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Americans Protest Racism, Police Killings For 11th Straight Night; Area Near White House Designated "Black Lives Matter Plaza"; White House Defensive About Clearing Protesters From Park; Protests Over Police Brutality Spread Worldwide; Canadian Prime Minister Takes A Knee; U.S. Reports Increased COVID-19 In 21 States; Top Swedish Scientist: COVID-19 Strategy Could Have Been Better; The Race For A COVID-19 Vaccine. Aired 4-5a ET

Aired June 06, 2020 - 04:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

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NATALIE ALLEN, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Live from CNN World Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Natalie Allen.

We begin with more protests across the United States, with large crowds calling for social justice and police reform following the death, the violent death, of George Floyd. Here's Miguel Marquez.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No justice, no peace.

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Peaceful protests nationwide, demands for justice reform continue. But meaningful change won't come easy or fast. A step forward in Minneapolis. The city council banned the use of police chokeholds and the neck restraint, like the one used on George Floyd, and requiring officers to not only report their use but intervene when they witness the use of the now banned practice.

The use of nonlethal crowd control weapons, like rubber bullets and flash bang grenades, will now require approval from the chief of police.

And discipline decisions must be timely and there now must be civilian review of bodycam footage.

In Buffalo, New York, Thursday police knocked this 75-year-old man to the ground. Blood poured from his head as an officer appears to be discouraged from checking on him.

MAYOR BYRON BROWN (D), BUFFALO, NY: The officers in the front formation are not supposed to provide assistance because there are medics a little further back.

MARQUEZ (voice-over): The video contradicts the department's initial explanation that the man tripped on his own. Buffalo's mayor says two of the officers have been suspended without pay and the injured man is in serious but stable condition.

Nearly 60 officers resigning following the suspension.

In Georgia, video from "The Atlanta Journal-Constitution" shows a woman thrown by police, breaking her collarbone, as her lawyer says she was trying to leave a protest.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ANDRE WILLIAMS, AMBER JACKSON'S FIANCE: They took my fiancee as they pinned me against the car and they slammed her. And then they put us in the car and made us sit and they made her sit on a broke shoulder in handcuffs.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MARQUEZ (voice-over): The Atlanta Police Department has not responded to CNN's requests for comment.

MARCIA CARTER-PATTERSON, MANUEL ELLIS' MOTHER: He was a blessed child, OK? He was blessed and did not deserve to be murdered at the hands of the police.

MARQUEZ (voice-over): In Tacoma, Washington, new video posted to social media appears to show 33-year-old Manuel Ellis being held down by police. Ellis died that night last March in what the mayor has called a homicide.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He contacted the police and obviously was in distress. So they got out to talk to him. And when they did that, he assaulted one of the officers.

MARQUEZ (voice-over): He can be heard on the 9-1-1 call, saying, "I can't breathe" before he died.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They rolled him on his side. And he was breathing and he was talking.

MARQUEZ (voice-over): Autopsy reports show Ellis died from lack of oxygen and had methamphetamine in his system at the time. All four officers have been placed on administrative leave.

Mayor Victoria Woodards wants them fired and prosecuted.

MAYOR VICTORIA WOODARDS (D-WA), TACOMA: I don't get to take this skin color off every day. And my life could be taken. And today, it stops in Tacoma.

MARQUEZ (voice-over): Miguel Marquez, CNN, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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ALLEN: We have since learned the Atlanta officer in the bodyslamming incident has been placed on administrative assignment while the investigation is underway.

We would like to welcome our viewers here in the United States who are joining us now.

A 12th day of protests is expected Saturday in response to the violent death of George Floyd.

In Minneapolis, where Floyd died on Memorial Day, protesters chanted his name as they marched. Floyd was killed after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The city government has now voted to ban police chokeholds.

Now we take you to Los Angeles. There's a growing sense among protesters here that they are on the forefront of a movement for racial justice. To that end, a massive voter registration drive was folded into Friday's demonstration.

In Washington, this area near the White House has now been designated by the mayor as Black Lives Matter Plaza after protesters were pushed out of an adjacent public park. For more on what's been happening in the nation's capital, here's CNN's Alex Marquardt.

