As states reopen and coronavirus infection rates begin to rise, public health officials are monitoring the spread of disease. The “R,” or reproduction number, indicates how many people a sick person is likely to infect. An R of two, meaning every sick person infects two other people, translates into exponential spread in the community, and the goal of safety measures is to lower the R to less than one. Listen to learn which states currently have surging infection rates and how small changes in the reproduction number can mean big changes in the rate of illness.
Story Length: 3:35
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June 22, 2020
3:09
Researchers have concluded that months of worldwide lockdowns intended to contain the coronavirus pandemic have successfully saved millions of lives. Two independent studies analyzed COVID-19 data on several continents and reached a similar conclusion: people staying home has greatly reduced the virus’s spread. The researchers recommend keeping certain safety measures in place as lockdowns are lifted to prevent a resurgence of infections. Listen to learn more about the positive impact of the lockdown measures and why one researcher calls lifting lockdowns “a tradeoff.”
Read MoreJune 4, 2020
5:38
Yellowstone National Park, among the nation’s most popular tourist sites, has been closed during the pandemic. Now officials face unique challenges as they consider reopening the park for the summer season. A quick reopening could help local businesses that have suffered during the closure, but maintaining social distancing and other safe practices will be difficult when hordes of visitors arrive. Listen to hear local people and a park visitor discuss the benefits and risks of reopening one of the nation’s busiest national parks.
Read MoreMay 22, 2020
4:58
Colleges and universities around the country have shut down during the pandemic, but many school leaders are considering how they might safely open their doors in the fall. In this audio story, the president of Brown University makes the case that welcoming kids back to campus is crucial, both for students and for the economy. Some, however, believe that the health risks associated with large groups of students living and learning together are too high. Listen to hear a university president describe her vision for an adapted college experience and then debate: Should colleges open in the fall?
This audio story was recorded in late April. The news about COVID-19 is changing rapidly and parts of this story may be dated.
Read MoreMay 18, 2020
6:25
States are beginning to lift lockdown restrictions, and experts are weighing in on how people can stay safe as they return to normal activities. Many doctors advise that social distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands continue to be the best ways to prevent the spread of infection. They especially warn against relaxing distancing guidelines as people start to mingle, and highly recommend outdoor gatherings rather than indoor events. Listen to hear a pastor’s plan for keeping worshippers safe when he reopens church, and how doctors recommend lowering the risk of virus transmission when socializing.
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