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Coronavirus Live Updates: Hospitals Run Low on Supplies as the U.S. Death Toll Nears 10,000 Coronavirus Live Updates: Hospitals Run Low on Supplies as the U.S. Death Toll Nears 10,000
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
New York City remained the center for the outbreak, with harrowing scenes of panicked doctors and besieged hospitals.New York City remained the center for the outbreak, with harrowing scenes of panicked doctors and besieged hospitals.
On Monday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said that 599 more people had died in the state, a number almost identical with that of the previous day. The total number of deaths is 4,758.On Monday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said that 599 more people had died in the state, a number almost identical with that of the previous day. The total number of deaths is 4,758.
“It is hopeful but it is also inconclusive, and it still depends on what we do,” the governor said of the possibility that the state had reached a plateau in terms of the number of dead.“It is hopeful but it is also inconclusive, and it still depends on what we do,” the governor said of the possibility that the state had reached a plateau in terms of the number of dead.
Mr. Cuomo said that the data suggested that the spread of the virus in New York could be plateauing, but emphasized that the state was still facing an emergency. “If we are plateauing, we are plateauing at a very high level and there is tremendous stress on the health care system,” he said.Mr. Cuomo said that the data suggested that the spread of the virus in New York could be plateauing, but emphasized that the state was still facing an emergency. “If we are plateauing, we are plateauing at a very high level and there is tremendous stress on the health care system,” he said.
“Now is not the time to be lax,” he said, chastising residents of New York City who were still ignoring the guidelines on social distancing, calling their behavior “unacceptable.”“Now is not the time to be lax,” he said, chastising residents of New York City who were still ignoring the guidelines on social distancing, calling their behavior “unacceptable.”
“If I can’t convince you to show discipline for yourself, then show discipline for other people. If you get infected, you infect someone else and go to a E.R., you put a burden on all sorts of people you don’t know and frankly don’t have the right to burden with your irresponsibility,” Mr. Cuomo said.“If I can’t convince you to show discipline for yourself, then show discipline for other people. If you get infected, you infect someone else and go to a E.R., you put a burden on all sorts of people you don’t know and frankly don’t have the right to burden with your irresponsibility,” Mr. Cuomo said.
“You don’t have the right to risk someone else’s life,” he added.“You don’t have the right to risk someone else’s life,” he added.
Mr. Cuomo said that the fine for those who violated restrictions on social distancing would increase, from $500 to $1,000 for violators.Mr. Cuomo said that the fine for those who violated restrictions on social distancing would increase, from $500 to $1,000 for violators.
“Now is not the time to be playing Frisbee in the park with your friends,” he said.“Now is not the time to be playing Frisbee in the park with your friends,” he said.
Mr. Cuomo asserted that New York had done all it could to prevent the loss of lives that could have been saved. “Have we saved everyone? No. But have we lost anyone because we didn’t have a bed or we didn’t have a ventilator, or we didn’t have health care staff? No.”Mr. Cuomo asserted that New York had done all it could to prevent the loss of lives that could have been saved. “Have we saved everyone? No. But have we lost anyone because we didn’t have a bed or we didn’t have a ventilator, or we didn’t have health care staff? No.”
“Everyone has what they need,” the governor said. “There is no one who said I’m out of ventilators, and I have a critical need, who hasn’t gotten one.”“Everyone has what they need,” the governor said. “There is no one who said I’m out of ventilators, and I have a critical need, who hasn’t gotten one.”
Mr. Cuomo said that the state had been proactive in shifting lifesaving ventilators to where they were needed, and that it had moved “thousands and thousands of ventilators” throughout its health care system.Mr. Cuomo said that the state had been proactive in shifting lifesaving ventilators to where they were needed, and that it had moved “thousands and thousands of ventilators” throughout its health care system.
“We don’t need any additional ventilators right now,” he added, a notable shift in tone from the previous weeks, during which the state had pleaded for the devices.“We don’t need any additional ventilators right now,” he added, a notable shift in tone from the previous weeks, during which the state had pleaded for the devices.
The governor was asked a question about a possibility that had been floated by a New York City Council member on Monday morning, that the city might be compelled to temporarily bury people who die after contracting the virus in an unspecified park.The governor was asked a question about a possibility that had been floated by a New York City Council member on Monday morning, that the city might be compelled to temporarily bury people who die after contracting the virus in an unspecified park.
“I have heard a lot of wild rumors but I have not heard anything about the city burying people in parks,” Mr. Cuomo said.“I have heard a lot of wild rumors but I have not heard anything about the city burying people in parks,” Mr. Cuomo said.
The governor said that he would ask Mr. Trump if the Navy military ship, the Comfort, could be shifted to take patients suffering from the virus. The ship, which has 1,000 beds, had previously been reserved for non-virus patients.The governor said that he would ask Mr. Trump if the Navy military ship, the Comfort, could be shifted to take patients suffering from the virus. The ship, which has 1,000 beds, had previously been reserved for non-virus patients.
The virus is now enveloping New Jersey’s densely packed cities and suburbs, and it has seeded itself in all 50 states, with cities including Los Angeles, Miami and New Orleans seeing the number of cases doubling every two to five days.The virus is now enveloping New Jersey’s densely packed cities and suburbs, and it has seeded itself in all 50 states, with cities including Los Angeles, Miami and New Orleans seeing the number of cases doubling every two to five days.
As the pandemic has spread across America, chaos has reigned in the process of securing much-need medical supplies for frontline workers. States are competing with one another, and with the federal government. The process has drawn in fraudsters, and a number of F.B.I. investigations are underway.
In California, the state has received moldy masks that were useless, and in Los Angeles, a deal put together by a labor union to secure millions of N95 masks for the county’s hospitals never materialized, spurring a federal investigation.