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ALEX MARQUARDT, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Protesters here in Washington, D.C., are finishing the week in the same place as they began, right here at Lafayette Park, as close to the White House as they can get.

They are also finishing in the same way as they began on Monday, entirely peacefully. Now the confrontation is growing between the mayor of Washington, D.C., and President Trump. With the cooperation of the city,

Black Lives Matter was written out in huge yellow block letters stretching two city blocks on 60th Street, which leads straight to the White House. The mayor also commissioned this spot as Black Lives Matter Plaza.

This is the spot where protesters were violently pushed back on Monday. In fact, very quickly, this became Black Lives Matter Plaza on Google Maps. These protesters have been pressed up against this fence at Lafayette Park for much of the week. It has been reinforced.

Behind it is the least amount of law enforcement I have seen all week. That speaks to how peaceful these protesters have been. The mayor of Washington has demanded that what she called extraordinary federal and military officials leave Washington because of how peaceful it's been.

The city is now looking ahead to Saturday, where they are anticipating a large protest, the biggest, they say, since the protest began in D.C. -- Alex Marquardt, CNN, Washington.

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ALLEN: President Trump is giving himself a pat on the back for Friday's better than expected employment numbers. While doing so, he made a shocking reference to the man whose death has spurred the unrest gripping the country. Jim Acosta explains.

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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ladies and gentlemen.

JIM ACOSTA, CNN CHIEF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It could be the most Trumpian departure from reality yet, as the president suggested police killing victim George Floyd is giving a thumbs up to Mr. Trump for his job performance this week.

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Hopefully, George is looking down right now and saying, this is a great thing that's happening for our country. This is a great day for him. It's a great day for everybody.

ACOSTA: Just days after his administration tear-gassed and pummeled demonstrators outside the White House, the president defended his harsh tactics, urging other mayors and governors to militarize their response to the protest.

TRUMP: This was like a piece of cake. And I really am suggesting, because if you look at Minnesota and the great success we had there and other places, you will end up looking much better in the end. Call in the National Guard. Call me. We will have so many people, more people than -- you have to dominate the streets. You can't let what's happening happen.

It's called dominate the streets.

ACOSTA: The president pointed to the latest unemployment numbers as a success story, comparing the economic hardship during the coronavirus pandemic to a hurricane.

TRUMP: You have a horrible hurricane in Florida or Texas and it's devastating. And then the hurricane goes away and within two hours, everyone's rebuilding and fixing and cleaning and cutting their grass. And I have seen it in Texas. I have seen it everywhere.

ACOSTA: Mr. Trump is also touting the jobless numbers as proof African American prosperity. But hold on. While the jobless rate dropped to just above 13 percent and white unemployment is on the decline as well, black unemployment is not.

A reporter tried to ask about that but was cut off.

TRUMP: I'd like to sign this bill. This is a very different thing.

And, by the way, what's happened to our country and what you now see has been happening is the greatest thing that can happen for race relations, for the African-American community, for the Asian-American, for the Hispanic American community, for women, for everything.

ACOSTA: As for the brutal clearing of Lafayette Park on Monday ordered by the Trump administration, the U.S. Park Police is now acknowledging protesters were tear gassed. After initially denying tear gas was used in a press release, a Park Police spokesman told the Vox website, "It was a mistake on our part for using tear gas, because we just assumed people would think C.S. or C.N., two types of tear gas."

The spokesman acknowledged other agents were used, adding: "I'm not saying it's not a tear gas, but I'm just saying we use a pepper ball that shoots a powder."

Tell that to the White House.

(on camera): Chemical agents were used.

KAYLEIGH MCENANY, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: So, again, no tear gas was used. No rubber bullets were used.

ACOSTA: Others say they were tear-gassed in that area.

MCENANY: No one was tear gassed.

ACOSTA (voice-over): The D.C. government is making its own statement about the protests, adding a Black Lives Matter mural and street signs to the area across from the park.

The president lashed out on Twitter, complaining: "The incompetent mayor of Washington is constantly coming back to us for handouts." Mayor Muriel Bowser, who learned the Pentagon is now beginning to pull U.S. troops out of Washington after her request to withdraw all extraordinary law enforcement and military presence from the district, fired back at the president.

