DOJ Cracks Down On Treatment Scams: ‘It’s A Perfect Ecosystem For A Fraudster To Operate In’
April 24, 2020
Morning Briefing
In a moment where people want to believe there’s a magic pill to cure COVID-19, scammers are flourishing. Other news from the Trump administration looks at the coronavirus being used as a possible bioweapon and and increase in violent extremism.
Insurers Not On The Hook For Diagnostic COVID Tests Mandated By Employers, Administration Rules
June 24, 2020
Morning Briefing
Insurance companies have been anxious for guidance from the Trump administration on whether there would be patient cost-sharing responsibility for tests required by workplaces as employees return. Under the new guidance, such testing would not be covered under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Other medical and insurance marketplace developments are also in the news.
Many Coronavirus Cases Are Mild, But Mortality Rate Is Still Soberingly High, Experts Say
February 26, 2020
Morning Briefing
It’s hard to determine the exact mortality rate because even experts disagree over whether there are mild or asymptomatic cases going unreported. But even at the lowest estimate — 0.7% in China outside the epicenter — it would still kill seven times more people than the flu. Meanwhile, the first clinical trial for a treatment is underway in Nebraska.
Scientists Discover Airborne Virus Droplets But It’s Unclear If The RNA Could Actually Cause Infections
April 29, 2020
Morning Briefing
One of the big questions surrounding the novel coronavirus is whether it is airborne in a way that would cause infection if someone breathed in the lingering droplets. In other scientific news: the virus’s lethality, the susceptibility of cancer patients, the effects in pregnant women and more.
U.S. Hospitals Don’t Have Enough Ventilators, ICU Beds To Care For Surge Of Coronavirus Cases
March 12, 2020
Morning Briefing
Even if most cases of the coronavirus are mild, the health system can’t handle the uptick in critical patients that the outbreak is likely to bring, especially coming off the back of a difficult flu season. But over-stretched hospitals are doing their best to prepare for the crisis. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to increase the availability of respirators in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 1% Of New Yorkers Have Tested Positive For Coronavirus–More Than Even Hardest Hit Countries In Europe
April 14, 2020
Morning Briefing
“Why New York? Why are we seeing this level of infection? … It’s very simple: It’s about density,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at a news conference Monday. “The dense environments are its feeding grounds.” Although New York had some grim data released from the weekend, there are signs of hope that the outbreak might be waning. In other news from the hotspot: doctors use rain ponchos as gear shortages abound; the NYPD has less crime to deal with but many of its officers are sick; the feud between state leaders rages on; and more.
Some Experts Predict Coronavirus Could ‘Burn Out’ By Summer, But That Doesn’t Mean It Will Be Gone For Good
March 3, 2020
Morning Briefing
Scientists aren’t sure what the endgame is for the coronavirus, but looking at previous outbreaks can offer hints. Many think that, like the swine flu, it will end up in the seasonal circulation of flus that come back every year. Meanwhile, though most cases are mild, there are common themes for those patients who are becoming critically ill. Experts also explain how the virus is transferring, what you should do if you have symptoms, and more.
Behind The Scenes: State Department And CDC Waged Battle Over Flying Americans With Coronavirus Home
February 21, 2020
Morning Briefing
The CDC didn’t want to fly the 14 cruise ship passengers who had tested positive for coronavirus home on the same flight as the other Americans. But the State Department won the argument. “It was like the worst nightmare,” said a senior U.S. official involved in the decision. “Quite frankly, the alternative could have been pulling grandma out in the pouring rain.” Meanwhile, disease fighters are walking back early criticism of the Wuhan quarantine, saying that it did indeed serve its purpose in buying the world time to prepare.
Insurance Regulators Stepping In To Protect Patients From Eye-Popping Bills For Virus Tests
June 8, 2020
Morning Briefing
Although coronavirus tests are supposed to be free, lawmakers didn’t limit charges if the testing is done out of network — or prohibit labs or hospitals from billing patients if insurers refuse to pay their posted charges. In other news: a testing location directory, testing in the workplace and the need for a contact tracing army.
CDC Was Viewed As World’s Premier Health Agency. How Did It Stumble So Badly?