California, the most populous state with 40 million people, is trying now to band together with other, smaller states to procure supplies. The goal is two-fold: to bring order the process; and to ensure that smaller states do not lose out to California, which has the ability to outbid other states because of its size.
“This has been described, I think appropriately, as the wild, wild west,” Gov. Gavin Newson said on Sunday. “We are trying to organize in a more deliberative manner.”
Last week, Mr. Cuomo put the supply chain problem this way: “You now literally will have a company call you up and say, ‘Well, California just outbid you.’ It’s like being on eBay with 50 other states, bidding on a ventilator.”
Mr. Newsom said he has been deluged by text messages and phone calls from friends who tell him they have friends with supplies to offer. “Some of the friends of our friends are not all above board. There’s a lot of fraud,” he said.
Mr. Newsom said he has been in discussions with other states to organize their procurement efforts, and he said he would have more specific announcements to make this week. “We are trying to avoid the competition in this space with each other,” he said.
The state — which has not seen a surge in cases like New York and Louisiana, but is preparing for a possible jump in hospitalizations in the coming weeks — said Monday it was sending 500 ventilators to the national stockpile to aid New York.
In doing so, California follows similar actions by Oregon, which has said it was sending 140 ventilators to New York, and Washington State, which has offered up 400 ventilators to New York.
Hospitals continue to confront severe shortages in testing and protective equipment for medical staff working to combat the coronavirus outbreak, according to a government watchdog report released on Monday that appears to undercut President Trump’s assurances that states have sufficient resources.Hospitals continue to confront severe shortages in testing and protective equipment for medical staff working to combat the coronavirus outbreak, according to a government watchdog report released on Monday that appears to undercut President Trump’s assurances that states have sufficient resources.
Staff and patients alike are put at risk by the lack of available protective gear, according to the report by the inspector general of Health and Human Services.Staff and patients alike are put at risk by the lack of available protective gear, according to the report by the inspector general of Health and Human Services.
Hospital administrators are forced to grapple with “sharp increases” in prices for items such as masks, gloves and face shields from vendors, the report continues.Hospital administrators are forced to grapple with “sharp increases” in prices for items such as masks, gloves and face shields from vendors, the report continues.
The lack of testing has forced hospitals to extend the stays of patients, pushing the facilities even farther beyond their capacities. Hospitals are also in need of thermometers, disinfectants, medical gas, linens, toilet paper and food. And doctors around the United States are still pleading for ventilators, even as the federal government has limited the number of lifesaving devices issued to states.The lack of testing has forced hospitals to extend the stays of patients, pushing the facilities even farther beyond their capacities. Hospitals are also in need of thermometers, disinfectants, medical gas, linens, toilet paper and food. And doctors around the United States are still pleading for ventilators, even as the federal government has limited the number of lifesaving devices issued to states.
“Hospitals reported an uncertain supply of standard, full-feature ventilators and in some cases used alternatives to support patients, including adapting anesthesia machines and using single-use emergency transport ventilators,” according to the report. “Hospitals anticipated that ventilator shortages would pose difficult decisions about ethical allocation and liability.”
The report was based on interviews conducted March 23 through March 27 with more than 320 hospitals across 46 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.The report was based on interviews conducted March 23 through March 27 with more than 320 hospitals across 46 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
The findings are in line with pleas made by governors, medical workers and hospital administrators, but they contrast sharply with statements made by Mr. Trump, who said this weekend that hospital administrators were “thrilled to be where they are.”The findings are in line with pleas made by governors, medical workers and hospital administrators, but they contrast sharply with statements made by Mr. Trump, who said this weekend that hospital administrators were “thrilled to be where they are.”
“Whenever local shortages are reported, we’re asking states to immediately meet the demand. And we’re stockpiling large amounts in different areas — in different areas,” Mr. Trump said at a White House news briefing on Saturday. “Whenever local shortages are reported, we’re asking states to immediately meet the demand. And we’re stockpiling large amounts in different areas,” Mr. Trump said at a White House news briefing on Saturday.
The report was issued days after reports that protective equipment in the government’s strategic national stockpile was nearly depleted, forcing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct an international search for such equipment. Those efforts have also increased competition for states and localities. FEMA has also had to ration the ventilators it has, issuing them to hospital systems that have patients at risk of death within 72 hours without such equipment. The report was issued days after reports that protective equipment in the government’s strategic national stockpile was nearly depleted, forcing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct an international search for such equipment. Those efforts have also increased competition for states and localities.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Human Services said that Alex Azar, the secretary of the agency, had already accepted recommendations from the report, including allowing governors to let health care providers practice across state lines. The agency is also recommending that states reactivate licenses for retired health care providers.
As stay-at-home orders have spread across the United States, checkpoints have appeared along some state lines, where certain visitors are being told to quarantine for 14 days.As stay-at-home orders have spread across the United States, checkpoints have appeared along some state lines, where certain visitors are being told to quarantine for 14 days.
Governors in Rhode Island, Texas and Florida have ordered some drivers coming from out of state to be stopped at the border and reminded of the quarantine requirement. No state has blocked drivers from passing through on their way to their final destination. Some municipalities have added checkpoints and restrictions of their own.Governors in Rhode Island, Texas and Florida have ordered some drivers coming from out of state to be stopped at the border and reminded of the quarantine requirement. No state has blocked drivers from passing through on their way to their final destination. Some municipalities have added checkpoints and restrictions of their own.
Texas set up checkpoints on its border with Louisiana on Sunday to screen people for the coronavirus, widening the scope of a mandatory quarantine order for visitors from one of the country’s emergent hot spots, the authorities said.Texas set up checkpoints on its border with Louisiana on Sunday to screen people for the coronavirus, widening the scope of a mandatory quarantine order for visitors from one of the country’s emergent hot spots, the authorities said.
