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| Congress Is Knitting a Coronavirus Safety Net. It Already Has Big Holes. | Congress Is Knitting a Coronavirus Safety Net. It Already Has Big Holes. |
| (about 13 hours later) | |
| WASHINGTON — In an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus and limit its damage to the economy, congressional leaders and President Trump are stitching together a new safety net for workers who contract the coronavirus or lose their jobs because of it. | WASHINGTON — In an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus and limit its damage to the economy, congressional leaders and President Trump are stitching together a new safety net for workers who contract the coronavirus or lose their jobs because of it. |
| But compromises in the legislation set to pass the Senate this week have ripped holes in that net, exposing millions of workers to financial risks that could push them to continue reporting to work — even on the front lines of the pandemic — and accelerate the infection rate nationwide. | But compromises in the legislation set to pass the Senate this week have ripped holes in that net, exposing millions of workers to financial risks that could push them to continue reporting to work — even on the front lines of the pandemic — and accelerate the infection rate nationwide. |
| Democrats in Congress now say they will attempt to patch those holes by expanding a government-funded paid-leave benefit and making unemployment payments more generous for workers laid off as the economy rapidly shutters under government orders seeking to curb the virus. But that push will almost certainly have to wait for the next phase of the congressional response, an increasingly expensive fight that could meet resistance from business groups worried that the program could drive small companies out of existence by allowing critical workers to stay at home. | Democrats in Congress now say they will attempt to patch those holes by expanding a government-funded paid-leave benefit and making unemployment payments more generous for workers laid off as the economy rapidly shutters under government orders seeking to curb the virus. But that push will almost certainly have to wait for the next phase of the congressional response, an increasingly expensive fight that could meet resistance from business groups worried that the program could drive small companies out of existence by allowing critical workers to stay at home. |
| After a month of debate over the severity of the crisis, Mr. Trump and lawmakers have in recent days largely coalesced around a strategy for fighting the pandemic. It is based on the idea that the virus will not spread as quickly if Americans largely stay home from work. | After a month of debate over the severity of the crisis, Mr. Trump and lawmakers have in recent days largely coalesced around a strategy for fighting the pandemic. It is based on the idea that the virus will not spread as quickly if Americans largely stay home from work. |
| Economists say that executing that idea includes telling Americans to work from home if they can and paying them not to go to the office if they are sick or caring for children whose school is canceled. Ideally, experts say, all but the most essential workers would stay home — and so would everyone who is ill. The government should then compensate the workers and businesses hurt by the ensuing economic slowdown. | Economists say that executing that idea includes telling Americans to work from home if they can and paying them not to go to the office if they are sick or caring for children whose school is canceled. Ideally, experts say, all but the most essential workers would stay home — and so would everyone who is ill. The government should then compensate the workers and businesses hurt by the ensuing economic slowdown. |
| “We need people to socially isolate and socially distance, and we need people to stay home if they’re sick,” said Heather Boushey, the president of the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, a left-leaning think tank. “Our solutions need to be calibrated to the problem at hand.” | “We need people to socially isolate and socially distance, and we need people to stay home if they’re sick,” said Heather Boushey, the president of the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, a left-leaning think tank. “Our solutions need to be calibrated to the problem at hand.” |
| So far, Ms. Boushey and others across the political spectrum say, Congress’s efforts have fallen short. | So far, Ms. Boushey and others across the political spectrum say, Congress’s efforts have fallen short. |
| The House passed a sweeping virus response bill early Saturday, but Democrats and the Trump administration continued to negotiate through Monday over so-called technical corrections to a $100 billion program in the legislation. That program is meant to offer paid leave to workers infected with the virus or otherwise hurt by it. The negotiations narrowed the program, in part over the administration’s concerns about burdening small businesses, despite objections from some lawmakers and economists. | The House passed a sweeping virus response bill early Saturday, but Democrats and the Trump administration continued to negotiate through Monday over so-called technical corrections to a $100 billion program in the legislation. That program is meant to offer paid leave to workers infected with the virus or otherwise hurt by it. The negotiations narrowed the program, in part over the administration’s concerns about burdening small businesses, despite objections from some lawmakers and economists. |
| The changes passed the House late Monday evening, with few lawmakers present or even able to read the legislation before it was approved. A procedural maneuver allows legislation to be approved without the entire chamber present so long as a single lawmaker does not object. | The changes passed the House late Monday evening, with few lawmakers present or even able to read the legislation before it was approved. A procedural maneuver allows legislation to be approved without the entire chamber present so long as a single lawmaker does not object. |
| Under those changes, workers affected by the pandemic — as a result of quarantine, caring for a family member, or closed schools and lack of child care — receive two weeks of sick leave. Any paid leave provided after that time is limited to workers with children whose school or child care has been closed. The original legislation offered 10 additional weeks of paid leave at two-thirds pay for all workers affected by the pandemic. | Under those changes, workers affected by the pandemic — as a result of quarantine, caring for a family member, or closed schools and lack of child care — receive two weeks of sick leave. Any paid leave provided after that time is limited to workers with children whose school or child care has been closed. The original legislation offered 10 additional weeks of paid leave at two-thirds pay for all workers affected by the pandemic. |
