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Tracking Trump’s Claims on the Threat From Coronavirus Tracking Trump’s Claims on the Threat From Coronavirus
(3 days later)
President Trump has made a series of rosy — and sometimes false — claims about the coronavirus, including the risks to Americans and how his administration is responding.President Trump has made a series of rosy — and sometimes false — claims about the coronavirus, including the risks to Americans and how his administration is responding.
Here is a timeline of some of his comments, placed in context and fact-checked.Here is a timeline of some of his comments, placed in context and fact-checked.
Mr. Trump tweeted:“China has been working very hard to contain the Coronavirus. The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency. It will all work out well. In particular, on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!”Mr. Trump tweeted:“China has been working very hard to contain the Coronavirus. The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency. It will all work out well. In particular, on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!”
While the Chinese response to the coronavirus was more transparent than during the SARS outbreak nearly two decades earlier, it was not a model of open communication. The government continued to censor criticism and suppress information. A Chinese doctor who tried to warn his medical school classmates about the virus in December was detained by authorities for questioning. He was infected with the virus and died two weeks after Mr. Trump’s tweet.While the Chinese response to the coronavirus was more transparent than during the SARS outbreak nearly two decades earlier, it was not a model of open communication. The government continued to censor criticism and suppress information. A Chinese doctor who tried to warn his medical school classmates about the virus in December was detained by authorities for questioning. He was infected with the virus and died two weeks after Mr. Trump’s tweet.
Mr. Trump tweeted:“Just received a briefing on the Coronavirus in China from all of our GREAT agencies, who are also working closely with China. We will continue to monitor the ongoing developments. We have the best experts anywhere in the world, and they are on top of it 24/7!”Mr. Trump tweeted:“Just received a briefing on the Coronavirus in China from all of our GREAT agencies, who are also working closely with China. We will continue to monitor the ongoing developments. We have the best experts anywhere in the world, and they are on top of it 24/7!”
Mr. Trump spoke with the Fox News personality Sean Hannity:“We pretty much shut it down coming in from China,” Mr. Trump said of the coronavirus. “But we can’t have thousands of people coming in who may have this problem, the coronavirus. So, we’re going to see what happens, but we did shut it down, yes.”Mr. Trump spoke with the Fox News personality Sean Hannity:“We pretty much shut it down coming in from China,” Mr. Trump said of the coronavirus. “But we can’t have thousands of people coming in who may have this problem, the coronavirus. So, we’re going to see what happens, but we did shut it down, yes.”
Mr. Trump addressed the National Border Patrol Council:“And 61 percent of the voters approve of Trump’s handling of the coronavirus. And, you know, we did a very early move on that. We did a — I was criticized by a lot of people at the beginning because we were the first. We’d never done it before.”He also offered an optimistic prediction:“There’s a theory that, in April, when it gets warm — historically, that has been able to kill the virus. So we don’t know yet; we’re not sure yet.”Mr. Trump addressed the National Border Patrol Council:“And 61 percent of the voters approve of Trump’s handling of the coronavirus. And, you know, we did a very early move on that. We did a — I was criticized by a lot of people at the beginning because we were the first. We’d never done it before.”He also offered an optimistic prediction:“There’s a theory that, in April, when it gets warm — historically, that has been able to kill the virus. So we don’t know yet; we’re not sure yet.”
Warmer weather does not “kill” the seasonal flu, but slows its transmission. It’s unclear if this will hold true for coronavirus infections, which have similar symptoms to the flu but are caused by a different virus. Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also contradicted Mr. Trump’s theory a day earlier, telling CNN that “this virus is probably with us beyond this season, beyond this year.”Warmer weather does not “kill” the seasonal flu, but slows its transmission. It’s unclear if this will hold true for coronavirus infections, which have similar symptoms to the flu but are caused by a different virus. Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also contradicted Mr. Trump’s theory a day earlier, telling CNN that “this virus is probably with us beyond this season, beyond this year.”
Mr. Trump tweeted:“The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries. CDC & World Health have been working hard and very smart. Stock Market starting to look very good to me!”Mr. Trump tweeted:“The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries. CDC & World Health have been working hard and very smart. Stock Market starting to look very good to me!”