Photos of the checkpoints appeared on the Facebook page of the Louisiana State Police, which advised travelers to exercise caution and remain alert for traffic congestion in a post mentioning the enforcement measures. The post said commercial traffic would not be obstructed.Photos of the checkpoints appeared on the Facebook page of the Louisiana State Police, which advised travelers to exercise caution and remain alert for traffic congestion in a post mentioning the enforcement measures. The post said commercial traffic would not be obstructed.
The screening measures came a week after Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas expanded a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for travelers arriving from Louisiana, as well as air travelers from a number of other states and cities.The screening measures came a week after Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas expanded a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for travelers arriving from Louisiana, as well as air travelers from a number of other states and cities.
The steps taken by the Texas authorities recalled an order last month by Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island, who ordered checkpoints in her state that singled out vehicles with New York license plates to enforce a similar quarantine.The steps taken by the Texas authorities recalled an order last month by Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island, who ordered checkpoints in her state that singled out vehicles with New York license plates to enforce a similar quarantine.
Some two weeks after Marie Margolius, 27, drove from her apartment in Brooklyn to a family home in Middletown, R.I., to stay with her family, the National Guard dropped by.Some two weeks after Marie Margolius, 27, drove from her apartment in Brooklyn to a family home in Middletown, R.I., to stay with her family, the National Guard dropped by.
The family cars, all with Massachusetts license plates, were parked in the front yard. The officers took notes of the family members’ names and date of arrival into town and instructed them to continue self-isolating.The family cars, all with Massachusetts license plates, were parked in the front yard. The officers took notes of the family members’ names and date of arrival into town and instructed them to continue self-isolating.
“It felt surreal seeing these men in uniform, wearing masks, knocking on doors in an effort to get a handle on who’s here,” she said. “But it made me feel safe. The fact that they are attempting to really understand the situation in our community was sort of comforting.”“It felt surreal seeing these men in uniform, wearing masks, knocking on doors in an effort to get a handle on who’s here,” she said. “But it made me feel safe. The fact that they are attempting to really understand the situation in our community was sort of comforting.”
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed its first lawsuit over government-imposed virus restrictions.The American Civil Liberties Union has filed its first lawsuit over government-imposed virus restrictions.
The suit, filed over the weekend, argues that Puerto Rico’s nightly curfew and some other strict rules aimed at limiting public contact are unconstitutional. The police in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, have cited hundreds of people for violating the 7 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew since it was imposed on March 15.The suit, filed over the weekend, argues that Puerto Rico’s nightly curfew and some other strict rules aimed at limiting public contact are unconstitutional. The police in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, have cited hundreds of people for violating the 7 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew since it was imposed on March 15.
Gov. Wanda Vázquez’s executive order also requires that people stay home during the day unless they are going to a grocery store, pharmacy, bank, gas station or medical appointment, or are providing medical care. Those found guilty of violating the order face a $5,000 fine or up to six months in jail.Gov. Wanda Vázquez’s executive order also requires that people stay home during the day unless they are going to a grocery store, pharmacy, bank, gas station or medical appointment, or are providing medical care. Those found guilty of violating the order face a $5,000 fine or up to six months in jail.
The order further limits gatherings to close family members, a criterion the lawsuit says should not be defined by the state and is too vague for practical application by the police. Three plaintiffs who joined the lawsuit said that they fear arrest when they leave their homes each day to care for their elderly mothers.The order further limits gatherings to close family members, a criterion the lawsuit says should not be defined by the state and is too vague for practical application by the police. Three plaintiffs who joined the lawsuit said that they fear arrest when they leave their homes each day to care for their elderly mothers.
(Puerto Rico has restricted traffic to alternating days based on license plates.)(Puerto Rico has restricted traffic to alternating days based on license plates.)
“The order expects constitutional rights to be blindly handed over to the government, and that is unacceptable,” the lawsuit says.“The order expects constitutional rights to be blindly handed over to the government, and that is unacceptable,” the lawsuit says.
On Sunday, Gov. Vázquez announced even tighter rules, shutting down all businesses except pharmacies and gas stations later this week from Good Friday through Easter Sunday.On Sunday, Gov. Vázquez announced even tighter rules, shutting down all businesses except pharmacies and gas stations later this week from Good Friday through Easter Sunday.
Even as officials were warning Americans to brace themselves for a week of sadness, death and challenges, U.S. stocks rallied and global markets surged on Monday as investors looked to signs that the outbreak was peaking in some of the world’s worst-hit places.Even as officials were warning Americans to brace themselves for a week of sadness, death and challenges, U.S. stocks rallied and global markets surged on Monday as investors looked to signs that the outbreak was peaking in some of the world’s worst-hit places.
The S & P 500 rose about 4 percent in early trading. The S&P 500 rose more than 5 percent by midday.
After grappling with intense market volatility during the month of March as efforts to contain the spread of the virus weighed on the economy, investors were cheered by numbers showing that the pace of new confirmed infections and deaths was slowing in some places in Europe. In the United States, the Trump administration, while warning of a hard week ahead, suggested that the outbreak could be near its peak in some places. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Saturday that the outbreak there could reach its worst point in coming days. After grappling with intense market volatility during the month of March as efforts to contain the spread of the virus weighed on the economy, investors were cheered by numbers showing that the pace of new confirmed infections and deaths was slowing in some places in Europe. In the United States, the Trump administration, while warning of a hard week ahead, suggested that the outbreak could be near its peak in some places.
European stocks were trading higher after a modest rally in Asia picked up steam later in the day. Analysts highlighted the tentative deceleration of infections in New York as a good sign for other virus hot spots in the United States, as well as stock market sentiment. European stocks were trading higher after a modest rally in Asia picked up steam later in the day.
