New $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill introduced in U.S. House Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled their latest coronavirus relief bill this week, a $3 trillion, 1,800-page package. A vote is expected this week on it. If it passes the House, it will face roadblocks in the Senate. “I’m in discussion, we all are with the administration, if we reach a … [Read more...]

NIH director says several vaccines likely needed to combat coronavirus NIH Director Francis Collins said several vaccines will likely be needed to combat the coronavirus and immunize groups of people in America and abroad. The first people to get a vaccine will likely be frontline healthcare workers and those with chronic conditions that put them at greater risk from the … [Read more...]

Three top White House officials began quarantine after two staff members test positive Three top White House officials have begun their quarantine after two administration staff members tested positive for the coronavirus. Among those who will be sequestered for two weeks is Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert. So will Dr. Robert Redfield, the … [Read more...]

CDC, Trump administration differ on reopening plans The CDC guidance for reopening includes sections for childcare programs, schools and day camps, churches and other communities of faith, employers with vulnerable workers, restaurants and bars, and mass transit administrators. It recommends using disposable dishes and utensils at restaurants, closing every other row of … [Read more...]

Minnesota needs up to 4,000 more workers to track COVID-19 The state of Minnesota might need 4,000 more workers to identify and isolate the rising number of COVID-19 infections and their contacts. Contact tracers are a vital part of the test, trace and isolate strategy embraced to control the spread of the virus. “We are going to need to dramatically build up our capacity,” … [Read more...]

New genetic analysis shows coronavirus quickly spread worldwide late last year A new genetic analysis of the virus that causes COVID-19 taken from more than 7,600 patients around the world shows it has been circulating in people since late last year. Researchers in Britain looked at mutations in the virus and found evidence of quick spread, but no evidence the virus is … [Read more...]

Antibody created in the Netherlands that defeats new coronavirus in lab Scientists in the Netherlands have created a monoclonal antibody that can defeat the new coronavirus in the lab by neutralizing the virus in cell cultures. It is early in the drug development process but is a promising step in efforts to find treatments and curb the spread of the coronavirus. The … [Read more...]

Coronavirus treatment drug remdesivir to arrive in hospitals this week Remdesivir, the first possible scientifically proven treatment for battling COVID-19, will become available for U.S. hospitals in the coming week, said Daniel O’Day, CEO and chairman of Gilead Sciences (Foster City, CA), the biotech company producing the drug. Gilead Sciences has donated 1.5 million vials … [Read more...]

U.S. Congressional Democrats push for medical supply czar Congressional Democrats proposed bills this week that would require a U.S. coronavirus supply czar to oversee critical medical supplies, while the top Senate Republican doubled down on demands for business protections. Democrats in the Senate and House of Representatives unveiled companion bills requiring the Pentagon … [Read more...]