Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Last week, and new 5.2 million people filed jobless claims, which was down from the previous week’s record number but still enough to drive the country toward Great Depression-levels of unemployment. The losses are also notable in how quickly they’ve played out. In the financial crisis starting in 2008, it took two years for 8.6 million Americans to lose their jobs. And the actual unemployed numbers could be much higher due to filing difficulties applicants face with state systems.
Following An Anonymous Tip, New Jersey Officials Discover 17 Dead At Nursing Home
“They were just overwhelmed by the amount of people who were expiring,” said Eric Danielson, the police chief in Andover, New Jersey. The 17 bodies were among 68 recent deaths linked to the long-term care facility, Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Center I and II, including two nurses. Meanwhile, nursing home deaths across the country continue to soar.
Health officials have been warning for more than a decade about the dangers of epidemics in jails and prisons, which are ideal environments for viral outbreaks. Seventeen infected inmates have died at federal prisons across the U.S. since late March.
