Health & Safety

Johns Hopkins University's tracking site shows almost 2.7 million confirmed cases in the U.S. as of Wednesday. Total U.S. deaths from COVID-19 are more than double those of Brazil, which ranks second.

They're made of cotton. Or polyester. Or paper. Or polypropylene. Here's what researchers say about the effectiveness of the different types of face masks during this pandemic.

As coronavirus cases surge in many states, a new color-coding tool backed by a coalition of top scientists provides an apples-to-apples way of comparing outbreak severity, down to the county level.

The current surge in cases can be contained, says White House advisor Anthony Fauci. But it's going to take a real focus on social distancing — and mask wearing.

The Paycheck Protection Program, part of the $3 trillion pandemic response package passed by Congress in March, has been extended to Aug. 8.

Environmental dangers, including wildfires and groundwater poisoning, ended the Rushmore pyrotechnics a decade ago. Now they're back, defying a pandemic and protests.

Alabama extended its health orders in response to the jump in coronavirus infections. But State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris says officials have had trouble enforcing the orders already in place.

Totaling about 4,000, they began working Wednesday. They'll face two historic challenges: the coronavirus pandemic and some of the most restrictive immigration policies the U.S. has seen in decades.

Restaurants, wineries, zoos and museums in the affected counties must shift their operations outdoors, Gov. Gavin Newsom says. Bars will shut down entirely.

A narrow majority approved the ballot measure, making Oklahoma the 37th state to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. An estimated 200,000 uninsured adults will now qualify for coverage.

View NPR's maps and graphics to see where COVID-19 is hitting hardest in the U.S., which state outbreaks are growing and which are leveling off.