What’s The Great Barrington Declaration?

Plus: Florida-LSU game postponed due to Covid-19 outbreak

As America continues to top global death rates due to the Covid-19 pandemic, scientists, politicians and researchers are scrambling for ideas on how to bring cases down. But some ideas are better than others. Recently, it has been reported that the White House is considering endorsing a herd immunity strategy highlighted by a document called “The Great Barrington Declaration.” This document proposes a strategy of “focused protection,” where people who are more vulnerable to Covid-19 should be protected from the virus, while those who are seemingly not as vulnerable should be exposed to the virus by going about their daily life. Though it might sound reasonable, there are actually many flaws to this plan. And experts around the world are weighing in, with some agreeing with it while others are calling it highly unethical.

President Donald Trump's Covid-19 Infection

Even though the President is no longer infected, Dr. Anthony Fauci said today that his large in-person rallies still pose risks for Covid-19 transmission. 

First Lady Melania Trump disclosed today that her fourteen-year-old son Barron Trump had also tested positive for Covid-19, but showed no symptoms of the disease.

Business

Yesterday, an Eli Lilly manufacturing plant that was preparing to produce a new Covid-19 treatment was found to be in violation of FDA standards. 

Health insurance company UnitedHealth Group reported $3 billion in profit in the third quarter, down from $6 billion in Q2, as people who had stopped seeking healthcare due to the pandemic have resumed normal healthcare patterns.

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to the Walt Disney Company today alleging that the entertainment giant has been hanging its frontline workers out to dry during the pandemic.

Science & Health

Researchers are urging doctors to discuss with patients the possibility of hearing loss after a Covid-19 infection. 

Russia has granted regulatory approval to a second Covid-19 vaccine, before phase 3 clinical trials have even begun.

More research suggests that blood type may be a factor for severe Covid-19 infection, but experts say more studies must be completed.

On The Upside

YouTube Bans Misinformation: YouTube has announced that it will ban videos on its platform that peddle misinformation about Covid-19 vaccines.