Mr. Trump, visiting India, tweeted:“Cryin’ Chuck Schumer is complaining, for publicity purposes only, that I should be asking for more money than $2.5 Billion to prepare for Coronavirus. If I asked for more he would say it is too much. He didn’t like my early travel closings. I was right. He is incompetent!”Mr. Trump, visiting India, tweeted:“Cryin’ Chuck Schumer is complaining, for publicity purposes only, that I should be asking for more money than $2.5 Billion to prepare for Coronavirus. If I asked for more he would say it is too much. He didn’t like my early travel closings. I was right. He is incompetent!”
In two other posts, he also said:“CDC and my Administration are doing a GREAT job of handling Coronavirus, including the very early closing of our borders to certain areas of the world. It was opposed by the Dems, ‘too soon’, but turned out to be the correct decision. No matter how well we do, however, the Democrats talking point is that we are doing badly. If the virus disappeared tomorrow, they would say we did a really poor, and even incompetent, job. Not fair, but it is what it is. So far, by the way, we have not had one death. Let’s keep it that way!”In two other posts, he also said:“CDC and my Administration are doing a GREAT job of handling Coronavirus, including the very early closing of our borders to certain areas of the world. It was opposed by the Dems, ‘too soon’, but turned out to be the correct decision. No matter how well we do, however, the Democrats talking point is that we are doing badly. If the virus disappeared tomorrow, they would say we did a really poor, and even incompetent, job. Not fair, but it is what it is. So far, by the way, we have not had one death. Let’s keep it that way!”
At a news conference, Mr. Trump was asked about his previous criticisms of the Obama administration’s handling of Ebola in 2014. He responded: “At that time, nobody had ever even heard of Ebola or ever conceived of something where you basically — the people would disintegrate. And we’re still working on Ebola.” He went on saying, “The level of death with Ebola — you know, at the time, it was a virtual hundred percent.”At a news conference, Mr. Trump was asked about his previous criticisms of the Obama administration’s handling of Ebola in 2014. He responded: “At that time, nobody had ever even heard of Ebola or ever conceived of something where you basically — the people would disintegrate. And we’re still working on Ebola.” He went on saying, “The level of death with Ebola — you know, at the time, it was a virtual hundred percent.”
This was exaggerated. Ebola got its name from a 1976 outbreak. The average fatality rate is around 50 percent, but has ranged from 27 percent in Sierra Leone during the 2014 to 2016 outbreak to 88 percent in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976. Ebola is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, while the coronavirus can be transmitted more easily, through close contact or droplets from sneezes and coughs.This was exaggerated. Ebola got its name from a 1976 outbreak. The average fatality rate is around 50 percent, but has ranged from 27 percent in Sierra Leone during the 2014 to 2016 outbreak to 88 percent in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976. Ebola is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, while the coronavirus can be transmitted more easily, through close contact or droplets from sneezes and coughs.
At a news conference at the White House, Mr. Trump addressed Democratic criticism of his response:“We should all be working together,” he said. He added: “All they’re trying to do is get a political advantage. This isn’t about political advantage. We’re all trying to do the right thing. They shouldn’t be saying: ‘This is terrible. President Trump isn’t asking for enough money.’ How stupid a thing to say. If they want to give us more money, that’s OK.”At a news conference at the White House, Mr. Trump addressed Democratic criticism of his response:“We should all be working together,” he said. He added: “All they’re trying to do is get a political advantage. This isn’t about political advantage. We’re all trying to do the right thing. They shouldn’t be saying: ‘This is terrible. President Trump isn’t asking for enough money.’ How stupid a thing to say. If they want to give us more money, that’s OK.”
The president responded to whether U.S. schools should prepare for the virus:“I think every aspect of our society should be prepared. I don’t think it’s going to come to that, especially with the fact that we’re going down, not up. We’re going very substantially down, not up. But, yeah, I think schools should be preparing and, you know, get ready just in case.” He added: “We have it so well under control. I mean, we really have done a very good job.”The president responded to whether U.S. schools should prepare for the virus:“I think every aspect of our society should be prepared. I don’t think it’s going to come to that, especially with the fact that we’re going down, not up. We’re going very substantially down, not up. But, yeah, I think schools should be preparing and, you know, get ready just in case.” He added: “We have it so well under control. I mean, we really have done a very good job.”
