This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/briefing/coronavirus-sophie-gregoire-trudeau-us-soccer.html

The article has changed 33 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 17 Version 18
Coronavirus, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, U.S. Soccer: Your Friday Briefing Coronavirus, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, U.S. Soccer: Your Friday Briefing
(32 minutes later)
(Want to get this briefing by email? Here’s the sign-up.)(Want to get this briefing by email? Here’s the sign-up.)
Good morning.Good morning.
We’re covering the latest on the coronavirus outbreak and celebrating the 90th birthday of the Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim. If you care to be reminded of the past week, there’s also a new news quiz.We’re covering the latest on the coronavirus outbreak and celebrating the 90th birthday of the Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim. If you care to be reminded of the past week, there’s also a new news quiz.
The House plans to vote today on an economic rescue package to respond to the effects of the pandemic. The legislation includes enhanced unemployment benefits and free testing for the virus, and ensures 14 days of paid sick leave, according to Speaker Nancy Pelosi.The House plans to vote today on an economic rescue package to respond to the effects of the pandemic. The legislation includes enhanced unemployment benefits and free testing for the virus, and ensures 14 days of paid sick leave, according to Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The Senate called off a recess next week to vote on the measure.The Senate called off a recess next week to vote on the measure.
Here are the latest updates on the outbreak and maps of where the virus has spread.Here are the latest updates on the outbreak and maps of where the virus has spread.
In other developments:In other developments:
Wall Street had its worst day since the Black Monday crash of 1987. Here’s the latest from global markets.Wall Street had its worst day since the Black Monday crash of 1987. Here’s the latest from global markets.
At least six states and several large school districts moved to close schools for at least two weeks, affecting millions.At least six states and several large school districts moved to close schools for at least two weeks, affecting millions.
A ban on travel from much of Europe to the U.S. is to begin today at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. The restrictions don’t apply to American citizens but nevertheless caused chaos on Thursday, as panicked passengers tried to leave Europe before they took effect. Here’s a guide to the restrictions.A ban on travel from much of Europe to the U.S. is to begin today at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. The restrictions don’t apply to American citizens but nevertheless caused chaos on Thursday, as panicked passengers tried to leave Europe before they took effect. Here’s a guide to the restrictions.
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, the wife of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, has tested positive for the virus. Mr. Trudeau shows no symptoms and is not being tested, but will work from home for 14 days.Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, the wife of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, has tested positive for the virus. Mr. Trudeau shows no symptoms and is not being tested, but will work from home for 14 days.
The White House press secretary said that neither President Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence would be tested after meeting with a Brazilian official who later tested positive. An Australian official who met last week with Attorney General William Barr and Ivanka Trump, Mr. Trump’s daughter and senior adviser, said today that he had the virus.The White House press secretary said that neither President Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence would be tested after meeting with a Brazilian official who later tested positive. An Australian official who met last week with Attorney General William Barr and Ivanka Trump, Mr. Trump’s daughter and senior adviser, said today that he had the virus.
China reported its lowest tally from the virus since January, with eight new infections confirmed in the past 24 hours.China reported its lowest tally from the virus since January, with eight new infections confirmed in the past 24 hours.
In sports, the N.C.A.A. canceled the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, and several professional leagues suspended or postponed their seasons.In sports, the N.C.A.A. canceled the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, and several professional leagues suspended or postponed their seasons.
Every Disney theme park will be closed starting this weekend. The company’s cruise line is suspending departures.Every Disney theme park will be closed starting this weekend. The company’s cruise line is suspending departures.
In New York, Broadway theaters are going dark for a month, and cultural institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim will close temporarily.In New York, Broadway theaters are going dark for a month, and cultural institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim will close temporarily.
What to know: The Times is providing free access to our most important updates and guidance on the outbreak. Our Coronavirus Briefing, like all our newsletters, remains free.What to know: The Times is providing free access to our most important updates and guidance on the outbreak. Our Coronavirus Briefing, like all our newsletters, remains free.
