Domestic Updates
- Two reports have been published on the predicted trajectory of the virus, they both support the idea that this first wave of social distancing will not be our last.
- The first, published by the University of Minnesota, describes three possibilities following the current wave: (1) “peaks and valleys” that gradually diminish over a year or two, (2) a larger peak in the fall or winter, with smaller waves to follow or (3) an intense spring peak followed by a “slow burn” with less-pronounced ups and downs.
- The second study, from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, echoes the first scenario put forth by the Minnesota report. It supports the likelihood of a “wavy future characterized by peaks and valleys” with social distancing returning if the # of cases reach a certain point, followed by reopening if cases drop to a lower threshold, (they suggest 5 cases per 10,000).
- Both publications claim that this could be our new normal, well into 2021 or 2022. Click here for a NYTimes synopsis of both reports.
- California will send mail-in ballots to all residents for the general election. Gov. Newsom has said that this does not mean in-person voting will be cancelled. Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Utah already mail out ballots for every election.
- Gov. Cuomo reported that in NY, 3 children have now died, most likely from the inflammatory syndrome associated with Covid-19. He expressed concern that the 73 children currently hospitalized in NY with this syndrome did not present with the classic Covid symptoms, but instead presented with symptoms that mirror toxic shock syndrome or Kawasaki disease.
- The Department of Health and Human Services has shipped 260 cases of remdesivir to CT, IL, IA, MD, MI, NJ.
- Gov. Cuomo announced the results of recent antibody sampling. The NYFD and EMT’s had a 17.1% infection rate. Out of a sampling of transit workers, 14.2% had the antibodies and 12.2% of healthcare workers tested positive.
- The US Army invited initial proposals for a $25 million contract for any company that can create wearable sensors that detect early symptoms of the virus.
- To elaborate on the update from yesterday, the FDA-approved at-home diagnostic saliva test will cost $150 and must be fully supervised by a practitioner via telemedicine. You will also need a prescription to obtain the test.
- Within California’s reopening plan, LA has reopened stores using the new guidelines, SF will reopen curbside pickup by May 18 but other Bay Area counties will keep non-essential businesses closed through the end of May.
- Moderna announced that it expects to be well into the third phase of their vaccine trial by the end of the summer. Moderna has entered into a partnership with Lonza Group AG aimed at manufacturing 1 billion doses a year and hopes to have emergency doses ready by September.
- 1/3 of all coronavirus deaths have been nursing home residents or nursing home workers. In 13 states, more than half of coronavirus deaths have been tied to nursing homes.
Global Updates
- The Mayor of Seoul has closed all of the city’s bars and nightclubs after a new cluster of infections was discovered. So far, 40 patients have been connected to the nightclubs and the 29-year-old patient who is believed to be patient 0 in regards to this new outbreak. Authorities are tracking down 1000+ people who may have had contact with this individual; the individual visited 3 clubs in Seoul’s Itaewon district last Saturday, before testing positive two days later.
- Belarus ignored warnings from Russia and held a military parade on Saturday, with thousands of people in attendance.
- The Lancet released a publication yesterday claiming that Brazil’s biggest threat amid the pandemic is its own president, Jair Bolsonaro. A recent study by Imperial College, London shows that out of a sampling of 48 countries, Brazil has the highest rate of transmission (Rt of 2.81).
- Kenya, Rwanda and Somalia are experiencing deadly flooding. Yesterday the Kenya Power and Lighting Company reported a nationwide blackout that also affected Uganda’s electrical grid.
- Madrid and Barcelona will remain under lockdown until their case #’s improve, while 51% of Spain’s population in low-risk areas will be able to move forward with the first phase of reopening. Those provinces will be allowed to hold gatherings of up to 10 people, and many businesses will reopen such as small shops and restaurants with outdoor seating.
- A vote by the UN Security Council calling for a global ceasefire amid the pandemic was blocked on Friday by the US- reportedly due to the fact that the resolution contained language that overwhelmingly supported the WHO.
- Singapore is trialing a robot named Spot. Spot is deployed in a public park and is fit with cameras, sensors and a speaker. Spot warns people to maintain a safe distance and notifies officials if crowding is taking place. If the two week trial goes well, more Spots could be deployed to patrol parks in Singapore. Other robots are being used to disinfect hospitals and airports.
- Doctors in Hong Kong published a new report on a combination of 3 drugs (lopinavir-ritonavir, ribavirin, an antiviral drug used to treat hepatitis C, and interferon beta-1b) as an effective Covid treatment. They report that the combination is showing very promising results in helping patients recover more quickly. *more on this tomorrow in Sunday’s medical & research updates.
- As Boris Johnson is set to address the UK tomorrow on reopening, the death-toll increased, hitting a total # of fatalities above 30,000. The government has reportedly missed its “100,000 a day target” of testing for the 7th day in a row.
- The UK government has told airlines that it will introduce a 14-day quarantine period for most people arriving from abroad. Johnson is expected to speak further on the matter tomorrow.
- A $2 billion package has been announced by the UK to promote cycling and walking in order to encourage social distancing when traveling. While this plan will be finished in 2025, emergency plans will be put in place immediately such as pop-up bike lanes, wider pavements for pedestrians and cycle and bus-only streets.
- A violent protest erupted in Afghanistan’s central Ghor province as hundreds of people protested against an unfair food aid distribution amid the pandemic. At least 6 people were killed.
- While many regions in Australia have reopened businesses, New South Wales and Victoria, ( home to Sydney and Melbourne), will keep restrictions in place for at least another week.
- The Indian government used drones and fire engines to disinfect the city of Ahmedabad, a city of 5.5 million people that accounts for 10% of India’s cases. The drones and fire engines sprayed disinfectant throughout the city as people were told to stay indoors.
- The Israeli government has reported the smallest daily rise of new infections in over two months with 18 confirmed cases. The government has approved a series of next steps to relax restrictions, including allowing group prayer and a partial reopening of businesses and schools.
- Indonesia has reported its biggest daily increase in new infections. Indonesia has the 4th highest population in the world and has been criticized for its low testing rate.
- Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez has extended a quarantine for Buenos Aires until May 24, but has relaxed many restrictions for the rest of the country.
This list has been curated by @jamieplancher