Previous coronavirus daily briefing updates, May 17-19
Published May 21, 2020 12:38 PM EDT
Current daily briefings on the coronavirus can be found here. Scroll below to read precious reports, listed in eastern time.
How effective are face masks? A recent study conducted by a team of microbiologists from Hong Kong University have found that wearing a surgical mask reduces the transmission rate of COVID-19 by as much as 75%, according to CNBC. In the study, researchers experimented with groups of hampers that were separated into cages. In the experiments when there was a surgical mask placed between the cages, the rate of transmission was significantly lower than when no surgical mask was used. “In our hamster experiment, it shows very clearly that if infected hamsters or humans — especially asymptomatic or symptomatic ones — put on masks, they actually protect other people. That’s the strongest result we showed here,” said Dr. Yuen Kwok-yung, a leading microbiologist from Hong Kong University.
Cuomo gives green light for Memorial Day ceremonies in New York, but with a 10-person limit. Speaking at his daily press conference on Tuesday, the New York governor said, "We want to honor our veterans and make sure no matter what happens we still are honoring our veterans," WABC reported. Cuomo called for ceremonies to be broadcast on TV and online and signaled that parades were acceptable. "Vehicle parades I think are appropriate and should be encouraged," Cumo said. "And again, it is an important tradition. Many people lost their lives. This is important to many, many families all across this state and nation. It's important that the veterans be recognized. I think we can do it and do it safely."
With a monster cyclone bearing down on parts of India and Bangladesh, officials are scrambling to evacuate millions from coastal areas. A huge logistical complication is trying to evacuate large numbers of people in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. India on Monday extended what is the world's biggest coronavirus lockdown through the end of May. In Bangladesh, Al-Jazeera spoke to Bithi Begum, a young woman living in a coastal town. Taking a break from collecting her belongings as she prepared to flee to a shelter, Begum expressed concern about evacuating. "The situation isn't good. We're not sure what will happen to us," she said. As of Tuesday, Cyclone Amphan was barreling over the Bay of Bengal with 132-mph sustained winds. AccuWeather meteorologists expect it to make landfall sometime Wednesday evening local time.
Travel restriction between the U.S. and Canada will continue into the summer. The border between the two countries will remain closed to all non-essential travel until at least June 21, AFP reported, one day after the official start to summer. Travel has been limited between the two countries since March 21 to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus across international borders.
COVID-19 has forced the fashion industry to go virtual. Fashion weeks around the world won’t let coronavirus stop the show. The fashion industry has gone digital and created e-vents, which has created a demand for 3D artists to create virtual clothes and models, BBC reports. Whether this trend will continue into the fall remains unclear, though some have proposed an alternative to a virtual experience: a drive-in fashion week event. Although virtual events such as these are an attempt to restore normality amid the coronavirus pandemic, Business Matters Magazine said it will be interesting to see how this will shape the future and the evolution of fashion. Some hope the industry recognizes the benefits of having these events online since there is a smaller carbon footprint. Waste is created in putting on fashion shows plus air travel is necessary to attend them, causing an unnecessary amount of carbon emissions, Business Matters Magazine said.
The Belmont Stakes will be the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown this year, rather than the last. This is the first time in history that the race will be the first leg, but it has been run as the second leg in previous years, ESPN reported. The event will take place at its normal venue of Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, on June 20 and no fans will be allowed in attendance. Race officials said the Belmont will be shortened to a distance of 1 1/8 miles instead of the normal 1 1/2-mile length. The other two legs of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, have already been rescheduled to Sept. 5 and Oct. 3 respectively.
A new study has shown that patients who tested positive for COVID-19 after previously recovering from the disease are not infectious again. Scientists from the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study that involved over 200 COVID-19 survivors who had tested positive again. An article published by Bloomberg showed that the conclusion of the study found that the patients didn't appear to spread any infection and samples collected from these people couldn't be grown. The result of the study has prompted South Korea to no longer consider people infectious after recovering from COVID-19, even if they test positive again.
WHO coronavirus special envoy, Dr. David Nabarro, warns that the coronavirus "will be a constant threat." With news of vaccine studies going around, Nabarro said during an interview with Sky News that, "we just don't want anyone to believe that a vaccine is just around the corner, and it's gonna be possible for everybody in the world to be vaccinated within a matter of months." Nabarro continued by saying that in order to combat the virus, people will have to change their behavior, respect physical distances, wear face protection all the time, and to adjust how they work in order to keep people as free of the disease as possible. Lastly, he said people should be ready for inconveniences and restrictions during outbreaks and to plan for how to handle them.
Over 100 million people have been sent back into a lockdown in China after growing clusters of coronavirus have started to spread across the country. Bloomberg reported that cities in the Jilin province have closed schools, cut off public transportation, and started to quarantine tens of thousands. These new restrictions come as fears of a second wave have started to amplify the need for quick actions to prevent more deaths. Jilin province has had 127 total confirmed cases.
Joshua Tree National Park reopened to the public on Sunday after being closed for nearly two months. Entrance stations are now staffed, though fees will not be collected, the park’s site stated. Visitor centers and group campsites remain closed to the public and all programs and permits for special-use activities are canceled through May 31, according to The Palm Springs Desert Sun. Park officials worked with health officials in San Bernardino and Riverside counties "to ensure that the type of recreation at Joshua Tree is in line with current health advisories,” Park Superintendent David Smith said in a statement on Monday morning. "By opening the park in phases, we plan on being able to take measured steps that ensure the safety of our staff and visitors while providing increased access to our National Park," Smith said. Joshua Tree has an ideal forecast in the upcoming week with temperatures ranging from the 70s F to 90s F.
Tom Brady spotted practicing in a Bucs helmet with teammates. And, Chris Urso, deputy photography director for The Tampa Bay Times, has the snaps to prove it. According to The Tampa Bay Times, Brady and a handful of other teammates gathered for a 7 a.m. workout on a secluded turf field Tuesday at the Berkeley Preparatory School. The report indicated Brady appeared to be leading the practice, which is a workaround of the NFL's current COVID-19 pandemic policy on gatherings. The photos provide the first look at Brady wearing a Bucs helmet. Last month, the six-time Super Bowl-winning QB made headlines when Tampa's mayor revealed Brady was asked to leave a public park that was closed due to the outbreak. Brady worked up a sweat this morning, thanks to the humid weather in place that will send the AccuWeather RealFeel temperature to 92 F on Tuesday.
Brazil overtook the United Kingdom on Monday to become the country with the third-highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The country has over 257,000 cases and Reuters reports that Brazil's Health Ministry confirmed another 674 new fatalities on Monday. The country's death toll now stands at over 16,700. Brazil is also currently without its health minister as the previous health minister, Nelson Teich, resigned last week, Reuters reported.
NFL players' face masks could be in for a big change this season in response to the pandemic. During an appearance on ESPN reporter Adam Schefter's podcast, Dr. Thom Mayer, the medical director for the NFL Players Association, said the league is testing several new face masks for the upcoming season. According to Mayer, the face masks being tested are made of materials that go into the N-95 respirator masks, and they could fully cover a payer's face -- unlike the current masks that leave openings. "They’ve got some prototypes; they’re doing really good work,” Mayer said. “Some of them, when you first look at them, you think, ‘Gosh, no,’" he continued, "'cause you’re not used to seeing it." Mayer added that the sunglasses brand Oakley, which makes all of the protective face visors used on NFL helmets, is one of the companies working on the prototypes. "They’re looking at every issue you can imagine, including when it fogs up. What do we do with that? But these guys are used to dealing with this stuff.”