Almost a week after President Trump announced that anyone who wanted a test could get one, many who fear they have the coronavirus have struggled to get tested, according to dozens of interviews across the country.Almost a week after President Trump announced that anyone who wanted a test could get one, many who fear they have the coronavirus have struggled to get tested, according to dozens of interviews across the country.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who leads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, discussed testing availability in testimony before Congress on Thursday: “The idea of anybody getting it easily the way people in other countries are doing it, we are not set up for that. Do I think we should be? Yes. But we are not.”Dr. Anthony Fauci, who leads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, discussed testing availability in testimony before Congress on Thursday: “The idea of anybody getting it easily the way people in other countries are doing it, we are not set up for that. Do I think we should be? Yes. But we are not.”
The details: Worst-case projections based on C.D.C. scenarios suggest that — if no action were taken to slow transmission — 200,000 to 1.7 million people could die in the U.S. Those numbers don’t account for interventions already underway.The details: Worst-case projections based on C.D.C. scenarios suggest that — if no action were taken to slow transmission — 200,000 to 1.7 million people could die in the U.S. Those numbers don’t account for interventions already underway.
Closer look: The virus has overloaded hospitals in northern Italy, offering a glimpse of what countries face if they cannot slow the contagion.Closer look: The virus has overloaded hospitals in northern Italy, offering a glimpse of what countries face if they cannot slow the contagion.
News analysis: Beyond travel limits and wash-your-hands reminders, President Trump has left it to others to set the course in combating the pandemic, our White House reporters write. “If I need to do something, I’ll do it,” Mr. Trump said on Thursday. “Compared to other places, we are in really good shape.”News analysis: Beyond travel limits and wash-your-hands reminders, President Trump has left it to others to set the course in combating the pandemic, our White House reporters write. “If I need to do something, I’ll do it,” Mr. Trump said on Thursday. “Compared to other places, we are in really good shape.”
“The Daily”: Today’s episode is about how best to navigate the pandemic.“The Daily”: Today’s episode is about how best to navigate the pandemic.
Amid deepening uncertainty over the coronavirus and growing economic anxiety, the presidential campaign has become “a real-time, life-or-death test of competency and leadership,” our political reporters write.Amid deepening uncertainty over the coronavirus and growing economic anxiety, the presidential campaign has become “a real-time, life-or-death test of competency and leadership,” our political reporters write.
On Thursday, both former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders criticized President Trump’s handling of the outbreak and offered plans of their own. A spokesman for the Trump campaign accused the Democratic candidates of politicizing a crisis.On Thursday, both former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders criticized President Trump’s handling of the outbreak and offered plans of their own. A spokesman for the Trump campaign accused the Democratic candidates of politicizing a crisis.
Mr. Biden: “Public fears are being compounded by pervasive lack of trust in this president fueled by adversarial relationship with the truth that he continues to have.”Mr. Biden: “Public fears are being compounded by pervasive lack of trust in this president fueled by adversarial relationship with the truth that he continues to have.”
Mr. Sanders: “The crisis we face from the coronavirus is on a scale of a major war. And we must act accordingly.”Mr. Sanders: “The crisis we face from the coronavirus is on a scale of a major war. And we must act accordingly.”
The Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim turns 90 next week, and The Times has essays and features in celebration. One is a reflection from our theater critic Ben Brantley, who saw his first Sondheim production, “Follies,” when he was 16:The Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim turns 90 next week, and The Times has essays and features in celebration. One is a reflection from our theater critic Ben Brantley, who saw his first Sondheim production, “Follies,” when he was 16:
“As a self-conscious, awkward kid who wanted only to be sophisticated, I didn’t yet grasp the complex, subversive dialectic of words and music in those numbers, or realize that they were as full of feeling as anything by Rodgers and Hammerstein.”“As a self-conscious, awkward kid who wanted only to be sophisticated, I didn’t yet grasp the complex, subversive dialectic of words and music in those numbers, or realize that they were as full of feeling as anything by Rodgers and Hammerstein.”
