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Coronavirus live news: Brazil death toll passes Italy; virus 'under control' in France, says government adviser Coronavirus live news: Brazil death toll passes Italy; virus 'under control' in France, says government adviser
(32 minutes later)
New York urges protesters to get tested; Turkey announces weekend lockdown in 15 cities; US jobless claims pass 42mNew York urges protesters to get tested; Turkey announces weekend lockdown in 15 cities; US jobless claims pass 42m
The German chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese premier Li Keqiang will hold a video conference on Thursday to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, economic policy and international issues, a German government spokesman has said.
Malaysia has reported 19 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the cumulative total to 8,266 infections.
The health ministry also reported its first death in two weeks, raising the number of fatalities to 116.
Earlier on Friday, Malaysia’s prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin unveiled an additional economic stimulus package worth around $8.2bn in a bid to revitalise industries badly hit by the pandemic.
Mining sites in Canada, the US and around the world have become hotspots for the spread of coronavirus, and approximately 4,000 mine workers in 18 countries have tested positive, according to a report by an international coalition of non-profit groups.
The report links mining sites to virus outbreaks in several Indigenous and remote communities.
In a separate statement more than 330 organisations around the world called mining “one of the most polluting, deadly, and destructive industries” and accused the industry of ignoring the threats of pandemic and using it to weaken regulations.
“We reject the central claim that mining represents an essential service,” it reads.
The mining industry pushed governments to declare them “essential” and many continue to operate throughout the pandemic in the US and Canada, said Kirsten Francescone of MiningWatch Canada, one of the non-profit groups that authored the report.
At least 45 infected workers from a fly-in, fly-out work camp housing thousands at Exxon’s Imperial Oil Kearl Lake oil sands mine project in northern Alberta flew home in mid-April unknowingly spreading the virus in five Canadian provinces.
This triggered an outbreak in a remote northern Saskatchewan Dene village, killing two elders, and in a long-term care home in British Columbia. The Kearl Lake outbreak has expanded to 107 cases as the mine continues to operate.
In mid-May another Alberta oilsands operation reported an outbreak but Alberta government officials insist these operations must remain open to protect the economy, said Francescone. “These outbreaks are hardly surprising with mine workers living together in camps.”
British pharma giant AstraZeneca is “on track” to begin rolling out up to two billion doses of a coronavirus vaccine in September if ongoing trials prove successful, its chief executive said on Friday.
The company is partnering with Oxford University, which has pioneered the vaccine, and is already manufacturing doses before seeking final regulatory approval once testing concludes in the coming months.
AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot told the BBC:
The firm announced this week it had struck agreements with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, and the Serum Institute of India to double production capacity of the Covid-19 vaccine to two billion doses.
The partnership with the Indian institute - one of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturers - will help supply it to a large number of low- and middle-income countries.
AstraZeneca has established separate supply chains for the vaccine in Europe, the United States, India and is also looking at setting up production in China, Soriot said.
He added AstraZeneca, which is undertaking the work on a non-profit basis, could lose money if trials prove disappointing.
But he said the company was sharing the financial risk with organisations such as CEPI.
“We’re manufacturing indeed at risk - and that’s the only way to have the vaccine ready to go if it works,” he added.
Oxford University began initial trials of its Covid-19 vaccine with hundreds of volunteers in April, and is now expanding them to 10,000 participants.
It said last month they were “progressing very well”.
Researchers announced this week they will also start tests in mid-June in Brazil, the first country outside Britain to take part in the study, as the South American country’s virus infection rate spirals while the UK’s falls.
French winemakers are to turn unsold wine into hand gel and ethanol to make room for this year’s production, the country’s farming agency has said.
The government agency FranceAgriMer said around 3m hectolitres needed distilling as a result of lower sales during the coronavirus crisis.
Winemakers have been hit by the closure of bars and restaurants in France and abroad. Exports to the US, which halved after the Trump administration introduced punitive 25% tariffs last October, fell further after the Covid-19 outbreak.
FranceAgriMer said that from Friday, 33 distilleries had been authorised to collect 2m hectolitres of unsold wine to transform it into ethanol or hydro-alcoholic gel in order to free up room in vintners’ caves for this year’s production.
