Health & Safety

Health & Safety

Why The True Fatality Rate Of COVID-19 Is Hard To Estimate

3:54pm April 24, 2020

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Natalie Dean, an assistant professor of biostatistics at the University of Florida, about the real fatality rates of COVID-19 — and why estimates vary.

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President Trump's speculations about coronavirus treatment during Thursday's briefing have been roundly rejected by doctors, epidemiologists and manufacturers alike. Trump later said he was being "sarcastic."

'Under No Circumstance': Lysol Maker, Officials Reject Trump's Disinfectant Idea

3:14pm April 24, 2020

by Colin Dwyer

Prominent figures warned against his musing that UV light or other disinfectants — "by injection inside or almost a cleaning" — may treat the coronavirus. Trump later said he was being "sarcastic."

Employees wearing protective masks work in a call center run by Uttar Pradesh state police in April during a lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Lucknow, India.

India's Lockdown Puts Strain On Call Centers

3:08pm April 24, 2020

When India began the world's largest lockdown in March, it threw call centers into chaos as employees couldn't commute to work. Now millions are adapting to work from home, amid security challenges.

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A month ago, Attorney General William Barr created a price gouging and hoarding task force.

As Fraudsters Exploit Pandemic Fears, Justice Department Looks To Crack Down

3:02pm April 24, 2020

by Ryan Lucas

Crimes including hoarding, price gouging and hawking fake treatments are spreading along with the virus, officials say. Prosecutors are focusing efforts on that "dark underbelly" of society.

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North Carolina Public Schools Closed For Rest Of School Year

2:49pm April 24, 2020

by Associated Press

Volunteers disinfect a mosque ahead of prayers during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Friday.

Muslims Around The World Face A Different Kind Of Ramadan

1:50pm April 24, 2020

by Scott Neuman

Observance of the Muslim holy month of fasting, prayer and festivities is being curtailed in many parts of the world due to COVID-19. But in some countries, the pandemic hasn't dissuaded the faithful.

Dan Settle sits outside Chris' Barber Shop as he waits his turn for a haircut in Lilburn, Ga., on Friday.

Sun Rays, Disinfectants And False Hopes: Misinformation Litters The Road To Reopening

1:50pm April 24, 2020

by Domenico Montanaro

Georgia is set to open up lots of businesses Friday — despite not meeting the benchmarks to move into phase one of the White House's reopening guidelines.

Emergency room doctors and nurses work on Monday at St. Joseph's Hospital in Yonkers, N.Y. New York has seen the most coronavirus-related deaths of any state.

U.S. Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 50,000

1:47pm April 24, 2020

by Austin Horn

Over 880,000 cases have been confirmed, as of Friday afternoon. New York City and the surrounding area have been hit hardest, with about half of all deaths coming from New York state or New Jersey.

A pop-up bakery in the town of Shoubak, Jordan, offers traditional Ramadan dessert known as qatayef a day before the start of the holy month.

Charity Gains New Importance For Muslims Observing Ramadan Amid Economic Shutdowns

1:18pm April 24, 2020

by Jane Arraf

Giving to the poor is an essential part of the holy month, which began Friday, and with so many people thrown out of work, observers say it's particularly needed now.

Only 28% of the factories that make active ingredients for pharmaceuticals for the domestic market are located in the U.S., according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Health & Safety

What Would It Take To Bring More Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Back To The U.S.?

1:13pm April 24, 2020

by Sydney Lupkin

Experts say it could be dangerous to rely on overseas production of medicine in a crisis, but the U.S. largely does. Rebuilding domestic capacity would take years and substantial investments.