Wuhan Lab Theory: What Experts Say

Pantyhose Mask Helper; Unequal Lockdowns In South Africa Goats and Soda editor's note Tommy Trenchard for NPR The woman in this photo is Zukwisa Qeso, who works for the Social Justice Coalition, a nonprofit group in Cape Town, South Africa. She's one of the people you'll meet in Tommy Trenchard's [photo essay and story about the unequal lockdowns in South Africa.]( Queso is trying to raise awareness about the novel coronavirus in her township. But she knows it's a daunting challenge: "The health workers say we must wash our hands. But with what?! The city must bring us soap." Trenchard kept a six-foot distance from his subjects but his photos have a startling intimacy nonetheless, revealing how South Africa's nationwide lockdown throws into sharp focus the country's social divisions. And one historian tells him that past epidemics played a role in worsening those inequalities. [Read the story here.]( Marc Silver Editor, Goats and Soda --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- virus origins Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images [Virus Researchers Cast Doubt On Theory Of Coronavirus Lab Accident]( The Trump administration is investigating the theory that the virus resulted from a lab accident in Wuhan, China. Scientists who work with viruses say that's virtually impossible and point to transmission from an animal. nylons and masks Loretta Fernandez [Adding A Nylon Stocking Layer Could Boost Protection From Cloth Masks, Study Finds]( Scientists who tested a variety of cloth masks found that a nylon overlay significantly boosted how well they work. Researchers not involved in the study praised the finding. coronavirus news Kelly McEvers/NPR [How Do You Do Contact Tracing? Poor Countries Have Plenty Of Advice]( As parts of the U.S. aim to move out of lockdown, a key tool to contain coronavirus cases will be contact tracing. It's something health workers in low-income countries have lots of experience with. [Pakistan Calls Off Limits On Mosque Attendance In Time For Ramadan]( The clampdown on public gatherings was openly defied by clerics and worshippers. Now the government has changed the rules as the holy month is about to begin. [COVID-19 Numbers Are Bad In Ecuador. The President Says The Real Story Is Even Worse]( Hospitals and doctors are overwhelmed. So are funeral homes and cemeteries. "You feel powerless," said one doctor tending to 200 patients. [Coronavirus FAQs: Can Sunlight Kill The Virus? How Risky Is An Elevator Ride?]( In this week's installment, we also look at how to handle that inevitable moment -- you need a plumber or electrician or another repair person to come to your home. comic Malaka Gharib/NPR [Looking For A 'Helper" In The Age Of Coronavirus]( Mister Rogers said "look for the helpers" in times of crisis. Here's the story of Shah Dedar. He's 32, he's a Tom Hanks fan -- and he works to protect the most vulnerable in crowded refugee camps. music and dance [Bad Bunny And Bobi Wine Are Among The Global Artists Singing About Coronavirus]( They're using music to raise awareness about COVID-19 -- and how to reduce its spread. [Dancing Their Way From The Slums Of Mumbai To 'America's Got Talent' Trophy]( This year, V Unbeatable, a group of acrobatic dancers, took the top prize on the NBC show. We caught up with them in Mumbai to learn their backstory. lighthearted links we like - Since our blog is called Goats and Soda, we were extremely impressed by the NPR story on ["Goat 2 Meeting."]( - Many people are running as a way to escape the stress of coronavirus. Peter Sagal tells you [how to get started]( on NPR's Life Kit. - Check out the [social media posts from a cowboy museum.]( What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [goatsandsoda@npr.org](mailto:goatsandsoda@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Health, Daily News, Code Switch and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Goats and Soda emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy](