COVID-19 update, number 20,000. (Okay, it just *feels* like 20,000).
Shockingly, it turns out that attempting to thwart a pandemic is nearly impossible without a cohesive plan which includes following the advice of scientists and robust testing. As the world stares down an unpredictable fall, COVID-19 is still running rampant, having not disappeared once the warm summer months began.
There are some bright spots, of course. As Voltaire said, “Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.” What bright spots, you ask? Let’s start with this one:
Women. They get the job done.
Women leaders around the world have had great success in slowing the spread of the #COVID19 pandemic.
Two economists explain how they managed this.
via @Forbes https://t.co/1xqTMmNMt3— UN Women (@UN_Women) August 14, 2020
COVID-19 update: Your dose of hope
Librarians for the win.
After they closed in March, staff from Melbourne’s Yarra Plenty libraries pulled from their database the phone numbers of every library member over the age of 70 – 16,000 records — and started calling those members to say hi and see if they needed anything https://t.co/vwAFUFQsSA
— Stephanie H Convery (@gingerandhoney) August 12, 2020
Patience is a virtue that many folks are having a hard time learning. But there is good news – a vaccine is getting closer and closer, and some very smart folks are already working on distribution plans.
Huge news! https://t.co/4SddNvCPVr
— Lloyd Adams (@Lloyd_Adams) July 27, 2020
I feel this. Do you?
the era of doing tricks for treats. is over. starting today. i would like treats. simply for existing
— Thoughts of Dog® (@dog_feelings) July 29, 2020
News you need to know
As COVID-19 continues to spread, scientists are learning more about the virus. Data is crucial to defeating it, but as institutions operate outside of the social contracts they were once bound by, it becomes more difficult to reign in.
The number of U.S. residents who have died since March is now more than 200,000 higher than it would be in a normal year. This suggests that the official death counts may be substantially underestimating the overall effects of the coronavirus. https://t.co/S4nAauU1io
— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 13, 2020
Schools across America are struggling with how they resume classes this fall, as employers attempt to provide solutions for their workforces. Meanwhile, the CDC issued a dire warning.
"This could be the worst fall from a public health perspective we've ever had," says CDC Director Redfield, warning that everyone should wear a mask and socially distance.
Yesterday 1500 people died from the virus in the US – the highest number since mid-May— Chris Jansing (@ChrisJansing) August 13, 2020
Let’s go with the doctors, okay? If scientists are struggling to understand the coronavirus, it’s likely safe to assume that folks with no medical training are probably not the experts, despite their access to high-speed internet.
A summary of FDA’s review of safety issues with the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to treat hospitalized #COVID19 patients is now available. The review includes reports of serious heart rhythm problems, kidney injuries, and other safety issues. https://t.co/3ELVxH7cB4 pic.twitter.com/UBcYooKjHc
— FDA Drug Information (@FDA_Drug_Info) July 1, 2020
After dispersing hundreds of millions of dollars to businesses earlier this year, elected officials in Washington D.C. are returning home to their districts until September 8, leaving countless Americans on the brink of disaster, without any guardrails in place.
McConnell adjourns the Senate for August, save for pro forma sessions.
Next regular session scheduled for *Sept. 8* — 26 days from today. pic.twitter.com/1gxFDmlvjq
— Steven Dennis (@StevenTDennis) August 13, 2020
Captain Obvious was unavailable for comment.
Dr. Fauci says he has serious doubts that Russia's COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective.
"I hope that the Russians have actually, definitively proven that the vaccine is safe and effective," Fauci said. "I seriously doubt that they've done that." https://t.co/njaxMo9RHp
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) August 12, 2020
2020 has laid bare the absolutely horrific bias and racism that is still rampant around the world.
Race does not determine health outcomes –– racism does.
latest @TorontoStar with @SemirBulle and Suzanne Shoush.
policymakers can no longer feign shock or surprise at racism’s devastating toll –– any failure to act will only deepen this damning divide.https://t.co/24BIGCME55
— Andrew Baback Boozary, MD (@drandrewb) August 13, 2020
Economic markets have become wildly unpredictable, another side-effect of COVID-19.
Q2 doesn’t look good either for the #UK. Following a 2.2% fall in the GDP growth for Q1, the U.K economy has now shown a massive 20.4% shrink at the end of Q2, which is larger than the declines during the 2008/09 financial crisis. @ONS https://t.co/VDhU0chhTf pic.twitter.com/C0T7MkEK4O
— Statista (@StatistaCharts) August 13, 2020
Quote of the day
“And it has been
one hell
of a year.
I have worn
the seasons
under my sleeves,
on my thighs,
running down my cheeks.
This is what
surviving
looks like, my dear.”
― Michelle K.
Data of the day
The seven-day average of COVID-19 deaths has remained over 1,000 people per day since July 30. pic.twitter.com/9Kyk3quAUs
— The COVID Tracking Project (@COVID19Tracking) August 13, 2020
