Key developments for Thursday, August 6, 2020

Welcome to the newly refreshed Key Developments, now published twice weekly and expanding beyond just COVID-19 news. While we’re still focusing heavily on the pandemic, we’re working to broaden the scope of coverage moving forward.

Globally, there are now over 19.2 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, with over a quarter-million new cases reported each day. The global death toll has surpassed 716,000. In the U.S., cases have topped 5 million, with over 162,000 fatalities. Since yesterday, the country added more than 53,000 new cases. Brazil remains the second-largest contributor to daily case growth, followed by India and Russia. Brazil’s daily case and death counts have now exceeded those of the U.S.

Spain is experiencing a resurgence in infections:

Instead of "follow the money," it's now all about "follow the tech companies." If major tech firms are advising employees to work from home until next year, it speaks volumes about the ongoing challenges ahead.

New evidence suggests that the virus is highly transmissible via aerosolized particles, confirming what many scientists have long suspected:

It’s not just asymptomatic children who carry high viral loads in their noses and throats; adults are equally capable of harboring the virus. Research from South Korea indicates that these individuals can indeed transmit the virus to others.

Embryos begin expressing ACE2 genes as early as the second week of development. While it’s unclear whether they develop prominent ACE2 receptors on their cell surfaces, if they do, embryos could be vulnerable to infection if the mother contracts COVID-19. It’s possible that ACE2 receptors and related proteins aren’t present in sufficient quantities for infection to occur—more data is needed. Collaborative efforts between researchers at Cambridge and Caltech are urging further investigation to clarify potential risks and impacts on embryo development and viability.

Experts predict that many schools reopening in the fall may close again in October due to rising case numbers.

Updates on the NIH’s phase 3 trials for antibody cocktails are forthcoming.

If successful, Moderna’s vaccine could cost less than a flu shot from big-box pharmacies. Bulk purchases by institutions would make it even cheaper, though that would require millions of doses.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti plans to cut water and electricity to homes hosting large gatherings:

Immunology is incredibly complex. A key takeaway is that SARS-CoV-2 seems to overwhelm the immune system in severe cases, leading to overreactions. This article provides a solid overview of what we currently understand—and don’t—about immunity and COVID-19.

School has already begun in Georgia, and students are testing positive and being sent home. Adding insult to injury, some schools have threatened to suspend students who criticize crowded hallways on social media or stay home to avoid infection. Two students have already been disciplined.

More sports events are being canceled:

Americans urgently need direct financial assistance and rent/mortgage relief amid the pandemic-driven economic crisis, but political gridlock in Washington is preventing action. Eviction moratoriums are expiring, leaving millions of Americans at risk of homelessness. President Trump has hinted at issuing an executive order to cut payroll taxes if a stimulus deal isn't reached.

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