World News:
On Wednesday, June 10, there are now over 7.3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world, with the virus claiming the lives of over 415,000 people, according to Worldometer.
Outside of the US, the countries with the most confirmed infections are:
- Brazil: 747,561 confirmed cases; 38,701 deaths.
- Russia: 493,657 confirmed cases; 6,358 deaths.
- UK: 290,143 confirmed cases; 41,128 deaths.
- Spain: 289,046 confirmed cases; 27,136 deaths.
- India: 286,755 confirmed cases; 8,106 deaths.
Worst Peacetime Recession in 100 Years
The global economy is plummeting into the worst peacetime recession in 100 years, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The agency expects the world economy to plunge by 6% this year before making a rebound in 2021. Moroever, the World Bank projected earlier this week that the global economy would decline by 5.2% this year, while the International Monetary Fund estimated a 3% contraction. “By the end of 2021, the loss of income exceeds that of any previous recession over the last 100 years outside wartime, with dire and long-lasting consequences for people, firms and governments,” said OECD chief economist Laurence Boone.
More on WHO’s Confusing Asymptomatic Carriers Comment
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday addressed the confusing comments that a WHO official made earlier this week about the asymptomatic spread of COVID-19. “Since early February, we have said that asymptomatic people can transmit Covid-19, but that we need more research to establish the extent of asymptomatic transmission. That research is ongoing,” Tedros said during a briefing in Geneva.
“But here is what we do know — that finding, isolating and testing people with symptoms, and tracing and quarantining their contacts, is the most critical way to stop transmission,” Tedros said. “This is a new virus and we’re all learning all the time. Communicating complex science in real time about a new virus is not always easy, but we believe it’s part of our duty to the world. And we can always do better. We welcome constructive debate. That’s how science advances.”
National News
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
COVID-19 has infected over 2 million Americans, though the true number is of course much higher. As of Wednesday, June 10, the confirmed United States death toll sits at 114,414. New York, which which still leads the nation in infections/deaths, reports 400,660 confirmed cases and 30,603 fatalities. Neighboring New Jersey, which yesterday joined a list of states who have removed their state-at-home orders, now reports 167,192 confirmed cases and 12,369 deaths.
Outside of NY and NJ, the US states with the most number of confirmed cases are:
- California: 137,144 confirmed cases; 4,772 deaths.
- Illinois: 129,212 confirmed cases; 6,018 deaths.
- Massachusetts: 103,889 confirmed cases; 7,408 deaths.
- Pennsylvania: 80,961 confirmed cases; 6,086 deaths.
- Texas: 78,997 confirmed cases; 6,086 deaths.
Fauci Calls Out WHO
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the US’s leading infectious disease expert, says the World Health Organization (WHO) is incorrect in saying that the asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 “appears to be rare.” Dr. Fauci stated WHO’s comment “was not correct.” According to Dr. Fauci, in a ABC “Good Morning American” interview, evidence shows that 25% to 45% of infected people likely don’t have symptoms. “And we know from epidemiological studies they can transmit to someone who is uninfected even when they’re without symptoms,” said Fauci.
FDA Authorizes First COVID-19 Test That Looks for Mutations
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) on Wednesday to Illumina, Inc. for the first COVID-19 diagnostic test that uses genetic sequencing technology to pinpoint changes in the virus. “Having a next generation sequencing diagnostic tool available will continue to expand our testing capabilities. Additionally, genetic sequencing information will help us monitor if and how the virus mutates, which will be crucial to our efforts to continue to learn and fight this virus,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn said in a statement.
Researchers to Evaluate Drugs Prescribed to Children with COVID-19
Investigators have initiated a new study to assess drugs prescribed to infants, children, and adolescents with the novel coronavirus, CNN reports. The study will be funded by the National Institutes of Health, the agency announced. “As we search for safe and effective therapies for Covid-19, we want to make sure that we do not overlook the needs of our youngest patients who may respond differently to these drugs, compared to adults,” Dr. Diana W. Bianchi, director of NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, said in the statement.
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
- There are over 2 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States as of Tuesday, June 9. The US epicenter, New York, now has 400,499 confirmed cases and 30,579 deaths, while neighboring New Jersey has 167,101 confirmed infections and 12,348 deaths. Outside of NY and NJ, the states with the most confirmed infections are:
- California: 134,097 confirmed cases; 4,697 deaths.
- Illinois: 128,415 confirmed cases; 5,924 deaths.
- Massachusetts: 103,626 confirmed cases; 7,353 deaths.
- Pennsylvania: 80,847 confirmed cases; 6,069 deaths.
