The Latest: Tiger infections and eyes on China
Dear Reader,
It is Monday. Spending so much time at home means the days are starting to blend together. One thing that’s certain is the coronavirus continues to shock and surprise. A lot happened this weekend: world leaders were hospitalized, honeymooners were marooned, and a tiger at a New York City zoo contracted the virus. It’s tough to predict what will happen next.
This week much focus will be on China. The country is planning to lift its lockdown order on the city of Wuhan on April 8, with some restrictions. The move will be watched closely — what protections will remain in place, and for how long? What does going back to work look like? Could there be a second wave of infections? Can the rest of the world expect a similar trajectory?
What’s New:
- A smelly experiment: Dozens of scientists worldwide are testing sewage and wastewater for tiny shreds of the coronavirus. In theory, if viral levels reach a certain threshold, experts can tell more people to stay home. Read more.
- Death disparities: 70% of Covid-19 deaths in Chicago are among black residents. Read more.
- Animals with infections: A tiger at New York City’s Bronx Zoo has tested positive for Covid-19. Read more.
Follow our Medium Coronavirus Blog for regular updates, and read some of the essential stories we’ve curated below.
Be well,
Alexandra Sifferlin
Editor, Medium Coronavirus Blog
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A Quick Q&A:
Why is the coronavirus making some young Americans really sick?
In some cases, previously healthy young adults are being hospitalized and even dying from Covid-19. According to a new report from the CDC, 73% of people hospitalized for the coronavirus had at least one preexisting condition. Also, 94% of all people who died from the virus had an underlying chronic illness, the most common being diabetes, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Older people are more likely to have chronic health problems than younger individuals, but there are still 41.4 million U.S. adults under the age of 65 who are at risk of developing a serious Covid-19 infection because of preexisting conditions. No one is immune to the virus, and good cardiovascular health and treating obesity pay off no matter how old someone is. — Dana Smith, Elemental
Essential How-Tos and Explainers:
Experts Weigh In On How Long This Will Last
Why Every U.S. City Should Prepare for Severe Outbreaks and a Potential Second Wave
5 Surprising Ways the Pandemic is Changing the Environment
How to Take a (Real) Break from Social Media
Personal Pandemic Stories:
What It’s Like to Realize Your Business Might Not Survive This
I’m Struggling to Stay Sober. AA Zoom Meetings Are Keeping Me Afloat.
I Missed My Son’s Birthday This Year. A Lot of Us Will.
What Other Countries Got Right
Why South Korea is a Model for Coronavirus Response
A German Exception? Why the Country’s Coronavirus Death Rate Is Low (New York Times)
5 Smart Reads
Inside the Epic White House Fight Over Hydroxychloroquine (Axios)
Your Politeness Is a Public Health Hazard
How the Coronavirus Stranded This Couple in the Maldives (New York Times)