His claim about cases “going very substantially down” was false and contradicted what the secretary of health and human services and a top official from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had said moments earlier in the same news conference: that they expected “more cases.”His claim about cases “going very substantially down” was false and contradicted what the secretary of health and human services and a top official from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had said moments earlier in the same news conference: that they expected “more cases.”
Mr. Trump tweeted:“Congratulations and thank you to our great Vice President & all of the many professionals doing such a fine job at CDC & all other agencies on the Coronavirus situation. Only a very small number in U.S., & China numbers look to be going down. All countries working well together!”Mr. Trump tweeted:“Congratulations and thank you to our great Vice President & all of the many professionals doing such a fine job at CDC & all other agencies on the Coronavirus situation. Only a very small number in U.S., & China numbers look to be going down. All countries working well together!”
Mr. Trump tweeted:“So, the Coronavirus, which started in China and spread to various countries throughout the world, but very slowly in the U.S. because President Trump closed our border, and ended flights, VERY EARLY, is now being blamed, by the Do Nothing Democrats, to be the fault of ‘Trump’.”Mr. Trump tweeted:“So, the Coronavirus, which started in China and spread to various countries throughout the world, but very slowly in the U.S. because President Trump closed our border, and ended flights, VERY EARLY, is now being blamed, by the Do Nothing Democrats, to be the fault of ‘Trump’.”
He also tweeted:“The Do Nothing Democrats were busy wasting time on the Immigration Hoax, & anything else they could do to make the Republican Party look bad, while I was busy calling early BORDER & FLIGHT closings, putting us way ahead in our battle with Coronavirus. Dems called it VERY wrong!”He also tweeted:“The Do Nothing Democrats were busy wasting time on the Immigration Hoax, & anything else they could do to make the Republican Party look bad, while I was busy calling early BORDER & FLIGHT closings, putting us way ahead in our battle with Coronavirus. Dems called it VERY wrong!”
At a rally in Charlotte, N.C.:“We had a great meeting today with a lot of the great companies, and they’re going to have vaccines, I think, relatively soon. And they’re going to have something that makes you better, and that’s going to actually take place we think even sooner.”At a rally in Charlotte, N.C.:“We had a great meeting today with a lot of the great companies, and they’re going to have vaccines, I think, relatively soon. And they’re going to have something that makes you better, and that’s going to actually take place we think even sooner.”
This was misleading. According to Mr. Trump’s own health care experts and pharmaceutical executives, whom he had met with hours earlier, a vaccine may be available for widespread use in about a year to 18 months.This was misleading. According to Mr. Trump’s own health care experts and pharmaceutical executives, whom he had met with hours earlier, a vaccine may be available for widespread use in about a year to 18 months.
He also made this reassurance: “The United States is right now ranked by far No. 1 in the world for preparedness.”He also made this reassurance: “The United States is right now ranked by far No. 1 in the world for preparedness.”
This was exaggerated. The United States did rank No. 1 out of 195 countries in the Global Health Security Index overall and first in four of six criteria. But the index also warned that “no country is fully prepared for epidemics or pandemics.” And it noted a specific weakness of the United States as well: lack of universal access to health care and high out-of-pocket costs.This was exaggerated. The United States did rank No. 1 out of 195 countries in the Global Health Security Index overall and first in four of six criteria. But the index also warned that “no country is fully prepared for epidemics or pandemics.” And it noted a specific weakness of the United States as well: lack of universal access to health care and high out-of-pocket costs.
The president also compared the coronavirus to the flu: “From 27,000 to 70,000 people get infected, and many people die. Think of it, 27,000. You lose 27,000 people to the common flu.”The president also compared the coronavirus to the flu: “From 27,000 to 70,000 people get infected, and many people die. Think of it, 27,000. You lose 27,000 people to the common flu.”
This is misleading. The figures are largely accurate but obscure some notable differences. The coronavirus seems more deadly than most strains of the flu, and while there are widely available treatments and vaccines for the flu, none are ready yet for the coronavirus.This is misleading. The figures are largely accurate but obscure some notable differences. The coronavirus seems more deadly than most strains of the flu, and while there are widely available treatments and vaccines for the flu, none are ready yet for the coronavirus.
Mr. Trump said to reporters:“There’s only one hot spot, and that’s also pretty much in a very — in a home, as you know, in a nursing home.”Mr. Trump said to reporters:“There’s only one hot spot, and that’s also pretty much in a very — in a home, as you know, in a nursing home.”
