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From Seattle to Kentucky, Churches Cancel Religious Services From Seattle to Kentucky, Churches Cancel Religious Services
(3 days later)
In a dramatic move to slow the spread of the coronavirus in one of the most affected regions of the country, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle suspended all public celebration of Mass, effective immediately, becoming the first Catholic archdiocese in the country to do so.In a dramatic move to slow the spread of the coronavirus in one of the most affected regions of the country, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle suspended all public celebration of Mass, effective immediately, becoming the first Catholic archdiocese in the country to do so.
“This is out of an extreme measure of caution,” the archbishop of Seattle, Paul D. Etienne, said in a video message on Wednesday. “Despite our best efforts, this epidemic is going to continue to spread.”“This is out of an extreme measure of caution,” the archbishop of Seattle, Paul D. Etienne, said in a video message on Wednesday. “Despite our best efforts, this epidemic is going to continue to spread.”
Priests, he said, should continue to privately celebrate the Eucharist each day.Priests, he said, should continue to privately celebrate the Eucharist each day.
It was the most significant example of how the coronavirus is increasingly disrupting religious life across the United States, from a mosque in the Seattle area that canceled traditional Friday prayer services last week to Kentucky, where the governor on Wednesday urged all churches to cancel services.It was the most significant example of how the coronavirus is increasingly disrupting religious life across the United States, from a mosque in the Seattle area that canceled traditional Friday prayer services last week to Kentucky, where the governor on Wednesday urged all churches to cancel services.
Also on Wednesday, the Episcopal bishops in Virginia and Washington, D.C., announced that all churches in the dioceses would be closed for two weeks, including the Washington National Cathedral, which has held presidential funerals and is a focal point of Christian life in the capital.Also on Wednesday, the Episcopal bishops in Virginia and Washington, D.C., announced that all churches in the dioceses would be closed for two weeks, including the Washington National Cathedral, which has held presidential funerals and is a focal point of Christian life in the capital.
“I am painfully aware of the significance of this change,” Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington wrote in a letter on Wednesday, adding, “We are indeed in uncharted waters — not just as a diocese, but as a country and as a global human family.”“I am painfully aware of the significance of this change,” Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington wrote in a letter on Wednesday, adding, “We are indeed in uncharted waters — not just as a diocese, but as a country and as a global human family.”
Houses of worship have come under increased scrutiny, as the very things that make them centers for community life and connection — places where large numbers of people gather to pray, take communion together, shake hands and socialize — have become a potential source of fear and infection.Houses of worship have come under increased scrutiny, as the very things that make them centers for community life and connection — places where large numbers of people gather to pray, take communion together, shake hands and socialize — have become a potential source of fear and infection.
Bishop Budde encouraged worshipers to join the National Cathedral for online services on the next two Sundays. She said that parish schools would be allowed to make their own decisions about whether to close, and that ministries that largely serve people who are hungry or homeless would continue to do so.Bishop Budde encouraged worshipers to join the National Cathedral for online services on the next two Sundays. She said that parish schools would be allowed to make their own decisions about whether to close, and that ministries that largely serve people who are hungry or homeless would continue to do so.
“We will err on the side of our compassion, but we want to make sure that our volunteers and all who come to receive those necessary services are safe,” Bishop Budde said at a news conference.“We will err on the side of our compassion, but we want to make sure that our volunteers and all who come to receive those necessary services are safe,” Bishop Budde said at a news conference.
Following the Washington changes, Eugene Sutton, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, banned priests from distributing wine during communion, reminding parishioners that receiving the bread alone was still considered a full communion.Following the Washington changes, Eugene Sutton, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, banned priests from distributing wine during communion, reminding parishioners that receiving the bread alone was still considered a full communion.
In Kentucky, Justin Rhorer, the pastor at Restoration Church, a nondenominational community of about 100 people, was among many religious leaders in the state weighing whether to follow the governor’s advice to cancel services, an important weekly ritual for many people in a predominantly Christian state. About 40 percent of Kentuckians surveyed in 2014 said they attended religious services at least once a week, according to the Pew Research Center.In Kentucky, Justin Rhorer, the pastor at Restoration Church, a nondenominational community of about 100 people, was among many religious leaders in the state weighing whether to follow the governor’s advice to cancel services, an important weekly ritual for many people in a predominantly Christian state. About 40 percent of Kentuckians surveyed in 2014 said they attended religious services at least once a week, according to the Pew Research Center.
