Immune To COVID? New Study Suggests Why

The FDA on Friday approved emergency use of the experimental drug remdesivir to treat hospitalized patients with severe cases of COVID-19, the deadly disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

The drug was shown to decrease recovery time and also may lead to fewer deaths, according to the results of a recent study of 1,063 patients, the largest and most rigorous trial of the drug. Remdesivir is the only drug so far proven to be effective against COVID-19.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-disease expert, previously said the drug would become the new standard of care for those seriously ill with the disease.

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The FDA used emergency powers to authorize the drug. The powers allow the agency to fast-track experimental drugs and other treatments during a public health crisis, according to The Associated Press.

(MORE: On Outer Banks, 'Hateful' Flyer Tells Non-Residents To 'Go Home')

So far, more than 1 million Americans have been infected with COVID-19 and more than 64,000 have died, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The virus has killed more than 237,000 people worldwide. Confirmed infections globally topped 3.2 million.

Those numbers are widely believed to be underestimated due to lack of testing and other factors.

Latest Developments

United States:

-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that schools and colleges in the state would remain closed for the rest of the academic year.

-The National Basketball Association has postponed its May draft, ESPN reported.

-A new report from the University of Minnesota indicates that the coronavirus pandemic could last for two more years, according to Bloomberg News. The report from the university's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy predicts recurring spikes until at least two-thirds of people worldwide are immune. The report says the coronavirus spread is difficult to slow because many people who are ill don't show symptoms.

-More than half the states in the U.S are easing coronavirus restrictions and lockdowns this week, despite warnings from many public health experts that it's too early to do so due to lack of testing and other factors. Fauci cautioned governors away from "leapfrogging" crucial milestones, the Washington Post reported. “Obviously you could get away with that, but you’re making a really significant risk,” Fauci said.

-Texas is one of the states that moved ahead Friday on removing restrictions and allowed restaurants and retailers to open their doors, although some cities still have their own restrictions. Businesses with close contact, such as gyms, hair salons and bars, remain closed. The move came the day after the state recorded its deadliest day so far in the coronavirus pandemic, with 50 fatalities. The governor's office said the number of positive infections among people tested has dropped to about 7%, versus 10% a few weeks ago, the AP reported.

-Shopping malls and stores in Oklahoma were also allowed to reopen Friday, with social distancing rules in place. The state has reported more than 3,600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 222 deaths.

-Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended her state's state of emergency order and business closures through May 28. The order came after armed protesters stormed the state Capitol Thursday and the legislature refused to approve the extension.

-Organizers of the famous Ernest Hemingway Look-Alike contest in Key West, Florida, announced this year's event was canceled. The raucous gathering which attracts more than 100 contestants was supposed to take place July 23-25.

Worldwide:

-Workers around the world gathered Friday for May Day labor protests, many asking for more money and improved sanitary conditions on their jobs in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. “We are praying for all workers, so that no one will lack work, and all will be fairly paid and can enjoy the dignity of work and the beauty of rest," Pope Francis said during a morning mass, according to the AP.

-South Africa, which imposed one of the strictest lockdowns in the world, began easing restrictions Friday. Many businesses, mines and factories were allowed to resume operations with limits on how many employees can work at one time. People can once again exercise or walk their dogs, but only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. when they are allowed to leave their homes. Sales of cigarettes and liquor are still banned. South Africa has reported more than 5,600 cases of COVID-19.

-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he will extend his country's state of emergency, with details to be announced Monday. A government tax force reported that Japan's medical system is still stressed as cases of COVID-19 in the country topped 14,000 and more than 400 people have died.

-Parks and museums in China, including the Forbidden City, were set to reopen Friday with limits on capacity and attendance.

For the latest coronavirus information in your county and a full list of important resources to help you make the smartest decisions regarding the disease, check out our dedicated COVID-19 page.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.