Latest KFF Health News Stories
Experts say the risk of the virus lingering on the mailings is highly unlikely and dangers of loneliness are severe. Other news on seniors in care facilities is on reductions in care and a shortage of intensive care beds, as well.
New York Governor Cuomo’s Informed Daily Briefings Are Attracting Hordes Of Followers
In contrast to President Donald Trump’s style at briefings, the governor is getting praise for his sense of urgency, tactics and ability to handle a crisis. News is from Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, as well.
Governor Newsom Orders 40 Million Californians To Stay At Home As State’s Outbreak Escalates
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday night, “We will look back at these decisions as pivotal” as models predict that more than half of the state could become infected. Other news from California reports on rising unemployment, the death of a young man, and more.
Administration officials insist the policies are necessary to stem the outbreak. Immigration news is on groups pushing for the release of thousands of detainees from detention facilities unable to handle spread of the disease and negotiations to close borders temporarily with Mexico and Canada.
Coronavirus Upends Day-To-Day Operation Of Criminal Justice System
“The new normal is complete chaos right now,” said Steven Halpert, juvenile division chief for the public defender’s office in Harris County, Texas. Meanwhile, advocates ask for the release of inmates amid fears that the outbreak could spread like wildfire in the nation’s jails.
How Did Rich Americans Get Tests When There Were Shortages?
As more celebrities and sports professionals announce the results of their tests, Americans who were denied tests even when showing worrying symptoms wonder at the disparity. Meanwhile, testing may have ramped up, but frustration over the chaos as the beginning of the crisis remains.
Walmart To Hire 150,000 Temporary Workers, Pay $550 Million in Staff Bonuses
The announcement comes amid sharp increases in layoffs in other industries, highlighting the fact that the economic impact of the virus is more complex than it might seem.
Tech Tools Play Role In Keeping People Connected To Doctors, Health Officials And Co-Workers
Smartphones and watches, telehealth and video conferences are already playing a role in reconfigured world where people are staying physically away from each other.
Veterans Affairs Braced To Help Hospitals Deal With Overflow Of Patients
The Department of Veterans Affairs is designated by federal law to act as back-up to other hospitals in times of crisis. Over the past two weeks, the VA expanded hospital capacity, dropping occupancy in acute care beds from about 80% to over 60% to make room for possible civilian patients
The simulations revealed shortcomings–such as a lack of supplies and staff for hospitals–that the government is now trying to address during the coronavirus outbreak. In other news, Stat provides a who’s who list of those in the Trump administration handling the crisis.
Opinion writers weigh in on these topics and the impact the pandemic is having on everyday activities.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
If Coronavirus Outbreak Isn’t Curbed By Fall, What Happens With Presidential Election?
ProPublica talks to an election expert about the various ways that the outbreak could impact the elections. The bottom line: it would take an act of Congress to move the presidential election and that would be difficult to do. Meanwhile, states are trying to shift their primary strategies to avoid voters gathering in large groups.
‘Food Supply Is Sufficient’: Companies Retool In Order To More Quickly Refill Barren Shelves
With restaurants closing and people spending most of their time eating at home, the demand for food is “in fact unprecedented,” says Tyson Foods chief executive Noel White. Related news reports on special shopping times for seniors, Walmart’s shorter hours, price gouging, delivery workers and job safety.
The advisory says if Americans decide to travel overseas, “you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite time frame.” Also, millions of Americans are still overseas and are struggling with finding a way home. Changes are in effect on passports and troop deployments, as well.
Newly Calculated Death Rate From Wuhan Lower Than Previous Estimates, Providing Some Hope
Previous estimates had put the death rate somewhere between 2% to 3.4%. The new study places it at 1.4%. In other news: understanding what containment strategies work; why more men than woman are dying; a look at who is spreading the disease; what herd immunity has to do with mitigation; and more.
Deaths In Italy Surpass China’s Count
As of Thursday afternoon, Italy registered 41,035 diagnoses of the coronavirus and 3,405 deaths. Globally the total number of deaths climbed past 10,000.
Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) dumped stocks before the coronavirus crisis erupted into the threat it has become today. As chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Burr received daily briefings on the outbreak and warned a small group of constituents three weeks ago to prepare for what was coming. Critics of the two senators have called for their resignations.
Public health experts have been vocal about the need for Americans to practice social distancing. Those not getting the message–or not believing it–could start facing the wrath of the ones who are abiding by it. Meanwhile, experts explain why flattening the curve is so important, as they try to figure out what America will look like when the country emerges from the crisis.
Health Care Workers Grow Increasingly Anxious About Lack Of Protective Gear During Crisis
Doctors and other health care providers are having to reuse face masks and replace FDA-approved protective gear with scarves, bandanas or homemade masks. Some hospitals say they’re going through months-worth of supplies in a week span.