- Texas: 77,249 confirmed cases; 1,868 deaths.
- Even as more states ease their lockdown restrictions, coronavirus cases continue to rise. Currently 22 US states are experiencing a spike in cases, they include inland states including Arkansas, Texas, and Arizona. Also, Friday, health officials in Utah said they were “very concerned” about the rise in new cases over the past week.
Monday, June 8, 2020
Over 2 Million US Cases
The United States has hit another grim milestone. There are now over 2 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States. The novel coronavirus has now killed over 112,000 US citizens. New York, which has long been the nation’s epicenter, now reports 398,828 confirmed cases and 30,442 deaths, while neighboring New Jersey reports 166,006 confirmed cases and 12,216 fatalities.
Outside of NY and NJ, the US states with the most confirmed cases are now:
- California: 131,710 confirmed cases; 4,653 deaths.
- Illinois: 127,757 confirmed cases; 5,904 deaths.
- Massachusetts: 103,436 confirmed cases; 7,316 deaths.
- Pennsylvania: 80,004 confirmed cases; 6,010 deaths.
- Texas: 75,763 confirmed cases; 1,853 deaths.
New York City Begins Reopening
Following almost 80 days of state-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City begins reopening on Monday. “This is a triumphant moment for New Yorkers who fought back against the disease,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “My message is to stick to it.” In the first phase of reopening, New York City is allowing nonessential workers in construction and manufacturing to go back to work and retail stores to set up curbside or in-store pickup. However, hair salons, offices and indoor seating at bars and restaurants remain closed until phase two.
Some States Experiencing a Spike in Cases
While every state has begun phased reopenings, almost half of US states are experiencing higher rates of new COVID-19 cases. One of those states is Florida, which saw an increased average of roughly 46% over the past week, even as the state entered phase two of reopenings.
Friday, June 5, 2020
Over 110,000 US Fatalities
There are now 110,804 deaths in the United States due to COVID-19 and the number of confirmed cases will soon break 2 million. New York, the nation’s epicenter, now reports 384,837 confirmed cases and 30,296 deaths while second place New Jersey has 165,101 confirmed cases and 12,078 deaths.
Outside of NY and NJ, the US states with the most confirmed cases are:
- Illinois: 125,915 confirmed cases; 5,795 deaths.
- California: 123,137 confirmed cases; 4,485 deaths.
- Massachusetts: 102,063 confirmed cases; 7,201 deaths.
- Pennsylvania: 78,920 confirmed cases; 5,969 deaths.
- Texas: 71,471 confirmed cases; 1,828 deaths.
US Unemployment Rate Drops
The United States economy gained 2.5 million jobs in May, and the unemployment rate fell to 13.3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The jobless rate had soared to 14.7% in April. The report suggests the job market may be recovering following its sharpest plunge in history due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two COVID-19 Studies Retracted Following Questionable Data
Both The Lancet and The New England Journal of Medicine retracted coronavirus studies this week after independent auditors were unable to access all the information necessary for data verification. Both studies used data from mystery analytics company Surgisphere Corporation.
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Almost 2 Million US Cases; NY Update
There over 1.9 million confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States, as of today. The US death has exceeded 109,000, despite the fact that every state has begun phased reopenings. On a positive note, the nation’s hardest hit state, New York, has seen a dramtic bend in its curve, with New York City seeing the “lowest number” of new infections, according to NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio.
New York’s official number sits at 383,770 confirmed cases and 30,244 deaths, while neighboring New Jersey remains second with 164,155 confirmed cases and 11,998 deaths.
Outside of NY and NJ, the US states with the second most confirmed cases are:
- Illinois: 123,830 confirmed cases; 5,621 deaths.
- California: 120,260 confirmed cases; 4,421 deaths.
- Massachusetts: 101,592 confirmed cases; 7,152 deaths.
- Pennsylvania: 78,232 confirmed cases; 5,838 deaths.
- Texas: 69,508 confirmed cases; 1,771 deaths.
The Ever-Rising Number of Unemployed
About 1.9 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, according to the Labor Department’s weekly report. Meaning that, since mid-March, roughly 44 workers have lost their jobs since mid-March due to COVID-19. While the number of weekly filings has reduced, Nick Bunker, director of economic research at the Indeed Hiring Lab, said in a statement to CBS News: “The situation might be improving, but only ever so slightly.”
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
The US death toll from COVID-19 now stands at over 108,000, and there now close to 1.9 million infections. New York, the nation’s leader in confirmed cases and deaths, reports 382,824 infections and 30,134 deaths, while neighboring New Jersey reports 163,530 confirmed cases and 11,880 deaths.