“I know that is a big step,” Gov. Andy Beshear said at a news conference. “I know that some won’t agree with it.”“I know that is a big step,” Gov. Andy Beshear said at a news conference. “I know that some won’t agree with it.”
But he added: “I don’t believe whether you go to church during this period of time is a test of faith. I believe God gives us wisdom to protect each other and we should do that.”But he added: “I don’t believe whether you go to church during this period of time is a test of faith. I believe God gives us wisdom to protect each other and we should do that.”
Mr. Rhorer ultimately made the decision to abide by the governor’s recommendation, saying, “Church is people and not a service.”Mr. Rhorer ultimately made the decision to abide by the governor’s recommendation, saying, “Church is people and not a service.”
In Cynthiana, Ky., where a Walmart worker tested positive for the virus, at least one church was scrambling to shut down its services, Bible study and supper club for the week. Julie Olt, the minister at Cynthiana Presbyterian Church, said she was working out how she could pray with her congregation of about 140 people on Sunday, perhaps through a Facebook Live video or an emailed sermon.In Cynthiana, Ky., where a Walmart worker tested positive for the virus, at least one church was scrambling to shut down its services, Bible study and supper club for the week. Julie Olt, the minister at Cynthiana Presbyterian Church, said she was working out how she could pray with her congregation of about 140 people on Sunday, perhaps through a Facebook Live video or an emailed sermon.
“We don’t know yet,” she said.“We don’t know yet,” she said.
But the governor’s recommendation was met with resistance elsewhere. “This is simply one request we cannot honor,” Robert Cunningham, senior pastor at Tates Creek Presbyterian Church in Lexington, wrote in a letter to his congregation on Wednesday, adding, “We actually believe that in times of crises, it is uniquely important for churches to open their doors to those who can attend.”But the governor’s recommendation was met with resistance elsewhere. “This is simply one request we cannot honor,” Robert Cunningham, senior pastor at Tates Creek Presbyterian Church in Lexington, wrote in a letter to his congregation on Wednesday, adding, “We actually believe that in times of crises, it is uniquely important for churches to open their doors to those who can attend.”
At churches, synagogues and mosques across the country, people have been taking preventive measures for weeks, bumping elbows instead of shaking hands and whisking away communal cups meant for communion.At churches, synagogues and mosques across the country, people have been taking preventive measures for weeks, bumping elbows instead of shaking hands and whisking away communal cups meant for communion.
At St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City last weekend, a priest did the usual announcement, asking the congregation to “let us offer each other a sign of peace.” “Let’s not,” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the Roman Catholic archbishop of New York, quickly interrupted, as people in the pews made peace signs with their fingers rather than reaching out for handshakes or hugs.At St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City last weekend, a priest did the usual announcement, asking the congregation to “let us offer each other a sign of peace.” “Let’s not,” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the Roman Catholic archbishop of New York, quickly interrupted, as people in the pews made peace signs with their fingers rather than reaching out for handshakes or hugs.
This week, a synagogue became the center of a one-mile containment zone in New Rochelle, N.Y., after a lawyer who attends the synagogue tested positive. And an Episcopal church in Fort Worth also announced it would not hold worship services this Sunday, after a rector was hospitalized with the virus.This week, a synagogue became the center of a one-mile containment zone in New Rochelle, N.Y., after a lawyer who attends the synagogue tested positive. And an Episcopal church in Fort Worth also announced it would not hold worship services this Sunday, after a rector was hospitalized with the virus.
But with the pace of diagnoses across the country rapidly increasing, officials are quickly shifting attention beyond preliminary precautions and moving to limit all large gatherings.But with the pace of diagnoses across the country rapidly increasing, officials are quickly shifting attention beyond preliminary precautions and moving to limit all large gatherings.
Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington State on Wednesday announced a prohibition on community gatherings of 250 or more people in the Seattle area, a measure that could have significant ramifications for major houses of worship. A large mosque in the Seattle area canceled its Friday prayer last week, after the outbreak made it seem unwise to bring 1,000 people close together.Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington State on Wednesday announced a prohibition on community gatherings of 250 or more people in the Seattle area, a measure that could have significant ramifications for major houses of worship. A large mosque in the Seattle area canceled its Friday prayer last week, after the outbreak made it seem unwise to bring 1,000 people close together.