Beyond stocks, other markets showed improvement. U.S. Treasury bond prices fell in Asian trading. But the price of oil, which generally rises on good economic news, fell amid a continuing spat over supplies between Russia and Saudi Arabia. U.S. Treasury bond prices fell in Asian trading. But the price of oil, which generally rises on good economic news, fell amid a continuing spat over supplies between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
With new cases of the virus rapidly increasing in Tokyo and other cities in Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that he would declare a state of emergency in seven prefectures that include the country’s largest population centers.With new cases of the virus rapidly increasing in Tokyo and other cities in Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that he would declare a state of emergency in seven prefectures that include the country’s largest population centers.
Mr. Abe, whose country faces a deep recession as the virus hinders trade and tourism, also announced an economic stimulus package worth nearly $1 trillion. He said that the government would suspend $240 billion in tax and social security payments and pay about $55 billion to households whose incomes have been affected by the pandemic.Mr. Abe, whose country faces a deep recession as the virus hinders trade and tourism, also announced an economic stimulus package worth nearly $1 trillion. He said that the government would suspend $240 billion in tax and social security payments and pay about $55 billion to households whose incomes have been affected by the pandemic.
The seven prefectures to be covered by the state of emergency, which Mr. Abe said would last about a month, are Chiba, Fukuoka, Hyogo, Kanagawa, Osaka, Saitama and Tokyo.The seven prefectures to be covered by the state of emergency, which Mr. Abe said would last about a month, are Chiba, Fukuoka, Hyogo, Kanagawa, Osaka, Saitama and Tokyo.
Under an emergency law enacted last month, Mr. Abe can ask prefectural governors to close schools, request that residents refrain from going out or holding events, and order building owners to contribute their facilities for medical use. He cannot issue stay-at-home orders or force businesses to close, as other countries have done.Under an emergency law enacted last month, Mr. Abe can ask prefectural governors to close schools, request that residents refrain from going out or holding events, and order building owners to contribute their facilities for medical use. He cannot issue stay-at-home orders or force businesses to close, as other countries have done.
Mr. Abe said that public transit would continue to run and that supermarkets would remain open.Mr. Abe said that public transit would continue to run and that supermarkets would remain open.
Nearly three months into its outbreak, Japan is continuing to record new daily highs in confirmed infections, with the health ministry announcing 383 on Monday. Japan’s total number of cases has more than doubled, to 3,654, in the last eight days.Nearly three months into its outbreak, Japan is continuing to record new daily highs in confirmed infections, with the health ministry announcing 383 on Monday. Japan’s total number of cases has more than doubled, to 3,654, in the last eight days.
Japan has so far not reported the sort of explosive rise in cases that other countries have experienced, even though it has not taken aggressive steps like restricting people’s movements or testing widely for the virus. Its leaders have said for weeks that they have managed to contain the outbreak by quickly identifying clusters and tracing close contacts to infected people, but experts fear that the limited testing has allowed the virus to spread.Japan has so far not reported the sort of explosive rise in cases that other countries have experienced, even though it has not taken aggressive steps like restricting people’s movements or testing widely for the virus. Its leaders have said for weeks that they have managed to contain the outbreak by quickly identifying clusters and tracing close contacts to infected people, but experts fear that the limited testing has allowed the virus to spread.
In remarks to reporters, Yoshihide Suga, Mr. Abe’s chief cabinet secretary, said that “in urban areas, including Tokyo, the number of infections is rapidly increasing, and the number of infections that cannot be tracked is increasing.”In remarks to reporters, Yoshihide Suga, Mr. Abe’s chief cabinet secretary, said that “in urban areas, including Tokyo, the number of infections is rapidly increasing, and the number of infections that cannot be tracked is increasing.”
In Tokyo on Sunday, the governor, Yuriko Koike, announced 143 new cases, a record high. By Monday evening, the city had announced an additional 83 cases. In all, Tokyo has reported more than 1,000 cases and 30 deaths.In Tokyo on Sunday, the governor, Yuriko Koike, announced 143 new cases, a record high. By Monday evening, the city had announced an additional 83 cases. In all, Tokyo has reported more than 1,000 cases and 30 deaths.
The situation in Japan presents a contrast to the trajectory of the outbreak in neighboring South Korea. That country, which has tested 466,804 people for the virus, more than 10 times the number in Japan, announced only 47 new cases on Monday, down from 78 a week earlier.The situation in Japan presents a contrast to the trajectory of the outbreak in neighboring South Korea. That country, which has tested 466,804 people for the virus, more than 10 times the number in Japan, announced only 47 new cases on Monday, down from 78 a week earlier.
Mr. Trump doubled down on Sunday on his push for the use of an anti-malarial drug against the virus, issuing medical advice that goes well beyond scant evidence of the drug’s effectiveness as well as the advice of doctors and public health experts.
Mr. Trump’s recommendation of hydroxychloroquine, for the second day in a row at a White House briefing, was a striking example of his brazen willingness to distort and outright defy expert opinion and scientific evidence when it does not suit his agenda.
Mr. Trump suggested he was speaking on gut instinct, and acknowledged he had no expertise on the subject.
“But what do I know? I’m not a doctor,” Mr. Trump said, after recommending the anti-malaria drug’s use for virus patients as well as medical personnel at high risk of infection.
“If it does work, it would be a shame we did not do it early,” Mr. Trump said, noting again that the federal government had purchased and stockpiled 29 million doses of the drug.
“What do you have to lose?” Mr. Trump asked, for the second day in a row.
When a reporter asked Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, to weigh in on the question of using hydroxychloroquine, Mr. Trump stopped him from answering. As the reporter noted that Dr. Fauci was the president’s medical expert, Mr. Trump made it clear he did not want the doctor to answer.
“He’s answered the question 15 times,” the president said, stepping toward the lectern where Dr. Fauci was standing.
