Today In Healthcare: New COVID Rules Could Harm US Businesses; Flywire Payment Volume Surges

Today in healthcare: Businesses, organizations and governments are updating their COVID-19 rules to bring back masks. Plus, PharmEasy is considering a $1 billion IPO for its Mumbai-based online healthcare and medicine delivery platform, and Flywire’s payment volume is up 85 percent in the past year.

US Businesses Brace For Updated COVID-19 Rules

The Centers for Disease Control relaxed its mask guidance in June, but in late July it again recommended that vaccinated people wear masks when indoors. A new twist on fighting COVID this time around, compared to the first time, is some businesses’ requirement that customers show proof of vaccination prior to eating indoors.

Online Healthcare, Meds Delivery Firm PharmEasy Considers $1B IPO

The owner of India-based online healthcare and medicine delivery platform PharmEasy — India’s largest digital drugstore chain — is reportedly contemplating a Mumbai initial public offering (IPO) that could generate up to $1 billion, according to a Tuesday (Aug. 10) Bloomberg report. PharmEasy also provides diagnostic tests and other health products, offering various discounts based on categories.

Flywire’s Payment Volume Surges 85 Pct As Pandemic Pressures Ease

Flywire, which focuses on high-value payments in healthcare, education and travel, reported on Tuesday (Aug. 10) that its total payments volume soared 85 percent year over year to $1.9 billion in its first quarter as a public company. The Boston, Massachusetts-based FinTech reported that revenue surged by 56 percent to $37 million in the second quarter of 2021. Revenue less ancillary services soared by 77 percent to $33 million.