Free tests? As COVID surges, rapid results cost up to $300
January 15, 2022
Although state and federal rules require COVID tests to be free or covered by health insurance, people often have to pay hundreds of dollars upfront.
Latest Health Care News
You'll be able to order free at-home COVID test kits starting on Wednesday
January 15, 2022
The Biden administration announced Friday that Americans can begin ordering free at-home COVID-19 tests starting Jan. 19. Orders can be placed using the website COVIDtests.gov.
California coronavirus updates: US Supreme Court says ‘no’ to Biden’s vaccine mandate
January 14, 2022
The Supreme Court has stopped a major push by the Biden administration to boost the nation’s COVID-19 vaccination rate: a requirement that employees at large businesses get a vaccine or test regularly and wear a mask on the job.
COVID-19 outbreaks at Sacramento County jails prompt emergency releases
January 13, 2022 | Kris Hooks
As of Jan. 13, 76 people at the county’s main jail have the virus, and another 48 are positive at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center in Elk Grove.
Omicron surge strains Sacramento
January 13, 2022 | Pauline Bartolone
From businesses to schools to hospitals, Sacramento area community members are dealing with widespread absences and low morale as COVID-19 cases reach their highest peak so far during the pandemic.
Without guidance from Sacramento county health officials, restaurants take individual approaches to worker safety amid omicron surge
January 13, 2022 | Sarah Mizes-Tan
Sacramento County announced that they would not be enforcing measures for businesses during this surge. Some Sacramento restaurants have closed for an extended break; others continue indoor dining.
Will COVID sick leave return to California?
January 12, 2022
Gov. Gavin Newsom, Democratic leaders in the Legislature and labor unions are negotiating how to bring back extra paid sick leave for COVID. One big issue: Will businesses get state help to offset their costs?.
Sacramento County bans flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and menthol
January 12, 2022 | Sammy Caiola
Following an hours-long debate and public discussion, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted to ban flavored tobacco sales — including menthol. The ban takes effect July 2022.
California weighs order canceling elective surgeries as COVID surges
January 10, 2022
As a third of hospitals report critical staffing shortages, California’s health department is considering issuing an order postponing many elective surgeries. Many procedures, including a lung transplant, already have been canceled.
Interview: Here’s how a Sacramento County psychologist suggests working on your mental health through the pandemic
January 10, 2022 | Megan Manata | Vicki Gonzalez
The pandemic has continued to drag on, and for some people, the sense of uncertainty is dragging down their mental health. Here’s some tips from a psychologist to bring you some peace.
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Health Care NEWS
The Red Cross says the supply of blood for medical use is dangerously low
January 16, 2022
Blood supplies are low at hospitals across the country, and the American Red Cross hopes people will continue to donate blood in order to bolster supplies.
How health workers are getting through the day in the face of surging COVID cases
January 16, 2022
NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer speaks to Duke University Hospital emergency physician Dr. Daniel Buckland about the state of his hospital as the Omicron variant surges.
Essential workers face a tough choice: Find a test or miss work
January 16, 2022
Facing lost wages if they can't work, essential workers struggle to get timely COVID tests amid a nationwide testing crunch. Community clinics are struggling to meet the need.
More Black students are headed to medical school, but finances are still a major issue
January 15, 2022
Medical schools are reporting a record increase in Black students. Across the U.S., the number of first-year African Americans is way up – 21 percent — an unprecedented spike since 2020.
Doctors and patients are facing tough choices because of the national blood crisis
January 13, 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a 62% drop in blood drives at schools and colleges, according to the American Red Cross.
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