The exceptional measure has been approved by Brussels, and the EU will finance the distillation, the agency added.
Similar measures are being employed in Spain and Italy to deal with an excess of wine and to destroy young grapes.
The alcohol produced through the distilling process will be used by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry and for the production of hand sanitising gel.
Turkish president Tayyip Erdoğan has cancelled a weekend lockdown announced late on Thursday after a public backlash, but warned of a rise in the number of daily coronavirus cases.
On Thursday, Turkey’s interior ministry announced the stay-at-home order in 15 cities to prevent the spread of the virus, continuing the country’s policy of weekend lockdowns.
In a series of tweets, Erdoğan said the government had to impose the weekend lockdown after daily new Covid-19 cases rose from around 700 to nearly 1,000.
“However, the reactions we received from our people pushed us to re-evaluate the decision” and the lockdown is now revoked, he said, urging citizens to follow social distancing and hygiene measures.
The Philippines’ health ministry has confirmed three new coronavirus deaths and 244 more infections, the lowest single-day increase in cases in two weeks.The Philippines’ health ministry has confirmed three new coronavirus deaths and 244 more infections, the lowest single-day increase in cases in two weeks.
The ministry said total deaths have reached 987 while confirmed cases have risen to 20,626. There are 4,330 patients who have recovered.The ministry said total deaths have reached 987 while confirmed cases have risen to 20,626. There are 4,330 patients who have recovered.
A professional rugby union team that set off for an away match on 23 February have still not made it home, the BBC have reported.A professional rugby union team that set off for an away match on 23 February have still not made it home, the BBC have reported.
The Manuma Samoa team set off for a match in Perth, Australia over 100 days ago, and were forced to quarantine in New Zealand on their way home - where they ended up stuck when the country closed its borders.The Manuma Samoa team set off for a match in Perth, Australia over 100 days ago, and were forced to quarantine in New Zealand on their way home - where they ended up stuck when the country closed its borders.
They lived in a church compound in Auckland for three months, with 20 players sharing one room.They lived in a church compound in Auckland for three months, with 20 players sharing one room.
“When we arrived in New Zealand it was summer,” the team’s video analyst, Hari Junior Narayan, told the BBC. “When we left it was winter.”“When we arrived in New Zealand it was summer,” the team’s video analyst, Hari Junior Narayan, told the BBC. “When we left it was winter.”
The squad is now back in Samoa, halfway through a two-week quarantine, after which they will finally be reunited with their families.The squad is now back in Samoa, halfway through a two-week quarantine, after which they will finally be reunited with their families.
“My daughter is four months old,” said Narayan. “The last time I saw her, she was one month, so I’ve missed a lot.”“My daughter is four months old,” said Narayan. “The last time I saw her, she was one month, so I’ve missed a lot.”
All air traffic at Israel’s principal airport was shut down on Friday after workers walked off the job to demand compensation for wages lost due to the coronavirus crisis.All air traffic at Israel’s principal airport was shut down on Friday after workers walked off the job to demand compensation for wages lost due to the coronavirus crisis.
Global demand for air travel has plummeted amid the pandemic and Ben Gurion airport, near Tel Aviv, put about 2,500 airport workers on unpaid leave in early March.Global demand for air travel has plummeted amid the pandemic and Ben Gurion airport, near Tel Aviv, put about 2,500 airport workers on unpaid leave in early March.
The Israel Airports Authority’s workers’ union has demanded the country negotiate a compensation package with airport workers.The Israel Airports Authority’s workers’ union has demanded the country negotiate a compensation package with airport workers.
“The workers that were placed on unpaid leave have now stopped receiving unemployment benefits. We need the government to find a solution,” the union spokeswoman Gali Gabbay said.“The workers that were placed on unpaid leave have now stopped receiving unemployment benefits. We need the government to find a solution,” the union spokeswoman Gali Gabbay said.
Most flights at the airport had already been halted due to the pandemic, save for a handful of daily passenger and cargo services.Most flights at the airport had already been halted due to the pandemic, save for a handful of daily passenger and cargo services.
The workers’ strike will affect 37 flights on Friday, 17 outbound and 20 inbound, the airport said. It did not say how many were passenger or cargo flights.The workers’ strike will affect 37 flights on Friday, 17 outbound and 20 inbound, the airport said. It did not say how many were passenger or cargo flights.
