News Room

The daily drama of money and work from the BBC.

Mitigating Covid-19 transmission risks aboard aircraft has been a major focal point during the current crisis. But before passengers even reach their gates, they have to navigate often crowded TSA security checkpoints. When stay-at-home orders and travel restrictions begin to lift, concerns about social distancing are likely to continue for a period. Aviation editor Robert Silk spoke with Sheldon Jacobson, a University of Illinois computer science professor whose research has included the foundational analysis of what became the TSA PreCheck program, about what can be done to reduce checkpoint risks.

Two months into the COVID-19 outbreak in Georgia, the demand for diagnostic testing still far outweighs the supply of test kits and the protective personal equipment nurses need to wear while conducting testing.

Federal health officials estimated in early April that more than 300,000 Americans could die from COVID-19 if all social distancing measures are abandoned, and later estimates pushed the possible death toll even higher, according to documents obtained by the Center for Public Integrity. Some outside experts say even that grim outlook may be too optimistic.

The smartphones carried in so many pockets and purses could play a key role in keeping COVID-19 under control as the nation cautiously reopens the economy.