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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
(2 months 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.
The White House released models that project a stunning toll: millions of coronavirus cases and between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths in the U.S.The White House released models that project a stunning toll: millions of coronavirus cases and between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths in the U.S.
The C.D.C. is considering telling many more people to wear masks.The C.D.C. is considering telling many more people to wear masks.
March ended as the worst month on Wall Street since 2008, with the S&P 500 index down 12.5 percent.March ended as the worst month on Wall Street since 2008, with the S&P 500 index down 12.5 percent.
Close to home: Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York says his brother Chris Cuomo, the CNN anchor, has the virus.Close to home: Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York says his brother Chris Cuomo, the CNN anchor, has the virus.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverageGet the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is having second thoughts about masks.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is having second thoughts about masks.
For weeks, it (and we) said that ordinary citizens in the U.S. did not need to wear them unless they were sick and coughing or were caring for someone who was.For weeks, it (and we) said that ordinary citizens in the U.S. did not need to wear them unless they were sick and coughing or were caring for someone who was.
Now, with the number of cases in the U.S. doubling every three or four days, it looks as though that may not have been the best advice.Now, with the number of cases in the U.S. doubling every three or four days, it looks as though that may not have been the best advice.
New data cited by Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the C.D.C., shows high rates of transmission by people who are infected but don’t know it yet. An infected person can be contagious for 48 hours before developing symptoms, if they get them at all. Having a mask on could cut down on the number of transmissions from asymptomatic people.New data cited by Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the C.D.C., shows high rates of transmission by people who are infected but don’t know it yet. An infected person can be contagious for 48 hours before developing symptoms, if they get them at all. Having a mask on could cut down on the number of transmissions from asymptomatic people.
So the C.D.C. is now considering whether to recommend that more people — maybe everybody — wear a mask when out in public.So the C.D.C. is now considering whether to recommend that more people — maybe everybody — wear a mask when out in public.
Not a high-grade N95 medical mask, though. Those are scarce and should still be saved for those who need them most, medical professionals and others on the front lines. One reason the C.D.C. hesitated to advise universal mask-wearing was to avoid making shortages of those masks even worse.Not a high-grade N95 medical mask, though. Those are scarce and should still be saved for those who need them most, medical professionals and others on the front lines. One reason the C.D.C. hesitated to advise universal mask-wearing was to avoid making shortages of those masks even worse.
But for this purpose, you don’t need that type; ordinary surgical masks and even homemade masks will do. They will help slow transmission in the community, even though they don’t ensure complete protection for the wearer.But for this purpose, you don’t need that type; ordinary surgical masks and even homemade masks will do. They will help slow transmission in the community, even though they don’t ensure complete protection for the wearer.
And there’s a side benefit: Wearing any kind of mask, even a bandanna, will make you less likely to touch your face — an important route for infection.And there’s a side benefit: Wearing any kind of mask, even a bandanna, will make you less likely to touch your face — an important route for infection.
Make your own mask. It isn’t difficult, and you may already have everything you need at home. Here’s a guide.Make your own mask. It isn’t difficult, and you may already have everything you need at home. Here’s a guide.
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.
The coronavirus is spreading quickly in America’s jails and prisons, and it’s easy to see why: Social distancing is impossible, hand sanitizer is widely banned, medical care is already strained and, for most of the staff, there’s no working from home.The coronavirus is spreading quickly in America’s jails and prisons, and it’s easy to see why: Social distancing is impossible, hand sanitizer is widely banned, medical care is already strained and, for most of the staff, there’s no working from home.
So with hundreds of coronavirus cases already confirmed in federal and state prison systems and local jails, the authorities have been releasing thousands of inmates to try to slow the infection and to save lives.So with hundreds of coronavirus cases already confirmed in federal and state prison systems and local jails, the authorities have been releasing thousands of inmates to try to slow the infection and to save lives.
