Featured Headlines
A new flu virus found in Chinese pigs has become more infectious to humans and needs to be watched closely in case it becomes a potential “pandemic virus”, a study said, although experts said there is no imminent threat.
In Early February, the Coronavirus Was Moving Through New York – NYT
A new study offers the first physical evidence that the coronavirus was circulating at low levels in New York City as early as the first week of February. [Pre-print study]
Coronavirus autopsies: A story of 38 brains, 87 lungs and 42 hearts – Washington Post
When pathologist Amy Rapkiewicz began the grim process of opening up the coronavirus dead to learn how their bodies went awry, she found damage to the lungs, kidneys and liver consistent with what doctors had reported for months. [If link above does not work, try this one]
European Union bars travelers from U.S. citing coronavirus concerns – NBC
Most travelers from the United States will be barred from entering the European Union after it reopens its borders Wednesday because the coronavirus is still far too prevalent in the U.S., European officials announced Tuesday.
‘I Will Kill You’: Health Care Workers Face Rising Attacks Amid COVID-19 Outbreak – NPR
Pointing a gun at the doctor, the family member pushed him to put the patient on oxygen and mechanical ventilation, two types of treatments for severe cases of COVID-19.
Coronavirus Outbreak In China In April Linked To Asymptomatic U.S. Traveler – Forbes
An April outbreak of Covid-19 in Heilongjiang Province, China, that infected at least 71 people likely originated from an asymptomatic resident returning from the United States who shed the virus in the elevator in her building, according to research published in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Eight weeks ago, conservative media outlets and politicians hailed Florida as a model for addressing the coronavirus pandemic, showing that there was no need to shut down a state for months to ride out the first wave of infections.
Clinical Considerations
Active Anticancer Treatment Associated With Poor COVID-19 Prognosis – Cancer Therapy Advisor
Patients with cancer are more susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2, and patients receiving active anticancer treatment have a poorer prognosis compared with other patients in follow-up, according to results of an observational study published in Cancer. [Related Study]
What doctors know about lingering symptoms from coronavirus – PBS Newshour
In the most seriously ill patients who receive care in the ICU, there is a substantial risk of delirium. Delirium is characterized by confusion, difficulty in paying attention, reduced awareness of person, place and time, and even the inability to interact with others.
COVID-19 causes ‘hyperactivity’ in blood-clotting cells – Science Daily
Changes in blood platelets triggered by COVID-19 could contribute to the onset of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious complications in some patients who have the disease, according to scientists. The researchers found that inflammatory proteins produced during infection significantly alter the function of platelets, making them ‘hyperactive’ and more prone to form dangerous and potentially deadly blood clots. [Related Study]
Is a “Cytokine Storm” Relevant to COVID-19? – JAMA
In its most severe form, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), leads to a life-threatening pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The mortality rate from COVID-19 ARDS can approach 40% to 50%.1,2 Although the mechanisms of COVID-19–induced lung injury are still being elucidated, the term cytokine storm has become synonymous with its pathophysiology, both in scientific publications and the media. Absent convincing data of their effectiveness in COVID-19, drugs such as tocilizumab and sarilumab, which are monoclonal antibodies targeting interleukin (IL)-6 activity, are being used to treat patients; trials of these agents typically cite the cytokine storm as their rationale. A critical evaluation of the term cytokine storm and its relevance to COVID-19 is warranted.
Alteration of Liver Biomarkers in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) – Dovepress.com
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in China and spread worldwide. In this study, we assessed the characteristics of markers of the liver in patients with COVID-19 to provide new insights in improving clinical treatment.
