Timeline of COVID-19 outbreak


  • China approves Sinopharm’s covid vaccine 31 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 82.7 million COVID-19 cases and 1,806,782 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 20,216,991 cases and the death toll is 350,778 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Dr Anthony Fauci said that there is a chance that normalcy can return in the US if states diligently vaccinate its residents.

    Trump’s proposal to increase covid relief payment to $2000 per individual is not approved by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

    Video: US reports 1st case of UK COVID-19 variant l GMAUS reports 1st case of UK COVID-19 variant l GMA

    Sinopharm’s covid vaccine is 79.34% effective and is approved for use by Chinese regulators. More than 3 million doses of the vaccine have been administered on targeted individuals.


  • UK covid virus variant detected in Colorado 30 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 82.1 million COVID-19 cases and 1,793,324 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 19,977,704 cases and the death toll is 346,579 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The number of people hospitalized due to COVID-19 is so high across the US states that hospitals may soon need to ration nurses, respirators and which patients can be cared for.

    A covid virus variant linked to UK has been detected in Colorado, US. Jared Polis, governor of Colorado tweeted, “Today we discovered Colorado's first case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7, the same variant discovered in the UK …”

    The infected person was a young male in his 20s and has no travel history. A US Congressman-elect, Luke Letlow, has died from covid infection.

    Video: Coronavirus Cases Soar Across US As Hospitals Brace For Post-Holiday Surge | TODAY


  • US House of Representatives approves Trump’s request to change covid bill 29 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 81.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,777,071 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 19,781,624 cases and the death toll is 343,182 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The US House of Representatives agrees with president’s request to increase the covid relief payment to $2000 for individual.

    The Republican-led Senate will vote on whether it also supports this change to the covid bill or not.

    Gun violence and homicides are up in Detroit this year. Detroit Police Chief, James Craig, said, “I think the pandemic — COVID — has had a significant emotional impact on people across the country … Whether domestics, arguments, disputes over drugs, there's this quickness to use an illegally carried firearm.”

    Video: U.S. must ramp up Covid vaccine delivery, says Biden task force member Dr. Celine Gounder

  • Trump has finally signed the covid relief bill 28 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 80.8 million COVID-19 cases and 1,768,491 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 19,573,847 cases and the death toll is 341,138 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    After much delay, president Trump has finally signed the covid relief bill and averted another US government shutdown.

    Trump said, “As president, I have told Congress that I want far less wasteful spending and more money going to the American people in the form of $2,000 checks per adult and $600 per child.”

    Video: Latest on U.S. Covid-19 vaccine rollout

    Italy has the highest covid death toll in Europe and joined the other European Union countries to vaccinate its people. Since Sunday, Italy has started to administer Pfizer/BioNTech covid vaccine on its healthcare frontline workers

  • Voluntary covid vaccine in Australia 27 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 80.4 million COVID-19 cases and 1,762,040 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 19,433,847 cases and the death toll is 339,921 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The covid relief bill was flown to Mar-a-Lago, Florida, for president Trump to sign it. However, there is still no news of whether he will sign it or not.

    This December month has been the deadliest in America in terms of covid deaths as more than 63,000 fatalities have been recorded so far with a few more days to go before new year.

    Video: Coronavirus: US unemployment benefits set to expire as Trump stalls aid bill

    Australia federal government has promised free covid vaccine to all Australians, but it is not mandatory. The vaccine is expected to be available in March but will not be widely available until the end of next year. Small business advocates want to make it a law that workers get vaccinated or no pay.

  • Trump golfed but not signed the covid relief bill 26 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 79.9 million COVID-19 cases and 1,754,201 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 19,210,166 cases and the death toll is 338,263 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    President Trump is golfing in Florida and he has not signed the covid relief package. The US government is at risk of going through another shutdown and millions of Americans will be denied financial relief if the bill does not go through.

    A person dies from COVID-19 every 10 minutes in Los Angeles County.

    Video: Coronavirus aid at risk as US lawmakers block Trump’s changes

  • Senate and House members urged Trump to sign covid relief bill 25 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 79.4 million COVID-19 cases and 1,744,519 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 19,111,326 cases and the death toll is 337,066 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    US lawmakers disallowed president Trump’s request to change the covid relief package to distribute larger payments to individuals.

    Members of the Senate and House hope Trump will expedite the signing of the new bill as “the legislation would bring desperately needed help to struggling families, unemployed workers, hard-hit small businesses, an overburdened health care system, stressed schools, and so many others.”

    California becomes the first US state to report more than 2 million coronavirus cases.

    Video: COVID-19: UK records second-highest number of daily coronavirus cases yet

  • More than a million Americans vaccinated against covid 24 December, 2020



    There are over 78.8 million COVID-19 cases and 1,733,212 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 18,917,152 million cases and 334,218 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Some children in the US developed rare, extreme immune response to COVID-19 known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome.

    Dr Anthony Fauci received Moderna’s covid vaccine live on television. He said most Americans will have access to the vaccine by middle of next year.

    Since the approval for emergency use of the vaccine, more than a million Americans have received the first dose of it.

    Video: Latest on U.S. Covid-19 vaccine rollout

  • Trump called the pandemic relief package a disgrace 23 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 78.0 million COVID-19 cases and 1,719,902 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 18,684,628 cases and the death toll is 330,824 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    While the covid relief package bill was passed by the US congress, president Trump has called it “a disgrace”. Trump said, “I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2,000, or $4,000 for a couple.

    I'm also asking Congress to immediately get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation, and just send me a suitable bill.”

    It is not clear if Trump will sign the current bill, which means the possibility of a US government shutdown is still open.

    Video: Why Pfizer And Moderna Can't Be Sued For Covid Vaccine Side Effects

    More countries have now banned travel from UK due to new coronavirus strain detected.

  • Coronavirus cases detected in Antarctica 22 December, 2020



    There are over 77.4 million COVID-19 cases and 1,706,079 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 18,473,716 million cases and 326,772 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Now that the covid relief package of $900 billion is expected to be signed into law, president-elect Joe Biden welcomed it. Biden said, “I applaud this relief package, but our work is far from over.

    Starting in the new year, Congress will need to immediately get to work on support for our COVID-19 plan.”

    Biden has also shown that he is willing to receive the Pfizer’s covid vaccine live on television.

    Video: It’s possible the coronavirus mutation is already in the U.S., says former FDA commissioner

    Antarctica is no longer free of the coronavirus, which means all continents in the world have now detected cases. 36 Chileans on an army base in Antarctica have tested positive for the virus.

  • New SARS-CoV-2 strain detected in UK 21 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 76.9 million COVID-19 cases and 1,697,051 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 18,267,579 cases and the death toll is 324,869 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    A $900 billion covid relief package, which is the second largest financial stimulus package in the US, is approved and president Trump will sign it into law. Apart from direct payments that will go to certain individuals, billions will be spend on small businesses, food assistance and distribution of the vaccine.

    The vaccine by Moderna has already been shipped out on Sunday but the US death toll is expected to get worse moving forward. Dr Moncef Slaoui said, “it will get worse, because we still are experiencing the outcome of the Thanksgiving holidays and the gatherings and unfortunately there may be more over the Christmas holidays, there will be a continuing surge.”

    A new strain of SARS-CoV-2 has been found and is thought to be responsible for increased transmission of the covid in UK. Some regions in UK, including England, has now been placed under tier 4 lockdown, which is a very strict measure that includes no gathering with outsiders during Christmas.

    Canada joins a list of other countries that have now banned flights from UK into its country after the discovery of the mutant virus.

    Video: New, highly infectious COVID-19 strain sends UK into harsh lockdown for Christmas

  • Moderna’s covid vaccine is the second one approved in the US 20 December, 2020



    There are over 76.4 million COVID-19 cases and 1,690,165 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 18,078,009 million cases and 323,404 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The new covid relief package in the US may deliver $600 direct payments to individuals and a $300 a week unemployment compensation supplement.

    The government will need to shutdown if no deal on this package is reached by this Sunday midnight. Both the House and Senate would vote on the package this Sunday.

    General Gustave Perna, the head of Operation Warp Speed, apologized to US state governors over miscommunication on the number of covid vaccine doses that will be delivered.

    Moderna is the second covid vaccine approved in the US and it should be delivered by Monday.

    Video: Coronavirus: Moderna vaccine begins distribution to US hospitals

  • Mike Pence received his covid vaccine live on television 19 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 75.7 million COVID-19 cases and 1,677,715 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 17,888,353 cases and the death toll is 320,845 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    US Vice President Mike Pence and his wife had received the covid vaccine by Pfizer/BioNTech live on television. Pence said, “Building confidence in the vaccine is what brings us here this morning…”

    The FDA is expediting the emergency vaccine approval process and is expected to approve the Moderna’s covid vaccine as early as next week. President Trump tweets, “All-time Stock Market high. The Vaccine and the Vaccine rollout are getting the best of reviews.”

    Video: U.S. vice-president gets COVID-19 vaccine

    India has now surpassed the 10 million coronavirus cases mark, the second country to do so after the US. The country death toll is 145,136 fatalities.

  • Italy under lockdown this Christmas 18 December, 2020



    There are over 75.6 million COVID-19 cases and 1,676,383 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 17,842,543 million cases and 320,380 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The hospitalizations due to the coronavirus has ramped up for 19 consecutive days in the US. The country has also recorded a new record daily death toll of 3580 fatalities. California becomes the first US state to record more than 50,000 daily coronavirus cases.

    Video: Coronavirus: US panel recommends FDA approval of Moderna vaccine

    Italy and Austria will enter into new lockdowns over the Christmas and New Year period. Italy Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has declared the entire country as virus “red zone”.

  • Joe Biden is expected to receive covid vaccine next week 17 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 74.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,652,870 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 17,394,314 cases and the death toll is 314,629 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    US lawmakers are close to finalising a $900 billion COVID relief package and while many have hoped for a final announcement of the package yesterday, it did not materialize. The current stimulus fund is less than the previous $1.8 trillion CARES Act in March but is much needed to give unemployment benefits to financially impacted Americans.

    Considering that eight million Americans had plunged into poverty since unemployment payments expired mid-year, the news of another relief package in sight is welcomed by many people.

    The US is ramping up vaccinations with hundreds of hospitals expected to vaccinate their workers.

    Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State, is now under quarantine after being in contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus. The secretary has tested negative for COVID-19.

    Joe Biden is expected to be given his first covid vaccine shot publicly early next week. Biden said, “I don't want to get ahead of the line, but I want to make sure we demonstrate to the American people that it is safe to take.”

    Video: News Wrap: U.S. negotiates with Pfizer to secure more coronavirus vaccine doses

  • Beware of covid schemes 16 December, 2020



    There are over 73.5 million COVID-19 cases and 1,638,683 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 17,143,779 million cases and 311,068 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The FDA confirms the effectiveness and safety of the covid vaccine by Moderna in preliminary analysis. This is good news as a second covid vaccine is much needed after the first shots that are currently underway.

    President Donald Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence have been offered the covid vaccine in the next 10 days to ensure the stability of the US government. Another reason for Trump and Pence to take the covid vaccine is to send a message to Americans that the vaccine is safe.

    Despite the availability of the covid vaccine, the trajectory of increase in coronavirus cases and deaths will likely continue in winter. Dr. Richard Besser said, “This vaccine, as wonderful as it is, is not going to change the trajectory of what we experience this winter …”

    Scammers are actively stealing personal information by using bogus covid schemes. The FBI reports it has received “complaints of scammers using the public's interest in COVID-19 vaccines to obtain personally identifiable information and monies through various schemes.”

    Video: As US Coronavirus Deaths Top 300,000, Hospitals Are Deluged With Patients | TODAY

  • Poor nations unable to secure enough covid vaccine 15 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 72.9 million COVID-19 cases and 1,625,939 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 16,942,980 cases and the death toll is 308,091 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The US government is discussing a new massive spending bill that appears to have support from both Republicans and Democrats. New funding is required to ensure millions of workers who are financially affected by the pandemic are given support.

    The availability of covid vaccine seems like good news to developed countries that manage to secure the bulk of the anticipated supply. COVAX is an initiative set up by the WHO, GAVI and CEPI, to ensure poorer countries also have access to the vaccine. However, the program is unable to secure enough vaccine as it stands.

    Of the 12 billion doses of vaccine that is expected to be manufactured in 2021, three quarters of them were secured by rich countries. Arnaud Bernaert, head of global health at the World Economic Forum, said, “COVAX has not secured enough doses, and the way the situation may unfold is they will probably only get these doses fairly late."

    Meanwhile, health experts warn meaningful impact of covid vaccination will not be seen until well into 2021.

    Video: First U.S. coronavirus vaccine administered in New York

  • Covid vaccine is being distributed 14 December, 2020



    There are over 72.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,617,032 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 16,737,267 million cases and 306,459 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Trump said “senior citizens, healthcare workers and first responders” will be among the first to receive the covid vaccine that is currently being distributed.

    Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC, said the vaccine can be given to people who are 16 years old and older. All 50 US states will soon receive the vaccine. Dr Redfield said, “This is the next step in our efforts to protect Americans, reduce the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and help restore some normalcy to our lives and our country.”

    Video: Trucks Carrying First U.S. Coronavirus Vaccines Depart Pfizer’s Michigan Plant | NBC News

    Japan and South Korea report their highest daily coronavirus cases.

    Australians should receive their first covid vaccine developed by the Oxford University in January next year. In the first batch, 1.9 million doses will arrive.

  • Is now D-Day of the pandemic? 13 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 71.7 million COVID-19 cases and 1,609,502 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 16,549,366 cases and the death toll is 305,082 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The covid vaccine will be delivered by UPS and FedEx this Sunday and arrives in US states on Monday morning, local time. Initially, 150 distribution centres will receive vaccine and the remaining distribution sites will get thhttps://meet.google.com/tof-zxvr-pezeirs by Wednesday. Altogether, 3 million doses will be distributed.

    The logistics coordination required to swiftly distribute the vaccine is challenging. New York city mayor, Bill de Blasio, said, “This is unprecedented because it's not just about logistics, it's about making sure we win public trust, it's about ensuring equity …”

    General Gus Perna will oversee the logistics as part of Operation Warp Speed and this period is now labelled as the “D-Day”, which is hope that this is akin the turning point in World War II.

    General Perna said, “I am absolutely 100 per cent confident that we are going to distribute safely, this precious commodity, this vaccine, needed to defeat the enemy COVID.”

    Video: US Sees Deadliest Week Of COVID-19 Pandemic, Hospitals Overwhelmed | TODAY

  • Trump announced Pfizer’s vaccine is approved for emergency use 12 December, 2020



    There are over 71.1 million COVID-19 cases and 1,599,070 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 16,295,458 million cases and 302,750 deaths from the coronavirus.

    As expected, the FDA has given its approval for emergency use to the Pfizer’s covid vaccine, which is the first one in the US. The distribution of vaccine will begin and is expected to reach all over the US given time.

