Women may be less prone to COVID-19, study finds
A new survey suggests women may be less vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 because they are more likely to adhere to social distancing guidelines, according to U.S. News.
The survey was conducted in March and April across eight different countries and showed that 59% of women considered COVID-19 to be a serious health problem, and only 49% of men agreed.
The study was published Oct. 15 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and two of the authors, Vincenzo Galasso and Paola Profeta, are affiliated with Bocconi University’s COVID Crisis Lab in Milan, Italy.
“The biggest differences between men and women relate to behaviors that serve to protect others above all, such as coughing in the elbow, unlike those that can protect both themselves and others,” said Profeta.
Galasso said “policy makers who promote a new normality made of reduced mobility, face masks and other behavioral changes should, therefore, design a gender-differentiated communication if they want to increase the compliance of men.”
The University of Michigan on lockdown due to COVID-19
Local health officials have ordered students at the University of Michigan to stay in their residences to control an increasing campus outbreak, according to the New York Times.
In an email to students and staff members, university leadership said, “Most of the cases on our campus can be traced back to small- and medium-size gatherings without appropriate face coverings and social distancing.”
The stay-at-home order applies to all undergraduate students through Nov. 3. However, students who are not showing symptoms can still attend in-person class, participate in sports and receive medical attention.
Jimena Loveluck, the health officer for Washtenaw County, which encompasses the university, said although the restrictions do not construct a quarantine, there is a possibility of fines for violation of orders.
Obama rallies support for Biden in attempt to end Trump’s presidency
Former President Barack Obama returned to the campaign trail today to try and rally support for former Vice President Joe Biden, according to CNN.
Obama appeared in Philadelphia in the first of a handful of stops he will make in key battleground states with the election less than two weeks away.
His appearance will test the power of his appeal and determine whether his popularity is transferable to his former vice president, according to CNN.
Obama is also attempting to help Democrats win control of the Senate by appearing in television ads for candidates in Maine, Michigan, South Carolina and Georgia.
