garden, Golf Club Events Scrutinized
A White House ceremony last Saturday for Amy Coney Barrett brought together top aides, Cabinet members and Republican lawmakers. And New Jersey health officials have contacted more than 200 people who attended a campaign fundraiser at Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster on Thursday.
Trump Reportedly Hid First COVID Diagnosis While Waiting For Second Test
While waiting for the results of a more reliable test, President Donald Trump did not disclose during a Fox News interview that a rapid test taken Thursday evening had showed he was positive for the coronavirus, The Wall Street Journal reports. The White House has been under fire for its lack of transparency over the COVID status of staff members.
Experimental Antibody Cocktail, Steroids: What We Know About Trump’s Treatment
The army of doctors treating Donald Trump have taken an aggressive approach, giving the president Regeneron’s experimental coronavirus antibody cocktail and dexamethasone, a steroid primarily given to patients with severe cases of the disease. He has received supplemental oxygen, as well, according to Dr. Sean Conley.
Scant, Confusing Info On Trump’s Prognosis Puts Doctors In Spotlight
Dr. Sean Conley, the president’s physician, and the team of doctors treating President Donald Trump at Walter Reed Medical Center are in a tough spot, providing information on a president’s health while protecting a patient’s privacy.
