COVID-19 News from Around the Web

Just as grocery stores have been stripped bare by Americans panicked by coronavirus, guns and ammunition have started flying off the shelves. Retailers say the buying frenzy is being fueled by consumers who are worried that people are becoming so desperate and unpredictable, they need to ensure they can protect themselves. Sales spiked in a matter of days, industry experts say. Some of the purchases are made by people buying their first firearm. Others are existing gun owners adding to their collection or stocking up on ammunition after seeing grocery stores depleted, schools closed and big events canceled, including the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting. Also potentially driving the sales are concerns that elected officials may try to restrict access to firearms.

The American Red Cross is asking healthy individuals across the country to consider donating blood as concerns over the coronavirus pandemic intensify. After a string of blood drive cancelations in the last few days and demand expected to surge in the coming weeks, the organization says it is in desperate need for new blood.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many people around the world are self-isolating, which in turn has resulted in an uptick of at-home workouts. Additionally, popular boutique fitness studios, as well as personal trainers, have continually made efforts to abide by CDC guidelines encouraging social distancing.

For every 52 smokers, secondhand smoke claims the life of one nonsmoker, an international study reports. … The study found that in 2016, 52 smokers were tied to the death of one nonsmoker worldwide -- up from 1990, when 31 smokers were linked to the death of one nonsmoker. Researchers said this reflects effective measures such as smoking bans in public places.