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 women wearing masks outside

Can you spread COVID-19 after vaccination? Here’s what we know.

Even if you’ve been vaccinated, it’s important to keep masking up.

Kate Baggaley

person preparing a vaccine

What you should know about allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine

Allergic reactions to vaccines are rare but not unheard of.

Kate Baggaley

a syringe with a needle attached

Ending the pandemic means vaccinating the whole world—but the US is focusing on itself

Getting rid of COVID-19 in the United States won’t solve the pandemic.

Kat Eschner

three vaccine bottles with "RX" on their labels, filled with small frozen beads of ice cream

What the Dippin’ Dots ‘cold chain’ can teach us about COVID-19 vaccines

Both require a delicate (and chilly) shipping process.

Maddie Bender

New updates:

On surviving—and leaving—prison during a pandemic
In Colorado, a woman released at the height of COVID-19 finds resilience.
Sarah Scoles9 hours ago
To get vaccines to more people, the priority system needs to loosen up
The vaccine rollout has been shaky, but it can still get on track.
Kat Eschner17 hours ago
What does it take to convince people to get vaccinated?
Americans have unrealistic expectations of how COVID-19 vaccines should be made.
By Matt Motta/The ConversationJanuary 20, 2021
The US has topped 400,000 COVID-19 deaths
And the worst is yet to come. Here are the numbers you need to know.
Sara ChodoshJanuary 20, 2021
When are two masks better than one for preventing COVID-19?
Some expert recommendations on how to mask up—twice.
By Tara SantoraJanuary 20, 2021
We may have grossly underestimated COVID-19 infection rates
Labs and blood banks collect millions of samples each month, offering a distinctive source of data to track cases and also study immunity before and after vaccination.
By Nathaniel Scharping/UndarkJanuary 19, 2021
What to know about new COVID-related travel restrictions in the US
Here’s everything you need to know this week.
Rahul RaoJanuary 19, 2021
A COVID-19 variant is spiking in California, but don’t panic
Mutations are normal, but there’s still a lot we don’t know.
By Sara Kiley WatsonJanuary 19, 2021
How does an mRNA vaccine work?
The technology is likely to be used for a variety of other diseases, so understanding them now is key.
Maddie BenderJanuary 19, 2021
What you need to know about Biden’s 5-point COVID-19 relief plan
His administration will rely on “science and scientists.”
Sara ChodoshJanuary 15, 2021
Already had COVID-19? You still need a vaccine.
The vaccine can reduce your chances of becoming reinfected and sick again in the future.
Kate BaggaleyJanuary 15, 2021
The state of COVID-19 testing in the US
There are more kinds of tests on the market, but still not enough to get great results.
By Tara SantoraJanuary 15, 2021
Flu cases have been shockingly low during the pandemic. Here why.
It’s probably a mix of things we can, and cannot, control.
By Sara Kiley WatsonJanuary 15, 2021
What COVID-19 will look like once the pandemic ends
Hint: it’s not going away.
Claire MaldarelliJanuary 14, 2021
More evidence points to long-lasting COVID-19 immunity
The studies so far are promising, though it doesn’t mean we can stop wearing masks.
Sara ChodoshJanuary 14, 2021
Here’s where all the COVID-19 vaccine candidates currently stand
More than a dozen frontrunners have reached late-stage clinical trials.
Kate BaggaleyJanuary 14, 2021
Hawaii managed COVID-19 better than any other state, but its residents are still at risk
If cases get worse, the state’s shortage of doctors could become a real problem.
By Tara SantoraJanuary 14, 2021
The best treatments we currently have for COVID-19
We’ve come a long way since the beginning of the year.
Kat EschnerJanuary 13, 2021
The US is averaging more than 250,000 COVID-19 cases a day
Here’s the latest case counts, death rates, and other data on the ongoing pandemic.
By Claire MaldarelliJessica BoddySara Kiley WatsonSara ChodoshJanuary 12, 2021
Is one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine enough?
A slow vaccine rollout means many may be left waiting for their second dose. How much does that matter?
Kat EschnerJanuary 12, 2021
A psychologist explains how hope can make a difference in impossible times
