Latest Morning Briefing Stories

Physicians Fear For Their Families As They Battle Coronavirus With Too Little Armor

KFF Health News Original

Doctors sent an impassioned, desperate letter to Congress describing the lack of protective equipment across the country — from masks to respirators to gowns to goggles. They’re using equipment from construction sites and home-repair stores or wearing the same mask from patient to patient. And they worry about what exposure without sufficient protection means for them and their families.

COVID-19: oficiales en California dicen que el confinamiento no funciona sin fuerza pública

KFF Health News Original

El enfoque de no intervención de Newsom en la aplicación de la ley, que recurre a la presión social como principal herramienta para persuadir a las personas, amenaza con ralentizar el progreso de California.

California Isn’t Testing Enough Children For Lead, Prompting Legislation

KFF Health News Original

A recent report by the California state auditor faults two state health departments for failing to ensure that children receive required blood lead tests and for not doing enough to reduce childhood lead exposure in high-risk areas. Lawmakers are proposing several measures to increase testing.

Public Health Officials To Newsom: Lockdown Won’t Work Without Enforcement

KFF Health News Original

California Gov. Gavin Newsom was out front nationally when he ordered nearly all Californians to stay at home to stem the spread of COVID-19. But local officials warn it won’t work without tougher enforcement.

California Lawmakers Struggle To Conduct Business Amid COVID-19 Lockdown

KFF Health News Original

In an interview with California Healthline, the state’s Senate leader, Toni Atkins, makes clear that with social-distancing measures in force it will be difficult to debate and pass complicated budget measures ― but public health, education and public safety will be priorities.

Photo Essay: LA Under Lockdown

KFF Health News Original

Californians are under orders to stay home to slow the spread of the coronavirus — and the result is that some of Southern California’s best-known spots are shuttered or deserted, from Santa Monica Pier to Olvera Street.

Some Hospitals Continue With Elective Surgeries Despite COVID-19 Crisis

KFF Health News Original

Even as many states put a moratorium on elective surgeries in a desperate effort to preserve dwindling stocks of protective gear, hospitals in other pockets of the country continue to perform a range of elective procedures. Some staff members and ethicists are voicing concerns.

Now On The Menu At Closed Schools: Drive-Thru Lunches

KFF Health News Original

As schools shutter to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, many districts are still offering free meals to their most vulnerable students. In two Southern California districts, families roll through school lunch drive-thrus to grab hot meals.

Gig Economy Workers Hurt By Coronavirus Eye New Federal Funds For Relief

KFF Health News Original

A law signed by Trump on Wednesday will provide financial help for self-employed workers, who generally don’t have paid leave. Some states also have family and medical leave programs that can be helpful.

Is The Bay Area’s ‘Unprecedented’ Lockdown The First Of Many?

KFF Health News Original

About 7 million people across the San Francisco Bay Area began to “shelter in place” Tuesday to limit the spread of the new coronavirus. Although public health officials acknowledged the orders were drastic, they also agreed they were necessary.

In Face Of Coronavirus, Many Hospitals Cancel On-Site Training For Nursing And Med Students

KFF Health News Original

Hospitals and nursing homes say they are acting to protect students and patients, but nursing educators worry the pipeline of new nurses could be slowed at a time when they may be needed most. Some doctors in training have also seen their clinical rotations canceled.

Many Schools Have Closed ― But Not All. What Parents Need To Know About That Tough Call.

KFF Health News Original

Closing K-12 schools is part of a broad strategy to limit public interactions and slow the spread of COVID-19 cases. But the decision is far from easy, with conflicting science about how effective such closures are weighed against the massive disruption to families’ lives.

The High Cost Of Being Trump’s Enemy

KFF Health News Original

The ongoing feud between President Donald Trump and California’s Democratic leaders is costing the Golden State hundreds of millions of health care dollars — with billions more at stake.

Crushed By A Hospital Bill? Stand Up For Yourself

KFF Health News Original

Most hospitals must offer free or reduced-cost care to certain patients, based on income, even if they have insurance. But some hospitals erect barriers to charity care, so it’s up to patients to advocate for themselves.