Breathalyzer tests for Covid-19, a new stimulus bill, and potential dangers of exercise

PLUS: The Covid-19 headlines you need to know, a distraction, and something to read. View this email in your browser  |  Manage newsletter subscriptions 09.15.20 We're working around the clock to give you the best reporting on the coronavirus pandemic. Subscribe to support our journalism. A bipartisan stimulus bill, breathalyzer tests for Covid-19, and criticism from Bill Gates. Here's what you should know: Headlines Lawmakers plan to introduce a $1.5 trillion bipartisan stimulus bill Today, a group of 50 lawmakers plans to introduce a $1.5 trillion stimulus package that strikes a middle ground between Democrat and Republican positions. The plan would bring back the Paycheck Protection Program, direct checks of $1,200 or more to taxpayers, and also proposes new protections for workers and their employers. Breathalyzer tests for Covid-19 are being developed at several US labs Researchers are exploring using breathalyzers to test for Covid-19. Breath analysis can be complicated: The air we exhale can contain particles of much more than just the sicknesses we carry. But if this works, it could be a quick, noninvasive alternative to the tests already in use. With disposable mouthpieces, this method of testing would also be easy to deploy wherever, whenever, and without specialized training. Bill Gates continues to speak out against the US's handling of the pandemic "This has been a mismanaged situation every step of the way," Bill Gates said in a recent interview with STAT. "It's shocking." He criticized the actions of FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, the CDC, and the White House. While he did credit Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration's efforts to fast-track vaccine development, he also emphasized the importance of helping low- and middle-income countries procure vaccines, tests, and other therapies. Daily Distraction Last weekend, US Customs and Border Patrol proudly tweeted about intercepting a massive shipment of counterfeit AirPods. Turns out, they were a genuine product from another brand, worth $80 each. Something to Read Of the 45,000 users on the streaming platform Twitch who earn money, only a couple hundred earn a full-time living. But that hasn't stopped its 6.2 million monthly broadcasters from playing games in the hopes of making it big. In recent years, dozens of agencies have emerged on the scene to help streamers build their profiles. But a closer look at these contracts and interviews with people on the inside have revealed that exploitation runs rampant in the burgeoning industry. Sanity Check There are still a few days of summer left, which means it's not too late to get some camping in. If you're spending a night beneath the stars, here are the camping stoves you should consider bringing along. One Question How does Covid-19 affect the heart? Data from initial outbreaks suggests that 20 to 30 percent of hospitalized patients showed signs of cardiac injury, and other studies have found lingering heart inflammation and other cardiac abnormalities in many people who had Covid-19, some of whom didn't even show symptoms. So while we don't yet know exactly how Covid-19 impacts the heart, it's clear that even mild cases can do lasting damage. This is especially concerning because people who get coronavirus without realizing it could unwittingly do things shortly after their infection, like exercising, that could harm their hearts. Covid-19 Care Package ❓ From social distancing to viral spread to staying sane, here's everything we know and advise about the coronavirus. 📦 The Covid-19 virus can linger on objects for as little as a few hours or as long as a couple of days, depending on the surface. Here's the research. 😷 If you're planning to go out in public anytime soon, you're going to need a mask. Here are the best ones you can buy, or how to make one at home. 🧼 It's not just your hands that need washing—your gadgets, clothes, and home need it too. Here's how to properly disinfect your stuff. 💻 Some of you are work-from-home pros, but if you're new to it, here's how to stay productive without losing your mind. 😔 It's hard not to be anxious about a global pandemic, but here's how you can protect yourself and your family without spiraling, and how to not hate the loved ones you're quarantined with. ✂️ It may still be a while before you can see your hairstylist, so here's how to cut your hair at home, plus other ways to keep yourself lookin' fresh. 🦠 Read all of our coronavirus coverage here. Could Breathalyzers Make Covid Testing Quicker and Easier? A breath test would offer advantages over throat and nose swabs, but the technology is novel, and early trials with volunteers are still ongoing. If You've Just Had Covid, Exercise Might Not Be Good for You A growing number of studies are raising concerns about the coronavirus' long-term effects on the heart. Athletes especially need to heed the warnings. Shady Contracts, Raw Deals: Inside the Industry of Managing Video Game Stars Many of the two dozen streamers, managers, and lawyers WIRED spoke with described rampant exploitation they've seen or experienced in the booming business. CBP Seizes OnePlus Buds as Fake AirPods—and Doubles Down The US government has detained thousands of wireless earbuds on suspicion of being fake Apple goods—despite crystal clear branding from an established company.     This e-mail was sent to you by WIRED. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, wired@newsletters.wired.com, to your address book.   View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe or Manage your newsletter subscriptions