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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, who was hospitalized over the weekend, has been moved to intensive care.Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, who was hospitalized over the weekend, has been moved to intensive care.
More than 10,000 people in the United States have now died from the virus.More than 10,000 people in the United States have now died from the virus.
The governor of Wisconsin ordered Tuesday’s primary election postponed, but he was overruled by the state’s Supreme Court.The governor of Wisconsin ordered Tuesday’s primary election postponed, but he was overruled by the state’s Supreme Court.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverageGet the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage
There is a terrible week ahead in America — one of “death” and “sadness,” the White House has warned — as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. surged above 350,000 on Monday, the national death toll exceeded 10,000, and public health officials cautioned that even those grim numbers understated the true scale of the epidemic.There is a terrible week ahead in America — one of “death” and “sadness,” the White House has warned — as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. surged above 350,000 on Monday, the national death toll exceeded 10,000, and public health officials cautioned that even those grim numbers understated the true scale of the epidemic.
The U.S. is now by far the hardest-hit nation in the world, with more confirmed cases than the next three — Spain, Italy and China — put together. And the New York City area is the hardest-hit part of America, with hundreds of deaths daily and harrowing scenes of panicked doctors and besieged hospitals.The U.S. is now by far the hardest-hit nation in the world, with more confirmed cases than the next three — Spain, Italy and China — put together. And the New York City area is the hardest-hit part of America, with hundreds of deaths daily and harrowing scenes of panicked doctors and besieged hospitals.
Though the crisis is showing signs of starting to level off in the city (more about that below), it is still growing explosively in places like Los Angeles, Miami and New Orleans. A halting federal response has left states and counties fighting with one another for critical supplies and imposing quarantines on each other’s residents.Though the crisis is showing signs of starting to level off in the city (more about that below), it is still growing explosively in places like Los Angeles, Miami and New Orleans. A halting federal response has left states and counties fighting with one another for critical supplies and imposing quarantines on each other’s residents.
The global pandemic shows little sign of letting up. At least 188 countries and territories have now reported five or more cases; many are in the early stages of outbreaks they are not well equipped to handle. But here and there are signs of progress: Death rates seem to be slowing in Italy and Spain, while countries like Singapore and South Korea show clear success in limiting new cases.The global pandemic shows little sign of letting up. At least 188 countries and territories have now reported five or more cases; many are in the early stages of outbreaks they are not well equipped to handle. But here and there are signs of progress: Death rates seem to be slowing in Italy and Spain, while countries like Singapore and South Korea show clear success in limiting new cases.
Financial markets seized on those positive signs to rebound a bit on Monday. But experts warned that the world’s largest economy, the U.S., would not fully recover until people could be confident of going about their business without catching the virus.Financial markets seized on those positive signs to rebound a bit on Monday. But experts warned that the world’s largest economy, the U.S., would not fully recover until people could be confident of going about their business without catching the virus.
Hard times in Britain: The country, which was slow to impose stay-at-home restrictions, has seen its death rate skyrocket and prominent figures stricken. Prince Charles is recuperating, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in intensive care.Hard times in Britain: The country, which was slow to impose stay-at-home restrictions, has seen its death rate skyrocket and prominent figures stricken. Prince Charles is recuperating, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in intensive care.
Queen Elizabeth II gave a rare televised address to buck up national spirits. “We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return,” she said. “We will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.”Queen Elizabeth II gave a rare televised address to buck up national spirits. “We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return,” she said. “We will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.”
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 spread of the virus in New York is beginning to stabilize, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Monday, and the state’s data seems to support that idea.The spread of the virus in New York is beginning to stabilize, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Monday, and the state’s data seems to support that idea.
The state’s death tolls on Sunday (594) and Monday (599) were both lower than on Saturday (630). The numbers of people hospitalized and in intensive care units are still growing, but the growth rate appears to be slowing.The state’s death tolls on Sunday (594) and Monday (599) were both lower than on Saturday (630). The numbers of people hospitalized and in intensive care units are still growing, but the growth rate appears to be slowing.
