Coronavirus: the latest news and tips

A new coronavirus, first identified in Wuhan, China, has global health agencies on high alert. Here’s everything experts know about COVID-19 so far.

two people eating outside at a restaurant

When we’ll return to these ‘normal’ activities, according to experts

Epidemiologists answer your burning questions.

Sara Chodosh

two people wearing masks on a city street

Masks help prevent the spread of the coronavirus—here’s a breakdown of how effective they are

The evidence has been changing, but we know a lot more now than we did a few months ago.

By Sara Chodosh and Claire Maldarelli

People having an outdoor barbecue

How (and when) to put together a social bubble

Flatten the curve first, then join a quaranteam.

By Candice Wang

people with PPE on

Experts say COVID’s airborne transmission may deserve more attention

Researchers who study tiny aerosols are concerned that the role of these particles is being downplayed in public health communication.

Kat Eschner

New updates:

There’s still a lot of COVID-19 data that we don’t have
Studying a virus in real time has its methodical challenges.
By Manal Mohammed/The Conversation5 hours ago
Nearly 100,000 U.S. kids tested positive for COVID-19 in the second half of July
Here's everything you need to know this week.
Claire Maldarelli7 hours ago
How to host a virtual party that’s absolutely lit
Ce-le-brate good times (safely and socially distant), come on!
By Sandra Gutierrez G.August 7, 2020
A second US state just passed half a million COVID-19 cases
The country still isn't meeting the testing goals required to quell the virus.
Rachel FeltmanAugust 7, 2020
How to talk to kids about the coronavirus and other bad news
They might know more than you think, but starting the conversation is tricky.
By Sara Kiley WatsonAugust 6, 2020
Most parents don’t want to send their kids back to school this fall
The availability of a vaccine or a steady drop in cases could change their minds.
By Quinn Fish/Working MotherAugust 4, 2020
COVID-19 raises the stakes for environmental activists in Colombia
The Indigenous Wayuu people have long battled the Cerrejón coal mine. Now a shortage of water and spike in disease are pushing the community to seek international help.
By Lise Josefsen Hermann/UndarkAugust 3, 2020
Why you might need to sport a mask inside your own home
Here’s everything you need to know this week.
Claire MaldarelliAugust 3, 2020
How to enjoy summer in a pandemic
We still have some summer left.
By Sandra Gutierrez G.July 31, 2020
The verdict on hydroxychloroquine is in
Evidence was shaky at first, but as evidence from clinical trials has come in, the data are pretty clear on how effective the drug really is.
By Sara Chodosh and Claire MaldarelliJuly 31, 2020
Herd immunity, contact tracing, and other terms to help you understand COVID-19
A glossary to get you through this epidemic—or is it a pandemic?
Sara ChodoshJuly 31, 2020
The virus that causes COVID-19 has been silently brewing in bats for decades
The viral lineage leading to SARS-CoV-2 has likely been around for the past 40 to 70 years in bats.
Kat EschnerJuly 30, 2020
Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine has started a nationwide, Phase 3 trial
The CDC also updated its guidelines for how long people must self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19.
Claire MaldarelliJuly 27, 2020
Protecting nature could prevent the next pandemic
Doing so is a lot cheaper than responding to disease outbreaks when they happen.
By Ula ChrobakJuly 24, 2020
Long-distance learning could help us democratize education
The pandemic can be a chance to remove geographic barriers in education.
By Meredith Bodgas/Working MotherJuly 23, 2020
Leagues scramble to replace the roar of the crowd as pro sports return
Hope you like grunting.
By Purbita SahaJuly 23, 2020
Face masks with valves don’t stop COVID-19 from spreading
They're not designed with COVID in mind.
Kat EschnerJuly 23, 2020
There’s a dangerous virus brewing in pigs—but there’s no need to panic yet
Monitoring our growing livestock populations will be crucial for preventing the next pandemic.
By Candice WangJuly 23, 2020
We already know how to beat COVID-19 in three easy steps
Mask up, lather up, and keep your distance.
Kate BaggaleyJuly 22, 2020
Wearing a face mask is patriotic
And here's why.
Rachel FeltmanJuly 22, 2020
COVID-19 temperature checks might do more harm than good
Fevers aren't a reliable filter for keeping COVID spreaders out of crowded spaces.
By Kat EschnerJuly 21, 2020
Eight summer activity ideas that will boost kids’ brains
And give adults a little break, too.
By Pexman, Reggin & Madigan/The ConversationJuly 20, 2020
