Forbes - Microsoft CEO On Economic Recovery

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A few weeks ago, the Trump Administration temporarily froze U.S. payments to the World Health Organization. Earlier today, the President sent a letter to the organization threatening to halt U.S. funding permanently unless it “demonstrates independence from China.” China responded by claiming the Administration is trying to shift the blame for its own missteps. This tension between the U.S, the WHO and China is escalating at the same time that public health experts are calling for more international cooperation to stop the pandemic. A group of public health law experts wrote last week that the U.S. should take the lead in the international response against the disease. Health expert Barry Bloom, who has fought disease all over the globe, noted that “infectious diseases do not respect national boundaries” and that despite its missteps, WHO remains the “last best hope” for much of the world.

Business

The Dow fell over 400 points today as questions were raised over data announced yesterday about Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine.

In the U.K., jobless claims have hit their highest point since 1996.

Nearly 4 million stimulus checks will go out this week as pre-paid debit cards.

Nearly half of U.S. families say the pandemic has changed their college plans.

Science & Health

The U.S. government signed a $354 million, four-year contract with pharmaceutical company Phlow Corp. to increase American production of medications that may help treat Covid-19.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have issued guidelines for nursing homes to follow before they can be reopened to visitors.

The Navajo nation has the highest per-capita rate of Covid-19 infection in the United States.

The CDC found that an outbreak of Covid-19 in Arkansas could be traced back to gatherings at a single church.

Organ donations have declined significantly during the pandemic.

On the Upside

EdTech company Guild Education, which provides education resources for employees, just completed an $80 million acquisition for Entangled Group. The goal of the acquisition is to make it easier for laid off employees to find new jobs.