    Trump said the vaccination will begin in less than 24 hours. He also said, “Today our nation has achieved a medical miracle. We have delivered a safe and effective vaccine in just nine months. This is one of the greatest scientific accomplishments in history.”

    Trump is also pushing the FDA further and demanded multiple vaccines to be approved immediately.

    He tweets, “While my pushing the money drenched but heavily bureaucratic (FDA) saved five years in the approval of NUMEROUS great new vaccines, it is still a big, old, slow turtle. Get the dam vaccines out NOW, Dr. Hahn. Stop playing games and start saving lives!!!”

    The vaccine is approved for emergency use but whether full approval of the vaccine will be granted or not, this will not be known until 2021.

    Video: Coronavirus: Trump calls US approval of Pfizer vaccine “medical miracle”

  • Is the covid vaccine safe? 11 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 69.6 million COVID-19 cases and 1,585,378 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 16,039,393 cases and the death toll is 299,692 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    At least 200 hospitals in the US were at full capacity last week and a third of all hospitals had more than 90% of their ICU beds capacity reached.

    The FDA is expected to sign off the approval for Pfizer’s covid vaccine emergency use based on an overwhelming endorsement by outside advisers. Bahrain and Canada will also approve the vaccine for emergency use.

    One of the earliest covid vaccine recipients, Martin Kenyon, a 91-year-old man, said, “I hope I’m not going to get the b***** bug now. I don’t intend to have it because I’ve got granddaughters.”

    A panel of doctors and professors have voiced their opinions that the pandemic is fake and the covid vaccine was developed in a rush and hence, not safe. There is no long-term safety data to rule out onset of autoimmune diseases, infertility and cancers.

    Video: Coronavirus Surge Leads To Deadliest Day Yet In US | TODAY

  • Allergy warning on Pfizer’s vaccine 10 December, 2020



    There are over 68.9 million COVID-19 cases and 1,572,790 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 15,820,042 million cases and 296,698 deaths from the coronavirus.

    More than 3000 Americans are dead due to covid, which is worse than the deadliest single day deaths in the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center.

    Naeha Quasba, who lost her father due to the pandemic, said, “It's like a 9/11 every single day.”

    Meanwhile, health authorities in the US continue to warn on more deaths to come as a result of the Thanksgiving travel.

    The Pfizer’s vaccine is not for people with a history on allergy according to UK health authorities.

    Video: Covid Cases Rising As U.S. Begins To See Thanksgiving Spike | NBC Nightly News

    Japan reports 2811 new coronavirus cases, which is a new single day record. Health experts urge people not to travel in the upcoming New Year holidays.

  • Churches turned into strip clubs to serve worshippers 9 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 68.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,563,016 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 15,594,534 cases and the death toll is 293,496 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    In order to continue operation, two Californian megachurches have changed their names and operated as “strip clubs” in order to conform to the law to allow indoor gathering.

    Pastor Jurgen Matthesius said the Awaken church is now a “Family Friendly Strip Club”. Rob McCoy, a pastor at Godspeak said, “The elderly are lonely and isolated for no reason. No one gets to attend the funerals of their loved ones ... it's our responsibility to support folks.”

    US regulators have confirmed the Pfizer’s vaccine as offering protection against the coronavirus. It seems that in a matter of days the first shot of vaccination will begin in the US. Dr Anthony Fauci urges people to give support on public health measures to contain the coronavirus.

    He said, “… even when the outbreak is clear and hospitals are on the verge of being overrun, there are a substantial proportion of the people who still think that this is not real, that it's fake news or that it's a hoax.”

    Video: As Coronavirus Rages Across US, Worries Of Another Holiday Surge | TODAY

  • Data scientist Rebekah Jones’ home raided over possible pandemic cover up 8 December, 2020



    There are over 67.6 million COVID-19 cases and 1,550,005 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 15,369,046 million cases and 290,443 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The Trump’s administration gave up the chance to buy an early second batch of covid vaccine from Pfizer. This opened the possibility that the US needs to wait longer for the second batch as Pfizer may need to meet international demands first.

    The current administration has agreed to buy 100 million doses with an option to buy five times more. The FDA is expected to pass the Pfizer’s vaccine soon, maybe this week.

    Rebekah Jones, a data scientist working on covid data, was raided by the police over her supposed unauthorized access of a state government messaging system.

    She claimed that DeSantis was behind the corruption of the true data behind covid. She posted on twitter how the police raided her home. Rebekah tweets, “If Desantis thought pointing a gun in my face was a good way to get me to shut up, he's about to learn just how wrong he was.”

    Video: U.S. seven-day average of covid-19 cases climbs 21%

    A 90-year-old Briton becomes the world first recipient of the approved Pfizer’s covid vaccine.

  • Wash your hands, watch your distance, wear face coverings 7 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 67.2 million COVID-19 cases and 1,542,982 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 15,159,529 cases and the death toll is 288,906 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The US has added more than 1 million COVID-19 cases in just five days.

    Donald Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, has tested positive to the coronavirus. Giuliani has travelled extensively to many states recently and may have infected others.

    The number of patients hospitalized in the US reached a new record on Sunday. Dr. Leana Wen said, “(hospitals) are just at the brink of becoming so overwhelmed that patients are going to get less than ideal care.”

    Health experts said the weather and behaviour of people are likely the reasons behind the recent spike of coronavirus cases. Alex Azar, Health and Human Services secretary, said as people are spending more time indoors, they should remember the three W’s, “wash your hands, watch your distance, wear face coverings”.

    Video: US tops 1 million new COVID-19 cases in first 5 days of December l GMA

  • Fauci initially thinks approval of covid vaccine in UK was rushed but later apologized for it 6 December, 2020



    There are over 66.6 million COVID-19 cases and 1,533,587 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 14,983,425 million cases and 287,825 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Southern California regions that include Los Angeles and San Diego is placed under coronavirus lockdown orders as rising cases overwhelms hospitals and triggers a shortage of intensive care beds.

    Dr Anthony Fauci thinks that the reason UK is able to approve the use of Pfizer/BioNTech covid vaccine faster is because their regulators are not as thorough as the US regulators in checking the data. In other words, Dr Fauci believes it was a rushed decision in UK. However, he later apologized on what he said on British television.

    He said, “We do things a certain way in the United States, possibly a little different, not necessarily better or worse than what's done in the UK, and I think that's where we slipped, where I slipped.”

    Dr. Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Program, said the covid vaccine alone will not end the disease.

    The claim of inaccurate CDC data by Dr Briand is believed to be a mistake according to Dean Miller.

    Video: COVID-19 now leading cause of death in US

  • Student article claiming inaccurate covid deaths is censored 5 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 65.9 million COVID-19 cases and 1,524,183 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 14,772,535 cases and the death toll is 285,550 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    President-elect Joe Biden said the US economy is showing dire signs and many people are in need of financial help that can be provided through the coronavirus relief bill. He has been warning of the “dark winter” ahead and said, “the situation requires urgent action … Americans need help and they need it now.”

    While many models predict the pandemic will get worse in the US in the next three months than before, some frontline medical staff who handle sick covid patients are feeling burned out.

    Dr. Adolphe Edward, CEO of El Centro Regional Medical Center, said “I think we're past the breaking point … The staff is here, but they're broken.”

    A student newspaper article reports Dr. Genevieve Briand findings that COVID-19 death toll by the CDC may be inaccurate as there has been no increase in overall deaths this year in the US when compared to past years.

    Briand also reports that heart disease deaths are lower this year, which suggests such deaths have been reclassified as covid deaths instead. This student newspaper article is now censored.

    Video: CDC: US has ‘entered a phase of high-level transmission’ of COVID-19 | WNT

    An initially puzzling case of coronavirus infection in a Sydney hotel worker in Australia, has been traced to originate from the US.

  • Biden wants Americans to wear face masks for 100 days 4 December, 2020



    There are over 65.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,510,459 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 14,535,196 million cases and 282,829 deaths from the coronavirus.

    States in the US are preparing plans on who will be among the first to receive the covid vaccine. The states are given the deadline to submit their plans on Friday and many are choosing to vaccinate healthcare workers and nursing home patients.

    President-elect Joe Biden plans to announce a 100-days wearing of face mask in his first 100 days in the office as president. Biden said, “Just 100 days to mask, not forever. One hundred days. And I think we'll see a significant reduction.”

    Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton volunteer themselves to receive the covid vaccine once the FDA approves it in order to instil confidence in the public to do the same.

    Video: Coronavirus Cases, Hospitalizations, Deaths Hit Highest Levels Ever In US | TODAY

  • New record death toll in the US is 20% higher than the previous record 3 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 64.6 million COVID-19 cases and 1,500,077 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 14,314,265 cases and the death toll is 279,867 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The death toll in the US due to the coronavirus is 3157 fatalities on Wednesday, which is the highest on record for the country and is a spike of 20% more than the previous record set in April.

    The American Ambulance Association reports that its 911 emergency call system is overwhelmed or “at a breaking point”. In Wisconsin, the hospitals and ICUs are overburdened beyond reasonable limits.

    Dr Robert Redfield, director of the CDC said this month, January and February will be the most challenging in the public health history of the country.

    The CDC has a new guideline that shortens the quarantine period to just 7 to 10 days. If a person is exposed to the coronavirus but does not develop symptoms in 10 days or the exposed person tested negative after 7 days with no symptoms, he or she can be released from the quarantine.

    Video: Coronavirus will be with us forever, claims Jonathan Van-Tam

  • Britain first country to grant emergency authorisation to Pfizer and BioNTech covid vaccine 2 December, 2020



    There are over 64.0 million COVID-19 cases and 1,487,417 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 14,108,606 million cases and 276,979 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Almost 37,000 Americans died in November, which is the highest on record for any month since the pandemic began. The overflowing sick patients and dead bodies test hospitals and morgues to their limits, which in some cases have overwhelmed their capacities.

    In a study by the CDC in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, the researchers found antibodies against COVID-19 virus or Sars-CoV-2 from blood samples obtained from December 13 last year.

    This finding corroborates the research in Italy and France that indicated the coronavirus may have circulated in a number of countries before an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

    Video: Coronavirus: US feeling strain from COVID-19 cases while UK gets new tiered restrictions

    Britain is the first country to grant emergency use authorisation to the Covid vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech. The delivery of the first 800,000 doses will start next week with priority given to the elderly and nursing home residents.

  • Dr Scott Atlas has resigned 1 December, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 63.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,473,669 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 13,920,038 cases and the death toll is 274,332 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Dr Scott Atlas, a member of the White House’s coronavirus task force has resigned from Trump’s administration and wish the new team who will step in to handle the pandemic all the best. He said, “I sincerely wish the new team all the best as they guide the nation through these trying, polarized times …”

    A new study by the CDC suggests the coronavirus could have been circulating in the US mid-December last year, prior to the official announcement of the outbreak in Wuhan, China.

    President Trump has been frustrated over how long it takes for the FDA to issue emergency use approval to the covid vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech. Trump said, “Normally, it probably would have taken four or five years, just getting it through the FDA. We pushed it very hard.”

    Video: U.S. hospitals brace for surge in coronavirus cases after busy Thanksgiving travel weekend

    After almost three months without any community transmission of COVID19, Vietnam reports the first of such case. The infected person is a 32 years old man in Ho Chi Minh city.

  • Japan suicide rates on the rise and associated with the pandemic 30 November, 2020



    There are over 62.8 million COVID-19 cases and 1,465,503 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 13,750,608 million cases and 273,077 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Dr Anthony Fauci said, “What we expect, unfortunately, as we go for the next couple of weeks into December, is that we might see a surge superimposed on the surge we are already in …”

    The danger of the massive number of travellers going on holidays across the US is the planting of seeds of infections that could spawn from anywhere. It has been 27 consecutive days that the US reports more than 100,000 coronavirus cases.

    The hospitalizations of covid patients have reached a record high of 93,238 people. Dr Deborah Birx said for those who had travelled, they should avoid seeing relatives over the age of 65.

    Video: Coronavirus: US braces for next deadly COVID-19 surge after Thanksgiving

    Japan suicides have risen to 2153 fatalities in the past October, which is a level not seen since May 2015. Suicides have claimed more lives in Japan during the last month than coronavirus did for the entire year so far. The rise of suicides is linked to the pandemic as some workers who could barely make ends meet in the country now experience pay cut.

  • AstraZeneca’s covid vaccine is good news to poorer nations 29 November, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 62.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,455,073 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 13,610,357 cases and the death toll is 272,254 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Although the covid vaccine
    developed by AstraZeneca and the Oxford University has lower efficacy than the ones by Pfizer and Moderna, it is good news to poorer nations that need it because the supply of vaccine from Pfizer and Moderna are tied up to the US and European nations.

    AstraZeneca has promised to supply the vaccine to low income countries on a not-for-profit basis.

    A mink farm in Oregon has an outbreak of coronavirus in minks that are believed to be transferred to them by humans. A test on 10 mink samples all came back positive for the coronavirus. The farm is now placed under quarantine.

    The coronavirus daily death rate in the US is projected to rise dramatically before vaccine can make a difference. Dr. Leana Wen said, “We cannot let our guard down … The vaccines will make a big difference in the spring and the summer; they're not going to make a difference right now.”

    Video: COVID-19 Cases In US Pass 13 Million Amid Fears Of Post-Thanksgiving Spike | TODAY

  • Los Angeles issues a very strict social gathering rule 28 November, 2020



    There are over 61.7 million COVID-19 cases and 1,446,475 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 13,454,346 million cases and 271,029 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Despite no data report from 20 US states, the US still registers more than 100,000 cases and 1200 deaths on Thanksgiving day.

    The Los Angeles county has banned all public and private gatherings with people outside a single household for three weeks to prevent further rise of cases. The officials in the county are also advising people to stay indoor as much as possible and wear face masks when outside.

    Advisers to the CDC will vote on next week to see who will be among the first to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

    Video: US Could Have 8 Times More COVID-19 Cases Than Previously Reported, CDC Says | TODAY

    A team of Chinese researchers has claimed the coronavirus may have originated in India. They said the virus may have originated from contaminated water where the virus jumped from animals to humans before being brought to Wuhan, China.

  • Trump encourages Americans to gather this Thanksgiving 27 November, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 61.0 million COVID-19 cases and 1,435,317 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 13,248,922 cases and the death toll is 269,560 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The death toll in the US is 2046 fatalities today, which is the highest daily death rate.

    From the video filmed on helicopter that monitors road traffic, the traffic jam on Thanksgiving day is an indication of a massive number of people travelling. Dr Michael Osterholm warns that gatherings on Thanksgiving can spark more virus transmission and said, “We are going to see our hospitals literally on the verge of collapse.”

    Meanwhile, Donald Trump said on the proclamation of Thankgiving day that he “encourage(s) all Americans to gather, in homes and places of worship, to offer a prayer of thanks to God for our many blessings.”

