More states are reopening and further relaxing the restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. Testing grows more available while work on a possible vaccine continues.

Here are some updates from our clinicians, accurate as of May 17, 11:00PM EST:

United States of America Statistics:

Cases Diagnosed – 1,531,727

Recovered – 346,786

Deaths – 91,061

Get the latest updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Moderna says initial COVID-19 vaccine results are positive.

A person who was COVID-19 positive attended a church service and exposed 180 people, officials say.

How the post COVID-19 workplace will be different.

Frequently Asked Question: 

Why is COVID more deadly for people of color?

In many parts of the US, the rate of confirmed cases and deaths is much higher among African Americans and Hispanics than other racial or ethnic groups. Experts say this may be for several reasons:

  • More long-term health problems: African Americans are more likely to have chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, obesity, and kidney disease. These health problems raise anyone’s risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. 
  • Less access to health care: People of color in some cities or states may be less likely to have health insurance or access to health care. 
  • Jobs, housing, and transportation: Many people of color live and work where it’s harder to stay away from others who may be infected with COVID-19. 
    • People of color are more likely to live in big cities and in apartment buildings. 
    • They may rely on subways, buses, and other forms of public transportation. 
    • They often hold essential jobs in health care, child care, grocery work, food service, and public works — so they have to continue going to work throughout the crisis.

For more answers to your questions, visit our coronavirus FAQ page.