MAYOR MURIEL BOWSER (D), WASHINGTON, D.C.: You know the thing about the pot and the kettle?

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ACOSTA: The president is also getting feedback from former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, who echoed the stinging criticism from former Defense Secretary James Mattis, who accused Mr. Trump of dividing Americans.

JOHN KELLY, FORMER WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF: I think we need to look harder at who we elect. I think we should start, all of us, regardless of what our views are in politics, I think we should look at people that are running for office and put them through the filter.

Are they -- what is their character like?

What is their -- what are their ethics?

ACOSTA: White House officials are brushing off public health concerns over the seating arrangement for the news conference in the Rose Garden. The seats for journalists were initially set up spaced apart for social distancing.

Then, at the last minute, White House staffers rearranged the seats, making sure reporters were sitting close to one another, despite the health risks during the coronavirus pandemic.

It appears aides to the president were using reporters as props to make a statement about the virus -- Jim Acosta, CNN, the White House.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: President Trump's actions and threats are being criticized by high-profile former cabinet members and generals. Earlier Michael Holmes spoke with Ron Brownstein, CNN's senior political analyst and senior editor at "The Atlantic," about how that criticism could hurt the president.

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RON BROWNSTEIN, CNN SR. POLITICAL ANALYST: You have General Mattis; General Dempsey, the former head of the Joint Chiefs; General Mullin, the former head of the Joint Chiefs; two former Defense Secretaries who used to be Republican senators, Bill Cohen and Chuck Hagel, as part of a piece today that written by 79 former Defense Department officials, all raising alarms about Trump.

You could say, well, so what?

The so what is that this I think adds to what they often call here in the U.S. the permission structure, for former Republican voters to say that this is just too much. In particular, college educated white men in the suburbs.

We know women moved very sharply against Republicans in 2018 but the men are a tougher hill for Democrats to take. You have to think, if a coalition, a phalanx of generals would have an impact, that could be the audience where you could lose some votes.

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ALLEN: Racism and police topic a right now in the world and the United States. And here's a programming note for you. CNN and Sesame Street are teaming up Saturday for a new town hall to help children and families discuss racism and the worldwide protests.

The hour-long special called, "Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism," by CNN's Van Jones and Erica Hill. They will be joined by the gang from Sesame Street, 10:00 pm in Hong Kong, 3:00 pm London, 10:00 am here in the U.S.

Protests over the death of George Floyd spreading all over the world. Demonstrators are also taking aim at rights abuses in their own nations. We take a closer look as we push on.

Also, why health experts in the U.S. are concerned the massive protests could mean a surge in coronavirus cases.

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ALLEN: The death of George Floyd caused shock around the world. This week a wave of global protests followed. Crowds are gathering in several cities in Australia. Look at the throngs of people in Adelaide in support of Black Lives Matter.

But they are also calling attention to mistreatment of indigenous Australians.

And protests Saturday across Europe, including Germany, Portugal and Italy, protests also kicking off in France. Jim Bittermann joins me live near Paris.

What's expected there today, Jim?

JIM BITTERMANN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Natalie, in fact, there are several demonstrations in Paris today, as well as across the country in at least seven or eight other cities.

We are expecting there will be a lot of people on the street today. All of these demonstrations have been forbidden by police because basically they go against the rules for coming out of the coronavirus. And people are not supposed to gather of groups of more than 10 people.

So the police may try to break up some of these demonstrations. The one in Paris that is near the American embassy, that may be subject to police interest. In any case, the subject matter here is, of course, George Floyd.

But as well, a man named Adama Traore, who died in police custody, there was a investigation into his case back in 2016. Now the investigation has been reopened, new witnesses have come forward. And there are real questions raised about what led to his death. That's another thing that has come up here.

As well as an investigation, according to the interior ministry, of a Facebook page that thousands, apparently, thousands of police officers and other security people were part of, a Facebook group, that was notably racist and homophobic -- Natalie.

ALLEN: Another angle to this ugly chapter to look into. We know you will show us the rallies as they get under way. Thanks, Jim.

BITTERMANN: You bet.

ALLEN: Frankie Clarence has been participating in protests this week and joins me now from London.

