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/2020/03/26/world/coronavirus-news.html

The article has changed 55 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Coronavirus Live Updates: Congress Races to Pass $2 Trillion Aid Bill as Virus Shakes Society Coronavirus Live Updates: Congress Races to Pass $2 Trillion Aid Bill as Virus Shakes Society
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
The Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve a sweeping $2 trillion fiscal measure to shore up the U.S. economy as it weathers the devastation of the coronavirus pandemic, advancing the largest fiscal stimulus package in modern American history.The Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve a sweeping $2 trillion fiscal measure to shore up the U.S. economy as it weathers the devastation of the coronavirus pandemic, advancing the largest fiscal stimulus package in modern American history.
The House was expected to quickly take up the bill on Friday and pass it, sending it to President Trump for his signature.The House was expected to quickly take up the bill on Friday and pass it, sending it to President Trump for his signature.
The legislation would send direct payments of $1,200 to Americans earning up to $75,000 — which would gradually phase out for higher earners and end for those with incomes more than $99,000 — and an additional $500 per child. It would substantially expand jobless aid, providing an additional 13 weeks and a four-month enhancement of benefits, extending them for the first time to freelancers and gig workers, and adding $600 per week on top of the usual payment.The legislation would send direct payments of $1,200 to Americans earning up to $75,000 — which would gradually phase out for higher earners and end for those with incomes more than $99,000 — and an additional $500 per child. It would substantially expand jobless aid, providing an additional 13 weeks and a four-month enhancement of benefits, extending them for the first time to freelancers and gig workers, and adding $600 per week on top of the usual payment.
The measure would also provide $350 billion in federally guaranteed loans to small businesses and establish a $500 billion government lending program for distressed companies reeling from the crisis, allowing the administration to take equity stakes in airlines that received aid to help compensate taxpayers. It would also send $100 billion to hospitals on the front lines of the pandemic.The measure would also provide $350 billion in federally guaranteed loans to small businesses and establish a $500 billion government lending program for distressed companies reeling from the crisis, allowing the administration to take equity stakes in airlines that received aid to help compensate taxpayers. It would also send $100 billion to hospitals on the front lines of the pandemic.
The bill was the product of intense bipartisan negotiations among Republicans, Democrats and the White House. Three senators were absent from the late-night roll call because of the virus. Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, has contracted Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, while two Utah Republicans, Senators Mitt Romney and Mike Lee, were in self-isolation after spending time with Mr. Paul.The bill was the product of intense bipartisan negotiations among Republicans, Democrats and the White House. Three senators were absent from the late-night roll call because of the virus. Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, has contracted Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, while two Utah Republicans, Senators Mitt Romney and Mike Lee, were in self-isolation after spending time with Mr. Paul.
Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the second-ranking Republican, also missed the vote because he wasn’t feeling well and had left Washington to return home, a spokesman said.Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the second-ranking Republican, also missed the vote because he wasn’t feeling well and had left Washington to return home, a spokesman said.
The $2 trillion stimulus package passed by the Senate is not final — it still needs approval from the House and President Trump’s signature. But if it passes, here’s what it will offer Americans.The $2 trillion stimulus package passed by the Senate is not final — it still needs approval from the House and President Trump’s signature. But if it passes, here’s what it will offer Americans.
How much money will I get?How much money will I get?
Those earning up to $75,000 will receive $1,200, plus an additional $500 per child. The amount received will gradually phase out for people making more than $75,000, with support ending at $99,000. Joint filers making less than $150,000 will receive $2,400.Those earning up to $75,000 will receive $1,200, plus an additional $500 per child. The amount received will gradually phase out for people making more than $75,000, with support ending at $99,000. Joint filers making less than $150,000 will receive $2,400.
When will I get the money?When will I get the money?
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday that the money would arrive for most Americans within three weeks.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday that the money would arrive for most Americans within three weeks.
How will it help the unemployed?How will it help the unemployed?