Kids may spread COVID-19 more than previously assumed
Here’s what you need to know this week.
By Sara Kiley WatsonJuly 20, 2020
How to evacuate and find emergency shelter during a pandemic
If you prepare now, it'll be much easier to get up and get out.
By Hannah SeoJuly 19, 2020
Where to get reliable COVID-19 data, now that the CDC doesn’t have it
Hospitals now have to report their data to another federal agency, which won't be making the information public.
Sara ChodoshJuly 17, 2020
Why no one knows if you can catch COVID-19 twice
More evidence is needed to determine whether people who recover from the novel coronavirus are vulnerable to reinfection.
Kate BaggaleyJuly 16, 2020
How eviction is feeding—and being fed by—the pandemic
People who have been evicted are statistically more likely to face ongoing housing instability and have worse health outcomes than those that have stable living situations.
Kat EschnerJuly 15, 2020
With the US-Canada border closed, wildlife tourism is hurting
Four Canadian outfitters share their stories of grappling with the pandemic.
By Joe Genzel/Outdoor LifeJuly 14, 2020
Balance boards make for a scary, fun, and surprisingly perfect pandemic workout
Consider skateboarding inside. Here's how.
Rob VergerJuly 14, 2020
We’re still not sure how COVID-19 impacts pregnant people
Researchers are still trying to understand how SARS-CoV-2 can potentially travel to an unborn fetus during and right after pregnancy.
By Kat EschnerJuly 14, 2020
One in three young people could face serious symptoms from coronavirus
Here’s everything you need to know this week.
Claire MaldarelliJuly 13, 2020
Less roadkill during the pandemic could translate to more deer down the road
But it will depend a lot on where you live in the country.
Joe Genzel/Outdoor LifeJuly 11, 2020
Mexico City buried its river and lakes to prevent disease. But then COVID-19 happened.
The city's air pollution could worsen the toll of the pandemic.
By Elena Delavega/The ConversationJuly 9, 2020
The racial disparities in COVID cases are even more striking than we thought
Here’s everything you need to know this week.
Claire MaldarelliJuly 6, 2020
Arizona reopened too quickly. Now Indigenous nations are paying the price.
Tribal governments moved quickly to promote science-driven emergency orders, but the death toll keeps rising.
By Hardy, Saul & Smith/The ConversationJuly 6, 2020
Inside the race to develop a safe COVID-19 vaccine
There’s no guarantee a vaccine is right around the corner, but more than 145 candidates are under investigation.
Kate BaggaleyJuly 3, 2020
Three safe ways to enjoy fireworks during a pandemic
Go virtual or go home.
By Purbita SahaJuly 3, 2020
Is it safe to go to the dentist yet? Here’s how COVID-19 will affect your cleanings.
Consider your options before you head into the office.
Kat EschnerJune 30, 2020
The FDA’s gay and bi blood-donor ban isn’t just stigmatizing—it’s also likely outdated
Critics say that the policy, first instated during the 1980's AIDS crisis, doesn't track with modern testing methods and social movements.
By Candice WangJune 30, 2020
COVID cases in the US might be ten times higher than reported
Here's everything you need to know this week.
Claire MaldarelliJune 29, 2020
Will the coronavirus kill open-plan offices?
Organizational culture, not technology, has long been the key force keeping us in central offices.
By Andrew Wallace/The ConversationJune 29, 2020
COVID-19 testing problems are all too familiar to Lyme disease patients
Much like early Lyme testing, the coronavirus is a reminder that diagnostics aren’t perfect.
By Carrie ArnoldJune 28, 2020
The pandemic is domesticating men like never before
And the trend might last if employers allow more flexible work situations in the future.
By Audrey Goodson Kingo/Working MotherJune 26, 2020
COVID-19 cases are surging, but not because of Black Lives Matter protests
Social distancing measures by all could have helped prevent increases in coronavirus cases after Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
By Kat EschnerJune 25, 2020
COVID-19 antibodies might not last long, but immunity still could
Cases have doubled in seven states over the past two weeks.
Claire MaldarelliJune 22, 2020
The pandemic has shown how unsafe nursing homes can be. But is there a better option?
Nursing home deaths have critics saying it’s time to rethink the institutional model for elder care.
By Michael Schulson/UndarkJune 22, 2020
Landowners say pipelines are being constructed in their backyards with little regard for COVID-19
Oil- and gas- pipeline firms have broad authority to build through private property. The coronavirus hasn’t slowed them down.
By Jeremy Deaton/Nexus MediaJune 18, 2020
The pandemic has cities rethinking public transit
