Latest KFF Health News Stories
Mouthwash?: Early Study In Lab Looks At Its Possibility to ‘Inactivate’ Viruses
That’s not the same thing as COVID, experts say, warning that people shouldn’t jump to conclusions. News is on the infectious period length and masks’ effectiveness, as well.
Financial Crunch Of Pandemic Hits Health Care Workers
The financial toll is forcing some to delay retirement, Modern Healthcare reports. Other news on medical workers covers doctors’ battle against COVID misinformation, discrimination claims and opioid-related charges.
High Demand For COVID Drugs Create Shortages
And high demand is also making ventilator circuits hard to find.
Azar Lays Out New Vaccine Timetable
According to the HHS secretary, the most vulnerable Americans could receive the vaccine by the end of this year. Seniors, health care workers and first responders could get it by the end of January. Everyone else could receive it “by the end of March to early April.” Azar’s timetable differs from the one laid out earlier this month by the CDC and NIH. Meanwhile, Politico reports that Azar could oust FDA chief Stephen Hahn over vaccine disputes.
Will Midwest COVID Flare Curtail Trump Rallies?
News on the president’s re-election campaign covers COVID fears, Donald Trump’s focus on “immunity,” promised prescription drug discount cards and Medicare claims.
Anatomy Of A COVID Conspiracy Theory
How a coronavirus conspiracy theory collapsed.
COVID Relief Bill Looks Increasingly Unlikely
Talks between Democrats and Republicans continued but a deal seemed harder to get to after President Trump entered the fray Wednesday night.
Obama Chides Trump For Mishandling Pandemic
Former president Barack Obama said in a speech Wednesday that, “This idea that somehow this White House has done anything but completely screw this up is just not true.”
Supreme Court Bans Curbside Voting In Alabama Planned For People With Disabilities
In a 5-3 vote, the Supreme Court justices sided with Alabama’s secretary effort to block counties from offering curbside in-person voting during the pandemic.
Purdue Pharma Pleads Guilty, Will Pay $8.3B To Settle Criminal Charges Over Opioid Sales
The massive settlement deal also covers civil cases against the maker of the painkiller OxyContin.
What Does ‘Close Contact’ Mean? CDC Redefines COVID Exposure Time To Qualify
The CDC previously defined the time and distance during which COVID-19 could be transmitted as 15 continuous minutes within six feet of an infectious person. Now they say that time window could be cumulative over a 24-hour period.
Online Child Abuse, Exploitation Has Spiked During Pandemic, Officials Say
In other news related to children’s health: A New Orleans archbishop has asked all diocesan priests on his list of religious men credibly accused of molesting children to leave the Catholic clergy entirely; and youth advocates in Texas say the state is not doing enough to protect detainees in juvenile prisons from physical and sexual abuse.
Republicans On Senate Panel Approve Barrett; Democrats Boycott Vote
With Democrats refusing to show up, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed along Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination. A full Senate vote is expected next Monday.
‘Distressing’ Third COVID Surge Leaves Hospitals, States Scrambling
At least 75 percent of the U.S. is experiencing a spike in new COVID-19 infections, the CDC warns. Things are particularly worrisome in the Midwest. And the worst could still be yet to come, as the winter holidays could increase transmissions.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Pros, Cons Of Opening The Schools, Protecting The Elderly; Lessons On Fauci’s Strength
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic issues and others.
Perspectives: Drugs From Canada; ‘Trump Card’
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
University Of Michigan Students Told To Stay Home As Virus Spikes
Education news on the pandemic also focuses on the political impact of empty campuses; school closures in Georgia; and a fine for a California private school that refused to close.
Reports are from Louisiana, North and South Carolina, Maryland, California, Massachusetts, and Georgia.
How The Next President Will Try To Lower Drug Prices
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
