5 must-read coronavirus global headline stories from around the world on April 24th, 2020.
1. Trump suggests bleaching of the lungs to “clean” them of COVID
The US President extrapolated from a Government study that showed coronavirus didn’t last as long on surfaces in direct sunlight and that bleach could potentially kill the virus.
“Suppose we hit the body with a tremendous ultraviolet or just very powerful light,” Trump said.
“I think that hasn’t been checked but you’re going to test it.”
He didn’t rule out somehow getting bleach “inside” the body.
“The disinfectant knocks it (the virus) out in a minute. One minute,” he said.
“Is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside?”
Read more: US President’s comments on using bleach and ultra-violet light on COVID-19 alarm medical experts
2. Parks and Recreation returns for a one-off COVID-themed episode
The hit series Parks and Recreation ended in 2015 after seven successful season.s
But the show will now return for a one-off episode that will follow one of the main characters – Leslie – getting in touch with friends as they social distance.
The reunion will bring back all the actors playing fans’ favourite characters, including Rashida Jones, Chris Pratt, Aubrey Plaza, Nick Offerman, Rob Lowe, Retta, and Adam Scott.
The kicker is the episode will raise money for a good cause, the Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund, which helps food banks feed those in need during the pandemic.
3. British mum dies of COVID just six days after giving birth
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a new mum in the UK passed away after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Fozia Hanif was just 29 years old when her condition deteriorating following the birth of her son, who was later cleared of the virus that killed her.
Because of her diagnosis, Ms Hanif was not able to see her son before she passed away, only being shown a photo.
Read more: Young mum dies just days after giving birth to baby boy
4. New coronavirus symptom dubbed “COVID toes” could help identify virus in asymptomatic patients
The symptom sees purplish lesions on the feet and toes of a positive coronavirus patient, but interestingly mostly those who are not showing other symptoms.
The development is being reported in the US with the hope the side effect could help doctors quickly diagnose those not showing any other signs of the virus.
It is being dubbed “COVID toes”, with medical professionals already asking people to be on the look out for the symptom.
Read more: COVID toes could be the key to quickly identifying asymptomatic patients
5. Herd immunity is a myth, experts warn
Herd immunity refers to a tactic of exposing a population of people to coronavirus in the hope they will build up natural immunity.
However, the theory is drawing increased criticism from experts who are warning the tactic would cause more lives than it would save.
Infectious disease expert Professor Raina MacIntyre went so far as to call herd immunity “a myth” that would see “a large increase in cases for little gain”.
