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.

person wearing a mask on the train

Wearing a mask could protect you from COVID-19 in more ways than you think

Some researchers think masks could expose wearers to just enough of the virus that it helps trigger immunity.

Kat Eschner

a girl getting a bandaid after receiving a vaccine.

What would it actually take to have a COVID-19 vaccine by November?

The CDC has told states to prepare to potentially distribute a COVID-19 vaccine this fall.

Kate Baggaley

DIY wipes

How to make your own disinfecting wipes

Come for a cleaning product, get a baby wipe recipe for free.

By Sandra Gutierrez G.

woman shopping with face mask on

It’s never been more important to get a flu shot

There’s a bit of good news, but the US may still suffer a particularly nasty winter.

Sara Chodosh

New updates:

Science was a big winner—and loser—at this week’s presidential debate
The final debate featured three sections relating to health and science, but there was much confusion.
Sara ChodoshOctober 23, 2020
The current state of the pandemic in five graphs
Some eight months into the pandemic, we rounded up some key takeaways in graphical form.
Sara ChodoshOctober 23, 2020
Remdesivir is the first FDA-approved COVID-19 treatment. Here’s what to know about it.
A new wave of studies convinced the US government to make the drug an option for non-pediatric hospitalized patients.
Rachel FeltmanOctober 22, 2020
2020 is shaping up to be America’s deadliest year in recent memory
Nearly 300,000 people have died in excess compared to years prior.
Claire MaldarelliOctober 22, 2020
COVID-19 continues to make flying a risky proposition
Flying, and the activities in between a flight, can put you at risk of catching the coronavirus.
Kat EschnerOctober 21, 2020
Meet the disease detectives fighting to understand COVID-19
These epidemiological sleuths are on the case of every past, present, and future outbreak.
Eleanor CumminsOctober 20, 2020
One motorcycle rally may have triggered COVID-19′s new Midwest surge
Here’s what you need to know this week.
By Rachael ZiskOctober 19, 2020
The ‘near-Herculean’ effort by daycare workers to prevent COVID-19 spread is working
Childcare providers who took precautions while working during the pandemic didn’t have a heightened risk of catching COVID-19.
Kate BaggaleyOctober 19, 2020
Is the FDA being guided by science or politics?
Experts worry that decisions made by the Trump administration will undermine COVID-19 therapies.
By Teresa Carr/UndarkOctober 16, 2020
Don’t worry. Your dentist probably won’t catch COVID-19.
Early on in the pandemic, there was worry that dental offices could be a source of infection for both patients and dentists.
Kat EschnerOctober 15, 2020
The NBA bubble was a one-of-a-kind COVID-19 success story
Masks and social distancing were crucial elements.
Kate BaggaleyOctober 15, 2020
National Parks are logging record crowds. Here’s how to visit safely.
Treading lightly is especially important now.
By Ula ChrobakOctober 14, 2020
COVID-19 cases are on the rise yet again
This graph shows the track we’re on as we head into the coldest months.
Sara ChodoshOctober 14, 2020
COVID-19 might not ever truly go away
It’s unclear how long vaccines and other modes of immunity will last.
By Hans Heesterbeek/The ConversationOctober 13, 2020
COVID-19 doesn’t have to jump from mother to newborn
With proper precautions, COVID-19 transmission from mother to newborn baby is low.
Kat EschnerOctober 13, 2020
Tracking down ‘patient zero’ is a crucial piece of the pandemic puzzle
Epidemiologists pair gumshoe detective skills with fancy lab equipment to work backwards and stave off viral spread.
By Jack HerreraOctober 13, 2020
Five states saw COVID-19 rates increase by 50 percent in a single week
Here’s what you need to know this week.
By Rachael ZiskOctober 12, 2020
A taskforce of Black doctors is independently evaluating COVID-19 vaccine candidates
There are many reasons why some Black Americans are wary of participating in vaccine trials.
Kate BaggaleyOctober 12, 2020
President Trump wants to hold rallies this weekend. Could he spread COVID-19?
His physician’s assessment may be overly optimistic.
PopSci StaffOctober 9, 2020
We already know how to keep the next pandemic from catching us off guard
It all starts with hurricane preparedness.
Rob VergerOctober 8, 2020
How to enjoy fall festivities without spreading COVID-19
Some traditions are riskier than others.
By Rachael ZiskOctober 7, 2020
Why COVID-19 attacks aging immune systems so fiercely
The US president’s age makes him more vulnerable to the virus and its many side effects.
By Brian Geiss/The ConversationOctober 6, 2020
Here’s what Donald Trump should know about recovering from COVID-19
The outbreak of high-profile COVID-19 cases is a reminder that no one is completely protected from the novel coronavirus.
Kate BaggaleyOctober 6, 2020
The pandemic could end Texas’s oil boom—and start something better
Profits from the Permian Basin are falling and renewable energy is surging. Here’s what that means for the Lonestar State’s future.
By Justin Miller/Texas ObserverOctober 5, 2020
These are the best COVID-19 treatments right now
Plus: what we know about what Trump is (and isn’t) taking.
Claire MaldarelliOctober 5, 2020
President Trump’s COVID-19 treatment includes an experimental antibody cocktail
The chosen drugs might offer more clues to his condition.