Frankie, good to see you. We just heard Jim Bittermann in France talking about local stories there, cases there that are bringing people out as well. It seems that the George Floyd story is a catalyst.

Is that also what you are seeing there in London?

FRANKIE CLARENCE, ACTOR: First of all, good morning to everyone over there. I just want to say I saw -- this is not exactly the right time to be doing a comparison which is worse or how the mood is. Injustice has been done. The impact, not only in the U.K. but globally, has proven how unlawfully we have been treated.

It has been -- I wouldn't say overwhelming.

[04:20:00]

CLARENCE: But it's about time not only do people of black color but people who have been mistreated (INAUDIBLE) completely done wrong by authorities and it's up to us to as a people to prove how it should be done (INAUDIBLE).

ALLEN: Are you heartened by what you're seeing with the rallies and the people coming out?

And is it a diverse crowd?

CLARENCE: I will say necessary (INAUDIBLE). love will always win. Unity (INAUDIBLE), togetherness (INAUDIBLE) will get us through any scenario.

It's (INAUDIBLE) to know that people who are not (INAUDIBLE), who are not of black culture (INAUDIBLE) every situation. Black itself, you as a female, I will never understand the hardship of being a female and as for you, you will never understand the hardship of being a black person.

(INAUDIBLE). We were created with two ears and one mouth. We need to listen more and talk less. We need to listen (INAUDIBLE) we can help each other to reach our aspirations and reach our goals if we combine with each other (INAUDIBLE) as opposed to verbally just speaking.

ALLEN: What is the reaction from officials there that you have been hearing to people on the streets?

CLARENCE: So let's get it straight. I have been supporting the Black Lives Matter. My campaign in particular we are focusing on the injustice of (INAUDIBLE) is a key worker, a (INAUDIBLE) train station who was forced to work in a position during the pandemic, was spat at on the face by a guest who did not want to purchase a ticket.

That person who spat on her, that person had COVID-19 and unfortunately (INAUDIBLE) is no more with us. And if you look on the (INAUDIBLE) police website, it clearly states the hard lines will be facilitated (INAUDIBLE) the person will be prosecuted, the person will be arrested, the person will be banned (ph).

And since then, no justice has been served. And the (INAUDIBLE) police have said we are not going to take these allegations any further. That speaks volumes of what is going on in the world right now. If you cannot even be obliged to follow your own protocol, what it is for us to solve that we are being treated well by those who are seen as authorities.

ALLEN: Frankie, there's now a discussion in the United States about rethinking the whole concept of policing, the structure of policing.

What are your thoughts on that?

CLARENCE: That is a very tricky question to ask me what I think, my thoughts on that in North America because I cannot be the person who speaks for the whole global table. We all have a certain opinion.

What I can say is that if the system that was created to break down and oppress not just areas of color (INAUDIBLE) people, females, who are perceived (INAUDIBLE), the system from the top down is absolutely being -- upon. The one solid thing is that it is clear.

The realization of everyone. Everyone has acknowledged there is a problem now. Now we need to take it to the next step, fixing the economy, finding a solution. And most importantly the ignorance and (INAUDIBLE) a lot because people are not educated.

It's up to us and (INAUDIBLE) in this program, many individuals ask me what are my thoughts on the news. If you watch the news, some people say they are misinformed. If you don't watch the news, you are also told you are uninformed. (INAUDIBLE) a burden to actually educate people (INAUDIBLE) what is necessary done and how we can (INAUDIBLE) but people the next generation (INAUDIBLE) same discussion (INAUDIBLE) because we all have a heart. And we want our heart to beat as long as possible.

ALLEN: We like what you say. Frankie, we really appreciate it. Frankie Clarence for us in London, wish you all the best, sir. Thank you.

CLARENCE: Peace, love and happiness.

ALLEN: And to you.

We have seen the death of George Floyd inspire protests around the world, people like Frankie have fueled this importance to speak out and look for change. At least one global leader took a knee to show his solidarity with protesters. Paula Newton has that from Canada.

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PAULA NEWTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It's been a day of protests right across Canada. People took to the streets in multiple cities, thousands, really denouncing racism, not just from what they've seen in the United States but systemic racism that they say exists right here in Canada.

