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.

people outside wearing face masks

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

A school in Belfast, Ireland hangs up a banner that says, "there will be a storm after the storm."

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

rhesus monkey

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

a hospital room with empty beds

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

New updates:

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
Hydroxychloroquine is getting another shot as a COVID-19 treatment
The WHO previously halted its global trial over safety concerns.
Claire MaldarelliJune 3, 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
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
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
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
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 ChodoshMay 19, 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
The unexpected way COVID-19 is screwing up weather reports
Reports from commercial flight crews are an important part of weather validation.
Julie Boatman/Flying MagazineApril 29, 2020
COVID-19 cases surge past 1 million in the US just as some states start reopening
Meanwhile, CDC reports show that the death count might be largely under reported.
Rachel FeltmanApril 29, 2020
Why we evolved to feel empathy during pandemics and other disasters
Empathy is a complex trait that could massively benefit or harm individuals.
By Peter Sterling/MIT Press ReaderApril 28, 2020
COVID-19 is causing strokes in young people and doctors don’t know why
Researchers are faced with a glut of front-line data and a deficit of lab research.
Kat EschnerApril 28, 2020
The CDC just added six official COVID-19 symptoms
And everything else you need to know about the novel coronavirus this week.
Claire MaldarelliApril 27, 2020
Migrants don’t carry more viruses than anyone else
The pandemic has renewed rhetoric on immigration as a public health threat. But research doesn’t support that.
By Lourdes Medrano/UndarkApril 27, 2020
Facebook Messenger Rooms wants to be the new Zoom
The company has some upgrades to help people communicate during social distancing.
Stan HoraczekApril 27, 2020
Poop could be the key to tracking COVID-19 outbreaks
Searching wastewater for the coronavirus is fast, cheap, and anonymous.
Kate BaggaleyApril 27, 2020
The challenge of keeping science alive during the COVID-19 shutdowns
Keepers of one of the largest fungi and blood-sucking-fly collections are following strict protocols as they tend to their valuable lab subjects.
By Kasson, Lovett & Rio/The ConversationApril 24, 2020
Drinking, bathing in, or injecting yourself with bleach can be deadly—and it won’t cure COVID-19
No matter what anyone says.
Rachel FeltmanApril 24, 2020
Travis Scott launched his world tour in Fortnite, and 12 million people showed up
The concerts will go on all weekend.
Stan HoraczekApril 24, 2020
COVID-19 hurts rural areas, too, even if it’s not obvious
Don’t underestimate how quickly the new coronavirus moves. Start staying at home now.
Kate BaggaleyApril 23, 2020
How to grieve in the midst of social distancing
Coming to terms with death and loss in the midst of COVID-19.
By Sara Kiley WatsonApril 23, 2020
Speedy drones are helping Ghana test for the novel coronavirus
The small unmanned aircraft drop off the samples by parachute.
Rob VergerApril 23, 2020
Trump’s move to pull WHO funds could make the pandemic worse
International collaboration, which the World Health Organization helps provide, is key to getting through a pandemic.
Kat EschnerApril 23, 2020
COVID-19 herd immunity isn’t happening any time soon
Both our current actions and our immune responses will play a role in population immunity.
Kate BaggaleyApril 22, 2020
How to make your own hand sanitizer and help fight COVID-19
We’ve got liquid and gel for all your germ-killing needs.
By Sandra Gutierrez G.April 22, 2020
Many national parks remain open during the pandemic. The man in charge explains why.
COVID-19 is putting our system of public land management to the test.
By Alex Robinson/Outdoor LifeApril 22, 2020
Face masks are now recommended for all, but how much do they help?
The coverings alone won’t keep you healthy, but they will provide some protection.
Sara ChodoshApril 21, 2020
Science is finding ways to thrive during the pandemic, and you can help
Researchers are increasingly turning to online volunteers to analyze data and collect brave new ideas.
By James Dinneen/UndarkApril 20, 2020
Simple tips to heal your hands after constant washing
The more you scrub, the more your skin gets stressed out.
By Wong and Nixon/The ConversationApril 18, 2020
Can smartphone apps track COVID-19 without violating your privacy?
Bluetooth and QR codes offer an alternative to using location data for contact tracing.
Kate BaggaleyApril 17, 2020
Scams are thriving during COVID-19. Here’s what to watch out for.
How to avoid some of the most common privacy and security issues.
April 17, 2020
Rogue hydroxychloroquine use is disrupting important COVID-19 clinical trials
The spread of unproven treatments lends to inconclusive results, frustrating both researchers and desperate patients.
By Sara Talpos/UndarkApril 16, 2020
Thirteen free online resources to educate and entertain your kids
School’s out for... an undetermined amount of time.
By Sandra Gutierrez G.April 16, 2020
Why farmers are forced to let food rot during the shutdown while others go hungry
Our supply chain can’t adapt this quickly.
By Ula ChrobakApril 16, 2020
Catching COVID-19 from a dead body is possible, but there’s no proof it’s happened yet
Wearing proper PPE is essential.
Sara ChodoshApril 15, 2020
First mission for the Air Force’s flying hospital pods: Pulling COVID-19 patients from Afghanistan
