Latest KFF Health News Stories
1.5M More Americans File For Unemployment, But Downward Trend Has Some Cautiously Hopeful
Although unemployment is still at levels unseen in many decades, there are positive signs in the weekly jobs report that indicate the free fall has slowed. However, some warn that states are still dealing with a backlog of claims.
States’ Fragmented Approaches To Contact-Tracing Apps Risk Making Efforts Less Effective
In absence of federal guidance on phone apps to trace viral outbreaks, tech giants Apple and Google are setting their own standards. But many states are rejecting those rules or abandoning the idea altogether, leading to a hodgepodge approach. In other health IT news: the challenges of permanent telehealth benefits; Europe’s message to Google and Facebook; and HHS’ electronic health record reporting program.
Brazilians Living In Favelas Fight Pandemic On Their Own; Virus Resurges In South Korea
Global pandemic developments are reported out of Brazil, South Korea, China, Britain and other nations.
Media outlets report on news from North Carolina, Arkansas, Arizona, Kentucky, Illinois, Hawaii, New York, California, Texas, Maine, Missouri and New Mexico.
New York City Schools Seek Help For Reopening As They’re Forced to Change Admission Traditions
Educators from across the country told a Senate panel Wednesday that budget challenges are their top concern as schools look for ways to safely reopen this fall.
From The Swimming Pool To The Dating Pool, How People Are Reclaiming Their ‘Normal’ Lives
Churches in New York City are offering free coronavirus tests. Airplanes may add shields between seats or ask you to fill out a questionnaire. Still, life goes on for Americans as they adapt to new safety rules.
Jobless Benefits Debate Shows Divide Between Dems’ Stimulus Approach, GOP’s Wait-And-See Mindset
The extra $600 a week in jobless benefits is scheduled to lapse at the end of July. Democrats are pushing for the extra aid to continue, but Republicans are being more hesitant. The issue reflects a larger divide between the parties as they prepare to negotiate the next round of relief. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve gives a grim assessment of the next few years of recovery. And many wonder why billions in small-business aid hasn’t been distributed.
President Donald Trump has been itching to get back on the road and in front of his supporters at rallies. But the stops will be in places that have cases that are creeping up, and the president’s team has shown little desire to implement safety measures. Meanwhile, Trump will meet with law enforcement, pastors and business owners to discuss disparities, while the administration considers an executive order on police violence.
Georgia’s Chaotic Primary Lays Bare Infrastructure, Logistical Challenges Awaiting Both Parties
States are trying to brace themselves for a chaotic election season that may come during another severe wave of the coronavirus. But even with months of warning, Georgia failed to hold its primary successfully, and officials worry about what that means for November.
Advocates Say Issues With Homes For Disabled Americans Are Being Overshadowed By Nursing Homes
Little attention has gone toward facilities that house over 275,000 people with conditions such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism, despite the significant risk posed to any kind of group home, advocates say. Meanwhile, special-needs caregivers are struggling amid the economic downturn.
A Reuters analysis of CMS data shows about a quarter of nursing homes responding to a federal survey reported shortages of direct-care staff during at least one of the last two weeks in May. News on nursing facilities also reports on complaints about FEMA-provided protective gear, a disputed timeline of warnings about the Holyoke Soldiers Home outbreak and the staff’s role in spreading the virus at a VA Center.
Respiratory Disease Typically Fade Out In Summer, But Don’t Count On COVID-19 To Do So
There are positive signs–like the fact that coronavirus spreads far less easily in humid temperatures–that indicate the summer may help curb the pandemic. But it’s unlikely to mostly disappear like the flu and other respiratory illnesses. In other scientific news: ventilators, risk factors, rare symptoms in kids and more.
Still Much To Learn About Immunity From COVID-19, Scientists Warn
Questions linger about whether herd immunity, antibody tests actually make a difference in the spread of coronavirus. Experts say you shouldn’t let your guard down even if you’ve tested positive.
City officials hope to avoid a repeat of the chaotic scramble for medical equipment that marked the early weeks of the pandemic. Meanwhile, states struggle to develop and maintain their testing strategies with little federal guidance.
Vaccine Being Touted As Silver Bullet, But Experts Say Waiting For One Is ‘Poor Exit Strategy’
“The focus should be on doing the hard slog of public health,” said Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh. That difficult work includes mass testing, contact tracing and ramping up support for public health services. Meanwhile, several vaccine contenders move forward in the development process.
Antibody Drug Designed To Treat COVID-19 Specifically Could Be Ready By September
Eli Lilly officials say the therapies could beat a vaccine to widespread use as a COVID-19 treatment. Meanwhile, FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn says he is committed to expediting coronavirus treatments and products.
As Cases Climb Across U.S., Quarantine-Fatigued Leaders Promise They’re Better Equipped For Surge
Public health experts have been nervously eyeing climbing case and hospitalization counts, but there’s little appetite from state leaders to reinstate strict lock-down measures. Media outlets look at where there are upticks and what states are doing in terms of reopening.
Lawmakers In Both Parties Recognizing Need For Police Reform, But What That Looks Like Is Unclear
Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, testified to Congress about police violence and race inequalities. But Congress and advocates have different idea of what real reform would look like. While lawmakers focus on changes like banning chokeholds, many protesters call on cities to take more drastic action like defunding police departments.
Though it can be hard to practice social distancing amid a throng of people, there are steps protesters can take to make it safer. In other health-related news around the protests: many officers in New York City aren’t wearing masks; a call for protesters to get tested; street medics; and more.
Thousands Of Scientists To Strike For Day To Evaluate How Racism Effects Their Research
“Racism in science is enmeshed with the larger scheme of white supremacy in society,” Brian Nord, a physicist, tells The New York Times. “We need to rethink what scientific collaborations should look like. Black people need a seat at the table.” The conversation will be one of many happening across the country as the science and medical community faces a reckoning on its role in the racial divide.
