Latest KFF Health News Stories
Next Coronavirus Relief Negotiations Could Hinge On Jobless Benefits With Millions Unemployed
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is already making clear Republicans will not support an extension of the extra unemployment benefits Congress passed in March. Democrats, on the other hand, want to push it further. Meanwhile, states and cities plead with lawmakers for more aid.
Unlike Other Respiratory Infections, Novel Coronavirus Can Make The Jump Into Blood Vessel Cells
The new findings that the novel coronavirus can infect endothelial cells could explain the wide range of baffling symptoms exhibited by coronavirus patients–from COVID toes to strokes and heart attacks. Scientists say that respiratory viruses don’t typically leave the lungs. In other scientific news: a look at what dose it takes to get really sick; a suggestion that the virus may be losing its potency; a look at who is getting infected; and more.
As States Reopen, Demand For Plexiglass Is Booming Like Never Before
States and businesses are trying to protect their residents and workers with new safety measures–including putting up plexiglass between cashiers and costumers. It’s just one example of the new, booming marketplaces created by the virus. Media outlets also look at where states stand on their plans to reopen.
Testing Can Still Depend On Who You Know, Exacerbating Socioeconomic Disparities In Outbreak
A lack of a national allocation system has created a patchy landscape of unequal testing access. In some places anyone can get a test. In others it’s a struggle. The divide threatens to worsen disparities that are already influencing the crisis. Meanwhile, Japan reports success in bucking the “test, test, test” model that’s being championed by public health experts worldwide. In other news: not everyone is rushing to get a test; should people get one even without symptoms?; costs continue to be a factor even with the promise of a free test; and more.
Supreme Court Denies Church’s Request To Overturn California’s Restrictions On Religious Gatherings
Chief Justice John Roberts said that it wasn’t judges’ place to substitute their judgment for health experts and elected officials who appear to be acting in good faith. While some churches moved ahead with plans for Pentecost services, others are being more cautious in reopening.
In Strange Twist, Getting Outbreak Under Control Actually Hamstrings Vaccine Research
Scientists say that there might not be enough of the virus circulating within some populations to get a sense of a vaccine’s efficacy. They might have to search out hot spots to get convincing results. In other vaccine news: some worry “Operation Warp Speed” sends the wrong message to those who already doubt the safety of vaccines; Moderna moves ahead with its trials; China suggests it may have a vaccine by the end of the year; and more.
Trump’s Decision To Withdraw From WHO Could Leave Profound Damage In Its Wake, Experts Warn
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. will terminate its relationship with the global health agency, which has become a scapegoat for the administration when questioned about its own response in the early days of the pandemic. Experts say that the move will deeply hurt world-wide public health efforts beyond the pandemic. Meanwhile, WHO launches a voluntary pool to collect product patent rights, regulatory test data and other information that could be shared to develop drugs, vaccines and diagnostics to combat the virus.
U.S. Sends 2 Million Doses Of Controversial Anti-Malarial Drug To Hard-Hit Brazil
Studies of hydroxychloroquine have been halted because of its dangerous side effects. There’s also no scientific evidence that the drug helps treat or prevent the coronavirus. Yet the United States has now sent 2 million doses of it to Brazil, which is being devastated by the virus. The U.S. also sent 1,000 ventilators. News outlets report other treatment news, as well.
“We were never really blind when it came to surveillance” said CDC Director Robert Redfield, adding that it would have been like “looking for a needle in a haystack.” Experts dismiss that defense of the agency’s early testing response as “preposterous,” saying Redfield’s statement ignores that flu surveillance samples were not tested for COVID-19 in real time.
As America’s Death Toll Climbed Toward 100,000, Trump Relied On Distractions And Spectacle
The Washington Post looks at what unfolded within the White House during May, from President Donald Trump’s announcement he was taking an experimental and dangerous drug to his social media gambit at the end of the month. Meanwhile, the White House is reportedly divided over whether to address the rising racial tensions in the country. And Trump postpones the G-7 summit amid the pandemic.
Americans flooded the streets by the thousands over the past days to protest the death of George Floyd, racial inequity and police brutality. Health experts worry that the mass gatherings could set off another wave of the coronavirus. Black Americans have already suffered in disproportionate numbers from the outbreak, and could bear the brunt of the new infections.
Whether Outbreak Is Receding Or Surging Depends On What State You’re Standing In
Some areas of the U.S. are on the downward slope of COVID-19 peaks but others report stubbornly high or rising numbers. Overall the country has confirmed more than 1.7 million cases and nearly 104,000 deaths to date.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
Each week, KHN finds interesting reads from around the Web.
New Study Confirms Patients With Cancer Or In Remission Have Higher Death Risk From COVID-19
The international study appearing in Lancet reports that 13% of cancer patents are likely to die within 30 days. Other studies for people without cancer find the case fatality at 5.9%. Other news on underlying conditions is on obesity.
Contact tracing is exhausting, time-consuming work. And even states putting money into the process are not doing it at levels that match what’s needed to keep the outbreak under control, experts say. Meanwhile, some scientists get on board with the push to test cities’ sewage.
Other Health Care News: Inmate Safety, Bacteria And Tumors, Preemie Technology And More
A look at some of the health news developments that are happening alongside the pandemic.
In Likely Second Wave Hospitals Promise Care Will Be ‘More Rational With Less Sense Of Desperation’
Doctors and hospitals learned some hard lessons over the past few months. When the second wave hits in the fall, though, they say they’ll be more prepared to handle the surge. In other news, a look at how the pandemic is likely to shape the future of hospital designs.
Editorial pages focus on these health topics and others.