In this Nov. 24, 2019, file photo, a Detroit Lions helmet sits on the field prior to an NFL football game between the Lions and Washington Redskins in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally, File)
The University of Notre Dame, Purdue University and Rice University announced plans to cancel fall breaks and end “face-to-face” instruction before Thanksgiving. Students will return to The University of Notre Dame campus for the fall semester the week of August 10, two weeks earlier than originally scheduled, officials announced in a statement. The university also said it will forgo fall break in October and end the semester before Thanksgiving. The university said its plan will include comprehensive coronavirus testing, contact tracing, quarantine and isolation protocols, social distancing and mask requirements, and enhanced cleaning of all campus spaces. The university has identified facilities to isolate students who test positive and quarantine students who have been in close contact. These protocols will continue throughout the semester and as long as necessary, the university said.
“By far the most complex challenge before us is the return of our students to campus for the resumption of classes in the fall semester,” the university’s president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, said in the statement, according to CNN. “Bringing our students back is in effect assembling a small city of people from many parts of the nation and the world, who may bring with them pathogens to which they have been exposed. We recognize the challenge, but we believe it is one we can meet," the statement said.
IMF chief says global economic recovery from the pandemic will take until 2021. IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva was interviewed by Reuters and said the economic fallout has been worse than many experts first thought it would be. "Obviously that means it will take us much longer to have a full recovery from this crisis," Georgieva told Reuters. She also warned that economic protectionism, sparked by the pandemic, could further delay a global recovery.
Delta Air Lines is expected to resume flying several major routes to Trans-Atlantic and Caribbean destinations in June that were previously suspended due to the pandemic. According to Reuters, the carrier is adding about 100 daily flights in June vs May. Delta says it's looking to restart its daily service to Shanghai, China, from Detroit and Seattle but those routes requires U.S. government approval. "Delta's second quarter schedule is 85 percent smaller than last year, with reductions of 80 percent in U.S. domestic capacity and 90 percent internationally," the company said in a statement. Other airlines impacted by the pandemic have been parking sidelined jetliners on runways. Last week, AccuWeather's John Roach took a look at why the locations where some of the out-of-use planes are being parked raised eyebrows among some meteorologists.
At least 70 new cases of COVID-19 have reportedly been linked to schools in France, just days after schools there reopened. The surge in new cases comes one week after one-third of all French children were sent back to school. French Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer reacted to the news, saying the affected schools will be closed. ABC News reported seven schools have closed.
Here are the latest totals from around the world, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins University:
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Total confirmed cases: 4,822,430
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Total deaths: 318,851
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Total recovered: 1,798,148
After a rare sunny weekend for New York City -- with temperatures reaching the high 70s and low 80s -- crowds congregated on streets outside of popular bars and restaurants, sitting and drinking to-go beverages. Mayor Bill de Blasio responded to the crowds, saying people should not gather outside of businesses. “Get your drink. Go home. Don’t allow gatherings to occur. It’s not safe,” de Blasio said. At least one restaurant also let customers inside, NBC New York reported. De Blasio also addressed dine-in service, and the consequences the city will enforce if a restaurant is found to have violated the city’s lockdown restrictions."I want any New Yorker who sees any place allowing dining in to call 311 immediately and they will be visited immediately with inspectors and there will be serious fines. If we have to shut places down we will,” de Blasio said.
Starting Monday, restaurants in Rhode Island can offer outdoor dining services. Parties will be limited to five people, and restaurants can only seat a maximum of 20 tables, The Associated Press reported. The tables must be at least eight feet apart and reservations are required. Some restaurant owners have expressed skepticism toward beginning to reopen. Kevin Gaudreau, who owns KG Kitchen Bar in Providence, said he is cautious of investing in a reopening that could only be temporary if another lockdown is ordered. “There’s a whole lot more than just unlocking the door and opening up,” he told WPRI News. Weather likely won't be an issue for businesses that do choose to offer outdoor dining, as a slow moving storm system is headed toward the southeastern part of the country, Rhode Island is expected to remain dry.
Ireland’s death toll reached a seven-week low. It was the second day in a row where the number of cases fell below 100. The number of deaths also dropped to four, the lowest daily total since late March, according to Reuters. Ireland has 24,200 confirmed cases, 19,470 recoveries and 1,547 deaths. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland has gently eased restrictions on Monday. Now small groups are allowed to meet outside and churchgoers are allowed to pray alone. The region laid out a five-stage plan last week for easing the lockdown similar to Ireland’s, but raised the chances of different parts of the island reopening at different times due to the omission dates for action.
Professional sports may be returning to California in the coming weeks. During a press conference on Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said that if the current trend of COVID-19 transmission continues, sport clubs statewide would be able to return to action. “Sporting events, pro sports, in that first week or so of June without spectators and modifications and very prescriptive conditions also can begin to move forward,” Newsom said. Additionally, some restrictions on in-person retail and dining would be lifted. "We estimate roughly 53 of the 58 counties would be eligible to move into this phase," Newsom said.
Decline in child vaccinations during the pandemic could lead to a measles outbreak, the CDC warns.The CDC analyzed data on vaccinations in Michigan and found around 66% of five-month-olds were vaccinated each year from 2016 to 2019. That dropped sharply to 49% in 2020. Overall, the vaccination rate for Michigan children under 18 years old decreased by 21.5%. Health officials warned of a possible measles outbreak due to the decrease in vaccinations. “The observed declines in vaccination coverage might leave young children and communities vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles,” the CDC wrote in its findings. “If measles vaccination coverage of 90%–95% (the level needed to establish herd immunity) is not achieved, measles outbreaks can occur.” The CDC states “three out of 100—who get two doses of measles vaccine will still get measles if exposed to the virus. Experts aren’t sure why.” As of May 7, the CDC reported 12 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. this year. In 2019, measles cases in the U.S. hit a 10-year high with more than 1,200 nationwide.
More than 1.5 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the U.S., according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. This is more than five times the number of cases reported in Russia, the country with the second-highest number of cases in the world with 290,000 confirmed cases. The U.S. reached this milestone on Monday afternoon around the same time that the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the country eclipsed 90,000. There have also been more than 270,000 recoveries nationwide.
Stocks stage biggest rally since early April based on promising vaccine news. U.S. stocks opened the week with a big surge on Monday. The Dow rose more than 900 points and the S&P 500 shot up 3.2% -- the two indexes' biggest single-day gain since April 8, according to CNBC. The rally was in response to news that broke early Monday morning: Moderna released promising results in the first phase of a vaccine trial. The drugmaker's stock also had a great day, skyrocketing 20%.
Florida’s public universities are on the path to reopen for the fall semester, according to the State University System of Florida. The Board of Governors will discuss specifics and develop guidelines for the universities next week. In June, representatives from each of the 12 schools will present their individual plans to the Board of Governors. “The task force is focusing on developing guidelines that will prioritize the health and well-being of students, faculty, staff, vendors, and visitors as our institutions continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” board Chairman Syd Kitson said in a news release. Kitson went on to say planning will be “informed by science and medical professionals.”
One day after attending a California church service on Mother’s Day, an attendee tested positive for COVID-19, exposing 180 other people to the virus. Butte County Public Health has notified the churchgoers from that day and instructed them to self-quarantine, USA Today reported. The church service went against California Gov. Gavin Newsom's stay-at-home order that was issued on March 19. “At this time, organizations that hold in-person services or gatherings are putting the health and safety of their congregations, the general public and our local ability to open up at great risk,” Danette York, director of Butte County Public Health, said of the incident. “Moving too quickly through the reopening process can cause a major setback and could require us to revert back to more restrictive measures.”
Adventurists looking to climb Japan's famed Mount Fuji will not have the opportunity to do so this summer. Officials in the Shizuoka prefecture told AFP that three of the four major routes to the mountain's peak would be closed to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. "The routes open in summer but this year we will keep them closed from July 10 to Sept. 10," the only climbing season for Mount Fuji, an official told AFP.