Israel has not said when it will end Covid-19 border restrictions.Israel has not said when it will end Covid-19 border restrictions.
A US aircraft carrier ship, whose captain was removed for scathing remarks about a coronavirus outbreak onboard, has returned to service in the Pacific Ocean, authorities said.A US aircraft carrier ship, whose captain was removed for scathing remarks about a coronavirus outbreak onboard, has returned to service in the Pacific Ocean, authorities said.
Brett Crozier lost his command in early April as punishment for the leak of a letter he sent to superiors seeking tougher action against the spread of Covid-19 on his ship, the USS Theodore Roosevelt.Brett Crozier lost his command in early April as punishment for the leak of a letter he sent to superiors seeking tougher action against the spread of Covid-19 on his ship, the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Hailed as a hero by his crew, Crozier’s case is now being reconsidered by the US navy, which has recommended his reinstatement to the defense secretary, Mark Esper.Hailed as a hero by his crew, Crozier’s case is now being reconsidered by the US navy, which has recommended his reinstatement to the defense secretary, Mark Esper.
The massive carrier was sidelined for about 10 weeks because of the outbreak, which infected a fifth of its 5,000 sailors, but set sail again from the US Pacific territory of Guam on Thursday, the ship’s public affairs office said.The massive carrier was sidelined for about 10 weeks because of the outbreak, which infected a fifth of its 5,000 sailors, but set sail again from the US Pacific territory of Guam on Thursday, the ship’s public affairs office said.
It had a famous navy battle cry – “Don’t Give Up The Ship” – flying from the port yardarm.It had a famous navy battle cry – “Don’t Give Up The Ship” – flying from the port yardarm.
The ship returned to the US 7th Fleet area of operations to provide maritime security with new social distancing rules including staggered mealtimes, the navy said.The ship returned to the US 7th Fleet area of operations to provide maritime security with new social distancing rules including staggered mealtimes, the navy said.
“We have returned Theodore Roosevelt to sea as a symbol of hope and inspiration,” said the new Captain, Carlos Sardiello.“We have returned Theodore Roosevelt to sea as a symbol of hope and inspiration,” said the new Captain, Carlos Sardiello.
Thailand is positioning itself as a trusted destination for international tourists after travel restrictions ease, capitalising on its relative success in containing the coronavirus outbreak, industry officials say.Thailand is positioning itself as a trusted destination for international tourists after travel restrictions ease, capitalising on its relative success in containing the coronavirus outbreak, industry officials say.
The south-east Asian country, the first to report a virus case outside of China, wants to build on its reputation and remake its popular image as a destination for big tour groups.The south-east Asian country, the first to report a virus case outside of China, wants to build on its reputation and remake its popular image as a destination for big tour groups.
“After Covid eases, we plan to refresh the country’s image to a trusted destination where tourists will have peace of mind,” Tanes Petsuwan, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) deputy governor for marketing and communications, told Reuters.“After Covid eases, we plan to refresh the country’s image to a trusted destination where tourists will have peace of mind,” Tanes Petsuwan, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) deputy governor for marketing and communications, told Reuters.
The campaign, to be launched later in the year, will be aimed at young, affluent travellers from places that are considered low-risk such as China, South Korea and Taiwan, Tanes said.The campaign, to be launched later in the year, will be aimed at young, affluent travellers from places that are considered low-risk such as China, South Korea and Taiwan, Tanes said.
It will highlight scenic beaches and parks, part of a “tourism bridge” that could emerge in Asia including Hong Kong and Japan.It will highlight scenic beaches and parks, part of a “tourism bridge” that could emerge in Asia including Hong Kong and Japan.
The government has rolled out a health certification system for hotels and restaurants so that travellers can be reassured.The government has rolled out a health certification system for hotels and restaurants so that travellers can be reassured.
South-east Asia’s second-largest economy has so far reported just over 3,100 cases and 58 deaths - far less than other major regional economies, except for Vietnam.South-east Asia’s second-largest economy has so far reported just over 3,100 cases and 58 deaths - far less than other major regional economies, except for Vietnam.