Joseph Goldstein, who covers health care in New York for The Times, says those figures should be taken with a grain of salt. The hospitalization rate might be slowing if overwhelmed facilities are sending more patients home, he said, and there are signs that deaths are being undercounted — for instance, by leaving out people who die at home.Joseph Goldstein, who covers health care in New York for The Times, says those figures should be taken with a grain of salt. The hospitalization rate might be slowing if overwhelmed facilities are sending more patients home, he said, and there are signs that deaths are being undercounted — for instance, by leaving out people who die at home.
Mr. Cuomo said he thought the daily tally of new cases might crest this week. But he warned New Yorkers that a positive trend could only continue if they maintained strict social distancing.Mr. Cuomo said he thought the daily tally of new cases might crest this week. But he warned New Yorkers that a positive trend could only continue if they maintained strict social distancing.
Even if the epidemic is starting to plateau, it is still overwhelming. A municipal official said New York City was running out of capacity to handle all the deaths, and might have to start burying people temporarily in city parks.Even if the epidemic is starting to plateau, it is still overwhelming. A municipal official said New York City was running out of capacity to handle all the deaths, and might have to start burying people temporarily in city parks.
The peak of the epidemic might come later in the city than in the state. “May could be worse than April,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. And as some experts have pointed out, the day after the peak will still be the second-worst day of the outbreak.The peak of the epidemic might come later in the city than in the state. “May could be worse than April,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. And as some experts have pointed out, the day after the peak will still be the second-worst day of the outbreak.
Until there’s a vaccine or an effective treatment for Covid-19, any projected date for the crisis to end is only a guess. But experts have come up with four benchmarks to indicate whether a state is on its way to recovery. The criteria were published in a recent report.Until there’s a vaccine or an effective treatment for Covid-19, any projected date for the crisis to end is only a guess. But experts have come up with four benchmarks to indicate whether a state is on its way to recovery. The criteria were published in a recent report.
1. Hospitals must be able to treat all patients who need care, without resorting to crisis expedients.1. Hospitals must be able to treat all patients who need care, without resorting to crisis expedients.
This is the most immediate test. It’s not clear yet that any U.S. state has passed the point of peak demand for hospital care.This is the most immediate test. It’s not clear yet that any U.S. state has passed the point of peak demand for hospital care.
2. The state must be able to promptly test everyone who has symptoms, at a minimum.2. The state must be able to promptly test everyone who has symptoms, at a minimum.
That would mean performing about 750,000 tests a week across the country — and that’s once the situation has calmed considerably.That would mean performing about 750,000 tests a week across the country — and that’s once the situation has calmed considerably.
3. The state must be able to monitor all its confirmed cases and contacts.3. The state must be able to monitor all its confirmed cases and contacts.
Public health workers need to be able to trace the recent close contacts of everyone who tests positive and have them go into isolation or quarantine until it’s determined they’re not infected.Public health workers need to be able to trace the recent close contacts of everyone who tests positive and have them go into isolation or quarantine until it’s determined they’re not infected.
4. The number of new cases in the state must drop steadily for at least 14 days.4. The number of new cases in the state must drop steadily for at least 14 days.
Such a trend would suggest that the state has achieved suppression — meaning that, on average, each patient is passing the virus along to fewer than one other person. When that’s true, the state’s case count will begin dropping exponentially, just as it rose.Such a trend would suggest that the state has achieved suppression — meaning that, on average, each patient is passing the virus along to fewer than one other person. When that’s true, the state’s case count will begin dropping exponentially, just as it rose.
As the coronavirus spreads silently through American cities and towns, people sometimes struggle to understand the scope of the outbreak — especially if they live in places that still have few reported cases.As the coronavirus spreads silently through American cities and towns, people sometimes struggle to understand the scope of the outbreak — especially if they live in places that still have few reported cases.
