Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Restrictions Silenced Many Veterans Day Gatherings, Parades
AP: Veterans Day In 2020: Quiet Parades, Somber Virtual Events
Celebrations marking Veterans Day gave way to somber virtual gatherings Wednesday, with many of the nation’s veterans homes barring visitors to protect their residents from the surging coronavirus that has killed thousands of former members of the U.S. military. Cemeteries decorated with American flags were silent as well, as many of the traditional ceremonies were canceled. With infections raging again nationwide, several veterans homes are fighting new outbreaks. (Murphy and Boone, 11/12)
USA Today: New York Veterans Isolated By COVID-19 Receive Thousands Of Veterans Day Cards
Every November, the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford honors its residents with a special day of activities that includes a large gathering in the auditorium, concert and community lunch. Veterans groups help coordinate the program, and guests spend time visiting with the residents of the Chenango County facility. But this Veterans Day, the 146 veterans who reside at the Chenango County facility [weren't] allowed visitors or to gather together for a meal due to COVID-19 restrictions. (Collins, 11/11)
Fox News: Veterans Facing Dangerous Triad Amid Coronavirus, Other Health Conditions, Expert Says
Veterans are already at an increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated mental health issues for some. That strain, coupled with the possibility of a chronic illness like diabetes, is creating a dangerous triad for some among the veteran population. According to the Federal Practitioner, as many as one in four Veterans Affairs patients has diabetes, which could be a concern when it comes to COVID-19. (Rivas, 11/11)
WTTW Chicago: COVID-19 Pandemic Has Shifted How Veterans Access Health Care
The coronavirus has hit every class of citizen hard, and on this Veterans Day, we look at how it has affected military service members and veterans. As of today, there have been more than 4,834 COVID-19 cases in Illinois Veterans Affairs Hospitals, and 545 of those cases remain active, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. There have also been 125 virus-related deaths. Meanwhile, the onset of the pandemic seems to have coincided with a rise in suicides among service members. (Paddock, 11/11)
CNN: 'Faces Of Covid' Features A Veteran Who Lost Their Life To Covid-19 Every Hour On Veterans Day
A Twitter account begun during the pandemic to highlight Covid-19 victims has a new mission for Veterans Day: it is recognizing veterans who lost their lives to the virus every hour. Alex Goldstein started Faces of Covid in March to share the stories of those who have died from the coronavirus. (Johnson, 11/11)