Also on Wednesday, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that the public would not be allowed to attend a major conference in Salt Lake City in April, an event that normally draws thousands of people. Most church members were being asked to tune in online instead.Also on Wednesday, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that the public would not be allowed to attend a major conference in Salt Lake City in April, an event that normally draws thousands of people. Most church members were being asked to tune in online instead.
The recommendation in Kentucky could have a profound impact in a state where religion is deeply ingrained.The recommendation in Kentucky could have a profound impact in a state where religion is deeply ingrained.
“Faith is very important to me,” Mr. Beshear said at the news conference on Wednesday, announcing that an annual governor’s prayer breakfast had been canceled. “But the life and health of our people is more — just as — important.”“Faith is very important to me,” Mr. Beshear said at the news conference on Wednesday, announcing that an annual governor’s prayer breakfast had been canceled. “But the life and health of our people is more — just as — important.”
In late January, the first confirmed American case of coronavirus had been reported in the Seattle area. But had the man infected anyone else? Was the virus already spreading?In late January, the first confirmed American case of coronavirus had been reported in the Seattle area. But had the man infected anyone else? Was the virus already spreading?
Dr. Helen Y. Chu, an infectious disease expert in Seattle, had a way to monitor the region. As part of a research project into the flu, she and a team of researchers had been collecting nasal swabs for months from residents experiencing symptoms throughout the Puget Sound region.Dr. Helen Y. Chu, an infectious disease expert in Seattle, had a way to monitor the region. As part of a research project into the flu, she and a team of researchers had been collecting nasal swabs for months from residents experiencing symptoms throughout the Puget Sound region.
To repurpose the tests for the coronavirus, they would need the support of state and federal officials. But officials repeatedly rejected her idea, interviews and emails show, even as weeks crawled by and outbreaks emerged outside of China.To repurpose the tests for the coronavirus, they would need the support of state and federal officials. But officials repeatedly rejected her idea, interviews and emails show, even as weeks crawled by and outbreaks emerged outside of China.
By Feb. 25, Dr. Chu and her colleagues could not wait any longer. They began performing coronavirus tests without government approval. What came back confirmed their worst fear: They had a positive test from a local teenager with no recent travel history.By Feb. 25, Dr. Chu and her colleagues could not wait any longer. They began performing coronavirus tests without government approval. What came back confirmed their worst fear: They had a positive test from a local teenager with no recent travel history.
In fact, officials would later discover through testing, the virus had already contributed to the deaths of two people, and it would go on to kill 20 more in the Seattle region over the following days.In fact, officials would later discover through testing, the virus had already contributed to the deaths of two people, and it would go on to kill 20 more in the Seattle region over the following days.
Federal and state officials said the flu study could not be repurposed because Dr. Chu’s lab did not have explicit permission from research subjects; the lab was also not certified for clinical work. While acknowledging the ethical questions, Dr. Chu and others argued there should be more flexibility in an emergency.Federal and state officials said the flu study could not be repurposed because Dr. Chu’s lab did not have explicit permission from research subjects; the lab was also not certified for clinical work. While acknowledging the ethical questions, Dr. Chu and others argued there should be more flexibility in an emergency.
The failure to tap into the flu study was just one in a series of missed chances by the federal government to ensure more widespread testing during the early days of the outbreak, when greater containment still seemed possible.The failure to tap into the flu study was just one in a series of missed chances by the federal government to ensure more widespread testing during the early days of the outbreak, when greater containment still seemed possible.
Even now, after weeks of mounting frustration toward federal agencies over flawed test kits and burdensome rules, states such as New York and California are struggling to test widely for the coronavirus. The continued delays have made it impossible for officials to get a true picture of the scale of the growing outbreak, which has now spread to 36 states and Washington, D.C.Even now, after weeks of mounting frustration toward federal agencies over flawed test kits and burdensome rules, states such as New York and California are struggling to test widely for the coronavirus. The continued delays have made it impossible for officials to get a true picture of the scale of the growing outbreak, which has now spread to 36 states and Washington, D.C.
