| Moderna releases vaccine plan, South Africa experiences a low death rate relative to its high infection rate, and an HHS communications official goes on leave. Here's what you should know: Headlines Moderna releases its plan for completing coronavirus vaccine trials Moderna released a lengthy document today outlining its plan for completing trials for its coronavirus vaccine safely, thoroughly, and effectively. The company is the first of those developing a vaccine to release its study plan, known as a protocol, heeding calls from researchers. Its Phase III study is already well underway, with more than 25,000 of an intended 30,000 volunteers enrolled. South Africa's rate of infection is far higher than its death rate, suggesting possible widespread immunity South African officials estimate that some 12 million people have "probably" gotten coronavirus within the country's borders, which will reopen on October 1. This means that more than 20 percent of South Africa's population may have had the virus. Though many have died, the country's death rate appears much lower than its rate of infection, which the country's health minister said he believes might show a widespread level of immunity. HHS communications official going on leave after peddling conspiracy theories online HHS announced yesterday that Michael Caputo, its assistant secretary for public affairs, will be on leave for the next 60 days. The news comes days after Caputo took to Facebook Live to peddle conspiracy theories, accusing government scientists of sedition and encouraging supporters of President Trump to prepare for armed insurrection. A top aide of Caputo's will also leave the agency permanently. Daily Distraction Yesterday was the first day of the annual WIRED25 celebration, featuring Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, Brie Larson, and many others. Don't worry if you missed it: You can watch the full evening of events here. Something to Read If things had gone according to plan, Hong Kong's 4.6 million registered voters would have cast their ballots last week. Instead, Beijing postponed their election by a year over the summer, days after primaries to determine which pro-democracy candidates would run in September had record turnout. Chinese officials cited coronavirus as the reason for the postponement. In reality, it was one of many moves made in recent months to undo Hong Kong's tenuous status as a democracy. Sanity Check Social media platforms are engineered to feed users many of the opinions that match their own. If you want to diversify your feed and break out of your echo chamber, here's how. One Question How can students deal with school in a pandemic? Whether your children are attending classes in-person, online, or some combination of the two, we have a few tips to help them continue to learn in these unusual circumstances. Communicating and making connections outside of class, staying on top of work as best as they can, and recognizing that this situation is a challenge for everyone—including teachers—can all make a difference. 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. | 
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