John Kopp
John Kopp is the Chief Health Reporter/Assistant Editor at PhillyVoice. He joined the newsroom after spending five years reporting for the Delaware County Daily Times. He spent the prior year covering state and local politics, including a $4 million Pennsylvania state Senate race. He previously covered Chester city government, the Chester Upland School District and high-school sports. A Temple University graduate, John enjoys long-distance running, watching baseball and exploring new places.
May 21, 2020
Fitness
Running with a mask is difficult and hot weather could make it even harder
Wearing a face mask makes running more difficult due to restricted air flow. Doctors recommend modifying workouts to make them less strenuous until the body acclimates to exercising with a mask. But don't expect added fitness benefits. Studies show masks don't mimic altitude training.May 1, 2020
Government
Coronavirus restrictions to ease in 24 Pennsylvania counties
Pennsylvania will begin reopening by easing coronavirus-related restrictions in 24 northwest and north-central counties on May 8, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Friday. The Philadelphia region, where COVID-19 cases remain high, is expected to be among the last to reopen.April 30, 2020
Health News
Remdesivir could be authorized as emergency COVID-19 treatment, report says
The antiviral drug remdesivir reduced the recovery time of COVID-19 patients enrolled in a clinical trial conducted by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, leaving health officials optimistic about its potential. The FDA reportedly may give the drug, developed by Gilead Sciences, an emergency use authorization.April 29, 2020
Health Stories
Jefferson students meeting demand for critical COVID-19 testing component
Public officials want to ramp up COVID-19 testing, increasing demand for viral transit media, a critical component that preserves the coronavirus as it sent from the testing site to the laboratory. To meet this need, a biotech team from Jefferson University has committed to producing 10,000 VTM units.April 24, 2020
Health Insurance
Health insurers 'even more important' during COVID-19 crisis, Independence Blue Cross CEO says
Health insurers have a vital role to play amid the COVID-19 crisis, Independence Blue Cross CEO Dan Hilferty says. He discussed coronavirus claims, cost-sharing payments, future premiums and serology testing in an interview.April 23, 2020
Government
Pennsylvania to reopen in three phases on a region-by-region basis
Pennsylvania will reopen its economy in three phases as it emerges from the coronavirus pandemic, gradually removing stay-at-home orders and relaxing business restrictions on a regional basis. Social distancing measures will be lifted as COVID-19 cases dip below a threshold identified by public health officials.April 20, 2020
Government
Pennsylvania's stay-at-home order extended through May 8
Pennsylvania's stay-at-home order has been extended through May 8, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday as protesters outside the state capitol called for it to be lifted. Wolf relaxed several restrictions, permitting some construction and online car sales. Curbside pickup at the state's liquor stores also will become available.April 20, 2020
Mental Health
Will the coronavirus pandemic make you a germaphobe? Probably not, but it may bring new habits
The coronavirus pandemic is unlikely to create a generation of germaphobes, mental health experts say. But it could cause behavioral changes – like frequent hand washing or stashing away Clorox disinfectant wipes.April 10, 2020
Mental Health
Asking Americans to wear cloth masks is a hard sell – there's a psychological reason why
The theory of psychological reactance explains why many Americans have resisted wearing cloth masks or adhering to social distancing guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic, according to Swarthmore College behavioral scientist Syon Bhanot.April 8, 2020
Parks
Philly parks remain open, but closures are 'not off the table,' Mayor Kenney says
Philadelphia potentially could close its park system if people do not adhere to social distancing guidelines, Mayor Jim Kenney said Wednesday. Wissahickon Valley Park and others have seen an influx of people during the coronavirus pandemic, including some groups that are ignoring physical distance recommendations.Just In
- Philly's new homeless shelter offers case management and medical services to 'set people up for success'
- Now serving brunch, dancerobot draws inspiration from Japanese roots and an old Philly diner
- Taking a GLP-1? Doctors say not to forget about movement and mental health
- Penn community says proposed changes to guidelines on campus demonstrations infringe on free speech
- Checking in on recent former Phillies: Harrison Bader, Nick Castellanos, others struggle early
- Eagles' 2026 offseason schedule announced
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