Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Pros, Cons Of Emergency FDA Approvals; Why Tell People To Defy Public Health Cautions?
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and other public health issues.
Editorial writers focus on these public health topics and others.
Viral Video From Russia Suggests COVID Toll May Be Worse Than Reported
Other global COVID developments are reported from Greece, England and the World Health Organization.
Largest Virginia School System Pauses Reopening Plans
In other news from the state, Arlington National Cemetery said Monday that it is canceling the annual “Wreaths Across America” event because of COVID-19. News is also from New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Washington state and more states.
Cruise Ship Empties In Barbados; NCAA Will Play March Madness In A ‘Bubble’
The SeaDream I was carrying 66 crew and more than 50 passengers, with the majority of passengers hailing from the U.S. The ship reportedly had seven people aboard test positive for COVID. Those passengers left the ship Friday and were transferred to an isolation facility in Barbados.
Marijuana Finds Fewer Roadblocks
On Monday, New Mexico’s state medical cannabis advisory board voted in favor of nearly doubling the patient purchase limit. In other public health news: seasonal affective disorder, what to do about Thanksgiving and more.
Researchers Identify A Dominant Disease-Causing Strain In Genome Study
Research on COVID looks at lower survival rates from cardiac arrest and damages to the cardiovascular system, as well.
1M Children In USA Have Had COVID, American Academy Of Pediatrics Says
AAP President Sally Goza said in a statement: “As a pediatrician who has practiced medicine for over three decades, I find this number staggering and tragic.”
Hate-Crime Killings Hit Record In 2019, But COVID May Have Eased Violence
Brian Levin, director of California State University’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, said preliminary data from 2020 show overall declines in hate crimes, which he explained as a result of social distancing measures and business closures from the coronavirus pandemic.
In Major Shake-Up For Drug Industry, Amazon Launches Online Pharmacy
Just as a doctor can send your prescription to CVS or Walgreens, a doctor will be able to send your prescription to Amazon Pharmacy — and Prime members get free two-day shipping.
Cleveland System Voices Concerns About Protecting Health Care Workers
“If we have many of our staff out because of exposure, while there’s a large influx of COVID patients, we will not be able to provide the best care to everyone who needs it,” said Dr. Akram Boutros, MetroHealth president and CEO.
American Medical Association Declares Racism A Public Health Threat
The resolution was approved during a special meeting of the AMA House of Delegates on Monday and calls for the organization to acknowledge the role that “racist medical practices” have played in patients’ health care.
With Two Effective Vaccines, Approval And Delivery Plans Next To Be Tested
The FDA will work “as quickly as possible” to review testing data for Pfizer and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine candidates to clear their emergency use, HHS Secretary Alex Azar said. Meanwhile, Pfizer begins a pilot distribution program in four states.
Experts: Make Reducing Spread Top Priority Until Vaccines Arrive
The news is very promising about vaccines, but it’s during these next critical months — when people are forced inside — that the virus will spread more quickly, health experts say.
Mask Confrontation Jolts Senate Floor; Two More House Members Test Positive
The coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt the usual course of business on Capitol Hill.
Michigan Restrictions In Spotlight As Atlas Draws Rebukes For ‘Reckless’ Remark
A tweet from White House coronavirus task force member Scott Atlas calling on Michigan residents to “rise up” against reinstated pandemic restrictions drew reactions from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Dr. Anthony Fauci and Stanford University, where Atlas is a fellow.
Biden Calls On Congress To Pass Stimulus Bill Ahead Of ‘Dark Winter’
Both sides need to get together on the long-stalled coronavirus relief legislation, President-elect Joe Biden said: “Refusal of Democrats, Republicans to cooperate with one another is not due to some mysterious force beyond our control. It’s a conscious decision.” Biden also reinforced CDC guidance on Thanksgiving gatherings.
What’s The Harm Of Transition Delay? ‘More People May Die,’ Biden Says
In a speech Monday, President-elect Joe Biden warned about the worsening coronavirus crisis and criticized President Donald Trump for stonewalling the transition team’s efforts to get up to speed on vaccine distribution plans and other pandemic efforts.
California Pulls ‘Emergency Brake’; More States Order COVID Restrictions
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that many restrictions will be reimposed to try to stave off the rapid spike of COVID infections. Other steps city and state governments are taking are reported from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Iowa, Texas and other U.S. hot spots.
