Latest KFF Health News Stories
In Just 5 Days, 1 Million New Cases: Global Coronavirus Spike Alarms WHO
From July 6 through July 10, the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases totaled 1,046,200. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said “too many countries are headed in the wrong direction” and called out world leaders for their mixed messaging.
California’s Biggest School Districts Will Be Online-Only, But Orange County Goes Opposite Direction
Students won’t attend in-person school in Los Angeles or San Diego. Meanwhile, students in Orange County won’t even be required to wear a mask or keep 6 feet apart.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Lessons On Safest Ways, Places To Teach Children This Fall
Opinion writers weigh in on educating children during the pandemic. Like the country as a whole, opinion is divided.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics and others.
COVID Flare-ups Across The Globe
While the United States struggles with the pandemic, hotspots continue to occur in other countries, including Mexico, Italy, England, Spain, Lebanon and Kazakhstan.
Japanese Upset Over COVID’s Spread At U.S. Base
As COVID-19 spreads among Marines on a large U.S. base in Japan, local officials want the U.S. government to step up its response.
Gov. Cuomo’s Order To House COVID Patients In Nursing Homes Scrutinized
Critics have called for investigations to see if the Cuomo administration’s directive forcing nursing homes to accept coronavirus patients from hospitals created a dangerous environment that allowed the virus to quickly spread in New York. But state officials are fighting back. Meanwhile, visits to residents in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in parts of the country are slowly resuming and other nursing home news.
Masks Still Not Mandatory In Badly Hit Florida And Arizona
COVID response news from half the states in the union and the news is not pretty or optimistic.
As COVID Hits Hard In Minority Communities, Concerns Rise About Mental Health And Suicide Risks
Social distancing urged by health officials to stave off the virus may lead to other health problems for some people with depression and anxiety. At the same time, new data looks at the toll in Black and Hispanic areas, and some communities are reaching out to minority neighborhoods to inform residents about efforts to stop the infections; plus other developments in the fight the coronavirus.
Kelly Preston, 57, Dies Of Breast Cancer
The actress and wife of John Travolta had been fighting the disease for two years.
NBA Physicians Concerned About ‘Unknown’ Consequences On Lungs, Heart
In other COVID-related sports news, the NHL shifts operations to Canada as a last resort and an MLB closer is diagnosed, as well.
Adult Entertainers, Sex Workers Struggle To Do Jobs, Stay 6 Feet Apart
In Florida, some strip clubs have been shut down for violating social-distancing rules. And in Hamburg, Germany, where prostitution is legal, sex workers say they’re being deprived of their livelihoods.
When And How To Resume Church Services Remain Tough Questions
Fights between public health officials and church leaders continue, including two confrontations in hard-hit California recently. In Utah, Mormon leaders are asking followers to wear masks.
Businesses Struggle With Reopening Plans
How will businesses ensure workers are safe at work from the spread of the coronavirus? Meanwhile, pity the poor interns who must work alone from home.
‘Back To School’ Will Be Far From Back To Normal: Educators, Health Experts Raise Concerns
The Trump administration is pressuring localities to restart school to help get the country back to normal. But public health officials urge a more cautious approach, and local officials are looking for answers.
‘I Thought This Was A Hoax’: 30-Year-Old’s Regret On Deathbed Was Going To COVID Party, Doctor Says
Dr. Jane Appleby, chief medical officer for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, said she shared the story not to scare people but to make sure they understand anyone of any age can die from the virus. Other news on telehealth, health care workers’ families, children’s mental health, research on bat viruses, food supply and more, as well.
Reports Of Long-Term Heart Damage From COVID Puzzle Health Officials
Scientists are finding surprising damage, including reports that young, healthy patients with no history of heart disease showed signs that COVID-19 had taken a hefty toll on the heart.
Come Back For Routine Health Care, Patients Urged
Hospital systems warn against a “second health crisis” if people don’t return. In other industry news: Who’s paying for COVID tests?; grandfathered plans in the ACA; Sutter’s antitrust deal; and more.
The use of Gilead Sciences’s antiviral drug expands worldwide as more results from testing are announced. High hopes for the drug are tempered by shortages.