The legislation adds 13 weeks of unemployment payments to the usual duration, which in most states is 26 weeks, and adds an extra weekly $600 on top of the usual payments for four months. It also extends benefits for the first time to freelancers and gig workers.The legislation adds 13 weeks of unemployment payments to the usual duration, which in most states is 26 weeks, and adds an extra weekly $600 on top of the usual payments for four months. It also extends benefits for the first time to freelancers and gig workers.
Will it save my job?Will it save my job?
That’s unclear, but it will provide $350 billion in federally guaranteed loans to small businesses and establish a $500 billion government lending program for distressed companies.That’s unclear, but it will provide $350 billion in federally guaranteed loans to small businesses and establish a $500 billion government lending program for distressed companies.
At Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens, Dr. Ashley Bray performed chest compressions Tuesday on a woman in her 80s, a man in his 60s and a 38-year-old who reminded the doctor of her fiancé. All had tested positive for the coronavirus. All eventually died.At Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens, Dr. Ashley Bray performed chest compressions Tuesday on a woman in her 80s, a man in his 60s and a 38-year-old who reminded the doctor of her fiancé. All had tested positive for the coronavirus. All eventually died.
Elmhurst, a 545-bed public hospital, has begun transferring patients not suffering from coronavirus to other facilities as it moves toward becoming a facility dedicated entirely to the outbreak. Doctors and nurses have struggled to make do with a few dozen ventilators.Elmhurst, a 545-bed public hospital, has begun transferring patients not suffering from coronavirus to other facilities as it moves toward becoming a facility dedicated entirely to the outbreak. Doctors and nurses have struggled to make do with a few dozen ventilators.
Calls over a loudspeaker of “Team 700,” the code for when a patient is on the verge of death, come several times a shift. Some have died inside the emergency room while waiting for a bed.Calls over a loudspeaker of “Team 700,” the code for when a patient is on the verge of death, come several times a shift. Some have died inside the emergency room while waiting for a bed.
A refrigerated truck has been stationed outside to hold the bodies of the dead. Over the past 24 hours, New York City’s public hospital system said in a statement, 13 people at Elmhurst had died.A refrigerated truck has been stationed outside to hold the bodies of the dead. Over the past 24 hours, New York City’s public hospital system said in a statement, 13 people at Elmhurst had died.
“It’s apocalyptic,” said Dr. Bray, a general medicine resident at the hospital.“It’s apocalyptic,” said Dr. Bray, a general medicine resident at the hospital.
All of the more than 1,800 intensive care units in New York City are expected to be full by Friday, according to a FEMA leadership briefing obtained by The New York Times. Patients could stay for weeks, limiting space for newly sickened residents.All of the more than 1,800 intensive care units in New York City are expected to be full by Friday, according to a FEMA leadership briefing obtained by The New York Times. Patients could stay for weeks, limiting space for newly sickened residents.
Millions of Americans lost their jobs last week as the coronavirus ripped through the country. And government data released on Thursday morning — on last week’s filings for new claims for unemployment insurance — will provide a partial look at just how many are affected.Millions of Americans lost their jobs last week as the coronavirus ripped through the country. And government data released on Thursday morning — on last week’s filings for new claims for unemployment insurance — will provide a partial look at just how many are affected.
Economists expect it to be the highest figure ever.Economists expect it to be the highest figure ever.
Last week Goldman Sachs forecast a total of 2.25 million new claims. The Economic Policy Institute, a left-leaning research institute that tracked public reports, has put the number at 3.4 million. And Citigroup economists estimated that it ​could reach four million.Last week Goldman Sachs forecast a total of 2.25 million new claims. The Economic Policy Institute, a left-leaning research institute that tracked public reports, has put the number at 3.4 million. And Citigroup economists estimated that it ​could reach four million.
Anything in that range would be far higher than the existing record — 695,000 new claims — that dates back to 1982.Anything in that range would be far higher than the existing record — 695,000 new claims — that dates back to 1982.