India’s lockdown will be extended for another two weeks, after originally beginning on March 24. Schools, public transportation and most businesses were forced to close in what is the largest lockdown in the world, covering 1.3 billion people, the BBC reported. The extended shutdown will have some loosened restrictions, allowing restaurants to operate take-out service and the operation of private cars and busses crossing state borders with permission. Previously, travelers were being stopped at police checkpoints when traveling long distances. Sports complexes and stadiums can now hold events as well -- so long as there are no spectators present. The decision to allow the relaxed restrictions or continue with previous lockdown restrictions is up to individual states.
To complicate matters, the country is preparing for a sizable evacuation in its northeast region with some reports saying more than 1 million are expected to flee a brewing tropical cyclone. Amphan, classified as a super cyclonic storm by India's Meteorological Department, is currently the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane as it churns towards the country with winds greater than 130 mph. "This cyclone is forecast to make landfall on Wednesday night, local time, near the border of India's West Bengal and Bangladesh. This path would lead to a direct hit in Kolkata," AccuWeather Meteorologist Maura Kelly writes.
A new job has emerged amid the coronavirus pandemic: social distance ambassador. A recent spell of summerlike weather across the mid-Atlantic spurred residents to head outside, and groups of volunteers did their part to make sure that everyone was staying safe while soaking in the warmth and sunshine. In Cape May County, New Jersey, four “social distance ambassadors” took to the streets to kick off the Six Feet Saves campaign and passed out masks, handed out educational material on COVID-19 and passed along positive words for those adhere to social distancing guidelines. "Six Feet Saves is a positive reinforcement, health education campaign, where we're just asking people to keep their distance," Megan Santiago told NJ.com. "We're not policing."
In the New York City area, more than 2,000 people spread across parks and beaches to encourage social distancing over the warm weekend. While the parks were filled, many people were maintaining their distance from others, ABC7 said. Police also handed out masks to those who needed them to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
People relax in marked circles for proper social distancing at Domino Park in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn during the current coronavirus outbreak, Sunday, May 17, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Sorrento Therapeutics Inc., a San Diego-based company, is developing an antibody it claims can block COVID-19 infection in healthy cells. The antibody, called STI-1499, is one of approximately one dozen candidates to prevent COVID-19 infection. The antibody “completely neutralized the virus infectivity at a very low antibody dose, making it a prime candidate for further testing and development,” the organization said, according to the Times of San Diego. Dr. Henry Ji, Chairman and CEO of Sorrento, said the organization is working “day and night” to work toward the antibody getting approved for public use. “Our STI-1499 antibody shows exceptional therapeutic potential and could potentially save lives following receipt of necessary regulatory approvals,” he said.
Professional Bull Riders (PBR) will welcome fans to attend a limited-audience event in July. The decision makes PBR the first sports organization to allow spectators back into the stands. However, to allow for more distance between fans, tickets will only be sold for about 35% of the seats. The event will take place July 10-12 in the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, according to Variety. “South Dakota is working to get back to normal, and that includes the return of sports at the proper time,” South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said. Minehaha County, where Sioux Falls is located, currently has 3,135 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. Thirty-nine COVID-19-related deaths have been confirmed.
With restaurants across the U.S. opening up for dine-in service once again, business owners are creating unique ways for customers to keep a safe distance. Fish Tails Bar and Grill in Ocean City, Maryland, has found a unique way to ensure its patrons are able to maintain proper distance from each other while enjoying the restaurant experience so many people have been missing for months across the U.S. Video at the restaurant shows customers wheeling around in giant circular tables to keep a safe distance from others. Fish Tails Bar and Grill is not the only business to use creative measures to keep customers safe, however. A taco restaurant in Dallas, Texas, has been using a robot to deliver food to customers in the parking lot for a contact-free delivery system, AccuWeather’s Adam Del Rosso reported. Click here to watch more creative ways people across the globe are social distancing.
After a 10-week lockdown, shops, hairdressers and restaurants in Italy were allowed to reopen on Monday. Churches are also authorized to hold mass, Reuters reported. While unlimited travel is allowed in certain regions of the country, Italy has not yet opened up its borders to the rest of Europe, and plans to do so on June 3.
Because of the heavy influence tourists have on Italy’s economy, some business owners have decided to postpone their reopening until tourists are welcome back. “We have a loyal clientele ... mostly tourists, so while travel between the regions and from abroad is not allowed, there is not much point in reopening,” Monica Robaldo, owner of the Pierre Alexis 1877 restaurant in Courmayeur, said. Other business owners and employees, however, are eager to get back to work. “I haven’t worked for two and a half months. It’s a beautiful, exciting day,” Valentino Casanova, who works at Caffe Canova in Rome’s central Piazza del Popolo, said.
A woman sips her coffee from under her facial protection at a cafe with outdoor tables in Rome Monday, May 18, 2020. Italy is slowly lifting restrictions after a two-month coronavirus lockdown. (Cecilia Fabiano /LaPresse via AP)
Hopes rise on positive results of coronavirus vaccine test trial. Moderna, a Massachusetts-based biotech company, announced Monday that results from the first phase of a trial for a vaccine that would immunize against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, were promising. The trial included just eight people, but the vaccine "elicited neutralizing antibodies in all eight of these participants," Moderna said in a statement. The vaccine testing is being conducted in conjunction with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and the FDA has already given a green light for a second phase.
"These interim Phase 1 data, while early, demonstrate that vaccination with mRNA-1273 elicits an immune response of the magnitude caused by natural infection,” Moderna's chief medical officer, Tal Zaks, said in the statement. Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said the results were promising enough that the company is ramping up production of the vaccine. "We are investing to scale up manufacturing so we can maximize the number of doses we can produce to help protect as many people as we can from SARS-CoV-2." The news of the positive results made instant waves on Wall Street, where U.S. stocks in early-day trading soared to the largest gains seen in a month, according to CNBC.
Pedestrians pass some coronavirus art on Haight Street in San Francisco on Sunday, May 17, 2020. The majority of people out and about adhere to mask regulations as coronavirus quarantine eases. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
(Terry Schmitt / UPI)
An early taste of summer in parts of southern Europe this weekend drew people out of lockdown and into parks and seaside locations as countries gradually eased coronavirus restrictions. A heat wave brought AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit in Athens, Greece, where residents swarmed beaches on Saturday. The government enforced strict social distancing measures as more than 500 beaches were reopened in Greece, according to Reuters. Only 40 people were allowed to sunbathe within a 1,000-square-meter stretch, umbrella poles had to be placed at least 4 meters apart and canopies had to be separated by at least 1 meter. “This is the best thing for us elderly ... to come and relax a bit after being locked in,” Yannis Tentomas, who is in his 70s, told Reuters. On Monday, ancient sites such as the Acropolis were reopened, but the visitors who came out largely had historic sites to themselves, according to The Associated Press. As heat persists, AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures will continue to soar well into the 90s in Athens into the middle of the week.
A man takes a picture next the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis hill of Athens, on Monday, May 18, 2020. Greece reopened the Acropolis in Athens and other ancient sites Monday, along with high schools, shopping malls, and mainland travel in the latest round of easing pandemic restrictions imposed in late March. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Apple stores are beginning to reopen across the U.S and the company has released a set of guidelines for what customers can expect. According to a message posted on the company's website by Deirdre O’Brien, Apple's senior vice president of retail and people, Apple stores will reopen with limited occupancy, and face coverings will be required for all employees and customers. Those that don't have face masks will be provided one at the door. Additionally, temperature checks will be conducted before people can enter. "Throughout the day, we're conducting enhanced deep cleanings that place special emphasis on all surfaces, display products, and highly trafficked areas," the message states. Nearly 100 of Apple's stores have reopened globally.
