Latest KFF Health News Stories
Olympics Day 5: Tokyo’s Daily Covid Cases Now Highest In The Pandemic
Tokyo had 2,848 new covid cases Tuesday, with authorities asking hospitals to prepare more beds for patients. Separately, reports highlight the low vaccination rate among U.S. athletes compared to other nations, and a positive covid test causes controversy in the surfing competition.
43 People Now Being Monitored For Monkeypox Exposure In Georgia
Due to an earlier administrative mistake, 17 extra cases were added to Georgia’s monkeypox monitoring list Monday — none of the 43 have symptoms. Separately, the Air Force is preparing to end years of cleanup efforts for a jet fuel leak that hit Albuquerque’s water supply.
Study Links Midlife Wealth To Longevity — Even Between Siblings
A new study seems to lean toward nurture in the nature/nurture debate in terms of having more money at midlife and then living longer. Meanwhile, reports say that in 4 of 10 U.S. counties, the federal nutrition subsidy doesn’t cover average meal costs.
In-Person Clause For Telemental Health Impedes Access, Say Providers
A clause in December’s Medicare spending bill demands patients see a mental health practitioner in person within six months before virtual treatment, and it’s now being targeted by advocates who argue it impedes access. Anthem, Atrium, quitting smoking, refugees and AI are also in the news.
Overdose-Reverser Narcan Used Over 4,200 Times In San Francisco In 2021
From January to June, 344 people died of overdoses in San Francisco, but medical attempts to reverse overdoses by administering Narcan happened thousands of times. Separately, reports say several highly potent synthetic opioids have shown up in Toronto’s street drug supply.
Senators Push Becerra For Cheap Canadian-Sourced Prescription Drugs
A bipartisan group is pushing Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to allow imports of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada. Stat, meanwhile, reports on generic manufacturing plant closures’ impact on the Biden administration’s effort to boost drug supplies.
Infrastructure Bill Negotiators Miss Their Latest Deadline As Talks Stall
Concerns are increasing that the bipartisan deal could collapse as senators start publicly pointing fingers over key disagreements about the package.
To Mask Or Not To Mask In School — States Are Deciding, Differently
In New Mexico, officials say vaxxed students in K-12 schools may unmask in some situations. In Hawaii, a week before school starts, authorities suggested masking at all times indoors. Louisiana’s schools can decide their own covid restrictions.
Missouri Sues To Stop St. Louis’ New Mask Mandate
Missouri’s attorney general is targeting St. Louis’ newly reinstated mandate that everyone over 5 wear masks in indoor public places and public transport, saying it’s “arbitrary and capricious.” Masking rules in Georgia, Oregon and nine western Washington counties are also in the news — as is possible revised guidance from the federal government.
60% Of Covid Cases Were Unreported As Of March, Study Suggests
The case count is probably higher now, but not too much higher because vaccines have rolled out, said the lead author of the study at the University of Washington. Other news is on covid transmission during wildfires, how hospitals are coping with the covid surge and more.
Worst In The US: Florida, Arkansas Have ‘High Transmission’ Everywhere
In the past week, Florida accounted for nearly a quarter of all cases in the country — more than any other state. Meanwhile, health care workers at Jacksonville’s Baptist Medical Center say severely ill covid patients are begging to receive the vaccine just before being put on ventilators.
US Travel Bans To Remain, New Warnings Issued As Delta Flares Around Globe
The Biden administration plans to maintain restricted entry into the country by non-U.S. citizens from the U.K., Europe and other nations. The CDC and State Department is also warning Americans against travel to countries like Israel, Portugal and Spain.
Biden Says Federal Disability Law Should Cover Serious Long Covid Cases
The departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, Labor and Education issued guidelines to help Americans experiencing long-haul symptoms from covid to navigate federal benefits.
Want To Drink In 300 San Francisco Bars? Prove You’re Vaxxed Or Negative
The San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance, which represents 300 businesses, has decided to protect employees and patrons by limiting indoor service to those who are vaccinated or provably covid-negative. Separately, reports say California’s current surge is driven by vaccine holdouts.
Over 50 Medical Groups Press For Mandatory Shots For Health Workers
In a joint statement, many prominent associations that represent health care workers, including the American Medical Association, American Nurses Association called for health facilities to require the covid vaccine. And some hospitals are revising or weighing their policies.
FDA Wants Pfizer, Moderna To Expand Vaccine Safety Trials For Kids
Wider testing — spurred by rare cases of heart inflammation in teens — could delay approval for the covid shot to be administered to children 11 and under.
VA Mandates Vaccines For Its Health Workers; California, NYC Set New Rules
The Department of Veterans Affairs became the first federal agency to require employees to get vaccinated for covid-19. The order impacts 115,000 of its “patient-facing” health workers. In California and New York City, unvaccinated state workers will face weekly testing starting in August.
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