PopSci StaffOctober 4, 2020
How does contact tracing work, and how extensive will it be for Trump?
The President tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.
Nina PullanoOctober 2, 2020
All the conditions we know increase your risk of dying from COVID-19
The president’s age and weight put him at high risk, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll have severe symptoms.
By Sara Kiley WatsonOctober 2, 2020
How do we know if medicines are safe during pregnancies?
Expectant mothers have long been excluded from clinical trials. Some experts say this practice needs to change.
By Jyoti Madhusoodanan/UndarkOctober 2, 2020
President Trump has COVID-19, according to White House statements
Here’s what we know.
By PopSci StaffOctober 2, 2020
Keeping older folks out of COVID-19 vaccine trials hurts everyone
Failing to include older people in later-stage trials could make the treatment seem less safe.
Kat EschnerOctober 1, 2020
Five key science takeaways from the first presidential debate
When in a pandemic, talk about it.
By Purbita SahaSeptember 30, 2020
One-third of US parents say they won’t get their kids the flu vaccine
Here’s everything you need to know this week.
By Rachael ZiskSeptember 28, 2020
The CDC thinks 90 percent of the US could still catch COVID-19
At a senate hearing, Anthony Fauci and other public health experts testified on the search for a vaccine, herd immunity, and more.
By Purbita SahaSeptember 24, 2020
It’s never been more important to get a flu shot
There’s a bit of good news, but the US may still suffer a particularly nasty winter.
Sara ChodoshSeptember 23, 2020
The US just hit 200,000 COVID-19 deaths
We’ve passed the original estimate, and the death rate is now back on the rise.
Rachel FeltmanSeptember 23, 2020
A Brazilian city may have achieved herd immunity to COVID-19—but not without a cost
Though the study has yet to be peer-reviewed, it’s largely in line with what epidemiologists have previously predicted.
Kate BaggaleySeptember 23, 2020
These COVID symptoms could last for months
Long-haulers have been suffering from a variety of ailments, some of which may not sound like typical coronavirus issues.
By Sara Kiley WatsonSeptember 22, 2020
The pandemic is teaching us how to better fight climate change
The public has become more adept at following, understanding, and acting on science in the past several months.
By Dr. Robin E. Bell/UndarkSeptember 22, 2020
The CDC finally acknowledged that COVID-19 is airborne—and then took it back
Here’s everything you need to know this week.
Rachael ZiskSeptember 21, 2020
Outdoor heaters, video chat, and other hacks for surviving winter with COVID-19
Winter during a pandemic will be tough, but we can avoid the worst hits.
By Sara Kiley WatsonSeptember 21, 2020
Big Ten football players will get daily COVID-19 tests, but that might not be enough
Fast, frequent testing may be less reliable, but could help teams identify infections as they happen
By Rachael ZiskSeptember 18, 2020
A coronavirus vaccine will save more lives if we share it widely
Influenza modelers estimate that equitable vaccination could prevent the most deaths from the novel virus.
Kat EschnerSeptember 17, 2020
Why you should vote as early as possible (and how to do it)
Casting a ballot shouldn’t be a miserable experience.
By John KennedySeptember 17, 2020
Some kids have been suffering from COVID-19 for months
The long-haulers, as they’re called, are baffling medical experts who’ve been studying the virus for months.
By Megan E. Doherty/UndarkSeptember 16, 2020
COVID-19 may one day come and go like the flu, but we’re not there yet
For now, too few people are immune for weather to halt the novel coronavirus.
Kate BaggaleySeptember 16, 2020
Google search data can help pinpoint COVID-19 hotspots before they flare up
Scientists are using Google Trends data to detect coronavirus cases early.
Kat EschnerSeptember 15, 2020
AstraZeneca resumed its COVID-19 vaccine trials after uncovering a mysterious reaction
Here’s everything you need to know this week.
Claire MaldarelliSeptember 15, 2020
Make online classes easier with these laptop shortcuts
Gather 'round, kids—we’re taking a stroll down Old Technology Lane.
By Sandra Gutierrez G.September 15, 2020
How well do fancy mask designs actually protect against COVID-19?
The pandemic has led to a surge in new personal protective equipment that claims to be more comfortable, sustainable, or accessible. But health standards are all over the place.
By Hannah Thomasy/UndarkSeptember 11, 2020
Trump downplayed the threat from COVID-19. Here’s how we could’ve fought back harder.
Why minimizing a pandemic to avoid panic is the ‘opposite response any expert would suggest.’
Kate BaggaleySeptember 11, 2020
Wearing a mask could protect you from COVID-19 in more ways than you think
Some researchers think masks could expose wearers to just enough of the virus that it helps trigger immunity.
Kat EschnerSeptember 10, 2020
Times of strife can lead to medical innovation—when governments are willing
The Civil War saw a record number of health-related patents. Can we replicate that during the current pandemic?
By Jeffrey Clemens/The ConversationSeptember 9, 2020
AstraZeneca just paused its COVID-19 vaccine trial, and that’s a good thing
The company is reviewing an adverse reaction that occurred in a patient in the U.K.
Claire MaldarelliSeptember 9, 2020
