SWC’s Fast Five
It may or may not feel like it, but there is a lot of good news out there, from a record reduction in global carbon emissions to a promising COVID-19 vaccine. This week, we wanted to share some of those good stories with you, plus a couple more informational articles (and one restaurant’s interesting take on social distancing).
So, here’s this week’s Fast Five:
1 Record drop in carbon emissions
There might be an upside to cancelled flights and working from home. A recent study found that global carbon emissions have declined by an estimated 17 percent as compared to the 2019 global average. This is the biggest drop in emissions yet, and brings the figure of total carbon emissions close to World War II era levels.
2 Vaccine trial shows success
Many vaccines that could potentially prevent against COVID-19 are in the works, and now, one by drug company Moderna is showing great promise. In a trial, the vaccine was given to eight people, all of which developed antibodies to the virus at levels similar to those who had COVID-19 and successfully recovered.
3 Assisting on and off the court
Former NBA star and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson recently announced that EquiTrust Life Insurance Co., the company in which he owns a majority stake, will provide $100 million in loans for minority and women business owners who have been impacted by the pandemic. The loans are intended to fill in gaps missed by the Small Business Administration’s emergency coronavirus relief program.
4 New COVID-19 symptoms officially recognized
Add delirium, confusion and agitation to the list of symptoms to look out for. A new study found these symptoms are common in those with severe COVID-19 reactions, though it is still unknown how long these symptoms persist after recovery. In other news, the United Kingdom recently added loss of smell and taste to its official list of COVID-19 symptoms.
5 An interesting way to keep restaurant guests apart
As restaurants reopen, one in Maryland has come up with a unique way to keep diners socially distanced. Fish Tales Bar & Grill has implemented “bumper tables,” tables surrounded by inflatable inner tubes to prevent guests from getting too close to each other.
