WTBU News Brunch, Episode 6: March 31, 2020 - a podcast by BU News Service

Good morning, and welcome to your WTBU News Brunch. We're on week three of zoom broadcasting, or what we like to call zoom-casting, and while we haven't been coming to you from our typical studio space, we've been making the most of, and having fun with, this virtual adventure. Thanks for sticking with us, and we hope you enjoy today's show.

New York City remains the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, with confirmed cases of COVID-19 reaching more than 37,000. In some good news, Governor Cuomo also said more than 4,200 people in New York State have been discharged from hospitals, and that while the number of hospitalizations continues to grow, the rate at which it is growing is tapering off.

Across Europe, countries are bringing in lockdowns and other extraordinary measures to try and control the spread. WTBU reporter Sofie Isenberg spoke to Carol Kemble, who had been sailing around the world before getting stuck in the port of Cartagena, Spain. Spain has been one of the hardest-hit countries by the coronavirus outbreak, now with over 54,000 cases and over 5,000 dead.

More than fifty volunteers have stepped up to help the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Boston University's Medical Campus to help develop and implement a unique coronavirus test that can return results in less than 24 hours. And the Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for a five-minute test from Abbot Labs. The medical device company plans to supply 50,000 tests per day, starting Wednesday.

345 employees at four of Boston's largest hospitals have tested positive for the coronavirus, adding strain to the system as the city approaches the peak in its coronavirus curve. In anticipation of healthcare needs, some medical students will be granted temporary licenses to help manage the influx of patients.

In an email to the Class of 2020 and their families, Boston University announced that the ceremony in May would be postponed until late August or early fall. WTBU’s Frank Hernández talked to some grads about what this means for them.

While the transition to online classes for college students is underway, many elementary school teachers have had to make even bigger adjustments to how they interact with their students. WTBU's Hannah Harn spoke to elementary educators about how distance learning has affected their classrooms.

As people in the UK begin what may be several months of nationwide lockdown, they're figuring out how to translate social activities online, whether that be beers over Zoom or YouTube workouts in the living room. WTBU London reporter Katharine Swindells talked to members of the gaming community, to find out how social isolation is impacting them.

Social media has been essential during this global pandemic. Shared videos and recirculated posts keep us connected and entertained with our family and friends. According to WTBU commentator Ina Joseph, we still need to be mindful of its drawbacks.

3.3 million people have filed for unemployment after workplaces across America shut down to ease the spread of the Coronavirus. A CNBC report predicts the unemployment rate in the U.S. will skyrocket to 32%. Thousands of businesses have closed, and small businesses are particularly at risk of closure turning permanent.

Marijuana shops across Massachusetts fear they could go out of business after Governor Charlie Baker deemed recreational purchases of marijuana non-essential. Some agree with the decision, arguing against smoking during a pandemic that attacks the respiratory system, while others see marijuana as a necessity, especially during trying times filled with anxiety and stress. California, Washington, and Oregon deem marijuana as essential. 

This edition of WTBU News Brunch was produced by Emily Wilson, Frank Hernández, Hannah Harn, Katherine Swindells, Kendall Tamer, Sofie Isenberg, and Ina Joseph. Our Technical Producer is Danny Roa.

Further episodes of BUNS Podcast

Further podcasts by BU News Service

Website of BU News Service