Key developments for Tuesday, June 30, 2020
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Welcome to the newly updated Key Developments, now published twice a week and featuring non-COVID news. Right now, it’s still mostly focused on the pandemic, but we’re gradually expanding the scope as we move forward.
There are over 10.5 million confirmed global cases, with more than a million new infections reported in the last week for several weeks in a row. The death toll has surpassed 513,000 worldwide, while the U.S. alone has seen over 2.7 million cases and more than 130,000 deaths. The U.S., Brazil, and Russia continue to lead in case growth, with India closely following.
The U.S. has secured a large portion of the global remdesivir supply, leaving other countries without access to this critical treatment. This could lead to future retaliation, where other nations may withhold life-saving treatments or vaccines from the U.S.
Global trials for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are set to resume, with researchers hoping to determine if these drugs can be used preventatively. So far, they’ve shown limited effectiveness in treating those already infected.
A national mask mandate could save the U.S. billions of dollars by reducing case growth and preventing lockdowns that would otherwise hurt the economy. Widespread mask use is proving to be an effective alternative to strict restrictions.
In India, a wedding turned into a public health disaster—both the groom and 95 guests tested positive. This highlights how even small gatherings can spread the virus, reinforcing the need for caution.
Contact tracers in Seattle report that 80% of people aren’t isolating on the day they show symptoms, which is a major concern for controlling the spread.
If you're planning a trip to the EU, you might want to reconsider. The European Union has banned American travelers due to the U.S.’s failure to contain the virus.
Similarly, if you're heading to New York, you may need to self-quarantine upon arrival if you're coming from one of the listed states.
Florida’s emergency management director is making his point loud and clear: masks are essential. His repeated message on social media underscores the urgency of wearing them.
Dr. Fauci warned that the U.S. could hit 100,000 daily cases by mid-July if current trends continue. That number isn't just a prediction—it's a warning.
A study in *Nature* found that many asymptomatic individuals carry high viral loads, meaning they can spread the virus just as easily as those who show symptoms.
With an R value of 2.5, experts estimate that at least 60% of the population needs to be immune to achieve herd immunity. This highlights the challenge ahead.
The CDC is finally admitting that the situation in the U.S. is out of control. Without a coordinated testing, tracing, and isolation strategy, things are likely to get worse.
China is conducting mass testing of its CanSino vaccine on military personnel, skipping phase three trials entirely. This raises serious safety concerns, especially if the results are not transparent.
Scientists are still debating whether mild cases lead to strong T-cell immunity. Some research suggests that even mild infections may provide lasting protection.
California is experiencing a sharp spike in cases, with a record-breaking 7,879 new infections reported in a single day. Hospital systems in Los Angeles are also sounding the alarm, warning that capacity may soon be overwhelmed.
States like Texas, Florida, Arizona, and California are reversing some of their reopening measures. Bars are closing again, indoor dining is being restricted, and mask mandates are being reintroduced in certain areas.
This is a fast-moving crisis, and staying informed is more important than ever.