    Video: Coronavirus Crisis Hits Families Across The Nation As Case Numbers Soar | TODAY

  • This is not a normal Thanksgiving according to Andrew Cuomo, New York governor 25 November, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 59.8 million COVID-19 cases and 1,412,543 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 12,955,007 cases and the death toll is 265,891 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The spike in hospitalizations in the US has reached a critical level that it is no longer able to cope with extra burden in some hospitals. The Wisconsin governor Tony Evers said the hospitals in his state is “on the brink of an unsustainable strain from the uncontrolled and exponentially growing rate of COVID-19.”

    More than a third of the hospitals are overwhelmed to the extent that no new patients can be admitted. The rise of cases is not just worrying in Wisconsin but virtually across all states in the US.

    Meanwhile, more than a million of travellers are going places ahead of the coming Thanksgiving holiday and some people such as Barb Chestnut has openly said she would not follow the gathering restrictions in her home. She said, “No one is going to tell me what I can or not do in my own home … They do not pay my bills and they are not going to tell me what to do.”

    Many health experts expect a Thanksgiving spike of coronavirus cases. A map on the COVID-19 spread has revealed a rather disturbing outcome, which is all US states except one is experiencing an “uncontrolled spread” of the coronavirus.

    Video: A very COVID Thanksgiving: US travellers defy warnings

  • International experts are allowed to go to China to investigate the origin of the coronavirus 24 November, 2020



    There are over 59.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,400,546 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 12,777,174 million cases and 263,687 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Millions of Americans are not listening to the “not to travel” advice this Thanksgiving. Many people are travelling on highways and by air this week against the CDC advice.

    According to a forecast by the Washington University, up to 20 million coronavirus cases are predicted by Inauguration Day or the day Joe Biden takes over as president on Jan 20. The General Services Administration is officially saying Joe Biden is the winner of the US election, which means Trump can no longer not cooperate in the handover process.

    The American Academy of Pediatrics reports there has been a 28% increase in children infected by the coronavirus when compared to the last two weeks.

    Video: As US Tops 12 Million Coronavirus Cases, Air Travel Is Busiest Since March | TODAY

    The WHO reports Beijing, China, has indicated its willingness to cooperate with international experts to investigate the origin of the coronavirus by facilitating field trips. Michael Ryan, emergencies director for the WHO said, “We need to be able to have the international team join our Chinese colleagues... and look at the results and the outcomes …”

  • AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is 70% effective on average 23 November, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 58.8 million COVID-19 cases and 1,393,031 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 12,589,088 cases and the death toll is 262,701 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Moncef Slaoui, who leads the efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine in the US, said, “Our plan is to be able to ship vaccines to the immunisation sites within 24 hours from the approval, so I would expect maybe on day two after approval, on the 11th or on the 12th of December, hopefully, the first people will be immunised across the United States, across all states …”

    As it takes time to vaccinate enough people in the US to protect the population, life could return to pre-pandemic normalcy next May. He said, “70 per cent or so of the population being immunised would allow for true herd immunity to take place” based on the efficacy of the Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccine.

    The testing of coronavirus cases is unable to keep up with the growing number of infections. From 1st of November until today, more than 3 million coronavirus cases have been recorded.

    Video: COVID-19 hits 2 million cases in 12 days | GMA

    The COVID-19 vaccine by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford has shown an average efficacy of 70% in its interim study on a large scale clinical trial.

    After a rise of new coronavirus cases that are locally transmitted in three Chinese cities, the government has ramped up its testing to millions of being tested and imposed lockdowns and closing schools. The affected cities are Tianjin, Shanghai and Manzhouli.

  • Strong recommendation not to travel this Thanksgiving 22 November, 2020



    There are over 58.2 million COVID-19 cases and 1,384,689 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 12,450,666 million cases and 261,790 deaths from the coronavirus.

    With only a few days to go before Thanksgiving, some US health experts are warning against holiday travel in order to prevent further spread of the virus. The US CDC has issued “strong recommendation” to Americans advising them not to travel.

    Joe Biden will inherit a smashed economy and a public health crisis when he takes over in 2021. R. Andrew Butters, a professor at the Indiana University, writes “Put simply, the Biden administration faces a troubled economy the likes of which haven't been seen in US history.”

    Video: Donald Trump Jr tests positive to coronavirus as US cases surge ahead of Thanksgiving | ABC News

  • Mike Pence said America has never been more prepared to combat the virus 20 November, 2020



    There are over 57.0 million COVID-19 cases and 1,364,249 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 12,070,712 million cases and 258,333 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The US Vice President Mike Pence said his country “has never been more prepared to combat this virus than we are today.” He also said that he is confident America will benefit from one or two coronavirus vaccine very soon.

    Meanwhile, the US CDC projects the US death toll to reach over 276,000 people by 12th December. The vaccine manufacturer, Pfizer, has indicated that it will apply for emergency use authorization with the FDA.

    Video: U.S. Covid-19 Death Toll Reaches 250,000 | TODAY

    India reports over 9 million coronavirus cases. The country has added over 45,000 cases in the past 24 hours and the death toll is now 132,162 deaths.

    Sinopharm has tested an emergency COVID-19 vaccine on almost 1 million people in China work need to travel overseas and not a single person was infected by the coronavirus so far.

  • Pfizer’s vaccine efficacy is 95% 19 November, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 56.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,353,635 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 11,873,863 cases and the death toll is 256,262 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    As the US has now surpassed a quarter of a million coronavirus cases and ranked as the top country with the most cases and deaths, frontline healthcare workers are feeling fatigue and losing hope.

    Alison Johnson, director of critical care at Johnson City Medical Center, said, “We are depressed, disheartened and tired to the bone …”

    The US death toll on Tuesday was 1707 fatalities, which means Covid kills on average at least one American per minute on that day and it was the highest daily death toll since 14th of May.

    Dr Michael Osterholm said, “What America has to understand is that we are about to enter Covid hell …”

    As the coronavirus cases continue to surge, the New York city is shutting down all of its schools and will conduct online learning instead. This will affect more than 1 million students.

    In a final analysis of the clinical trial by Pfizer, the company announced that its testing on 170 people showed only eight participants under vaccine treatment were considered as Covid cases. This means the efficacy of the vaccine is 95%.

    Video: U.S. Surpasses 250,000 Covid Deaths With Record Hospitalizations | NBC Nightly News

  • Circuit breaker coronavirus restrictions in South Australia 18 November, 2020



    There are over 55.8 million COVID-19 cases and 1,343,618 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 11,695,711 million cases and 254,255 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Doctors and nurses in the US have written a letter to the Trump’s administration urging for co-operation with incoming president Joe Biden to enable smooth transition of COVID-19 data to help combat the surging cases and hospitalizations.

    To have a Thanksgiving get together used to be an easy decision but not this year in the US. The question of Thanksgiving gathering is being debated and president-elect Joe Biden said Americans should scale back of meeting each other.

    Dr Scott Atlas, a top adviser to Trump, said, “This kind of isolation is one of the unspoken tragedies of the elderly who are now being told don’t see your family at Thanksgiving … For many people, this is their final Thanksgiving. What are we doing here?”

    Some US governors have taken a more hands-off approach when it comes to handling the pandemic and the result is not desirable. Mark Gordon, the governor of Wyoming, said, “We've relied on people to be responsible … and they're being irresponsible.”

    Video: Possible vaccine hopes as coronavirus cases surge in US l GMA

    After the cluster of cases in Parafield, South Australia, which now stands at 22 infected people and one new case today, the state has entered into a lockdown.

    All schools, restaurants, pubs and many other businesses will be closed from midnight today in a so-called “circuit breaker” restrictions. The population size of South Australia is estimated to be ~1.7 million people. It is debatable whether it is sensible at all to apply such drastic restrictions when such a low fraction of the population is affected.

  • Moderna covid vaccine is 94.5% effective 17 November, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 55.1 million COVID-19 cases and 1,331,524 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 11,538,280 cases and the death toll is 252,652 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Referring to the coronavirus pandemic, President-elect Joe Biden warns Trump that “more people may die if we don't co-ordinate …” and criticized him for not recognising the incoming president. Trump is still not playing along with Biden to co-ordinate the vaccine distribution plan.

    Another COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is showing 94.5% effectiveness against the virus. This is apparently good news as more candidate vaccines that work means there is hope to meet the global demand for it.

    Meanwhile, Pfizer is planning to start COVID-19 immunisation plan in four US states, which are Rhode Island, Texas, New Mexico and Tennessee.

    Video: New Moderna Vaccine Shows Promise As US Hits 11 Million Coronavirus Cases | TODAY

    South Australia reports five new coronavirus cases and up to 4000 people have been advised to quarantine, since the cluster of new cases being detected with link to the medi-hotel. The new cases are linked to a traveller who entered the state on 2nd November.

  • A million coronavirus cases in the US in less than a week 16 November, 2020



    There are over 54.4 million COVID-19 cases and 1.32 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 11,367,214 million cases and 251,901 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The US has added a million new cases in less than a week, which is a record. According to Dr Leana Wen, an emergency doctor, this is a “firestorm of coronavirus all across the country.”

    The states, Texas and California, accounted for almost one fifth of all coronavirus cases in the country since the outbreak began.

    Dr Michael Osterholm, a top advisor to Joe Biden on the coronavirus pandemic said, “We are in a very dangerous period …” He warns that if no action is taken, the cases will grow substantially.

    Video: U.S. Records More Than 11 Million Covid-19 Cases | NBC Nightly News

    A cluster of coronavirus cases in Parafield, South Australia, which is now up to 17 cases, has prompted the state authority to impose new coronavirus restrictions. International flights to South Australia have now been suspended.

  • More mobile morgues are needed in the US to cope with COVID deaths 15 November, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 53.9 million COVID-19 cases and 1.31 million deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 11,226,218 cases and the death toll is 251,256 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    In El Paso, Texas, refrigerated trucks are being used keep dead bodies due to rising coronavirus deaths. This is the so-called mobile morgues and health authorities have at least doubled their supply of these vehicles.

    Some governors in the US have ordered for near lockdowns to combat the pandemic. Michelle Lujan Grisham, governor of New Mexico, said, “We are in a life-or-death situation, and if we don't act right now, we cannot preserve the lives, we can't keep saving lives, and we will absolutely crush our current health care system and infrastructure.”

    The US registered 68,516 current hospitalizations and 19 states have reported record high hospitalizations.

    Video: COVID-19 deaths surge in U.S.

  • Elon Musk said he and his family will not take any COVID-19 vaccine 14 November, 2020



    There are over 53.5 million COVID-19 cases and 1,308,261 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 11,064,364 million cases and 249,975 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Dr Megan Ranney, an emergency physician, thinks Americans will go through a tough time dealing with the pandemic as the “dark winter” approaches. Dr Ranny said, “I think that governors and mayors are, again, in a really tough spot. The American population is emotionally and economically exhausted …”

    While the coronavirus cases and deaths continue to rise, president Trump has been publicly disengaged. He tweets, “Rigged Election!”, but has been unable to provide concrete evidence to substantiate his claim.

    The first time he spoke publicly after losing the election to Joe Biden was on the topic of vaccine program called Operation Warp Speed, but he did not focus on the results.

    Billionaire Elon Musk has expressed his doubt on the accuracy of coronavirus tests after receiving contradicting results. He took four tests within a 24-hour period.

    He tweets, “Something extremely bogus is going on. Was tested for covid four times today. Two tests came back negative, two came back positive. Same machine, same test, same nurse. Rapid antigen test from BD.”

    His results suggest the false positive/negative rate of the coronavirus tests in the US might be quite high. He also said he and his family will not take any COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available because the response to the pandemic has “diminished [his] faith in humanity.”

    Video: Elon Musk raises questions about accuracy of Covid tests

  • Dr Osterholm proposed to shut down businesses up to six weeks 13 November, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 52.8 million COVID-19 cases and 1,298,033 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 10,873,936 cases and the death toll is 248,585 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    A new forecast by the CDC is between 260,000 to 282,000 coronavirus deaths by 5th of December. This is a forecast based on an Ensemble approach, which means it combines multiple forecasts to make the prediction.

    Dr Michael Osterholm, a key adviser to the President-elect Joe Biden, has proposed a radical plan that involves closing businesses to drive down the number of cases and deaths.

    Osterholm said, “We could pay for a package right now to cover all of the lost wages for individual workers, for losses to small companies, to medium-sized companies or city, state, county governments. We could do all of that.”

    California has now become the second state to surpass 1 million coronavirus cases, after Texas.

    The US federal health officials have reached an agreement with pharmacies in the country to distribute free COVID-19 vaccine once it is available. The plan is to distribute the vaccine like getting a flu shot.

    While the US still has no approved COVID-19 vaccine, officials expect the recent development from Pfizer will become available for emergency use, pending application and approval by the US FDA.

    Video: Trump Still Won't Concede As U.S. Hits New Covid-19 Record | The 11th Hour | MSNBC

  • Coronavirus cases in Texas exceed 1 million 12 November, 2020



    There are over 51.9 million COVID-19 cases and 1,286,424 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 10,708,728 million cases and 247,398 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Dr Anthony Fauci co

    Japan suicides have risen to 2153 fatalities in the past October, which is a level not seen since May 2015. Suicides have claimed more lives in Japan during the last month than coronavirus did for the entire year so far. The rise of suicides is linked to the pandemic as some workers who could barely make ends meet in the country now experience pay cut.

    nfessed that working with staff from the Trump’s administration has been very stressful. Fauci said, “When you have public figures like Bannon calling for your beheading. That's really kind of unusual.”

    Texas is the first US state to exceed 1 million coronavirus cases. Due to rising cases, mobile morgues and makeshift hospitals have been used to cope with the situation. Texas is the second most populous state after California in the US.

    Pfizer CEO, Albert Bourla, has sold his stock in the company that is worth millions of dollars on the same day the company announced the COVID-19 vaccine as 90% effective.

    Video: Trump Still Won't Concede As U.S. Hits New Covid-19 Record | The 11th Hour | MSNBC

  • Hospitalizations at record high in the US 11 November, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 51.4 million COVID-19 cases and 1,275,746 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 10,568,714 cases and the death toll is 245,943 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The US reports record high number of hospitalizations with an average of ~1661 hospitalizations per day. This is a worrying trend as a rise in hospitalizations is usually followed by a spike in death toll.

    Many governors in the US are now urging people to stay at home. The Wisconsin’s governor said, “Please, cancel the happy hours, dinner parties, sleepovers, and playdates at your home. And if a friend or family member invites you over, offer to hang out virtually instead.”

    President-elect Joe Biden inherits a devastated economy, record high hospitalization rates, double unemployment rate from February and a pandemic that continues to rage on. His coronavirus taskforce will be headed by three physicians, Vivek Murthy, David Kessler and Marcella Nunez-Smith.

    In this task force, there will be a special focus on handling the racial and ethnic disparities that further widened due to the coronavirus. Meanwhile, Biden has criticised Trump for not conceding defeat on the election and said this would ‘not help his legacy.’

