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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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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.
People of all ages are getting very sickPeople of all ages are getting very sick
Testing rules are being bent for A-listersTesting rules are being bent for A-listers
No new local infections in ChinaNo new local infections in China
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverageGet the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage
It’s clear that older people and those with health problems are most at risk of dying because of the coronavirus — but that doesn’t mean younger people who catch it won’t become gravely ill. Many already have.It’s clear that older people and those with health problems are most at risk of dying because of the coronavirus — but that doesn’t mean younger people who catch it won’t become gravely ill. Many already have.
Adults between 20 and 54 make up almost two-fifths of the people being hospitalized in the U.S. with the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Twenty percent are under 44 — millennials, more or less.Adults between 20 and 54 make up almost two-fifths of the people being hospitalized in the U.S. with the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Twenty percent are under 44 — millennials, more or less.
And nearly half of the most severe cases — the ones who land in intensive care — are younger than 65, the agency found. The figures come from a study of the first 2,500 cases reported in the U.S. (the tally is now over 10,000).And nearly half of the most severe cases — the ones who land in intensive care — are younger than 65, the agency found. The figures come from a study of the first 2,500 cases reported in the U.S. (the tally is now over 10,000).
Even children — especially babies and preschoolers — can sometimes become seriously ill, though they are the least likely to do so; it’s not yet clear why.Even children — especially babies and preschoolers — can sometimes become seriously ill, though they are the least likely to do so; it’s not yet clear why.
Some young adults have kept socializing as if “lower risk” meant “no risk.” A CBS News video of students on spring break in Florida shrugging off the pandemic raised hackles on social media.Some young adults have kept socializing as if “lower risk” meant “no risk.” A CBS News video of students on spring break in Florida shrugging off the pandemic raised hackles on social media.
Worry about complacency, not panic: Benedict Carey, a Times science reporter, talked to an Israeli expert, Dr. Ido Erev, about how people make decisions under threat.Worry about complacency, not panic: Benedict Carey, a Times science reporter, talked to an Israeli expert, Dr. Ido Erev, about how people make decisions under threat.
A few will overreact and become hysterical, Dr. Erev told Ben, but studies show that many more will, as time passes, start to discount warnings and take more risks. That’s the greater danger now.A few will overreact and become hysterical, Dr. Erev told Ben, but studies show that many more will, as time passes, start to discount warnings and take more risks. That’s the greater danger now.
The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing 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 our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.
Getting tested has been an uphill battle in parts of the U.S., but some Americans — the wealthy, famous and well-connected — have had a much easier time than others.Getting tested has been an uphill battle in parts of the U.S., but some Americans — the wealthy, famous and well-connected — have had a much easier time than others.
Complaints of elitism and preferential treatment have mounted as politicians, celebrities and pro athletes have received tests without having symptoms or any known contact with an infected person — requirements under some testing guidelines.Complaints of elitism and preferential treatment have mounted as politicians, celebrities and pro athletes have received tests without having symptoms or any known contact with an infected person — requirements under some testing guidelines.
Meanwhile, in the hardest-hit states — New York, California, Washington and Massachusetts — a surge in demand and a shortage of kits have left health care workers, sick patients and their known contacts untested for days or weeks.Meanwhile, in the hardest-hit states — New York, California, Washington and Massachusetts — a surge in demand and a shortage of kits have left health care workers, sick patients and their known contacts untested for days or weeks.
When President Trump was asked on Wednesday whether the elite have been able to cut the line, he replied, “You’d have to ask them that question,” and added, “Perhaps that’s been the story of life.”When President Trump was asked on Wednesday whether the elite have been able to cut the line, he replied, “You’d have to ask them that question,” and added, “Perhaps that’s been the story of life.”
Stuck in limbo: Long turnaround times for test results have left many Americans in the dark. In New Jersey, the virus infected seven members of one family, killing four, and leaving 20 others quarantined as they await test results.Stuck in limbo: Long turnaround times for test results have left many Americans in the dark. In New Jersey, the virus infected seven members of one family, killing four, and leaving 20 others quarantined as they await test results.
A different approach: On today’s episode of “The Daily,” Sarah Maslin Nir, a Times breaking news reporter, visited New York’s first drive-through testing center, in New Rochelle. Centers like that, shown to be highly effective in South Korea, are being set up elsewhere in the state.A different approach: On today’s episode of “The Daily,” Sarah Maslin Nir, a Times breaking news reporter, visited New York’s first drive-through testing center, in New Rochelle. Centers like that, shown to be highly effective in South Korea, are being set up elsewhere in the state.