Official Reporting for July 1, 2020
World Health Organization
Confirmed Cases: 10,185,374
Deaths: 511,037
ECDC
Confirmed Cases: 10,446,353
Deaths: 505,295
Johns Hopkins
Confirmed Cases: 10,512,383
Deaths: 512,331
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Total deaths: 126,739
Surveillance Headlines
UNITED STATES
San Francisco, California: The 3 big reasons for Bay Area’s coronavirus surge, according to health experts – SF Chronicle
California: Reverses reopening as coronavirus cases spike – Washington Post
California: There’s not one reason California’s covid-19 cases are soaring, there are many – MIT Tech Review
Colorado: Gov. closes bars again after coronavirus cases increase – Denver Post
Arizona: What happened in Arizona? A public health expert explains his state’s virus surge – PBS Newshour
New York, New York: New York City Postpones Indoor Dining As Coronavirus Cases Linked To Bars And Restaurants Soar Across The Country – Forbes
EUROPE
Sweden: Launches Commission to Investigate Coronavirus Response – Bloomberg
AFRICA
South Africa: Why is there a surge in South Africa? – BBC
MIDDLE EAST
In Iraq, Rising Virus Cases And Oxygen Shortages Stoke Outrage, Fears Of ‘Chaos’ – NPR
Science and Tech
Stanford researcher discusses link between air pollution and COVID-19 – Stanford University
A proposed change to federal regulations would give less consideration to the health benefits of air pollution rules. Mary Prunicki of Stanford’s Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research discusses likely outcomes for poor communities.
COVID-19: Study shows virus can infect heart cells in lab dish – Science Daily
A new study shows that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 (coronavirus), can infect heart cells in a lab dish, indicating it may be possible for heart cells in COVID-19 patients to be directly infected by the virus.
The Tricky Math of Herd Immunity for COVID-19 – Quanta Magazine
While determining that threshold for COVID-19 is critical, a lot of nuance is involved in calculating exactly how much of the population needs to be immune for herd immunity to take effect and protect the people who aren’t immune.
Vaccine
India’s 1st COVID-19 vaccine gets human trial approval – AA.com
India’s first COVID-19 vaccine got the approval for human trials from the country’s drug regulator, as number of coronavirus-related cases and deaths continues upward, a drug company announced. The vaccine, named COVAXIN, has been developed by Bharat Biotech compnay, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Virology (NIV).
Ensuring Uptake of Vaccines Against SARS-CoV-2 – Stanford Univ
As Covid-19 continues to exact a heavy toll, development of a vaccine appears the most promising means of restoring normalcy to civil life. Perhaps no scientific breakthrough is more eagerly anticipated. But bringing a vaccine to market is only half the challenge; also critical is ensuring a high enough vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity. Concerningly, a recent poll found that only 49% of Americans planned to get vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. [Related NEJM]
Diagnostics
A Dire Warning From COVID-19 Test Providers – The Atlantic
The American testing supply chain is stretched to the limit, and the ongoing outbreak in the South and West could overwhelm it, according to epidemiologists and testing-company executives. While the country’s laboratories have added tremendous capacity in the past few months—the U.S. now tests about 550,000 people each day, a fivefold increase from early April—demand for viral tests is again outpacing supply.
Social/Psychological Impact
Fighting Over Masks in Public Is the New American Pastime – New York Times
In states like California, Texas and Florida, many essential workers have been given an additional task: conflict resolution.
Stories of 5 Americans killed by the coronavirus – PBS Newshour
As the United States approaches another coronavirus milestone, with nearly 125,000 deaths from the disease, we look back at the lives of a few of those lost. Judy Woodruff shares their stories.
Beyond covid-19 lies a new normal—and new opportunities – MIT Tech Review
Building a better post-pandemic world requires leaders imagine the unthinkable. Here’s your guide.
Infection Prevention
Herd immunity and COVID-19: What you need to know – Mayo Clinic
Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who are immune.
Visualization shows exactly how face masks stop COVID-19 transmission – Live Science
Without a mask, droplets produced during coughing can travel up to 12 feet. With a mask, this distance is reduced to just a few inches.
Click image to play video
New study examines coronavirus transmission within households – Vanderbelt.edu
The study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims to understand how fast the infections spread within households and the factors that may be associated with that transmission. This is one of few longitudinal studies in the country that will examine coronavirus infections among close contacts.
Published Research
Platelet Gene Expression and Function in COVID-19 Patients – Blood
Pre-Pub (not yet peer reviewed, should not be regarded as conclusive)
Seroconversion of a city: Longitudinal monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in New York City – MedRXIV
Coping in Quarantine
Tomorrow is the much anticipated (and dreaded) root canal x2. There will be no Tulane Outbreak Daily for Thursday, June 2nd or Friday, June 3rd due to the 4th of July long weekend.
A few entertainment items from The Atlantic:
An interesting read that has nothing to do with COVID, or quarantine. It’s sad, and fascinating.