As staggering as the figure is likely to be, it will still almost certainly understate the problem. Gig workers, independent contractors and the self-employed don’t qualify for unemployment benefits, although the emergency aid package that’s making its way through Congress will broaden eligibility.As staggering as the figure is likely to be, it will still almost certainly understate the problem. Gig workers, independent contractors and the self-employed don’t qualify for unemployment benefits, although the emergency aid package that’s making its way through Congress will broaden eligibility.
The upheaval far surpasses ​anything seen amid ​the 2008 financial crisis.The upheaval far surpasses ​anything seen amid ​the 2008 financial crisis.
“Where we maybe had eight months to prepare heading into the recession, we had five days to respond to coronavirus,” said Cher Haavind, an official with Colorado’s state office that oversees the filing process.“Where we maybe had eight months to prepare heading into the recession, we had five days to respond to coronavirus,” said Cher Haavind, an official with Colorado’s state office that oversees the filing process.
As cases in New York soar and outbreaks in other U.S. locations edge higher, the coronavirus crisis has sowed divisions among states competing for vital resources and communities looking to protect their residents.As cases in New York soar and outbreaks in other U.S. locations edge higher, the coronavirus crisis has sowed divisions among states competing for vital resources and communities looking to protect their residents.
People fleeing New York City have been greeted with suspicion by residents of the beach communities and villages where many have sought refuge. Florida now requires a 14-day quarantine of anyone who has arrived from the New York region over the past three weeks.People fleeing New York City have been greeted with suspicion by residents of the beach communities and villages where many have sought refuge. Florida now requires a 14-day quarantine of anyone who has arrived from the New York region over the past three weeks.
In Alaska, even more stringent measures were introduced, requiring everyone arriving in the state — whether residents or visitors — to self-quarantine for 14 days.In Alaska, even more stringent measures were introduced, requiring everyone arriving in the state — whether residents or visitors — to self-quarantine for 14 days.
But the virus has already taken root far from New York City.But the virus has already taken root far from New York City.
Louisiana is experiencing the fastest growth in new cases in the world, according to one study. Gov. John Bel Edwards said that the current trajectory of case growth in Louisiana was similar to those in Spain and Italy. This week, President Trump approved the governor’s request for a major disaster declaration, which unlocks additional federal funding to combat the outbreak.Louisiana is experiencing the fastest growth in new cases in the world, according to one study. Gov. John Bel Edwards said that the current trajectory of case growth in Louisiana was similar to those in Spain and Italy. This week, President Trump approved the governor’s request for a major disaster declaration, which unlocks additional federal funding to combat the outbreak.
The situation in and around New Orleans is particularly acute, with the city reporting 827 confirmed cases as of Wednesday night, more than the total number of cases in all except 15 states. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and critical safety gear is running low.The situation in and around New Orleans is particularly acute, with the city reporting 827 confirmed cases as of Wednesday night, more than the total number of cases in all except 15 states. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and critical safety gear is running low.
Orleans Parish, which shares its borders with the city of New Orleans, has suffered the highest number of deaths per capita of any county in the nation. Of the parish’s 37 deaths — nearly three times the death toll in Los Angeles County — 11 are from a single retirement home, where dozens more residents are infected.Orleans Parish, which shares its borders with the city of New Orleans, has suffered the highest number of deaths per capita of any county in the nation. Of the parish’s 37 deaths — nearly three times the death toll in Los Angeles County — 11 are from a single retirement home, where dozens more residents are infected.
Even as Congress races to approve the largest relief package in U.S. history and the world’s wealthiest nations pledge hundreds of billions more in stimulus measures, the virus has exposed the fragility of one element of modern society after another.Even as Congress races to approve the largest relief package in U.S. history and the world’s wealthiest nations pledge hundreds of billions more in stimulus measures, the virus has exposed the fragility of one element of modern society after another.
Health experts warn that time is running out for hospitals around the world if they are to avoid the grim scenes that unfolded first in China, then in Italy and now in Spain.Health experts warn that time is running out for hospitals around the world if they are to avoid the grim scenes that unfolded first in China, then in Italy and now in Spain.
In hard-hit New York City, which on Wednesday reported 20,011 confirmed cases and 280 deaths, emergency rooms are being besieged by the sick and fearful, and all 1,800 intensive care beds were expected to be occupied by Friday. At Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens, 13 people have died in the past 24 hours amid scenes described as “apocalyptic.”In hard-hit New York City, which on Wednesday reported 20,011 confirmed cases and 280 deaths, emergency rooms are being besieged by the sick and fearful, and all 1,800 intensive care beds were expected to be occupied by Friday. At Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens, 13 people have died in the past 24 hours amid scenes described as “apocalyptic.”
In Spain, which prides itself on having a robust health care system, the death toll of more than 4,000 has now surpassed China’s official toll — and the virus’s spread has yet to peak. Amid the thousands of tragedies, the scenes in some Spanish nursing homes — where dozens have been found dead, some abandoned in their beds — have shaken the nation’s image of itself.In Spain, which prides itself on having a robust health care system, the death toll of more than 4,000 has now surpassed China’s official toll — and the virus’s spread has yet to peak. Amid the thousands of tragedies, the scenes in some Spanish nursing homes — where dozens have been found dead, some abandoned in their beds — have shaken the nation’s image of itself.
With billions of people around the planet in some form of lockdown, the trillions of dollars being pledged by governments to blunt the effects of the shock to the economy may not be enough. For many among the millions who have already lost their jobs — and the tens of millions more likely to be out of work in the weeks ahead — the assistance will only delay financial crises as bills come due in coming weeks and months.With billions of people around the planet in some form of lockdown, the trillions of dollars being pledged by governments to blunt the effects of the shock to the economy may not be enough. For many among the millions who have already lost their jobs — and the tens of millions more likely to be out of work in the weeks ahead — the assistance will only delay financial crises as bills come due in coming weeks and months.
While some progress has been made in containing the outbreak, surges continued to be reported in new places, like Tokyo, and other spots where the virus had been contained, like Hong Kong, where returning residents are bringing it with them, officials said. Afghanistan is bracing for the worst as tens of thousands of Afghans flee neighboring Iran.While some progress has been made in containing the outbreak, surges continued to be reported in new places, like Tokyo, and other spots where the virus had been contained, like Hong Kong, where returning residents are bringing it with them, officials said. Afghanistan is bracing for the worst as tens of thousands of Afghans flee neighboring Iran.
In response, many countries are closing their borders, raising tensions as they look to protect themselves. India and Pakistan have put in place domestic travel bans. People escaping from crowded cities have been shunned by their rural neighbors. And governors in America, already competing for medical resources like ventilators, are placing restrictions on visitors — particularly those from New York City.In response, many countries are closing their borders, raising tensions as they look to protect themselves. India and Pakistan have put in place domestic travel bans. People escaping from crowded cities have been shunned by their rural neighbors. And governors in America, already competing for medical resources like ventilators, are placing restrictions on visitors — particularly those from New York City.
Still, there were hopeful signs, showing that social distancing, the only proven strategy for slowing the spread, was getting results. In Italy, which has the highest confirmed fatalities in the world, the rate of infection slowed for a fourth consecutive day on Wednesday.Still, there were hopeful signs, showing that social distancing, the only proven strategy for slowing the spread, was getting results. In Italy, which has the highest confirmed fatalities in the world, the rate of infection slowed for a fourth consecutive day on Wednesday.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York said there was early evidence that the restrictions on movement were reducing the rate of infection there. “The theory is given the density that we’re dealing with, it spreads very quickly,” he said. “But if you reduce the density you can reduce the spread very quickly.”Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York said there was early evidence that the restrictions on movement were reducing the rate of infection there. “The theory is given the density that we’re dealing with, it spreads very quickly,” he said. “But if you reduce the density you can reduce the spread very quickly.”