U.S. retaliation in Iraq: American warplanes struck back at a militia with ties to Iran after a rocket attack that killed three coalition troops.U.S. retaliation in Iraq: American warplanes struck back at a militia with ties to Iran after a rocket attack that killed three coalition troops.
Soccer resignation: Carlos Cordeiro, the president of the U.S. Soccer Federation, abruptly resigned and took responsibility for a legal filing concerning the women’s national team that was widely condemned as misogynistic.Soccer resignation: Carlos Cordeiro, the president of the U.S. Soccer Federation, abruptly resigned and took responsibility for a legal filing concerning the women’s national team that was widely condemned as misogynistic.
“The Weekly”: The latest episode of The Times’s TV show is about a woman in Nigeria who outsmarted Boko Haram. It premieres today on FX at 10 p.m. Eastern and will be on Hulu from Saturday.“The Weekly”: The latest episode of The Times’s TV show is about a woman in Nigeria who outsmarted Boko Haram. It premieres today on FX at 10 p.m. Eastern and will be on Hulu from Saturday.
Snapshot: Above, the desert outpost of Marble Bar, which calls itself “the hottest town in Australia,” with temperatures over 95 degrees Fahrenheit for an average of 200 days a year. As the world warms, the town may offer a glimpse of a new normal.Snapshot: Above, the desert outpost of Marble Bar, which calls itself “the hottest town in Australia,” with temperatures over 95 degrees Fahrenheit for an average of 200 days a year. As the world warms, the town may offer a glimpse of a new normal.
News quiz: Did you follow the headlines this week? Test yourself.News quiz: Did you follow the headlines this week? Test yourself.
Modern Love: In this week’s column, a man is determined, if he can’t excel at marriage, to excel at divorce.Modern Love: In this week’s column, a man is determined, if he can’t excel at marriage, to excel at divorce.
Late-night comedy: After President Trump announced a travel ban from Europe and called the coronavirus “foreign,” Trevor Noah said, “We can blame Europe for many things — colonialism, skinny jeans, Piers Morgan — but this virus is worldwide, all right?”Late-night comedy: After President Trump announced a travel ban from Europe and called the coronavirus “foreign,” Trevor Noah said, “We can blame Europe for many things — colonialism, skinny jeans, Piers Morgan — but this virus is worldwide, all right?”
Updated July 15, 2020Updated July 15, 2020
The coronavirus can stay aloft for hours in tiny droplets in stagnant air, infecting people as they inhale, mounting scientific evidence suggests. This risk is highest in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, and may help explain super-spreading events reported in meatpacking plants, churches and restaurants. It’s unclear how often the virus is spread via these tiny droplets, or aerosols, compared with larger droplets that are expelled when a sick person coughs or sneezes, or transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, said Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech. Aerosols are released even when a person without symptoms exhales, talks or sings, according to Dr. Marr and more than 200 other experts, who have outlined the evidence in an open letter to the World Health Organization.
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.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Your briefing writer feels like the bearer of bad news this morning, but at the risk of piling on: Several late-night shows are suspending production because of virus concerns.Your briefing writer feels like the bearer of bad news this morning, but at the risk of piling on: Several late-night shows are suspending production because of virus concerns.
What we’re reading: This New Yorker essay by Colin Jost, a head writer for “Saturday Night Live,” about his taxing high school commute between Manhattan and Staten Island. Lara Takenaga, a staff editor, called it “an earnest look at how his teenage years helped shape his future career.”What we’re reading: This New Yorker essay by Colin Jost, a head writer for “Saturday Night Live,” about his taxing high school commute between Manhattan and Staten Island. Lara Takenaga, a staff editor, called it “an earnest look at how his teenage years helped shape his future career.”
Cook: Huevos rotos is a one-pan meal “good with a cup of coffee or a beer,” and a great weekend breakfast.Cook: Huevos rotos is a one-pan meal “good with a cup of coffee or a beer,” and a great weekend breakfast.
