Cases top 1 million worldwide
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 1 million people and killed more than 54,000 worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University. The U.S. has reported more than 245,500 cases with more than 6,000 deaths. Officials in Wuhan, China, where the outbreak began, say residents there should only go outside when necessary as the city begins to open following two months of lockdown. Read more.
WHO official says wear facemask if sick, but not N95 masks
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the technical head for the WHO’s COVID-19 response, said people who are sick and their caretakers should wear facemasks, but stressed that N95 masks need to be reserved for healthcare workers. The WHO has been one of the strongest holdouts when it comes to recommending the widespread use of masks. U.S. health officials recommended the same, but they may be shifting course. Read more.
White House expected to urge Americans to wear face coverings in public
The White House is expected to urge Americans to wear cloth masks or face coverings in public to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. President Donald Trump said that “a recommendation is coming out,” but “I don’t think it will be mandatory. If people want to wear them, they can.” Another White House official said that the guidance being considered is narrowly targeted to areas with high community transmission. It remains under discussion. Read more.
Masks should not be substitute for social distancing, according to Dr. Fauci
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the U.S., says that masks should not be viewed as a substitute for continuing to practice social distancing. “The most important thing is to keep this six-foot physical distance from individuals, but it’s become clear that even when you try to do that with certain necessities of life – going out to get food or going to a pharmacy to get your medications – that you may inadvertently come into closer contact,” Dr. Fauci told Fox News. “Because of that and because of some recent information that the virus can actually be spread even when people just speak as opposed to coughing and sneezing, the better part of valor is that when you’re out and you can’t maintain that six-foot distance to wear some sort of facial covering. So, this is an addendum and an addition to the physical separation, not a substitute for it.”
Amazon bans purchase of N95, surgical masks by general public
Amazon banned the purchase of N95 and surgical masks by the general public on April 1. It is also restricting the sale of those goods and other medical supplies to hospitals and government organizations combating COVID-19. The ban also includes facial shields, surgical gowns, surgical gloves and large-volume sanitizers. Hospitals and governments interested in purchasing these items through Amazon need to fill out a form to qualify and Amazon said it would eliminate the commission it normally takes from sellers who sell these items during this time to encourage sellers to make additional inventory available at competitive prices to customers with the greatest need. Read more.
Warren asks FDA to address drug shortages used to treat lupus, malaria and rheumatoid arthritis
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) sent a letter to the FDA urging the agency to address reports of shortages of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, antimalarial drugs typically used to treat lupus, malaria and rheumatoid arthritis that President Donald Trump has promoted as treatments for COVID-19. “This is extremely disturbing because a disruption in access to these drugs presents serious risk for patients with autoimmune disorders, making them more susceptible to complications from COVID-19 should they get the virus,” Sen. Warren wrote. “It is imperative that we ensure these drugs remain available for patients who rely on them to avoid illness and disability.”
Health expert says Americans are underestimating how long coronavirus disruptions will last
A health expert says Americans are underestimating how long the coronavirus pandemic will disrupt everyday life in the country. Coronavirus cases are expected to peak in mid-April in many parts of the country, but quickly reopening businesses or loosening shelter-in-place rules would inevitably lead to a new surge of infections. Dr. Jeremy Konyndyk, a senior policy fellow at the Center for Global Development, says he believes an “intensive period of social distancing and a national semi-voluntary lockdown” will last for months. Read more.