According to a new study by disease modelers at the University of Texas at Austin, even in counties with just a single reported case, the odds are greater than 50-50 that a sustained outbreak — an epidemic — is already spreading undetected.According to a new study by disease modelers at the University of Texas at Austin, even in counties with just a single reported case, the odds are greater than 50-50 that a sustained outbreak — an epidemic — is already spreading undetected.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Using data from the study, The Times mapped the likelihood of an epidemic in every U.S. county.Using data from the study, The Times mapped the likelihood of an epidemic in every U.S. county.
In Japan, which has 4,350 cases, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he would declare a state of emergency in seven prefectures, including Tokyo, where the virus is spreading rapidly.In Japan, which has 4,350 cases, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he would declare a state of emergency in seven prefectures, including Tokyo, where the virus is spreading rapidly.
Iran, which has been hit hard by the virus, said it would lift its nationwide business shutdown and allow most people to return to work by Saturday.Iran, which has been hit hard by the virus, said it would lift its nationwide business shutdown and allow most people to return to work by Saturday.
The American Civil Liberties Union has sued Puerto Rico over the island’s curfew, calling it unconstitutional.The American Civil Liberties Union has sued Puerto Rico over the island’s curfew, calling it unconstitutional.
A quarter of India’s 4,314 confirmed cases have been traced to a gathering at an Islamic seminary in Delhi.A quarter of India’s 4,314 confirmed cases have been traced to a gathering at an Islamic seminary in Delhi.
Create new holiday traditions. Hide eggs or jelly beans around the house. Have an older relative coach children in cooking over a video call. Think of more showing, sharing, singing and games.Create new holiday traditions. Hide eggs or jelly beans around the house. Have an older relative coach children in cooking over a video call. Think of more showing, sharing, singing and games.
Help the helpers. Here are ways to (safely) help medical workers, including sending them food and protective equipment and offering them a place to stay.Help the helpers. Here are ways to (safely) help medical workers, including sending them food and protective equipment and offering them a place to stay.
Put your pantry in order. Step one is to make a mess: Pull everything out and clean the shelves. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through what to do next.Put your pantry in order. Step one is to make a mess: Pull everything out and clean the shelves. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through what to do next.
Distract yourself. Watch our short film of the day, or lose yourself in one of these four new crime novels.Distract yourself. Watch our short film of the day, or lose yourself in one of these four new crime novels.
We illustrated 24 hours of the pandemic in the U.S., with dispatches from our reporters across the country.We illustrated 24 hours of the pandemic in the U.S., with dispatches from our reporters across the country.
Virtual-reality images of a coronavirus patient in Washington show how the coronavirus invades the body and attacks the lungs.Virtual-reality images of a coronavirus patient in Washington show how the coronavirus invades the body and attacks the lungs.
A tiger at the Bronx Zoo tested positive. But relax: Your cats are probably fine, and there’s no reported evidence that pets can spread the virus to humans.A tiger at the Bronx Zoo tested positive. But relax: Your cats are probably fine, and there’s no reported evidence that pets can spread the virus to humans.
Rita Wilson’s surprising hip-hop performance from her Covid-19 quarantine is being released as a remix with Naughty by Nature.Rita Wilson’s surprising hip-hop performance from her Covid-19 quarantine is being released as a remix with Naughty by Nature.
The latest episode of “Some Good News with John Krasinski” features an epic video conference surprise for a 9-year-old girl whose birthday trip to see “Hamilton” was canceled.The latest episode of “Some Good News with John Krasinski” features an epic video conference surprise for a 9-year-old girl whose birthday trip to see “Hamilton” was canceled.
My grandchildren live only a few blocks away, but it might as well be hundreds of miles during the quarantine. My second-grade granddaughter and I have decided to read a Magic Tree House book together and discuss it “book club-style” using FaceTime.My grandchildren live only a few blocks away, but it might as well be hundreds of miles during the quarantine. My second-grade granddaughter and I have decided to read a Magic Tree House book together and discuss it “book club-style” using FaceTime.
— Barb Harrison, Winneconne, Wis.— Barb Harrison, Winneconne, Wis.
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.
Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.
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