COVID-19: Neutralizing Antibody / Reopening Physician Practices / High Predictions for U.S. Deaths

By Kelly Young

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Jaye Elizabeth Hefner, MD

Have a look at some of the latest developments on novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19):

Neutralizing antibody: Researchers report the first human monoclonal antibody, known as 47D11, that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. They note in Nature Communications that 47D11 did not block the virus through receptor-binding interference; rather, the mechanism is currently unknown. They say the antibody "will be useful for development of antigen detection tests and serological assays targeting SARS-CoV-2."

Reopening physician practices: The American Medical Association has published a guide for clinicians about reopening their medical practices. It includes information on screening patients for COVID-19 before their in-person visits.

Projections for U.S. deaths: New government models predict that U.S. COVID-19 deaths could hit 3000 a day by June, the New York Times reports. Currently, about 1750 people are dying every day. The models predict 200,000 new cases a day. There are currently about 25,000 new daily cases.

Antibody tests: The FDA is requiring companies with antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2 to submit their data validating the tests' accuracy within 10 days.