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau made an unexpected visit to the Ottawa protest, even taking a knee, which was a very powerful image on the streets even as some people denounced his actions earlier in the week, when it took him 21 seconds to decide whether or not he would denounce the actions of U.S. president Donald Trump.

[04:25:00] NEWTON: But at the prime's minister side was one of his cabinet ministers, Ahmed Hussen, who has spoken so forcefully and eloquently about his own struggles with racism in Canada. I want you to take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

AHMED HUSSEN, CANADIAN MP: I think it's pretty powerful when you have the head of government coming and listening and taking a knee and being there and applauding when people say black lives matter. And I agree with him completely.

All lives will not matter until Black Lives Matter, it's just that simple. And people need to understand that. When people say Black Lives Matter, they're not saying that other lives don't matter; they're saying that black lives matter, too.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON: As powerful and symbolic a gesture as it may have been, many Canadians have been demanding this week that they get the systemic change that they have been asking for. And not just for the black community and other minorities but with indigenous peoples.

Two shocking, violent events this week alone in Canada, between law enforcement and indigenous peoples, have absolutely shocked the country. And for that reason they are looking to the Trudeau government to make those systemic changes that have been promised for so long -- Paula Newton, CNN, Ottawa.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: U.S. experts warn of a possible spike in coronavirus cases. When we return, how these protests could be playing a part in the spread.

Also, a new tone from the top of the NFL, the National Football League, on racism. We'll tell you what the commissioner did and did not say.

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ALLEN: Welcome back to our viewers here in the United States and all around the world. I'm Natalie Allen. You are watching CNN NEWSROOM, live from Atlanta.

Protests in the United States following the death of George Floyd are showing no signs of letting up.

And that has health officials concerned the number of new coronavirus infections have gone up in nearly 2 dozen states over the past week. And experts fear those numbers could surge even more. Here is more about it from CNN's Erica Hill.

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ERICA HILL, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Peaceful protests, across the country, have health experts worried.

DR. ROBERT REDFIELD, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION: There is a potential, unfortunately, for this to be a seeding event.

HILL (voice-over): New York streets, filled with demonstrators, just days before the city's planned reopening.

MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO (D-NY), NEW YORK CITY: I understand still, this painful, real moment in history. But I want to remind, people it is dangerous to be close together. If you've been at a protest, I strongly urge you to get tested.

HILL (voice-over): Minnesota's governor, encouraging the same.

As officials sound the alarm, again, about the need to wear masks.

REDFIELD: We are very concerned our public health message is not resonating.

HILL (voice-over): The World Health Organization, expanding its guidance on Friday, recommending fabric face coverings in areas where the virus is still spreading and medical masks for those over 60 or with underlying conditions.

Sobering numbers about the nation's nursing homes, 26 states say 50 percent or more of their COVID-19 related deaths, were in long-term care facilities, according to a new report.

Minnesota and Rhode Island posting the highest numbers, 81 percent, followed by Connecticut and New Hampshire. Meantime, the number of new cases over the past week is up in 21 states. Testing is also on the rise.

Florida saw its biggest one day jump in weeks, adding more than 1,400 new cases on Thursday. Much of the state is now in phase 2 of reopening, Universal Orlando, welcoming guests, Friday morning.

CHANNING WILHOUGHBY, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS VISITOR: I felt very safe in bringing my family here.

HILL (voice-over): The NBA looking to bring its players to Orlando, using Disney World as home base, aiming to restart the season on July 31st ;22 teams added safety measures and regular testing part of that plan.

ADAM SILVER, NBA COMMISSIONER: The belief is we would not have to shut down if a single player tested positive.

HILL (voice-over): Major League Baseball, however, still on hold after the players' association rejected the league's call for further pay cuts.

HILL: In its weekly health report, the CDC saying a third of Americans have been engaging in some sort of risky behavior with household cleaning products or disinfectants to stop the spread of COVID-19.

An online survey from last month found that some admitted to putting bleach on their, food washing their bodies with household cleaners or disinfectants or even gargling with bleach. None of that, of course, is recommended by the CDC or by the companies that make those products.

