Latest KFF Health News Stories
Calls to ban large gatherings, keep seniors and those with underlying health issues at home, and help for the homeless were on the minds of most California officials whose ideas lined up with advice from public health experts. But Rep. Devin Nunes told Fox viewers less truthful information.
Nonprofit Health Centers On Frontlines Of Crisis Face Federal Funding Cut Off In May
Community health centers face dwindling equipment and resources as they try to care for uninsured Americans amidst the COVID-19 emergency. And there’s an added stress for these facilities because their federal funding will run out in May. Meanwhile, how insurance will cover coronavirus testing and treatment remains an open question.
Officials in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Washington, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania take drastic steps to try to slow down the virus spread.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Pictures started hitting social media of airports clogged with hundreds of passengers jammed shoulder-to-shoulder just as public health experts were telling people to practice social distancing. The bottlenecks were created by Americans abroad rushing to get home after the Trump administration announced travel bans and Homeland Security officials try to implement medical checks.
Although the two Democratic candidates addressed other issues, the COVID-19 outbreak was front of mind during Sunday night’s Democratic presidential debate. Both former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said they were using a lot of soap to avoid infection. They also laid out their plans for how they would address such a crisis if they were in the Oval Office.
“Our lives are all changing in ways that were unimaginable just a week ago,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement Sunday night.
President Donald Trump said there’s no need for Americans to hoard food and toiletries as the nation’s supply chains remain intact. But shoppers who went out over the weekend to stock up for weeks of isolation were met with empty shelves in many stores. Behavioral experts say the psychological drive behind the impulse to hoard is very human and understandable in times like these. Meanwhile, state attorneys general try to crack down on scams.
Testing will begin with 45 young, healthy volunteers with different doses of shots co-developed by NIH and Moderna. But public health officials warn that it could be up to 18 months before the broader public has access to the vaccine for safety reasons. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration reportedly tried to get a German firm to move its vaccine development to the United States.
By slashing its benchmark short-term rate and pumping hundreds of billions of dollars into the financial system, the Federal Reserve’s moves recalled the emergency action it took at the height of the 2008 financial crisis.
Federal Officials, State Leaders Have One Message To America: ‘Hunker Down’
Dr. Anthony Fauci, state leaders, and other public health officials warned that it could be a while before America returns to normal. In the meantime, they say, stay inside and away from gatherings of over 50 people, when possible.
Strain On Italy’s Health Care System Soars As Deaths Rise 25%, Thousands Of New Cases Appear
Italy is the second hardest hit country after China. “Our priority is to keep doctors, nurses and all our health personnel safe,” Italy’s Prime Minister Conte said in a statement. News is from England, China, Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, the Philippines, France, Austria, Germany, El Salvador, Rwanda, and more.
The Enormous Impact Social Distancing Can Have On The Spread Of A Deadly Virus
A Washington Post interactive drew even former President Barack Obama’s attention for the way it explains how social distancing can help flatten the curve. In other news: a closer look at the virus itself and how it spreads, questions about the safety of food delivery, the way all this news is impacting people’s mental health, what you should do if you feel sick, and more.
Experts have been sounding the alarm bells over the number of medical supplies and beds that the country has available to deal with a critical surge in patients. Even with a stockpile of gear, there might not be enough supplies, and doctors may have to start rationing care. Meanwhile, Veterans Affairs medical centers prepare to act as back-up to handle spill-over patients.
The government continues to make ambitious promises about increased testing, following an outcry about the issue. But public health experts are skeptical it can meet the level of demand. Federal officials say they will prioritize testing for the elderly and health care workers.
Editorial pages focus on health and mental health care topics surrounding the coronavirus.
Opinion writers weigh in on topics surrounding efforts under way to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Co-Founder Of Juul Leaves Board As It Comes Under Increasing Scrutiny For Role In Teen Vaping
James Monsees helped launch the company in 2007 and expressed pride in the role the company played for helping adults switch from smoking cigarettes. He said he looks forward to spending time with his family. Altria Group Inc., which owns a 35% stake in Juul, said in January it would be expanding and diversifying its board.
Anti-Transgender Bills In Dozens Of States Fuel Debate Over Parental Rights, Government Interference
Laws criminalizing medical professionals who prescribe hormone treatments to minors and preventing people from changing their birth certificates make it more difficult to protect LGBTQ people, said Chase Strangio, a lawyer at the American Civil Liberties Union. Public health news is on baby formula, suicide, food insecurity, transplants, high blood pressure and supplements, as well.
New Plan Claiming To Cap Insulin Costs For Seniors Is More Complicated Than It Looks
Stat examines the limited role the policy, hailed by many political leaders this week, would play for seniors requiring insulin. Industry news also looks at Kymera’s fund-raising efforts for blood cancer treatments and Danish efforts to enforce transparency on trials.