Two residents from Snohomish County, Washington, have taken blood tests that show they have COVID-19 antibodies after they recalled being sick in December. The blood tests have led people to question if the outbreak in the U.S. began earlier than previously thought, Komo News reported. The first U.S. case of COVID-19 was previously reported in Snohomish County on Jan. 21. Some doctors have weighed in that the patients likely became infected with a different respiratory virus in December, and then contracted COVID-19 later, thus creating the antibodies in their blood.
“There’s a saying in medicine, when you hear hoofbeats think horses, not zebras,” Snohomish County Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters said. “So, the horse in that scenario would be that they had a non-COVID infection in December and then subsequently got infected with COVID but didn’t know it, developed antibodies and then here we are.” At least one of the patients had lunch with a hospital nurse in Kirkland, where a large outbreak of the virus spread through a nursing home.
WHO official warns of second deadly wave of outbreak to strike Europe this winter. Dr. Hans Kluge, the director for the WHO's European region, cautioned in an interview published by The Telegraph over the weekend that health officials and the public at large should not let their guard down even though the number of COVID-19 cases across western Europe is generally decreasing. Kluge said to look at some Asian countries for an example of how to handle the pandemic. "Singapore and Japan understood early on that this is not a time for celebration -- it's a time for preparation," Kluge told The Telegraph. "That's what Scandinavian countries are doing – they don't exclude a second wave, but they hope it will be localized and they can jump on it quickly." Kluge also pointed to the lessons of past pandemics, like the Spanish flu pandemic 100 years ago. "We know from history that in pandemics the countries that have not been hit early on can be hit in a second wave."
Here are the latest updated totals from around the world, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins University:
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Total confirmed cases: 4,730,968
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Total deaths: 315,488
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Total recovered: 1,739,890
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is calling for more people to get tested for COVID-19 -- and he has decided to lead by example. During a press conference on Sunday, Cuomo was tested for the virus through a nasal swab to demonstrate how quick the test is.
Cuomo said there are more than 700 locations in New York where people who have symptoms or are essential workers can be tested. Currently, he said the state is testing under capacity. "It’s quick, easy and painless. If I have time, you do too," Cuomo said.
Registered nurse Stephanie Mundo shows where the testing swab is broken as it is placed in a specimen tube after a test at a COVID-19 testing site at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, Wednesday, May 13, 2020, in the Harlem neighborhood of New York. Churches in low income communities across New York are offering COVID-19 testing to residents in conjunction with Northwell Health and New York State. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
After public libraries shut down amid COVID-19, one librarian has found a way to continue providing free books to the public -- while on wheels. Christine Gale Reynolds worked at the public library in Yosemite National Park. After it was forced to close, Reynolds decided to pack up her car with donated books and began her own traveling library, following a growing trend of little free libraries, The Washington Post reported. Volunteers are reporting a spike in small and free libraries, either in trunks of cars or located in public parks.
The concept has become so popular in recent weeks as people continue to stay home that the Little Free Library group, a nonprofit based in Wisconsin, has issued recommendations on how to keep the libraries sanitary in accordance to CDC guidelines. Gale Reynolds said she makes sure to social distance and sanitize her mobile library as she makes her stops. “I know this may not be legal, conventional, or ethically sound, and yet it has worked for many, and I feel of use,” she said.
The U.K., which has the highest death toll in Europe, reported its lowest daily death toll since the beginning of the country’s COVID-19 lockdown. The death toll dropped to 170 on Sunday, compared to 268 reported last Sunday, the BBC reported. The recent count is lower than any day since March 24, the day after the lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, when 149 deaths were reported.
On Sunday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued reminders on proper face covering practices amid COVID-19. The CDC advises people wear face coverings every time they go out in public and ensure they are able to breathe clearly through it. After use, they recommend washing the face coverings. Face coverings should not be used on children under the age of two, and the CDC advises against using surgical masks or other forms of personal protective equipment that is intended for healthcare workers.
In Texas, 1,801 new coronavirus cases were reported on Saturday, making it the largest amount of new cases in one day for the state. The Amarillo area was responsible for an outbreak that led to more than 700 new cases, according to The Houston Chronicle. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said as they continue to crack down on testing the area, the state total will continue to grow.
On April 30, Abbott allowed the statewide stay at home order to expire, according to Axios, ultimately allowing for phase one of reopening to begin. On Monday, the state will enter phase two, which will allow for gyms, offices and factories to reopen, Dallas News reported.
Major League Baseball and the Players Association are negotiating a plan so they can start a modified 2020 season on time. The league plans to perform thousands of COVID-19 tests each week by testing all baseball personnel multiple times a week, as well as require social distancing among players and staff, according to CBS Sports. This plan's safety measures are not as intensive as some of the other previous ideas the league had considered, like quarantining all required employees and players, CBS Sports reports. According to the proposed plan, a positive coronavirus test would not automatically shut the league down.
Spraying disinfectant on the streets is ineffective and even poses a health risk, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned over the weekend. The document also stresses that spraying individuals with disinfectants is "not recommended under any circumstances." Chlorine or other toxic chemicals on people can cause eye and skin irritation, bronchospasm and gastrointestinal effects. "Spraying or fumigation of outdoor spaces, such as streets or marketplaces, is... not recommended to kill the COVID-19 virus or other pathogens because disinfectant is inactivated by dirt and debris," the WHO said. "This could be physically and psychologically harmful and would not reduce an infected person’s ability to spread the virus through droplets or contact," the document stated.
A young Nepalese girl is sprayed with disinfectants as she arrives to get free food distributed by social workers during the lockdown in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sunday, May 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Brazil’s coronavirus cases surpassed Spain and Italy, making it the fourth largest outbreak in the world. Brazil's Health Ministry registered 14,919 new confirmed cases in the 24 hours prior to Saturday, taking the total to 233,142, behind the US, Russia and Britain, according to Reuters. President Jair Bolsonaro has been critical of the strict quarantine orders by many of Brazil’s state governors. Bolsonaro argues that the toll on the economy is becoming unbearable and businesses must be allowed to reopen as soon as possible.
As temperatures heat up for summer, hundreds of people in New York and New Jersey ignored lockdown orders to hit the beaches. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut governors announced that beaches in those states are allowed to reopen over Memorial Day weekend on May 22. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said his decision was made in coordination with New Jersey and Connecticut, which previously announced their beaches would reopen that day as well. Cuomo said he had to open the beaches in New York to avoid people from the state flocking to New Jersey or Connecticut's shores and potentially sparking another outbreak, the Daily Mail reported. Temperatures across those states will climb to the 70s F in the coming week.
Previous coverage:
Click here for previous daily briefings on the coronavirus outbreak from May 13-16.
Click here for previous daily briefings on the coronavirus outbreak from May 10-12.
Click here previous daily briefings on the coronavirus outbreak.
Reporting by Lauren Fox, John Murphy, Brian Lada, Mark Puleo, Maria Antonieta Valery Gil, Kevin Byrne, Chaffin Mitchell, Adriana Navarro, John Roach, Dexter Henry, Bill Wadell, Jonathan Petramala, and Monica Danielle
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News / Health
Previous coronavirus daily briefing updates, May 17-19
Published May 21, 2020 12:38 PM EDT
Current daily briefings on the coronavirus can be found here. Scroll below to read precious reports, listed in eastern time.
May 19, 9:30 p.m.
How effective are face masks? A recent study conducted by a team of microbiologists from Hong Kong University have found that wearing a surgical mask reduces the transmission rate of COVID-19 by as much as 75%, according to CNBC. In the study, researchers experimented with groups of hampers that were separated into cages. In the experiments when there was a surgical mask placed between the cages, the rate of transmission was significantly lower than when no surgical mask was used. “In our hamster experiment, it shows very clearly that if infected hamsters or humans — especially asymptomatic or symptomatic ones — put on masks, they actually protect other people. That’s the strongest result we showed here,” said Dr. Yuen Kwok-yung, a leading microbiologist from Hong Kong University.
