From NOVEL SCIENCE

• Insights on Herd Immunity in the US
• Revisiting the 1918 Pandemic: Lessons Not Learned
• Understanding the CDC to White House Data Shift
• The Hidden Dangers of the Reversed ICE Policy

Global COVID-19 Overview

The WHO's COVID-19 Situation Report from July 26 indicates a total of 15.75 million cases (an increase of 200,625) and 640,016 deaths (up by 7,097). The global daily case numbers exclude US data for the second time within a week, suggesting an estimated actual daily incidence of around 275,000 new cases, marking the third-highest total recorded.

According to the Johns Hopkins CSSE dashboard, the US reported 4.26 million cases and 147,103 deaths as of 1:00 PM on July 27.

US Society & COVID-19

• Proposed Bill for Coronavirus Commission: A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation to create a commission to analyze the nation's response to the pandemic.
  • Source: homelandprepnews.com
• Trusted Traveler Program Ban Lifted for New York Residents: The Department of Homeland Security has decided to lift restrictions on the Trusted Traveler Program for residents of New York.
  • Source: homelandprepnews.com
• Impact of COVID-19 in Prisons: The pandemic exacerbates conditions in local jails, where many are awaiting trial or serving short sentences.
  • Source: www.healthline.com
• Safe Reopening Strategies: Authorities are discussing how to navigate public health restrictions as the world prepares for reopening.
  • Source: www.foreignaffairs.com
• CDC Urges Schools to Reopen: Following criticism of its guidelines, the CDC has encouraged schools to resume in-person classes, downplaying associated health risks.
  • Source: www.nytimes.com
• Updated CDC Guidelines on Public Interaction: As the situation evolves, the CDC is revising its recommendations regarding public interactions for individuals recovering from COVID-19.
  • Source: www.prevention.com

Fact Checks

• Cuomo's Misrepresentation of CDC Findings: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made exaggerated claims regarding the Trump administration's handling of the virus.
  • Source: www.factcheck.org
• Children and COVID-19 School Reopenings: Discussions on school reopenings have sometimes misrepresented scientific data on children and COVID-19.
  • Source: www.factcheck.org

US COVID-19 Statistics

Numerous states report an increase in COVID-19 deaths, even as some areas appear to be plateauing. Last week, over 1,000 fatalities were recorded daily for four consecutive days, with many states hitting record daily death counts.

Recent trends suggest COVID-19 could soon become the third leading cause of death in the US, surpassing conditions like Alzheimer's and diabetes.

Healthcare systems, particularly in densely populated areas, are struggling to manage surges in COVID-19 cases. A hospital in Starr County, Texas, has established triage protocols due to overwhelming patient numbers.

Governor Abbott announced the deployment of medical resources, including Navy SEAL doctors, to assist in the response efforts in southern Texas.

The US ranks fifth globally in per capita daily incidence but remains first in total daily cases.

Long-Term Health Effects

A CDC analysis highlights the long-term health challenges faced by COVID-19 patients who did not require hospitalization. Among 270 interviewed individuals, 35% reported not having returned to their usual health levels weeks after their infection.

Wuhan Institute of Virology

A senior researcher from the Wuhan Institute of Virology addressed allegations regarding the lab's role in the origin of SARS-CoV-2. Despite the termination of US funding for research at WIV due to biosafety concerns, this does not imply that the lab is the outbreak's source.

Nonprofit Organizations

The nonprofit sector, which became the third-largest employer in the US in 2017, has faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, resulting in the loss of over 1.6 million jobs. Many organizations are finding it difficult to secure federal funding, raising concerns about their sustainability.

Economic Relief Efforts

With federal eviction protections and temporary unemployment benefits set to expire, negotiations are ongoing in Congress. The current unemployment aid has provided an additional $600 weekly but discussions on extending this support are fraught with challenges.

Vaccines & Therapeutics

While the search for a vaccine continues, experts emphasize that finding a vaccine is just the beginning. Promising data from early trials of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and Moderna's mRNA-1273 are encouraging. However, public education on vaccine benefits is crucial to mitigate fears regarding side effects.

COVID-19 Vaccine & Therapeutics

The FDA has authorized new diagnostic tests, and Phase 3 trials for vaccine candidates are underway. Ensuring high-quality evidence in studies is critical to prevent misinformation from influencing public perception and health policies.

Pandemic Research & News

A variety of studies and reports are emerging regarding COVID-19's broader implications, including its relation to other health crises and the importance of preparedness for future pandemics.