| The bill allows exemptions for workers in companies with more than 500 employees or fewer than 50. Under the amended version, health care providers or emergency responders could be declared exempt from receiving the additional paid leave by the Labor secretary, who is now given the discretion to make that decision. | The bill allows exemptions for workers in companies with more than 500 employees or fewer than 50. Under the amended version, health care providers or emergency responders could be declared exempt from receiving the additional paid leave by the Labor secretary, who is now given the discretion to make that decision. |
| Ms. Boushey said she was alarmed by those changes. “I don’t want my first responder to be sick,” she said, adding that the scope of benefits in the bill for workers who lose their jobs amid the crisis was also inadequate. She and other economists, like Andrew Biggs of the conservative American Enterprise Institute, say the government should effectively make up for the full lost wages of workers who become unemployed, rather than partially doing so. Ms. Boushey said lawmakers should also fully compensate workers whose hours are reduced during the pandemic. | Ms. Boushey said she was alarmed by those changes. “I don’t want my first responder to be sick,” she said, adding that the scope of benefits in the bill for workers who lose their jobs amid the crisis was also inadequate. She and other economists, like Andrew Biggs of the conservative American Enterprise Institute, say the government should effectively make up for the full lost wages of workers who become unemployed, rather than partially doing so. Ms. Boushey said lawmakers should also fully compensate workers whose hours are reduced during the pandemic. |
| Senate Democrats, including Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, say they will push for expansions of paid leave and unemployment benefits in a new bill, in its early stages on Capitol Hill, that is likely to include $1 trillion or more of economic stimulus, like direct payments to workers. | Senate Democrats, including Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, say they will push for expansions of paid leave and unemployment benefits in a new bill, in its early stages on Capitol Hill, that is likely to include $1 trillion or more of economic stimulus, like direct payments to workers. |
| Senator Patty Murray, Democrat of Washington, introduced another paid-leave bill on Tuesday along with other Democratic lawmakers, as part of an effort to expand upon those provisions in a third coronavirus relief package still under discussion. | Senator Patty Murray, Democrat of Washington, introduced another paid-leave bill on Tuesday along with other Democratic lawmakers, as part of an effort to expand upon those provisions in a third coronavirus relief package still under discussion. |
| “How do we make sure that people will stay home and not spread the virus?” said Ms. Murray, whose state has been a center of the outbreak in the United States. “Either we give people the means to stay home or this will continue to spread.” | “How do we make sure that people will stay home and not spread the virus?” said Ms. Murray, whose state has been a center of the outbreak in the United States. “Either we give people the means to stay home or this will continue to spread.” |
| In a sign that the debate defies traditional partisan lines, the conservative group Heritage Action for America said on Tuesday that the House’s paid-leave plan should be expanded to more workers. | In a sign that the debate defies traditional partisan lines, the conservative group Heritage Action for America said on Tuesday that the House’s paid-leave plan should be expanded to more workers. |
| But business groups and their advocates continue to raise concerns about the paid-leave efforts. | But business groups and their advocates continue to raise concerns about the paid-leave efforts. |
| Some small business groups have opposed the plan. “The main thing I’ve heard, and it’s almost been in unanimity among small business owners,” said Senator Mike Braun, Republican of Indiana, “is that they don’t like the structure, putting the onus out of the gate onto small business owners.” | Some small business groups have opposed the plan. “The main thing I’ve heard, and it’s almost been in unanimity among small business owners,” said Senator Mike Braun, Republican of Indiana, “is that they don’t like the structure, putting the onus out of the gate onto small business owners.” |
| Updated June 16, 2020 | Updated June 16, 2020 |
| 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Republican of West Virginia, who supports the package put forward by the House, said that “there’s concerns about, say, doctor’s offices and health care workers.” | Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Republican of West Virginia, who supports the package put forward by the House, said that “there’s concerns about, say, doctor’s offices and health care workers.” |
| “If the requirements are for paid sick leave, how are you going to move that in with essential workers? I think that’s one thing,” she said. “I’m sure there’s some questions on the mandate aspect of it, and how it will actually work.” | “If the requirements are for paid sick leave, how are you going to move that in with essential workers? I think that’s one thing,” she said. “I’m sure there’s some questions on the mandate aspect of it, and how it will actually work.” |
| “I think there was an admission in the room — and probably in the whole building — that the bureaucracy of trying to figure the quickest and easiest and less painful way to direct dollars to people always takes longer than what people would think,” she added, speaking after a closed lunch with Senate Republicans. “So I think that’s a source of concern for everybody.” | “I think there was an admission in the room — and probably in the whole building — that the bureaucracy of trying to figure the quickest and easiest and less painful way to direct dollars to people always takes longer than what people would think,” she added, speaking after a closed lunch with Senate Republicans. “So I think that’s a source of concern for everybody.” |
| Others raised concerns that workers would leave their jobs if the program was too generous, jeopardizing business health. | Others raised concerns that workers would leave their jobs if the program was too generous, jeopardizing business health. |
| “I don’t like the family leave setup,” said Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina. “I think we should have gone through the unemployment insurance route. We should have said to any company out there, any worker, that if you can’t work because of the coronavirus you are going to get your check.” | “I don’t like the family leave setup,” said Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina. “I think we should have gone through the unemployment insurance route. We should have said to any company out there, any worker, that if you can’t work because of the coronavirus you are going to get your check.” |
| “My focus is not giving people a check from the government,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “My focus is to make sure you get your paycheck from your employer. | “My focus is not giving people a check from the government,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “My focus is to make sure you get your paycheck from your employer. |
| Nicholas Fandos contributed reporting. | Nicholas Fandos contributed reporting. |