May 19, 8:05 p.m.
Cuomo gives green light for Memorial Day ceremonies in New York, but with a 10-person limit. Speaking at his daily press conference on Tuesday, the New York governor said, "We want to honor our veterans and make sure no matter what happens we still are honoring our veterans," WABC reported. Cuomo called for ceremonies to be broadcast on TV and online and signaled that parades were acceptable. "Vehicle parades I think are appropriate and should be encouraged," Cumo said. "And again, it is an important tradition. Many people lost their lives. This is important to many, many families all across this state and nation. It's important that the veterans be recognized. I think we can do it and do it safely."
May 19, 6:54 p.m.
With a monster cyclone bearing down on parts of India and Bangladesh, officials are scrambling to evacuate millions from coastal areas. A huge logistical complication is trying to evacuate large numbers of people in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. India on Monday extended what is the world's biggest coronavirus lockdown through the end of May. In Bangladesh, Al-Jazeera spoke to Bithi Begum, a young woman living in a coastal town. Taking a break from collecting her belongings as she prepared to flee to a shelter, Begum expressed concern about evacuating. "The situation isn't good. We're not sure what will happen to us," she said. As of Tuesday, Cyclone Amphan was barreling over the Bay of Bengal with 132-mph sustained winds. AccuWeather meteorologists expect it to make landfall sometime Wednesday evening local time.
May 19, 5:46 p.m.
Travel restriction between the U.S. and Canada will continue into the summer. The border between the two countries will remain closed to all non-essential travel until at least June 21, AFP reported, one day after the official start to summer. Travel has been limited between the two countries since March 21 to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus across international borders.
May 19, 5:03 p.m.
COVID-19 has forced the fashion industry to go virtual. Fashion weeks around the world won’t let coronavirus stop the show. The fashion industry has gone digital and created e-vents, which has created a demand for 3D artists to create virtual clothes and models, BBC reports. Whether this trend will continue into the fall remains unclear, though some have proposed an alternative to a virtual experience: a drive-in fashion week event. Although virtual events such as these are an attempt to restore normality amid the coronavirus pandemic, Business Matters Magazine said it will be interesting to see how this will shape the future and the evolution of fashion. Some hope the industry recognizes the benefits of having these events online since there is a smaller carbon footprint. Waste is created in putting on fashion shows plus air travel is necessary to attend them, causing an unnecessary amount of carbon emissions, Business Matters Magazine said.
May 19, 4 p.m.
The Belmont Stakes will be the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown this year, rather than the last. This is the first time in history that the race will be the first leg, but it has been run as the second leg in previous years, ESPN reported. The event will take place at its normal venue of Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, on June 20 and no fans will be allowed in attendance. Race officials said the Belmont will be shortened to a distance of 1 1/8 miles instead of the normal 1 1/2-mile length. The other two legs of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, have already been rescheduled to Sept. 5 and Oct. 3 respectively.
May 19, 2:52 p.m.
A new study has shown that patients who tested positive for COVID-19 after previously recovering from the disease are not infectious again. Scientists from the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study that involved over 200 COVID-19 survivors who had tested positive again. An article published by Bloomberg showed that the conclusion of the study found that the patients didn't appear to spread any infection and samples collected from these people couldn't be grown. The result of the study has prompted South Korea to no longer consider people infectious after recovering from COVID-19, even if they test positive again.
May 19, 2:01 p.m.
WHO coronavirus special envoy, Dr. David Nabarro, warns that the coronavirus "will be a constant threat." With news of vaccine studies going around, Nabarro said during an interview with Sky News that, "we just don't want anyone to believe that a vaccine is just around the corner, and it's gonna be possible for everybody in the world to be vaccinated within a matter of months." Nabarro continued by saying that in order to combat the virus, people will have to change their behavior, respect physical distances, wear face protection all the time, and to adjust how they work in order to keep people as free of the disease as possible. Lastly, he said people should be ready for inconveniences and restrictions during outbreaks and to plan for how to handle them.
May 19, 1:20 p.m.
Over 100 million people have been sent back into a lockdown in China after growing clusters of coronavirus have started to spread across the country. Bloomberg reported that cities in the Jilin province have closed schools, cut off public transportation, and started to quarantine tens of thousands. These new restrictions come as fears of a second wave have started to amplify the need for quick actions to prevent more deaths. Jilin province has had 127 total confirmed cases.
May 19, 1 p.m.
Joshua Tree National Park reopened to the public on Sunday after being closed for nearly two months. Entrance stations are now staffed, though fees will not be collected, the park’s site stated. Visitor centers and group campsites remain closed to the public and all programs and permits for special-use activities are canceled through May 31, according to The Palm Springs Desert Sun. Park officials worked with health officials in San Bernardino and Riverside counties "to ensure that the type of recreation at Joshua Tree is in line with current health advisories,” Park Superintendent David Smith said in a statement on Monday morning. "By opening the park in phases, we plan on being able to take measured steps that ensure the safety of our staff and visitors while providing increased access to our National Park," Smith said. Joshua Tree has an ideal forecast in the upcoming week with temperatures ranging from the 70s F to 90s F.
May 19, 12:14 p.m.
Tom Brady spotted practicing in a Bucs helmet with teammates. And, Chris Urso, deputy photography director for The Tampa Bay Times, has the snaps to prove it. According to The Tampa Bay Times, Brady and a handful of other teammates gathered for a 7 a.m. workout on a secluded turf field Tuesday at the Berkeley Preparatory School. The report indicated Brady appeared to be leading the practice, which is a workaround of the NFL's current COVID-19 pandemic policy on gatherings. The photos provide the first look at Brady wearing a Bucs helmet. Last month, the six-time Super Bowl-winning QB made headlines when Tampa's mayor revealed Brady was asked to leave a public park that was closed due to the outbreak. Brady worked up a sweat this morning, thanks to the humid weather in place that will send the AccuWeather RealFeel temperature to 92 F on Tuesday.
May 19, 12:01 p.m.
Brazil overtook the United Kingdom on Monday to become the country with the third-highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The country has over 257,000 cases and Reuters reports that Brazil's Health Ministry confirmed another 674 new fatalities on Monday. The country's death toll now stands at over 16,700. Brazil is also currently without its health minister as the previous health minister, Nelson Teich, resigned last week, Reuters reported.
May 19, 11:39 a.m.
NFL players' face masks could be in for a big change this season in response to the pandemic. During an appearance on ESPN reporter Adam Schefter's podcast, Dr. Thom Mayer, the medical director for the NFL Players Association, said the league is testing several new face masks for the upcoming season. According to Mayer, the face masks being tested are made of materials that go into the N-95 respirator masks, and they could fully cover a payer's face -- unlike the current masks that leave openings. "They’ve got some prototypes; they’re doing really good work,” Mayer said. “Some of them, when you first look at them, you think, ‘Gosh, no,’" he continued, "'cause you’re not used to seeing it." Mayer added that the sunglasses brand Oakley, which makes all of the protective face visors used on NFL helmets, is one of the companies working on the prototypes. "They’re looking at every issue you can imagine, including when it fogs up. What do we do with that? But these guys are used to dealing with this stuff.”
In this Nov. 24, 2019, file photo, a Detroit Lions helmet sits on the field prior to an NFL football game between the Lions and Washington Redskins in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally, File)
May 19, 11:03 a.m.
The University of Notre Dame, Purdue University and Rice University announced plans to cancel fall breaks and end “face-to-face” instruction before Thanksgiving. Students will return to The University of Notre Dame campus for the fall semester the week of August 10, two weeks earlier than originally scheduled, officials announced in a statement. The university also said it will forgo fall break in October and end the semester before Thanksgiving. The university said its plan will include comprehensive coronavirus testing, contact tracing, quarantine and isolation protocols, social distancing and mask requirements, and enhanced cleaning of all campus spaces. The university has identified facilities to isolate students who test positive and quarantine students who have been in close contact. These protocols will continue throughout the semester and as long as necessary, the university said.
