COVID-19: key developments for Wednesday, April 8, 2020

There are now 1.5 million confirmed cases globally, with over 78,000 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll has surpassed 88,000. In the U.S., nearly 27,000 new cases were added, and more than 1,800 people have died. Experts warn that the U.S. could hit 500,000 cases within the next two days if current trends continue. One pressing question is whether people develop a strong immune response after infection. Some studies suggest that many may not, raising concerns about reinfection. While we don’t yet have definitive answers, there have been multiple documented cases of people being reinfected. This isn’t entirely surprising—those with mild symptoms often produce weaker immune responses, while those who become severely ill tend to generate stronger immunity. Coronaviruses are also known for their ability to evade the immune system by cloaking themselves in sugars, which explains why four common coronaviruses circulate widely without causing major outbreaks. Wuhan is gradually returning to normal. After ten weeks of strict lockdown, most businesses have reopened, with 94% now operating again. However, strict measures remain in place to prevent a resurgence of the virus. A recent preprint study shows that several animal species, including both large and domestic cats, can be infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, there’s 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 helps reduce the risk of spreading the virus through contact with other animals. Policymakers are pushing for infected individuals to be moved into “voluntary” facilities such as repurposed hotels. This approach is framed as less extreme than mandatory quarantine in centralized locations. But I find this idea deeply unsettling. Whether it's a hotel or a government facility, it still feels like a form of forced isolation. Moreover, people can spread the virus before testing positive, so quarantining at home makes more sense. Family members are already exposed, and widespread testing is still not feasible. Did officials know about the outbreak in November? Defense Secretary Mark Esper claims he can't recall any specific intelligence. That lack of clarity raises serious questions about preparedness. In New York, the situation remains dire. A recent tweet showed the National Guard loading bodies into an Enterprise rental van—proof of how overwhelmed the city has become. Meanwhile, massive amounts of food are being discarded because they’re not being sold. This is a tragic waste, especially when millions of Americans are struggling with food insecurity. Economist James Galbraith argues that our neoliberal economic model is failing under the weight of the pandemic. He calls for a shift toward more resilient, long-term economic planning that prioritizes sustainability and social well-being over short-term gains. The crisis has exposed the fragility of our current systems—and the need for real change.

Hanging Ceramic Birdbath

Bird bath are mostly made of porcelain, because apart from pecking at rice, bird bath are more convenient for birds to drink, so porcelain bird bath are the most suitable materials for all. Because the ceramic is heavy, it is not easy for birds to turn over when they step on it. It is better to find wide than high.

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