Kung Fu Nuns Of Katmandu

Plus: Aerosol Debate; Trump And WHO Goats and Soda editor's note --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Uma Bista/For NPR Back in January, we had plans for a number of ambitious projects for our blog. Then the novel coronavirus began to take over the world -- and our global health coverage. But we want to be able to share other stories. And so this past week we finally published one of those early year projects. NPR correspondent Windsor Johnston, who has studied martial arts for 23 years, went to Nepal to report on a group of women who call themselves ["Kung Fu Nuns."]( And it's not just hype. These nuns, ages 6 to 80, spend hours every day studying the Chinese martial art. "It's given me the self-confidence that I didn't have while growing up," one nun said. They are breaking down gender stereotypes -- and also helping the girls and women of Nepal. The nuns travel to villages in Nepal teaching self-defense techniques. When the pandemic was declared, they also began teaching about the importance of hand-washing and other preventive measures. And they are tough. Every day they run up 200 stairs, then "army crawl" their way down. Johnston joined in -- and says she was wiped out after 30 stairs. [Read the inspirational story (and see the amazing photos) here.]( Marc Silver Editor, Goats and Soda in the news Peter Dazeley/Getty Images [Aerosols, Droplets, Fomites: What We Know About Transmission Of COVID-19]( A letter from over 200 scientists to the World Health Organization asks for further investigation into how the virus spreads. WHO responded at a press conference. [Trump Sets Date To End WHO Membership Over Its Handling Of Virus]( The president said the United States will terminate its relationship with the World Health Organization effective July 6, 2021. He was met with a barrage of criticism. [How Chile Ended Up With One Of The Highest COVID-19 Rates]( It's a wealthy nation with a robust health-care system. So why does Chile have one of the highest coronavirus infection rates per capita of any country in the world? COVID questions Malaka Gharib/NPR [Coronavirus FAQs: Is It Safe To Dine At A Restaurant?]( We look at the risks to consider (and precautions to take) before a restaurant meal, whether outdoors or indoors. [What Are The New Rules For International Flights?]( Many countries shut down international air travel when the pandemic began. Routes are reopening again, but you may need a COVID-19 test before you board. new book Basic Books [Coronavirus And Drinking Games: What They Have In Common]( Adam Kucharski, author of The Rules Of Contagion, talks about how to predict the spread (and end) of contagious events, from viruses to internet trends. links we like - Global Health Now has published an essay called ["The Racism Pandemic: Thoughts From An African Student."]( - Photos of [rare Cross River gorillas]( in Nigeria show that conservation efforts may be helping. The Guardian has the story. - Jane Eyre Meets Dracula in a what Fresh Air calls a "sharp, inventive" new supernatural novel. Read [a review of Mexican Gothic.]( - The latest [Tiny Desk quarantine concert]( features four musicians. And ... they're all Jacob Collier. 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](