Latest KFF Health News Stories
Advocates Balk After Texas, Ohio Categorize Abortions As Nonessential Procedures
The states say they are trying to protect public health, but abortion rights advocates say the leaders are capitalizing on a crisis to further their own political agenda.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the 2020 Democratic front-runner, has a tricky tightrope to walk, and some critics wonder if he’s managed to be effective as he tries to step back into the public spotlight. Meanwhile, the outbreak continues to upend the elections, from questions on what to do abut the Democratic National Convention to the debate over main-in voting.
Although the mortality rates among young people are still low, they are being hospitalized in rates that some might not have realized because of early messaging around the demographics of patients.
Understanding Architecture Of This Particular Coronavirus Can Help Scientists Destroy It
This coronavirus is sneaky and deadly, utilizing some of the most effective weapons in viruses’ toolbelts. For example, it had a proofreading mechanism that allows it to fix mutations before they grow out of control and effect the spread of the virus. In other news: early symptoms to watch for, what it’s like to be infected, scientists scramble to find answers, and social distancing.
The move follows a recent inspection of the Life Care Center of Kirkland, a nursing home near Seattle, which is tied so far to 35 coronavirus deaths. CMS said the inspection found three major violations at the facility that put residents in imminent danger.
Health experts say at this point, locality should be taken into account. For health care systems like New York City and Seattle, they know the surge is coming. For other places, it might be worthwhile using supplies to help identify where the virus is going to spike next. Meanwhile, the California medical board is investigating doctors who offered rich clients a test in the early days of the outbreak.
The state of New York already has nearly 60% of the confirmed cases in the country and warns the peak won’t come for another month and a half. The state with the second most cases is neighbor New Jersey. Media outlets report on efforts under way to contain COVID-19 in these and other states.
Vaccine May Be Available In Limited Supply To Some Health Care Workers As Early As The Fall
Experts have consistently said it will likely take at least a year before any vaccine could be deployed widely, but Moderna officials said their version might be available under emergency-use authorization sooner than that. And after President Donald Trump touted the promising results of a malaria medication, there was a run on the drug and those who need it for reasons other than the coronavirus are facing shortages. Meanwhile, a man in Arizona died after taking the drug, highlighting the risk of promising miracle cures.
Strategic Stockpile Of Medical Gear, Equipment Falling Far Short Of Needs, States And Hospitals Say
State and local governments are scrambling to secure medical equipment for the expected surge of patients as well as protective gear for their health workers. But leaders say they’re only receiving a fraction of what they’ve requested from the national stockpile. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning hoarding of scarce medical equipment, and doctors begin to think about rationing care.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care topics during the pandemic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Fauci May Be Earning Praise From Public, But President Might Be Losing Patience With Doctor
Dr. Anthony Fauci has emerged as a leading voice in the government’s response. But as he continues to correct President Donald Trump’s statements on the outbreak, some think the White House may be growing tired of the contrast. Meanwhile, Trump’s daily briefings give him a way to present himself and his message to voters despite social distancing measures.
Trump Mulls Lifting Social Distancing Recommendations In Face Of Economic Concerns
President Donald Trump signaled a growing willingness to restart the economy despite public health experts’ advice that the country should be more strict on shutting down. Meanwhile, states that hesitated to shut down could become the “next Italy,” some warn.
Some Economists Worry That U.S. Might Slip Into Depression Rather Than A Short-Lived Recession
Amid massive job losses, economists offer estimates unseen since the Great Depression that began in 1929 and continued for a brutal decade. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve continues to take drastic measures to try to keep the economy from collapsing, and some wonder if it’s time to shut down the stock market. Other economic news focuses on mortgages and workers, as well.
Senate On Cusp Of Agreement On Wide-Ranging $2T Stimulus Package
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said they had not come to agreement like they’d hoped on Monday night, but they seemed optimistic they’d be able to get there soon. They gave no specifics about remaining obstacles, but Democrats have been opposed to the lack of restrictions that Republicans’ proposal places on corporate bailouts. Meanwhile, after Sen. Rand Paul (R-K.Y.) tested positive for COVID-19, some lawmakers are concerned about the health risks of gathering in the Capitol.
Editorial pages express views about policies being shaped by COVID-19 and other issues, as well.
Being shut away in their homes carries extra risk for Americans who are disabled or abused by family members. “We’re going to be seeing some deaths in our caseloads,” said one Florida social worker. “We might not even know about it until they’ve been dead for several days.”
Chief Of Summer Olympics In Tokyo Admits Postponement Is Being ‘Closely Examined’
Some Olympic athletes and sports associations have called for a delay to the July games, but organizers have been reluctant to alter the start date. Other global news on the pandemic looks at lessons from Italy, President Trump’s offer to help North Korea, good news from South Korea, public health concerns about religious practices, Spain examines harsher confinement measures, European countries build temporary hospitals, New Zealand and India weigh lockdowns, and an 88-year-old holocaust survivor is Israel’s first loss.
Unsubscribing Times: All Those ‘Reassuring’ Emails From Companies Can Just Pile On More Anxiety
At first, people seemed to feel safer after receiving emails about steps companies are taking to protect them. But now for many it’s become way too much and they’re not even opening them, The Wall Street Journal reports. Technology news is on scams increasing, testing and privacy concerns rising, and new business trends emerging, as well.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said allowing construction workers, staff and cooks to mingle with the residents of Atria Willow Wood ”is exactly what you’re not supposed to do.” In Florida, nearly 20 facilities suspect or confirm cases. One quarter of all COVID-19 deaths have occurred at elder care facilities. Beyond Seattle facilities where the virus was first reported, the pandemic has emerged in 22 states operating senior facilities including Louisiana, Ohio, and Virginia.