“This is how we’re going to get a handle on this disease,” Sarah concluded.“This is how we’re going to get a handle on this disease,” Sarah concluded.
For the first time since the virus broke out, China reported zero new local infections on Thursday. The only new cases, and it was just a handful, were people who had come from abroad.For the first time since the virus broke out, China reported zero new local infections on Thursday. The only new cases, and it was just a handful, were people who had come from abroad.
If it’s more than just a statistical blip, it would represent a remarkable recovery for the country, which peaked a month ago at around 2,000 new cases a day.If it’s more than just a statistical blip, it would represent a remarkable recovery for the country, which peaked a month ago at around 2,000 new cases a day.
And it would mean that severe movement restrictions on hundreds of millions of people had worked — a lockdown the country was forced to impose after first trying to cover up the crisis while the virus spread through the city of Wuhan.And it would mean that severe movement restrictions on hundreds of millions of people had worked — a lockdown the country was forced to impose after first trying to cover up the crisis while the virus spread through the city of Wuhan.
China’s early role in the outbreak led to fear and suspicion toward the country, and some racism and xenophobia directed at Asian-Americans.China’s early role in the outbreak led to fear and suspicion toward the country, and some racism and xenophobia directed at Asian-Americans.
In a video for our Opinion section, Katherine Oung, a Chinese-American high school student in Florida, recalls that after the virus started to spread in the U.S., a classmate announced, “Everyone knows Chinese people are disgusting.” She said it “felt like a stab to my chest.”In a video for our Opinion section, Katherine Oung, a Chinese-American high school student in Florida, recalls that after the virus started to spread in the U.S., a classmate announced, “Everyone knows Chinese people are disgusting.” She said it “felt like a stab to my chest.”
But the tables are turning. With outbreaks in the Europe and the U.S. raging while China’s is ebbing, it is now the West that is the object of fear and suspicion among Asians, our correspondents write.But the tables are turning. With outbreaks in the Europe and the U.S. raging while China’s is ebbing, it is now the West that is the object of fear and suspicion among Asians, our correspondents write.
“We came back because we think going back to China is safer than staying in New York,” said Farrah Lyu, 24, a recent college graduate who flew home to eastern China this month.“We came back because we think going back to China is safer than staying in New York,” said Farrah Lyu, 24, a recent college graduate who flew home to eastern China this month.
A new project from our graphics editors looks at which countries have had success in slowing the spread of the virus — known as “flattening the curve.”A new project from our graphics editors looks at which countries have had success in slowing the spread of the virus — known as “flattening the curve.”
More people have now died in Italy (3,405) than in China (3,245). Cemeteries in Bergamo in northern Italy are so overwhelmed that the army was called in to transport bodies elsewhere to be cremated.More people have now died in Italy (3,405) than in China (3,245). Cemeteries in Bergamo in northern Italy are so overwhelmed that the army was called in to transport bodies elsewhere to be cremated.
In northwestern Syria, doctors believe the virus has been spreading undetected through packed displacement camps for weeks, a situation made worse by a lack of tests and a slow international response.In northwestern Syria, doctors believe the virus has been spreading undetected through packed displacement camps for weeks, a situation made worse by a lack of tests and a slow international response.
The whole state legislature in Georgia has been told to self-quarantine after a senator tested positive.The whole state legislature in Georgia has been told to self-quarantine after a senator tested positive.
Minnesota and Vermont will classify grocery store employees as emergency workers because their work is essential to everybody else’s well-being, CNN Business reports.Minnesota and Vermont will classify grocery store employees as emergency workers because their work is essential to everybody else’s well-being, CNN Business reports.
The governor of Pennsylvania ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to close their physical locations as of 8 p.m. Thursday. Restaurants can still offer takeout and delivery.The governor of Pennsylvania ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to close their physical locations as of 8 p.m. Thursday. Restaurants can still offer takeout and delivery.
The coronavirus death rate in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the outbreak started, was 1.4 percent — a lot lower than earlier estimates of 2.0 to 3.4 percent, but still 14 times as deadly as the flu in the U.S.The coronavirus death rate in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the outbreak started, was 1.4 percent — a lot lower than earlier estimates of 2.0 to 3.4 percent, but still 14 times as deadly as the flu in the U.S.
Updated June 2, 2020 Updated June 5, 2020
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
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.
What should you do about your babysitter? Anyone entering your home is a potential carrier of germs, so don’t be afraid to ask them to wash their hands — and remember that they are probably worried right now, too.What should you do about your babysitter? Anyone entering your home is a potential carrier of germs, so don’t be afraid to ask them to wash their hands — and remember that they are probably worried right now, too.