June 3, 2020
Morning Briefing
“They let us down,” said Dr. Stephane Otmezguine, an anesthesiologist who treated coronavirus patients in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The New York Times takes a deep dive into the missteps, outdated technology, bureaucracy and politics that all played a role in the highly venerated agency’s lackluster response efforts.
States Grapple With Emerging Threat Of Coronavirus As They Prepare For More Possible Cases
January 29, 2020
Morning Briefing
News stories from across the country look at where patients are being monitored over concerns of infections.
‘I Assumed It Was All Being Paid For’: Who Gets Stuck With The Medical Bills For Coronavirus-Related Quarantine?
March 2, 2020
Morning Briefing
The federal government has the authority to quarantine and isolate patients if officials believe them to be a public health threat–but the government doesn’t have to pay for it. “We didn’t have a choice. When the bills showed up, it was just a pit in my stomach, like, ‘How do I pay for this?’” says Frank Wucinski, who was quarantined along with his daughter. In other economical news about the coronavirus: sick days, gig workers, stocks, and more.
Americans Evacuated From Quarantined Cruise Ship Including 14 Who Tested Positive For Coronavirus
February 18, 2020
Morning Briefing
Another 60 Americans remained in Japan for monitoring, State Department officials said. Meanwhile, a second cruise ship was finally allowed to dock and passengers to disembark, with promises that “there was no indication of COVID-19 on the ship.” However, an American who was on board did test positive for the coronavirus, sparking fears that the passengers who have already flown home could spread the illness without being aware they’re infected.
Italy Reports 45% One-Day Jump In Coronavirus Cases And Country’s Leaders Rush To Allay Panic
February 26, 2020
Morning Briefing
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte admits that a hospital in the northern town of Codogno mishandled the region’s first coronavirus case which contributed to the deadly virus’ spread. Meanwhile, a Spanish hotel is still in lock down as officials attempt to trace the infection path of an Italian doctor and his partner.
Health Experts, Leaders Acknowledge Black Trauma Even As They Worry Protests Will Worsen Pandemic
June 2, 2020
Morning Briefing
Thousands are taking to the streets to protest police brutality, especially against black Americans. But health experts and state leaders are concerned there’s a high risk that with so many people in close proximity–even though they’re outside–the protests provide fertile ground for the coronavirus to spread further.
How Coronavirus Outbreak Is Altering Social Norms: ‘Quarantine Shaming’ Targets Those Not Listening To Health Experts
March 19, 2020
Morning Briefing
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.
Chinese Government Grapples With Rising Public Fury As Coronavirus Continues To Spread
January 28, 2020
Morning Briefing
The death toll from the virus climbs past 100, with thousands of more cases reported. Chinese officials are trying to stem a tide of criticism over how they are handling the outbreak. U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci criticized Chinese leaders for not inviting U.S. and other international investigative agencies to join them in researching the new virus.
Navy Hospital Ship Comfort Arrives In NYC As Number Of Coronavirus Deaths In Country Climbs Past 3,000
March 31, 2020
Morning Briefing
The number of U.S. deaths is nearing the total China has reported. Shortly after the USNS Comfort arrived in New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the statewide death toll had risen by 253 in a single day. The naval ship will offer 1,000 hospital beds to help alleviate the strain for local hospitals. Meanwhile, other sites in the city, including Central Park, are being turned into field hospitals to help handle the overflow. And FEMA is sending refrigerated trucks to make up for the lack of space in the city’s morgues.
‘I’m Not Concerned At All’: Trump Does Little To Change His Routine Amid Coronavirus Exposure Fears
March 11, 2020
Morning Briefing
Despite the fact that there is a chance President Donald Trump was exposed second-hand to a patient with coronavirus at CPAC, Trump seems to want to send a message to Americans that he’s not worried. Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) remained adamant that she won’t close the Capitol, despite the higher risk lawmakers are facing because they travel so much. “We are the captains of the ship. We are the last to leave,” she said.
What Not To Do To Avoid Coronavirus: Gargling Saltwater, Taking Silver Capsules, Heating Your Nasal Passage
March 18, 2020
Morning Briefing
Misinformation is thriving as fearful Americans gravitate toward anything that will help prevent them from getting sick. Doctors say the best advice is simple: wash your hands, practice social distancing, and avoid touching your face. In other news: vulnerable populations, easing your anxiety, the lifespan of the virus, and more.
