Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Supporters Cheer Trump’s Car Ride; Medical Professionals Call It ‘Reckless’
Health concerns center on the risks to the Secret Service agents present in the hermetically sealed vehicle with a COVID-positive Donald Trump. The president opted to leave Walter Reed Medical Center for a few minutes Sunday night to wave to gathered supporters from the presidential SUV.
Trump Could Be Discharged Today; Treatments Suggest Severe Case Of COVID
Few and sometimes contradictory details about President Donald Trump’s health have been made public, despite press briefings from his doctors who say they are encouraged by his progress. Information that has been provided — such as dropping blood oxygen levels and aggressive treatments that include experimental drugs — hint that the president has been seriously sick.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Lessons On Trump’s Positive Test For COVID; Be Wary Of Family Gatherings, As Well
Editorial pages focus on the news of President Trump announcing he tested positive and other health issues, as well.
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 COVID, dyslexia, selective mutism and mysterious ankle pain.
Egypt Targets Gays, Lesbians With Arrests, Torture, Rights Group Says
Human Rights Watch says police and security officers routinely pick up suspected LGBT people off the streets and detain them in “inhuman conditions.” In other news, some Russian journalists are getting a new COVID vaccine there and an Irish court isn’t impressed with Subway’s bread.
Bob Murray Files For Black Lung Benefits — After Years Of Fighting Mine Safety Regulations
Murray is the former CEO and president of the now-bankrupt Murray Energy. Other state news comes from Indiana, South Dakota, Utah, Oklahoma, California, North Carolina, Maryland and New York.
Lawyers Claim Police Did Not Obstruct Breathing Of Prude
The medical examiner ruled Daniel Prude’s death a homicide. Lawyers say his interpretation was a medical one not a legal one. News is also on poverty and racism and Black physicians on the front lines.
Nearly 20,000 Amazon Employees Have Contracted COVID Since March
Documents on Amazon’s injury rates among the company’s warehouse workers are also revealed. Other news on public health focuses on body fat and longevity; salmonella and hedgehogs; and job loss among moms during the pandemic.
HHS Releases $20B More For Providers In Relief Funding
The agency said to apply soon because the money will go fast. News is on additional funding for HIV care, cyberattacks, unequal pay for female physicians and more.
PhRMA Knocks President On Diversity Training
The powerful trade group very publicly attacks President Trump’s order to end diversity training. In other pharmaceutical industry news: Congress looks at a “cash cow” drug; and how the FDA should regulate artificial intelligence used in health care.
Supplies Of Remdesivir Will Be Sold To Hospitals, Not Through HHS
Media reports are on treatments, vaccine trials and more.
Medicare Advantage Plans Expanding
A number of health insurers are pitching more expansive Medicare Advantage plans. It’s a lucrative line of business.
Traces Of Virus Detected In Water; Rapid Spit Tests Slow In Coming
There is no evidence water can spread the virus, but researchers say knowing where to look for the virus is key in dealing with future infections. News is on testing, contact tracing and more, as well.