Outside of NY and NJ, the states with most confirmed COVID-19 cases are:
- Illinois: 122,848 confirmed cases; 5,525 deaths.
- California: 117,962 confirmed cases; 4,360 deaths.
- Massachusetts: 101,163 confirmed cases; 7,085 deaths.
- Pennsylvania: 77,788 confirmed cases; 5,756 deaths.
- Texas: 67,973 confirmed cases; 1,735 deaths.
100 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine by 2021, Says Fauci
Dr. Anthony Fauci believes the United States will have 100 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of 2020. “Then, by the beginning of 2021, we hope to have a couple hundred million doses,” Fauci said during a live Q&A with the Journal of the American Medical Association. As previously reported, there are currently over 130 coronavirus vaccines in development worldwide.
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Over 107,000 US Fatalities; NY Reporting a Low in Cases
There are now 1.8 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States and over 107,000 fatalities. On a positive note, New York, the nation’s leader in reported cases and deaths, is seeing an “an all time low” in new cases, according to Governor Andrew Cuomo. New York reported 58 deaths yesterday, which is slightly up from a total of 54 on Monday. New York’s official tally stands at 380,825 confirmed cases and 29,988 deaths. Neighboring New Jersey has also seen a bend in its curve, and reports 51 new deaths, according to Governor Phil Murphy’s social media account. NJ’s total tally is 162,642 confirmed cases and 11,770 deaths.
Outside of NY and NJ, the US states with the most confirmed cases are:
- Illinois: 121,234 confirmed cases; 5,412 deaths.
- California: 115,192 confirmed cases; 4,287 deaths.
- Massachusetts: 100,805 confirmed cases; 7,035 deaths.
- Pennsylvania: 76,739 confirmed cases; 5,670 deaths.
- Texas: 66,076 confirmed cases; 1,700 deaths.
US Surgeon General Expects Clusters Amid Protests
As protests over the death of George Floyd continue in America, the US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams is concerned that COVID-19 may spread among demonstrators. “I remain concerned about the public health consequences both of individual and institutional racism [and] people out protesting in a way that is harmful to themselves and to their communities,” Adams said in an interview with Politico. “Based on the way the disease spreads, there is every reason to expect that we will see new clusters and potentially new outbreaks moving forward,” Adams said.
Monday, June 1, 2020
US Toll Over 106,000
As of June 1, COVID-19 is responsible for the deaths over 106,000 people in the US, and there are close to 2 million confirmed cases (currently 1,843,668). US-leading New York now reports 379,902 confirmed cases and 29,918 deaths. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said today that at least 54 people from coronavirus yesterday, noting that “number is dramatically different than what we were looking at for many many weeks.”
Behind NY, the US states with the most confirmed infections are:
- New Jersey: 161,764 confirmed cases; 11,711 deaths.
- Illinois: 120,260 confirmed cases; 5,390 deaths.
- California: 112,584 confirmed cases; 4,240 deaths.
- Massachusetts: 96,965 confirmed cases; 6,846 deaths.
- Pennsylvania: 76,271 confirmed cases; 5,586 deaths.
Pharmaceutical Company Begins Human Trials of COVID-19 Antibody Therapy
Eli Lilly and Company has started the first human trial of an antibody therapy to treat COVID-19. The company said that if successful, the therapy could become available by fall. “We’ve already started the manufacturing process to really scale this up without even knowing yet if it works for patients, because if it does work, we don’t want to waste a single day, we want to have as much medicine as possible available to help as many people quickly,” Dr. Dan Skovronsky, Eli Lilly’s senior vice president and chief scientific officer, said in a CNN interview.
Former FDA Commissioner Warns Mass Protests Could Spike Infections
The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police has sparked an uproar in the US, with thousands of protesters assembling in many US cities over the past six days. However, former Food and Drug Administration commissioner Scott Gottlieb is warning that the protests could cause a spike in COVID-19 infections. “There’s going to be a lot of issues coming out of what’s happened in the last week, but one of them is going to be that chains of transmission will have become lit from these gatherings,” former Food and Drug Administration commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in an interview on CBS News’s “Face the Nation.”
103-year-old Woman Beats COVID-19
In uplifting news, a 103-year-old Massachusetts woman defeated COVID-19, and celebrated her victory with a cold beer, her family told CNN. “She’s always been a feisty woman,” according to her granddaughter.
Here’s a full wrap-up of COVID-19 happenings from the month of March.
DocWire News will provide breaking updates on the COVID-19 pandemic as they become available.