Cook County, Ill., which includes Chicago, is aiming to release 2,000 inmates. New Jersey says it will release as many as 1,000. New York has already released about 650 people. Cleveland has halved its county jail population, to about 1,000.Cook County, Ill., which includes Chicago, is aiming to release 2,000 inmates. New Jersey says it will release as many as 1,000. New York has already released about 650 people. Cleveland has halved its county jail population, to about 1,000.
The criteria vary for deciding who gets out. Examples include people over 50, people near the ends of their sentences and people convicted or facing trial for nonviolent misdemeanors or low-level felonies.The criteria vary for deciding who gets out. Examples include people over 50, people near the ends of their sentences and people convicted or facing trial for nonviolent misdemeanors or low-level felonies.
“De-densifying” the cell blocks also means taking fewer people in. Sheriff’s deputies in some areas have been told to make fewer arrests, and some prosecutors have said they will decline to prosecute certain low-level cases, like trespassing, drug possession and urinating in public.“De-densifying” the cell blocks also means taking fewer people in. Sheriff’s deputies in some areas have been told to make fewer arrests, and some prosecutors have said they will decline to prosecute certain low-level cases, like trespassing, drug possession and urinating in public.
“That’s not going to increase crime,” Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore’s chief prosecutor said. “The thing that we’re concerned with is public safety, and we don’t want to prescribe someone with substance-use disorder to a death sentence.”“That’s not going to increase crime,” Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore’s chief prosecutor said. “The thing that we’re concerned with is public safety, and we don’t want to prescribe someone with substance-use disorder to a death sentence.”
Cities and countries in Asia that seemed to have brought their outbreaks under control are bracing for a possible second wave of infections.Cities and countries in Asia that seemed to have brought their outbreaks under control are bracing for a possible second wave of infections.
China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan closed their borders to foreigners after they saw surges in new cases tied to international travelers. Japan has barred visitors from most of Europe, and South Korea is quarantining foreigners in government centers for 14 days after arrival.China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan closed their borders to foreigners after they saw surges in new cases tied to international travelers. Japan has barred visitors from most of Europe, and South Korea is quarantining foreigners in government centers for 14 days after arrival.
Updated May 28, 2020
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.
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.)
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.
There is an uptick in people reporting symptoms of chilblains, which are painful red or purple lesions that typically appear in the winter on fingers or toes. The lesions are emerging as yet another symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. Chilblains are caused by inflammation in small blood vessels in reaction to cold or damp conditions, but they are usually common in the coldest winter months. Federal health officials do not include toe lesions in the list of coronavirus symptoms, but some dermatologists are pushing for a change, saying so-called Covid toe should be sufficient grounds for testing.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
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.
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.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
It’s a troubling sign for the United States, Europe and other places that are still battling their first wave. Success with containment can be tenuous, and the world may have to remain on a kind of indefinite lockdown until a vaccine or treatment is developed.It’s a troubling sign for the United States, Europe and other places that are still battling their first wave. Success with containment can be tenuous, and the world may have to remain on a kind of indefinite lockdown until a vaccine or treatment is developed.
“Even countries that have been relatively successful in managing the pandemic are only as safe as the weakest links in the system,” said Kristi Govella, an assistant professor of Asian studies at the University of Hawaii, Manoa.“Even countries that have been relatively successful in managing the pandemic are only as safe as the weakest links in the system,” said Kristi Govella, an assistant professor of Asian studies at the University of Hawaii, Manoa.
What’s going on in North Korea? The secretive country claimed not to have a single coronavirus case, though a prominent defector called that a “blatant lie.” Decades of isolation and international sanctions have ravaged​ North Korea’s health system, raising concerns that ​the country lacks the capacity to fight an outbreak.What’s going on in North Korea? The secretive country claimed not to have a single coronavirus case, though a prominent defector called that a “blatant lie.” Decades of isolation and international sanctions have ravaged​ North Korea’s health system, raising concerns that ​the country lacks the capacity to fight an outbreak.
