The head of the FDA says he would fast-track a vaccine, India reports record numbers of new cases, and CDC guidelines for Covid-19 testing remain unclear. Here's what you should know: Headlines The head of the FDA says he would fast-track a promising Covid-19 vaccine Stephen Hahn, the head of the FDA, said the agency would authorize use of a Covid-19 vaccine before the completion of Phase 3 trials as long as it seems like this will do more good than harm. This may mean issuing an emergency authorization for certain populations rather than approving it for everyone. Hahn insists this has nothing to do with politics. India sees spike in new cases as plans to reopen continue Today marks the second day in a row that India has surpassed the US's record high of daily new infections, with 78,512 new cases reported. Despite the spike in cases, officials are determined to continue reopening the economy: Urban metro trains will still be allowed to resume service next week, and gatherings of up to 100 people will be allowed later in the month. Confusion reigns surrounding new CDC guidelines for limiting Covid-19 testing Last week, the CDC sent mixed messages about the future of Covid-19 testing in the US. First, the guidelines were altered to say that individuals don't necessarily need a test even if they were in contact with someone who is positive for the virus, a change that reportedly came from the White House. Following swift backlash, the CDC walked back this statement, but it's still unclear what Covid-19 testing in the US will look like going forward. Daily Distraction Nearly 30 years after their last adventure, beloved time travelers Bill and Ted are back. In the newly released Bill and Ted Face The Music, the friends take on family life and middle-age in addition to fulfilling their "rock and roll destiny." Something to Read In 1861 and 1862, a massive flood besieged California, the worst natural disaster to hit the western United States since colonists made landfall in the 1500s. In an excerpt from his new book, Perilous Bounty, Tom Philpott explains that another megaflood may be on the horizon. Sanity Check Sick of prepping every meal in your home kitchen? Eager to get outside? It might be time to break out a Coleman camping stove. One Question How is the pandemic changing the global information ecosystem? It's no secret that misinformation concerning all aspects of coronavirus is running rampant online. And the suppression of important information is becoming an issue for autocracies and democracies alike. But there are also people all over the world and the web—from Wikipedia editors to pro-vaccine social media users—working hard to keep people informed. What can you do? Watch where you're getting information from, and curb the spread of rumors the same way we're curbing the spread of germs. 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 days, depending on the surface. Here's the research. 😷 If you're planning on going 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. |