This is understated. The definition of a disease “hot spot” is imprecise, but there had been more clusters of coronavirus in the United States than Mr. Trump suggested. The relative paucity of tests may also have obscured the number of cases and their locations. A week earlier, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also reported “community spread of the virus” in two places in California and in Oregon, in addition to the long-term care facility in suburban Seattle cited by Mr. Trump. And New York announced a second case hours after Mr. Trump spoke.This is understated. The definition of a disease “hot spot” is imprecise, but there had been more clusters of coronavirus in the United States than Mr. Trump suggested. The relative paucity of tests may also have obscured the number of cases and their locations. A week earlier, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also reported “community spread of the virus” in two places in California and in Oregon, in addition to the long-term care facility in suburban Seattle cited by Mr. Trump. And New York announced a second case hours after Mr. Trump spoke.
In a White House meeting:“The Obama administration made a decision on testing and that turned out to be very detrimental to what we’re doing, and we undid that decision a few days ago.”In a White House meeting:“The Obama administration made a decision on testing and that turned out to be very detrimental to what we’re doing, and we undid that decision a few days ago.”
This was misleading. Mr. Trump was likely referring to “draft guidance” issued in 2014 that extended the Food and Drug Administration’s authority to regulate laboratory-developed tests, but that was never finalized or enforceable. A law enacted in 2004 created the process and requirements for receiving authorization to use unapproved testing products in health emergencies. The agency had announced four days earlier that it would permit unapproved tests for 15 days while developers are preparing their emergency authorization request, but it did not “undo” any regulations or laws.This was misleading. Mr. Trump was likely referring to “draft guidance” issued in 2014 that extended the Food and Drug Administration’s authority to regulate laboratory-developed tests, but that was never finalized or enforceable. A law enacted in 2004 created the process and requirements for receiving authorization to use unapproved testing products in health emergencies. The agency had announced four days earlier that it would permit unapproved tests for 15 days while developers are preparing their emergency authorization request, but it did not “undo” any regulations or laws.
Later, in an interview with Mr. Hannity, the president cast doubt on the rate of death reported by the World Health Organization:“Well, I think the 3.4 percent is really a false number. Now, this is just my hunch, and — but based on a lot of conversations with a lot of people that do this, because a lot of people will have this, and it’s very mild. … So, if we have thousands or hundreds of thousands of people that get better just by, you know, sitting around and even going to work — some of them go to work, but they get better.”Later, in an interview with Mr. Hannity, the president cast doubt on the rate of death reported by the World Health Organization:“Well, I think the 3.4 percent is really a false number. Now, this is just my hunch, and — but based on a lot of conversations with a lot of people that do this, because a lot of people will have this, and it’s very mild. … So, if we have thousands or hundreds of thousands of people that get better just by, you know, sitting around and even going to work — some of them go to work, but they get better.”
The 3.4 percent refers to the rate of deaths among reported cases of coronavirus, so Mr. Trump has a point that it may not include milder cases. Dr. Bruce Aylward, who is leading the World Health Organization’s coronavirus efforts, estimated an ultimate rate of 1 to 2 percent.The 3.4 percent refers to the rate of deaths among reported cases of coronavirus, so Mr. Trump has a point that it may not include milder cases. Dr. Bruce Aylward, who is leading the World Health Organization’s coronavirus efforts, estimated an ultimate rate of 1 to 2 percent.
Mr. Trump angrily rebutted criticism over his comments to Mr. Hannity on Twitter:“I NEVER said people that are feeling sick should go to work. This is just more Fake News and disinformation put out by the Democrats, in particular MSDNC. Comcast covers the CoronaVirus situation horribly, only looking to do harm to the incredible & successful effort being made!”Mr. Trump angrily rebutted criticism over his comments to Mr. Hannity on Twitter:“I NEVER said people that are feeling sick should go to work. This is just more Fake News and disinformation put out by the Democrats, in particular MSDNC. Comcast covers the CoronaVirus situation horribly, only looking to do harm to the incredible & successful effort being made!”
The president also appeared in a Fox News town hall:The president also appeared in a Fox News town hall:
“Again, we’ve gotten the highest poll numbers of anybody for this kind of thing.”“Again, we’ve gotten the highest poll numbers of anybody for this kind of thing.”