“By far the most complex challenge before us is the return of our students to campus for the resumption of classes in the fall semester,” the university’s president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, said in the statement, according to CNN. “Bringing our students back is in effect assembling a small city of people from many parts of the nation and the world, who may bring with them pathogens to which they have been exposed. We recognize the challenge, but we believe it is one we can meet," the statement said.
May 19, 10:48 a.m.
IMF chief says global economic recovery from the pandemic will take until 2021. IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva was interviewed by Reuters and said the economic fallout has been worse than many experts first thought it would be. "Obviously that means it will take us much longer to have a full recovery from this crisis," Georgieva told Reuters. She also warned that economic protectionism, sparked by the pandemic, could further delay a global recovery.
May 19, 10:13 a.m.
Delta Air Lines is expected to resume flying several major routes to Trans-Atlantic and Caribbean destinations in June that were previously suspended due to the pandemic. According to Reuters, the carrier is adding about 100 daily flights in June vs May. Delta says it's looking to restart its daily service to Shanghai, China, from Detroit and Seattle but those routes requires U.S. government approval. "Delta's second quarter schedule is 85 percent smaller than last year, with reductions of 80 percent in U.S. domestic capacity and 90 percent internationally," the company said in a statement. Other airlines impacted by the pandemic have been parking sidelined jetliners on runways. Last week, AccuWeather's John Roach took a look at why the locations where some of the out-of-use planes are being parked raised eyebrows among some meteorologists.
May 19, 8:12 a.m.
At least 70 new cases of COVID-19 have reportedly been linked to schools in France, just days after schools there reopened. The surge in new cases comes one week after one-third of all French children were sent back to school. French Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer reacted to the news, saying the affected schools will be closed. ABC News reported seven schools have closed.
May 19, 7:05 a.m.
Here are the latest totals from around the world, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins University:
Total confirmed cases: 4,822,430
Total deaths: 318,851
Total recovered: 1,798,148
May 18, 9:58 p.m.
After a rare sunny weekend for New York City -- with temperatures reaching the high 70s and low 80s -- crowds congregated on streets outside of popular bars and restaurants, sitting and drinking to-go beverages. Mayor Bill de Blasio responded to the crowds, saying people should not gather outside of businesses. “Get your drink. Go home. Don’t allow gatherings to occur. It’s not safe,” de Blasio said. At least one restaurant also let customers inside, NBC New York reported. De Blasio also addressed dine-in service, and the consequences the city will enforce if a restaurant is found to have violated the city’s lockdown restrictions."I want any New Yorker who sees any place allowing dining in to call 311 immediately and they will be visited immediately with inspectors and there will be serious fines. If we have to shut places down we will,” de Blasio said.
May 18, 8:43 p.m.
Starting Monday, restaurants in Rhode Island can offer outdoor dining services. Parties will be limited to five people, and restaurants can only seat a maximum of 20 tables, The Associated Press reported. The tables must be at least eight feet apart and reservations are required. Some restaurant owners have expressed skepticism toward beginning to reopen. Kevin Gaudreau, who owns KG Kitchen Bar in Providence, said he is cautious of investing in a reopening that could only be temporary if another lockdown is ordered. “There’s a whole lot more than just unlocking the door and opening up,” he told WPRI News. Weather likely won't be an issue for businesses that do choose to offer outdoor dining, as a slow moving storm system is headed toward the southeastern part of the country, Rhode Island is expected to remain dry.
May 18, 7:52 p.m.
Ireland’s death toll reached a seven-week low. It was the second day in a row where the number of cases fell below 100. The number of deaths also dropped to four, the lowest daily total since late March, according to Reuters. Ireland has 24,200 confirmed cases, 19,470 recoveries and 1,547 deaths. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland has gently eased restrictions on Monday. Now small groups are allowed to meet outside and churchgoers are allowed to pray alone. The region laid out a five-stage plan last week for easing the lockdown similar to Ireland’s, but raised the chances of different parts of the island reopening at different times due to the omission dates for action.
May 18, 6:40 p.m.
Professional sports may be returning to California in the coming weeks. During a press conference on Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said that if the current trend of COVID-19 transmission continues, sport clubs statewide would be able to return to action. “Sporting events, pro sports, in that first week or so of June without spectators and modifications and very prescriptive conditions also can begin to move forward,” Newsom said. Additionally, some restrictions on in-person retail and dining would be lifted. "We estimate roughly 53 of the 58 counties would be eligible to move into this phase," Newsom said.
May 18, 5:36 p.m.
Decline in child vaccinations during the pandemic could lead to a measles outbreak, the CDC warns.The CDC analyzed data on vaccinations in Michigan and found around 66% of five-month-olds were vaccinated each year from 2016 to 2019. That dropped sharply to 49% in 2020. Overall, the vaccination rate for Michigan children under 18 years old decreased by 21.5%. Health officials warned of a possible measles outbreak due to the decrease in vaccinations. “The observed declines in vaccination coverage might leave young children and communities vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles,” the CDC wrote in its findings. “If measles vaccination coverage of 90%–95% (the level needed to establish herd immunity) is not achieved, measles outbreaks can occur.” The CDC states “three out of 100—who get two doses of measles vaccine will still get measles if exposed to the virus. Experts aren’t sure why.” As of May 7, the CDC reported 12 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. this year. In 2019, measles cases in the U.S. hit a 10-year high with more than 1,200 nationwide.
May 18, 5:14 p.m.
More than 1.5 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the U.S., according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. This is more than five times the number of cases reported in Russia, the country with the second-highest number of cases in the world with 290,000 confirmed cases. The U.S. reached this milestone on Monday afternoon around the same time that the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the country eclipsed 90,000. There have also been more than 270,000 recoveries nationwide.
May 18, 5:01 p.m.
Stocks stage biggest rally since early April based on promising vaccine news. U.S. stocks opened the week with a big surge on Monday. The Dow rose more than 900 points and the S&P 500 shot up 3.2% -- the two indexes' biggest single-day gain since April 8, according to CNBC. The rally was in response to news that broke early Monday morning: Moderna released promising results in the first phase of a vaccine trial. The drugmaker's stock also had a great day, skyrocketing 20%.
May 18, 4:22 p.m.
Florida’s public universities are on the path to reopen for the fall semester, according to the State University System of Florida. The Board of Governors will discuss specifics and develop guidelines for the universities next week. In June, representatives from each of the 12 schools will present their individual plans to the Board of Governors. “The task force is focusing on developing guidelines that will prioritize the health and well-being of students, faculty, staff, vendors, and visitors as our institutions continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” board Chairman Syd Kitson said in a news release. Kitson went on to say planning will be “informed by science and medical professionals.”
May 18, 3:29 p.m.
One day after attending a California church service on Mother’s Day, an attendee tested positive for COVID-19, exposing 180 other people to the virus. Butte County Public Health has notified the churchgoers from that day and instructed them to self-quarantine, USA Today reported. The church service went against California Gov. Gavin Newsom's stay-at-home order that was issued on March 19. “At this time, organizations that hold in-person services or gatherings are putting the health and safety of their congregations, the general public and our local ability to open up at great risk,” Danette York, director of Butte County Public Health, said of the incident. “Moving too quickly through the reopening process can cause a major setback and could require us to revert back to more restrictive measures.”
May 18, 3:03 p.m.
Adventurists looking to climb Japan's famed Mount Fuji will not have the opportunity to do so this summer. Officials in the Shizuoka prefecture told AFP that three of the four major routes to the mountain's peak would be closed to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. "The routes open in summer but this year we will keep them closed from July 10 to Sept. 10," the only climbing season for Mount Fuji, an official told AFP.
