China

February satellite readings in the troposphere (the lower atmosphere) of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a pollutant primarily from burning fossil fuels, show a dramatic decline compared to early January when power plants were operating at normal levels.

Why China's Air Has Been Cleaner During The Coronavirus Outbreak

6:42pm March 04, 2020

by Lauren Sommer

Air pollution levels have dropped dramatically as power plants and factories have slowed down — potentially saving lives. But the public health benefits aren't so simple to calculate.

Bar chart showing death rate of the coronavirus in China

Why The Death Rate From Coronavirus Is Plunging In China

11:30am March 04, 2020

by Nurith Aizenman

And what that means for the rest of the world. Researchers have found three likely reasons for the drop in the fatality rate.

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Police in riot gear move through a cloud of smoke as they detain a protester, in November. Freedom House cited the willingness of people in Hong Kong to protest as encouraging.

Freedom House Report Finds Freedom On The Wane Worldwide

12:25am March 04, 2020

by David Welna

The annual survey of the state of global freedom includes the world's two biggest democracies — India and the U.S. — among nations where freedom is declining.

The government lockdown orders in Wuhan, China, have emptied the city's streets.

Health & Safety

Personal Essay: Coronavirus Lockdown Is A 'Living Hell'

12:27pm March 03, 2020

by A Resident Of Wuhan

A young person in the city where the novel coronavirus was first discovered reflects on how the government's response has forever changed her.

As the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads to more areas, a health worker checks a man's temperature at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Duhok, Iraq, last Tuesday.

Coronavirus Update: Containment Is Possible, WHO Says

7:33pm March 02, 2020

by Bill Chappell

"We have never before seen a respiratory pathogen that is capable of community transmission but which can also be contained with the right measures," the WHO's Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at a news conference at the State Department, last week.

5 Chinese State Media Outlets In U.S. Told To Reduce Nationals On Staffs

6:50pm March 02, 2020

by David Welna

The news organizations will be limited to 100 Chinese employees in the U.S. The State Department says the move is aimed at ending restrictions on U.S. journalists working in China.

A poster dated Dec 1st, 1937 encouraging persons with syphilis to seek proper treatment as soon as possible.

China's Red Banners Take On Coronavirus. Even Mahjong Gets A Mention

7:00am March 01, 2020

The traditional propaganda tool is now addressing the outbreak. Like public health messages in many parts of the world, the banners can be straightforward, scary ... and quite creative.

Workers wear protective face masks at the Yanfeng Adient factory in Shanghai, where car seats are assembled, on Feb. 24.

As New Coronavirus Cases Slow In China, Factories Start Reopening

11:32am February 29, 2020

Strict quarantine measures have prevented 300 million migrant workers from returning to work. Now local authorities are trying to get businesses going again. The main bottleneck: a shrunken workforce.

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A face mask adorns a statue of St. Francis of Assisi in the town of San Fiorano, one of the places in Italy on lockdown due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. The picture was taken by schoolteacher Marzio Toniolo.

WHO Says Risk Of COVID-19 Is Now 'Very High At A Global Level'

4:54pm February 28, 2020

by Bill Chappell

On Monday, 29 countries reported having cases of the coronavirus disease. It's now been confirmed in nearly 50 nations.

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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