This is misleading. Mr. Trump was referring to a Gallup poll in which 77 percent of respondents said they were confident in the government’s ability to handle a coronavirus outbreak — which was higher than in the past four outbreaks. But that poll was conducted in early February, before deaths and community spread were reported in the United States.This is misleading. Mr. Trump was referring to a Gallup poll in which 77 percent of respondents said they were confident in the government’s ability to handle a coronavirus outbreak — which was higher than in the past four outbreaks. But that poll was conducted in early February, before deaths and community spread were reported in the United States.
He also touted his own early actions:“One of the things I did is I closed down the borders to China and to other areas that are very badly affected and really having a lot of troubles — I mean, countries and areas of countries that have had a lot of problems. And I closed them down very early, against the advice of almost everybody, and we’ve been given rave reviews.”He also touted his own early actions:“One of the things I did is I closed down the borders to China and to other areas that are very badly affected and really having a lot of troubles — I mean, countries and areas of countries that have had a lot of problems. And I closed them down very early, against the advice of almost everybody, and we’ve been given rave reviews.”
This is exaggerated. At the time of Mr. Trump’s claim, the United States had barred entry by foreign nationals who had traveled in China and Iran. (Most countries in Europe were added to the list on March 11.) But those restrictions did not apply to American citizens, permanent residents, or the immediate families of American citizens though they were subject to screening. Contrary to Mr. Trump’s suggestion that he refused to heed bad the health and human services secretary said that the travel restrictions were recommended by career health officials.This is exaggerated. At the time of Mr. Trump’s claim, the United States had barred entry by foreign nationals who had traveled in China and Iran. (Most countries in Europe were added to the list on March 11.) But those restrictions did not apply to American citizens, permanent residents, or the immediate families of American citizens though they were subject to screening. Contrary to Mr. Trump’s suggestion that he refused to heed bad the health and human services secretary said that the travel restrictions were recommended by career health officials.
And Mr. Trump continued to misleadingly blame the Obama administration for testing lapses, prompting a host to ask why he had not reversed that rule earlier. He responded:“I know. But you’re not going to be — I’m thinking about a lot of other things, too like trade and millions of other things. I mean, we are doing some job with the economy, you know, so I’m not thinking about this.”And Mr. Trump continued to misleadingly blame the Obama administration for testing lapses, prompting a host to ask why he had not reversed that rule earlier. He responded:“I know. But you’re not going to be — I’m thinking about a lot of other things, too like trade and millions of other things. I mean, we are doing some job with the economy, you know, so I’m not thinking about this.”
As he signed the funding bill at the White House, Mr. Trump said:“And in terms of deaths, I don’t know what the count is today. Is it 11? Eleven people? And in terms of cases, it’s very, very few.”As he signed the funding bill at the White House, Mr. Trump said:“And in terms of deaths, I don’t know what the count is today. Is it 11? Eleven people? And in terms of cases, it’s very, very few.”
Asked if he expected more gyrations in the stock market, he responded:“No, I think — I think, you know, a lot of people are staying here and they’re going to be doing their business here. They’re going to be traveling here. … And maybe that’s one of the reasons the job numbers are so good. We’ve had a lot of travel inside the USA.”Asked if he expected more gyrations in the stock market, he responded:“No, I think — I think, you know, a lot of people are staying here and they’re going to be doing their business here. They’re going to be traveling here. … And maybe that’s one of the reasons the job numbers are so good. We’ve had a lot of travel inside the USA.”
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Later, Mr. Trump toured the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta:“Anybody that needs a test can have a test. They are all set. They have them out there. In addition to that they are making millions more as we speak but as of right now and yesterday anybody that needs a test that is the important thing and the test are all perfect like the letter was perfect. The transcription was perfect, right? This was not as perfect as that but pretty good.”Later, Mr. Trump toured the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta:“Anybody that needs a test can have a test. They are all set. They have them out there. In addition to that they are making millions more as we speak but as of right now and yesterday anybody that needs a test that is the important thing and the test are all perfect like the letter was perfect. The transcription was perfect, right? This was not as perfect as that but pretty good.”