The bio-containment modules date to the 2014 Ebola crisis.
Rob VergerApril 14, 2020
Natural disasters will push the US further into crisis mode
This year’s hurricanes and tornados will be hard for the US to bear.
Kat EschnerApril 13, 2020
Porn is helping people cope with the pandemic
The psychological and physical distraction might help flatten the curve more.
By Joshua B. Grubbs/The ConversationApril 13, 2020
Apple and Google plan to track COVID-19 using your phone’s Bluetooth
It will start as apps and eventually move into iOS and Android.
Stan HoraczekApril 13, 2020
Your travel-related COVID-19 questions, answered
It’s all about managing risk.
By Sandra Gutierrez G.April 12, 2020
How to tell seasonal allergies from COVID-19 symptoms
Pollen or pandemic? Here’s what to ask yourself.
Rachel FeltmanApril 12, 2020
A step-by-step guide to cleaning your groceries
Don’t wash your apples with soap.
Amy SchellenbaumApril 11, 2020
We probably won’t see the next COVID-19 coming
The novel coronavirus is just one of many microbes that have jumped from animals into people.
Kate BaggaleyApril 10, 2020
Inside the struggles and successes of one Georgia county’s fight with COVID-19
As the governor idled, Carroll County leaders began pondering their own lockdown. Their decision may have saved lives.
By Keren Landman/UndarkApril 10, 2020
See when COVID-19 could hit your state hardest
These graphs show where we are in the course of the pandemic, based on the most recent data.
Sara ChodoshApril 10, 2020
The pandemic could shrink the global aviation fleet by nearly 10 percent
Big beloved planes like 747s and A380s are being parked or retired.
Rob VergerApril 10, 2020
COVID-19 could make this year’s wildfire season more dangerous
Firefighting and pandemics don’t mix.
By April ReeseApril 10, 2020
Disinformation during a pandemic can be deadly
Authorities must stay vigilant against malicious claims in times of crisis.
By Marlene Cimons/Nexus Media NewsApril 9, 2020
Native American Nations are even more vulnerable to COVID-19
Native Americans and Alaska Native populations are at a higher risk of chronic conditions that can make COVID-19 more dangerous.
Kat EschnerApril 9, 2020
How social media companies are trying to fight coronavirus misinformation
Google, Facebook, Pinterest, and other companies are fighting massive waves of bad information.
Stan HoraczekApril 9, 2020
The best ways to clean fabric face masks
Viruses just can’t take the heat.
By Sandra Gutierrez G.April 9, 2020
The real reason we’re seeing more wildlife during the pandemic
Some animals may be changing their routines and territories, but we might just be noticing them more.
By Ula ChrobakApril 9, 2020
A new vaccine protects mice from another dangerous coronavirus
A similar strategy might work for SARS-CoV-2, but the road to developing new vaccines is long.
Kate BaggaleyApril 8, 2020
Eighteen digital freebies and extended trials you can take advantage of right now
Free stuff for healthcare workers fighting COVID-19 and everyone helping others by staying inside.
David NieldApril 8, 2020
How to start your own survival garden
Prepare your own fresh fruits, herbs, and veggies.
By Tim MacWelch/Outdoor LifeApril 7, 2020
Tigers can get coronavirus—but you won’t catch COVID-19 from your cat
Everything you need to know about you, your cats, and the coronavirus.
Kat EschnerApril 7, 2020
How to make or buy a COVID-19 face mask that actually works
All that glitters is not virus-proof.
Rachel FeltmanApril 7, 2020
Social distancing works—just ask lobsters, ants, and vampire bats
By studying animal behavior, scientists can shape new approaches to preventing infectious diseases.
By Hawley & Buck/The ConversationApril 6, 2020
How the National Guard dresses for COVID-19 and other disasters
We got a virtual tour of the gear on hand at a Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team.
Rob VergerApril 6, 2020
Fight viruses in your home without making bacteria stronger
Using certain drugs inappropriately could actually worsen future infections by bacteria that become resistant.
Katherine J. WuApril 4, 2020
COVID-19 has exposed serious food-security issues in the US. Technology can help.
Humans armed with creative solutions are finding ways to prop up supply chains.
By Robyn Metcalfe/MIT Press ReaderApril 3, 2020
Check these privacy and security settings before your next Zoom video chat
Some privacy tips will go a long way to protect you on Zoom video chats.
By Stan HoraczekApril 2, 2020
Homeless populations are among America’s most vulnerable to the coronavirus
People experiencing homelessness are more likely to catch the virus and experience complications from it.
Kat EschnerApril 2, 2020
Make your own face mask—no sewing machine required
You probably already have everything you need at home.
By Alden WickerApril 2, 2020
COVID-19 is interrupting lab animal research, sometimes fatally
Scientists across the country have needed to abruptly halt their work, leaving research animals in limbo.
Kat EschnerApril 2, 2020
An environmental stimulus bill could help us bounce back from COVID-19
Policy advisors have come together with a comprehensive proposal to recover the economy, help workers, and address the climate crisis.
By Ula ChrobakApril 1, 2020
The huge Navy hospital ships in Los Angeles and New York have a rich history
The former oil tankers are part of a line of medical vessels dating back more than 200 years.
Rob VergerApril 1, 2020
Tips for better sound on your video chats and conference calls
You won’t need to ask, “can you hear me?” over and over anymore.
By Stan HoraczekApril 1, 2020
A vegan world wouldn’t keep diseases like COVID-19 from infecting humans
We need to spend more energy monitoring the places where humans and animals meet.
Kat EschnerMarch 31, 2020

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