As the United States scrambled to understand the scope of the escalating public health crisis, the number of known U.S. cases of coronavirus infection passed 1,000 on Tuesday night, signaling that the virus was spreading widely in communities on both coasts and in the center of the country.As the United States scrambled to understand the scope of the escalating public health crisis, the number of known U.S. cases of coronavirus infection passed 1,000 on Tuesday night, signaling that the virus was spreading widely in communities on both coasts and in the center of the country.
In yet another sign that the pace of infections was increasing, more than a quarter of the country’s cases were announced on Tuesday. As of early Wednesday, people in 37 states and Washington, D.C., had tested positive for the virus. There were at least 31 related deaths.In yet another sign that the pace of infections was increasing, more than a quarter of the country’s cases were announced on Tuesday. As of early Wednesday, people in 37 states and Washington, D.C., had tested positive for the virus. There were at least 31 related deaths.
Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, where 24 coronavirus patients have died, ordered a ban in the Seattle area on parades, concerts, festivals and other gatherings bringing together 250 or more people. That restriction, in effect through the end of March, could disrupt the opening of the baseball season.Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, where 24 coronavirus patients have died, ordered a ban in the Seattle area on parades, concerts, festivals and other gatherings bringing together 250 or more people. That restriction, in effect through the end of March, could disrupt the opening of the baseball season.
“It is clear that our state needs a more vigorous and more comprehensive and more aggressive position if we are to slow the spread of this epidemic,” Mr. Inslee said, adding that the ban could be extended past March.“It is clear that our state needs a more vigorous and more comprehensive and more aggressive position if we are to slow the spread of this epidemic,” Mr. Inslee said, adding that the ban could be extended past March.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
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.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.
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.
Hours later, Seattle public schools announced they would close all their facilities for at least the next two weeks.Hours later, Seattle public schools announced they would close all their facilities for at least the next two weeks.
In California, second only to Washington State in the number of cases, passengers continued to disembark from a cruise ship on which about two dozen people had tested positive for the virus.In California, second only to Washington State in the number of cases, passengers continued to disembark from a cruise ship on which about two dozen people had tested positive for the virus.
Massachusetts was emerging as a new hot spot for the virus, along with California, New York and Washington State. Of 92 cases in Massachusetts, 70 were tied to a meeting for a biotechnology company in Boston last month.Massachusetts was emerging as a new hot spot for the virus, along with California, New York and Washington State. Of 92 cases in Massachusetts, 70 were tied to a meeting for a biotechnology company in Boston last month.
The governor of Massachusetts declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, as did governors in a number of states, including Colorado, Michigan and North Carolina.The governor of Massachusetts declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, as did governors in a number of states, including Colorado, Michigan and North Carolina.
Vice President Mike Pence, fresh from a conference call with nearly all of the nation’s governors, spoke this week about how much those governors appreciated President Trump’s leadership in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.Vice President Mike Pence, fresh from a conference call with nearly all of the nation’s governors, spoke this week about how much those governors appreciated President Trump’s leadership in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.
“The president’s leadership has made the difference here,” Mr. Pence said at a White House news conference on Monday. “I heard it again today from 47 governors.”“The president’s leadership has made the difference here,” Mr. Pence said at a White House news conference on Monday. “I heard it again today from 47 governors.”
The governors, who find themselves grappling with an escalating national health crisis, have begun raising their own voices in a mix of frustration, gratitude, alarm and pleas for assistance.The governors, who find themselves grappling with an escalating national health crisis, have begun raising their own voices in a mix of frustration, gratitude, alarm and pleas for assistance.
The usual partisan stances have been scrambled. Mr. Trump has won praise, particularly from Republican governors, but other members of his party have criticized him for confusing messages and a sluggish response from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At the same time, some Democrats who are usually critics of the president have praised the federal government and urged a spirit of cooperation, even those Mr. Trump has verbally pummeled.The usual partisan stances have been scrambled. Mr. Trump has won praise, particularly from Republican governors, but other members of his party have criticized him for confusing messages and a sluggish response from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At the same time, some Democrats who are usually critics of the president have praised the federal government and urged a spirit of cooperation, even those Mr. Trump has verbally pummeled.
But across the board, governors from both parties say that they are hesitant to be too publicly cutting at a time when their states desperately need federal resources. And as the coronavirus crisis deepens by the day, they have made a realization: They are on the front lines.But across the board, governors from both parties say that they are hesitant to be too publicly cutting at a time when their states desperately need federal resources. And as the coronavirus crisis deepens by the day, they have made a realization: They are on the front lines.
