Latest KFF Health News Stories
Midwest States Are Latest Regional Area To Form Coalition To Reopen Economy
Seven Midwestern governors are banding together to plan a way to gracefully restart their economies, stressing that they’ll take “a fact-based, data-driven approach.” The neighbors’ partnership is just the latest — following in the footsteps of West and East Coast states — in a tacit agreement that disease knows no state boundaries. Meanwhile, some Americans grow weary of the shutdown, but a majority worry that states will reopen too soon.
By Keeping Conversations Informal With Economic Panel, Trump Can Circumvent Transparency Laws
The Federal Advisory Committee Act requires outside advisory committees to hold open meetings and issue public reports, but since the conversations with members of the economic panel are being characterized as casual, they don’t have to be recorded. Notably, the White House also avoided the term “committee” in its announcement. In other news on the Trump administration’s to the crisis: the president’s WHO decision draws backlash, Trump’s former personal attorney released from prison early amid virus fears, Dr. Anthony Fauci’s popularity soars, and more.
Trump Releases 3-Phase Plan To Reopen Country, But Admits Governors Are At The Wheel
“We are not opening all at once, but one careful step at a time,” President Donald Trump said. The plan leans heavily on the idea that some states that have not been as hard-hit can reopen quicker than hot spots. Trump also walked back prior claims that he has “total” authority on lifting shut-down measures. “You’re going to call your own shots,” he told governors on a call to discuss the guidelines.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
The question of whether the coronavirus can be “aerosolized” has stirred controversy for weeks, with many people focusing on coughing and sneezing. But a new study shows that even speaking closely to someone is enough to do it. In other science and innovation news: organ damage, obesity, diabetic patients, UV light, social distancing, and more.
Race For A Cure Is So Scattershot And Rushed That It Could Backfire, Experts Warn
Scientists around the world have dropped everything to work on a COVID-19 cure, but that’s not always the most successful strategy. “It’s a cacophony — it’s not an orchestra. There’s no conductor,” said Derek Angus, chair of the department of critical care medicine at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In other news, a potential treatment sets off a diplomatic war and doctors start focusing on blood clots’ role in the disease.
The report from one of the nation’s major insurers reveals the complicated impact that the coronavirus is having on the health system.
Pharmacy Chains Won’t Face Charges In Sprawling Bellwether Opioid Lawsuits, Appeals Court Rules
A U.S. appeals court rules that large pharmacy chains, like CVS, Rite-Aid and Walgreens, will not face liability charges in ongoing opioid litigation for their alleged role in the opioid epidemic as dispensaries. Many cities, counties and states have joined together to sue drug makers, wholesalers, and pharmacies–though progress on the cases filed in Ohio have slowed due to the pandemic. In drug-related news, hospices have trouble disposing of opioids once a patient has died.
Editorial page writers express views on these pandemic issues and others.
California To Give Aid To Immigrants Living In Country Illegally Who Have Been Hurt By Coronavirus
“We feel a deep sense of gratitude for people that are in fear of deportations that are still addressing essential needs of tens of millions of Californians,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom, who noted 10% of the state’s workforce are immigrants living in the country illegally who paid more than $2.5 billion in state and local taxes last year.
Adm. Michael Gilday, chief of naval operations, is reviewing whether he can reinstate Captain Brett Crozier, who is in isolation on Guam with the coronavirus. Crozier was removed from command on April 2 for writing a letter asking for help for his crew that went viral. Either way, President Donald Trump could overrule the admiral’s decision. Other military news is on ways organizations are supporting troops, as well.
Circuit Court Allows Texas To Provide Medical Abortions, But Other States Pose New Legal Challenges
More than half a dozen states tried to ban abortions during the pandemic, deeming them nonessential procedures. While a circuit court is allowing some procedures to proceed in Texas, cases brought by other state’s providers might end up before the Supreme Court. News is reported on how women are being forced to travel long distances, as well.
Number Of Meat Workers Testing Positive For COVID-19 Skyrockets
More than 500 employees working at a Smithfield facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, tested positive. Meat plants across the country have been worried about having to close as workers get sick.
Media outlets report on news from Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Hungary, India, China, South Korea and Kyrgyzstan, as well.
Media outlets report on news from Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nebraska, Vermont, New Hampshire, Michigan, Iowa, Florida, California, District of Columbia, Wisconsin, Texas, and Massachusetts.
Could A Saliva Test Modeled After 23 And Me Kits Be The Answer To Nationwide Shortages?
The FDA approved saliva tests, but experts say there remains some question as to whether the levels of virus in the saliva would be high enough to be reliably detected. Meanwhile, scientists wonder if the power of CRISPR could be tapped to help with testing. In other news: CT scans could offer a quick diagnosis, antibody tests hold clues to exposure, Abbott launches another test, and more.
Because of widespread protective-gear shortages, nurses across the country have been asked to wear the same masks, gowns, face shields and other equipment for days on end. Health care providers have been vocal about the issue since the outbreak began, but the New York State Nurses Association’s case is the first taken to the courts. In other news on health-care workers: wealthy hospitals woo providers; front-line workers report on nightmarish scenarios; a look at how doctor’s offices struggle amid crisis; and more.
Administration officials and congressional Republicans have pushed for a quick infusion of cash to keep the program going but Democrats have demanded that any legislation includes more money for health systems, food aid and testing efforts.
