The COVID race: Vaccines 90% effective in frontline workers, but variant cases rising
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 30, 2021
The pace of U.S. vaccinations must hold up against the effects of spreading virus variants to keep further outbreaks under control, according to the CDC and expert observers.
HHS halts Eli Lilly’s single-drug COVID antibody treatment in U.S.; dual-drug alternative remains in...
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 26, 2021
U.S. distribution of an infusion treatment using bamlanivimab only has been halted due to virus variant concerns, but an alternative antibody cocktail from the drugmaker can still be ordered, according...
COVID cases rise in 15 states; variant fuels outbreak in Kentucky nursing home
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 22, 2021
The average U.S. case rate is falling, but almost a third of states have seen an increase, and one Kentucky facility’s outbreak shows how new COVID-19 variants and vaccination play a role in continued...
Senator calls for mandatory Medicaid coverage of HCBS as nursing homes remain under fire on Capitol Hill
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 19, 2021
On a second day of hearings targeting the nursing home industry and its COVID-19 response, senators repeated calls for data and ownership transparency but also urged more federal and state support for...
Feds halt an Eli Lilly antibody therapy in 3 states due to variant fears, while boosting the treatment...
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 19, 2021
A COVID-19 variant circulating widely in California, Arizona and Nevada has rendered bamlanivimab alone ineffective, an FDA official reports. But Lilly says an approved alternative treatment “maintains...
Anticipating B117 surge, experts urge continued focus on elders, deferred 2nd vaccine doses
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 18, 2021
Infectious disease and vaccine experts have laid out a plan for thwarting yet another uptick in transmission and illness. A new surge is likely by the end of April, they say in a CIDRAP report.
November’s drop in COVID deaths may hint at early nursing home success, experts contend
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2021
Between spring pandemic lockdowns and November, mortality rates due to COVID-19 in nursing homes declined significantly — well before a vaccine was approved to treat the disease, according to a new study.
Clinical briefs for Friday, March 12
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 12, 2021
It’s time to appoint medical directors in assisted living, panel says … UK COVID variant 64% more deadly … Thousands of bottles of Lipitor generic pulled over impurity fears … Scientists detect...
COVID cases fall 82% in nursing homes; vaccination will help thwart variants, advocates say
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 03, 2021
The steep drop in coronavirus cases over seven weeks is a sign that vaccinations are working and are the key to a normalized life for residents, the AHCA/NCAL says.
Coronavirus reinfections in Kentucky nursing home worse second time around, officials say
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 26, 2021
Five residents of a skilled nursing facility tested positive twice for SARS-CoV-2 in separate outbreaks three months apart, before vaccines were available. The disease course was more severe in the second...