On Saturday, Dr. Fauci had privately challenged rising optimism about the drug’s efficacy during a meeting of the coronavirus task force in the White House’s Situation Room, according to two people familiar with the events. The argument was first reported by the website Axios and confirmed on CNN on Monday morning when Peter Navarro, the president’s trade adviser who is overseeing supply chain issues related to the virus, acknowledged the disagreement.
Mr. Navarro said he had taken a sheaf of folders to the meeting, outlining several studies from various countries, as well as information culled from C.D.C. officials, showing the “clear” efficacy of chloroquines in treating the virus.
Dr. Fauci pushed back, echoing remarks he has made in a series of interviews in the last week that rigorous study is still necessary. Mr. Navarro, an economist by training, shot back that the information he had collected was “science,” according to the people familiar with what took place.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson remained in the hospital on Monday after being admitted the day before for tests under his doctor’s advice, more than a week after he tested positive for the virus.Prime Minister Boris Johnson remained in the hospital on Monday after being admitted the day before for tests under his doctor’s advice, more than a week after he tested positive for the virus.
Mr. Johnson, 55, had been in isolation in his residence next door to 10 Downing Street after announcing in a video message on March 27 that he was infected and had been experiencing a fever and other mild symptoms. But a spokesman for Mr. Johnson said on Sunday that the prime minister was still dealing with the effects of the virus and had gone to the hospital as a precautionary measure.Mr. Johnson, 55, had been in isolation in his residence next door to 10 Downing Street after announcing in a video message on March 27 that he was infected and had been experiencing a fever and other mild symptoms. But a spokesman for Mr. Johnson said on Sunday that the prime minister was still dealing with the effects of the virus and had gone to the hospital as a precautionary measure.
Downing Street said Mr. Johnson, who was running a high temperature, remained at the helm of the government, and on Monday morning noted that he had a comfortable night in the hospital, was in good spirits and remained under observation.Downing Street said Mr. Johnson, who was running a high temperature, remained at the helm of the government, and on Monday morning noted that he had a comfortable night in the hospital, was in good spirits and remained under observation.
“This is a precautionary step, as the prime minister continues to have persistent symptoms of coronavirus 10 days after testing positive,” a spokesman said on Sunday.“This is a precautionary step, as the prime minister continues to have persistent symptoms of coronavirus 10 days after testing positive,” a spokesman said on Sunday.
The persistent symptoms are said to be a high temperature and coughing. In a series of tweets, Mr. Johnson said he was keeping in touch with his team and thanked the National Health Service.The persistent symptoms are said to be a high temperature and coughing. In a series of tweets, Mr. Johnson said he was keeping in touch with his team and thanked the National Health Service.
On Saturday, Mr. Johnson’s 32-year-old girlfriend, Carrie Symonds, disclosed that she, too, was suffering symptoms. Ms. Symonds is pregnant.On Saturday, Mr. Johnson’s 32-year-old girlfriend, Carrie Symonds, disclosed that she, too, was suffering symptoms. Ms. Symonds is pregnant.
The British foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, was expected to lead the daily cabinet meeting on the pandemic on Monday. Under the government’s succession plan, Mr. Raab would take up Mr. Johnson’s duties if he became incapacitated.The British foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, was expected to lead the daily cabinet meeting on the pandemic on Monday. Under the government’s succession plan, Mr. Raab would take up Mr. Johnson’s duties if he became incapacitated.
The announcement of Mr. Johnson’s hospitalization came hours after Queen Elizabeth II issued a rare televised address on Sunday, attempting to rally her fellow Britons to confront the pandemic with the resolve and self-discipline that have seen the nation through its greatest trials.The announcement of Mr. Johnson’s hospitalization came hours after Queen Elizabeth II issued a rare televised address on Sunday, attempting to rally her fellow Britons to confront the pandemic with the resolve and self-discipline that have seen the nation through its greatest trials.
“I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time,” the queen said in taped remarks from Windsor Castle. The virus has infected at least 40,000 people in Britain, including her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, and several members of the government.“I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time,” the queen said in taped remarks from Windsor Castle. The virus has infected at least 40,000 people in Britain, including her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, and several members of the government.
The queen called it “a time of disruption in the life of our country: a disruption that has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many, and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all.”The queen called it “a time of disruption in the life of our country: a disruption that has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many, and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all.”
The appearance was only the fourth time in her 66-year reign that the queen has addressed the British people, apart from her annual Christmas greeting — and it carries a distinct echo of the celebrated radio address that her father, George VI, delivered in September 1939, as Britain stood on the brink of war with Germany.The appearance was only the fourth time in her 66-year reign that the queen has addressed the British people, apart from her annual Christmas greeting — and it carries a distinct echo of the celebrated radio address that her father, George VI, delivered in September 1939, as Britain stood on the brink of war with Germany.
“I hope in the years to come, everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge,” the queen said, “and those who come after us will say that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humored resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterize this country.”“I hope in the years to come, everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge,” the queen said, “and those who come after us will say that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humored resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterize this country.”
The U.S. Navy’s top civilian excoriated the fired commander of the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt in a speech to the ship’s crew on Monday as the sailors huddled on the island of Guam amid a coronavirus outbreak among their ranks, according to a transcript that was leaked online Monday.
The New York Times has obtained an audio recording that supports the transcript’s authenticity.
Acting Navy Secretary Thomas B. Modly addressed the crew of the aircraft carrier on Monday afternoon via the ship’s internal loudspeaker system. In a profane and defensive address that one crew member described in an interview as “whiny, upset, irritated, condescending,” Mr. Modly took repeated shots at the integrity of Capt. Brett E. Crozier, who was removed from command last week, and injected partisan political tones into the address by attacking former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., who has repeatedly criticized Captain Crozier’s removal.
Mr. Modly said Captain Crozier was “too naïve or too stupid to be a commanding officer” if he thought that letter wasn’t going to leak. “The alternative is that he did this on purpose,” Mr. Modly added.
