Health & Safety

The most common test for coronavirus infections checks for the virus' genetic material. A blood test that, instead, measures antibodies against the virus could give doctors and researchers more information.

How A Coronavirus Blood Test Could Solve Some Medical Mysteries

1:35pm February 28, 2020

by Richard Harris

Researchers in Asia are using a blood test that identifies people who have previously been exposed to the new coronavirus. In the U.S., that kind of test isn't yet available.

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Health & Safety

U.S. Needs To Lead Coronavirus Coordination, Expert Says

11:09am February 28, 2020

NPR's David Greene talks to Dr. Dennis Carroll, who has been an infectious disease expert for the federal government for decades, about the response to the coronavirus outbreak.

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Health & Safety

Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus

10:51am February 28, 2020

by Malaka Gharib

You may have heard the word "coronavirus" online or on TV. You probably have a lot of questions. Check out our comic to get some answers — and print out a zine version at home.

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News Brief: Coronavirus Effects, Democratic Nominating Contest

6:28am February 28, 2020

Stocks continue their free-fall amid fears of the coronavirus. Scientists suggest ways people can prepare for an outbreak. And, South Carolina's Democratic primary takes place Saturday.

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Health & Safety

After Coronavirus Outbreak, Protective Masks Are In Short Supply

6:28am February 28, 2020

by Greg Rosalsky

Prices for protective masks have surged as fears of coronavirus spread. Demand for masks has easily outpaced the current supply. The U.S. government is urging manufacturers to scale up production.

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A tourist wearing a mask poses for a photo with the Olympic rings in the background, at Tokyo's Odaiba district, in a photo taken last month.

Olympic Officials Dismiss 'Speculation' That Coronavirus Could Disrupt Tokyo Games

9:37pm February 27, 2020

by H.J. Mai

The statement comes in response to remarks made earlier this week by a longtime International Olympic Committee member who suggested a late May deadline to decide the fate of the Tokyo Games.

U.S. global AIDS coordinator Debbie Birx was named as Vice President Pence's point person on the coronavirus response on Thursday.

White House Names AIDS Expert Debbie Birx To Help Lead Coronavirus Response

5:57pm February 27, 2020

by Franco Ordoñez

The White House had rebuffed suggestions to name an official "czar" to lead the coronavirus response. But on Thursday, Vice President Pence announced Birx would coordinate the administration's effort.

Waiters stand by an empty restaurant in Venice's St. Mark's Square, which would normally be full of tourists, as a coronavirus outbreak grows in Italy.

Coronavirus Updates: Italy Reports 650 Cases And 17 Deaths

5:11pm February 27, 2020

by Bill Chappell

Italy says its cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus spiked by more than 50% in just 24 hours. Fears over the virus are forcing top-level soccer matches to be played without any fans present.

Health & Safety

CDC Resolves Coronavirus Test Problem, Meaning Wider And Quicker Testing

4:23pm February 27, 2020

by Rob Stein

The U.S. government says it has resolved a problem with its test for the new coronavirus, which should resolve a testing bottleneck and provide a powerful tool for slowing its spread in the U.S.

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Maine Referendum Could Bring Back Religious And Philosophical Exemptions For Vaccines

4:23pm February 27, 2020

by Patty Wight

Maine voters will soon decide whether to repeal a new state law that eliminates non-medical exemptions for vaccines. The question pits personal freedom against public health.

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