Category: states

Testing Shortages Force Extreme Shift In Strategy By Local Health Officials

California’s capital region is among the areas that have had to shift response to the coronavirus outbreak because of a shortage of test kits in the U.S.

Looking For Answers After Coronavirus Contact? Welcome To The Gray Zone

The COVID-19 outbreak has spawned confusion among health officials, doctors and the public, especially for people who fall into the gray area for testing and deciding whether they need to quarantine themselves. Where to turn for answers about isolation and quarantine varies by locale. All this means agencies are sometimes delaying needed advice and giving people incorrect information.

Look-Up: Check Out Infection Records Of 15,000 U.S. Nursing Homes

This online map shows which of the 15,000 nursing homes in the U.S. have been cited for infection-control violations and how serious those infractions are.

Coronavirus Pushes Hospitals To Share Information About Stocks Of Protective Gear

There is currently no central coordination of the supply of protective garb and masks in U.S. hospital inventories. A CDC project wants hospitals to share that information for the good of all.

Coronavirus Puts Prisons In Tight Spot Amid Staff Shortages, Threats Of Lockdown

As the coronavirus threat rises, prisons are grappling with the possibility of nationwide lockdowns and calls for prisoner releases.

Donald Trump’s Wrong Claim That ‘Anybody’ Can Get Tested For Coronavirus

The process is not as simple as calling your doctor or pharmacy, saying you want to be tested for COVID-19 and getting it done. Clinicians decide whether patients meet the criteria to warrant it. Circumstances are further complicated because tests are in short supply.

Congress Approves Boost In Food Aid For Seniors But Funding Falls Short Of Growing Need

Congress passed legislation Wednesday reauthorizing the Older Americans Act, which provides for home-delivered and group meals. Although proposed funding increases are substantial, they still don’t keep up with the nation’s growing senior population.

The Startling Inequality Gap That Emerges After Age 65

The good news: Life expectancy for people who make it to 65 has increased. Yet, coastal and urban people fare better than those in rural and middle America.

Tampons, Pads And Politics Mesh In New Push For Access To Menstrual Supplies

As a national movement for better access to menstrual products gains steam, “period equity” activists in Colorado are finding the path to change isn’t straight. Although Denver last summer repealed sales taxes on menstrual products and the state now requires supplies to be provided in prisons, an effort to repeal the statewide sales tax on the products failed. So, activists assemble supply kits to donate to those who need them.

Coronavirus Is Keeping Me Home From Work. Will I Get Paid?

If you are sick from the coronavirus outbreak or sent home, your financial protections may vary depending on what state you live in.