Coronavirus-related anxiety is real and probably impacting many aspects of your life, from your eating habits to the way your children are acting. There is also a grief that comes along with the loss of our daily routines and rituals. Here are some tips to help you get through these tough times.Coronavirus-related anxiety is real and probably impacting many aspects of your life, from your eating habits to the way your children are acting. There is also a grief that comes along with the loss of our daily routines and rituals. Here are some tips to help you get through these tough times.
Afghanistan has already imported its epidemic. And each day it adds to it, as thousands more displaced Afghans flow across the border from Iran, which has reported some of the world’s highest numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths.Afghanistan has already imported its epidemic. And each day it adds to it, as thousands more displaced Afghans flow across the border from Iran, which has reported some of the world’s highest numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths.
The returnees, some infected with the coronavirus while in Iran, cluster shoulder to shoulder in huge crowds on both sides of the crossing, where toilet facilities are primitive and soap and potable water are scarce.The returnees, some infected with the coronavirus while in Iran, cluster shoulder to shoulder in huge crowds on both sides of the crossing, where toilet facilities are primitive and soap and potable water are scarce.
More than 115,000 Afghans returned from Iran from March 8 to 21, according to the International Organization for Migration. The agency said that even if the border crossing were to be closed, Afghans who wanted to get home could easily find a way, given how porous the border is.More than 115,000 Afghans returned from Iran from March 8 to 21, according to the International Organization for Migration. The agency said that even if the border crossing were to be closed, Afghans who wanted to get home could easily find a way, given how porous the border is.
Herat, the sprawling hub of western Afghanistan, has reported 58 of the country’s 80 confirmed virus cases, the health ministry said. Only two deaths from the virus have been reported nationwide, with three patients reported to have recovered. But health professionals say the true number of cases is probably far higher because testing is minimal.Herat, the sprawling hub of western Afghanistan, has reported 58 of the country’s 80 confirmed virus cases, the health ministry said. Only two deaths from the virus have been reported nationwide, with three patients reported to have recovered. But health professionals say the true number of cases is probably far higher because testing is minimal.
The revelation on Wednesday that Prince Charles, the 71-year-old heir to the British throne, had contracted the coronavirus was the latest example of a well-known figure humanizing the spread of the virus.The revelation on Wednesday that Prince Charles, the 71-year-old heir to the British throne, had contracted the coronavirus was the latest example of a well-known figure humanizing the spread of the virus.
For those who don’t yet personally know anyone who has been confirmed ill, the steady flow of well-known names has put a face to the crisis. Those who have tested positive include:For those who don’t yet personally know anyone who has been confirmed ill, the steady flow of well-known names has put a face to the crisis. Those who have tested positive include:
Entertainers: Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Idris Elba, Daniel Dae Kim, Andy Cohen.Entertainers: Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Idris Elba, Daniel Dae Kim, Andy Cohen.
Athletes: Kevin Durant, Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, Sean Payton.Athletes: Kevin Durant, Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, Sean Payton.
Public figures: Senator Rand Paul, John Bessler (the husband of Senator Amy Klobuchar), Sophie Grégoire Trudeau (the wife of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada), Prince Albert II of Monaco.Public figures: Senator Rand Paul, John Bessler (the husband of Senator Amy Klobuchar), Sophie Grégoire Trudeau (the wife of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada), Prince Albert II of Monaco.
The Times is maintaining a running list of high-profile people who have the virus and have shared information about their experiences. Last week, we examined whether the rich and famous have had better access to limited testing.The Times is maintaining a running list of high-profile people who have the virus and have shared information about their experiences. Last week, we examined whether the rich and famous have had better access to limited testing.
A year ago, hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets of Prague in the largest demonstrations against the government since the Velvet Revolution in 1989. The Czech Republic was a country divided, with the Prime Minister Andrej Babis at the center of the storm.A year ago, hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets of Prague in the largest demonstrations against the government since the Velvet Revolution in 1989. The Czech Republic was a country divided, with the Prime Minister Andrej Babis at the center of the storm.
