A million cases, many more questions
The world soared past the 1 million mark in coronavirus cases. New unemployment claims doubled to 6.6 million. And FEMA made a chilling request for 100,000 body bags.
It's Ashley, and for anyone who (like me) has lost all sense of time: It's Thursday. Here's the news to know.
But first, she doesn't even go here: Beluga whales were surprised to see a penguin roaming around their aquarium. 🐳🐧
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In reality, we hit 1 million coronavirus cases a long time ago
The world hit another milestone Thursday in its battle against the coronavirus – 1 million cases of the deadly virus have been confirmed. But here's the thing: There are probably a lot more people with the disease. That's because the number of official cases, compiled by Johns Hopkins, are only those identified through testing. Cases not tested would include asymptomatic individuals; people who may have died of complications of the virus without anyone knowing it; and those whose symptoms were not serious enough to qualify for testing.
Other coronavirus developments:
Protect Dr. Fauci at all costs
America’s most famous immunologist, Anthony Fauci, is getting a security detail. The doctor has been one of the most high-profile members of President Donald Trump's response to the coronavirus (people are legit making bobbleheads of the guy). With that higher profile came threats online. Not to worry: The government is stepping up his security, according to multiple reports.
More than 1,000 in the USA died in a single day
The USA topped 1,000 coronavirus deaths in a single day for the first time Wednesday, a daily death toll more than double that of two of America's most deadly illnesses – lung cancer and the flu. Some researchers say the daily death toll could more than double – to 2,200 or more – by mid-April. That figure would eclipse heart disease, the nation's No. 1 killer with about 1,772 deaths per day, according to the CDC.
That time 93% of world's population couldn't go on vacation
An overwhelming majority of the world's population lives in a country with coronavirus travel restrictions. Pew Research shows that 93% of the world's population – that's 7.2 billion people – lives somewhere with a travel restriction.
Give it to me straight
The U.S. death toll was more than 5,600 Thursday, according to Johns Hopkins. Worldwide, the death toll surpassed 50,000.
What's everyone’s talking about? It rhymes with Miley Cyrus
The first U.S. coronavirus patients are being treated with plasma therapy. Will it work? Not even the doctors know.
Burials without funerals, grief without hugs: Coronavirus changes how we say goodbye.
Fact check: Getting the flu shot doesn't make you more (or less) likely to get the coronavirus.
Hospitals canceled tens of thousands of non-urgent surgeries because of the coronavirus, leaving many Americans in pain.
The New England Patriots plane brought 1.2 million N95 masks to Massachusetts.
The FDA eases restrictions on blood donations from gay and bisexual men during the coronavirus pandemic.
Can we please add hurricanes to the things we're canceling?
Weather forecasters said Thursday we can expect major hurricane activity this year. Forecasters warned there is an “above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States.” Meteorologist Phil Klotzbach and other experts predict 16 named tropical storms will form, eight of which will become hurricanes. Of the eight predicted hurricanes, four are expected to spin into major hurricanes – Category 3, 4 or 5. There's also a 69% chance for at least one major hurricane to make landfall along U.S. shores, experts say.
Hurricanes in a pandemic: "Absolutely that’s our nightmare scenario."
A lot of people need jobs right now
The number of Americans who filed claims for unemployment benefits surged to a record 6.6 million last week as the coronavirus pandemic continued to spark massive layoffs and furloughs across the nation. The 6.6 million jobless claims reported by the Labor Department on Thursday was double the prior week’s record-smashing total of nearly 3.3 million. U.S. stocks, hammered by steep declines Wednesday, were modestly higher in early trading Thursday.
Real quick
Tom Brady is apparently moving into Derek Jeter’s old 30,000-square-foot mansion in Tampa.
Surprise! Phish just released a new album.
It's National Burrito Day, and believe it or not, there are freebies you can snag even in quarantine.
Dolly Parton wants to read your kids (and you!) a bedtime story.
LSU football coach Ed Orgeron filed for divorce from his wife of 23 years.
The Democratic Party’s party is postponed
The 2020 Democratic National Convention has been pushed back to mid-August as organizers try to navigate the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The event was originally scheduled for July. The move effectively sets off a logistical scramble to accommodate the thousands of delegates that will flock to Milwaukee to nominate the Democratic ticket that will take on President Donald Trump in the fall.
Thank you, Chad Brewer
The Short List is featuring stories from health care workers on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. We want to hear from you! Email me at ashley@usatoday.com.
I am a charge nurse on the assigned COVID-19 unit at my hospital – it was a voluntary choice. It is a chaotic environment because of the level of fear and mystery surrounding this virus, but this is a truly amazing time to be a nurse. To run into the fire while most people are running away from it. To be able to comfort people who are truly frightened about their condition has been amazingly rewarding in itself. As we hear every day in the media, the worst is yet to come, and I feel incredibly blessed to be on the front lines fighting for those who need warriors to care for them. This is what I was made for, and I’m so thankful for my team. We can beat this, and we will.
– Chad Brewer, registered nurse
A break from the news
Why be bored? These are the 15 most popular hobbies in the USA right now.
Say goodnight, kiddos: 18 podcasts and apps to help kids fall asleep.
Crime in the city: These American cities have the most property crimes in their state.
Be right back!
I'll be out next week, Short List friends! And my lovely colleagues will be sure to bring you the news you heard about but didn't have time to read in my stead. I'll be back in action on April 13 (don't worry, I'm not sick).
This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus deaths, COVID-19 treatment, Dolly Parton: Thursday's news
