In an open letter published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, scientists write that studies "have demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt that viruses are released during exhalation, talking, and coughing in microdroplets small enough to remain aloft in air and pose a risk of exposure at distances beyond 1 to 2 meters (yards) from an infected individual."

Read the complete article on academic.oup.com

Submitted by Admin on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 19:32
WHO sees first results from COVID drug trials within two weeks

GENEVA/LONDON (Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO) should soon get results from clinical trials it is conducting of drugs that might be effective in treating COVID-19 patients, its Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday.

“Nearly 5,500 patients in 39 countries have so far been recruited into the Solidarity trial,” he told a news briefing, referring to clinical studies the U.N. agency is conducting.

“We expect interim results within the next two weeks.”

Submitted by mo2 on Fri, 07/03/2020 - 13:34
Which international destinations are reopening to tourists?

Although many governments are still advising against "nonessential" international travel, a host of popular destinations have eased their Covid-19 border restrictions and are readily welcoming tourists back.

Destinations like Dubai, the Maldives, Croatia and Jamaica have already opened their doors to foreign visitors again, while Bali and Thailand hope to reopen in the coming weeks.

Submitted by Admin on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 19:25
Dr. Anthony Fauci says new virus in China has traits of 2009 swine flu and 1918 pandemic flu

White House coronavirus advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday that U.S. health officials are keeping an eye on a new strain of flu carried by pigs in China that has characteristics of the 2009 H1N1 virus and 1918 pandemic flu.

Submitted by mo2 on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 13:34
Coronavirus: Immunity may be more widespread than tests suggest

People testing negative for coronavirus antibodies may still have some immunity, a study has suggested.

For every person testing positive for antibodies, two were found to have specific T-cells which identify and destroy infected cells.

This was seen even in people who had mild or symptomless cases of Covid-19.

But it's not yet clear whether this just protects that individual, or if it might also stop them from passing on the infection to others.

Submitted by mo2 on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 13:34

Stanford research provides a snapshot of a new working-from-home economy (stanford.edu)

Stanford research provides a snapshot of a new working-from-home economy

The new “working-from-home economy,” which is likely to continue long past the coronavirus pandemic that spawned it, poses new challenges – from a ticking time bomb for inequality to an erosion of city centers – according to Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom.

Results from several nationwide surveys Bloom has been conducting during the COVID-related economic shutdown provide a snapshot of the emerging new reality.

Submitted by mo2 on Mon, 06/29/2020 - 20:48