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Mainland China reported its first locally transmitted COVID-19 infections in nearly two months, as Qingdao launched a city-wide testing drive after discovering new cases linked to a hospital designated to treat imported infections. The National Health Commission said in a statement that a total of 13 COVID-19 infections were reported in mainland China on Oct. 12, down from 21 a day earlier. (10/12)

A COVID-19 outbreak investigation in a densely populated community in China provides evidence for possible transmission via sewage, highlighting the importance of sewage management for pandemic control. Prior studies have identified SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes COVID-19—in patient fecal matter, but sewage transmission has not yet been demonstrated. Today's study in Clinical Infectious Diseases examined an April outbreak in a 2,888-resident community of Guangzhou City in southern China to identify the source of infection and mode of transmission in order to recommend prevention and control measures. (10/12)

Danish veterinarians and farmers have begun culling at least 2.5 million minks in northern Denmark, authorities said Monday, after coronavirus has been reported in at least 63 farms. ... Denmark is among the largest mink exporters in the world and produces an estimate 17 million furs per year. ... Scientists are still digging into how the minks got infected and if they can spread it to people. Some may have gotten the virus from infected workers. Dutch authorities say some farm workers later caught the virus back from the minks. (Olsen, 10/12)

Cuba relaxed coronavirus restrictions Monday in hopes of boosting its economy, allowing shops and government offices to reopen and welcoming locals and tourists at airports across the island except in Havana. Face masks and social distancing remain mandatory, although authorities will no longer isolate those who have been in contact with suspected cases as the island returns to a semblance of normality. (Rodriguez, 10/13)

Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said it has identified two Mexican migrant women who may have had surgery performed on them without their consent while detained at a U.S. immigration center in the state of Georgia. While being held at the Irwin center in Georgia, one Mexican woman was reportedly subject to gynecological surgery without her approval and without receiving post-operative care, the ministry said in a weekend statement. The ministry said its findings were based on actions taken by consular staff and interviews Mexican officials conducted at the center. (10/12)