But as the country entered its second week locked down because of the coronavirus, a nationally televised addresses from Mr. Babis urging calm and resolve have been applauded by supporters and critics alike.But as the country entered its second week locked down because of the coronavirus, a nationally televised addresses from Mr. Babis urging calm and resolve have been applauded by supporters and critics alike.
And in addition to the near universal applause, there was something else unusual: Mr. Babis has worn a mask during his appearances — a reflection of how the surgical mask has become a symbol of resistance and solidarity.And in addition to the near universal applause, there was something else unusual: Mr. Babis has worn a mask during his appearances — a reflection of how the surgical mask has become a symbol of resistance and solidarity.
As the Czech government struggled to provide enough masks for all in the country, it has been aided by fashion designers, actors and tens of thousands of citizens who put have their sewing machines to work.As the Czech government struggled to provide enough masks for all in the country, it has been aided by fashion designers, actors and tens of thousands of citizens who put have their sewing machines to work.
“Our business was locked down and as we did not want to just sit around, we started making masks,” said Jana Rabova, a tailor from a small village in Central Bohemia. “My boyfriend created a hanger for the them,” she said. “We called it a mask tree.”“Our business was locked down and as we did not want to just sit around, we started making masks,” said Jana Rabova, a tailor from a small village in Central Bohemia. “My boyfriend created a hanger for the them,” she said. “We called it a mask tree.”
The photo went viral and has been widely emulated.The photo went viral and has been widely emulated.
School vending machine in the town of Vyskov, in Moravia, that previously provided snacks for thousands of students have also been repurposed to sell mask, with the small fee donated to charities. One vending machine can carry about 1,500 pieces.School vending machine in the town of Vyskov, in Moravia, that previously provided snacks for thousands of students have also been repurposed to sell mask, with the small fee donated to charities. One vending machine can carry about 1,500 pieces.
“It sold out within an hour,” says Petr Caslava, the man behind the initiative.“It sold out within an hour,” says Petr Caslava, the man behind the initiative.
The Czech Republic, like just about every other country in Europe, ordered all residents to stay home except for necessary outings to go to a doctor, work or grocery shopping. All other shops, restaurants and schools are closed.The Czech Republic, like just about every other country in Europe, ordered all residents to stay home except for necessary outings to go to a doctor, work or grocery shopping. All other shops, restaurants and schools are closed.
The country hopes to shift to what the government calls an “intelligent quarantine,” using data from mobile phones and payment cards that would allow thr health authorities to map the whereabouts of an infected person over the past five days and track down all of the person’s contacts.The country hopes to shift to what the government calls an “intelligent quarantine,” using data from mobile phones and payment cards that would allow thr health authorities to map the whereabouts of an infected person over the past five days and track down all of the person’s contacts.
The measure has raised concerns among privacy advocates and fears that it could be abused, but many seemed willing to put those worries aside for the moment.The measure has raised concerns among privacy advocates and fears that it could be abused, but many seemed willing to put those worries aside for the moment.
Finally free after a two-month lockdown, millions of people in Hubei Province, where the pandemic began, are starting to return to their homes and workplaces across China. But some are finding that the restrictions in Hubei were just the first of the obstacles.Finally free after a two-month lockdown, millions of people in Hubei Province, where the pandemic began, are starting to return to their homes and workplaces across China. But some are finding that the restrictions in Hubei were just the first of the obstacles.
Train tickets are hard to find. So are cars, for getting to a train station. Those who manage to arrange transportation are sometimes barred from entering neighborhoods in their destinations.Train tickets are hard to find. So are cars, for getting to a train station. Those who manage to arrange transportation are sometimes barred from entering neighborhoods in their destinations.
And many of those who get where they want to go must then navigate more rules. Some cities, including Beijing, require arrivals to quarantine at home or at designated observation spots for 14 days — and pay for it themselves.And many of those who get where they want to go must then navigate more rules. Some cities, including Beijing, require arrivals to quarantine at home or at designated observation spots for 14 days — and pay for it themselves.