Local transmission has waned, with the last recorded case on 25 May.Local transmission has waned, with the last recorded case on 25 May.
The tourism industry, which accounts for 12% of the economy, collapsed after the outbreak escalated.The tourism industry, which accounts for 12% of the economy, collapsed after the outbreak escalated.
Thailand welcomed 39.8 million foreign tourists last year but projects as few as 14 million for 2020.Thailand welcomed 39.8 million foreign tourists last year but projects as few as 14 million for 2020.
Thailand has banned international flights until at least 30 June, and foreign tourists aren’t expected until later in the year.Thailand has banned international flights until at least 30 June, and foreign tourists aren’t expected until later in the year.
In the meantime, the government is drawing up a stimulus package to promote domestic tourism from July to October.In the meantime, the government is drawing up a stimulus package to promote domestic tourism from July to October.
But when international travel resumes, Thailand will promote the “trust” concept, as hotels emphasise measures they are taking for safety and offer special packages.But when international travel resumes, Thailand will promote the “trust” concept, as hotels emphasise measures they are taking for safety and offer special packages.
Central Plaza Hotel, which manages 46 hotels and resorts across Thailand, will seal rooms once they are cleaned and disinfected so guests will be confident, the deputy CEO Markland Blaiklock told Reuters.Central Plaza Hotel, which manages 46 hotels and resorts across Thailand, will seal rooms once they are cleaned and disinfected so guests will be confident, the deputy CEO Markland Blaiklock told Reuters.
“We may limit occupancy at 50% on some properties so guests experience social distancing that they are comfortable with,” he said.“We may limit occupancy at 50% on some properties so guests experience social distancing that they are comfortable with,” he said.
But it’s unclear if travellers will be at ease before a coronavirus vaccine is available, which experts say is at least a year away.But it’s unclear if travellers will be at ease before a coronavirus vaccine is available, which experts say is at least a year away.
The Czech Republic said it would fully open borders with Austria and Germany, as well as travel with Hungary, on Friday, 10 days earlier than planned, almost three months after they were shut to curb coronavirus.The Czech Republic said it would fully open borders with Austria and Germany, as well as travel with Hungary, on Friday, 10 days earlier than planned, almost three months after they were shut to curb coronavirus.
Travellers will be free to enter from noon (10:00 GMT) without submitting a negative virus test or going into quarantine.Travellers will be free to enter from noon (10:00 GMT) without submitting a negative virus test or going into quarantine.
Czechs still require people from countries including Britain and Sweden to submit negative test results before being allowed in.Czechs still require people from countries including Britain and Sweden to submit negative test results before being allowed in.
Having closed all borders on 16 March to stem coronavirus infections, the Czechs reopened the Slovakia frontier on Thursday and lifted all travel restrictions with their neighbour.Having closed all borders on 16 March to stem coronavirus infections, the Czechs reopened the Slovakia frontier on Thursday and lifted all travel restrictions with their neighbour.
Officials said on Monday they would open the border for the citizens of “safe” countries, including their neighbours but also Switzerland, Finland and the Baltic states, from 15 June.Officials said on Monday they would open the border for the citizens of “safe” countries, including their neighbours but also Switzerland, Finland and the Baltic states, from 15 June.
“We have brought the opening forward with these countries,” the prime minister, Andrej Babiš, told reporters, referring to Austria, Germany and Hungary, without explaining why the move was being made earlier than planned.“We have brought the opening forward with these countries,” the prime minister, Andrej Babiš, told reporters, referring to Austria, Germany and Hungary, without explaining why the move was being made earlier than planned.
The government also announced on Monday that Czechs would be free to travel to less-safe countries including Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain.The government also announced on Monday that Czechs would be free to travel to less-safe countries including Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain.
But foreigners arriving from these countries would have to submit a negative test result upon entry, just like those from the least safe countries - Britain and Sweden.But foreigners arriving from these countries would have to submit a negative test result upon entry, just like those from the least safe countries - Britain and Sweden.
Czechs returning from Britain and Sweden will have to provide negative tests too.Czechs returning from Britain and Sweden will have to provide negative tests too.
