Misleading headlines fuel misinformation
FDA goes slower on convalescent plasma treatment for COVID-19, CDC warns to keep pets safe just like humans, and Sweden records record number of deaths.
Here are the top COVID-19 stories for today:
The FDA pulled back on plans to issue an emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma as a COVID-19 treatment after a study by Mayo Clinic researchers found disappointing results in some instances. The Mayo study appears to suggest that there is a significant difference in outcomes depending on the level of antibodies transfused and the timing of that treatment. This may delay availability of this treatment while researchers refine parameters for its efficacy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its COVID-19 “toolkit” for households, with guidelines on how to keep multiple generations healthy and what steps should be taken daily during the pandemic. One item of note: the CDC says to treat pets just like any other household member. “Do not let pets interact with people outside the household.”
Read past the headlines: Sweden’s chief epidemiologist opposes universal mask orders but not for the reasons many people may presume. His main reason is that masks alone won’t stop COVID-19. Social distancing, diligent hygiene and avoiding gatherings are also important. Says the expert, if you “think you can crowd your buses or your shopping malls - that's definitely a mistake.”
Meanwhile, Sweden had its largest number of deaths in the first half of 2020 since 1869. The 51,405 deaths were 15% higher than the same period last year, according to CNN.
Next edition will be on Monday, unless anything special comes up that warrants immediate attention.
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