It’s more enduring than optimism, but you to have to dig a little deeper to find it.
Jacqueline S. Mattis/The ConversationJanuary 11, 2021
COVID vaccines are getting thrown out thanks to strict distribution rules
Here’s everything you need to know this week.
Claire MaldarelliJanuary 11, 2021
When it comes to COVID-19 risk, what counts as ‘outdoor’ dining?
Ranking risk from inflatable igloos to chilly patios.
By Sara Kiley WatsonJanuary 11, 2021
COVID-19 immunity could be long term
New findings suggest that immune response to COVID-19 may be long-lasting.
Kate BaggaleyJanuary 8, 2021
Vaccines conquered smallpox and polio, but COVID-19 looks like a tougher battle
For starters, the US has barely reached 25 percent of its vaccination target.
By Tara SantoraJanuary 8, 2021
COVID-19 could make malaria surge, but African aid workers are fighting back
Community efforts are stepping up as experts warn about an increase in malaria cases as the pandemic wears on.
By Ashley Stumvoll/UndarkJanuary 7, 2021
Does it matter which COVID-19 vaccine you get?
Americans won’t have a choice for quite a while, but it’s worth knowing the differences between the vaccines.
Maddie BenderJanuary 7, 2021
You can test positive for COVID-19 after a vaccine—but that doesn’t mean the shots don’t work
It takes time to develop antibodies against the novel coronavirus.
Kate BaggaleyJanuary 6, 2021
Is indoor dining safe? Five health experts weigh in.
The social isolation and economic fallout is real. But so is the risk of transmission.
By Laurie Archbald-Pannone Et Al./The ConversationJanuary 6, 2021
Boost your mood with emotional brain training
Don’t let your COVID-19 worries overwhelm you.
By Laurel Mellin/The ConversationJanuary 4, 2021
The world may be at risk of a new COVID-19 surge
As the new coronavirus variant spreads, it might create spikes in cases around the globe.
Claire MaldarelliJanuary 4, 2021
Meet the nurse who’s running a Texas COVID-19 clinic all on her own
Elizabeth Ellis keeps her community healthy, and her community keeps the clinic running.
By Tara SantoraJanuary 4, 2021
The new, more-contagious UK COVID-19 strain is officially in the US
Though there’s no reason to panic.
Sara ChodoshDecember 30, 2020
Ending the pandemic means vaccinating the whole world—but the US is focusing on itself
Getting rid of COVID-19 in the United States won’t solve the pandemic.
Kat EschnerDecember 29, 2020
The ‘darkest days’ of COVID-19 are still to come
Here’s what you need to know this week.
By Sara Kiley WatsonDecember 28, 2020
Can you spread COVID-19 after vaccination? Here’s what we know.
Even if you’ve been vaccinated, it’s important to keep masking up.
Kate BaggaleyDecember 28, 2020
Why two doses of the new COVID-19 vaccines are better than one
One dose can be effective, but for how long?
By Tara SantoraDecember 26, 2020
How to guarantee a safe, COVID-19-free holiday
The end of the pandemic is in sight, but it’s not over yet.
Rachel FeltmanDecember 23, 2020
With two COVID-19 vaccines available, the CDC updates its guidance on who gets them first
Here’s everything you need to know this week.
Sara ChodoshDecember 22, 2020
Rural America may miss out on early COVID-19 vaccines
No rural counties in Texas received Pfizer’s vaccine this week.
By Tara SantoraDecember 18, 2020
What you should know about allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine
Allergic reactions to vaccines are rare but not unheard of.
Kate BaggaleyDecember 17, 2020
There’s a new coronavirus strain in the UK, but don’t panic
This new mutation is one of 4000 strains found in SARS-CoV-2 samples around the globe.
Kat EschnerDecember 16, 2020
COVID-19 testing scientists are the unsung heroes of the pandemic
Lab work isn’t often in the spotlight, but it is essential to public health.
By Rodney E. Rohde/The ConversationDecember 16, 2020
What the Dippin’ Dots ‘cold chain’ can teach us about COVID-19 vaccines
Both require a delicate (and chilly) shipping process.
Maddie BenderDecember 15, 2020
Pfizer is shipping millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses this week
American healthcare workers are beginning to receive their first doses.
Jessica BoddyDecember 14, 2020
The FDA just green-lit America’s first COVID vaccine
But we’ve got a long way to go before the pandemic is over.
