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/2020/03/18/us/coronavirus-today.html
The article has changed 23 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 16 | Version 17 |
|---|---|
| Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today | Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today |
| (3 days later) | |
| This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email. | This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email. |
| Millions in California must stay home | Millions in California must stay home |
| Ventilators are in short supply | Ventilators are in short supply |
| Older people face becoming isolated | Older people face becoming isolated |
| Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage | Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage |
| Nine million people in the San Francisco Bay Area and two other chunks of California are now under shelter-in-place orders — among the most drastic virus-slowing measures yet tried in the U.S. More of the nation may soon be headed the same way. | Nine million people in the San Francisco Bay Area and two other chunks of California are now under shelter-in-place orders — among the most drastic virus-slowing measures yet tried in the U.S. More of the nation may soon be headed the same way. |
| Everyone is supposed to stay home, except to “obtain or perform vital services” — though Thomas Fuller, a New York Times correspondent in the Bay Area, reports that the line between “vital” and nonessential can be blurry. | Everyone is supposed to stay home, except to “obtain or perform vital services” — though Thomas Fuller, a New York Times correspondent in the Bay Area, reports that the line between “vital” and nonessential can be blurry. |
| In Santa Clara on Tuesday, a paint store was open but a nearby shoe store was not. A sandwich shop in downtown San Francisco tried staying open, but so few customers came that the owner gave up. City Hall first said marijuana dispensaries had to close, then changed its mind and labeled them essential. | In Santa Clara on Tuesday, a paint store was open but a nearby shoe store was not. A sandwich shop in downtown San Francisco tried staying open, but so few customers came that the owner gave up. City Hall first said marijuana dispensaries had to close, then changed its mind and labeled them essential. |
| It’s all a test of a go-it-alone society’s willingness to limit personal behavior for the greater good — one that comes with huge costs. | It’s all a test of a go-it-alone society’s willingness to limit personal behavior for the greater good — one that comes with huge costs. |
| Some people who kept on reporting to work, essential or not, said that they would not survive without the income. “The government says stay at home,” said Ricardo Valencia, a landscaper. “But who is going to pay the rent?” | Some people who kept on reporting to work, essential or not, said that they would not survive without the income. “The government says stay at home,” said Ricardo Valencia, a landscaper. “But who is going to pay the rent?” |
| Thomas shared some insights about the situation. | Thomas shared some insights about the situation. |
| Why is the Bay Area the first large region in the U.S. to go this route? | Why is the Bay Area the first large region in the U.S. to go this route? |
| Well, the Bay Area chose the Bay Area. The health officers here got together because they saw the cases accelerating. I think there was a real fear that if they didn’t do this now, they would miss any opportunity to mitigate the severity of the outbreak. | Well, the Bay Area chose the Bay Area. The health officers here got together because they saw the cases accelerating. I think there was a real fear that if they didn’t do this now, they would miss any opportunity to mitigate the severity of the outbreak. |
| What about California’s large homeless population? | What about California’s large homeless population? |
| The homeless have a horrible double vulnerability. There’s a study out of Washington State that found that 30 percent of homeless people have lung disease before any discussion of the coronavirus. Second, we’ve reported that at some shelters on the West Coast, beds are less than two feet apart. Experts have recommended being six feet away from people. | The homeless have a horrible double vulnerability. There’s a study out of Washington State that found that 30 percent of homeless people have lung disease before any discussion of the coronavirus. Second, we’ve reported that at some shelters on the West Coast, beds are less than two feet apart. Experts have recommended being six feet away from people. |
| (For daily California coverage, sign up for our California Today newsletter.) | (For daily California coverage, sign up for our California Today newsletter.) |
| Someone has to clean up: As millions in California and elsewhere flee offices to avoid contagion, low-wage janitors have to do the opposite, despite the health risks from both the virus and the powerful cleansers they are being told to use. | Someone has to clean up: As millions in California and elsewhere flee offices to avoid contagion, low-wage janitors have to do the opposite, despite the health risks from both the virus and the powerful cleansers they are being told to use. |
