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Coronaviruses

COVID-19 Pandemic Update: Global Cases and School reopenings Amidst Surge

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As millions of children head back to school, many countries are grappling with the challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. South Korea is closing schools in the Seoul metropolitan area due to a surge in coronavirus cases, while the World Health Organization has issued guidelines on whether children should wear face masks. Meanwhile, the United States continues to lead the world in infections and COVID-19 deaths, with 5.7 million reported cases and over 177,000 fatalities. Hong Kong has also seen a drop in coronavirus cases, allowing some businesses to reopen, but scientists at the University of Hong Kong have found the first known case of someone who was infected twice with COVID-19.

Key Takeaways:

  • South Korea closes schools in Seoul metropolitan area due to surge in coronavirus cases, with 280 new cases reported and a total of 3,175 cases over 12 days.
  • WHO and UNICEF issue guidelines on face mask use for children, recommending no face masks for children under 6, and "risk-based control" for children 6-11.
  • Children 12 and older need to wear masks, but should not be denied access to education if a mask is unavailable.
  • Studies suggest children who are infected with COVID-19 may have mild or asymptomatic symptoms, but can still spread the virus to adults.
  • In the US, the FDA head dismisses President Trump's accusation of a "deep state" working to complicate COVID-19 vaccine efforts, stating that FDA employees are committed to acting in the interests of all citizens.
  • Hong Kong sees a drop in coronavirus cases, allowing some businesses to reopen, but scientists at the University of Hong Kong discover the first known case of someone who was infected twice with COVID-19.
  • The 33-year-old male COVID-19 patient who was re-infected had a different strain than the one he had in March, suggesting that lifelong immunity may not exist for some people who have already had the virus.

Statistics:

  • 280 new cases of COVID-19 reported in South Korea in one day.
  • 3,175 total cases over 12 days in South Korea.
  • 18,000 total cases in South Korea.
  • 5.7 million reported cases of COVID-19 in the US.
  • 177,000 reported fatalities in the US due to COVID-19.
  • 23.6 million reported infections worldwide.
  • 813,800 reported fatalities worldwide due to COVID-19.
  • 12-day total of 280 new cases in South Korea, increasing the total to 3,175.
  • Hong Kong sees a drop in coronavirus cases after imposing strict social distancing measures.

Sources:

  • Voice of America (VOA)
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Reuters
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • University of Hong Kong

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