Global Health Watch

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Trump’s Lame-Duck Status Leaves Governors to Wing It on COVID

KFF Health News Original

As coronavirus cases surge, state officials can’t afford to wait for a new president to take office before taking action. But some governors’ initiatives seem to be little more than policy tweaks or symbolic gestures.

No, the WHO Didn’t Change Its Lockdown Stance or ‘Admit’ Trump Was Right

KFF Health News Original

The World Health Organization has been consistent throughout the pandemic in communicating that lockdowns should be employed only when COVID-19 cases are high — to give governments and health systems time to redouble efforts. Forced closures should not be the primary strategy to combat coronavirus transmission.

Lo que sabemos sobre la transmisión aérea del coronavirus

KFF Health News Original

Aunque los CDC removieron la información de su sitio web, muchos incidentes y estudios apuntan hacia la idea de que las partículas en el aire juegan un papel más importante de lo que se pensaba.

What We Know About the Airborne Spread of the Coronavirus

KFF Health News Original

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has gone back-and-forth on this issue. One thing remains clear: Though science is evolving, indications do point toward the potential for airborne transmission.

Corralling the Facts on Herd Immunity

KFF Health News Original

The term “herd immunity” has found its way into politicized discussions about how to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. But what does it actually mean? And does it work?

Don’t Fall for This Video: Hydroxychloroquine Is Not a COVID-19 Cure

KFF Health News Original

This statement is taken from a video in which a group of doctors air unproven conspiracy theories about the coronavirus. Dr. Immanuel’s claims were among the most inaccurate. And, before it was removed from social media platforms, thee video was viewed millions of times. President Donald Trump retweeted it.

KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Say What? The Spread Of Coronavirus Confusion

KFF Health News Original

Months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the public seems more confused than ever. And health officials still are not all on the same page; this week the World Health Organization had to walk back an official’s statement about how commonly the virus is spread by people without symptoms. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post and Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, Rovner interviews Michael Mackert, a professor and health communications expert at the University of Texas-Austin, about how health information can best be translated to the public.

At Lake Of The Ozarks, It’s (Almost) Business As Usual, Despite The Coronavirus

KFF Health News Original

This popular resort area gained national attention for a viral video showing Memorial Day partiers disregarding guidelines to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Now, with summer looming and at least one COVID-19 case connected to the gathering, it reflects the difficult balance between safety and tourism.

KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Protests And The Pandemic

KFF Health News Original

The outrage over the death of an African American man, George Floyd, after he was restrained and knelt on by Minneapolis police officers has sparked national protests, including in places where the coronavirus is still spreading. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s attempt to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization could have ramifications for Americans. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Mary Agnes Carey of KHN and Joanne Kenen of Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, Rovner interviews Jonathan Oberlander, a University of North Carolina health policy professor and the editor of the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, about articles examining the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of health inequity and structural racism.

ICUs Become A ‘Delirium Factory’ For COVID Patients

KFF Health News Original

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 targets more than just the lungs. New research shows it also penetrates the brain, complicating treatment and risking lifelong damage. And the pandemic limits hospitals from running MRIs or other tests on coronavirus patients.