Latest KFF Health News Stories
Mass. Governor Blames Bachelorette Party In Rhode Island For Sickening 19 People
Gov. Charlie Baker reported the episode as he talked about how “unmanaged” social events are helping to drive the spread of the pandemic. In other news, Delta says it is serious about wearing masks on planes and has added 240 people to its “no-fly” list because they refused.
Add Concerns About Legionnaires’ Disease To Schools’ New Assignments
School officials in Ohio and Pennsylvania have found the bacteria that causes the disease in nine schools. It can form in stagnant water, including systems in unused buildings. Also in the news are developments about COVID protections for schools in New York, Maryland, Georgia, Virginia and Kansas.
Contested Anti-Malarial Drug Used In Nursing Homes, Inspectors Find
Democratic senators sent a letter to federal agencies asking what’s been done to stop unproven treatment, citing the state inspector general reports that found use in at least two nursing homes.
Senators Elected In 2014 On Wave Of ACA Protests Face Potential Whiplash
Republicans who swept to victory in Senate races then are up for reelection and the public is now more comfortable with the law.
D.C. Weighs Reshuffling Coverage For Medicaid Patients
The plan, designed to help Washington, D.C., save money, would place about 100,000 patients this fall onto new health-care plans, some of which do not cover the patients’ current doctors. Meanwhile, state officials in Georgia say they may need $400 million next year because of expected increases in Medicaid expenses.
Administration Considers Collecting Contact Info On Incoming Travelers
Under the proposal, anyone coming into the country — including Americans — would hand over phone numbers and email addresses for possible contact tracing, NBC is reporting. Also in the news, Senate Democrats raise concerns about coronavirus spread in the military.
‘Tragic Impasse’: Pelosi, Meadows Make No Progress In First Relief Bill Talk Since Executive Orders
Negotiations between House Democrats and the White House on another coronavirus stimulus package remain stalled with both sides entrenched about $1 trillion apart.
Pandemic Takes A Back Seat At Republican Convention
Few speakers at the convention talked about the virus, yet more than 42,000 new cases were reported Wednesday and 2,700 people have died since the beginning of the week.
Hurricane Laura’s Wake: Chemical Fire And Fears Of Virus Super-Spreading
The fire erupted at a chlorine production plant near Lake Charles, Louisiana. Meanwhile, experts worry that mass evacuations may result in another wave of virus infections.
Backlash Prompts CDC Director To Soften New Testing Guidance
In his latest statement, CDC Director Robert Redfield said “all close contacts of confirmed or probable COVID-19 patients” can consider testing. A lack of evidence and potential politics behind the abrupt change — advising exposed people not to get tested if asymptomatic — sparked harsh questions from scientists and lawmakers.
US Set To Buy 150 Million Rapid COVID Tests From Abbott Labs
The White House announced plans on Thursday for the $750 million purchase. President Donald Trump also claimed on Thursday that a vaccine would be available by the end of the year.
Most In US, UK Say Their Government Has Handled COVID Badly: Poll
The survey results contrast with the results of people surveyed in 12 other wealthy nations, where most people said their country has done a good job managing the crisis.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Viewpoints: CDC’s New Message On Testing Is Incorrect; New Alcohol Guidelines Are Tough To Swallow
Opinion writers express views on these public health issues and others.
Research Roundup: COVID In Children; Diabetes; Gonorrhea; Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Global news is from Russia, Mexico, China, Germany, South Korea, and India.
‘Massive Criminal Attack’: Fraud Hinders Unemployment Claim Process
COVID news and events affecting health are from Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Massachusetts, Georgia, and other states.
Experts Weigh In On How To Protect Your Lungs From Wildfire Smoke
Learn to understand the Air Quality Index and check it throughout the day, health experts say. Other public health news includes a study on opioid-related deaths and health problems near a dumping ground.
Study: Fake Cures, Poor Medical Advice Spread On Social Media
Postings pose significant risk to the consumer, according to researchers at the University Of California medical school. Public health news on the pandemic is on over-night camps, hair salons, homeless essential workers, and more
