Coronavirus news and updates: WHO official walks back comments on asymptomatic spread; UN won't meet in NYC

Concerns about the global coronavirus pandemic mean world leaders won't be seeing one another in New York at the United Nations annual September meeting, the first time in its 75-year history. 

Meanwhile, an epidemiologist at the World Health Organization, the UN's health agency, clarified comments made in a media briefing Monday that suggested coronavirus transmission by asymptomatic individuals is "very rare." USA TODAY recently tackled 10 questions that urgently need answers as the pandemic continues to unfold. We'll add that to the list. 

The coronavirus isn't going away anytime soon. The number of confirmed cases in the United States is inching closer to 2 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University dashboard. Global cases confirmed cases top 7 million.

What's in the news

• 60 million cases: That's how many infections in the U.S. were prevented by shutting things down, study finds. - USA TODAY
• Texas: The Lone Star state, which reopened early, is seeing a spike in cases of COVID-related hospitalizations. - CNBC
• Crowded cities: The pandemic is changing what it's like to live in one. - The Atlantic
• 36 everyday activities, ranked: What epidemiologists say about the risk level for things like going to church, playing basketball, hitting the buffet and more. - MLive

What we're reading

How to clean: Many businesses promise to "deep clean" offices before reopening, but what does that mean?

• Ask HR: Can I get sued if an employee catches COVID-19? 
• Hotels: Will a second-level super clean put travelers at ease?
• Face mask fashion: Retailers capitalize on ones that are fashionable and worth it.

Prisoners with health problems: Coronavirus was Paul Manafort's ticket home. Many other old, ill, nonviolent inmates are still in prison. Read more.

HBCUs: Historically black colleges are fighting for survival. Read more.

💔 Both lived to age 100. These sweethearts, together for 82 years, died days apart from the coronavirus. A Rhode Island love story that will break your heart.

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Contributing: Associated Press