Household cleaners and disinfectants should ever be ingested and should only be used for their intended purposes as expressed on the labels -- back to you.

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ALLEN: One of Sweden's top scientists admits the COVID-19 strategy could have been better. Sweden relied on its citizens' sense of civic duty but the strategy resulted in one of the highest per capita death rates from the virus in the world. CNN's Phil Black has that from London.

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PHIL BLACK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Even in a country that has shown a light touch for dealing with COVID-19, this is against the rules.

There is a 50 person limit on groups in Sweden. It didn't stop thousands crowding close together in Stockholm to protest against racism.

There is no lockdown in Sweden. Never has been. A radically different approach to the rest of the world. It is driven by the state epidemiologist who, throughout the pandemic, has proudly argued, Sweden has found the right balance by focusing on voluntary social distancing.

One of the strong reasons for why we've been doing what we're doing, what we are, doing is (INAUDIBLE) feel that this is very sustainable. We can keep on doing this for long, for months at the end without any real harm to society.

BLACK (voice-over): It hasn't all gone to plan. Sweden's death toll, more than 4.5 thousand, is disturbingly high for such a small country. There's still no evidence to support claims his policies have allowed widespread immunity to build in the capital.

Denmark and Norway, locked down, suffered relatively few deaths and now refuse to open their doors to Sweden, those facts triggering scathing assessments from other Swedish scientists.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The biggest problem today, there is no willingness to change. A failed policy and proof is in the pudding. Death numbers are staggering.

[04:35:00]

BLACK: He has now admitted, for the first, time, with today's knowledge he'd have done things a little differently. He is still no fan of lockdowns but says with, hindsight that Sweden should have gone for a plan somewhere in the middle, between this current open, approach and stricter measures.

He's not saying that he got it wrong, he just was not right about everything.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Unfortunately, we have a high death toll here (INAUDIBLE) and we wish we could have avoided more (INAUDIBLE).

BLACK: Traditionally, in Sweden, public officials like Tegno enjoy significant autonomy and high public trust but his policies will now be examined closely. The Swedish government has promised a rapid inquiry into the pandemic response.

While most Swedes are still happily enjoying the freedoms that come with keeping the country open, there is growing pressure to determine if the cost in lives has been too high -- Phil Black, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: U.S. health officials say the chances of developing a successful coronavirus vaccine by January is extremely ambitious but possible.

So how close are scientists to the finish line?

CNN's Elizabeth Cohen tells us.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN SR. MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: There is a race on to get a vaccine for COVID-19. And scientists are working faster than they ever have before. It's really quite unprecedented. Let's take a look at some of the progress thus far.

There are 133 teams worldwide that are developing a vaccine; 10 are in human clinical trials, meaning they're actually trying them out in humans; 123 are at preclinical stages, meaning they're working with animals or they're working with the lab. Let's take a look at where these 10 teams are that are in clinical trials.

There are three in the USA, Moderna, Inovio and Novavax; there is one in the U.S. and Germany, Pfizer and BioNTech; one in the United Kingdom and that's AstraZeneca, which is teaming up with the University of Oxford; and there are five in China.

It's unclear which of these is going to finish first and more importantly, it's unclear which of these are going to work. We know that some of them won't work; that's why we have so many shots on goal, so to speak. Let's take a listen to what Dr. Anthony Fauci at the U.S. National Institutes of Health had to say about this.

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DR. ANTHONY FAUCI, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES: It means at risk for the investment. So we are going to start manufacturing doses of the vaccines way before we even know that the vaccine works.

We may know whether it's effective, efficacious or not by maybe November-December, which means that by that time we hopefully would have close to 100 million doses.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COHEN: By manufacturing while they are doing research, what that means is that, if a vaccine works, then there should be a supply of doses ready to go immediately. It also means that, if some vaccines don't work, then they will have been produced basically for nothing.

But it's been decided that that is worth it in order to try to have enough vaccines for the entire world as soon as possible.

Now this progress being made not just on vaccines but also in treatments of various kinds. There is some news out this week about famotidine. Many people know famotidine even if they don't know it by that name; in some places, it's sold under the brand name, Pepcid.

It's a very common heartburn remedy and there's been some thought that this might actually help against coronavirus.

