Global Health

A colorized scanning electron micrograph of a cell (green) heavily infected with particles (orange) from the virus that causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient sample.

WHO: Aerosolized Particles Unlikely To Be Significant Source Of COVID-19 Transmission

7:46pm July 09, 2020

by Pien Huang

After 239 scientists raised concerns about transmission by aerosolized particles, the World Health Organization has issued a brief on the role of aerosolized particles — and called for more research.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a meeting last week at WHO headquarters in Geneva. Tedros says the coronavirus "thrives on division."

Lack Of Unity Is A Bigger Threat Than Coronavirus, WHO Chief Says In Emotional Speech

3:56pm July 09, 2020

by Bill Chappell

"How is it difficult for humans to unite and fight a common enemy that is killing people indiscriminately?" WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus asks.

A women's movement activist holds a sign that reads in Portuguese "Genocide 60 thousand deaths, Bolsonaro out," during a protest against the government's handling of the pandemic earlier this month.

Brazil's Bolsonaro Sued For Unmasking As He Announced Positive Test For COVID-19

11:16pm July 08, 2020

by Scott Neuman

The Brazilian Press Association, or ABI, said that Bolsonaro had unnecessarily endangered a small group of journalists who interviewed him at his official residence.

Indian Company Starts Mass-Producing Coronavirus Vaccines Before Trials

3:56pm July 08, 2020

by Lauren Frayer

An Indian vaccine company has started mass production of four coronavirus vaccines before clinical trials. If one of the formulas proves effective, India will have hundreds of millions of doses ready.

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A passerby wears a mask out of concern for the coronavirus while walking past an American flag displayed in Boston on Tuesday. The U.S. has now recorded more than 3 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

3 Million Cases: Coronavirus Continues To Surge Across U.S.

12:25pm July 08, 2020

by Bill Chappell

One million of those cases have been confirmed over the past month — part of a wave of infection that began after many states started to reopen their economies in May.

The World Health Organization in Geneva has faced criticism from President Trump over its handling of the pandemic.

Health & Safety

Trump Sets Date To End WHO Membership Over Its Handling Of Virus

7:46pm July 07, 2020

by Pien Huang

In a letter to the U.N., the president said the United States will terminate its relationship with the World Health Organization effective July 6, 2021. He was met with a barrage of criticism.

Health & Safety

The United States To Withdraw From The World Health Organization

5:43pm July 07, 2020

by Jason Beaubien

The Trump administration notified the United Nations Tuesday that the U.S. is withdrawing from the World Health Organization. NPR discusses what it could mean for the WHO to lose its largest donor.

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Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has repeatedly doubted the severity of the virus since it first found a foothold in Brazil, reportedly in late February.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Tests Positive For Coronavirus

5:22pm July 07, 2020

by Colin Dwyer

The 65-year-old leader revealed the result Tuesday on national TV. Bolsonaro has repeatedly downplayed the virus's dangers, despite Brazil suffering the world's second-largest outbreak.

Israeli security forces control access to a neighborhood that has been isolated following an increase in coronavirus cases in the southern coastal city of Ashdod last week.

Amid New Surge In Virus Cases, Israel's Top Public Health Official Resigns

2:20pm July 07, 2020

by Daniel Estrin

Siegal Sadetzki said Tuesday that Israeli leaders ignored her warnings and the country reopened too fast. "The compass handling the pandemic lost its direction," she said in her resignation letter.

Coronavirus And Drinking Games: Author Of New Book Sees Commonalities

1:24pm July 07, 2020

by Susan Brink

Adam Kucharski, author of the new book The Rules Of Contagion, talks about how to predict the spread (and end) of contagious events, from viruses to internet trends.