    Video: U.S. coronavirus cases surge, prompting new mandates — Here's where it's happening

  • Pfizer and BioNTech announced a COVID-19 vaccine that is 90% effective 10 November, 2020



    There are over 51.0 million COVID-19 cases and 1,265,463 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 10,422,026 million cases and 244,449 deaths from the coronavirus.

    President-elect Joe Biden plans to tackle the pandemic by setting up an advisory panel of public health experts. Biden said, “I will be informed by science and by experts.” However, he still has no power to act until being sworn in on January 20, 2021.

    Two pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer and BioNTech, have announced that their COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 from infecting an uninfected person.

    The vaccine is named BNT162b2 and requires two doses to be administered three weeks apart. However, the result was based on an interim analysis of 94 patients and the clinical trial will still need to run its course.

    A study from the University of Oxford and NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre showed that almost 20% of people who are diagnosed with COVID-19 end up with mental disorder within three months of testing positive.

    Video: Joe Biden: US still facing 'very dark winter' despite promising coronavirus vaccine news

  • Biden’s COVID-19 plan will be based on bedrock science 08 November, 2020



    There are over 49.9 million COVID-19 cases and 1,252,713 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 10,185,012 million cases and 243,269 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The White House chief of staff has tested positive for the coronavirus. There are other staff close to Trump who have also tested positive but other staff who prepared for the Trump’s campaign are not informed of the news. These staff who are exposed to COVID-19 but uninformed are furious.

    President-elect Joe Biden is prepared to deal with the coronavirus by setting up a 12-person coronavirus task force.

    As the pandemic is projected to get worse, Biden has a difficult task ahead of him. Biden said, “I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide but unify, who does not see red states and blue states, only sees the United States, and to work with all of my heart.”

    He also said, his plan for COVID-19 will be based on “bedrock science.”

    Video: US Sets New Coronavirus Record For 3rd Day In A Row, Topping 126,000 Cases | TODAY

  • More than 100,000 COVID-19 cases for third consecutive days in the US 07 November, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 49.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,244,903 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 10,059,782 cases and the death toll is 242,239 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The US records a third consecutive day of registering more than 100,000 coronavirus cases. Thirteen US states report their highest number of daily coronavirus cases.

    The pandemic has helped to grow the business of an entrepreneur who worked on helping Americans secure Italian passports.

    Requests for his business has gone up by at least 400%. A poll worker in Missouri did not self isolate after testing positive for the coronavirus and worked on Election Day. The worker is confirmed dead according to St. Charles County’s officials.

    Video: News Wrap: U.S. sees over 120,000 new COVID-19 cases in a day

    Malaysia reports a surge of 1755 new coronavirus cases, the highest for the country since the pandemic began. The country has 38,189 cases and 279 deaths due to COVID-19 so far.

  • The US registers a record of new cases 06 November, 2020



    Japan suicides have risen to 2153 fatalities in the past October, which is a level not seen since May 2015. Suicides have claimed more lives in Japan during the last month than coronavirus did for the entire year so far. The rise of suicides is linked to the pandemic as some workers who could barely make ends meet in the country now experience pay cut.

    lay-2b">For example, Ohio reports record high hospitalizations and the most people in intensive care due to the coronavirus. As a percentage of the population, the Midwest is the hardest hit by the virus.

    Video: US breaks 24-hours coronavirus record | DW News

    In Europe, some regions in Italy are under lock down and France is tightening its coronavirus restriction rules as the brutal second wave sweeps through the nations. Olivier Véran, French health minister, said, “The second wave is already upon us, and it is brutal …” and it may take until mid-December to stabilise.


  • More than 100,000 cases in the US registered in a single day 05 November, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 48.1 million COVID-19 cases and 1,226,337 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 9,801,971 cases and the death toll is 239,842 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The US breaks its own daily record coronavirus cases when it registers 103,000 new infections. This is the first time the country records more than 100,000 cases while the citizens wait for the election result.

    The spike in cases is led by several midwestern states. The White House coronavirus task force warns “continued increase in cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities” across the nation.

    The task force also said the infections will likely spread “southward from the coldest climates as the population moves indoors and cases increase exponentially.”

    Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC, said, “Now is the time to develop a testing strategy to maximize our ability to identify the silent epidemic of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections.” The CDC estimated 40% of people are asymptomatic.

    Video: United States hits 100,000 new daily COVID-19 cases for first time in pandemic

  • Americans are most concerned about the pandemic according to a survey 04 November, 2020



    There are over 47.6 million COVID-19 cases and 1,216,524 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 9,693,632 million cases and 238,656 deaths from the coronavirus.

    According to a VoteCast survey, out of nine important issues that Americans face, their number one concern is the coronavirus pandemic, which 42% of voters have listed as the most important issue. 27% of voters listed the economy and jobs as the most important issue to them.

    Despite concerns on being exposed to the coronavirus, huge number of voters have turned up creating long lines in polling places. Almost 100 million people have voted before the election day, which is 71% of the number of people who had voted in the 2016 election.

    Many worry that the election could be tampered by cyber or other form of attacks that undermine the voters’ confidence in the system.

    The final votes for who has won the presidency will not be tallied for days or even weeks to come. Daily coronavirus cases are surging in almost all US states, most pronounced in the Midwest and Southwest. Hospitalizations have reached record high in a few states.

    Video: Trump vs Biden: Differences in coronavirus strategies

  • Japan suicides have risen to 2153 fatalities in the past October, which is a level not seen since May 2015. Suicides have claimed more lives in Japan during the last month than coronavirus did for the entire year so far. The rise of suicides is linked to the pandemic as some workers who could barely make ends meet in the country now experience pay cut.

    There are over 46.6 million COVID-19 cases and 1,202,263 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 9,474,845 million cases and 236,473 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The world is struggling to contain over 47.1 million COVID-19 cases and 1,208,417 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 9,567,543 cases and the death toll is 236,997 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The day before the US election day is the worst pandemic record for the country. Some health experts consider the US to be experiencing its third wave, but one may argue it has all been one single wave that has never ended.

    The seven-day average death rate seems to be trending up again. President Trump may fire Dr Anthony Fauci after the election day given the ongoing tension between them.

    Some of Trump’s supporters chanted “Fire Fauci.” Trump said to his supporters, “Don't tell anybody but let me wait until a little bit after the election …”

    Taking the opposite stance, Joe Biden tweeted, “We need a president who actually listens to experts like Dr. Fauci.”

    As coronavirus cases continue to rise, the West Texas city of El Paso is prepared to open its civic centre to provide more beds and add a fourth mobile morgue.

    Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician, said, “We are breaking records all over the place here. The rate of acceleration of this virus is just increasing … We're already seeing our hospitals at breaking point in some parts of the country.”

    Video: Trump hints at firing Dr Fauci as US sets new COVID-19 case record

  • Unrestrained Fauci criticizes the Trump’s administration failure in handling the pandemic 02 November, 2020



    There are over 46.6 million COVID-19 cases and 1,202,263 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 9,474,845 million cases and 236,473 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Dr Anthony Japan suicides have risen to 2153 fatalities in the past October, which is a level not seen since May 2015. Suicides have claimed more lives in Japan during the last month than coronavirus did for the entire year so far. The rise of suicides is linked to the pandemic as some workers who could barely make ends meet in the country now experience pay cut.

    629079ec" target="_blank" rel="noopener, noreferrer">Fauci warns Americans to prepare for “a whole lot of hurt” as the pandemic continues. Fauci said, “It’s not a good situation. All the stars are aligned in the wrong place as you go into the fall and winter season, with people congregating at home indoors. You could not possibly be positioned more poorly.”

    Fauci’s comment angers the Trump’s administration. Fauci also has issues with Dr Scott Atlas, the president’s adviser on COVID-19. Fauci said, “I have real problems with that guy … He's a smart guy who's talking about things that I believe he doesn't have any real insight or knowledge or experience in.

    He keeps talking about things that when you dissect it out and parse it out, it doesn't make any sense.”

    At least 31 states in the US set their daily coronavirus records in October, which highlights the severity of rising cases throughout America.

    Video: COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the US | GMA

  • Trump made baseless claim that doctors profit from COVID-19 deaths 01 November, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 46.2 million COVID-19 cases and 1,196,838 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 9,402,717 cases and the death toll is 236,077 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Americans have started to vote for their president amidst the worst coronavirus infection week.

    The rampant rise of cases in the Midwest is worrying as more devastation is expected come winter. Natalia Linos, a social epidemiologist, said, “We were worried, and it showed from day one this has been a political failure.”

    President Trump claims doctors profit from COVID-19 deaths. Trump said, “Our doctors get more money if someone dies from Covid. You know that, right? I mean our doctors are very smart people. So what they do is they say 'I'm sorry but everybody dies of Covid …”

    However, the president did not provide any concrete evidence to support his statement.

    After the US broke its coronavirus daily cases record and heading toward more than 100,000 cases per day, some health experts warn that the outbreak will only get worse.

    Video: Watch: Trump Repeatedly Claims Covid-19 ‘Going Away’ As Cases Rise | NBC News

  • US daily coronavirus cases hit record high and infection rate is accelerating 31 October, 2020



    There are over 45.7 million COVID-19 cases and 1,189,959 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 9,316,297 million cases and 235,159 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The US registers 91,248 cases in the past 24 hours, which is a new record high from yesterday.

    These grim, high number of coronavirus cases are expected by many health experts based on the trend, but president Trump continues to sound optimistic on the pandemic.

    Trump mocks his political rival Joe Biden who warns the US to prepare for a “dark winter.” Trump said, “Oh that's great, that's wonderful. Just what our country needs is a long dark winter and a leader who talks about it.”

    The coronavirus is spreading widely in the Midwest and the South of the US, with hospitalizations ticking up.

    Ashish Jha, the dean of the Brown University, said, “We are not ready for this wave …” Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a former commissioner of the FDA, warns, “This is the hardest point in this pandemic right now — the next two months.”

    A model predicts 399,000 total coronavirus deaths in the US by 1st Feb, which is almost twice the current fatalities.

    Video: Expect U.S. Covid-19 cases to accelerate in coming weeks: Former FDA chief Dr. Gottlieb

  • The US is heading in the wrong direction 30 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 45.2 million COVID-19 cases and 1,183,403 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 9,212,767 cases and the death toll is 234,177 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Dr Anthony Fauci said the US is going in the wrong direction with respect to combating the pandemic and he thinks a mandate on face mask will help. Fauci said, “If things do not change, if they continue on the course we're on, there's going to be a whole lot of pain in this country with regard to additional cases and hospitalisations, and deaths.”

    Meanwhile, gun sales are surging again ahead of the election day next week. Rising gun sales tends to coincide with protests and riots.

    Trump said, “They want to take away your guns, your oil and your God. That's what they want …”

    Trump also said that COVID-19 cases are “way down” despite almost half a million cases recorded just within a week recently.

    In fact, the US has just broken its daily coronavirus cases record today, when it registered 88,521 new cases.

    It is interesting to note that Senator Mike Lee has compared Trump to a revered character in the Book of Mormon in order to pull votes for the president in Utah and elsewhere. Lee said, “To my Mormon friends, my Latter-day Saint friends, think of him (Trump) as Captain Moroni …”

    Meanwhile, coronavirus related hospitalization in Utah has nearly broken its record high on Thursday and may soon be overwhelmed.

    Video: 85,000 new COVID-19 cases reported in US | WNT

  • Fatality rate has dropped in the second wave 29 October, 2020



    There are over 44.5 million COVID-19 cases and 1,175,163 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 9,121,800 million cases and 233,137 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Former US president Barack Obama has mocked Trump by saying, “(Trump is) He’s jealous of Covid’s media coverage …”

    Obama has also warned voters in Florida not to vote for Trump by saying, “Florida, we can’t afford four more years of this … we cannot afford this kind of incompetence and disinterest.”

    Dr Anthony Fauci predicts the US will not return to any kind of normalcy until 2022, especially when coronavirus cases continue to rise.

    Meanwhile, China has recovered substantially from the pandemic and fares better than most countries and its top officials have discussed the country’s next five-year plan. They have even put forward a vision for 2035, which is a long-term plan to modernize the socialist regime.

    Data from the second wave of coronavirus infections in Europe suggests the virus has become less deadly based on the fact that it is killing less people on average. The drop in fatality rate has also been reported in New York. One reason that can account for the lower fatality rates is the second wave infects more younger people than the first wave.

    Video: Trump suggests US over-reporting Covid deaths

  • Ending the pandemic is Trump’s administration accomplishment? 28 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 44.1 million COVID-19 cases and 1,169,376 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 9,038,030 cases and the death toll is 232,084 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Coronavirus cases have increased by nearly half a million in the US over the past one week.

    As coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations continue to surge, Trump said, “We did the ventilators and now we’re doing all of the equipment and now we’re doing vaccines, we’re doing therapeutics. We’ve done a great job, and people are starting to see …”

    While the pandemic is still raging, the White House includes “ENDING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC” as one of Trump administration's science and technology accomplishments.

    Video: Trump suggests US over-reporting Covid deaths

    Coronavirus cases are decreasing in India as the country reports its lowest single day cases in three months. India was poised to overtake the US to become the country with the most coronavirus cases but given the latest trend in infection rates, the gap of coronavirus cases between India and the US has widened to almost 1 million cases.

    This means it will still take a while if India will ever overtake the US to become the country with most cases.

  • New record high seven-day average daily COVID-19 cases in the US 27 October, 2020



    There are over 43.6 million COVID-19 cases and 1,161,204 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,962,783 million cases and 231,045 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The US sets a new record high of 68,767 coronavirus cases for its seven-day average daily cases. Health experts such as Dr Ashish Jha of the Brown University expects the cases to continue to climb, together with increased hospitalizations.

    Russia and France are setting new record high daily coronavirus cases, similar to the US.

    There were plans by the US government to offer Christmas performers such as Santa Claus early access to a coronavirus vaccine but such plans have now been abandoned. These Christmas performers were supposed to help promote the COVID-19 vaccine.

    US Vice President Mike Pence is supposed to self-quarantine as he is not an essential personnel, but he refused to do so. Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a CNN medical analyst, said, “The only way he is essential personnel is if the only mission in his life is to re-elect Donald Trump … The essential personnel are the nurses that man our ICUs and the people that deliver our food …”

    Video: Trump suggests US over-reporting Covid deaths

  • Biden said Trump’s administration has given up on controlling the pandemic 26 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 43.1 million COVID-19 cases and 1,156,007 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,889,183 cases and the death toll is 230,510 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    While president Trump said his administration is “rounding the turn” on the coronavirus, his chief of staff, Mark Meadows, said, “We’re not going to control the pandemic … because it’s a contagious virus. What we need to do is make sure we have the proper mitigation factors to make sure people don’t die.”

    Joe Biden interprets Meadows’ comments as the Trump’s administration has given up on controlling the coronavirus.