The United States has now reported more deaths linked to coronavirus — 3,305 — than China has, though there is widespread skepticism about China’s official tally.The United States has now reported more deaths linked to coronavirus — 3,305 — than China has, though there is widespread skepticism about China’s official tally.
There are dozens of cases aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, an aircraft carrier in the Pacific, and the captain is urgently requesting help.There are dozens of cases aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, an aircraft carrier in the Pacific, and the captain is urgently requesting help.
Louisiana reported more than 150 deaths in 24 hours. State officials in Michigan reported 50 deaths on Monday and said the outbreak there was still in its early stages.Louisiana reported more than 150 deaths in 24 hours. State officials in Michigan reported 50 deaths on Monday and said the outbreak there was still in its early stages.
Around 2,000 nurses, 500 paramedics and emergency medical technicians, and 250 ambulances are heading to New York City from across the United States to help combat the virus.Around 2,000 nurses, 500 paramedics and emergency medical technicians, and 250 ambulances are heading to New York City from across the United States to help combat the virus.
The rent is due. Tomorrow is the first of the month. If your finances are strained because of the outbreak, there is help available for paying your bills, including utilities, housing payments and student loans.The rent is due. Tomorrow is the first of the month. If your finances are strained because of the outbreak, there is help available for paying your bills, including utilities, housing payments and student loans.
Dealing with quaranteenagers? Parenting a young adult in close quarters can be tough. Try to give them privacy, expect friction in their social lives and allow space for sadness.Dealing with quaranteenagers? Parenting a young adult in close quarters can be tough. Try to give them privacy, expect friction in their social lives and allow space for sadness.
Reimagine your living space. Our guide can help you make room for your home office, prepare for a disaster or tidy up. For the truly restless during quarantine, try our tidy home challenge.Reimagine your living space. Our guide can help you make room for your home office, prepare for a disaster or tidy up. For the truly restless during quarantine, try our tidy home challenge.
Think you might have a fever? Here’s what your temperature can tell you — and some signs of fever to look for if you can’t find a thermometer.Think you might have a fever? Here’s what your temperature can tell you — and some signs of fever to look for if you can’t find a thermometer.
White House economists warned last fall that a pandemic could kill half a million Americans and devastate the economy — but their study went unheeded.White House economists warned last fall that a pandemic could kill half a million Americans and devastate the economy — but their study went unheeded.
Workers are striking at companies like Instacart, Whole Foods and Amazon over what they say are inadequate safety measures and insufficient pay for the risks they face.Workers are striking at companies like Instacart, Whole Foods and Amazon over what they say are inadequate safety measures and insufficient pay for the risks they face.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a test that can detect the coronavirus in about two minutes, Reuters reports.The Food and Drug Administration has approved a test that can detect the coronavirus in about two minutes, Reuters reports.
“Those We’ve Lost” is a new series from The New York Times obituaries desk that tells the stories of people who have died from the coronavirus.“Those We’ve Lost” is a new series from The New York Times obituaries desk that tells the stories of people who have died from the coronavirus.
Retired doctors and nurses are returning to the job to fill in for health care workers who have become infected. Here are a few of their stories.Retired doctors and nurses are returning to the job to fill in for health care workers who have become infected. Here are a few of their stories.
A thriller about the coronavirus was filmed just before life was shut down to restrain the pandemic.A thriller about the coronavirus was filmed just before life was shut down to restrain the pandemic.
We’ve been getting into the national forests with our Border collie Willy. We rarely encounter anyone — Western Oregon is blessed with public forestlands — and focusing just on what’s right around us, we can go quite awhile without thinking of “it.” Willy, blissfully unaware of any crisis, is joyfully in the present all day.We’ve been getting into the national forests with our Border collie Willy. We rarely encounter anyone — Western Oregon is blessed with public forestlands — and focusing just on what’s right around us, we can go quite awhile without thinking of “it.” Willy, blissfully unaware of any crisis, is joyfully in the present all day.
— Tim Baxter, Eugene, Ore.— Tim Baxter, Eugene, Ore.
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.
Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s newsletter.Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s newsletter.