Walgreens to pay $275,000 to settle allegations in Vermont about service during pandemic

Walgreens to pay 5,000 to settle allegations in Vermont about service during pandemic

MONTPELIER, Vt. — Walgreens has agreed to pay a $275,000 fine to settle allegations that some of its Vermont stores temporarily closed without notice, had untenable working conditions for pharmacists and made medication and vaccination errors during the coronavirus pandemic, the secretary of state announced. The Vermont Board of Pharmacy approved the fine as part … Read more

Missouri lawsuit accusing China of hoarding pandemic gear can proceed, appeals panel says

Missouri lawsuit accusing China of hoarding pandemic gear can proceed, appeals panel says

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A Missouri lawsuit accusing China of hoarding masks and other protective gear during the COVID-19 pandemic can move forward, federal judges ruled Wednesday. A panel of the U.S. Eighth District Court of Appeals panel, however, otherwise agreed with a lower court’s 2022 ruling that tossed out Missouri’s case entirely, finding that … Read more

More adults sought help for ADHD during pandemic, contributing to drug shortages

More adults sought help for ADHD during pandemic, contributing to drug shortages

Prescriptions for ADHD treatments surged among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to fuel lingering shortages that frustrate parents and doctors. New prescriptions for stimulants used to treat the condition jumped for young adults and women during a two-year window after the pandemic hit in March 2020, according to a study published Wednesday in JAMA … Read more

Thai prime minister says visa-free policy for Chinese visitors to be made permanent in March

Thai prime minister says visa-free policy for Chinese visitors to be made permanent in March

BANGKOK — Thailand and China will soon implement visa-free entry for each other’s citizens, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said Tuesday. Chinese nationals will be granted visa-free entry on a permanent basis beginning March 1, Srettha said after his Cabinet’s weekly meeting. Chinese visitors have been allowed visa-free entry since September last year, but the … Read more

As pandemic unfolded, deaths of older adults in Pennsylvania rose steeply in abuse or neglect cases

As pandemic unfolded, deaths of older adults in Pennsylvania rose steeply in abuse or neglect cases

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania recorded a steep increase in the deaths of older adults following an abuse or neglect complaint the last few years, as COVID-19 ravaged the nation, complaints grew and agencies struggled to keep caseworkers on staff. The staggering increase shown in state data — from 120 deaths reported in 2017 to almost … Read more

States are trashing troves of masks and pandemic gear as huge, costly stockpiles linger and expire

States are trashing troves of masks and pandemic gear as huge, costly stockpiles linger and expire

When the coronavirus pandemic took hold in an unprepared U.S., many states like Ohio scrambled for masks and other protective gear. Supplies were so limited in 2020 that the state bought millions of medical gowns from a marketing and printing company and spent about $20 million to try to get personal protective equipment made in-state. … Read more