    Vice president Mike Pence has refused to follow CDC’s guideline to quarantine despite his chief of staff and a personal assistant have tested positive for the coronavirus.

    Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a former commissioner of the FDA said a mandate to wear face masks for a limited time may be a good idea. According to him, “A mandate can be expressly limited to the next two months. The inconvenience would allow the country to preserve health-care capacity and keep more schools and businesses open.”

    Video: Trump suggests US over-reporting Covid deaths

    There are 137 asymptomatic coronavirus cases Xinjiang, China, which prompted the government to run tests on 2.84 million people in the region.

  • Trump’s super recovery or a Biden’s depression 25 October, 2020



    There are over 42.8 million COVID-19 cases and 1,152,011 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,827,932 million cases and 230,068 deaths from the coronavirus.

    With cases rising in many of the US states, how could the country have a unified response to the pandemic that is not confined by states or any borders? Each state in the US can implement their own plans and this leads to a fragmented system that makes it harder to combat the coronavirus.

    David Smith of the United States Studies Centre said, “The biggest problem is that most of the actions that can be taken, the authority to take them is at the state level, not at the presidential level …”

    The rise of coronavirus cases in the US mirrors that in Europe. Meanwhile, president Trump said, “We’re rounding the turn … our numbers are incredible.”

    Trump has changed the focus from coronavirus to discussing getting rid of reliance on oil toward renewable energy. Trump painted the picture that Biden’s policy will be bad for the oil business, jobs related to the oil industry and consumers will suffer from lack of energy to power their houses.

    Trump thinks of the outcome of the election as a "Trump super recovery" or a Biden’s "depression."

    Video: US Sets Record High With More Than 79,000 New Coronavirus Cases In 1 Day | TODAY

  • Coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations are up in the US 24 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 42.2 million COVID-19 cases and 1,145,400 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,746,953 cases and the death toll is 229,284 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The rise of new daily cases to almost 72,000 people in the US is the fourth highest in the country since the pandemic began. The three highest infection days were all observed in July.

    A new study suggests up to half a million American deaths due to COVID-19 by next February.

    Coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations due to the coronavirus have all gone up as the US is heading toward the winter.

    Meanwhile, president Trump said, “We're rounding the turn, we're rounding the corner ... it's going away.” Dr Anthony Fauci said the Americans need to double down on public health measures as coronavirus cases are rising again.

    Video: US Reports Record Daily COVID Cases As FDA Greenlights Drug | TODAY

  • Contact tracing is compromised in parts of the US 23 October, 2020



    There are over 41.7 million COVID-19 cases and 1,139,187 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,661,651 million cases and 228,381 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Dr. Rick Bright, a former official with US Health and Human Services said the first FDA approved drug for the coronavirus, remdesivir, only shows marginal benefits. Bright said, “It's important to note that even the data that we saw in the United States from that drug show that the benefit was modest.”

    As the US reports more than 1100 deaths a day from COVID-19, some states are so overwhelmed that the contact tracing process is compromised. For example, the North Dakota Department of Health said, “Close contacts will no longer be contacted by public health officials; instead, positive individuals will be instructed to self-notify their close contacts …”

    Video: Biden blames Trump for 200,000 US coronavirus deaths in explosive presidential debate

    In Melbourne, Australia, police pepper sprayed anti-lockdown protesters who gathered at the Shrine of Remembrance. It is estimated more than 200 people have gathered at the site to protest against coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

  • Obama blasted at Trump for not taking his job seriously 22 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 41.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,133,279 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,584,850 cases and the death toll is 227,409 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Six US states have reported record day-over-day spike of COVID-19 deaths. These states are Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Kansas, Hawaii and Wisconsin.

    The governor of Wisconsin has requested people to stay at home and not further strain the hospitals that are overburdened with coronavirus victims.

    Former US president Barack Obama has once again blasted at Donald Trump by saying, “(Americans) have had to live with the consequences of him (Trump) proving himself incapable of taking the job seriously.” Obama further criticized Trump by saying, “Donald Trump isn’t suddenly going to protect all of us […],” as he cannot even protect himself from COVID-19.

    Video: Covid’s Third Surge Moving Across U.S., Europe: Johns Hopkins

    Germany records a new record single day coronavirus cases of more than 10,000 infected people. There are 30 more new deaths due to the virus.

  • Melania is unable to accompany Trump to campaign 21 October, 2020



    There are over 40.9 million COVID-19 cases and 1,127,684 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,520,822 million cases and 226,169 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The first lady, Melania Trump, is unable to return to her campaign because of persistent cough. She is scheduled to accompany president Trump to Nashville, Tennessee for his second and final debate against Joe Biden.

    The COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial by AstraZeneca is likely to resume as early as this week after the US FDA has completed its review on a serious illness case.

    Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a former commissioner of the US FDA, said, “… we're about a week away from starting to enter a period where we're going to see a rapid acceleration in cases.”

    Europe is experiencing its second wave and the US may only be two or three weeks behind it. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 begin to rise in the US, which is another worrying sign.

    The US reports approximately 300,000 more deaths during the pandemic in 2020 than in a typical year. At least 66% of the 300,000 deaths are due to COVID-19 and the true number of deaths due to the coronavirus may actually be higher.

    Video: Trump says US is 'crushing' coronavirus as country surpasses 220,000 deaths

    The UK government is very close to announcing the tightest coronavirus restriction measures in South Yorkshire once a deal is closed with the local leaders. This will be another tier 3 lockdown after the Greater Manchester.


  • US states have no funding to distribute vaccines even if they become available 20 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 40.5 million COVID-19 cases and 1,121,357 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,456,653 cases and the death toll is 225,222 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    States in the US have filed plans to the CDC for coronavirus vaccine distribution but have no fund to execute them. According to James Blumenstock of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, “As it stands now, we do not have any capability to fund the imminent implementation of the plan.”

    The association has requested $8.4 billion to distribute and administer the vaccine. Even if a vaccine is available, Dr Anthony Fauci said that it may be a challenge to get people to receive it.

    In a review to the American College of Cardiology, researchers found survivors of COVID-19 are likely to sustain long term heart damage.

    The coronavirus affects the way blood clots and damages the lungs, which affects their ability to process oxygen into blood that is vital for proper function of the body.

    President Trump said Americans are “getting tired of the pandemic” and argues that his action has averted a massive economic depression.

    Video: Biden hammers Trump over coronavirus response: ‘He continues to lie to us’


  • China is the only G20 economy predicted to grow this year 19 October, 2020



    There are over 40.1 million COVID-19 cases and 1,116,786 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,388,012 million cases and 224,732 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Coronavirus cases are rising in 48 of the US states. Dr Scott Atlas, a close adviser to president Trump, tweeted, “Masks work? NO.” The tweet was removed by Twitter because it violated the misleading information policy.

    Dr Anthony Fauci said, despite the rising coronavirus cases in the US, things would have to get “really, really bad” before he will advise for a nationwide lockdown. Fauci said, “We want to use public health measures not to get in the way of opening the economy, but to being a safe gateway to opening the economy.”

    Trump is pushing hard on his political campaign while the pandemic is getting out of hand under his administration. He demands Joe Biden to be locked up, claiming that he is a criminal. Trump is still behind Biden for winning the election according to some polls.

    Video: Coronavirus: Trump says U.S. would see massive depression if he “listened totally to the scientists"

    The Chinese economy grew almost 5% between July and September, which is the first major economy to recover from the pandemic. Among the G20 nations, China is the only one predicted to grow this year while the global economy may plunge by 4.4%.


  • Ten US states report highest single day coronavirus cases 18 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 39.7 million COVID-19 cases and 1,112,649 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,343,140 cases and the death toll is 224,283 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Ten US states record their highest single day coronavirus cases and the country as an overall, reports the highest one-day tally since July. El-Sayed, a former health director in Detroit, said, “This surge has the potential to be way worse than it was than either the spring or the summer.”

    President Trump has planned a busy campaign schedule, with rallies almost every day, leading up to the Election day. Joe Biden said, “President Trump is knowingly downplaying the severity of the virus. At virtually every turn, he has panicked and tried to wish it away, rather than doing the hard work to get it under control …”

    Video: More Than 20 States Set Records For New Coronavirus Infections | TODAY

    Stricter coronavirus restrictions are coming to London and night-time curfew has begun in some French cities.

  • Rising unemployment in the US 17 October, 2020



    There are over 39.4 million COVID-19 cases and 1,106,782 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,288,278 million cases and 223,644 deaths from the coronavirus.

    President Trump revealed that he possibly did not get tested for the coronavirus before his first presidential debate with Joe Biden.

    The trend of rising coronavirus cases in the US is not good news as the country heads into winter. The plan was to bring cases down in preparation for the winter but instead cases are rising.

    Factors that contribute to rising cases include students returning to schools and universities, and there is resistance to social distancing and wearing face masks. Dr Anthony Fauci said, “You can't enter into the cool months of the fall and the cold months of the winter with a high community infection baseline.”

    Hundreds of thousands of Americans filed for unemployment benefits. There were 898,000 first time jobless claims last week.

    Video: U.S. Surpasses 8 Million Coronavirus Cases | NBC

    South Australia reports three new coronavirus cases, all from overseas travellers. The state, Victoria, reports only one new case. Australia reports 27,371 cases and 904 deaths from COVID-19.


  • Health expert says herd immunity should not be the solution 16 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 38.9 million COVID-19 cases and 1,100,724 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,216,315 cases and the death toll is 222,717 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The US S&P stock index has plunged for three consecutive days. Technology, health care and communications stocks are sold off.

    Some health experts disagree with the idea of herd immunity as the solution to COVID-19. Dr. Thomas Frieden, a former director of the CDC, said we are all connected and hence, letting the virus run its course of infections unchecked in the community is not a good idea.

    A coronavirus outbreak in a nursing home in Northern California leaves 12 people dead.

    Video: Jim Cramer: Investors will regret selling U.S. stocks on Europe Covid-19 spikes

    London is preparing for a tier 2 lockdown, which bans separate households from mixing indoors, including in pubs and restaurants. UK reports 673,622 coronavirus cases and 43,293 deaths from the virus.


  • Eli Lily paused its monoclonal antibody treatment 15 October, 2020



    There are over 38.6 million COVID-19 cases and 1,096,148 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,150,043 million cases and 221,843 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The drug manufacturer Eli Lily halted its monoclonal antibody treatment for the coronavirus due to safety reasons. While the company did not reveal the specifics for pausing the program, usually the reason is because a volunteer has suffered a side effect.

    The US CDC predicts the availability of some vaccines by the end of the year. While the quantity of available vaccine will be low at first, the supply is expected to be increased following the initial release. The CDC said, “The plan is to have several thousand vaccination providers available so no one will have to travel far to be vaccinated, whether it's at your doctor's office, retail pharmacy, hospital, or federally qualified health center.”

    An entrepreneur, Ricardo Aguirre of Tamales y Tacos Puebla, tells the story of his business collapse and the death of his father due to the coronavirus. Ricardo has lost his family’s food truck and prep kitchen as business dried up, and many of his family members have fallen ill due to COVID-19.

    Video: Bill Gates criticizes U.S. Covid-19 response: Most governments listen to their scientists


  • Trump feels powerful after claiming to be immune 14 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 38.2 million COVID-19 cases and 1,088,999 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,090,253 cases and the death toll is 220,873 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    President Trump staged his first campaign rally in Florida last Monday night after being discharged from the Walter Reed Medical Centre. Trump addressed the crowd, many of them not wearing any face masks, with the news that treatment for the coronavirus will soon be available and he felt very good after recovering from COVID-19.

    He said, “One thing with me, the nice part, is that I went through it. Now they say I'm immune. I feel so powerful …” Trump appears pumped up for the rally and could speak for a long time, which are signs that he is indeed not ill.

    The CDC warns that small household gatherings are now the source of rising coronavirus cases in the US. At least 36 US states have now reported rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. As Thanksgiving is approaching, health experts worry that it could lead to more gatherings and then more coronavirus cases.

    Video: The United States has recorded its first case of COVID-19 reinfection | 7NEWS

  • Trump has tested negative for the coronavirus for consecutive days 13 October, 2020



    There are over 37.8 million COVID-19 cases and 1,084,190 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 8,037,789 million cases and 220,011 deaths from the coronavirus.

    President Trump has tested negative for the coronavirus for a few consecutive days. His physician, Sean Conley, wrote, “Repeatedly negative antigen tests, taken in context with additional clinical and laboratory data, including viral load, subgenomic RNA, and PCR cycle threshold measurements, as well as ongoing assessment of viral culture date, all indicate a lack of detectable viral replication …”

    Now that the president is cleared of the coronavirus, he plans his campaign rally in Florida, which could potentially turn into a super spreader event. 33 states report rise of COVID-19 cases, which is a worrying sign of the coming spike that health experts have warned about.

    Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine late stage clinical trial is on hold after an unexplained illness in one of the volunteers. Given that the trial involves 60,000 people, it is not immediately concerning that an adverse event is detected.

    Video: U.S. Nears 8 Million Coronavirus Cases | NBC

  • Trump claims he is now immune 12 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 37.6 million COVID-19 cases and 1,080,336 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,991,998 cases and the death toll is 219,695 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Dr Anthony Fauci did not endorse Trump’s ad for his political campaign and said his words have been taken out of context. Fauci said, “In my nearly five decades of public service, I have never publicly endorsed any political candidate …”

    For many American households, the uncertainty of when and whether there will be a second round of COVID-19 stimulus payments leave them struggling to make ends meet with no hope in sight if Trump delays the negotiation on the stimulus package after the election.

    President Trump claims he is now immune to COVID-19, ignoring the fact that a person can contract the coronavirus more than once and the antibody produced against the virus may not last very long. Trump tweets, “A total and complete sign off from White House Doctors yesterday. That means I can’t get it (immune), and can’t give it. Very nice to know!!!”

    Video: US elections: Trump says ‘looks like I’m immune’ to COVID-19

    India has over 7.1 million coronavirus cases and is set to overtake the US in coming weeks given that it has higher infection daily infection rate than the US.

  • Emergency doctor warns second wave of COVID-19 may have begun 11 October, 2020



    There are over 37.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,076,281 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,945,505 million cases and 219,282 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Dr. Megan Ranney, an emergency room (ER) doctor, said there has been an increase of COVID-19 patients going into the ERs in the US. She said, “We are all deeply afraid that this is the beginning of that dreaded second wave.”

    Friday marks the third consecutive days of above 50,000 coronavirus cases in the US. The fact that Trump could return to public engagement so quickly after testing positive for the coronavirus leaves many people questioning the CDC guidelines.

    The CDC requires up to 20 days of isolation for people with severe COVID-19 symptoms, but the agency minimum requirement seems to be at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Dr. Sean Conley, Trump’s physician, has written a memo to say, “there is no longer evidence of actively replicating virus” in Trump.