Luo Wenxi, 29, who has been stuck in the city of Jingmen in Hubei, said she had called her community in Beijing on Wednesday, the day the Hubei authorities lifted the lockdown. Workers there said they had not been told they were allowed to receive people from Hubei and asked her to wait, even though Beijing’s municipal government had issued instructions for receiving people from the province.Luo Wenxi, 29, who has been stuck in the city of Jingmen in Hubei, said she had called her community in Beijing on Wednesday, the day the Hubei authorities lifted the lockdown. Workers there said they had not been told they were allowed to receive people from Hubei and asked her to wait, even though Beijing’s municipal government had issued instructions for receiving people from the province.
“I can’t go back right now, and even if I could go, the quarantine fee is too high,” said Ms. Luo, whose company had cut her pay in recent weeks. “The fee is probably higher than my one month’s pay.”“I can’t go back right now, and even if I could go, the quarantine fee is too high,” said Ms. Luo, whose company had cut her pay in recent weeks. “The fee is probably higher than my one month’s pay.”
Arrivals in the cities of Shanghai and Guangzhou have been smoother, according to social media reports, and not all returnees there must be quarantined.Arrivals in the cities of Shanghai and Guangzhou have been smoother, according to social media reports, and not all returnees there must be quarantined.
Wuhan, Hubei’s capital, the Chinese city hardest hit by the outbreak, will stay under lockdown until April 8, according to officials there. Nearly 200,000 people in Wuhan are waiting to return to Beijing, Bao Liqun, a railway official, told state television.Wuhan, Hubei’s capital, the Chinese city hardest hit by the outbreak, will stay under lockdown until April 8, according to officials there. Nearly 200,000 people in Wuhan are waiting to return to Beijing, Bao Liqun, a railway official, told state television.
The urgent update from the Peace Corps landed abruptly in the email inboxes of volunteers on March 15: It was time to evacuate.The urgent update from the Peace Corps landed abruptly in the email inboxes of volunteers on March 15: It was time to evacuate.
Miguel Garcia, a 27-year-old volunteer leader in the Dominican Republic, had a job to do. He had 24 hours to get 32 volunteers scattered across the country to Santo Domingo, the capital. Several were about eight hours away in hard-to-reach communities.Miguel Garcia, a 27-year-old volunteer leader in the Dominican Republic, had a job to do. He had 24 hours to get 32 volunteers scattered across the country to Santo Domingo, the capital. Several were about eight hours away in hard-to-reach communities.
“Panic took over, and I was just mindlessly doing things,” Mr. Garcia said. “It wasn’t until I came home to an apartment that needed to be packed that it all hit me. I showered in cold water for about 45 minutes and cried, overwhelmed by all of the people I needed to communicate with and say goodbye to.”“Panic took over, and I was just mindlessly doing things,” Mr. Garcia said. “It wasn’t until I came home to an apartment that needed to be packed that it all hit me. I showered in cold water for about 45 minutes and cried, overwhelmed by all of the people I needed to communicate with and say goodbye to.”
For the first time in its nearly 60-year history, the Peace Corps has temporarily suspended its operations, evacuating more than 7,000 volunteers from posts in more than 60 countries because of the coronavirus pandemic.For the first time in its nearly 60-year history, the Peace Corps has temporarily suspended its operations, evacuating more than 7,000 volunteers from posts in more than 60 countries because of the coronavirus pandemic.
An independent agency of the U.S. government created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the corps sends volunteers abroad to help with social and economic development projects. They dig wells, teach in schools and train people in things like sewing and healthy breastfeeding.An independent agency of the U.S. government created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the corps sends volunteers abroad to help with social and economic development projects. They dig wells, teach in schools and train people in things like sewing and healthy breastfeeding.
