Unemployment Rate Hits High Last Seen During Great Depression With 14.7% Of Americans Out Of Work
May 8, 2020
Morning Briefing
And unprecedented 20.5 million jobs in the U.S. were lost in April as the coronavirus pandemic shuttered vast portions of the economy. The monthly federal report detailing this historic employment drop paints a picture of financial devastation across many industries and job types that economists warn could take a long time to recover from.
In Petition To FTC, Gun Control Activist Alleges Smith & Wesson ‘Encourages, Facilitates Mass Shooters’
June 3, 2020
Morning Briefing
The FTC typically regulates marketing from social media influencers, ads from tobacco companies and, more recently, claims about coronavirus cures and loans. But over the last two decades, the agency has dealt with few cases involving how guns are advertised. In other public health news: aspirin use, the blood-brain barrier, trans-inclusive sports policies and more.
Trump Dismisses Rumors That He Plans To Replace HHS Secretary Alex Azar Amid Pandemic
April 27, 2020
Morning Briefing
The Wall Street Journal and other outlets reported on Saturday that administration officials were discussing replacing HHS Secretary Alex Azar, whose drawn public criticism for his early missteps during the coronavirus outbreak. But President Donald Trump reached out to Azar himself to reassure him that wasn’t the case.
CMS To Halt Routine Nursing Home Inspections In Favor Of Directing Resources To Most Dangerous Situations
March 24, 2020
Morning Briefing
The move follows a recent inspection of the Life Care Center of Kirkland, a nursing home near Seattle, which is tied so far to 35 coronavirus deaths. CMS said the inspection found three major violations at the facility that put residents in imminent danger.
U.S. Sends 2 Million Doses Of Controversial Anti-Malarial Drug To Hard-Hit Brazil
June 1, 2020
Morning Briefing
Studies of hydroxychloroquine have been halted because of its dangerous side effects. There’s also no scientific evidence that the drug helps treat or prevent the coronavirus. Yet the United States has now sent 2 million doses of it to Brazil, which is being devastated by the virus. The U.S. also sent 1,000 ventilators. News outlets report other treatment news, as well.
‘Another Trap’: Deadly Inflammatory Syndrome More Likely To Impact Black American Children
June 8, 2020
Morning Briefing
The depredations of the novel coronavirus, police brutality, economic inequality and institutional racism blended together at the funeral for the pandemic’s youngest victim in the D.C. area, the Washington Post reports — a region where black Americans comprise nearly 76% of COVID deaths. In other news on children’s health and COVID-19, France reports more than 100 cases and doctors look for ways to understand and treat it, as well.
‘We’re All Learning’: Report Looks At Rapid Spread Of Infection At Virginia Nursing Home Where 42 Patients Died
April 14, 2020
Morning Briefing
The staff told ABC News that they were caught off guard by the rapid spread at Canterbury Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center near Richmond, which has suffered the worst loss of life to coronavirus of any nursing home in the U.S. Nursing home news is from Massachusetts, Florida, and Pennsylvania, as well.
China’s ‘Mother Of All Quarantines’ To Contain Escalating Coronavirus Outbreak Could Actually Backfire, Experts Warn
January 27, 2020
Morning Briefing
Quarantines of the level China instituted on the Hubei province lock in the sick and the healthy together, are nearly impossible to maintain, stress governmental resources, and sow a distrust with the government at a crucial point in the crisis. “This is just mind-boggling,” said University of Michigan medical historian Howard Markel. The death toll from the illness in China climbs to 80.
Washing Hands Is Way More Important Than Wearing Masks When Trying To Stave Off Coronavirus, Experts Say
January 24, 2020
Morning Briefing
Public health experts offer insight on the coronavirus. While the illness is spreading quickly, scientists say it does seem less deadly than previous outbreaks caused by the same type of virus. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies are racing to come up with a vaccine.
Treating Uninsured Could Cost Hospitals $42B, And As Layoffs Increase That Number Could Soar
April 8, 2020
Morning Briefing
The Trump administration has said the $100 billion emergency fund created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act could be tapped to reimburse hospitals for treating uninsured COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont issues an executive order on billing for treatment of the uninsured.
Trump To Assemble U.S. Task Force To Tackle Coronavirus; Top Health Officials Reiterate Americans Are At Low Risk
January 30, 2020
Morning Briefing
The task force will be headed by HHS Secretary Alex Azar. Meanwhile, Politico takes a look at how President Donald Trump has managed to keep out of the spotlight during the outbreak. In other coronavirus news from the states: cases are on the rise, growing fears lead to Chinese celebrations being canceled, Americans share stories about the evacuation process, how the outbreak is poised to test U.S.’ frayed public health system, and more.
The Next Frontier In Hunting Down The Virus: The Sewer System
May 1, 2020
Morning Briefing
While wastewater surveillance has been used for years in developing countries to detect outbreaks of polio, in the U.S. it has been used more recently to track opioid use within communities. There’s no strong evidence that shows the coronavirus is present in human waste, but some experts think it could be a way to identify areas at risk.
A Reality Check On Remdesivir Results: This Isn’t A Cure, Data Is Not Yet Public And Manufacturing Is Tricky
May 1, 2020
Morning Briefing
Politico looks at the reasons why people should remain cautious over the Gilead drug trial results conducted by NIH that show that remdesivir can help cut hospitalization time for coronavirus patients. Meanwhile, Gilead announced its ramping up production of the treatment. And old drugs may find new life in the race for a cure.
Chinese Doctor Who Was One Of First To Warn About Coronavirus Outbreak Dies, Sparking Rare Online Revolt
February 7, 2020
Morning Briefing
When Dr. Li Wenliang first told his online chat group about a possible pneumonia-like illness that looked like SARS he was brought in by the Chinese government and forced to renounce his warning as a rumor. His death is sparking an outpouring of anger and grief by a nation that is frustrated with how their government has handled the virus outbreak.
Canadian Prime Minister’s Wife Just Latest High-Profile Person To Test Positive For Virus Driving Home Outbreak’s Wide-Spread Threat
March 13, 2020
Morning Briefing
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will isolate himself for 14 days after his wife tested positive for the virus. Other high-profile people and politicians, including President Donald Trump, have been either exposed or infected with the coronavirus.
Utah’s Rush To Embrace Malaria Drug Offers Case Study Of Pitfalls When Hope Outpaces Science
May 18, 2020
Morning Briefing
Utah’s enthusiastic response to the promise of malaria drugs as a possible coronavirus treatment represents a larger problem underlying the pandemic — the desire to find a magic cure is overriding the scientific process. Meanwhile, substitute pharmacists warn their colleagues that they could act as super spreaders for the virus. And a judge dismisses Martin Shkreli’s request to leave prison so he can research a treatment as “delusional.”
Partisan War Over Shutdowns Reflected In Congress As Senate Is Called Back And House Stays Home
April 30, 2020
Morning Briefing
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is moving ahead with his plan to call the Senate back despite the fact that many of the members are in high-risk demographics. The House scuttled its plans to return. Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has named the rest of the members of the coronavirus oversight committee.
It’s Not Just Coughing And Sneezing: Experts Say Talking Is Enough To Produce Droplets That Could Infect
April 16, 2020
Morning Briefing
The question of whether the coronavirus can be “aerosolized” has stirred controversy for weeks, with many people focusing on coughing and sneezing. But a new study shows that even speaking closely to someone is enough to do it. In other science and innovation news: organ damage, obesity, diabetic patients, UV light, social distancing, and more.
