Latest Morning Briefing Stories
‘Haven’t Learned’: Critics Cite Multiple Mistakes Behind England’s 2nd Wave
Poor communication from leadership and a reluctance to learn from other countries that have lessened the impact of COVID are among the top problems, public health officials say.
‘Terrifying’: Syrian Doctors Refute Government Claims, Say Outbreak Is Widespread
News is from Syria, Spain, China, North Korea, Russia, Switzerland, Easter Island, Tahiti, Brazil and Italy.
College Enrollment Took Big Hit In Pandemic — With One Exception
A closely-watched report found that undergrad enrollment is down 2.5% this year across all types of institutions. However, graduate enrollment is up 3.9%.
Not Wanting To Be Left Out, Pac-12 Rejoins Fall Football
In other sporting news, organizers of the Iditarod race ponder how to keep their staff and volunteers safe from COVID.
Police Probe Neglect, Abuse Of Disabled Residents At Group Homes In Houston
At least 35 abused or neglected residents were found living in “deplorable” conditions in the Caring Hands Group Home. The “person of interest” in the case, Carroll Shelton Richardson, is the home’s operator and reportedly ran seven other boarding homes in Houston.
Survivors Share Tales Of Another Sad COVID Side-Effect: Losing Clumps Of Hair
Doctors think it’s due to the physiological stress of fighting off the coronavirus. Other research is on the risks of inflammation, what sewage shows, how dogs detect COVID and more.
Please Fly The Friendly Skies: United Aims To Lure Back Flyers With Tests
Pilots will offer the tests on flights from San Francisco to Hawaii. News is on rising numbers of people searching for ways to lower anxiety, conflict managing for restaurant workers, no testing of seasonal farmworkers, forever chemical restrictions and more.
EU Deal Allows AstraZeneca Partial Immunity Over Vaccine Side-Effects
The deal was struck in August and its liability clauses have not previously been reported, according to Reuters and CNBC. Other vaccine news is on the trials being run by Novavax and Sanofi, and more. And also: New York’s decision to review vaccines.
Chicago Nurses, Union Reach Deal After Ending Strike
The contract guarantees the hiring of 160 more nurses, more protective gear and COVID hazard pay. In other news: California updates its “No Pharmacist Left Alone” law; Mayo Clinic Health System President Bobbie Gostout is retiring; Albertsons hires a former Amazon exec as its new senior VP of pharmacy and health; and more.
‘It Has The Potential To Be Something Really Huge’: Boston Hospital Battles COVID Outbreak
By Thursday afternoon, Brigham and Women’s Hospital had identified eight patients and 11 employees who were infected. It expects that number to grow with contact tracing. Other health system news is on CoxHealth, Mercy, rural hospitals in Georgia and facilities in Contra Costa County, California.
Source Of Postal Slowdown Linked To Higher-Ups, Records Show
The Washington Post obtains more documents related to the U.S. Postal Service postal changes that delayed deliveries that conflict with USPS executives previous accounts. The moves have drawn public outrage due to the important role of the mail in efforts to keep voters safe during the pandemic.
Trump’s Virginia Rally Poses ‘Severe Public Health Threat,’ State Officials Warn
The public event scheduled for tonight would violate Virginia’s 250-person limit. The state health officials’ concerns are unlikely to alter the planned rally.
House Democrats Knock $1T Off Stimulus Proposal To Jump-Start Talks
After stalling for months, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says coronavirus stimulus negotiations would resume as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tells key House committee chairs to craft a new proposal that backs down on a previous $3.4-trillion ask. The new plan under discussion would cost closer to $2.4 trillion — which Republicans say is still too high.
Medical Failures Contributed To Immigrant Deaths, House Probe Finds
A House report summing up a year-long investigation cites examples of medical mismanagement and records falsification.
Trump ‘Affirms’ Preexisting Condition Protections Enacted By Obamacare
President Donald Trump signed an executive order that he claims preserve the Affordable Care Act’s popular protections for people with preexisting conditions while his administration supports a case headed to the Supreme Court that could dismantle the health law. The president’s actions around Obamacare have been a focus of election-year criticism.
After Short-Lived Dip, COVID Cases Ticking Up Again In 22 States
As the latest infection trends point toward yet another surge, the U.S. passes 7 million confirmed coronavirus cases. The spike worries public health experts as the nation heads toward flu season and the holidays.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, Who Railed Against Masks, Now Has Coronavirus
NPR reports that as recently as July 11, Parson told a group of cattle ranchers that the government should not interfere with their decision to wear or forgo a face covering. “You don’t need government to tell you to wear a dang mask,” he said.
Fall Could Be Worse Than Spring: Trudeau Warns Canada About Second Wave
The Canadian prime minister says it’s unlikely people will be gathering for their Thanksgiving in October. News is also from Germany, Israel, Malaysia, Honduras and Vietnam.
California Governor Orders Ban On New Diesel, Gas Cars By 2035
The White House criticized the announcement: “… the lengths to which they will go to destroy jobs and raise costs on the consumer is alarming.”