As of Friday morning, the Czech Republic had registered almost 9,500 confirmed cases of Covid-19, including 326 deaths, in a population of 10.7 million people.As of Friday morning, the Czech Republic had registered almost 9,500 confirmed cases of Covid-19, including 326 deaths, in a population of 10.7 million people.
Surgical masks are washing up in growing quantities on the shores of Hong Kong, a city that has overwhelmingly embraced face coverings to fight the coronavirus.Surgical masks are washing up in growing quantities on the shores of Hong Kong, a city that has overwhelmingly embraced face coverings to fight the coronavirus.
Conservationists say the masks are adding to already alarmingly high levels of plastic waste in the waters around the finance hub.Conservationists say the masks are adding to already alarmingly high levels of plastic waste in the waters around the finance hub.
“The single use plastic mask is just another additional burden that we are leaving behind for the future generations on the beach,” Gary Stokes, co-founder of OceansAsia, told AFP.“The single use plastic mask is just another additional burden that we are leaving behind for the future generations on the beach,” Gary Stokes, co-founder of OceansAsia, told AFP.
During a recent visit, conservationists counted and removed 70 masks from a 100 metre stretch of beach. A week later, another 30 masks had washed up.During a recent visit, conservationists counted and removed 70 masks from a 100 metre stretch of beach. A week later, another 30 masks had washed up.
“Ever since society started wearing masks, the cause and effects of it are now being seen on the beaches,” Stokes said.“Ever since society started wearing masks, the cause and effects of it are now being seen on the beaches,” Stokes said.
Hong Kong’s 7.5 million inhabitants produce six million tonnes of waste each year, only around 30% of it recycled.Hong Kong’s 7.5 million inhabitants produce six million tonnes of waste each year, only around 30% of it recycled.
Even before the coronavirus emerged, residents often wore face masks on the daily commute, especially during the winter flu season.Even before the coronavirus emerged, residents often wore face masks on the daily commute, especially during the winter flu season.
But the emergence of the deadly Covid-19 disease has made mask wearing near ubiquitous.But the emergence of the deadly Covid-19 disease has made mask wearing near ubiquitous.
A growing number of companies are now offering reusable masks and the government has also launched an initiative to send all residents a fabric mask that can be washed.A growing number of companies are now offering reusable masks and the government has also launched an initiative to send all residents a fabric mask that can be washed.
But disposable masks remain by far the most popular choice. Stokes said:But disposable masks remain by far the most popular choice. Stokes said:
The Covid-19 pandemic is now “under control” in France, the head of the government’s scientific advisory council has said, as the country cautiously lifts a lockdown imposed in March.The Covid-19 pandemic is now “under control” in France, the head of the government’s scientific advisory council has said, as the country cautiously lifts a lockdown imposed in March.
Jean-Francois Delfraissy told France Inter radio:Jean-Francois Delfraissy told France Inter radio:
Delfraissy, an immunologist, and his colleagues were appointed to the coronavirus advisory panel as authorities sought to contain an outbreak that has killed over 29,000 people in France. Delfraissy, an immunologist, and his colleagues were appointed to the coronavirus advisory panel as authorities sought to contain an outbreak that has killed more than 29,000 people in France.
The number of daily deaths has fallen off, however, with just 44 reported by the health ministry on Thursday.The number of daily deaths has fallen off, however, with just 44 reported by the health ministry on Thursday.
Delfraissy said around 1,000 new cases were currently being reported in France per day, down from around 80,000 in early March, before the nationwide stay-at-home orders and business closures were issued.Delfraissy said around 1,000 new cases were currently being reported in France per day, down from around 80,000 in early March, before the nationwide stay-at-home orders and business closures were issued.
In its latest summary of findings published on Thursday, the Sante Publique France health agency estimated that the country had 151,325 confirmed Covid-19 cases as of 2 June, when restaurants across France were allowed to reopen.In its latest summary of findings published on Thursday, the Sante Publique France health agency estimated that the country had 151,325 confirmed Covid-19 cases as of 2 June, when restaurants across France were allowed to reopen.
But it cautioned that at the height of the outbreak, patients with suspected coronavirus infections were not systematically tested, meaning the actual number of cases exceeds the official estimate.But it cautioned that at the height of the outbreak, patients with suspected coronavirus infections were not systematically tested, meaning the actual number of cases exceeds the official estimate.
