Kansas' "natural experiment" shows power of covering faces to thwart spread of COVID-19
CDC rebuts anti-mask crusaders but stops short of recommending face shields, and America has a uniquely large obstacle to an effective COVID-19 vaccine.
Here are the top stories as this week ends and we pause to reflect on more than 160,000 Americans who have died from COVID-19.
For a quick summary of the latest data, Johns Hopkins produced a short video.
More proof that covering your face works
Even those most of the state refused mask mandates, Kansas health director Lee Norman says that the state’s recent decline in new COVID-19 cases is entirely attributable to the 17 counties that require face coverings. (Chart provided by Kansas Department of Health and Environment.)
We already knew the obese women and men are more likely to have poor outcomes when infected with COVID-19, now scientists are concerned that obesity also will hinder any COVID-19 vaccine. With an obesity rate in the USA over 40%, this is an issue that affects Americans more than others.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its Considerations for Wearing Masks to address many of the common misperceptions, including who should not wear masks for medical or other reasons. It also added a section on face shields, noting that face shields alone are not effective except as eye protection.
Hawaii is reinstating inter-island travel restrictions as new COVID-19 cases increased 85% over the past week, according to CNBC. The state still has a very low COVID-19 rate — only 2,914 confirmed cases as of today, according to the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 tracker.
From the police blotter:
Accused rapist released from Virginia jail due to COVID-19 kills his accuser, according to the Washington Post.
You knew this was coming: the American Bankers Association says bank robbers are exploiting face mask mandates to hide while committing crimes.