What researchers found and what they published in a medical journal this week is that 10 patients, who took it when they were home sick with COVID, did find some relief. Now that doesn't mean that the drug did it; it may have been that they were just naturally going to get better anyway, which, of course, most COVID patients do, especially if they are at home.

But it could be that the famotidine played a role. So now they're going to plan a large clinical trial where half of the patients will be getting famotidine, half of the patients will be getting a placebo and they will see who does better -- back to you.

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ALLEN: Sian Griffiths is an emeritus professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong School of Public Health and the chair of the Hong Kong government's inquiry into the SARS outbreak in 2003.

Professor, good to see you. Thanks for coming on again.

DR. SIAN GRIFFITHS, EMERITUS PROFESSOR, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG: Good morning.

ALLEN: Good morning. We just heard our colleague talk about all the trials throughout the world. It seems there could be a glimmer of hope there could be a vaccine at year's end. Are you in agreement with that possibility?

GRIFFITHS: Well, the scientists tell us that things are progressing amazingly rapidly. And they are hopeful. And presumably we should all be hopeful because they have actually gone into production at the same time as continuing to do the trials.

So Oxford, as you said earlier, is combining with AstraZeneca.

[04:40:00]

GRIFFITHS: They are aiming to have a vaccine at the end of this year, 2020. That is amazingly quick progress. In the past, we have said it takes about 10 years to make a vaccine. That has been thought of as quite good.

So what COVID has managed to do is produce rapid developments in science. They have been using the experience they've had from other vaccine platforms and they have been able to push forward new techniques. And the trials in humans, as you said, are ongoing. There are over 100 different groups working on this.

But Professor Adrian Hill from Oxford said you only expect about 6 percent of your initial platforms to actually produce a vaccine which can be used in humans.

ALLEN: It is extraordinary how quickly this is happening when you consider AIDS came about in the '80s and there is still not a vaccine for AIDS. But I want to talk with you about a recent poll by "The Washington Post" and ABC News, showing 7 in 10 Americans saying they would get the vaccine.

An earlier Associated Press poll, said just 49 percent would consider.

What would it mean if a vaccine is developed and people opt out?

GRIFFITHS: Well, it would mean you don't get the herd immunity that you need to suppress a second spike of the virus. If the vaccine is not effective or not taken up enough, that means it isn't very helpful at producing the immunity we need in the population to keep us safe from having more COVID.

So I think as long as the vaccine is shown to be efficacious and as long as it's shown to be safe, then there should be a big push on making sure that at least our vulnerable groups are immunized and that will help protect the whole population.

ALLEN: As we are talking about the people around the world that are in the streets supporting Black Lives Matter over the George Floyd killing, I mean, try to find a city in a country that doesn't have people out engaging in rallies. They try to social distance. For the most part you see a lot of masks. But there is the concern that this could lead to a spike in cases.

Are you concerned about that? GRIFFITHS: Yes. I'm obviously concerned because any demonstration means that it's actually quite hard. In the U.K., we try to stay two meters apart. And trying to have a demonstration with keeping two meters apart is pretty difficult.

Our politicians, there is going to be a big demonstration this afternoon in London and our politicians are all asking people to say, we sympathize with why you want to go out and demonstrate. But we don't want you to because of risk of a second spike.

You know, there's lots of emphasis that, if you do go, wear a mask. If you do go, keep socially distanced. Wash your hands when you come in, all those protective measures. Underlying it, there is a risk of a second spike of the disease.

ALLEN: And we have heard that using tear gas certainly doesn't help.

GRIFFITHS: It doesn't help. It affects the lungs. (INAUDIBLE) we obviously haven't done trials on tear gas and COVID. But it is a risk, if you think, it is an increased risk. We hope that the protests are peaceful and you don't need tear gas. But there are risks if you do go out to demonstrate, particularly for vulnerable groups.

ALLEN: We appreciate your expertise as always. Professor Sian Griffiths, thanks so much.

GRIFFITHS: Thanks.

We have seen big protests in cities across the U.S. But demonstrations in support of Black Lives Matter are happening in small towns, too. We will take a look at that part of the story right after this.

