COVID live updates: Breast milk could help fight coronavirus, researchers say

NEW YORK (WABC) – Research is still in its early stages, but indications are that breast milk may contain antibodies that can help fight severe cases of COVID-19.

The studies are being conducted at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Dr Laura Ward says there is already some evidence that breast milk contains antibodies that help protect against lower respiratory tract problems.

The new research is part of the reason new mothers who have contracted COVID-19 are encouraged to continue breastfeeding their babies.

However, bacteria and viruses can also be transferred to breast milk, which is why some doctors advise against this.

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Here are other headlines from today:

United States surpasses 25 million cases
The United States has passed 25 million cases of COVID-19, according to a count from Johns Hopkins University. The national total number of confirmed cases currently stands at 25,003,695.

40% of Americans live in areas with limited critical care space
Due to a record number of COVID-19 patients, hundreds of intensive care units across the country are running out of space and supplies and are scrambling to hire temporary mobile nurses at very high rates. Many facilities are grouped to the south and west.

An Associated Press analysis of federal hospital data shows that since November, the share of US hospitals near breaking point has doubled. More than 40% of Americans now live in areas with limited critical care space, with only 15% of beds still available.

Singapore Airlines hopes to be world’s first airline fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Singapore’s national carrier hopes to become the first airline in the world to vaccinate all of its crew members against COVID-19.

Singapore Airlines has confirmed to CNN Travel that all of its crew – including pilots, boarding agents, flight attendants and anyone whose jobs require contact with the public – have been offered free vaccines. against the coronavirus by the Singaporean government.

NY faces COVID vaccine shortage as demand continues to exceed supply
The Javits Center is still making appointments as New York State enters week six of its vaccination process. Although supply is limited, 240,000 doses are available and on their way to the state.

France faces third lockdown if curfew is not enough
The French government could impose a third lockdown in the coming days if an existing 12-hour-a-day curfew does not significantly slow viral infections.

Exactly one year after France announced the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Europe, Minister of Health Olivier Veran said in an interview published Sunday in the newspaper Le Parisien that if the infections do not decrease, and “if the variants start to spread everywhere, we’ll take further action. And that’s called containment. … We’re going to shut down. “

An official in the office of French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that “everything is on the table” but that no firm decision will be taken until the effect of the national curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. is clear in the week to come.

Ensuring equity in vaccines
New York will send more immunization readiness kits to senior housing complexes and churches in a bid to ensure equity in vaccine distribution, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Saturday.

Kits include syringes, vials, room dividers, privacy curtains, cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment, and other items. They also include instructions on setting up a vaccination site.

New York rolled out the first kits last week at five New York City Housing Authority seniors’ complexes and eight churches and cultural centers where nearly 4,200 people eligible to receive the vaccine have been vaccinated, Cuomo said.

Godiva Chocolates to Close All North American Stores Due to Pandemic
It’s a bittersweet farewell to one of the chocolate makers of North America. Godiva has announced plans to close all 128 stores.

What do COVID-19 ‘vaccine passports’ mean for your summer vacation
The words “vaccine passport” have a reassuring ring, perhaps evoking the image of an elegant, embossed document with watermarked pages and official stamps of approval. Flourishing at border controls, it would open travel doors which, for many of us, have been closed by Covid-19.

Top 7 COVID vaccine questions answered
You had questions about COVID-19 vaccines and 7 On Your Side is getting answers from doctors on the front lines of the pandemic.

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