Rear Adm. Charlie Brown, the Navy’s head spokesman, said he had seen the transcript but could not verify its authenticity. “I’ve asked his personal staff about it on travel,” Brown said. “I can say the secretary traveled to Guam and he did address the crew” of the Theodore Roosevelt.
Hundreds of sailors on the ship cheered Captain Crozier during a send off last week.
Mr. Trump doubled down on Sunday on his push for the use of an anti-malarial drug against the virus, issuing medical advice that goes well beyond scant evidence of the drug’s effectiveness as well as the advice of doctors and public health experts.
Mr. Trump’s recommendation of hydroxychloroquine, for the second day in a row at a White House briefing, was a striking example of his brazen willingness to distort and outright defy expert opinion and scientific evidence when it does not suit his agenda.
Mr. Trump suggested he was speaking on gut instinct, and acknowledged he had no expertise on the subject.
“But what do I know? I’m not a doctor,” Mr. Trump said, after recommending the anti-malaria drug’s use for virus patients as well as medical personnel at high risk of infection.
“If it does work, it would be a shame we did not do it early,” Mr. Trump said, noting again that the federal government had purchased and stockpiled 29 million doses of the drug.
“What do you have to lose?” Mr. Trump asked, for the second day in a row.
When a reporter asked Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, to weigh in on the question of using hydroxychloroquine, Mr. Trump stopped him from answering. As the reporter noted that Dr. Fauci was the president’s medical expert, Mr. Trump made it clear he did not want the doctor to answer.
“He’s answered the question 15 times,” the president said, stepping toward the lectern where Dr. Fauci was standing.
On Saturday, Dr. Fauci had privately challenged rising optimism about the drug’s efficacy during a meeting of the coronavirus task force in the White House’s Situation Room, according to two people familiar with the events. The argument was first reported by the website Axios and confirmed on CNN on Monday morning when Peter Navarro, the president’s trade adviser who is overseeing supply chain issues related to the virus, acknowledged the disagreement.
Mr. Navarro said he had taken a sheaf of folders to the meeting, outlining several studies from various countries, as well as information culled from C.D.C. officials, showing the “clear” efficacy of chloroquines in treating the virus.
Dr. Fauci pushed back, echoing remarks he has made in a series of interviews in the last week that rigorous study is still necessary. Mr. Navarro, an economist by training, shot back that the information he had collected was “science,” according to the people familiar with what took place.
The United Nations has expressed alarm at a “horrifying global surge in domestic violence” linked to lockdowns imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic.The United Nations has expressed alarm at a “horrifying global surge in domestic violence” linked to lockdowns imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
António Guterres, the secretary general of the United Nations, appealed to nations across the world to put the prevention of domestic violence at the center of their national response plans.António Guterres, the secretary general of the United Nations, appealed to nations across the world to put the prevention of domestic violence at the center of their national response plans.
“For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest: in their own homes,” he said in a video message, noting that necessary lockdowns and quarantines can “trap women with abusive partners.”“For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest: in their own homes,” he said in a video message, noting that necessary lockdowns and quarantines can “trap women with abusive partners.”
“Over the past weeks, as economic and social pressures and fear have grown, we have seen a horrifying global surge in domestic violence,” he said.“Over the past weeks, as economic and social pressures and fear have grown, we have seen a horrifying global surge in domestic violence,” he said.
In many countries, social services are already stretched to the breaking point. Health care workers have been overwhelmed by the coronavirus outbreak. The police have been coping with infections among their ranks. Support groups have had to limit their reach and some domestic violence shelters are closed.In many countries, social services are already stretched to the breaking point. Health care workers have been overwhelmed by the coronavirus outbreak. The police have been coping with infections among their ranks. Support groups have had to limit their reach and some domestic violence shelters are closed.
The United Nations reports that, since the pandemic began, nations have been detailing a rise in cases of abuse and calls for support.The United Nations reports that, since the pandemic began, nations have been detailing a rise in cases of abuse and calls for support.
In Lebanon and Malaysia, the number of calls to domestic violence help lines was double that of the same month last year, while in China, they are three times higher.In Lebanon and Malaysia, the number of calls to domestic violence help lines was double that of the same month last year, while in China, they are three times higher.
In Britain, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline has seen a 25 percent increase in calls and online requests for support since the lockdown began, the charity Refuge said. In Kosovo, the Ministry of Justice reported a 17 percent increase in gender-based violence cases.In Britain, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline has seen a 25 percent increase in calls and online requests for support since the lockdown began, the charity Refuge said. In Kosovo, the Ministry of Justice reported a 17 percent increase in gender-based violence cases.
The nation’s leading infectious disease specialist said Sunday night that as many as half the people infected with the virus may not have any symptoms, a much larger estimate than the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave last week.The nation’s leading infectious disease specialist said Sunday night that as many as half the people infected with the virus may not have any symptoms, a much larger estimate than the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave last week.
“It’s somewhere between 25 and 50 percent,” said the specialist, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, during a briefing by Mr. Trump and members of the coronavirus task force on Sunday. The doctor cautioned, however, that it was only an estimate, adding that even the scientists helping lead the nation’s fight against the virus, “the friends that we are, we differ about that.”“It’s somewhere between 25 and 50 percent,” said the specialist, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, during a briefing by Mr. Trump and members of the coronavirus task force on Sunday. The doctor cautioned, however, that it was only an estimate, adding that even the scientists helping lead the nation’s fight against the virus, “the friends that we are, we differ about that.”