False. Mr. Trump’s assurances of widely available testing was contradicted by public health officials and patients across the country, who complained that access was still limited. Members of Mr. Trump’s coronavirus task force later clarified that tests are available to state labs, but the tests needed to be prescribed by a doctor or health official so they were not yet widely available to the public. The Association of Public Health Laboratories has maintained that demand continued to outpace supply.False. Mr. Trump’s assurances of widely available testing was contradicted by public health officials and patients across the country, who complained that access was still limited. Members of Mr. Trump’s coronavirus task force later clarified that tests are available to state labs, but the tests needed to be prescribed by a doctor or health official so they were not yet widely available to the public. The Association of Public Health Laboratories has maintained that demand continued to outpace supply.
He also addressed Grand Princess cruise ship that was denied entry to San Francisco and that had reported dozens of passengers with flulike symptoms:“I would rather — because I like the numbers being where they are. I don’t need to have the numbers double because of one ship. That wasn’t our fault, and it wasn’t the fault of the people on the ship, either. OK? It wasn’t their fault either. And they’re mostly Americans, so I can live either way with it. I’d rather have them stay on, personally. But I fully understand if they want to take them off. I gave them the authority to make the decision.”He also addressed Grand Princess cruise ship that was denied entry to San Francisco and that had reported dozens of passengers with flulike symptoms:“I would rather — because I like the numbers being where they are. I don’t need to have the numbers double because of one ship. That wasn’t our fault, and it wasn’t the fault of the people on the ship, either. OK? It wasn’t their fault either. And they’re mostly Americans, so I can live either way with it. I’d rather have them stay on, personally. But I fully understand if they want to take them off. I gave them the authority to make the decision.”
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago private club: “Well, we’ll have tremendous rallies. And we’re doing very well. And we’ve done a fantastic job with respect to that subject on the virus.”Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago private club: “Well, we’ll have tremendous rallies. And we’re doing very well. And we’ve done a fantastic job with respect to that subject on the virus.”
Asked whether he was concerned that the virus was getting closer to the White House and Washington D.C., the president responded:“No, I’m not concerned at all. No, I’m not. No, we’ve done a great job.”Asked whether he was concerned that the virus was getting closer to the White House and Washington D.C., the president responded:“No, I’m not concerned at all. No, I’m not. No, we’ve done a great job.”
More than 700 cases in the U.S. and 26 deaths. Stocks markets plunge in worst single-day in more than a decade.More than 700 cases in the U.S. and 26 deaths. Stocks markets plunge in worst single-day in more than a decade.
The president retweeted a post from Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, criticizing the Obama administration’s response to the H1N1 epidemic of 2009:“This is your daily reminder that it took Barack Obama until October of 2009 to declare Swine Flu a National Health Emergency. It began in April of ’09 but Obama waited until 20,000 people in the US had been hospitalized & 1,000+ had died. Where was the media hysteria then?The president retweeted a post from Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, criticizing the Obama administration’s response to the H1N1 epidemic of 2009:“This is your daily reminder that it took Barack Obama until October of 2009 to declare Swine Flu a National Health Emergency. It began in April of ’09 but Obama waited until 20,000 people in the US had been hospitalized & 1,000+ had died. Where was the media hysteria then?
False. The Obama administration declared swine flu a public health emergency (which gives health agencies flexibility) on April 26, 2009, two days before the first reported death in the United States. Mr. Obama declared swine flu a national emergency (which applies to the entire federal government and authorizes wider ranges of assistance) in October of that year. At the time of Mr. Kirk’s post, Mr. Trump had similarly declared a public health emergency over the coronavirus but not yet a national emergency.False. The Obama administration declared swine flu a public health emergency (which gives health agencies flexibility) on April 26, 2009, two days before the first reported death in the United States. Mr. Obama declared swine flu a national emergency (which applies to the entire federal government and authorizes wider ranges of assistance) in October of that year. At the time of Mr. Kirk’s post, Mr. Trump had similarly declared a public health emergency over the coronavirus but not yet a national emergency.
On Twitter, Mr. Trump also suggested that the coronavirus that a border wall would be effective against the coronavirus:“Going up fast. We need the Wall more than ever!”On Twitter, Mr. Trump also suggested that the coronavirus that a border wall would be effective against the coronavirus:“Going up fast. We need the Wall more than ever!”