Sara ChodoshDecember 11, 2020
Can’t smell or taste the bacon? It’s probably a sign of COVID-19.
Stop putting extra salt on everything and go get tested.
By Tara SantoraDecember 11, 2020
Pfizer’s COVID vaccine just hit a major milestone on its way to FDA authorization
But it hasn’t been approved just yet.
Rachel FeltmanDecember 10, 2020
Eight face masks for people you care about
Face masks are the new socks.
By John KennedyDecember 10, 2020
Shaming the public into smarter COVID-19 decisions won’t work. This will.
We can’t expect people to avoid risks entirely.
By Maia Szalavitz/UndarkDecember 10, 2020
See how COVID-19 vaccines will get to your neighborhood
A pharmaceutical supply chain expert explains the challenges of distributing the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
By Bahar Aliakbarian/The ConversationDecember 9, 2020
Mask up: The CDC is doubling down on its recommendations
Social distancing and masks are even more important as the temperature drops.
Claire MaldarelliDecember 7, 2020
COVID-19 may have been circulating in the U.S. as early as last year
A new CDC report found evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in blood samples from late 2019.
Kat EschnerDecember 4, 2020
Two very different colleges share how they kept COVID-19 off campus
Part of the trick is quitting while they’re ahead.
By Tara SantoraDecember 4, 2020
Mask up without breaking out. Here’s how to prevent pandemic acne.
Yes, maskne is real—and we hate it.
By Sandra Gutierrez G.December 3, 2020
The CDC says a shorter COVID quarantine is better than none
The CDC has added two additional quarantine options to increase compliance.
Kat Eschner and Claire MaldarelliDecember 2, 2020
COVID-19 is helping another terrible disease make a comeback in Afghanistan
Due to the pandemic, an estimated 50 million children missed polio vaccines this year.
By Ruchi Kumar/UndarkDecember 2, 2020
Dog owners may catch COVID-19 more often, but the reason will surprise you
You should treat them as a furry part of your lockdown bubble.
By Sara Kiley WatsonDecember 2, 2020
We’re just beginning to understand how our genes and COVID-19 mix
Genetics might explain why some people get severe COVID-19 and others don’t.
Kat EschnerDecember 2, 2020
The fight to stop the next pandemic starts in the jungles of Borneo
A conservation-minded healthcare model could provide a blueprint to stop diseases from making the deadly leap between wildlife and people.
By Brian BarthDecember 2, 2020
Public health officials expect COVID-19 cases to spike like never before
In the weeks ahead, wear a mask, social distance, and hunker down.
Claire MaldarelliNovember 30, 2020
Mouthwash won’t stop you from spreading COVID-19
Better keep the mask on.
By Rachael ZiskNovember 30, 2020
2020 isn’t all bad. Here are 13 science stories to be thankful for.
Because believe it or not, this year has had its positive moments.
By Rachel FeltmanSara ChodoshNovember 26, 2020
Four science conversations worth having this holiday
We got a lot of cool stuff done in space. And of course, there’s the pandemic.
By Purbita SahaNovember 25, 2020
How to livestream an event for all your friends and family
When in-person gatherings aren’t safe or aren’t possible, this is the skill you need.
By Harry GuinnessNovember 25, 2020
The best and safest ways to donate food and time this holiday season
You can do a lot just from home.
By Sara Kiley WatsonNovember 24, 2020
Why AstraZeneca’s COVID vaccine is an important addition to the fleet of offerings
The drug company says it could produce three million doses of the vaccine in 2021 if it is approved.
Kat EschnerNovember 24, 2020
The WHO and FDA are at odds over remdesivir
Here’s what you need to know this week.
By Rachael ZiskNovember 23, 2020
When states mandate masks, fewer people catch COVID-19
North Dakota and Iowa recently made the switch. Now 14 states remain.
Tara SantoraNovember 20, 2020
That new study saying masks might not be effective? It has a few caveats.
Yes, you should still be wearing a mask.
Kate BaggaleyNovember 20, 2020
The FDA just okayed a rapid at-home COVID test—but it won’t work for everyone
You’ll need a prescription to buy it.
Tara SantoraNovember 20, 2020
The CDC says not to travel on Thanksgiving
