General News 

As we mentioned yesterday, grim news was likely coming in the form of new COVID-19 projections and we received that data late Tuesday. At this point, experts predict the disease is likely to cause 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the U.S., even with mitigation efforts. If we did not act, projections suggest 1.5 million to 2.2 million Americans could die. As the New York Times noted, even under the best-case scenario, more Americans will die from coronavirus in the weeks and months ahead than those who died in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. More information from The Washington Post. Meanwhile, in a BBC article UN Secretary General António Guterres warned the outbreak is the biggest world challenge since World War Two.  

More sobering news, this time from CNN: morgues and funeral homes in New York City say they are now overwhelmed. In Brooklyn, a temporary morgue has been set up outside one hospital. And according to NPR, underlying health disparities could mean the coronavirus hits some communities harder than others. 

Research News 

We think this article is definitely worth reading: A story in the New York Times chronicles how COVID-19 changed the way the world does science. The article also repeatedly highlights the critical role of animal studies. Science Magazine explains how vaccine makers are taking their first shots at the new coronavirus with record-breaking speed. 

Several questions have been raised about the ways the virus spreads. This article out of Ohio looks at the risks of catching COVID-19 through the air. On that same topic, discussion continues about whether face masks should become common attire in instances where we need to venture into public spaces. 

News You Can Use 

Today, more expert advice on how to manage mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 crisis, this time from the World Economic Forum. And Science Magazine poses this question: Should pets be tested for coronavirus?

In Other News 

Many parents have worried about kids and the large amount of time they spend interacting with mobile devices, video games and other screens. However, this article in the New York Times declares that coronavirus has ended the screen-time debate…and the screens won. Also one interesting side-effect of the COVID-19 business and traffic slowdowns, photographers tell the BBC the night skies are clearer than ever before.