Total deaths are nearly 50% higher in states slammed by the coronavirus pandemic, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The data came as reports show people with treatable health conditions are forgoing hospital visits.
The libertarian-leaning public interest law firm says 36 states have CON laws, and 22 states have rolled back their CON laws in some way to help combat the virus’ spread.
In a 51 minute interview with 23 ABC News, Dr. Dan Erickson and Dr. Martin Massihi, of Accelerated Health Care in Bakersfield, California, talked about the impact of the coronavirus on Kern County, arguing that the ongoing stay-at-home orders are not based on data or science.
In the 20th episode of “Travels With Charlie — Vermont Politics in Real Life,” host Charlie Papillo talks about the high cost of health care with Green Mountain Care Board member Tom Pelham and Northwestern Medical Center CFO Robyn Alvis.
Health Department guidelines for filling out death certificates in Vermont instruct doctors to cite COVID-19 as the cause of death even if patients didn’t test positive for the virus. Patients who died with other serious underlying health conditions also are to be classified as having died of the coronavirus.
Researchers in China found that the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine was effective in treating patients with mild cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to a study released Tuesday.
Fewer hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, especially in rural areas, coupled with reduced access to medical imaging will thwart Vermont’s ability to take care of all COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization and respiratory support.
There have been several models used to inform public policy, including grim, worst-case projections, and newer models based on empiric observations from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.
The study garnered worldwide attention because of the massive number of projected deaths, though the researchers noted that the doomsday scenario was unlikely to happen.
We have seen several glimmers of hope, particularly in the realm of pharmaceuticals, although these treatments are far from certain and will take time to become available.
The final chapter in the coronavirus pandemic story won’t be written for a distressingly long time, but it’s worth leaping ahead in time and looking back at what Americans and Vermonters will hopefully have learned.
Gov. Phil Scott on Friday said Vermonters may have to wait a long time for business to return to normal as his administration pursues a COVID-19 response effort restricting citizens’ ability to work, support families and go to school.