Concerns over vaccine politicization, Russia publishes trial data, and Labor Day threatens new case spikes

PLUS: The Covid-19 headlines you need to know, a distraction, and something to read. [View this email in your browser]( | [Manage newsletter subscriptions](newsletter=wir) [(image) WIRED Coronavirus Update Logo] 09.04.20 This is a special edition of our Coronavirus Update newsletter. To receive this email every weekday, [sign up here](. [SIGN UP]( US vaccine development leader tries to assuage concerns over politicization, Russia publishes data from its vaccine trial, and America braces for the impact of Labor Day weekend. Here’s what you should know: Headlines Leader of US vaccine development effort says he’ll quit if [politics are prioritized over science]( Since May, Moncef Slaoui has been hard at work as the scientific leader of the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed, a massive crash program aimed at developing a vaccine in record time. The program has invested more than $10 billion in eight vaccine candidates. But in a recent interview with Science, Slaoui was clear about his tolerance for politics in Operation Warp Speed, saying, "I would immediately resign if there is undue interference in this process." Russia publishes evidence of [Sputnik V vaccine’s efficacy](—weeks after its approval Russian scientists published clinical trial data from Sputnik V, the country's controversial coronavirus vaccine that was approved by the Russian government last month. According to their findings, all 76 of the participants produced antibodies and an immune response. While this is somewhat promising, the trial was very small and quick, and a lot remains unknown. Officials are concerned about virus spread heading into [Labor Day weekend]( Labor Day weekend marks the beginning of a new phase of the pandemic. It’s the end of summer, flu season is approaching, and public health officials are concerned that the holiday weekend may trigger a surge in cases. If you are planning to spend time with others, experts advise keeping it brief, staying outside, and wearing your masks or keeping 6 feet from others. Daily Distraction Dungeons and Dragons is making a comeback, thanks in part to Gen Z. A [growing community of TikTokers]( have been making videos to translate the 46-year-old game for a younger generation—and in the process, forming one of the most wholesome communities on the internet. Something to Read Yesterday, an international commission tasked with setting clear, explicit, scientific standards for [heritable gene editing in humans]( finally published its 225-page report. Humans are far from making Crispr babies, but the report does outline potential standards for getting there. Sanity Check Staying at home doesn't mean you can't still start the day with a quality cup of joe. Now's a perfect time to master your perfect brew, and [OXO’s new coffee maker]( can help. One Question How is the pandemic affecting climate change? You’ve probably seen pictures of [newly car-free city streets]( and [unpolluted]( [skies](, but the pandemic’s effect on climate change hasn’t been [uniformly positive](. [Single-use plastic is making a comeback](, the government is [rolling back emissions regulations](, and the [renewable energy industry is taking a serious hit](. Coronavirus deaths tend to be higher in areas with [worse air pollution](. Not to mention, [dealing with natural disasters]( is much harder when we're also faced with a pandemic. Covid-19 Care Package ❓ From social distancing to viral spread to staying sane, here's [everything we know and advise about the coronavirus](. 📦 The Covid-19 virus can linger on objects for as little as a few hours or as long as a couple days, depending on the surface. [Here's the research](. 😷 If you're planning on going out in public anytime soon, you're going to need a mask. Here are the [best ones you can buy](, or how to [make one at home](. 🧼 It's not just your [hands that need washing](—your gadgets, clothes, and home need it too. Here's how to [properly disinfect your stuff](. 💻 Some of you are [work-from-home pros](, but if you're new to it, here's how to [stay productive without losing your mind](. 😔 It's hard not to be anxious about a global pandemic, but here's how you can [protect yourself and your family without spiraling](, and how to [not hate the loved ones you're quarantined with](. ✂️ It may still be a while before you can see your hairstylist, so here's how to [cut your hair at home](, plus other ways to keep yourself [lookin' fresh](. 🦠Read all of [our coronavirus coverage here](. [TikTok influencers collaged with DnD dice]( [Dungeons & Dragons TikTok Is Gen Z at Its Most Wholesome]( [A growing community of D&D fans on the platform have no time for the gatekeeping of previous generations.]( [Illustration of DNA and Gene editing]( [Human Embryo Gene Editing Gets a Road Map—Not a Green Light]( [After the 2018 “Crispr baby” scandal, a global commission assessed the technology and set strict criteria for moving it toward clinical trials.]( [Image may contain: Mixer, and Appliance]( [Oxo's Newest Coffee Maker Brews 8 Great Cups—or 1 Superb Mug]( [A smartly designed full-size brewer with the added ability to make an excellent single cup of coffee.]( [doctor on telemedicine call]( [Access to Telemedicine Is Hardest for Those Who Need It Most]( [Older patients and other vulnerable populations tend to need more medical care, but it’s often difficult for them to get online for remote visits.]( [(image) Condé Nast Spotlight | The breaking news and top stories everyone is talking about. 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