How HHS’ new hospital data reporting system will actually affect the U.S. Covid-19 response

New rules quietly issued by the HHS this week directing hospitals to stop reporting their Covid-19 data to the CDC caused both surprise and outrage. Yesterday, CDC's dashboard containing the data — which help the government decide how to allot the limited supply of remdesivir, for instance — was no longer publicly visible but was back up a few hours later, albeit with outdated data. Adding to the confusion is the fact that experts are still trying to understand what these new rules of solely submitting information to HHS mean for the Covid-19 response. STAT's Nicholas Florko and Eric Boodman talked to several experts to get a sense of what's known — and what's unknown — about the policy change, including what it means for remdesivir supply.

Here's what else is happening with the pandemic:

In a new interview with STAT, NIH Director Francis Collins defended top infectious disease physician Anthony Fauci, who has faced attacks from the White House this week. “This is a remarkable scientist who has led NIH’s efforts in infectious disease with great distinction for more than 30 years and who continues to be our lead in vaccines and therapeutics for Covid-19,” Collins told STAT. “The idea of losing that leadership at this critical moment for our nation is unthinkable.”
One possible silver lining to the ongoing pandemic could be fewer cases of a mysterious polio-like illness in children that usually spikes during the summer and fall months. Called acute flaccid myelitis, the condition is thought to be the result of a viral infection, and physicians wonder if distancing measures currently in place could also prevent the spread of the illness.
A new study published yesterday — the first among among patients who have not been hospitalized — adds to the case that hydroxychloroquine is unlikely to yield any benefit to Covid-19 patients.