COVID-19: key developments for Wednesday, April 8, 2020
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There are now 1.5 million confirmed cases globally, with over 78,000 new infections reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll has surpassed 88,000, with the United States alone accounting for nearly 27,000 new cases and over 1,800 fatalities. Experts predict the U.S. could reach 500,000 total cases within the next two days, highlighting the rapid spread of the virus.
One critical question remains: do people develop a strong immune response after infection? Emerging research suggests that many individuals may not, raising concerns about the possibility of reinfection. While there's no definitive answer yet, there have been several documented cases of people contracting the virus more than once. It’s not surprising that those who experienced mild symptoms had weaker immune reactions, while those who became severely ill produced stronger responses. Coronaviruses are known for their ability to evade the immune system by hiding behind a sugar coating, which is why four common coronaviruses circulate globally each year.
Wuhan, once the epicenter of the outbreak, is slowly returning to normal. After ten weeks of strict lockdown, the city is lifting restrictions, though stringent measures remain in place to prevent a second wave. Over 94% of businesses have reopened, signaling a cautious return to daily life.
A recent preprint study found that a wide range of animals, including both domestic and large cats, can be infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, there is no evidence that cats transmit the virus to humans. If a cat lives with an infected person, it should be kept indoors and isolated, just like a human. This precaution helps prevent potential spread between pets.
Policymakers are promoting the idea of moving infected individuals into "voluntary" facilities, such as repurposed hotels, to reduce household transmission and allow others to resume work. While this approach is framed as less extreme than mandatory quarantine, it still raises serious concerns. Infected people often shed the virus before testing positive, so home isolation could be just as effective—if not more so. Moreover, these policies rely on widespread testing, which is currently not feasible.
Did we know about the initial outbreak in November? Was the information ignored? Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he couldn’t recall, leaving many questions unanswered.
New York City is still struggling. The situation is dire, as seen in this disturbing image of National Guard members loading bodies into a rental van. The scale of the crisis continues to grow.
Meanwhile, massive amounts of fresh produce are going to waste—discarded because they aren’t being bought. This is a tragic loss, especially when food insecurity is rising across the country.
Economist James Galbraith argues that our current neoliberal economic model is failing under pressure. He calls for a shift toward a more resilient and sustainable system—one that prioritizes long-term stability over short-term gains. The pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of our existing structures, making his message more urgent than ever.
Main Pot: The main pot portion of a flower pot with a saucer typically resembles a standard plant container. It can be made of various materials such as plastic, ceramic, terracotta, metal, or fiberglass. The pot is where the plant is placed and where its roots grow. It comes in different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs to suit different preferences and interior or exterior decor themes.
Saucer: The saucer is a shallow tray or dish that sits underneath the flower pot. Its primary purpose is to catch excess water that drains out of the bottom of the pot during watering, preventing water from seeping onto surfaces and potentially causing damage. The saucer helps to protect floors, furniture, and outdoor surfaces from water stains or rot.
Material: The saucer is often made from the same material as the pot, although it can also be made from materials like plastic, ceramic, or metal. Plastic saucers are lightweight and easy to clean, while ceramic saucers provide a more decorative touch. Some saucers may have a glazed finish to match the pot, while others may have a simple, unglazed surface.
Size: The size of the saucer is typically slightly larger in diameter than the pot itself, allowing it to catch any water that drips down from the pot. The depth of the saucer is usually shallow, enough to hold a small amount of water without overflowing. The size of the saucer should be proportionate to the size of the pot and the plant it contains.
Design: Flower pots with saucers come in a variety of designs to complement different aesthetics and gardening preferences. They may feature simple, minimalist designs for a contemporary look, or intricate patterns and decorative details for a more ornate style. Some saucers have raised edges or decorative rims, while others have a smooth, flat surface.
Functionality: The saucer plays a crucial role in plant care by helping to maintain proper drainage and prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. It also makes watering easier by catching any excess water that drains out of the pot, allowing the plant to absorb moisture as needed.
Overall, a flower pot with a saucer is a practical and attractive option for growing plants indoors or outdoors. It provides a convenient solution for maintaining proper drainage and protecting surfaces from water damage while adding a decorative touch to any space.