Read: “Until the End of Time,” a collection of cosmological contemplations by the physicist Brian Greene, is among 11 books we recommend.Read: “Until the End of Time,” a collection of cosmological contemplations by the physicist Brian Greene, is among 11 books we recommend.
Listen: Our reporter spent three days with the musician Francis Farewell Starlite, a reclusive muse to Kanye West, Bon Iver and Drake.Listen: Our reporter spent three days with the musician Francis Farewell Starlite, a reclusive muse to Kanye West, Bon Iver and Drake.
Smarter Living: There’s far too much misinformation out there about boosting your immune system. Here’s what works, and what doesn’t.Smarter Living: There’s far too much misinformation out there about boosting your immune system. Here’s what works, and what doesn’t.
How did jurors decide on the conviction of Harvey Weinstein, who was sentenced on Wednesday to 23 years in prison? Emily Palmer, a regular Times contributor, explains how our reporters went about finding out.How did jurors decide on the conviction of Harvey Weinstein, who was sentenced on Wednesday to 23 years in prison? Emily Palmer, a regular Times contributor, explains how our reporters went about finding out.
In Mr. Weinstein’s case, few jurors initially spoke to reporters. Following the verdict, my role was to gather descriptions of the scene from the courthouse and contact and interview jurors at their homes.In Mr. Weinstein’s case, few jurors initially spoke to reporters. Following the verdict, my role was to gather descriptions of the scene from the courthouse and contact and interview jurors at their homes.
For 12 hours, I knocked on the doors of three jurors, left notes with door attendants, ate at least one bag of salt and vinegar potato chips and waited in the lobby of another juror’s building — to no effect.For 12 hours, I knocked on the doors of three jurors, left notes with door attendants, ate at least one bag of salt and vinegar potato chips and waited in the lobby of another juror’s building — to no effect.
Another reporter, Nicole Hong, reached one juror by text. He wanted a few days to process the trial.Another reporter, Nicole Hong, reached one juror by text. He wanted a few days to process the trial.
Laura Dimon spent five days trying to reach one juror. She went to three possible addresses for the person in Manhattan, left one handwritten message and sent three emails, among her attempts. Then, while walking her dog, she received a call from an unknown number. It was the juror, ready to talk.Laura Dimon spent five days trying to reach one juror. She went to three possible addresses for the person in Manhattan, left one handwritten message and sent three emails, among her attempts. Then, while walking her dog, she received a call from an unknown number. It was the juror, ready to talk.
Our reporters eventually reached three jurors who agreed to speak anonymously. Those interviews showed a jury that took its responsibility seriously.Our reporters eventually reached three jurors who agreed to speak anonymously. Those interviews showed a jury that took its responsibility seriously.
“They largely had a civil discussion,” said Jan Ransom, who covered the trial daily. “They were able to put away what one called ‘the noise’ of the ‘movement’ outside the courtroom to focus on the evidence from each woman and what they believed really happened.”“They largely had a civil discussion,” said Jan Ransom, who covered the trial daily. “They were able to put away what one called ‘the noise’ of the ‘movement’ outside the courtroom to focus on the evidence from each woman and what they believed really happened.”
That’s it for this briefing. See you next time.That’s it for this briefing. See you next time.
— Chris— Chris
Thank youMark Josephson and Eleanor Stanford provided the break from the news. You can reach the team at briefing@nytimes.com.Thank youMark Josephson and Eleanor Stanford provided the break from the news. You can reach the team at briefing@nytimes.com.
P.S.• We’re listening to “The Daily.” Today’s episode is about life during a pandemic.• Here’s today’s Mini Crossword, and a clue: Bit of a dying fire (five letters). You can find all our puzzles here.• Print readers of The Times Magazine can use Google Lens, a smartphone camera search tool, to find additional content.P.S.• We’re listening to “The Daily.” Today’s episode is about life during a pandemic.• Here’s today’s Mini Crossword, and a clue: Bit of a dying fire (five letters). You can find all our puzzles here.• Print readers of The Times Magazine can use Google Lens, a smartphone camera search tool, to find additional content.