Ongoing COVID-19 coverage is presented in part by Transforming Health — a project examining the future of health in America and in Central Pennsylvania. Transforming Health is an educational partnership of WITF, WellSpan Health and Capital BlueCross.
COVID-19 information and advice
What’s going on with all these coronavirus variants? An illustrated guide
Health news
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With new guidance, CDC ends test-to-stay for schools and relaxes COVID rules
Americans are getting new advice from federal health officials on how to live with the virus.
By Will Stone and Pien Huang/ NPR -
Matt Rourke
Some Pennsylvania doctors call Dr. Oz’s run for Senate a ‘threat to public health’
The group is targeting Oz’s medical treatment recommendations and health product promotions during his time as host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” among other things.
By Nicole Leonard/WHYY -
Kenny Cooper
Pa. state senator introduces hospital reform legislation to address ‘destabilizing effect’ from recent closures
Citing Tower Health’s decision to shutter two hospitals within the past year, state Sen. Carolyn Comitta’s bill looks to reform the closure process.
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A vaccine for Lyme disease is in its final clinical trial
If it were to gain regulators’ approval, it would become the only Lyme disease vaccine available for humans in the U.S.
By Bill Chappell/NPR -
Jeremy Long
Philly sends $500,000 in emergency funding to the Abortion Liberation Fund of PA
The ALF-PA was formed in 1985 after the Pennsylvania General Assembly cut Medicaid funding for abortion.
By Mark Eichmann/WHYY -
Matt Rourke
EPA: Chemical in medical-device cleanser poses cancer risk to people living near plants in Pennsylvania and other states
Ethylene oxide is used to clean everything from catheters to syringes, pacemakers and plastic surgical gowns.
By Matthew Daly/The Associated Press -
Millions of Americans have long COVID. Many of them are no longer working
For more than a year, employers have faced staffing problems, with jobs going unfilled month after month.
By Andrea Hsu/ NPR -
Jeremy Long
A ‘lost opportunity’: Pa. and Del. are discontinuing their COVID-19 exposure apps
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Monkeypox FAQ: How contagious? Are kids at risk? If you had chickenpox are you safe?
Since May, the number of monkeypox cases has grown to more than 16,000 across 75 countries and territories.
By Ari Daniel/NPR -
David Dermer
Before using that at-home COVID-19 test, be sure to check the kit’s expiration date
At home COVID-19 tests do have a shelf life.
By Brittany Sweeney/ WLVR -
CDC via AP, File
Monkeypox explained: How to protect yourself and what to watch out for
Monkeypox is most similar to smallpox, which was eradicated through global vaccination efforts in 1980.
By Dustin Jones/NPR