May 18, 2:04 p.m.
India’s lockdown will be extended for another two weeks, after originally beginning on March 24. Schools, public transportation and most businesses were forced to close in what is the largest lockdown in the world, covering 1.3 billion people, the BBC reported. The extended shutdown will have some loosened restrictions, allowing restaurants to operate take-out service and the operation of private cars and busses crossing state borders with permission. Previously, travelers were being stopped at police checkpoints when traveling long distances. Sports complexes and stadiums can now hold events as well -- so long as there are no spectators present. The decision to allow the relaxed restrictions or continue with previous lockdown restrictions is up to individual states.
To complicate matters, the country is preparing for a sizable evacuation in its northeast region with some reports saying more than 1 million are expected to flee a brewing tropical cyclone. Amphan, classified as a super cyclonic storm by India's Meteorological Department, is currently the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane as it churns towards the country with winds greater than 130 mph. "This cyclone is forecast to make landfall on Wednesday night, local time, near the border of India's West Bengal and Bangladesh. This path would lead to a direct hit in Kolkata," AccuWeather Meteorologist Maura Kelly writes.
May 18, 1:40 p.m.
A new job has emerged amid the coronavirus pandemic: social distance ambassador. A recent spell of summerlike weather across the mid-Atlantic spurred residents to head outside, and groups of volunteers did their part to make sure that everyone was staying safe while soaking in the warmth and sunshine. In Cape May County, New Jersey, four “social distance ambassadors” took to the streets to kick off the Six Feet Saves campaign and passed out masks, handed out educational material on COVID-19 and passed along positive words for those adhere to social distancing guidelines. "Six Feet Saves is a positive reinforcement, health education campaign, where we're just asking people to keep their distance," Megan Santiago told NJ.com. "We're not policing."
In the New York City area, more than 2,000 people spread across parks and beaches to encourage social distancing over the warm weekend. While the parks were filled, many people were maintaining their distance from others, ABC7 said. Police also handed out masks to those who needed them to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
People relax in marked circles for proper social distancing at Domino Park in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn during the current coronavirus outbreak, Sunday, May 17, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
May 18, 12:18 p.m.
Sorrento Therapeutics Inc., a San Diego-based company, is developing an antibody it claims can block COVID-19 infection in healthy cells. The antibody, called STI-1499, is one of approximately one dozen candidates to prevent COVID-19 infection. The antibody “completely neutralized the virus infectivity at a very low antibody dose, making it a prime candidate for further testing and development,” the organization said, according to the Times of San Diego. Dr. Henry Ji, Chairman and CEO of Sorrento, said the organization is working “day and night” to work toward the antibody getting approved for public use. “Our STI-1499 antibody shows exceptional therapeutic potential and could potentially save lives following receipt of necessary regulatory approvals,” he said.
May 18, 11:40 a.m.
Professional Bull Riders (PBR) will welcome fans to attend a limited-audience event in July. The decision makes PBR the first sports organization to allow spectators back into the stands. However, to allow for more distance between fans, tickets will only be sold for about 35% of the seats. The event will take place July 10-12 in the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, according to Variety. “South Dakota is working to get back to normal, and that includes the return of sports at the proper time,” South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said. Minehaha County, where Sioux Falls is located, currently has 3,135 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. Thirty-nine COVID-19-related deaths have been confirmed.
May 18, 11:25 a.m.
With restaurants across the U.S. opening up for dine-in service once again, business owners are creating unique ways for customers to keep a safe distance. Fish Tails Bar and Grill in Ocean City, Maryland, has found a unique way to ensure its patrons are able to maintain proper distance from each other while enjoying the restaurant experience so many people have been missing for months across the U.S. Video at the restaurant shows customers wheeling around in giant circular tables to keep a safe distance from others. Fish Tails Bar and Grill is not the only business to use creative measures to keep customers safe, however. A taco restaurant in Dallas, Texas, has been using a robot to deliver food to customers in the parking lot for a contact-free delivery system, AccuWeather’s Adam Del Rosso reported. Click here to watch more creative ways people across the globe are social distancing.
May 18, 11:10 a.m.
After a 10-week lockdown, shops, hairdressers and restaurants in Italy were allowed to reopen on Monday. Churches are also authorized to hold mass, Reuters reported. While unlimited travel is allowed in certain regions of the country, Italy has not yet opened up its borders to the rest of Europe, and plans to do so on June 3.
Because of the heavy influence tourists have on Italy’s economy, some business owners have decided to postpone their reopening until tourists are welcome back. “We have a loyal clientele ... mostly tourists, so while travel between the regions and from abroad is not allowed, there is not much point in reopening,” Monica Robaldo, owner of the Pierre Alexis 1877 restaurant in Courmayeur, said. Other business owners and employees, however, are eager to get back to work. “I haven’t worked for two and a half months. It’s a beautiful, exciting day,” Valentino Casanova, who works at Caffe Canova in Rome’s central Piazza del Popolo, said.
A woman sips her coffee from under her facial protection at a cafe with outdoor tables in Rome Monday, May 18, 2020. Italy is slowly lifting restrictions after a two-month coronavirus lockdown. (Cecilia Fabiano /LaPresse via AP)
May 18, 10:40 a.m.
Hopes rise on positive results of coronavirus vaccine test trial. Moderna, a Massachusetts-based biotech company, announced Monday that results from the first phase of a trial for a vaccine that would immunize against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, were promising. The trial included just eight people, but the vaccine "elicited neutralizing antibodies in all eight of these participants," Moderna said in a statement. The vaccine testing is being conducted in conjunction with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and the FDA has already given a green light for a second phase.
"These interim Phase 1 data, while early, demonstrate that vaccination with mRNA-1273 elicits an immune response of the magnitude caused by natural infection,” Moderna's chief medical officer, Tal Zaks, said in the statement. Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said the results were promising enough that the company is ramping up production of the vaccine. "We are investing to scale up manufacturing so we can maximize the number of doses we can produce to help protect as many people as we can from SARS-CoV-2." The news of the positive results made instant waves on Wall Street, where U.S. stocks in early-day trading soared to the largest gains seen in a month, according to CNBC.
Pedestrians pass some coronavirus art on Haight Street in San Francisco on Sunday, May 17, 2020. The majority of people out and about adhere to mask regulations as coronavirus quarantine eases. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
May 18, 10:25 a.m.
An early taste of summer in parts of southern Europe this weekend drew people out of lockdown and into parks and seaside locations as countries gradually eased coronavirus restrictions. A heat wave brought AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit in Athens, Greece, where residents swarmed beaches on Saturday. The government enforced strict social distancing measures as more than 500 beaches were reopened in Greece, according to Reuters. Only 40 people were allowed to sunbathe within a 1,000-square-meter stretch, umbrella poles had to be placed at least 4 meters apart and canopies had to be separated by at least 1 meter. “This is the best thing for us elderly ... to come and relax a bit after being locked in,” Yannis Tentomas, who is in his 70s, told Reuters. On Monday, ancient sites such as the Acropolis were reopened, but the visitors who came out largely had historic sites to themselves, according to The Associated Press. As heat persists, AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures will continue to soar well into the 90s in Athens into the middle of the week.
A man takes a picture next the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis hill of Athens, on Monday, May 18, 2020. Greece reopened the Acropolis in Athens and other ancient sites Monday, along with high schools, shopping malls, and mainland travel in the latest round of easing pandemic restrictions imposed in late March. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
May 18, 10:05 a.m.