    Video: U.S. Surge Sees 50,000 New Daily Covid-19 Cases | NBC

  • Trump said no to virtual debate with Biden 10 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 36.9 million COVID-19 cases and 1,071,557 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,894,478 cases and the death toll is 218,648 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Trump said he will not participate in virtual debate with Joe Biden. The virtual debate was arranged because the president is still recovering from COVID-19 infection. Trump said, “No, I'm not going to waste my time ... that's not what debating is all about …”

    Trump praises doctors and scientists for progress made to combat the coronavirus. He said, “The respect for the doctors and for the technicians and for the scientists is incredible because I've seen what they've done and it’s incredible, the job that they've done in a short period of time.”

    As Trump is trailing behind Joe Biden by double digits according to a poll and with only less than a month before the election, there are concerns on whether the president is pushing too much to get his political campaign on track while risking his health and probably endangering others if he is contagious.

    Video: Covid-19 in USA - Top 15 States By Active Cases - 20 April to 8 October

  • US military leaders to be quarantined 09 October, 2020



    There are over 36.6 million COVID-19 cases and 1,065,989 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,835,933 million cases and 217,785 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Some military leaders in the US will be quarantined after a meeting that involved Admiral Charles W Ray and other army officials. Charles Ray has since tested positive for the coronavirus. General Gary L Thomas has also tested positive for the virus.

    A CDC forecast that combines independent models show COVID-19 deaths could reach 233,000 by the end of this month

    Trump might be able to resume public engagements to push his campaign forward, just 10th day since Trump was diagnosed.

    Video: US President Trump develops Coronavirus antibodies, calls catching COVID-19 a 'blessing'

  • Trump believes it is a blessing in disguise that he was infected 08 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 36.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,060,457 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,776,224 cases and the death toll is 216,784 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    It is rather bizarre for president Trump to say that catching the coronavirus is a “blessing from God.” Trump praised the drug Regeneron, which he said has helped him to recover. Trump said, “It was like unbelievable. I felt good immediately … I think this was a blessing from God, that I caught it [...]”

    Trump also said that, “I just want to say we have Regeneron, we have a very similar drug from Eli Lilly, and they're coming out and we're trying to get them on an emergency basis. I've authorised it.”

    Dr Rick Bright, who has quitted his post at the National Institutes of Health, accused Trump administration for “ignores scientific expertise, overrules public health guidance and disrespects career scientists.”

    Video: Trump’s coronavirus record at heart of US vice presidential debate

  • Trump experiences no symptoms so far 07 October, 2020



    There are over 35.9 million COVID-19 cases and 1,054,919 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,724,207 million cases and 215,849 deaths from the coronavirus.

    President Trump has given instructions to his aides to halt negotiation on COVID-19 relief package until after the election. Trump said, “I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business.”

    Governor Andrew Cuomo accused Trump for his negligence in confronting the worst attack since Pearl Harbor. Trump’s physician, Sean Conley, said the president experiences no symptoms. Trump’s vital signs remain stable, including his blood oxygen level.

    Video: Michelle Obama: Trump 'lied to us' about coronavirus

  • Trump has left Walter Reed Medical Centre 06 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 35.6 million COVID-19 cases and 1,049,065 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,679,908 cases and the death toll is 215,039 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    President Trump has left the Walter Reed Medical Centre where he was treated for COVID-19. Trump is posing on the White House balcony without face mask and shows that there is nothing to fear about the coronavirus. Even though he is still at risk of health complications, he writes, “Don't be afraid of Covid. Don't let it dominate your life.”

    Meanwhile coronavirus cases continue to rise across 22 US states and only five states registered a decline in cases. The news of Trump contracting the coronavirus has probably distracted many people from the rising cases in the US.

  • Trump is taking dexamethasone 05 October, 2020



    There are over 35.2 million COVID-19 cases and 1,041,455 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,637,066 million cases and 214,615 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Nine US states report record spike in coronavirus cases when compared to a week before and the likely factor behind the increase is colder weather driving more people indoor.

    The news of Trump being infected with the coronavirus and can possibly die from it before or after the election means there is uncertainty in how the transition of power should be handled. If Trump wins the election and dies, there is no precedence on how this should be handled.

    Trump is now receiving dexamethasone to treat his COVID-19 infection. Dexamethasone is an affordable and corticosteroid drug that can dampen down inflammation. If Trump is making good progress at Walter Reed medical center, he could be discharged as early as Monday.

    Joe Biden is now holding a 14-point lead over Trump according to a National poll.

    Video: Coronavirus: Israelis wish US President Trump and wife Melania speedy COVID-19 recovery

  • Trump is being treated at the Walter Reed Medical Center 04 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 34.9 million COVID-19 cases and 1,036,743 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,600,846 cases and the death toll is 214,277 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Dr. Tom Frieden, the former director of US CDC warns that coronavirus testing does not replace safety measure such as wearing face masks, social distancing and sanitising hands.

    The fact that the president and the first lady contracted the virus shows that everyone is at risk. Twenty four US states report a rise of 10% or more cases this week when compared to the week before.

    President Trump is being looked after at the Walter Reed Medical Center and the news media are keen to find out about his true health status but many believe the truth will likely be concealed.

    Ten doctors were seen wearing face mask and white lab coat when they announced that the president is doing well. According to one doctor on the team, the president had received a special “antibody cocktail.”

    The president has tweeted that he is “starting to feel good”. However, Trump is not out of the woods yet and the next 48 hours may prove to be critical and his vitals need to be carefully monitored. It is unclear whether the president has received any supplemental oxygen.

    Video: US President Trump receives experimental Covid-19 treatment

  • World leaders wish Trump a speedy recovery 03 October, 2020



    There are over 34.7 million COVID-19 cases and 1,033,144 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,549,323 million cases and 213,524 deaths from the coronavirus.

    After Trump has tested positive for the coronavirus, the US government mobilized two aircraft, one on the east coast and another on the west coast, that can act as command centre from the air to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles.

    This is probably a message to adversaries to not take advantage of the president ill health situation. While it is still unclear how president Trump contracted the coronavirus, he might have got it from Hope Hicks, one of his closest aides, who have also recently tested positive before Trump did.

    The president will have limited time to campaign if he needs to self-isolate in the next two weeks since there is only about a month is left before the election. This will potentially dampen the momentum that Trump has hoped for, but he will probably continue to utilize the twitter platform to send his messages out.

    Should Trump be unable to carry out his duty as the president, according to the 25th amendment of the constitution, the Vice President Mike Pence can take over.

    Meanwhile, at least 11 people who had attended the presidential debate in Cleveland contracted COVID-19. World leaders such as UK Boris Johnson are sending their best wishes to president Trump for a speedy recovery.

    Video: Coronavirus: World leaders react to US President Trump’s positive test

    France reports a huge spike of 12,148 infections in the past 24 hours. The country now faces the possibly of entering into lockdown.

  • President Trump and his wife have tested positive for the coronavirus 02 October, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 34.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,026,491 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,494,671 cases and the death toll is 212,660 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    After repeatedly mocking his political rival Joe Biden for wearing face masks, president Trump announced that both he and his wife have tested positive for COVID-19.

    The world is struggling to contain over 34.3 million COVID-19 cases and 1,026,491 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,494,671 cases and the death toll is 212,660 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Trump tweets, “Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”

    Given that Trump is 74 years old and overweight, he falls into the category with the highest risk for serious complications from the coronavirus. Trump was last seen as healthy by reporters who saw him returning to the White House. The US Dow and S&P futures dropped after the news of Trump infection.

    Video: US President Donald Trump and Melania test positive for COVID-19 | ABC News. You can see this video also on

    Video: Dr. Vin Gupta Lays Out Risks To Trump After Positive COVID-19 Test | The 11th Hour | MSNBC

    A flight from Melbourne to Sydney is on alert after a passenger tested positive for the coronavirus while travelling from Victoria, Australia.

    The passenger is believed to have travelled while infectious. NSW Health reports that fortunately the majority of passengers on the same flight, Jetstar Flight JQ510, departure from Melbourne at 11am on 27 September, are undergoing mandatory hotel quarantine. Australia reports 27,096 cases and 888 deaths from the virus.

  • Americans are extremely dissatisfied with their country after the pandemic began 01 October, 2020



    There are over 34.1 million COVID-19 cases and 1,019,384 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,453,024 million cases and 211,833 deaths from the coronavirus.

    According to a survey by Pew Research, the only country whose citizens think their countries have responded badly to the pandemic worse than the US is UK. In the same survey, Australians think their country has done well as only 6% of people thought the pandemic response was bad.

    More Americans are dissatisfied with their country since the pandemic began and only 14% of people were satisfied in August, a low rate that does not bode well for any president to be re-elected.

    The COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial by AstraZeneca is still on hold after a participant fell ill but the FDA wants the reason to remain confidential.

    President Trump is planning a large campaign rally in Wisconsin this weekend, despite warnings that social distancing should be increased especially when the planned venues are coronavirus “red zone.”

    The trajectory of the current US economic collapse is creating the most unequal recession with minority and low-wage workers being hit hard.

    Video: U.S. handling of COVID-19 has been "terrible failure," say experts

  • Majority of business leaders think Trump handling of the pandemic is poor 30 September, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 33.7 million COVID-19 cases and 1,012,155 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,406,729 cases and the death toll is 210,797 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    According to a poll by the Yale School of Management, 55% of CEOs and other business leaders gave the Trump’s administration, “F”, for its handling of the pandemic. Another 12% of respondents gave Trump and his administration a more favourable grade, “D”.

    More alarmingly, 84% of business leaders say Trump response to the pandemic has made things worse for their businesses. These leaders are not keen on trade wars envisioned by Trump and the poor pandemic response has plunged the country into recession.

    Within days after Florida governor allowed restaurants and bars to operate without restrictions, coronavirus cases have spiked in the state. New cases climbed to 3266 from a much lower 738 cases reported on Monday.

    Seven former commissioners of the FDA warn political interference by the Trump government could jeopardize the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. The commissioners wrote, “If the FDA makes available a safe and effective vaccine that people trust, we could expect to meaningfully reduce covid-19 risk as soon as next spring or summer. Without that trust, our health and economy could lag for years.”

    Video: India to surpass US Covid-19 death toll 'within weeks'

    The states in Australia are set to rake up more debts as a result of emergency measures taken to combat the pandemic. The state government bonds have spiked up $300 billion. Australia reports 27,063 cases and 882 deaths from the virus so far.

  • Division within the White House coronavirus taskforce 29 September, 2020



    There are over 33.4 million COVID-19 cases and 1,006,354 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,361,633 million cases and 209,808 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The White House coronavirus taskforce is in disagreement with newly joined neurologist Dr Scott Atlas, who was brought into the team by the president. The new taskforce has Scott Atlas to help the president’s COVID-19 briefing but not Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx.

    Atlas was condemned in letter for “the falsehoods and misrepresentations of science” that was written by 98 medical experts. The US CDC director, Robert Redfield, has also expressed concern on false science promoted by Atlas.

    To help schools reopen, president Trump is planning to announce the distribution of millions of rapid coronavirus tests this week. As different states have different demography and population size, the tests will go to the states depending on the population and it is up to the governors to use the tests where they see fit.

    Two manufacturers and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are planning to distribute millions of rapid coronavirus tests to low- and middle-income countries in the next six months.

    Video: Coronavirus: US admiral demonstrates new rapid COVID-19 test as distribution set to begin

    India coronavirus cases have exceeded 6 million people, the second country in the world after the US to have reached this level. There are 82,170 new cases and 1039 more deaths from yesterday.

  • More than 35,000 airline workers will be out of jobs in the US 28 September, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 33.2 million COVID-19 cases and 1,002,819 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,321,465 cases and the death toll is 209,454 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The number of coronavirus cases has increased by at least 10% or more when compared to the week before in 21 states in the US. There is no change in 18 states and 11 states show a decreased of more than 10%.

    Dr. Chris Murray of the University of Washington says modelling suggests a huge surge is expected to occur in October and the number of daily deaths could rise to 3000 fatalities in December.

    New York has an uptick of cases exceeding a thousand cases that caused the Governor Andrew Cuomo to warn, “It's vital that New Yorkers continue to practice the basic behaviors that drive our ability to fight Covid-19 as we move into the fall and flu season …”

    More than 35,000 airline workers will be losing their jobs this Thursday as the industry is heavily affected by the pandemic.

    Video: COVID-19 kills more than 204,000 in US l GMA

    Many cities in France including Paris are now under new coronavirus restriction rules. All bars will be closed from 10pm to 6am, all gatherings of more than 1000 people are now banned, and only a maximum of 10 people are allowed to gather in public places and private events. France reports 552,832 cases and 34,859 fatalities from the virus so far.

  • Epidemiologist warns of the pandemic in the US back in January 27 September, 2020



    There are over 32.8 million COVID-19 cases and 998,141 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,287,593 million cases and 209,177 deaths from the coronavirus.

    An epidemiologist in Harvard, Eric Feigl-Ding, posted a tweet back in January of this year to warn on the danger of the epidemic coming out of China, which is now the COVID-19 pandemic. He tweeted, “I really hate to be the epidemiologist who has to admit this but we are potentially faced with … possibly an unchecked pandemic that the world has not seen since the 1918 Spanish Influenza. Let’s hope it doesn’t reach that level but we now live in the modern world with faster (plane and train emojis) than 1918. @WHO and @CDCgov needs to declare public health emergency ASAP!”

    Eric was ridiculed on the inaccurate reproduction or R number that he cited and the fact that he sounded the alarm based on unpublished paper. Eric was deeply upset to find the Trump’s administration chose to shut down the voice of those who warned of the danger early on.

    He said, “Anyone who has a good sense of data, an engineer, a statistician, a business analyst, could easily have identified this epidemic early on as very troubling … yet people tried to shout us January alarmists down.”

    New Jersey reports its biggest single day rise of coronavirus cases since June. Health experts warn of coronavirus cases spiking in fall and winter.

    The US government has used the pandemic as the reason to further deny Mexican migrants from entering America. Even genuine asylum seekers have been turned down multiple times and asked to remain on the Mexican border.

    Video: Migrants Face Violence, Poverty, And The Coronavirus At The US-Mexico Border

  • A survey of antibody level shows no herd immunity protection 26 September, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 32.6 million COVID-19 cases and 992,955 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,244,184 cases and the death toll is 208,440 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    In a report by the CDC, people in their 20s are mainly responsible for the spread of the virus in the US and accounts for 20% of cases over the summer.

    The image of the US is declining given its poor handling of the pandemic according to a survey by the Pew Research Centre. Many countries including Australia and Canada have viewed the US handling of the coronavirus negatively.

    U Aung Thu Nyein, a political analyst in Myanmar, said, “The USA is a first-world country but it is acting like a third-world country.”

    In a nationwide study of blood from 28,000 dialysis patients, 9.8% of people have antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, which is still a low level of protection against the virus and nowhere near achieving herd immunity.

