Health experts push back on natural herd immunity ‘fringe theory’

The World
October 16, 2020

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A woman is shown wearing a visor and face mask while walking past a poster with guidance on stopping the spread of the coronavirus.

A woman wearing a face mask walks by a social distancing sign at a park in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 16, 2020.

Credit:

Ahn Young-joon/AP

There's a fringe proposal to counter the pandemic gaining some traction: Just let the virus spread and let a population build up "natural herd immunity." But this week, leading public health experts from around the globe pushed back, warning that the idea is extremely dangerous. And, former defense minister of Mexico, retired Gen. Salvador Cienfuegos, has been arrested in Los Angeles in connection with drug-related corruption. Plus, New Zealanders head to the polls.

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British PM faces tough EU trade negotiations; New Zealand voters head to the polls; Mexican official arrested at LAX

The World

October 16, 2020

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the UK should prepare for Brexit to take place in 10 weeks, even in the absence of a trade deal with the European Union. Voters in New Zealand head to the polls Saturday to decide whether Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern should serve a second term. And, Gen. Salvador Cienfuegos, the former Mexican defense minister, was arrested Thursday by US authorities — acting on the orders of the Drug Enforcement Administration.