The COVID-19 Report is a compilation of coronavirus news, analysis, and insights from around the world to help life sciences and health care companies stay current in this challenging time.

In Tuesday's Report: U.S. officials testify on response plan, and an IP update for the UK and Europe,

Tuesday, 4 August 2020

• The Hogan Lovells Government Relations and Public Affairs group is tracking all of the latest developments in the U.S. Congress and relevant news stories. The divide between Democrats and Republicans continues as talks have still resulted in no deal on a new coronavirus stimulus package. Differences remain over funding for state and local governments, unemployment benefits, liability protections, and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Three of the countries’ top health officials testified July 31 before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis on national coronavirus strategy. All three health experts agreed that there is still no “grand plan” on testing or responding to the virus at this time. Dr. Anthony Fauci told the panel that he is “cautiously optimistic” that a COVID-19 vaccine would be ready by the end of this year and said health agencies are not compromising safety standards. The New York Times reports that government researchers are becoming fearful of political intervention from the White House as pressure to develop a coronavirus vaccine by October 2020 continues under the ambitious Operation Warp Speed. White House Coronavirus Task Force Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx warned Aug. 2 that the country has entered a “new phase” of the pandemic. A coalition of conservative groups have written a letter to House Leader McConnell calling on Congress to subsidize a limited federal aid paying for laid-off worker’s COBRA coverage. The groups are concerned that loss of jobs and health care will cause enrollment in Obamacare and Medicare to swell. Read about these and other updates online here. (Authored by Ivan Zapien)

• The Hogan Lovells IP & Media Technology team is tracking the changes being made by intellectual property offices around the world in response to the coronavirus so we can keep you informed on the key developments. Our latest update for the UK and European Patent Office (EPO) is online here. (Authored by Imogen Fowler)

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