Latest KFF Health News Stories
When Schools Come Back, There Will Be Sweeping Change To Keep Children Safe
Expect social distancing guidelines, masks, hand sanitizers, testing and an effort to protect children with underlying medical conditions, experts say.
A study finds that people are influenced by friends and social circles even when their states are far apart. Because of that, a lack of a national plan has a greater impact than just the resident of each of the states lifting social distancing guidelines.
App Aims To Integrate Transcription Of Medical Visit For Patient’s Record
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center will test the app during some telemedicine calls, providing patients with a recording and transcript of the appointment. The tech also uses artificial intelligence to provide information on symptoms, diagnoses and prescription names. In other health IT news, AI programs aim to help in COVID-19 diagnosis while doctors learn the upsides of telemedicine.
Mental Health Care Is Becoming More Urgent For Front-Line Medical Workers, Hospital Directors Say
“We do expect almost a PTSD [post-traumatic stress syndrome] or second wave of mental-health issues and anxiety to address,” says Dr. Edward M. Ellison, executive medical director of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group. More news on health care workers is on nurses saving nurses and infection rates.
Access To Sexual Health Care Products, Abortions Is Decreasing Across The Globe, Reports Find
Two reports find the supply chains have been disrupted and that governments are using the pandemic to crackdown on services. In other news on women’s health, Republican senators call for an investigation of Planned Parenthood’s use of loans.
Busy Hurricane Season Looms, As Over-Stretched FEMA Tries To Brace For Dual Crises
NOAA is forecasting that up to six major hurricanes could batter the country in the upcoming season, and federal and state emergency funds are already hurting from the pandemic.
South Korea’s Rapid Virus Response Aided By ‘Smart’ Urban Planning System
Developments in the global pandemic are reported out of South Korea, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Russia, Pakistan, Italy and other nations.
Media outlets report on news from Louisiana, Alabama, Nevada, California, Massachusetts, Georgia, Michigan, Utah, and Alaska.
Warnings About Higher Drowning Risks: Cooped Up Kids Eager To Swim Need Closer Supervision
Higher numbers of drownings are already being seen in Texas and Florida. For children ages 1 to 4, drownings are the leading cause of accidental deaths. Other public health news is on quieter places that resemble nighttime, decline in vaccination rates, “immunity passports,” the comfort of helping others and the new normals of air travel.
Higher Hospitalization Rates, More Deaths: Communities Of Color In Urban Hubs Are Hardest Hit
ABC News reviews state and local health data in its analysis on disparities In places like New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C., Atlanta and Phoenix. Other news on communities of color reports on the toll of essential workers, increased interest in a mental health guide and COVID’s path through the poorest state, as well.
The Most Essential Part Of Contact Tracing: Gaining A Skeptical Public’s Trust
Contact tracing is a crucial part of reopening, but privacy fears can keep it from being successful. Getting the public to buy in to the practice will be critical in making sure the efforts work, experts say.
Getting Things From Point A To Point B Used To Be An American Art Form, But Not Anymore
Leaders said the supply chain was strong. But when the pandemic struck, shortages laid bare all those lofty promises.
‘Grimmer Than We Thought’: Economists Warn That Some Jobs Lost During Crisis May Be Gone Forever
Nearly 39 million Americans have lost their jobs so far during the pandemic. Even when the economy starts to come back, it will likely look quite different from the one that closed, experts say. Meanwhile, those trying to get help from the government are stuck navigating a cumbersome and out-of-date unemployment system. And while food banks get a lot of attention, even those who work there say SNAP is more beneficial to people going hungry. Other news touches on worker safety, permanent shifts to remote work and the “coronavirus surcharge.”
McConnell Suggests Next Coronavirus Relief Package ‘Not Too Far Off’ As Senate Adjourns For Week
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) faces increasing pressure from both inside and outside his party to pass another round of relief legislation. But so far he’s been taking a wait-and-see approach, essentially ignoring the $3 trillion bill passed by the House. Meanwhile, the Senate was unable to finalize a deal to extend the amount of time companies have to spend loans obtained through the Paycheck Protection Program.
Yes, Being Outside Lowers Risk Of Transmission, But Crowding Together Ramps It Back Up
There’s a tendency to gather close to friends–and even strangers in popular places–but experts says that’s what will increase someone’s risk of transmission even if they’re outside. In other scientific news on the virus: how patients’ lungs are ravaged, updated CDC guidance on risks, a look at Sweden’s “herd immunity,” and more.
The Associated Press reports on troublesome efforts undertaken for a while in New York where recovering patients were sent to nursing homes, places that even Gov. Andrew Cuomo called “optimum feeding grounds for the virus.” Other nursing home developments include CMS’ new policy for recording deaths as well as reporting from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Massachusetts.
Media outlets look at important developments in the state of testing–both traditional swab testing and antibody tests–throughout the country.
NYC Officials Tap Workers Trained In Deescalating Violence To Help Social Distancing Enforcement
The city has come under intense scrutiny for the racial disparities in its social distancing policing. It’s now trying to work with groups known as “violence interrupters” and “credible messengers” to calmly persuade people to follow the rules.
Mississippi Church That Met Despite Guidelines Burns To Ground In Suspected Arson Attack
“Bet you stay home now you hypokrits,” was spray painted near the Mississippi church. Tensions have been high across the country as churches and religious leaders push back against social distancing guidelines.
Warm Memorial Day Weather Tempts Americans, But States Worry Traveling Tourists Will Bring Virus
The holiday weekend could bring its own set of challenges as cooped up Americans start eyeing beaches, rural tourism and other activities.