Russia has reported 8,726 new cases of Covid-19, pushing the total number of infections in the country to 449,834.Russia has reported 8,726 new cases of Covid-19, pushing the total number of infections in the country to 449,834.
Officials said 144 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official nationwide death toll to 5,528.Officials said 144 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official nationwide death toll to 5,528.
An influential medical journal article that found hydroxychloroquine increased the risk of death in Covid-19 patients was retracted on Thursday, adding further controversy to the drug championed by US president Donald Trump.An influential medical journal article that found hydroxychloroquine increased the risk of death in Covid-19 patients was retracted on Thursday, adding further controversy to the drug championed by US president Donald Trump.
Three of the authors of the article retracted it, citing concerns about the quality and veracity of data in the study, following a Guardian investigation into the data and US company Surgisphere which provided it.Three of the authors of the article retracted it, citing concerns about the quality and veracity of data in the study, following a Guardian investigation into the data and US company Surgisphere which provided it.
The anti-malarial drug has been controversial in part due to support from Trump, as well as implications of the study published in British journal The Lancet last month, which led several Covid-19 studies to be halted.The anti-malarial drug has been controversial in part due to support from Trump, as well as implications of the study published in British journal The Lancet last month, which led several Covid-19 studies to be halted.
The three authors said Surgisphere would not transfer the dataset for an independent review and they “can no longer vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources”.The three authors said Surgisphere would not transfer the dataset for an independent review and they “can no longer vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources”.
The fourth author of the study, Dr Sapan Desai, chief executive of Surgisphere, declined to comment on the retraction.The fourth author of the study, Dr Sapan Desai, chief executive of Surgisphere, declined to comment on the retraction.
The Lancet said on Thursday it “takes issues of scientific integrity extremely seriously, and there are many outstanding questions about Surgisphere and the data that were allegedly included in this study”.The Lancet said on Thursday it “takes issues of scientific integrity extremely seriously, and there are many outstanding questions about Surgisphere and the data that were allegedly included in this study”.
It said institutional reviews of Surgisphere’s research collaborations were urgently needed.It said institutional reviews of Surgisphere’s research collaborations were urgently needed.
Another study in the New England Journal of Medicine that relied on Surgisphere data and shared the same lead author, Harvard Medical School professor Mandeep Mehra, was retracted for the same reason.Another study in the New England Journal of Medicine that relied on Surgisphere data and shared the same lead author, Harvard Medical School professor Mandeep Mehra, was retracted for the same reason.
The observational study published in The Lancet on 22 May said it looked at 96,000 hospitalised Covid-19 patients, some treated with the decades-old malaria drug.The observational study published in The Lancet on 22 May said it looked at 96,000 hospitalised Covid-19 patients, some treated with the decades-old malaria drug.
It claimed that those treated with hydroxychloroquine or the related chloroquine had higher risk of death and heart rhythm problems than patients who were not given the medicines.It claimed that those treated with hydroxychloroquine or the related chloroquine had higher risk of death and heart rhythm problems than patients who were not given the medicines.
The World Health Organization, which paused hydroxychloroquine trials after The Lancet study was released, said on Wednesday it was ready to resume trials, and dozens of other trials have resumed or are in process.The World Health Organization, which paused hydroxychloroquine trials after The Lancet study was released, said on Wednesday it was ready to resume trials, and dozens of other trials have resumed or are in process.
The study’s lead author, professor Mehra, said in a statement:The study’s lead author, professor Mehra, said in a statement:
Many scientists voiced concern about the study, which had already been corrected last week because some location data was wrong. Nearly 150 doctors signed an open letter to The Lancet calling the article’s conclusions into question and asking to make public the peer review comments that preceded publication.Many scientists voiced concern about the study, which had already been corrected last week because some location data was wrong. Nearly 150 doctors signed an open letter to The Lancet calling the article’s conclusions into question and asking to make public the peer review comments that preceded publication.
The episode highlights how studies to prevent and treat the virus are being conducted at unprecedented speed while garnering high levels of attention that could give findings unwarranted weight.The episode highlights how studies to prevent and treat the virus are being conducted at unprecedented speed while garnering high levels of attention that could give findings unwarranted weight.