| Will New York City be next? Mayor Bill de Blasio told his city on Tuesday to prepare for the possibility of a “shelter in place” order within the next 48 hours. But Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s office shot down the suggestion on Wednesday, saying state action would be required and “there is no consideration of that for any locality at this time.” | Will New York City be next? Mayor Bill de Blasio told his city on Tuesday to prepare for the possibility of a “shelter in place” order within the next 48 hours. But Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s office shot down the suggestion on Wednesday, saying state action would be required and “there is no consideration of that for any locality at this time.” |
| The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and this newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription. | The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and this newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription. |
| Hospitals around the world face a severe shortage of ventilators — assisted-breathing machines that can mean the difference between life and death for patients with severe respiratory symptoms. | Hospitals around the world face a severe shortage of ventilators — assisted-breathing machines that can mean the difference between life and death for patients with severe respiratory symptoms. |
| “We’re scrounging,” said Gabe Kelen, the director of the Johns Hopkins office of critical event preparedness. “We’re looking at every possible place we might get one.” | “We’re scrounging,” said Gabe Kelen, the director of the Johns Hopkins office of critical event preparedness. “We’re looking at every possible place we might get one.” |
| American and European manufacturers are ramping up production, though it hasn’t been easy. They are complex machines, with hundreds of parts made around the world, and producing them faster takes more workers, more protective gear and more cleaning services. For all that, the manufacturers won’t be able to meet all the demand anytime soon. | American and European manufacturers are ramping up production, though it hasn’t been easy. They are complex machines, with hundreds of parts made around the world, and producing them faster takes more workers, more protective gear and more cleaning services. For all that, the manufacturers won’t be able to meet all the demand anytime soon. |
| “The reality is there is absolutely not enough,” said Andreas Wieland, the chief executive of Hamilton Medical in Switzerland, a leading ventilator maker. | “The reality is there is absolutely not enough,” said Andreas Wieland, the chief executive of Hamilton Medical in Switzerland, a leading ventilator maker. |
| There are about 160,000 ventilators in U.S. hospitals, with another 12,700 in a stockpile the federal government keeps for national emergencies. | There are about 160,000 ventilators in U.S. hospitals, with another 12,700 in a stockpile the federal government keeps for national emergencies. |
| A new machine can cost up to $50,000. Fewer than a dozen American companies make them; about half of those used in the U.S. are imported. | A new machine can cost up to $50,000. Fewer than a dozen American companies make them; about half of those used in the U.S. are imported. |
| One Italian company quadrupled its output, making up to 150 ventilators a week, with help from engineers and other workers from the Ministry of Defense. | One Italian company quadrupled its output, making up to 150 ventilators a week, with help from engineers and other workers from the Ministry of Defense. |
| Britain expects to need many more than the 5,000 ventilators it has. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is calling on carmakers to start making them. | Britain expects to need many more than the 5,000 ventilators it has. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is calling on carmakers to start making them. |
| More shortages: In the U.S., detecting the disease is hampered by extremely short supplies of swabs and protective gear. The special swabs needed for testing come mainly from an Italian company that is working around the clock. | More shortages: In the U.S., detecting the disease is hampered by extremely short supplies of swabs and protective gear. The special swabs needed for testing come mainly from an Italian company that is working around the clock. |
| What’s next: President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act, a Korean War-era law allowing him to order American factories to boost production of critical supplies like ventilators and masks. | What’s next: President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act, a Korean War-era law allowing him to order American factories to boost production of critical supplies like ventilators and masks. |
| Updated August 17, 2020 | |
| People over 60 are at elevated risk of serious illness from the coronavirus, and it’s even more severe for people over 80. So older people have to be especially cautious — which can mean cutting off from family, friends and communities. | People over 60 are at elevated risk of serious illness from the coronavirus, and it’s even more severe for people over 80. So older people have to be especially cautious — which can mean cutting off from family, friends and communities. |
| “It is a terrible irony of the virus that, for older adults, steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19 increase the risks of social isolation, which carries its own devastating health effects,” our reporter John Leland writes. | “It is a terrible irony of the virus that, for older adults, steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19 increase the risks of social isolation, which carries its own devastating health effects,” our reporter John Leland writes. |