As COVID-19 rages on, local governments are eyeing microtransit to create a more responsive system.
By Doug Johnson/UndarkJune 17, 2020
Doctors add diabetes to the list of COVID-triggered conditions
Infection with the novel coronavirus may set off stress-related diabetes.
Kat EschnerJune 16, 2020
Scientists are working on at least 135 different coronavirus vaccines
Here’s everything you need to know about the pandemic this week.
Claire MaldarelliJune 15, 2020
Tips for staying in campgrounds, hotels, and rentals in the time of COVID-19
Even though you need a vacation, the virus isn’t taking one.
By Marder & Beamer/The ConversationJune 15, 2020
What you need to know to protest safely and securely
From applying first aid to keeping your text messages from being read.
PopSci StaffJune 12, 2020
All the info you need to refute 5G conspiracy theories
First things first, it doesn’t give you COVID-19.
By Tchéhouali Destiny/The ConversationJune 12, 2020
What we can learn from New Zealand’s successful fight against COVID-19
The island nation knows COVID-19 will likely return—but it’s prepared.
Kate BaggaleyJune 10, 2020
Make face masks for the whole family—no sewing machine required
You probably already have everything you need at home.
By Alden WickerJune 10, 2020
Sex during a pandemic can be risky. Here’s how to do it safely.
The desire to be close to others and to engage in sexual behavior is common during stressful times.
By Kat EschnerJune 10, 2020
The truth about asymptomatic COVID-19
The World Health Organization’s recent comments are confusing, but you shouldn’t stop taking precautions.
Sara ChodoshJune 9, 2020
New Zealand has eliminated COVID-19. Here’s how they’re keeping it that way.
Epidemiologists are starting to predict when various aspects of life will get back to normal.
Claire MaldarelliJune 8, 2020
Tear gas during COVID-19 is a public health disaster
Case studies on the crowd-control weapon show just how dangerous it can be for the lungs.
Hannah SeoJune 8, 2020
A study claiming hydroxychloroquine increased risk of death used dubious data
Hydroxychloroquine still hasn’t proven itself useful, but research on its dangers has now been called into question.
Rachel FeltmanJune 5, 2020
A guide to protesting during a pandemic
Let your message catch like fire. Just don’t catch the virus.
By Sandra Gutierrez G.June 5, 2020
A major study just found hydroxychloroquine doesn’t prevent COVID-19
Scientists are scrambling to collect good data on the controversial drug.
Sara ChodoshJune 4, 2020
Let your kids be bored—it’s healthy.
Every moment of social distancing doesn’t have to be scheduled.
By Nermeen Dashoush Ph.D./Working MotherJune 3, 2020
You might not recognize your office when it reopens again
Here’s everything you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this week.
Claire MaldarelliJune 1, 2020
Why only half of Americans say they would get a COVID-19 vaccine
Not enough people would elect to get vaccinated to create a protective herd immunity effect, a survey suggests.
Sara ChodoshJune 1, 2020
Air travel is slowly rebounding in the US
But most companies still need come up with health guidelines to protect crew members and passengers.
By Rob Mark/Flying MagMay 28, 2020
Coronavirus has claimed more than 100,000 US lives. And the first wave isn’t even over yet.
Here’s the latest news on case counts and other developments.
Rachel FeltmanMay 28, 2020
The CDC says you probably won’t get COVID-19 from deliveries or pets
Here’s everything you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this week.
Claire MaldarelliMay 26, 2020
Zoos and aquariums are letting their animals go on adventures during the shutdown. But should they?
Sloths hanging with dolphins, penguins chilling with whales—for the right individual, reality can be as cute as the photos.
Sara Kiley WatsonMay 24, 2020
COVID-19 is setting back recovery from opioid addiction
Stress, cancelled support groups, and caps on replacement drugs can all lead to relapse during the pandemic.
By Cyders, Ladd & Fry/The ConversationMay 23, 2020
Studies in monkeys show that coronavirus immunity holds up in vaccine treatments
The findings bode well for our prospects of developing a vaccine for COVID-19.
Kate BaggaleyMay 22, 2020
The coronavirus doesn’t care about your long weekend plans
Social distancing is hard, but we have to hang on a little longer.
Claire MaldarelliMay 22, 2020
Jumping rope is an unbeatable cardio workout—if you do it correctly
The exercise is freakin’ hard, but a good activity as you practice social distancing.
Rob VergerMay 21, 2020
Vets, farmers, and zookeepers can help prevent the next pandemic
Animal experts have been overlooked in the battle against COVID-19.