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ALLEN: During our coverage of the protests over the death of George Floyd, much of our focus has been on the massive demonstrations in the U.S. But they aren't happening only in large cities. In small cities and towns, there are also Americans who want to stand up and say Black Lives Matter. Our Tom Foreman has that story.

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TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They are raising a ruckus on the quiet streets of Biloxi, Mississippi, a couple dozen protesters with handmade signs crying out for change.

GWENDOLYN BRADLEY, PROTESTER: I have lived with racism our whole lives coming from a very small town. And it's just -- it's got to stop.

FOREMAN: They are battling for rights in Boise, Idaho. They are taking a stand in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: I can't breathe!

FOREMAN: Indeed, beyond the roar of the big city protests, which have drawn enough people to be towns of their own, the map is steadily filling in with smaller communities making themselves heard coast to coast, come what may.

In Huntsville, Alabama, tear gas flew after police say some people refuse to leave when their protest was done. To be sure, they did not leave their passions.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't want grandchildren brought into this. If that means I never have a grandkid, I'm OK with that.

FOREMAN: The sentiment was the same across the state in Auburn and in Tuscaloosa.

UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: Black lives matter!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I hope that it sends a message that police need to stop racism.

PASTOR HOLLIS THOMAS, PROTESTER: You cannot leave here today and be quiet about what has happened to black and brown people across this country.

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FOREMAN: In Brockton, Massachusetts, where more than 40 percent of the population is black, the call went up.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: All lives can't matter until black lives matter. You understand that?

FOREMAN: But it happened in Missoula, Montana, too, which is more than 90 percent white.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Actually, I'm very emotional about this, because you can see everyone's standing together in Montana, in Missoula.

FOREMAN: And on it goes, from Georgia, to Maine, to Nebraska, to Texas, to Michigan. Sure, they know the big cities will get most of the attention, but smaller towns on this issue at this moment are having their say.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Seeing the injustice happen over and over again, I have been watching it since I was a kid. At some point, it just kind of gets hard. And it's time to finally speak up and do something.

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ALLEN: In a related story, the NFL commissioner has issued an apology for how the league has handled race relations.

[04:50:00] ALLEN: And yet no mention of the particular athlete, Colin Kaepernick, right there, who has been at the center of this issue for years. We'll have a report next.

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ALLEN: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell posted a video on social media, admitting the league was wrong for not listening to players' concerns about racism but also did not address Colin Kaepernick and the controversy of taking a knee in protest during the national anthem. CNN Sport's Patrick Snell has our story.

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ROGER GOODELL, NFR COMMISSIONER (voice-over): We at the National Football League condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We at the National Football League admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest.

PATRICK SNELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is speaking out with a full and frank admission. The league's chief power broker reflecting Friday on what he called a difficult time for the country and in particular black Americans.

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GOODELL (voice-over): We at the National Football League believe Black Lives Matter. I personally protested with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country.

Without black players, there would be no National Football League. And the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff.

SNELL (voice-over): It comes after a video featuring over a dozen of the league's stars challenged the NFL to take a strong stance following the death last month of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (voice-over): How many times do we need to ask you to listen to your players?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What will it take?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We will not be silenced.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We reserve our right to peacefully protest.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It shouldn't take this long to admit. SNELL (voice-over): Racism has been a big issue in the NFL, especially

since the then San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick faced a backlash from the league and others for kneeling before games during the U.S. national anthem, in protest at police brutality.

SNELL: In fact no team has offered a contract to Kaepernick since 2017. And tellingly, he wasn't even mentioned in that video from the commissioner. Roger Goodell says he will be reaching out to players individually; whether that includes Kaepernick, though, remains to be seen -- Patrick Snell, CNN, Atlanta.

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ALLEN: A huge athlete is offering support. Michael Jordan and his Jordan Brand of apparel donating $100 million to support the black community in the U.S.

In a joint statement, they said, "Black Lives Matter. This isn't a controversial statement. We will pay the money over the next 10 years to organizations dedicated to racial equality, social justice and education." Parent company Nike has pledged $40 million.

Thank you for watching CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Natalie Allen. I invite you to follow me on Instagram and Twitter. The news continues next.