Covid-19 Pandemic

Here’s the latest news: White House infections backdrop Trump’s back-to-work pushSingapore hiring virus testing staff as cases growBoris Johnson outlines steps to lifting U.K. lockdown

The mutation question

The new coronavirus has mutated thousands of times. Mutating is normal. That’s just what viruses do. The bigger question is whether any of those mutations are significant — has the virus changed in some way that affects how we try to control or treat it? Recently, researchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory posited that at least one variant of SARS-CoV-2 had mutated in just such a way. They suggested that the mutation might not only be more contagious, but also occur in a part of the virus that could hamper efforts to develop a vaccine. The research, which was published prior to peer review, caused an uproar. The data, critics said, simply didn’t support such a bold claim. They argued the paper’s language sensationalized the actual findings. But the potential for such a significant mutation remains—and the Los Alamos study points to one plausible candidate. Researchers combed through a global database of SARS-CoV-2 variants and found one that stood out. It seemed to dominate quickly as the virus spread throughout Europe. And one of the mutations in that variant occurred in a key part of the virus: the spiky proteins that the virus used to attach to host cells. Much more data is needed to assess the threat of this mutation. Drugmakers for now say they are unconcerned. But scientists remain on the lookout for genetic changes that alter the way the virus operates.  “What we’re claiming is that this mutation needs to be studied aggressively, quickly,” said David Montefiori, a Duke University virologist and author of the Los Alamos study. “We’re not trying to blow things out of proportion.”—Kristen V. Brown

Tracking the virus

Covid-19 Ravages Black Communities In majority black counties, death rates from coronavirus are more than triple the national average, an analysis of Johns Hopkins University and Census Bureau data by Bloomberg News found. See the full details.

What you should read

Coronavirus Source Becomes Key Question WHO seeks new mission to China to hunt for pathogen’s origin.

Cases Near North Korea Border Spur Doubts China locks down northeastern city with growing outbreak.

Tesla’s Musk Raises Voice for Reopening Plant Carmaker sues county that has blocked factory from reopening.

Hong Kong Uses Virus Rules to Stop Protests Lawmakers say demonstrators arrested while nearby bars packed.

U.S. Looks Abroad for Reopening Inspiration White House cites South Korea, Austria as it calls for return to work.

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