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Walmart Shuts Down After COVID-19 Deaths; a September Release Date for Coronavirus Vaccine; and How Three Companies With Trump Ties Got Small Business Loans.
A Walmart store in Aurora, Colorado has shut down after a 72-year-old female worker lost her life to coronavirus. Her 63-year-old husband and a 69-year-old third-party security contractor also died from the virus.
Additionally, six other employees at the store also tested positive for the virus. Three other workers are currently waiting for test results to come back.
The store closed its doors after receiving complaints from shoppers and employees about a “lack of social distancing, too many people in the store at one time, and employees not wearing masks or face coverings.”
Dr. John Douglas Jr., executive director of the Tri-County Health Department said, “These deaths underscore the severity of the highly-contagious coronavirus and the need for diligent safety precautions to prevent any further spread, including the wearing of masks.”
A spokesperson for Walmart said, “Colorado has been hit especially hard by COVID-19, and several associates at this store have tested positive. Sadly, one of our associates has passed away. The temporary closure will allow third-party cleaning experts to further clean and sanitize the store.”
The spokesperson added, “We recognize how hard this is for our associates in Aurora and everyone impacted by this difficult situation. We want to do everything we can to support them at this time. We will continue to work closely with Tri-Country Health Department and take additional steps as needed to re-open the store.”
Related: How to Find Work During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Oxford University is ahead of the race to find a vaccine for COVID-19. Scientists say they’re now hopeful that a vaccine will be available as early as September.
The lab was already working on inoculations for other viruses. One of those viruses is a close relative to COVID-19.
Sarah Gilbert, a professor of vaccinology at the university said:
“Well, personally, I have a high degree of confidence about this vaccine, because it’s technology that I’ve used before.”
There are 550 participants in a human trial. Half received the new vaccine, and half received a placebo.
“It feels like finally, I am able to do something,” said Elisa Granato, a trial volunteer and Oxford scientist. “This was a way for me to contribute to the cause.”
As a result, an India based drugmaker, the largest in the world, has plans to start producing millions of the Oxford vaccines by next month. This is before they’ll even be proven to work.
However, the vaccine has already been tested in rhesus macaque monkeys. They had been heavily exposed to COVID-19, and the vaccine has reportedly cured them.
Related: Coronavirus Vaccine Testing Begins, US Volunteer to Test New Medicine
An analysis of companies who were approved for the small business lending program shows that three companies with Trump ties received a total of $18.3 million.
But there were other companies that received more than $20 million. They could have raised money from wealthy investors. Instead they took money meant for struggling small businesses.
Amanda Ballantyne, executive director of the Main Street Alliance, an advocacy group for small businesses, had a few things to say on the matter.
“The entire program was set up to benefit well-connected, well-banked businesses,” said Ballantyne. She is now calling on policymakers to change the program to “prioritize actual small businesses.”
At least 15 businesses receiving money under the program have stock market values of at least $100 million. We’re not talking about your local Scotts Lawn Care.
Related: Emergency Small Business Loan Program Already Out of Money