    Video: Dr Anthony Fauci 'cautiously optimistic' we will have coronavirus vaccine by Christmas | ITV News

    Jenny Mikakos, the health minister of Victoria, Australia, has resigned after the state premier mentioned her as accountable for the hotel quarantine program, which had failed and led to outbreak of the coronavirus in the state. Australia reports 27,000 cases and 869 deaths from the virus.

  • Scientists found a mutation in SARS-CoV-2 that may have made it more contagious
    25 September, 2020



    There are over 32.3 million COVID-19 cases and 988,422 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,185,516 million cases and 207,538 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Dr Anthony Fauci said the US is still in the first wave of the pandemic since cases have not decreased to a steady baseline. Fauci said we should ask the question, “Are we prepared for the challenge of the fall and the winter?”

    Americans will indeed need to prepare as schools and universities reopen, and colder weather will drive more people indoor, which makes virus transmission more likely.

    Researchers in Houston found continual accumulation of mutations in the coronavirus, one of which may be responsible for ease of transmission. The study analysed 5000 coronavirus sequences and did not find any mutation that made the virus more lethal or significantly changed clinical outcomes. However, given that there are large populations of humans carrying the virus, we cannot rule out the possibility of SAR-CoV-2 evolving into something more deadly.

    Video: Coronavirus points to our extinction. w Stephen Fry. AI, Nuclear & Biotech

    Africa reports 1,158,284 coronavirus cases and 24,464 deaths from the virus. The WHO said 80% of the cases in Africa could be asymptomatic.

  • Johnson & Johnson begins COVID-19 vaccine Phase 3 clinical trial 24 September, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 31.9 million COVID-19 cases and 982,022 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,139,553 cases and the death toll is 206,593 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Another COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, will begin Phase 3 clinical trial in the US. This will be the fourth large-scale clinical trials on COVID-19 vaccine by different companies in the US. The Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine has the ambitious aim of being a single dose vaccine instead of two doses, which could mean they will be able to obtain results earlier. The trials will be spread over Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, South Africa and the United States.

    Video: US Coronavirus Death Toll Reaches 200,000 | The Daily Show With Trevor Noah. You can also watch this video on YouTube

    In Hungary, the UEFA Super Cup attracts 20,000 soccer fans, which worries Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder. The game could be the catalyst driving a second wave of coronavirus infections in Europe.

  • Trump wants China accountable, Xi wants no war with any country 23 September, 2020



    There are over 31.7 million COVID-19 cases and 976,529 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,098,291 million cases and 205,478 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The death toll from COVID-19 in the US is greater than fatalities from five wars combined and is now the second-leading cause of death in the US.

    President Trump defends his own administration in the handling of the pandemic but urged the United Nations (UN) to hold China responsible. In an address to the UN General Assembly, Trump said, “We have waged a fierce battle against the invisible enemy — the China virus — which has claimed countless lives in 188 countries …”

    Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping said his government will pursue neither cold nor hot war with any country. Xi also said, “Our world cannot afford a future where the two largest economies split the globe in a great fracture.”

    Video: Trump calls 200,000 US coronavirus deaths 'a shame'

    he state Victoria, Australia, reports only 15 new cases and 5 more deaths. Victoria premier Daniel Andrews is considering easing coronavirus restrictions on Sunday. Australia reports 26,973 cases and 859 deaths from the virus so far.

  • The CDC says they made an error and reverted its guideline on COVID-19 being airborne 22 September, 2020



    The world is struggling to contain over 31.3 million COVID-19 cases and 970,081 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 7,046,216 cases and the death toll is 204,506 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    After the CNN company reported the change in CDC guideline regarding the COVID-19 is airborne, the CDC has reverted to its previous guidance and said it needs to revise its “language”.

    Jason McDonald, a CDC spokesman, said, “A draft version of proposed changes to these recommendations was posted in error to the agency's official website. CDC is currently updating its recommendations regarding airborne transmission ... Once this process has been completed, the update language will be posted.”

    Back in July, a group of 239 scientists has published a letter to urge the WHO and other health organisations to acknowledge the probability of catching the coronavirus through droplets in the air.

    It has been more than six months since COVID-19 hits the US but the country continues to have shortage of N95 masks.

    Video: US COVID-19 death toll nears 200K mark l GMA

    Many European nations are imposing stricter measures to stop a second wave of the pandemic and lockdowns are considered again. In England, pubs, bars and restaurants will be closed by 10 pm.

  • CDC says COVID-19 is airborne and updated its guidelines 21 September, 2020


    There are over 31.1 million COVID-19 cases and 965,792 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,834,775 million cases and 199,726 deaths from the coronavirus.

    In 31 US states, coronavirus cases have spiked by at least 10% this past week when compared to the week before that. This is a sign that the country is in general heading in the wrong direction when it comes to containing the outbreak.

    The percentage of new tests that give positive results is rising in 25 US states. According to the US CDC, COVID-19 can be transferred through the air, through respiratory droplets or small particles. The CDC has updated its guidelines to recommend staying at least 6 feet away from others, whenever possible.

    Video: 31 states see an increase in coronavirus cases

    The state Victoria, Australia, reports just 11 new cases and 2 more deaths. This raises hope that lockdown will soon be lifted in Victoria. Australia reports 26,898 cases and 849 deaths in total.

  • Indian Prime Minister Modi’s nudges theory 20 September, 2020


    The world is struggling to contain over 30.8 million COVID-19 cases and 961,540 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,761,380 cases and the death toll is 198,798 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The WHO warns of rising cases in Europe as last week the total cases in the region add up to over 300,000 people. Over 50% of all European nations have reported a spike of more than 10% of new cases in the past 2 weeks. WHO regional director Hans Kluge said, “Although these numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region.”

    According to a study in Cambridge, the drastic lockdown measures and repeated appearance of Indian Prime Minister Modi on TV in the first quarter of the year helped to contain the outbreak. It would have been much worse if those actions were not taken. This study has been published in the journal PLOS One. India reports 92,605 new cases in the past 24 hours to bring the total to over 5.4 million cases, which is the second highest in the world.

    Video: PM Modi's nudges theory helped India tackle COVID-19 | Cambridge study | Coronavirus Pandemic

  • Mental health issues on the rise during the pandemic 19 September, 2020


    There are over 30.5 million COVID-19 cases and 956,574 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,713,646 million cases and 197,965 deaths from the coronavirus.

    President Trump expects to be able to distribute enough doses of COVID-19 vaccine, if it becomes available, to every Americans by April. Trump criticized Joe Biden for his anti-vaccine theories and said this put a lot of lives at risk.

    Trump’s aggressive timeline for vaccine delivery contradicts what the CDC’s director predicts.

    Terry Branstad, United States Ambassador to China, has publicly agreed with Trump that China was to blame for the pandemic. Terry said, “Chinese system was such that they covered it up and even penalised the doctors who pointed it out at the beginning.” Terry, once considered as an “old friend of the Chinese people” by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, is leaving his post as tension continues to spike between the US and China.

    A study of more than 6500 people shows stress and depression are rising steadily in the US during the pandemic. Interestingly, the study notes people were engaged in the news an average of seven hours per day. It does not seem like having more concerns about possibly contracting the virus helps with mental health problems.

    Video: President Donald Trump: U.S. will manufacture enough Covid-19 vaccines for every American by April

  • The rich get richer and the poor get poorer during COVID pandemic 18 September, 2020


    The world is struggling to contain over 30.2 million COVID-19 cases and 950,827 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,670,287 cases and the death toll is 197,070 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    US Attorney General William Barr said lockdown orders is one of the greatest threats to civil liberties in America since slavery. This has drawn some criticisms such as that from James Clyburn, a Democrat, who said, “Slavery was not about saving lives. It was about devaluing lives.”

    Clyburn has also said Barr comparison of lockdown with slavery is “tone deaf” and “ridiculous.”

    The saying that ‘the rich get richer and the poor get poorer’ is certainly true during the coronavirus pandemic. America’s billionaires such as Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and Elon Musk are raking in money while poorer Americans are earning less than before the pandemic began. According to Chuck Collins, director of the Institute for Policy Studies' Program on Inequality, the pandemic is actually "supercharging America's existing inequalities."

    Video: America first: US leads in coronavirus infections and deaths | COVID-19 Special

    According to a study by researchers in Ireland, over half of COVID-19 patients suffered fatigue 10 weeks after their recovery based on clinical symptoms. The study highlights the need to assess severe fatigue in coronavirus patients.

  • Michael Caputo warns of armed insurrection 17 September, 2020


    There are over 29.9 million COVID-19 cases and 945,754 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,631,322 million cases and 196,202 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Michael Caputo, a US government official of the Department of Health and Human Services, warns of armed insurrection against the government. He claimed CDC scientists have been plotting against the president Trump.

    Caputo has been facing tough criticisms for pushing Trump’s pandemic narrative. He warns, “If you carry guns, buy ammunition, ladies and gentlemen, because it’s going to be hard to get …” He also said his mental health is deteriorating.

    The US government is planning to make the COVID-19 vaccine free for Americans if it becomes available. The Pentagon will be involved in the distribution of the vaccine, but health workers will give the shots. Most likely, people will need two doses, to be given 21 to 28 days apart.

    Even when a vaccine is available for distribution, it will take between six to nine months before immunity develops in the community.

    President Trump is contradicting himself again when he said he did not downplay the danger of the coronavirus. He said, “Yeah, well, I didn't downplay it. I actually, in many ways, I up-played it, in terms of action.”

    Video: CDC: U.S. should have enough Covid-19 vaccine to return to 'regular life' by third quarter of 2021

    The Red Cross warns that discrimination against certain groups in rising in some parts of South East Asia. For example, people in Malaysia blames religious gatherings and other groups for the transmission of the virus. Indonesians are blaming foreigners and people who break the rules for spreading the disease.

  • US image overseas plummets under Trump leadership 16 September, 2020


    The world is struggling to contain over 29.6 million COVID-19 cases and 940,491 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,584,268 cases and the death toll is 195,361 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    President Trump said a vaccine could be ready in three or four weeks. Trump said, “…the previous administration would have taken perhaps years to have a vaccine because of the FDA and all the approvals. And we're within weeks of getting it …”

    The recently suspended phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial due to illness in one participant has resumed, which is in favour of a possible vaccine soon. A survey by Pew Research Center shows Donald Trump is less trustworthy than even the Chinese president Xi Jinping and Russian president Vladimir Putin. The survey also shows people from all 13 major nations believe the US has handled the crisis worse than China.

    Bill Gates is heavily criticising his own government for mishandling of the coronavirus outbreak. He said, “You know, this has been a mismanaged situation every step of the way.” He further criticized Dr Scott Atlas, the president’s new coronavirus advisor by saying, “The administration’s now hired this Stanford guy who has no background at all just because he agrees with their crackpot theories.”

    Video: Donald Trump suggests coronavirus will disappear because it'll be 'herd developed'

    Russia is ready to sell its coronavirus vaccine, named Sputnik-V, to Indian Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. Once approval is obtained, 100 million doses will be supplied.

  • Pandemic has pushed progress backwards according to Bill Gates 15 September, 2020


    There are over 29.3 million COVID-19 cases and 933,641 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,749,289 million cases and 199,000 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The WHO reports its biggest single day rise of 308,000 coronavirus cases on Sunday. The top 3 nations with the most coronavirus cases, which are the US, India and Brazil, account for ~60% of global cases.

    In the US, over half a million children have contracted COVID-19. In Florida, the number of children under 18 years old who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 has spiked up by 26% within a month after many schools have reopened.

    Bill Gates reports the pandemic has stumped many of United Nations' sustainable development goals. He said, “Of course, this year is different. It’s unique. The Covid-19 pandemic not only stopped progress, but it pushed us backwards …”

    The company that hosted Trump indoor rally in Nevada will be fined $3000 for breaking coronavirus safety guidelines. The US could benefit from a COVID-19 vaccine within this year if regulators approve the vaccine by Pfizer.

    Video: Total US coronavirus cases trends downward amid pressure for a vaccine

  • Trump calls the pandemic ‘China plague’ 14 September, 2020


    The world is struggling to contain over 29.1 million COVID-19 cases and 937,753 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,545,077 cases and the death toll is 194,260 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The number of coronavirus cases in the US is not surging as high as it used to be, and it is now recording about 35,000 daily cases each day. There are still hotspots in the country, but these are no longer localised to crowded cities such as in New York.

    Hotspots are now in rural states like North Dakota, Kansas and Tennessee. Texas is now in the top 3 states for the most coronavirus fatalities.

    53% of Germans in a survey feared Trump because of ‘a more dangerous world due to the politics of Trump’. President

    Trump has hosted an indoor rally in Nevada, the first since June, in defiance of health guidelines. He has consistently blamed the Chinese for the pandemic and calling it the ‘China plague’. He emphasized that the economy in the US was great and then hit by the coronavirus.

    Video: Trump Says the U.S. Is 'Rounding the Turn' on the Coronavirus

    Coronavirus cases in Victoria, Australia, have dropped to the level that some lockdown restrictions can be lifted. The overnight curfew was shortened by an hour and more time is given to people to spend outside. Victoria reports 7 new deaths and 35 more cases, which is the lowest daily rise since June.

  • Fauci disagrees with Trump on a solution is near for the pandemic 13 September, 2020


    There are over 28.8 million COVID-19 cases and 933,442 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,514,564 cases and 193,878 deaths from the coronavirus.

    President Trump believes the solution to the coronavirus crisis that has plagued the country is near. Trump said, “I really do believe we're rounding the corner and the vaccines are right there, but not even discussing vaccines and not discussing therapeutics, we're rounding the corner …”

    In response to Trump’s statement, Dr Anthony Fauci said, “I'm sorry but I have to disagree with that,” The disagreement between Trump and top health experts in the US is nothing new and has occurred throughout the pandemic.

    The health department in Michigan has strongly recommended all local Michigan State University students to self-isolate immediately following the news more than 300 people have tested positive for COVID-19 and are linked to the university.

    Research from Harvard University suggests young people are at greater risk of suffering health complications when exposed to the coronavirus than previously thought.

    Video: A lookback at the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Pandemic affects how Americans commemorate 9/11 12 September, 2020


    The world is struggling to contain over 28.5 million COVID-19 cases and 928,081 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,433,841 cases and the death toll is 192,468 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    An organised COVID-19 house party near the Miami university shows how little some students respect the self-isolation rule after contracting the coronavirus. A student at the party discloses that everyone at the party has COVID-19. Meanwhile, the Miami university still plans to open this late September.

    Relatives of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks 19 years ago gather at the World Trade Center’s Sept. 11 memorial plaza to commemorate the event. However, due to the pandemic, some communities have cancelled 9/11 ceremonies.

    President Trump paying his respect to the victims said, “The heroes of Flight 93 are an everlasting reminder that no matter the danger, no matter the threat, no matter the odds, America will always rise up, stand tall, and fight back.”

    The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) predicts a possible scenario of 415,090 deaths in the US by next January. The increased mobility of people during Christmas and New Year is a worrying factor that can drive up fatality rate due to the coronavirus.

