COVID-19 Update, August 28, 2020: "Everybody is Going to Catch this Thing Eventually"

The quote above is from a senior White House official, commenting on the lack of social distancing measures at the White House during the president's acceptance speech. It also serves as a mission statement for the government's COVID-19 policy. Meanwhile, talks drag on regarding another stimulus bill, and the push for a new vaccine continues at all costs, one of which may be credibility. A possible bright spot is FDA approval of a new rapid test: Could it help us all get back to normal?

The latest:

In what we can only hope won't turn out to be a super-spreader event, 1,500 supporters of the president appear on the White House lawn, with few masks in evidence: tinyurl.com/y6q98tnb. A White House official offers a startlingly callous rationale: tinyurl.com/y5j4ew33.

Stimulus? What stimulus? Talks between the parties for a new relief bill have restarted, but don't expect action soon: tinyurl.com/y6mxr4f6.

The president's drive for a vaccine, and his previous support for non-cures like hydroxychloroquine, is breeding distrust, even among those who generally believe in vaccines: tinyurl.com/yxngbjvc.

Is the new rapid-response coronavirus test, just approved by the FDA, a game-changer? tinyurl.com/y354faud. Abbott Laboratories is hiring 2,000 temporary workers to make the tests: tinyurl.com/yy53fx3l.

Meanwhile:

LG touts a new face mask with a built-in air purifier: tinyurl.com/yyvzkqvh.

As high-profile releases finally come out, film fans weigh whether to risk a cinema visit: tinyurl.com/y4axuzzx.

Around the country:

In California:

A poultry-processing plant in Merced County is shut down following a COVID-19 outbreak: tinyurl.com/y42czulp.

At University of Southern California, the coronavirus is spreading through small gatherings: tinyurl.com/y3bxrgvo.

A San Diego gym that defied the law and stayed open has shuttered: tinyurl.com/yyt447pa.

In Florida:

The state passes the 615,000 mark in new COVID-19 cases: tinyurl.com/y4s2jwk7.

University of Miami racks up hundreds of disciplinary cases, mostly from students breaking COVID-19 rules: tinyurl.com/y6dwnnye.

In Illinois:

United Airlines is looking to furlough more employees: tinyurl.com/y4ps3z7r.

In Massachusetts:

A new study confirms that the pandemic disproportionately affects the Black and Latino communities: tinyurl.com/y4jp3hjp.

In an apparent violation of federal laws, Moderna, one of the leaders in the vaccine race, has failed to disclose government support in the development of 126 patents: tinyurl.com/y4p3jac7.

That much talked about production of Godspell in the Berkshires extends its run: tinyurl.com/y3gj7n93.

In New York:

Inside New York City's looming, pandemic caused fiscal crisis: tinyurl.com/y24gb7bt.

The city's restaurant owners demand the return of indoor dining: tinyurl.com/yxrf5kxd.

In Texas:

Arts groups in Dallas report losses of $68 million: tinyurl.com/y4dwe2zt.

The state continues to struggle with contact tracing: tinyurl.com/y333oh3r.

Around the world:

In Ireland:

The country's pubs will remain closed as new COVID-19 cases rise: tinyurl.com/y3wfarn2.

In Nicaragua:

The country reported a suspiciously low number of COVID-19 cases; the Anonymous hacked the country's database: tinyurl.com/yyw9bk7x.

In the UK:

New COVID-19 cases rise to their highest levels since mid-June: tinyurl.com/yxvlg5gn.

Royal Shakespeare Company's Stratford home will remain closed until 2021: tinyurl.com/y2mpfcme.

For your pleasure:

Amber Riley pays tribute to her friend, the late, great Naya Rivera: tinyurl.com/y46gb4rc.

That's all for today. Have a good weekend. Stay safe. -- DB

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