False. According to the C.D.C. director, a border wall would not be particularly useful in mitigating a coronavirus outbreak. At the time of Mr. Trump’s tweet, there were seven confirmed cases in Mexico, according to the W.H.O.False. According to the C.D.C. director, a border wall would not be particularly useful in mitigating a coronavirus outbreak. At the time of Mr. Trump’s tweet, there were seven confirmed cases in Mexico, according to the W.H.O.
Mr. Trump tweeted:“Our CoronaVirus Team has been doing a great job. Even Democrat governors have been VERY complimentary!”Mr. Trump tweeted:“Our CoronaVirus Team has been doing a great job. Even Democrat governors have been VERY complimentary!”
After a lunch with Senate Republicans, Mr. Trump again compared the coronavirus to the flu and again blamed Mr. Obama:“No, I think the U.S. has done a very good job on testing. We had to change things that were done that were nobody’s fault, perhaps, they wanted to do something a different way, but it was a much slower process from a previous administration and we did change them.”After a lunch with Senate Republicans, Mr. Trump again compared the coronavirus to the flu and again blamed Mr. Obama:“No, I think the U.S. has done a very good job on testing. We had to change things that were done that were nobody’s fault, perhaps, they wanted to do something a different way, but it was a much slower process from a previous administration and we did change them.”
Mr. Trump lashed out at Democrats and the media in Twitter posts, while thanking his coronavirus task force:“Someone needs to tell the Democrats in Congress that CoronaVirus doesn’t care what party you are in. We need to protect ALL Americans!”Mr. Trump lashed out at Democrats and the media in Twitter posts, while thanking his coronavirus task force:“Someone needs to tell the Democrats in Congress that CoronaVirus doesn’t care what party you are in. We need to protect ALL Americans!”
“Vanity Fair Magazine, which will soon be out of business, and their third rate Fake reporters, who make up sources which don’t exist, wrote yet another phony & boring hit piece. The facts are just the opposite. Our team is doing a great job with CoronaVirus!”“Vanity Fair Magazine, which will soon be out of business, and their third rate Fake reporters, who make up sources which don’t exist, wrote yet another phony & boring hit piece. The facts are just the opposite. Our team is doing a great job with CoronaVirus!”
The president addressed the nation from the Oval Office: “To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days. These restrictions will be adjusted subject to conditions on the ground. There will be exemptions for Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings, and these prohibitions will not only apply to the tremendous amount of trade and cargo, but various other things as we get approval.”The president addressed the nation from the Oval Office: “To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days. These restrictions will be adjusted subject to conditions on the ground. There will be exemptions for Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings, and these prohibitions will not only apply to the tremendous amount of trade and cargo, but various other things as we get approval.”
Like the travel restrictions imposed on China and Iran, the restrictions on 26 European countries apply to foreign nationals, but not to American citizens, their immediate families or green card holders. Mr. Trump also misspoke when he said that the restrictions would also encompass goods (he later clarified that they only apply to people).Like the travel restrictions imposed on China and Iran, the restrictions on 26 European countries apply to foreign nationals, but not to American citizens, their immediate families or green card holders. Mr. Trump also misspoke when he said that the restrictions would also encompass goods (he later clarified that they only apply to people).
He also said:“Earlier this week, I met with the leaders of health insurance industry who have agreed to waive all co-payments for coronavirus treatments, extend insurance coverage to these treatments, and to prevent surprise medical billing.”He also said:“Earlier this week, I met with the leaders of health insurance industry who have agreed to waive all co-payments for coronavirus treatments, extend insurance coverage to these treatments, and to prevent surprise medical billing.”
This is exaggerated. Insurers have agreed to waive co-payments for coronavirus testing, but not treatment, according to America’s Health Insurance Plans, a trade association in Washington. Several insurers also stipulated that “self-insured” plans — under which employers assume the financial risks themselves and pay out of pocket rather than a premium — could opt to not cover the costs. The Kaiser Family Foundations estimated that 60 percent of workers were fully or partially enrolled in these plans in 2019.This is exaggerated. Insurers have agreed to waive co-payments for coronavirus testing, but not treatment, according to America’s Health Insurance Plans, a trade association in Washington. Several insurers also stipulated that “self-insured” plans — under which employers assume the financial risks themselves and pay out of pocket rather than a premium — could opt to not cover the costs. The Kaiser Family Foundations estimated that 60 percent of workers were fully or partially enrolled in these plans in 2019.