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May

There is more push back from regular people as stay-at-home and mask orders calcify as standard policies across the U.S.

A clear right-left political divide forms between those who do not want to wear masks and those who want everyone to. “Covidiot” emerges as a word to disparage those who do not wish to wear masks.

The press and some left-wing think tanks issue more recommendations for prison and immigration detention center commutations in the name of public health.

Trump works to accelerate “Operation Warp Speed” by moving more funding towards vaccine development, a move hailed in the press. Meanwhile, Pfizer begins testing its vaccine on humans.

Anthony Fauci gives congressional testimony, warning states and schools not to reopen “too quickly.”

Experts begin predicting another COVID wave in the fall, and that the pandemic will last up to two years.

The lab leak vs. wet market debate continues to rage. Members of the Trump administration and conservative news outlets state the lab-origin hypothesis is likely.

George Floyd dies while being arrested by police in Minneapolis on May 25. Demonstrations for police reform/defunding police departments begin around May 27. Protests and violence involving thousands of people spread across the country, including to the White House.

Election reform becomes a topic of discussion, with several media outlets reporting moves towards mail-in ballots to protect voters.

Key Dates and Stories:

  • May 1: Trump grants ‘Operation Warp Speed’ a blank check to develop vaccine, source says
  • May 3: Mike Pompeo: 'enormous evidence' coronavirus came from Chinese lab
  • May 5: Pfizer Begins Coronavirus Vaccine Trial In U.S.
  • May 11: Twitter to label disputed COVID-19 tweets
  • May 12: Moderna's experimental coronavirus vaccine gets FDA's 'fast track' status
  • May 12: Fauci tells Congress that states face serious consequences if they reopen too quickly
  • May 18: Wisconsin lawsuit seeks absentee ballot forms, other poll changes amid coronavirus concerns
  • May 28: George Floyd protest turns deadly; Minneapolis mayor requests National Guard
  • May 30: Crowds protest Floyd killing and Trump outside White House

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