The coronavirus outbreak began during the cold of winter in Wuhan, China. Scientists are asking if heat and humidity in countries like Malaysia (above, right) — and in regions where summer is soon starting — could slow transmission. Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images/ Lim Huey Teng/Reuters hide caption

Hospitals are facing widespread shortages of personal protective equipment, or PPE, for health care workers. Columbia University alumni associations are raising money to purchase much needed N95 masks, seen here, gowns and other gear. Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Glenn Copeland, whose long-overlooked recordings were rediscovered in 2015, was Caribou's choice for Play It Forward. Copeland in turn says he's thankful for the music of the band Bernice. Juri Hiensch/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, seen above in 2018, gives high marks for social distancing efforts during the coronavirus pandemic but low marks for testing. He says he thinks large public gatherings may have to wait until there's a vaccine. Carolyn Kaster/AP hide caption

In self-isolation, facial hair is a growing trend. Patricia De La Rosa/Getty Images hide caption

The Other Bennet Sister: A Novel, by Janice Hadlow Henry Holt & Co. hide caption