In an interview with National Public Radio last week, Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the C.D.C., said that as many as 25 percent of people with the virus exhibited no symptoms. The large number of symptom-free cases — and scientists’ changing understanding of just how common such cases are — helps explain why the C.D.C. last week changed its guidance, recommending that all Americans wear a cloth face covering in public settings like grocery stores and pharmacies where they cannot ensure keeping a safe distance from others.In an interview with National Public Radio last week, Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the C.D.C., said that as many as 25 percent of people with the virus exhibited no symptoms. The large number of symptom-free cases — and scientists’ changing understanding of just how common such cases are — helps explain why the C.D.C. last week changed its guidance, recommending that all Americans wear a cloth face covering in public settings like grocery stores and pharmacies where they cannot ensure keeping a safe distance from others.
It also underscores the extraordinary challenge of controlling the virus’s spread. Dr. Fauci emphasized that for now his estimate was only a guess and that more testing was needed to figure out exactly how many Americans were carrying the virus without realizing it.It also underscores the extraordinary challenge of controlling the virus’s spread. Dr. Fauci emphasized that for now his estimate was only a guess and that more testing was needed to figure out exactly how many Americans were carrying the virus without realizing it.
“Then we can answer the question in a scientifically sound way,” he said. “Right now, we’re just guessing.”“Then we can answer the question in a scientifically sound way,” he said. “Right now, we’re just guessing.”
Western Europe may have reached an important turning point in the coronavirus epidemic: while the total number of patients continues to climb, the rate of new infections is no longer rising.Western Europe may have reached an important turning point in the coronavirus epidemic: while the total number of patients continues to climb, the rate of new infections is no longer rising.
The shift seems clearest in the two hardest-hit countries, Italy and Spain, though incomplete and inconsistent data make it hard to be sure.The shift seems clearest in the two hardest-hit countries, Italy and Spain, though incomplete and inconsistent data make it hard to be sure.
Italy’s daily tally of confirmed new infections peaked on March 21, at more than 6,500, but for the past week the number has not gone above 5,000. In Spain, the number seems to have reached a plateau, fluctuating for almost two weeks between about 6,400 and more than 9,200, a high that was set last Tuesday.Italy’s daily tally of confirmed new infections peaked on March 21, at more than 6,500, but for the past week the number has not gone above 5,000. In Spain, the number seems to have reached a plateau, fluctuating for almost two weeks between about 6,400 and more than 9,200, a high that was set last Tuesday.
In each country, the death toll attributed to the coronavirus disease, Covid-19, has reached more than 900 on some days. But it has been lower in the last few days and on Sunday, it dropped sharply. Whether that represents a long-term downward turn is unclear.In each country, the death toll attributed to the coronavirus disease, Covid-19, has reached more than 900 on some days. But it has been lower in the last few days and on Sunday, it dropped sharply. Whether that represents a long-term downward turn is unclear.
To relieve the disastrous burden on health care systems, there must be a decline in the number of active cases — people who are currently infected and have not yet recovered or died. While the number is still rising in Spain and Italy, the growth has slowed dramatically.To relieve the disastrous burden on health care systems, there must be a decline in the number of active cases — people who are currently infected and have not yet recovered or died. While the number is still rising in Spain and Italy, the growth has slowed dramatically.
Across Western Europe and Scandinavia, the number of new infections recorded daily has fluctuated between 27,000 and 37,000 for almost two weeks. More than 40,000 people have died, and there are more than 400,000 known, active infections. (The outbreak in Eastern Europe is harder to gauge because the information is spottier but the virus still appears to be spreading fast.)Across Western Europe and Scandinavia, the number of new infections recorded daily has fluctuated between 27,000 and 37,000 for almost two weeks. More than 40,000 people have died, and there are more than 400,000 known, active infections. (The outbreak in Eastern Europe is harder to gauge because the information is spottier but the virus still appears to be spreading fast.)
The outlier in the region is Britain, which was slower to be hit by the virus than most of its neighbors and slower to order people to stay at home and businesses to close. There, the number of new infections confirmed is still rising, and hit its high so far on Sunday, at more than 5,900.The outlier in the region is Britain, which was slower to be hit by the virus than most of its neighbors and slower to order people to stay at home and businesses to close. There, the number of new infections confirmed is still rising, and hit its high so far on Sunday, at more than 5,900.
A tiger at the Bronx zoo has Covid-19, in what is believed to be a case of what one official called “human-to-cat transmission.”A tiger at the Bronx zoo has Covid-19, in what is believed to be a case of what one official called “human-to-cat transmission.”
“This is the first instance of a tiger being infected with Covid-19,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which noted that although only one tiger had been tested, the virus appeared to have infected other animals as well.“This is the first instance of a tiger being infected with Covid-19,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which noted that although only one tiger had been tested, the virus appeared to have infected other animals as well.
“Several lions and tigers at the zoo showed symptoms of respiratory illness,” according to a statement by the Agriculture Department.“Several lions and tigers at the zoo showed symptoms of respiratory illness,” according to a statement by the Agriculture Department.
Public health officials say they believe that the large cats caught the virus from a zoo employee. The tiger appeared visibly sick by March 27.Public health officials say they believe that the large cats caught the virus from a zoo employee. The tiger appeared visibly sick by March 27.
In a statement, the Agriculture Department suggested that those infected with the virus should, “out of an abundance of caution,” avoid contact with their pets and other animals.In a statement, the Agriculture Department suggested that those infected with the virus should, “out of an abundance of caution,” avoid contact with their pets and other animals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that it is “aware of a very small number of pets outside the United States reported to be infected” but that it does not have evidence that pets can spread the coronavirus.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that it is “aware of a very small number of pets outside the United States reported to be infected” but that it does not have evidence that pets can spread the coronavirus.
If you are among the more than six million Americans applying for unemployment insurance this month, you are most likely doing so for the first time. It’s important to understand how unemployment works and how it can help you in this time of need. We also have tips for making a will and starting an emergency fund.If you are among the more than six million Americans applying for unemployment insurance this month, you are most likely doing so for the first time. It’s important to understand how unemployment works and how it can help you in this time of need. We also have tips for making a will and starting an emergency fund.
