Latest KFF Health News Stories
Lack Of Diversity In Fast-Tracked Vaccine Trials Worries Experts
Minorities are underrepresented in the nation’s first large-scale clinical trial of a COVID-19 vaccine, federal data show. And efficacy for kids and women who are pregnant is also unknown since neither group is yet tested.
Details Of Senate Republicans’ ‘Skinny’ Relief Bill Emerge
A draft of the measure, obtained by The New York Times, proposes funding levels and corporate liability protections that have been sticking points in previous stimulus negotiations with Democrats.
Administration Eyes Broader Revamp Of State Public Health Data Reporting
On the heels of a bumpy takeover of hospital COVID-19 data, President Donald Trump wants the Department of Health and Human Services to overhaul federal collection of state and local public health information. And HHS offers up its 10-year plan to address the nation’s top public health issues.
Postmaster General Backs Off Changes But Union Leaders Say Damage Is Already Done
Under public pressure, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy suspends efforts to remove equipment or cut hours until after the election. But postal union leaders say that dismantled machines and removed collection boxes are not likely to be restored to handle the pandemic-fueled flood of mail-in ballots.
Biden Pledges Health Care Protections, Expansion As He Secures Nomination
Nodding to a hot-button issue at the Democrats’ virtual convention, presidential nominee Joe Biden said he would “provide a Medicare-like option as a public option.” Catch up on Tuesday’s other highlights and a night one fact check.
‘Epidemic Is Changing’: WHO Warns Under-40s Are Spreading COVID
“People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are increasingly driving the spread,” said Takeshi Kasai, the WHO’s Western Pacific regional director, warning that those cases spill over to more vulnerable populations. The alert comes while U.S. schools trying to reopen report infections.
Sturgis Rally Drew Huge Crowd; COVID Cases Could Spread Across US
The South Dakota Department of Health said one person who spent several hours at a bar on Main Street has tested positive and may have spread it to others at t eh South Dakota motorcycle rally. Maine, New Jersey and Illinois are also in the news.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers express views on these pandemic issues and others.
Media outlets report on news from Japan, Australia, Panama, South Korea, France, Spain and South Africa.
Editorial writers focus on these public health issues and others.
In Midwest Tour, Birx Urges People To Protect One Another
Media outlets report on news from Oklahoma, New York, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Iowa and elsewhere.
Study: People With High Levels Of BPA Have Higher Risk Of Death
In other public health news: red cabbage is suspected in a Cyclospora outbreak; less than half of U.S. kids are aerobically fit; companies are adjusting their benefits packages to help with fertility treatments; and more.
Number Of Kids With Type 1 Diabetes Soared During Pandemic, Study Finds
Researchers in the U.K. are investigating a possible link to COVID after they learned that some of the children “had active coronavirus or had previously been exposed to the virus,” Reuters has reported.
Children With Special Needs Face Greater Challenges As Schools Reopen
The mask requirement alone can be problematic, many parents say. In other news: parents struggle to balance work needs with school needs; one Kansas teacher has tracked COVID’s effects in K-12 schools; a new study cautions reliance on fever checks; and more.
Doctors On Front Lines Fight Social Media Misinformation — And Often Lose
For example, thousands of people have died or been hospitalized for drinking highly concentrated doses of alcohol, a social media rumor said to kill the virus. News on health care personnel is also on the resignations of public health officials and more.
UNC Slams Brakes On Classes; Other Colleges Can’t Seem To Rev Up, Either
Meanwhile, videos of college students having parties are still cropping up. Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House’s top coronavirus adviser, say the parties are driving the spread of COVID.
‘A Disconnect’: Insurer Sees Loophole In Trump Policy On Pooled Tests
Cigna initially said it wouldn’t cover any pooled COVID-19 testing in a coverage policy that went into effect on Aug. 1. Heath industry news is on refunds, telehealth, remote working at Mass General, and more.
Reaching ‘Herd Immunity’ Might Be Easier Than Thought, Researchers Say
Scientists are now suggesting that herd immunity is achievable if 50%, not 70%, of a given population becomes immune through vaccination or surviving the infection. In other scientific news: is there a weekly COVID pattern?; a new mutation may be less deadly; and more.
White House Aide Slams Kodak For ‘Dumbest Decisions … In Corporate History’
Kodak is accused of violating insider-trading laws for disclosing a $765 million loan it won from the federal government to make pharmaceutical ingredients.