The safest ways to exercise during a pandemic
Is it worth it to go back to the gym?
By Sara Kiley WatsonSeptember 9, 2020
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally may account for 19 percent of US COVID-19 cases in August
Here’s everything you need to know this week.
Claire MaldarelliSeptember 8, 2020
Data on COVID-19 outbreaks in schools was sparse, so this teacher collected it herself
Now anyone can use the tracker to look for warning signs in their state.
By Audrey Goodson Kingo/Working MotherSeptember 3, 2020
What would it actually take to have a COVID-19 vaccine by November?
The CDC has told states to prepare to potentially distribute a COVID-19 vaccine this fall.
Kate BaggaleySeptember 3, 2020
Corticosteroids can help COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory distress
A group of new studies shows the potent anti-inflammatories can help some coronavirus patients who are experiencing severe bouts with the virus.
Kat EschnerSeptember 3, 2020
Herd immunity alone won’t stop COVID-19. Here’s why.
We have better ways to fight the pandemic.
Kate BaggaleySeptember 2, 2020
All the pros—and cons—of convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19
The treatment has been around for about a century, and hasn’t really gotten any better with age.
Claire MaldarelliSeptember 1, 2020
The recent rise in Asian American hate crimes could have impacts beyond the pandemic
Without a reliable database, it’s difficult to tackle the aftermath in immigrant communities.
By Candice WangSeptember 1, 2020
One way to slow the spread of COVID-19? Stop talking. Seriously.
Here’s everything you need to know this week.
Claire MaldarelliAugust 31, 2020
Convincing someone to wear a mask is hard, but not impossible
Borrow some talking points from famous philosophers in the name of public health.
By Colin Marshall/The ConversationAugust 30, 2020
What makes a patient asymptomatic to COVID-19?
Some scientists are confident that the immune system’s aggressive response to the virus is only part of the story.
By Emily Laber-Warren/UndarkAugust 27, 2020
The CDC’s new COVID-19 testing guidelines could make the pandemic worse
Testing is still as important as ever, politics aside.
By Sara Kiley WatsonAugust 27, 2020
How to help your pet with separation anxiety
Your buddy misses you when you're gone, so let them know you're coming back.
By Sara Kiley WatsonAugust 26, 2020
Scientists may have confirmed you can catch COVID-19 twice
Here’s everything you need to know this week.
Claire MaldarelliAugust 24, 2020
Oleandrin won’t cure coronavirus
Every single part of the plant is poisonous to humans.
By Cassandra Quave/The ConversationAugust 20, 2020
How to make your own disinfecting wipes
Come for a cleaning product, get a baby wipe recipe for free.
By Sandra Gutierrez G.August 19, 2020
The risks of three back-to-school plans, ranked
It’s a balancing act between staying healthy and staying on top of learning.
Sara Kiley WatsonAugust 19, 2020
We need rapid COVID-19 screening if we want to get back to normal
Schools, offices, and businesses need more options to fill the gaps in testing.
By Zoë McLaren/The ConversationAugust 18, 2020
Five stories of sailors who weathered COVID-19 out at sea
For cruisers who were voyaging far from home this past spring, quarantine presented a new set of hurdles.
By Herb McCormickAugust 17, 2020
Scientists are still unsure how frequently kids and teens pass COVID to others
Here's everything you need to know from this week's COVID-19 news.
Claire MaldarelliAugust 17, 2020
The CDC clarifies that COVID-19 immunity and antibodies are still a mystery
New guidelines on quarantining send a mixed message.
Rachel FeltmanAugust 14, 2020
Eight tips for boosting mental health at college in the age of COVID-19
As campuses reopen, students stuck at home or in dorm rooms should take close care of themselves.
By Candice WangAugust 14, 2020
Should you risk COVID-19 for a cancer screening?
Health care facilities are urging patients back for routine tests, but financial incentives may result in murky motives.
By Teresa Carr/UndarkAugust 13, 2020
Social distancing can make living with eating disorders harder
Understanding how pandemic-related environmental changes influence people with eating disorders is key to treating the conditions.
Kat EschnerAugust 13, 2020
Social distancing saves lives. Here’s the proof.
Statewide policies prevented more than 600,000 cases within three weeks.
Kate BaggaleyAugust 13, 2020
Russia just approved a COVID vaccine—but that’s not necessarily good news
Vaccine candidates go through three important phases of clinical trials for good reasons.
Claire MaldarelliAugust 12, 2020
The best ways to reduce the risk of COVID-19 indoors
Consider an air filter, a rapid HVAC system, or even just a box fan.
By Shelly Miller/The ConversationAugust 12, 2020
Does your favorite mask actually work? Researchers now have a way to tell.
Not all masks are made equal.
Kat EschnerAugust 11, 2020
The safest way to travel during the pandemic
Other travelers are the biggest risk.
By Hannah SeoAugust 11, 2020
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 ConversationAugust 10, 2020
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 MaldarelliAugust 10, 2020
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
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

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