| Since this newsletter began, we’ve asked readers to tell us how they’re coping with the outbreak. Here are a few responses we’ve received from older Americans about how the virus has changed their lives. | Since this newsletter began, we’ve asked readers to tell us how they’re coping with the outbreak. Here are a few responses we’ve received from older Americans about how the virus has changed their lives. |
| Midge Cooke lives in a continuing care facility in Mechanicsville, Va. She writes: | Midge Cooke lives in a continuing care facility in Mechanicsville, Va. She writes: |
| Over 80 residents are under quarantine — so far no one has tested positive, but no one has been tested that we know of. The pandemic feels something like I felt when we were flying home from Europe on 9/11. Weird. We don’t know when the next shoe will drop. I take walks and hope I see someone to just say “Hello” and “How are you coping?” Social interaction is one of my lifelines. | Over 80 residents are under quarantine — so far no one has tested positive, but no one has been tested that we know of. The pandemic feels something like I felt when we were flying home from Europe on 9/11. Weird. We don’t know when the next shoe will drop. I take walks and hope I see someone to just say “Hello” and “How are you coping?” Social interaction is one of my lifelines. |
| Aurelia Marvin of Jasper, Ga., writes: | Aurelia Marvin of Jasper, Ga., writes: |
| I have M.S. and so have an extremely compromised immune system. My husband is elderly as well. We’re not leaving the house unless it’s absolutely necessary. But we are afraid to go to any medical facilities for fear of catching something there! We are very scared and frankly are worried for anyone in the area that is elderly and being forced to stay in their homes during this crisis. | I have M.S. and so have an extremely compromised immune system. My husband is elderly as well. We’re not leaving the house unless it’s absolutely necessary. But we are afraid to go to any medical facilities for fear of catching something there! We are very scared and frankly are worried for anyone in the area that is elderly and being forced to stay in their homes during this crisis. |
| And finally, from Susan Stull of Canton, Pa.: | And finally, from Susan Stull of Canton, Pa.: |
| My husband and I are elderly and both are compromised with several things including his metastatic cancer. As the lay-leader of our church, I have been in contact with half of the members on almost a daily basis about social distancing. It is so much easier to care about the flock than to worry about ourselves. And it helps with the isolation. We can all take the time to call someone each day and check up on them. | My husband and I are elderly and both are compromised with several things including his metastatic cancer. As the lay-leader of our church, I have been in contact with half of the members on almost a daily basis about social distancing. It is so much easier to care about the flock than to worry about ourselves. And it helps with the isolation. We can all take the time to call someone each day and check up on them. |
| How to get through it: We asked the C.D.C., W.H.O. and doctors for advice. They recommend learning to use video chat programs like Skype or FaceTime, going for walks outside and stockpiling a few months’ worth of prescription medicine. | How to get through it: We asked the C.D.C., W.H.O. and doctors for advice. They recommend learning to use video chat programs like Skype or FaceTime, going for walks outside and stockpiling a few months’ worth of prescription medicine. |
| Trouble in Florida: The state is home to a lot of older people — a quarter of the population is over the age of 60. But the pace of testing there has been glacial, and beaches were still packed with spring-break festivities over the weekend. | Trouble in Florida: The state is home to a lot of older people — a quarter of the population is over the age of 60. But the pace of testing there has been glacial, and beaches were still packed with spring-break festivities over the weekend. |
| The U.S. and Canada agreed to close their border to all but essential traffic. | The U.S. and Canada agreed to close their border to all but essential traffic. |
| Puerto Rico asked the Federal Aviation Administration for permission to suspend all air travel to the island for two weeks. | Puerto Rico asked the Federal Aviation Administration for permission to suspend all air travel to the island for two weeks. |
| Germany reported 1,000 new cases, bringing its total to 8,200. An official warned that it could be 10 million cases in a few months if people ignore public health guidance. | Germany reported 1,000 new cases, bringing its total to 8,200. An official warned that it could be 10 million cases in a few months if people ignore public health guidance. |
| Belgium joined the list of European nations to impose strict rules: People can go outside to walk, bike or exercise, but must do it alone or only with those they live with. | Belgium joined the list of European nations to impose strict rules: People can go outside to walk, bike or exercise, but must do it alone or only with those they live with. |
| Hungary created a bottleneck in Europe by closing its borders to all foreigners. At the crossing with Austria, frustrated drivers left their cars and staged a sit-in. | Hungary created a bottleneck in Europe by closing its borders to all foreigners. At the crossing with Austria, frustrated drivers left their cars and staged a sit-in. |
| Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are reporting an uptick in new coronavirus cases, after successfully controlling their initial outbreaks, The Wall Street Journal reports. | Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are reporting an uptick in new coronavirus cases, after successfully controlling their initial outbreaks, The Wall Street Journal reports. |
| Answers to common coronavirus questions: Here are the basics, covering topics like science, politics, money, travel and more. | Answers to common coronavirus questions: Here are the basics, covering topics like science, politics, money, travel and more. |
| Is it OK to take a walk? Yes, experts say. A daily stroll is good for your mental and physical health. Just stay six feet away from other pedestrians. | Is it OK to take a walk? Yes, experts say. A daily stroll is good for your mental and physical health. Just stay six feet away from other pedestrians. |
| Work-from-home tech support: Everyone’s internet is a bit slower these days, but you can help boost your Wi-Fi signal with a mesh system. If your video calls are noisy, invest in a pair of wireless headphones. | Work-from-home tech support: Everyone’s internet is a bit slower these days, but you can help boost your Wi-Fi signal with a mesh system. If your video calls are noisy, invest in a pair of wireless headphones. |
| Want to become an expert hand washer? Read these tips from the pros, including how hard to scrub (harder than you think) and the best way to dry (paper towels). | Want to become an expert hand washer? Read these tips from the pros, including how hard to scrub (harder than you think) and the best way to dry (paper towels). |
| The Senate approved the House bill providing paid sick leave, expanded unemployment benefits, free coronavirus testing, and food and medical aid to people affected by the pandemic. Experts worried that holes in the plan would still discourage some workers from staying home when ill. | The Senate approved the House bill providing paid sick leave, expanded unemployment benefits, free coronavirus testing, and food and medical aid to people affected by the pandemic. Experts worried that holes in the plan would still discourage some workers from staying home when ill. |
| With its case counts falling, China has offered medical expertise and supplies to countries struggling to contain outbreaks. | With its case counts falling, China has offered medical expertise and supplies to countries struggling to contain outbreaks. |
| There seems to be a generation gap in the responses to shutdowns, but in Europe, at least, some young people have stepped up in solidarity with their older neighbors. | There seems to be a generation gap in the responses to shutdowns, but in Europe, at least, some young people have stepped up in solidarity with their older neighbors. |
| White-water rafters on a 25-day trip through the Grand Canyon with no cell service or internet access emerged to find a world dramatically changed by the virus outbreak. | White-water rafters on a 25-day trip through the Grand Canyon with no cell service or internet access emerged to find a world dramatically changed by the virus outbreak. |
| Many immigrants in the U.S. are afraid to seek coronavirus tests or medical care. | Many immigrants in the U.S. are afraid to seek coronavirus tests or medical care. |
| How to end the financial panic from the pandemic? There’s just one way, our business columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin writes, and it would cost trillions: Interest-free government bridge loans for any business, self-employed person or gig worker who needs one. | How to end the financial panic from the pandemic? There’s just one way, our business columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin writes, and it would cost trillions: Interest-free government bridge loans for any business, self-employed person or gig worker who needs one. |
| A Times editor who learned he had the coronavirus describes the testing process as a “maze of inefficiency.” | A Times editor who learned he had the coronavirus describes the testing process as a “maze of inefficiency.” |
| We are taking free dance classes online to keep everyone moving. I put on my dance shoes for the first time in 15 years, rolled up the rug, and danced with my three daughters (6-year-old twins and a 10-year-old). My husband got in on the act and took a tap class with them today. He’s never taken tap but has always wanted to. It was a fun way to celebrate his birthday. | We are taking free dance classes online to keep everyone moving. I put on my dance shoes for the first time in 15 years, rolled up the rug, and danced with my three daughters (6-year-old twins and a 10-year-old). My husband got in on the act and took a tap class with them today. He’s never taken tap but has always wanted to. It was a fun way to celebrate his birthday. |
| — Dana Viernes, Bainbridge Island, Wash. | — Dana Viernes, Bainbridge Island, Wash. |
| Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter. | Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter. |
| Sign up here to get the briefing by email. | Sign up here to get the briefing by email. |
| Lara Takenaga and Tom Wright-Piersanti helped write today’s newsletter. Melina Delkic and Adam Pasick contributed reporting. | Lara Takenaga and Tom Wright-Piersanti helped write today’s newsletter. Melina Delkic and Adam Pasick contributed reporting. |