    Video: Fauci Disputes Trump’s Claim That U.S. Is ‘Rounding The Corner’

    North Korean government has issued shoot to kill to prevent coronavirus from entering its borders from China. North Korea still has no confirmed case to date.

    India continues to report over 90,000 daily cases and has overtaken Brazil by over 370,000 cases in a span of just 5 days after becoming the country with the second highest number of cases.

    India continues to report over 90,000 daily cases and has overtaken Brazil by over 370,000 cases in a span of just 5 days after becoming the country with the second highest number of cases.

  • Trump defends against Woodward’s book, Rage 11 September, 2020


    There are over 28.2 million COVID-19 cases and 922,633 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,433,841 cases and 192,195 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The CDC predicts up to 217,000 deaths from the coronavirus in the US by 3rd Oct.

    New studies suggest the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in the US could have started as early as December 2019 in Los Angeles. By analysing the last five years electronic health records, the researchers noticed an above average uptick of symptoms related to the coronavirus by the week of Dec 22, 2019.

    Donald Trump defends himself against Bob Woodward who presented evidence to show the president downplayed the severity of the coronavirus outbreak. Trump said, “There was no lie here, what we’re doing here is leading and we’re leading in the proper way.”

    rump has also been criticised for celebrating the North Korean’s leader health recovery. Trump tweets, “Kim Jong Un is in good health. Never underestimate him!”

    Video: Trump pushes back Woodward allegations he ‘downplayed’ US covid threat

    India continues to break its own daily coronavirus new cases record. In the past 24 hours, the country reports 96,551 cases. The infection rate in India is growing and the case load is over 4.5 million.

  • Evidence of Trump knew the danger of COVID but downplayed it 10 September, 2020


    The world is struggling to contain over 27.9 million COVID-19 cases and 916,310 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,365,084 cases and the death toll is 190,350 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    A new book, Rage, by Bob Woodward that includes on-the-record interviews with Donald Trump shows the president knew about the danger of the coronavirus but chose to downplay its severity. Trump said to Woodward in early February, “This is deadly stuff … you just breathe the air and that's how it's passed.”

    Another audio recording shows the president deliberately minimise the danger to Americans. Trump said, “I love our country. I don't want people to be frightened.”

    Joe Biden criticised Trump and said, “He knew and purposely played it down. Worse, he lied to the American people … It's beyond despicable …”

    Video: Reopening of US colleges is ‘spreading COVID-19’

    India is breaking its own record coronavirus daily new cases after reporting 95,735 infections in the past 24 hours. While the case load is high, India also reports a higher recovery rate, which is ~78 people recovered in every 100 cases. The death toll in India is 75,119.

  • AstraZeneca has halted its COVID-19 phase 3 clinical trial 9 September, 2020


    There are over 27.7 million COVID-19 cases and 910,985 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,365,084 cases and 189,979 deaths from the coronavirus.

    One of the COVID-19 vaccines Phase 3 clinical trials by AstraZeneca that president Trump is counting on to deliver a positive outcome has been suspended. One of participants on the trial had fallen ill in UK. According to one report in the New York Times, the volunteer has transverse myelitis, which is an inflammatory syndrome affecting the spinal cord.

    After suspending the clinical trial, the company AstraZeneca said in a statement, “This is a routine action which has to happen whenever there is a potentially unexplained illness in one of the trials, while it is investigated, ensuring we maintain the integrity of the trials.”

    According to Dr David Smith of the University of Sydney, president Trump is hoping for a vaccine to be a game-changer to save his presidency. Dr Smith said, “He prefers the idea that there could be a vaccine that could solve all the problems instead of having to go through things like lockdowns and mask mandates.”

    Nine vaccine manufacturers have signed a joint pledge to maintain “high ethical standards” on any COVID-19 vaccine that they develop.

    Video: Coronavirus stimulus: US awaits second stimulus check as Senate reconvenes

    At the current rate of daily new cases, India will overtake the US to become the country with the most coronavirus cases. On a relative basis, India daily cases has been trending up whereas the US is going lower.

    It was the easing of coronavirus restrictions to heal its economy that coincides with the huge spike of cases in India. The country reports 4,374,314 cases and 73,953 deaths from the virus so far.

  • China denies downplaying the severity of COVID-19 8 September, 2020


    The world is struggling to contain over 27.4 million COVID-19 cases and 902,380 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,337,959 cases and the death toll is 189,538 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Dr. Larry Corey, a leader at the National Institutes of Health, who is working on coronavirus vaccines, does not think a vaccine will be available before the 1st of Nov.

    Meanwhile, president Trump said, “We'll have the vaccine soon, maybe before a special date. You know what date I'm talking about.”

    Large public gatherings have been observed during the Labor Day weekend celebrations. This is what health experts feared as a factor that causes another spike of cases. Dr Anthony Fauci said people should avoid crowds and wear face masks during the weekend.

    Video: How the U.S. can get coronavirus testing where it needs to be

    President Xi Jinping has denied that its government has under-reported the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak. He said, “[China has acted in a] transparent and responsible manner.” China only reports 9 new cases in the past 24 hours. It has a total of 85,144 coronavirus cases and 4636 deaths.

    India reports highest daily deaths with fatalities exceeding 1000 people in the past 24 hours. The good news is new daily cases have dropped to 75,809 people, but still a very high health burden for the country.

  • India has the world second highest number of cases 7 September, 2020


    There are over 27.2 million COVID-19 cases and 898,524 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,314,216 cases and 189,248 deaths from the coronavirus.

    US Surgeon General Jerome Adams said all US states should be prepared to distribute COVID-19 vaccine on 1st Nov because there is a chance that it will be available by then. Adams said, “it’s not just about having a vaccine that is safe and effective … it’s about being ready to distribute it.”

    In the US, there are three candidate vaccines in Phase 3 clinical trials. Democrat Joe Biden is preparing for the possibility that president Trump will soon announce the release of COVID-19 vaccine, which could substantially change how the race to win the presidential post will play out.

    Trump has repeatedly pushed for a vaccine by year end and said, “We remain on track to deliver a vaccine before the end of the year and maybe even before November 1st …” This is the ‘October surprise’ that can potentially swing votes in favour of Trump.

    Coronavirus cases are rising in 22 of the US states.

    Video: Coronavirus cases rising in 22 U.S. states

    India is now ranked number two for countries with the most coronavirus cases after surpassing Brazil by over 70,000 cases. India reports 4,208,645 cases and 71,739 deaths from the virus so far.

  • India reports global daily record of over 90,000 COVID-19 cases 6 September, 2020


    The world is struggling to contain over 27 million COVID-19 cases and 888,879 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,284,565 cases and the death toll is 188,834 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, is serving behind bars for making false statements against the president.

    Cohen claims the Trump has made numerous racist remarks against Black people. According to Cohen, Trump said, “Tell me one country run by a black person that isn't a s---hole. They are all complete f---ing toilets.” Homelessness has been rising in the US due to the pandemic.

    Video: Coronavirus sparks surge in homelessness from the US to Africa | COVID Update

    India has surpassed the 4 million coronavirus cases mark, which is the third country in the world to have reached this level. The country is only behind Brazil by about 8000 cases and should overtake Brazil to become the country with the second highest number of cases next week.

    India has added 90,632 new cases in the past 24 hours, which is a global daily record. Health experts say the rise in cases is due to a second wave in some parts of the country, easing lockdown restrictions and increased testing.

  • COVID is a sign the world is in a pandemic era 5 September, 2020


    There are over 26.7 million COVID-19 cases and 883,213 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,181,008 cases and 187,297 deaths from the coronavirus.

    According to the University of Washington, the US death toll could more than double the current official number of deaths by the end of this year.

    Up to 30% of the projected number of deaths can be avoided if more people wear face masks. The daily death rate could reach 3000 people in December.

    Moncef Slaoui, scientific head of Operation Warp Speed, which is a US government project to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, said he will not be pushed by political pressure to rush an ineffective vaccine.

    Slaoui, who used to lead vaccine development at GlaxoSmithKline, was brought out of his retirement for this task and only agreed to work on this project provided that scientific development is not interfered by politics.

    Slaoui thinks a vaccine pre-election is very unlikely. Meanwhile, president Trump thinks a vaccine could be ready for distribution next month, which is a very different take than Slaoui.

    Dr Anthony Fauci and his colleague have warned that COVID-19 is a sign that the world has entered into a pandemic era. Human activities appear to be a major driver for emerging diseases.

    Video: U.S. COVID-19 deaths expected to reach 410,000 by January

  • Outbreak among farmworkers will disrupt food supply 4 September, 2020


    The world is struggling to cope with over 26.3 million COVID-19 cases and 877,282 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,137,303 cases and the death toll is 186,323 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    Almost half of the farmworkers in the US are working in the country without legal approval. These workers are critical to ensure the continuous supply of food but they often lack education and are now considered as a vulnerable group in contracting COVID-19 because the government is not protecting them. Outbreak among these farmworkers can threaten the supply chain and further plunge the US into a greater economic crisis.

    Many people have queried the CDC on whether the true number of deaths due to COVID is only 6% of the official statistic. The conspiracy group QAnon claims “only 6% of the total number of people with coronavirus on their death certificate actually died from the virus.”

    This claim is widely circulated on the social media, but the CDC has rejected this claim. According to QAnon conspiracy theory, president Trump is secretly fighting against Satan-worshipping elite paedophiles.

    Health experts say the pandemic is affecting people’s sleep and the term ‘Coronasomnia’ is associated with this phenomenon. In a survey, 36% of Americans say the pandemic is having an impact on their mental health.

    Video: U.S. tells states to prepare for COVID-19 vaccine distribution

  • The US to go on its own to develop and distribute COVID vaccine 3 September, 2020


    There are over 26.1 million COVID-19 cases and 872,706 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,137,303 cases and 186,098 deaths from the coronavirus.

    Ashley Newman, a school teacher in Georgia, has decided to quit her job out fears that she will contract the coronavirus and pass on the virus to her community and family. She is not given the option to work from home and has to teach face-to-face when schools reopen. She is not alone in facing this dilemma and other teachers have also reached out to her.

    Meanwhile, president Trump threatens possible funding cut to schools that will not reopen and said, “In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS.

    The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election …” Republican Senator Joni Ernst suggests that the number of coronavirus cases and deaths may have been inflated because health care providers are reimbursed at higher rate if the coronavirus is linked to the case.

    Ernst speculates based on what she heard on the news by saying, “They’re thinking there may be 10,000 or less deaths that were actually singularly COVID-19. ... I’m just really curious. It would be interesting to know that.”

    The US government will not join international collaborative effort that has to go through multilateral organisations such as the WHO to develop and give out COVID-19 vaccine but will instead do it on their own. White House spokesman Judd Deere said, “… we will not be constrained by multilateral organisations influenced by the corrupt World Health Organisation and China.”

    The US government is asking the states to be ready for a vaccine rollout by 1st of November, which is two days before the election. Many are concerned that the CDC is under tremendous pressure by the Trump’s administration to distribute a vaccine before the election.

    An estimate by the Congressional Budget Office shows by the end of this year, the amount of debt owed by the US will approximately equal its national GDP.

    Video: Dr. Fauci debunks theory of low CDC Covid-19 death toll: U.S. has over 183,000 Covid-19 deaths

    Video: Global Coronavirus Cases Top 25 Million, U.S. Schools Start to Reopen

    India continues to report over 80,000 new daily coronavirus cases. It trails behind Brazil, the country with the second most cases in the world, with only 200,000 cases. India is officially the worst hit country by the coronavirus in Asia.

  • Trump administration supports no evictions ahead of the election 2 September, 2020


    The world is struggling to contain over 25.8 million COVID-19 cases and 866,428 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,097,419 cases and the death toll is 185,046 fatalities from the coronavirus.

    The White House will support CDC order to halt evictions of property renters to curb further transmission of the virus. This moratorium will prevent a huge spike of people being evicted due to ongoing economic crisis in the US.

    Eligibility criteria to apply to be exempted from evictions will be made available on the CDC website.

    Researchers at the University of Nevada are studying a case of someone who has been infected twice by the coronavirus. This study shows that it is possible for someone to be infected again in a short time interval following the first infection.

    Mark Pandori, director of NSPHL, said, “If reinfection is possible on such a short timeline, there may be implications for the efficacy of vaccines developed to fight the disease. It may also have implications for herd immunity.” He cautioned that the interpretation of this finding is based on just a single individual and hence, it is impossible to generalise this result.

    Australia is officially in a recession, which has not occurred for nearly 30 years. Its national GDP plunged 7%. The quarter of April-to-June shows its worst performance since records began in 1959. NSW has recorded 17 new cases and the majority of these cases are linked to known clusters.

    Meanwhile, Uluru residents do not want tourists from south-east Queensland to enter the Uluru-Kata Tjuta national park to avoid COVID-19 transmission to the sacred site.

  • India death toll top 3 in the world 1 September, 2020


    There are over 25.6 million COVID-19 cases and 860,363 deaths from the coronavirus. The US reports 6,052,669 cases and 183,968 deaths from the coronavirus.

    The less densely populated Midwest states in the US experience a spike in coronavirus cases. Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota record 19,133 more infections in the week ending Sunday.

    President Trump highlights the vaccine under development by AstraZeneca and the White House may consider it for emergency use. After about 8 months into the pandemic, Dr Tedros of the WHO tweets, “… we understand that people are tired [and] yearn to get on with their lives, but no country can just pretend the pandemic is over.”

    Robert Redfield of the CDC warned that for every confirmed case, there could be another 10 infections estimated.

    Dr Scott Gottlieb, a former FDA commissioner expected infection rates to come down by August, but it did not. He said, “We saw an epidemic cross over the Sun Belt (15 southern states), and we saw infections actually increase.”

    As schools are about to reopen in fall, infection level may rise even more. US stock market indexes have recorded its best August in more than 30 years as the country prepares for the coming election in November.

    India has surpassed Mexico death toll and is now ranked number three for countries with the most coronavirus cases and deaths. India reports 3,694,878 cases and 65,469 deaths from the virus. If the country continues at its current infection rate, it will not be long before it surpasses Brazil, the country with the second highest number of coronavirus cases.

What is Wuhan-400 bioweapon?

It was around then that a Chinese scientist named Li Chen defected to the United States, carrying a diskette record of China’s most important and dangerous new biological weapon... Read more

Coronavirus conspiracies

Should we believe in the various conspiracy theories about COVID-19 ... Read more

Coronavirus conspiracies continues

Two days before the Valentine’s day 2020, the world is greeted with the news of a huge jump in the number of infections... Read more

Is the eyes of darkness a prophecy?

What does it have to do with the coronavirus outbreak? Read more

Career Outlook: Data and Bioinformatics Scientists to 2026

Degree vs. Skills: Impact on salary

Bioinformatics and data science vacancies

Spicy Food may protect you from cerebral infarction and make you live longer