“What I have been saying to other governors is, ‘You’re on our own,’” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Wednesday.“What I have been saying to other governors is, ‘You’re on our own,’” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Wednesday.
In an interview on Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, a Democrat, said the federal government had “not lived up to its expectations” when it came to making coronavirus tests available. Mr. Cuomo of New York, a Democrat and a frequent critic of the president, has described the administration’s response as “bad government and poor planning.”In an interview on Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, a Democrat, said the federal government had “not lived up to its expectations” when it came to making coronavirus tests available. Mr. Cuomo of New York, a Democrat and a frequent critic of the president, has described the administration’s response as “bad government and poor planning.”
One Republican governor, Larry Hogan of Maryland, mixed criticism and praise. Mr. Trump, he said on Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” “hasn’t communicated the way I would and the way I might like him to.”One Republican governor, Larry Hogan of Maryland, mixed criticism and praise. Mr. Trump, he said on Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” “hasn’t communicated the way I would and the way I might like him to.”
Mr. Hogan hastened to add that “the rest of the team has been doing a pretty good job.”Mr. Hogan hastened to add that “the rest of the team has been doing a pretty good job.”
On Wednesday, Michigan State University, Villanova, Notre Dame and Georgetown were among the latest universities to announce a shift to online instruction amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus.On Wednesday, Michigan State University, Villanova, Notre Dame and Georgetown were among the latest universities to announce a shift to online instruction amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus.
They join a growing list of universities and colleges across the country that have decided to employ such preventive measures, including U.C.L.A, Duke, Harvard, Ohio State, Seattle University, New York University, University of California, Berkeley, the University of Washington, Stanford, M.I.T., Columbia, Princeton and Rice.They join a growing list of universities and colleges across the country that have decided to employ such preventive measures, including U.C.L.A, Duke, Harvard, Ohio State, Seattle University, New York University, University of California, Berkeley, the University of Washington, Stanford, M.I.T., Columbia, Princeton and Rice.
Isabella Kwasnik, a senior at Harvard College, said the move was startling. “You spend four years at a university, and you work incredibly hard and expect that at the end you can tie a bow on it and wrap it up,” she said.Isabella Kwasnik, a senior at Harvard College, said the move was startling. “You spend four years at a university, and you work incredibly hard and expect that at the end you can tie a bow on it and wrap it up,” she said.
“But there’s this unexpected outcome,” she added. “It’s just a logistical and emotional nightmare.”“But there’s this unexpected outcome,” she added. “It’s just a logistical and emotional nightmare.”
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration said that three officers working at Mineta San Jose International Airport had tested positive for the new coronavirus.The U.S. Transportation Security Administration said that three officers working at Mineta San Jose International Airport had tested positive for the new coronavirus.
The T.S.A. said in a statement that the officers were receiving medical treatment and all other employees who came into contact with them were being quarantined for two weeks at home. The statement did not say what interactions the officers may have had with the public.The T.S.A. said in a statement that the officers were receiving medical treatment and all other employees who came into contact with them were being quarantined for two weeks at home. The statement did not say what interactions the officers may have had with the public.
The agency, which was created after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and manage security at airports and other transit points, said it was working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the California Department of Public Health and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department to monitor the health and safety of its employees and the traveling public.The agency, which was created after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and manage security at airports and other transit points, said it was working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the California Department of Public Health and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department to monitor the health and safety of its employees and the traveling public.
The county’s public health department has reported at least 45 cases confirmed cases; it was not immediately clear if the agents were included in that number.The county’s public health department has reported at least 45 cases confirmed cases; it was not immediately clear if the agents were included in that number.
At least one person in the county, a woman in her 60s who had chronic health conditions, has died after contracting the virus.At least one person in the county, a woman in her 60s who had chronic health conditions, has died after contracting the virus.
Reporting was contributed by Vanessa Swales, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Julie Bosman, Richard Fausset, Megan Specia, Kate Taylor, Sheri Fink and Mike Baker.Reporting was contributed by Vanessa Swales, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Julie Bosman, Richard Fausset, Megan Specia, Kate Taylor, Sheri Fink and Mike Baker.