Chronic absenteeism is a problem in American education during the best of times, but now, with most U.S. schools closed and lessons being conducted remotely, more students than ever are missing class — not logging on, not checking in or not completing assignments.Chronic absenteeism is a problem in American education during the best of times, but now, with most U.S. schools closed and lessons being conducted remotely, more students than ever are missing class — not logging on, not checking in or not completing assignments.
The absence numbers appear particularly high in schools with large populations of low-income students, whose access to home computers and internet connections can be spotty. Some teachers report that only half of their students are regularly participating.The absence numbers appear particularly high in schools with large populations of low-income students, whose access to home computers and internet connections can be spotty. Some teachers report that only half of their students are regularly participating.
The trend is leading to widespread concern among educators, with talk of the potential need for summer sessions, an early start in the fall, or having some or even all students repeat a grade.The trend is leading to widespread concern among educators, with talk of the potential need for summer sessions, an early start in the fall, or having some or even all students repeat a grade.
Educators say that a subset of students and their parents have dropped out of touch with schools completely — unavailable by phone, email or any other form of communication, as families struggle with the broader economic and health impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.Educators say that a subset of students and their parents have dropped out of touch with schools completely — unavailable by phone, email or any other form of communication, as families struggle with the broader economic and health impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.
The scale of the challenge, and the work that will need to be done to catch children up academically and socially, is huge, said Michael Casserly, executive director of the Council of the Great City Schools, a network of urban education systems.The scale of the challenge, and the work that will need to be done to catch children up academically and socially, is huge, said Michael Casserly, executive director of the Council of the Great City Schools, a network of urban education systems.
He called the prospect of “unfinished learning” from this time “a serious issue that could have implications for years.”He called the prospect of “unfinished learning” from this time “a serious issue that could have implications for years.”
The crisis in the sprawling refugee camps scattered across Greece deepened on Monday as health officials rushed to test hundreds of migrants after a decision on Sunday to quarantine a second center on the mainland.The crisis in the sprawling refugee camps scattered across Greece deepened on Monday as health officials rushed to test hundreds of migrants after a decision on Sunday to quarantine a second center on the mainland.
More than 100,000 migrants live in facilities across the country — 40,000 of them in overcrowded camps on five islands in the Aegean Sea. Aid groups have urged the Greek authorities to evacuate the island camps, warning of the difficulty of controlling a potential outbreak of the virus in unsanitary and cramped conditions.More than 100,000 migrants live in facilities across the country — 40,000 of them in overcrowded camps on five islands in the Aegean Sea. Aid groups have urged the Greek authorities to evacuate the island camps, warning of the difficulty of controlling a potential outbreak of the virus in unsanitary and cramped conditions.
But the asylum process has ground to a halt, and transfers from the sprawling tent cities on the islands to the mainland have been suspended.But the asylum process has ground to a halt, and transfers from the sprawling tent cities on the islands to the mainland have been suspended.
Still, more people arrive daily from neighboring Turkey, and there are fears that a new crisis is in the making.Still, more people arrive daily from neighboring Turkey, and there are fears that a new crisis is in the making.
The local authorities are not putting new arrivals in existing camps, citing a fear of potential infections, and have yet to find alternative accommodation. On the island of Lesbos, dozens of migrants are sleeping on beaches, some in an old bus at the island’s main port of Mytilene, others in tents and under broken boats, a few dozen in a chapel and others in the mountains, according to news reports there.The local authorities are not putting new arrivals in existing camps, citing a fear of potential infections, and have yet to find alternative accommodation. On the island of Lesbos, dozens of migrants are sleeping on beaches, some in an old bus at the island’s main port of Mytilene, others in tents and under broken boats, a few dozen in a chapel and others in the mountains, according to news reports there.
On the mainland, a camp in Malakasa, east of Athens, will be locked down for two weeks after a 53-year-old man tested positive for the coronavirus, the authorities said on Sunday.On the mainland, a camp in Malakasa, east of Athens, will be locked down for two weeks after a 53-year-old man tested positive for the coronavirus, the authorities said on Sunday.
The minister for immigration and asylum, Notis Mitarakis, said that no cases had been recorded in Greek island camps.The minister for immigration and asylum, Notis Mitarakis, said that no cases had been recorded in Greek island camps.
He said that the transfer of migrants to mainland facilities as part of efforts to “decongest” the island camps had been suspended. But he said that the government’s plan to replace overcrowded camps with enclosed detention centers, with tighter security, would proceed.He said that the transfer of migrants to mainland facilities as part of efforts to “decongest” the island camps had been suspended. But he said that the government’s plan to replace overcrowded camps with enclosed detention centers, with tighter security, would proceed.
The plans have been vehemently opposed by residents of the islands who want all facilities shut and who staged protests after a renewed influx of migrants in early March.The plans have been vehemently opposed by residents of the islands who want all facilities shut and who staged protests after a renewed influx of migrants in early March.
Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Mihir Zaveri, Karen Zraick, Patricia Mazzei, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Katie Robertson, Elian Peltier, Stephen Castle, Niki Kitsantonis, Dana Goldstein, Adam Popescu, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Iliana Magra, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Michael Crowley, Katie Thomas, Maggie Haberman, Roni Rabin, Mark Landler, Stephen Castle, Neil Vigdor, Motoko Rich, Alexandra Stevenson, Tiffany May and Kai Schultz. Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Mihir Zaveri, Karen Zraick, Tim Arango, Patricia Mazzei, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Katie Robertson, Elian Peltier, Stephen Castle, Niki Kitsantonis, Dana Goldstein, Adam Popescu, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Iliana Magra, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Michael Crowley, Katie Thomas, Maggie Haberman, Roni Rabin, Mark Landler, Stephen Castle, Neil Vigdor, Motoko Rich, Alexandra Stevenson, Tiffany May and Kai Schultz.