Apple stores are beginning to reopen across the U.S and the company has released a set of guidelines for what customers can expect. According to a message posted on the company's website by Deirdre O’Brien, Apple's senior vice president of retail and people, Apple stores will reopen with limited occupancy, and face coverings will be required for all employees and customers. Those that don't have face masks will be provided one at the door. Additionally, temperature checks will be conducted before people can enter. "Throughout the day, we're conducting enhanced deep cleanings that place special emphasis on all surfaces, display products, and highly trafficked areas," the message states. Nearly 100 of Apple's stores have reopened globally.
May 18, 9:55 a.m.
Two residents from Snohomish County, Washington, have taken blood tests that show they have COVID-19 antibodies after they recalled being sick in December. The blood tests have led people to question if the outbreak in the U.S. began earlier than previously thought, Komo News reported. The first U.S. case of COVID-19 was previously reported in Snohomish County on Jan. 21. Some doctors have weighed in that the patients likely became infected with a different respiratory virus in December, and then contracted COVID-19 later, thus creating the antibodies in their blood.
“There’s a saying in medicine, when you hear hoofbeats think horses, not zebras,” Snohomish County Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters said. “So, the horse in that scenario would be that they had a non-COVID infection in December and then subsequently got infected with COVID but didn’t know it, developed antibodies and then here we are.” At least one of the patients had lunch with a hospital nurse in Kirkland, where a large outbreak of the virus spread through a nursing home.
May 18, 9:10 a.m.
WHO official warns of second deadly wave of outbreak to strike Europe this winter. Dr. Hans Kluge, the director for the WHO's European region, cautioned in an interview published by The Telegraph over the weekend that health officials and the public at large should not let their guard down even though the number of COVID-19 cases across western Europe is generally decreasing. Kluge said to look at some Asian countries for an example of how to handle the pandemic. "Singapore and Japan understood early on that this is not a time for celebration -- it's a time for preparation," Kluge told The Telegraph. "That's what Scandinavian countries are doing – they don't exclude a second wave, but they hope it will be localized and they can jump on it quickly." Kluge also pointed to the lessons of past pandemics, like the Spanish flu pandemic 100 years ago. "We know from history that in pandemics the countries that have not been hit early on can be hit in a second wave."
May 18, 6:55 a.m.
Here are the latest updated totals from around the world, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins University:
Total confirmed cases: 4,730,968
Total deaths: 315,488
Total recovered: 1,739,890
May 17, 7:30 p.m.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is calling for more people to get tested for COVID-19 -- and he has decided to lead by example. During a press conference on Sunday, Cuomo was tested for the virus through a nasal swab to demonstrate how quick the test is.
Cuomo said there are more than 700 locations in New York where people who have symptoms or are essential workers can be tested. Currently, he said the state is testing under capacity. "It’s quick, easy and painless. If I have time, you do too," Cuomo said.
Registered nurse Stephanie Mundo shows where the testing swab is broken as it is placed in a specimen tube after a test at a COVID-19 testing site at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, Wednesday, May 13, 2020, in the Harlem neighborhood of New York. Churches in low income communities across New York are offering COVID-19 testing to residents in conjunction with Northwell Health and New York State. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
May 17, 5:50 p.m.
After public libraries shut down amid COVID-19, one librarian has found a way to continue providing free books to the public -- while on wheels. Christine Gale Reynolds worked at the public library in Yosemite National Park. After it was forced to close, Reynolds decided to pack up her car with donated books and began her own traveling library, following a growing trend of little free libraries, The Washington Post reported. Volunteers are reporting a spike in small and free libraries, either in trunks of cars or located in public parks.
The concept has become so popular in recent weeks as people continue to stay home that the Little Free Library group, a nonprofit based in Wisconsin, has issued recommendations on how to keep the libraries sanitary in accordance to CDC guidelines. Gale Reynolds said she makes sure to social distance and sanitize her mobile library as she makes her stops. “I know this may not be legal, conventional, or ethically sound, and yet it has worked for many, and I feel of use,” she said.
May 17, 4:20 p.m.
The U.K., which has the highest death toll in Europe, reported its lowest daily death toll since the beginning of the country’s COVID-19 lockdown. The death toll dropped to 170 on Sunday, compared to 268 reported last Sunday, the BBC reported. The recent count is lower than any day since March 24, the day after the lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, when 149 deaths were reported.
May 17, 2:40 p.m.
On Sunday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued reminders on proper face covering practices amid COVID-19. The CDC advises people wear face coverings every time they go out in public and ensure they are able to breathe clearly through it. After use, they recommend washing the face coverings. Face coverings should not be used on children under the age of two, and the CDC advises against using surgical masks or other forms of personal protective equipment that is intended for healthcare workers.
May 17, 1 p.m.
In Texas, 1,801 new coronavirus cases were reported on Saturday, making it the largest amount of new cases in one day for the state. The Amarillo area was responsible for an outbreak that led to more than 700 new cases, according to The Houston Chronicle. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said as they continue to crack down on testing the area, the state total will continue to grow.
On April 30, Abbott allowed the statewide stay at home order to expire, according to Axios, ultimately allowing for phase one of reopening to begin. On Monday, the state will enter phase two, which will allow for gyms, offices and factories to reopen, Dallas News reported.
May 17, 11:55 a.m.
Major League Baseball and the Players Association are negotiating a plan so they can start a modified 2020 season on time. The league plans to perform thousands of COVID-19 tests each week by testing all baseball personnel multiple times a week, as well as require social distancing among players and staff, according to CBS Sports. This plan's safety measures are not as intensive as some of the other previous ideas the league had considered, like quarantining all required employees and players, CBS Sports reports. According to the proposed plan, a positive coronavirus test would not automatically shut the league down.
May 17, 10:25 a.m.
Spraying disinfectant on the streets is ineffective and even poses a health risk, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned over the weekend. The document also stresses that spraying individuals with disinfectants is "not recommended under any circumstances." Chlorine or other toxic chemicals on people can cause eye and skin irritation, bronchospasm and gastrointestinal effects. "Spraying or fumigation of outdoor spaces, such as streets or marketplaces, is... not recommended to kill the COVID-19 virus or other pathogens because disinfectant is inactivated by dirt and debris," the WHO said. "This could be physically and psychologically harmful and would not reduce an infected person’s ability to spread the virus through droplets or contact," the document stated.
A young Nepalese girl is sprayed with disinfectants as she arrives to get free food distributed by social workers during the lockdown in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sunday, May 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
May 17, 9 a.m.
Brazil’s coronavirus cases surpassed Spain and Italy, making it the fourth largest outbreak in the world. Brazil's Health Ministry registered 14,919 new confirmed cases in the 24 hours prior to Saturday, taking the total to 233,142, behind the US, Russia and Britain, according to Reuters. President Jair Bolsonaro has been critical of the strict quarantine orders by many of Brazil’s state governors. Bolsonaro argues that the toll on the economy is becoming unbearable and businesses must be allowed to reopen as soon as possible.
May 17, 7:45 a.m.
As temperatures heat up for summer, hundreds of people in New York and New Jersey ignored lockdown orders to hit the beaches. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut governors announced that beaches in those states are allowed to reopen over Memorial Day weekend on May 22. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said his decision was made in coordination with New Jersey and Connecticut, which previously announced their beaches would reopen that day as well. Cuomo said he had to open the beaches in New York to avoid people from the state flocking to New Jersey or Connecticut's shores and potentially sparking another outbreak, the Daily Mail reported. Temperatures across those states will climb to the 70s F in the coming week.
Previous coverage:
Click here for previous daily briefings on the coronavirus outbreak from May 13-16.
Click here for previous daily briefings on the coronavirus outbreak from May 10-12.
Click here previous daily briefings on the coronavirus outbreak.
Reporting by Lauren Fox, John Murphy, Brian Lada, Mark Puleo, Maria Antonieta Valery Gil, Kevin Byrne, Chaffin Mitchell, Adriana Navarro, John Roach, Dexter Henry, Bill Wadell, Jonathan Petramala, and Monica Danielle
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