Covid-19 Pandemic
 Here’s the latest news from the global pandemic. Euro area sees record employment slump amid Covid crisisTrump, Biden clash over whether to require masks in the U.S.Japan’s virus-hit economy seen shrinking by record in awful quarter Covid’s still here, and the flu is coming. What will the winter look like? The uncertainty of that season shadowed the Covid-19 pandemic in the U.S. from the start, when the virus spread quickly in the waning days of last winter. Resuming school, gathering for holidays and cold weather driving people indoors could accelerate viral spread. The same factors shape the course of the annual flu epidemic that sweeps the northern hemisphere as the days get colder and shorter. The country has a window in the months ahead to avert the worst-case scenario of rampant coronavirus infections colliding with widespread flu. Both diseases on their own have filled hospitals past normal capacity, and together the burden could be unmanageable. Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Thursday that he’s optimistic the country will keep both viruses in check, if Americans diligently wear masks, maintain distance, wash hands, shun mass events — and get their flu shots. “There’s evidence that the American public are listening,” he said.  Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Photographer: Erin Scott/Bloomberg But even with new Covid cases trending downward from the summer peak, the country has a long way to go. Redfield said states should have less than 5% of Covid tests coming back positive — a threshold more than 30 states now exceed. That has raised the stakes for getting flu shots to more people this year. The vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months, but less than half of adults typically get it. This year, manufacturers produced a record supply of nearly 200 million doses for the U.S. and health officials are planning new efforts to reach underserved communities and exploring socially distanced ways to give the shot, like drive-through clinics. The same behaviors that spread Covid can also spread the flu. If Americans have truly learned from the summer surge, as Redfield believes, the winter may be milder on both fronts. But the window to drive down coronavirus cases before the flu arrives shrinks each day. —John Tozzi Track the virus Germany Sees Most New Cases Since May Confirmed cases worldwide are nearing 21 million. See the latest infection trends here.  Sponsored Content by Siemens America’s factories, power plants, transportation and hospitals all need technology and our technology is only as powerful as the people deploying and maintaining it. Keeping America moving takes more than technology alone. It takes a human touch. Siemens Ingenuity for life. What you should read Covid to Be Battle for Years Even With Vaccine Virus likely to flare up now and again and be constantly battled, like the flu. Thai Visa Plan Lures Expats Seeking Virus Haven Elite program starts at $16,000 and provides a renewable five-year visa. Tough Times for Qantas Selling Biscuits and Tea Website also offers pajamas, moisturizers and snacks as planes sit idle. Forced Isolation May Be Only Way to Stop Virus Failure to effectively manage contagious people is driving resurgences. U.K. Tourists in France Face Quarantine Chaos New U.K. rules also apply to the Netherlands, Malta, Monaco and Aruba. Know someone else who would like this newsletter? Have them sign up here. Have any questions, concerns, or news tips on Covid-19 news? Get in touch or help us cover the story. Like this newsletter? Subscribe for unlimited access to trusted, data-based journalism in 120 countries around the world and gain expert analysis from exclusive daily newsletters, The Bloomberg Open and The Bloomberg Close. Follow Us Get the newsletter You received this message because you are subscribed to Bloomberg’s Coronavirus Daily newsletter. Unsubscribe | Bloomberg.com | Contact Us Bloomberg L.P. 731 Lexington, New York, NY, 10022 |
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