What We’re Reading: Vaccine Promised by End of Year; Fears of Reinfection; College Contingency Plans

Trump Promises COVID-19 Vaccine by End of Year

On the final night of the Republican National Convention, President Donald Trump promised that the nation would produce a vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) “before the end of the year, or maybe even sooner.” According to The New York Times’ transcript of his speech formally accepting his renomination for the presidency, he highlighted the progress made under Operation Warp Speed, the administration’s project accelerating the development of a vaccine, and noted that 3 vaccines are currently in the final stage of trials.

News of COVID-19 Reinfection Stokes Anxiety Among Survivors

Amid news this week of confirmed cases of COVID-19 reinfection, STAT reported that some survivors of the disease are experiencing anxiety over the possibility that they could experience it again. Those interviewed in the STAT article reported symptoms of panic when venturing into grocery stores and other crowded places, and experts say that the shortness of breath and elevated heart rate resulting from anxiety may be exacerbated by the breathing difficulties that can linger after a bout with the virus.

Colleges Release Quarantine Data, Prepare for Possible Shutdowns

Colleges with students returning to campus for the fall semester are releasing COVID-19 testing data and the percentage of quarantine rooms occupied, according to the Associated Press. For instance, the University of Virginia currently has 5% of its quarantine rooms filled, and James Madison University has around 10% of its quarantine and isolation beds occupied. Meanwhile, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York has announced conditions under which colleges must switch to virtual learning for 2 weeks: an outbreak of at least 100 cases or 5% of its population.