As cases of COVID-19 spike around the country, the CDC advises revelers to stay put.
Claire MaldarelliNovember 19, 2020
A step-by-step guide to grocery shopping during a pandemic
From spreading out your trips to disinfecting your haul, here’s what to do to stay safe.
Amy SchellenbaumNovember 19, 2020
It might not always take years to develop vaccines
The tech, which has saved tens of millions of lives over time, keeps getting better.
By Ula ChrobakNovember 19, 2020
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is now 95 percent effective. Here’s what that actually means.
Early data from clinical trials suggests that the immunization is promising, but we’ll still be waiting a while.
Claire MaldarelliNovember 18, 2020
The best ways to stop a mask from fogging up your glasses, ranked
Solve that fogging problem once and for all.
By Sandra Gutierrez G.November 18, 2020
These countries managed to turn COVID-19 around. Here’s how we could do the same.
To bring caseloads down, the US can learn from what has worked in other countries: masks and social distancing.
Kate BaggaleyNovember 17, 2020
How to shop in person on Black Friday as safely as possible
Online is still by far the safest option.
By María Paula Rubiano A.November 17, 2020
You can get COVID-19 and the flu at the same time
Here’s what you need to know this week.
By Rachael ZiskNovember 16, 2020
A second COVID-19 vaccine just reported excellent results. What now?
Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine candidate is 94.5 percent effective in early late-stage clinical trials.
Claire MaldarelliNovember 16, 2020
How the COVID-19 pandemic might end
All major outbreaks eventually run their course. But history and science suggest many possible pathways.
By Wendy Orent/UndarkNovember 13, 2020
Masks protect the wearer from COVID-19, too
Wear one, if not for your neighbors, then for your own health.
By Sara Kiley WatsonNovember 13, 2020
Eight reasons COVID-19 has hit veterans particularly hard
From a backlog in benefits to overcrowded retirement homes, the pandemic has laid bare many problems with veterans' care.
By Jamie Rowen/The ConversationNovember 11, 2020
Across the US, COVID-19 slams rural towns, suburbs, and cities alike
Hospital beds are filling up quickly in some regions.
Rachel FeltmanNovember 10, 2020
Three easy ways to clean your reusable masks
Soap suds are your friends.
By Sandra Gutierrez G.November 10, 2020
Biden’s COVID-19 response plan is missing one major component
The President-elect’s team still needs to address pandemic misinformation.
Kat EschnerNovember 10, 2020
The CDC released a COVID-19 test knowing it had a high failure rate
Here’s what you need to know this week.
By Rachael ZiskNovember 9, 2020
The US hit 120,000 new COVID cases on Thursday, breaking records for the second day in a row
Case counts have been soaring for the past month.
By Sara Kiley WatsonNovember 6, 2020
Meet the illustrator who painted COVID-19′s infamous portrait
Here’s how the spikey coronavirus blob came to life.
By Kate BaggaleyNovember 6, 2020
A record number of kids got COVID-19 last week
Infection rates in younger people are on an upward trend.
Sara ChodoshNovember 4, 2020
Pregnant women are at an increased risk of severe COVID-19, but there’s no need to panic
The overall odds are still quite low.
By Claire MaldarelliNovember 4, 2020
We’re getting better at treating COVID-19
Here’s what you need to know this week.
By Rachael ZiskNovember 2, 2020
When it comes to airborne COVID-19 transmission, droplet size matters
But this doesn’t rule out the danger of inhaling tiny particles.
Kate BaggaleyNovember 2, 2020
How to prepare for in-person voting during the COVID-19 pandemic
Get ready and get out there.
By John KennedyNovember 1, 2020
Have no fear—healthy Halloween ideas are here
Protect your family from COVID-19 by treating them to something deliciously nutritious.
By Michael Goran/The ConversationOctober 30, 2020
How to plan a COVID-safe Thanksgiving, week-by-week
Want to gather with family for Thanksgiving? It’s time to start prepping.
Kate BaggaleyOctober 30, 2020
Rural America is now the center of the COVID pandemic
Here’s what you need to know this week.
By Rachael ZiskOctober 26, 2020
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

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