Bringing America Back: The state of airport testing and more to know
Get the day's top stories in economic recovery and medical preparedness.
Bringing America Back is an ABC News feature that highlights the day's top stories in economic recovery and medical preparedness amid the coronavirus pandemic. These stories delve into the key steps America is taking -- or needs to take. Stay on top of the latest developments regarding states' social distancing measures, advancements in the treatment of COVID-19 and more.
Coronavirus testing alone won't get people flying, experts say
COVID-19 testing is underway at several airports abroad, including in Dubai, Hong Kong and Austria. But aviation and public health experts say the logistics of administering tests in the U.S. are currently "unworkable" due to limited testing capacity and the lack of an industry safety standard. As a result, air travel will likely remain minimal until there is a vaccine, they predict.
Democrats push to strengthen stimulus oversight
In the next round of coronavirus legislation, a group of Democrats would like to toughen the oversight of federal relief programs. The new bill, introduced by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Chris Coons and Richard Blumenthal, would require companies to publicly report how they're using the funds.
Manufacturing workers adjust to new protocols, challenges
The manufacturing sector employs nearly 13 million people in the United States. It's a group that's been hit hard by the pandemic, as workers have been faced with a myriad of challenges, including new hygiene and safety protocols, supply shortages, factory closures and volatile product demand.
What the coronavirus means for beach season
The risk of contracting COVID-19 through water is low, according to the CDC. But experts are concerned that returning to beaches and pools might mean slackened social distancing, as doctors warn that the main mode of infection is still person-to-person transmission.
Test all nursing home residents and staff, Pence says
An ABC News analysis of state data found that nursing home fatalities make up 31% of the national COVID-19 death toll. Vice President Mike Pence on Monday called for widespread testing inside nursing care facilities to combat the spread. But officials are concerned about the lack of available tests required to screen every resident and staffer.
Retailers prepare to reopen with new safety measures
As states prepare to reopen, so are the nation's retailers. Face mask requirements for employees, staff wellness checks, limited occupancy, hand sanitizer stations and increased air ventilation are just some of the safety measures chains are implementing.
Want to be a contact tracer? Johns Hopkins offers a free course
New York's contact tracer pilot program is expected to train up to 17,000 tracers statewide. A free five-hour online course from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is one of the prerequisites for getting the gig -- and may serve as a tool for other states.
What to know about the coronavirus:
- How it started and how to protect yourself: Coronavirus explained
- What to do if you have symptoms: Coronavirus symptoms
- Tracking the spread in the U.S. and worldwide: Coronavirus map
Tune into ABC at 1 p.m. ET and ABC News Live at 4 p.m. ET every weekday for special coverage of the novel coronavirus with the full ABC News team, including the latest news, context and analysis.