In an open letter, Jody Olsen, the director of the Peace Corps, said the move was meant to protect volunteers and prevent them from being stranded during the pandemic. Within hours, volunteers were packing their bags, saying their farewells and rushing to designated meeting places as airlines canceled flights and countries began closing borders.In an open letter, Jody Olsen, the director of the Peace Corps, said the move was meant to protect volunteers and prevent them from being stranded during the pandemic. Within hours, volunteers were packing their bags, saying their farewells and rushing to designated meeting places as airlines canceled flights and countries began closing borders.
In interviews, volunteers described shock, confusion and heartbreak as they arrived back in the United States.In interviews, volunteers described shock, confusion and heartbreak as they arrived back in the United States.
“The situation in Morocco went so fast,” said Elizabeth Burke, 54, who had been in the country for less than a year, teaching English and working at a sewing cooperative. “It went from Moroccans not being aware of the coronavirus and what was going on to a complete shutdown.”“The situation in Morocco went so fast,” said Elizabeth Burke, 54, who had been in the country for less than a year, teaching English and working at a sewing cooperative. “It went from Moroccans not being aware of the coronavirus and what was going on to a complete shutdown.”
In states hit hard by the coronavirus, like New York and California, governors and mayors have mandated the closing of all but the obviously essential stores, like supermarkets and pharmacies. And the Department of Homeland Security has laid out guidelines for businesses across the country to follow when deciding whether to stay open, even in regions not known to be hot spots for the virus. The agency is careful to note that its definition of a “critical” work force is not an official standard, leaving it up to corporations to decide for themselves. At a typical bustling market in Nairobi, sellers offer secondhand jeans and sneakers from California, Cleveland Cavaliers jerseys from Ohio, and sweatpants and raincoats from Britain. The used clothing provides tens of thousands of jobs in Kenya and millions of dollars in government revenue.
Given this latitude, retailers have kept thousands of stores open, even as health experts warn that the virus is likely to spread more widely across the country in the coming weeks. But on Wednesday, Kenya’s government banned the import of secondhand clothes to safeguard the health of its citizens amid the coronavirus pandemic, one of several far-reaching measures the East African nation is taking. With 28 confirmed cases, Kenya has shuttered schools, banned religious gatherings, suspended international flights and introduced an overnight curfew that goes into effect on Friday.
At some Guitar Center stores, employees are still allowing customers to try out models of guitars. Dillard’s, a department store chain popular in the South, is still welcoming shoppers looking for clothing and makeup. And Michaels, the arts and crafts chain, says it is keeping many of its stores open to provide supplies to parents teaching their homebound children. “We are here for the makers,” the retailer said in an email to one concerned customer. The trade ministry said the new directive was also meant to support the local textile industry at a time when key sectors like transportation, tourism and agriculture face mounting challenges.
That some retail stores are staying open while other businesses have closed reflects the piecemeal approach to combating the pandemic in the United States. There are emergency orders limiting business to essential retailers in about half the country, but much of the South and West has no such restrictions. Used clothing is big business across Africa, with traders in sprawling markets from Kampala, Uganda, to Lagos, Nigeria, catering to low-income workers. But African nations have been looking to wean their markets off the hand-me-downs along with cheap imports from Asia.
Reporting was contributed by Katy Reckdahl, Hana de Goeil, Campbell Robertson, Richard Fausset, Paticia Mazzei, Julie Bosman, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Julie Davis, Daniel Victor, Emily Cochrane, Nicholas Fandos, Michael Corkery, Sapna Maheshwari, Mariel Padilla, Fatima Faizi, David Zucchino, Vivian Wang and Yiwei Wang.Reporting was contributed by Katy Reckdahl, Hana de Goeil, Campbell Robertson, Richard Fausset, Paticia Mazzei, Julie Bosman, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Julie Davis, Daniel Victor, Emily Cochrane, Nicholas Fandos, Michael Corkery, Sapna Maheshwari, Mariel Padilla, Fatima Faizi, David Zucchino, Vivian Wang and Yiwei Wang.