How to clean your home for coronavirus: It takes only a few minutes, but cleaning high-traffic surfaces once a day can make an important difference.How to clean your home for coronavirus: It takes only a few minutes, but cleaning high-traffic surfaces once a day can make an important difference.
How can we band together? Some people are finding inventive ways to help, from delivering groceries to the doorsteps of the homebound to buying gift certificates from struggling restaurants.How can we band together? Some people are finding inventive ways to help, from delivering groceries to the doorsteps of the homebound to buying gift certificates from struggling restaurants.
A hub for financial help: Has your income fallen or disappeared completely? We’ve set up a guide to connect you to basic information you’ll need.A hub for financial help: Has your income fallen or disappeared completely? We’ve set up a guide to connect you to basic information you’ll need.
Join our DealBook team for a conversationJoin our DealBook team for a conversation
How will the pandemic affect business and society? What options do policymakers have for stimulating economies, supporting workers and aiding industries at risk?How will the pandemic affect business and society? What options do policymakers have for stimulating economies, supporting workers and aiding industries at risk?
Andrew Ross Sorkin, our financial columnist, and others from The Times will discuss these questions and more on a group call with readers on Friday at 10 a.m. Eastern. R.S.V.P. for this free event here.Andrew Ross Sorkin, our financial columnist, and others from The Times will discuss these questions and more on a group call with readers on Friday at 10 a.m. Eastern. R.S.V.P. for this free event here.
“Alarmist is not a word anyone has ever used to describe me before,” a pediatric surgery fellow in New York writes in our Opinion pages. But this is different: “We are living in a global public health crisis moving at a speed and scale never witnessed by living generations.”“Alarmist is not a word anyone has ever used to describe me before,” a pediatric surgery fellow in New York writes in our Opinion pages. But this is different: “We are living in a global public health crisis moving at a speed and scale never witnessed by living generations.”
Initial unemployment claims rose by 70,000 last week, the largest jump since the 2008 financial crisis. But experts say we haven’t seen anything yet: Next week’s report is likely to be stratospheric.Initial unemployment claims rose by 70,000 last week, the largest jump since the 2008 financial crisis. But experts say we haven’t seen anything yet: Next week’s report is likely to be stratospheric.
With schools closed around the country, zoos and aquariums are trying to fill the void of children’s activities with “home safaris,” virtual tours and webcams.With schools closed around the country, zoos and aquariums are trying to fill the void of children’s activities with “home safaris,” virtual tours and webcams.
Jennie Weiner is an associate professor of educational leadership. But even for her, the idea of home-schooling her third-grade twins is a daunting task. “The agenda is to survive and watch too much TV,” she writes. “We are eating cookies and carbs and hoping for the best.”Jennie Weiner is an associate professor of educational leadership. But even for her, the idea of home-schooling her third-grade twins is a daunting task. “The agenda is to survive and watch too much TV,” she writes. “We are eating cookies and carbs and hoping for the best.”
A poignant photo essay captures the economic impact in New York City, contrasting the frantic stockpiling at grocery stores with the eerie quiet everywhere else.A poignant photo essay captures the economic impact in New York City, contrasting the frantic stockpiling at grocery stores with the eerie quiet everywhere else.
The divorce rate shot up in parts of China after movement restrictions were lifted. But a quarantine doesn’t have to mean bad news for couples, The New Yorker reports.The divorce rate shot up in parts of China after movement restrictions were lifted. But a quarantine doesn’t have to mean bad news for couples, The New Yorker reports.
Netflix will reduce the video quality on its service in Europe for the next 30 days to reduce strain on the internet, the BBC reports.Netflix will reduce the video quality on its service in Europe for the next 30 days to reduce strain on the internet, the BBC reports.
Distilleries across the country are using their alcohol-making prowess to produce hand sanitizer, and in many cases distributing it free.Distilleries across the country are using their alcohol-making prowess to produce hand sanitizer, and in many cases distributing it free.
Having almost everything on our calendar canceled has prompted me to commit to a daily walk with my camera. The walk provides time out of the house and regular exercise. The camera encourages me to take a fresh look at our neighborhood every day as I try to find something new to photograph in an area I have walked around for more than 20 years.Having almost everything on our calendar canceled has prompted me to commit to a daily walk with my camera. The walk provides time out of the house and regular exercise. The camera encourages me to take a fresh look at our neighborhood every day as I try to find something new to photograph in an area I have walked around for more than 20 years.
— Douglas Hartford, Arden Hills, Minn.— Douglas Hartford, Arden Hills, Minn.
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.
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Lara Takenaga and Tom Wright-Piersanti helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga and Tom Wright-Piersanti helped write today’s newsletter.