Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump Administration Decides Against Re-Opening Health Law Enrollment In Midst Of Crisis
Facing the looming surge of coronavirus patients, some states have re-opened their marketplaces for residents to sign up for insurance coverage under the health law. Although the Trump administration considered following suit, it has decided to pursue other options.
President Donald Trump and his coronavirus task force, including Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx, struck a serious tone Tuesday saying Americans must brace for a “bad two weeks.” They also projected that at least 100,000 Americans could succumb to the coronavirus even with strict social distancing measures in place. Without the shutdown, the number would skyrocket higher.
Opinion writers weigh in on public health topics stemming from the pandemic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: COVID-19 Vaccine Might Be Worth Government Turning A Blind Eye To Pharma Profits
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Pre-Term Birth Drug Calls Into Question FDA’s Prolific Use Of Expedited Approval Process
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical development and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Editorial pages focus on these topics stemming from the pandemic and others.
The Washington Post takes a look at Johnson & Johnson’s operations in Tasmania, which produced genetically modified “supper poppy” plants. In other public health news: e-cigarettes, mental health services, Alzheimer’s treatments, and dementia.
Outbreaks In Los Angeles County Nursing Homes Nearly Quadruple
The county released names of 11 homes with outbreaks and is working with them on infection control, quarantine and isolation protocols. Also, NBC reports more than 400 long-term care facilities have confirmed cases. News on nursing homes comes from New York and Louisiana, as well.
‘Ticking Time Bombs’: Inmates Express Concerns About Inability To Escape Pandemic In NYC Jails
An inmate tells The New York Times about lying ”back to back” with other men like on a “slave ship” and being guarded by men who had little protective gear. So far, about 170 prisoners have tested positive in the city. Officials around the country grapple with how to respond to the crisis as at least 8 states have inmates who tested positive. News on the prison system is from California, Illinois, Indiana and Georgia, as well.
Meet The Controversial Doctor Who Touts The Use Of Malaria Drugs To Fight Coronavirus
Didier Raoult, the head of a university hospital institute in Marseille, France has been a leading voice in the fight to use a malaria drug to treat COVID-19. But the self-described “maverick” has a storied history of controversial remarks.
Although Some Cities Have Banned Evictions, Advocates See Need For More Extreme Measures
The idea of a rent strike, where rent is waived instead of delayed, is gaining momentum on social media platforms as millions face the first of the month without any way to meet their bills. Meanwhile, a spate of major companies announced furloughs on Monday in the latest sign of the country’s economic distress from the crisis.
‘Tremendous Resource’: More Than 7,000 Scientists Respond To Researcher’s Tweet To Join Database
Government agencies are tapping into the nationwide database created last week by a 34-year-old Harvard University scientist looking for others wanting to volunteer to help fight the virus. Other public health news is on what makes coronavirus so risky for the elderly, a call to loosen blood donor restrictions, advice from two women who survived Spanish Flu, Holocaust, plasma treatments, and high risks for cancer patients.
Funding Cuts Come As Gut-Punch To New York Hospitals Stretched To The Limits With Surge Of Patients
“During a time I need to commit all the energy I have to really save lives and expand access and not skimp on resources, now I have to worry about how we’re going to continue to pay our bills,” said Dr. David Perlstein, CEO of St. Barnabas Hospital. In other hospital news: rural areas worry about already tight resources, outbreak deniers film activity outside facilities, White House asks for data on patients, cities and states scramble to set up overflow locations, and more.
It’s not just equipment and gear where there are shortages: doctors and other health providers are being stretched thin, as well. To help alleviate some the strain, states and hospitals are asking for help from places that are not in crisis yet, along with calling on retirees and med students. Meanwhile, a lack of protective gear continues to endanger the workers.
Democrats Had A Battle Plan Ready Against Trump For 2020 Election. Now It’s Likely Moot.
President Donald Trump’s reelection chances are likely to rest upon his response to the pandemic, and there’s not much Democrats can do other than wait and watch. Issues like gun control, climate change, immigration and other hot-button topics are likely to fall to the wayside in face of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Trump touts his own performance to voters as he tries to sell a message that he’s handled the crisis well.
Allowing Gun Stores To Remain Open As Essential Prompts Concerns From Gun Control Advocates
The Trump administration recommended that states designate gun stores as a critical business during the pandemic. That guidance drew criticism who says that gun rights groups are sowing fears to drive up sales. “Adding more guns to more homes during a time of more anxiety could lead to more deaths. And that’s the last thing we need when our hospitals are already bursting at the seams,” John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, a leading gun control group, told Reuters. Many states, including New Jersey are keeping the stores open.
Pandemic Opens Window Of Opportunity For Global Autocrats To Expand Their Power, Quell Any Dissent
Extraordinary times may call for extraordinary measures, but will government leaders relinquish their new power once the crisis has passed? Many fear that it will erase democratic gains made in some countries. Global news comes out of China, North Korea, Sweden, Mexico and Europe, as well.
Governors Given Free Rein By Trump, But There’s Only So Much They Can Do Without Federal Help
“That is a Darwinian approach to federalism; that is states’ rights taken to a deadly extreme,” said Martin O’Malley, the former Maryland governor who served for eight years on the Homeland Security Task Force of the National Governors Association. Some view President Donald Trump’s decision to let states take the lead as a way for him to avoid the worst of the criticism in the midst of the pandemic. Meanwhile, states who haven’t issued shut-down orders are facing increasing pressure to do so. And media outlets look at how states are being impacted by the crisis.
Some are wondering if it would have been smart for Americans to wear masks in the early days of the outbreak. There’s still no simple consensus on best practices, especially in the midst of mask shortages for health care workers, but the CDC is considering altering its recommendation that people cover their faces in some way. Meanwhile, WHO stands by its recommendation for healthy people not to wear masks.
