Latest KFF Health News Stories
EPA Approves Use Of Long-Lasting COVID Disinfectant In Texas
Texas sought emergency approval from the EPA for the use of SurfaceWise2. Texas-based American Airlines and two branches of Total Orthopedics Sports & Spine will now be able to use it.
White House Pressure For Fast-Tracked Vaccine Collides With Safety Warnings
While President Donald Trump accuses the FDA of dragging its feet on vaccine approval, public health experts urge against prematurely authorizing a vaccine. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca denies that it is discussing emergency use authorization for its experimental vaccine. And at the center of the storm is a political newbie, FDA Commissioner Steven Hahn.
As U.S. Sees Hopeful Decline Of Cases, Some States Report Troubling Numbers
The daily tally of COVID cases hit the lowest level in more than two months on Sunday, marking the ninth straight day with fewer than 50,000 new cases. But the outbreak is still haunting the heartland.
FDA’s Authorization Of Convalescent Plasma Launches Torrent Of Questions
Does it really work? Is the move politically motivated? Dr. Stephen Hahn, head of the FDA, defended his agency against the second charge, while global scientific experts raise concerns about the first.
First Case Of Person Contracting COVID Twice Is Documented
Genetic testing shows that a Hong Kong man was reinfected with the coronavirus. While there have been anecdotal reports of such cases previously, this new evidence offers important information for scientists studying COVID-19 immunity.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Trump, Ostrich Or Hero?; Tough Days Ahead For The FDA
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic issues and others.
Different Takes: Treat Essential Workers Like They’re Essential; Medicine Fails People Of Mixed Race
Editorial pages focus on these public health topics and others.
How The Globe Is Faring: Germany Stages Concert To Study Mass-Event Spread
Developments in the global pandemic are reported from Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Iran, France, Brazil, India, Lebanon, Italy, New Zealand, South Korea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mexico, Japan and other nations.
More Police Turn To Ketamine To Help Calm People Under Arrest
The AP reports that the drug is increasingly being used by police in arrests despite conflicting medical standards and reports of resulting hospitalizations and even deaths. Other science and health news explores the study of dangerous mosquitos, stuttering and paralympic athletes.
Young People With Chronic Conditions Fear Return To Campuses
With weakened immune systems, they fear COVID could be fatal. Pubic health news is on unanswered questions about COVID, dieting, hydroxychloroquine, and more.
Mask Mandates Prove Effective In Oklahoma
The Oklahoman reports that state data shows cities with mask mandates nearly cut by half the number of new virus infections after three weeks. Other news from around the nation comes from Wisconsin, Montana, South Dakota, Texas, California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Kansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Illinois, Arizona, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico and North Dakota.
‘Building The Bridge As We Cross It’: How Firefighting Is Adapting To COVID
So far, virus protections among wildfire fighters seem to be working, but the battle is far from over. In other news, evacuations at Bay Area hospitals and nursing homes; COVID adaptations at evacuation centers; and how two Gulf Coast storms could hamper the pandemic response.
CDC Director Questions ‘Critical Worker’ Designation For Teachers
Federal and state officials, as well as university leaders, continue to struggle with how to safely bring students and teachers back to day cares and classrooms.
Four Insurance Carriers Hit Big Profits Compared To A Year Ago
Part of the reason is patients putting off care during the pandemic. Industry news looks at mergers, lawsuits, ethics, and surprise medical bills, as well.
Pharma And Trump Square Off On Drug Prices
President Trump, looking for anything positive in health care, hopes to batter drug companies on prices to find a winning campaign issue. Pharma batters back.
DIY Home Tests Can Lead To Abrupt Turn Around In Nation’s Health
Scientists argue the FDA places such strict limits on the tests that few will be approved. News is on India’s problems with fast tests, Michigan’s contract with a company under scrutiny, and more, as well.
Poll Finds Vast Divide Among Parties’ Acceptance Of COVID Death Toll
Republicans are much more likely to say the number of deaths is acceptable when considering how the U.S. is responding to the pandemic and more likely to believe the number is inflated, according to a USA Today survey.
The People Behind The COVID Vaccine Effort
A profile of a Pfizer scientist and a volunteer for a vaccine trial provide a glimpse of the progress being made for a vaccine. Meanwhile, Russians are upset their vaccine didn’t get much attention.
Virus May Be Spreading More Easily In Hospitals As Staff Is Spread Thin
Because of the crush of work in the pandemic, less attention is being devoted to the usual infection control priorities, experts suggest to Modern Healthcare. Reports on a variety of health workforce issues, include a profile of a nurse in Miami who has taken on a mission of helping the dying, Florida’s hollowed out public health infrastructure, care cubes and an amateur epidemiologist who saw the need for face masks early.