By Lynne Peeples/UndarkMay 20, 2020
People who’ve had COVID-19 show promising disease-fighting cells in their blood
A robust immune response to the novel coronavirus is good news for our ability to develop a vaccine.
Kate BaggaleyMay 20, 2020
President Trump says he’s taking hydroxychloroquine—but that doesn’t mean you should
Here’s everything you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this week.
Claire MaldarelliMay 18, 2020
See which states still have increasing rates of COVID-19
Many of the areas that are reopening haven’t even beaten the first wave of the virus.
By Sara ChodoshMay 18, 2020
Where to find trustworthy information about COVID-19 and other health issues
Don’t just go clicking on links and assuming the worst.
By David NieldMay 16, 2020
COVID-19 surface tests can’t make public spaces safe just yet
Labs and companies are already distributing contamination kits, but quality and costs vary wildly.
By Lina Zeldovich/UndarkMay 15, 2020
We have the tools to contain COVID-19 misinformation, we just aren’t using them
Successful strategies to combat false information learned from previous health events aren’t being used.
Kat EschnerMay 14, 2020
Small doctors’ offices are turning to GoFundMe to survive the pandemic
If they don’t make it, it’s a loss for all of us.
By Brooke Borel/UndarkMay 13, 2020
Zoom fatigue is real. Here’s what to do about it.
Little tweaks to sound quality could provide relief for you and everyone else on your call.
By Hines & Sun/The ConversationMay 12, 2020
The coronavirus might show up in your semen, but don’t panic
Plus, how llamas could help us beat the novel coronavirus.
Claire MaldarelliMay 11, 2020
How to bike responsibly during a pandemic
Infectious-disease experts and bike-advocacy groups have a few healthy tips for you.
By Toby Hill/Cycle VoltaMay 11, 2020
This pandemic won’t end without strong federal support
You can’t fight a pandemic state-by-state.
Kat EschnerMay 11, 2020
This summer’s severe temperatures could make the pandemic even more complicated
Heat and humidity will send people outdoors, where the risk of catching the coronavirus is higher.
By Jeremy Deaton/Nexus MediaMay 10, 2020
COVID-19 tests are far from perfect, but accuracy isn’t the biggest problem
Here’s what all those false positives and negatives really mean.
By Maureen Ferran/The ConversationMay 7, 2020
The pandemic could make cities more bike-friendly—for good
Cities are creating “slow streets” to enable social distancing and prevent surges in traffic when they reopen.
By Ula ChrobakMay 7, 2020
Why do so many diseases come from bats?
Many viruses originate in bats, but that doesn’t mean we should live in fear of them.
Kate BaggaleyMay 6, 2020
How the CDC plans to track the mutating coronavirus
Changes to the SARS-CoV-2 genome can be difficult to identify and track.
Kat EschnerMay 5, 2020
The US just had its deadliest day of the pandemic yet. June could be worse.
Plus, how a foot rash became a COVID-19 symptom .
Claire MaldarelliMay 4, 2020
Are doctors trying too many experimental COVID-19 treatments?
Some physicians worry the medical community may be trying too many unproven therapies to help coronavirus patients.
Kat EschnerMay 4, 2020
Promising COVID-19 treatment remdesivir just got fast-track approval. Here’s what to know.
Thousands of patients could soon be on the drug, even though data on its effectiveness is still limited.
Rachel FeltmanMay 4, 2020
Oxford University’s timeline for a COVID-19 vaccine is shorter than previous estimates
Under the best-case scenario, their vaccine could be ready this year. However, the odds are against any vaccine candidate.
Kate BaggaleyMay 4, 2020
Sixteen protein-packed veggie dishes to get you through any meat shortage
International eats, brought to you by beans, vegetables, and delicious, melty cheese.
By The EditorsMay 3, 2020
How to avoid cabin fever (from someone who lives in an actual cabin)
Find a project, get some exercise, and stick to a schedule.
By Tyler Freel/Outdoor LifeMay 1, 2020
Everything to know about the fighter jets in the ‘America Strong’ flyovers
Here’s when and where you might see F-16s and other high-performance aircraft in the sky.
Rob VergerMay 1, 2020
This 17th-century plague diary hits a little too close to home
Rarely do we get such a detailed glimpse into one person’s life during a crisis from so long ago.
By Ute Lotz-Heumann/The ConversationApril 30, 2020
Autopsies provide crucial information for fighting COVID-19
We can learn a lot from the dead.
Sara ChodoshApril 30, 2020
Now is the time to start tracking your food
Social distancing provides the perfect opportunity to begin monitoring what you consume.
Stan HoraczekApril 29, 2020

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