Masks Now Recommended; Not All States Are ‘Staying Home’

The CDC now recommends Americans cover their nose and mouth when they leave their home, but to save medical masks for healthcare workers. And as deaths from the coronavirus climb, some states have yet to declare a stay-at-home order.

Plus the groups racing to produce a vaccine for COVID-19.

And some physicians say racial and economic disparities are emerging in the testing and treatment of the virus.

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Rough Translation’s episode, ‘WeChats From The Future’ is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NPR One.

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Ventilator Shortages; 6.6 Million New Unemployment Claims

6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, doubling the record-setting numbers from the week before. The rapid increase has overwhelmed state offices.

Ventilators are a scare resource right now. While they are lifesaving for some, NPR’s Jon Hamilton reports when it comes to COVID-19, they do not guarantee survival.

Plus, how to protect essential workers when ordering delivery and going to the grocery store.

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The Indicator’s episode on scarcity in the emergency room on Apple, Spotify and NPR One.

Camila Domonoske’s reporting on grocery store worker safety.

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The Mask Debate; Preventing More New York-Sized Clusters

Officials on the White House coronavirus task force have a goal: to limit the number of U.S. deaths from COVID-19 to 100,000 people. But they say preventing more clusters the size of New York and New Jersey is key.

And with conflicting opinions about who should be wearing masks, NPR’s Allison Aubrey reports new guidance may be coming soon.

Plus, what a 1995 heat wave can teach us about fighting today’s pandemic — and the scientific debate over what could be early symptoms of COVID-19 — a loss of taste and smell.

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Short Wave’s episode, ‘Is This Real? Loss of Smell And The Coronavirus’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NPR One.

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Trump And Governors Mix Messages; Managing Your Mortgage Or Rent

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, messages from President Trump and state governors have been mixed. Meanwhile, New York City has over 40,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, making it the epicenter of the pandemic in America. WNYC reporter Gwynne Hogan visits a Brooklyn hospital on the front lines of the pandemic, and the owner of a restaurant in Manhattan’s Chinatown explains why he closed three weeks ago. Also, tips to help you pay your mortgage or rent if you’ve lost your job.

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Rachel Martin’s conversation with Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan

Life Kit’s guide to receiving financial help during the pandemic on Apple, Spotify and NPR One.

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Trump Signs Aid Package, Epicenter Is Now The U.S.

The $2 trillion economic recovery package is now law, as the number of COVID-19 cases in America approaches 100,000 and deaths near 1,500. A Johns Hopkins scientist weighs in on the idea of relaxing social distancing in select locations and the importance of more testing for coronavirus. And we explain when Americans could expect to receive federal stimulus money.

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Listen to Pop Culture Happy Hour’s episode, ‘Family Friendly Crowd Pleasers: Three Things To Stream Your Whole Family Can Enjoy’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on the NPR One App.

Check out Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

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Unemployment Claims Hit Record as Testing Grows — But Is It Fast Enough?

Weekly unemployment claims soared last week to nearly 3.3 million and Congress works to finalize a coronavirus relief package. Plus Anthony Fauci talks about the state of testing for Covid-19 in the US, and NPR’s Geoff Brumfiel reports on why more testing is critical. Also, a grocer in Maine reflects on the boredom and anxiety of working through the pandemic.

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Contact ‘Embedded’ with your story from the front lines of the crisis at embedded@npr.org.
Dr Anthony Fauci’s interview on ‘Morning Edition’

Details Emerge On Senate’s $2 Trillion Rescue Package

It would be the largest such stimulus package in American history. The Governor of New York says it’s not nearly enough. Plus, NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe reports on the confusion about the Trump administration’s use of the Federal Defense Production Act, and how one ER doctor in Seattle is coping on the front lines of the pandemic.

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Chef Amanda Freitag’s pandemic cooking tips and recipes

New York City, U.S. Epicenter, Braces For Peak

Governor Andrew Cuomo said the pandemic could peak in New York in the next 14-21 days — around the same time President Trump said he’d love to “open” the economy. Plus why the aviation and other transportation industries are lining up for federal bailout money, and a theory about why the virus might be so good at spreading.

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NPR’s Allison Aubrey reports on how to clean surfaces inside your home.
Listen to Atlantic journalist Ed Yong on ‘Short Wave’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at npr.org.
Listen to ‘Wow In The World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at npr.org.

CA, NY On Lockdown; Mortgage Relief For Some Homeowners

Two of the hardest-hit states order residents to stay home in an effort to fight the pandemic. Plus what the World Health Organization has learned about the coronavirus in the months since it began to spread. And how homeowners could have their mortgage payments reduced or suspended for up to 12 months.

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Life Kit’s episode on how to spot fake news.
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Follow host Kelly McEvers on Twitter.
Email the show at coronavirusdaily@npr.org.