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Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Projects Summer Spike In Infections if Stay at Home Orders are Lifted Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Projects Summer Spike In Infections if Stay At Home Orders Are Lifted
(32 minutes later)
Stay-at-home orders, school closures and social distancing greatly reduce infections of the coronavirus, but lifting those restrictions after just 30 days will lead to a dramatic infection spike this summer and death tolls that would rival doing nothing, government projections indicate.Stay-at-home orders, school closures and social distancing greatly reduce infections of the coronavirus, but lifting those restrictions after just 30 days will lead to a dramatic infection spike this summer and death tolls that would rival doing nothing, government projections indicate.
The projections obtained by The New York Times come from the departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services and are dated April 9. The documents contain no dates for when shelter in places orders were delivered nor do they contain specific dates for when spikes would hit. The risk they show of easing shelter-in-place orders currently in effect in most of the United States undercut recent statements by President Trump that the United States could be ready to reopen “very, very soon.” The projections obtained by The New York Times come from the departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services. The models use three scenarios. The first has policy makers doing nothing to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. The second, labeled “steady state,” assumes schools remain closed until summer, 25 percent of Americans telework from home, and some social distancing continues. The third scenario includes a 30-day shelter in place, on top of those “steady state” restrictions.
If the demand for ventilators is considered a stand-in for serious Covid-19 infection rates, then the model foresees a modest bump immediately when the stay-at-home orders are lifted and a major new spike in infections about 100 days after a shelter in place is ordered, peaking 150 days after the initial order. The documents, dated April 9, contain no dates for when shelter in places orders were delivered nor do they contain specific dates for when spikes would hit. The risk they show of easing shelter-in-place orders currently in effect in most of the United States undercut recent statements by President Trump that the United States could be ready to reopen “very, very soon.”
The model forsees a bump in the demand for ventilators — considered a stand-in for serious Covid-19 infection rates — 30 days after stay-at-home orders are issued, a major spike in infections about 100 days after, and peaking 150 days after the initial order. (Assuming further shelter-in-place policies are not implemented to reduce future peaks.)
For most states that implemented stay-at-home orders in late March, including New York City, Massachusetts and Illinois, that spike would come in mid to late summer.For most states that implemented stay-at-home orders in late March, including New York City, Massachusetts and Illinois, that spike would come in mid to late summer.
The government’s conclusions are sobering. Without any mitigation, such as school closings, shelter-in-place orders, telework and socially distancing, the death toll from coronavirus could have reached 300,000. But if the administration lifts the 30-day stay-at-home orders, the death total is estimated to reach 200,000, even if schools remain closed until summer, 25 percent of the country continues to work from home and some social distancing continues.The government’s conclusions are sobering. Without any mitigation, such as school closings, shelter-in-place orders, telework and socially distancing, the death toll from coronavirus could have reached 300,000. But if the administration lifts the 30-day stay-at-home orders, the death total is estimated to reach 200,000, even if schools remain closed until summer, 25 percent of the country continues to work from home and some social distancing continues.
If nothing was done, infection rates would top out at 195 million Americans, and 965,000 people would require hospitalization in an intensive care unit, according to the projections’ “best guess.” But with a 30-day shelter in place and other measures, infections would still reach 160 million and 740,000 would need intensive care.If nothing was done, infection rates would top out at 195 million Americans, and 965,000 people would require hospitalization in an intensive care unit, according to the projections’ “best guess.” But with a 30-day shelter in place and other measures, infections would still reach 160 million and 740,000 would need intensive care.
The models show a higher demand for ventilators in the short term if states had never issued the stay-at-home orders. But the spike in demand 150 days after lifting such an order is expected to be more severe than if the United States had never issued such orders and instead relied on school closures, sending people home to telework and directing the public to socially distance.The models show a higher demand for ventilators in the short term if states had never issued the stay-at-home orders. But the spike in demand 150 days after lifting such an order is expected to be more severe than if the United States had never issued such orders and instead relied on school closures, sending people home to telework and directing the public to socially distance.
President Trump has teased the idea of reopening the United States to boost the economy, even as state governors, hospitals around the country and the federal government’s inspector general for Health and Human Services have warned of widespread shortages of test kits, protective gear and medical equipment.” The federal agencies advised in the model that the projected demand for ventilators are “a worst-case scenario” and did not factor in states sharing the life-saving devices across state lines.
President Trump has teased the idea of reopening the United States to boost the economy, even as state governors, hospitals around the country and the federal government’s inspector general for Health and Human Services have warned of widespread shortages of test kits, protective gear and medical equipment.
“You see what’s happening and where we are and where we stand,” Mr. Trump said. “And hopefully we’re going to be opening up — you can call it “opening” very, very — very, very soon, I hope.”“You see what’s happening and where we are and where we stand,” Mr. Trump said. “And hopefully we’re going to be opening up — you can call it “opening” very, very — very, very soon, I hope.”
But economists say that lifting restrictions — particularly on nonessential businesses — will restore some activity to an economy that is currently in free fall, shedding jobs and contracting rapidly.But economists say that lifting restrictions — particularly on nonessential businesses — will restore some activity to an economy that is currently in free fall, shedding jobs and contracting rapidly.
Many experts caution that growth will be slow when it returns, because people will be wary of resuming normal activities before the country has far more extensive testing for the virus to help people assess the risk of contracting it if they leave their homes. Such a system appears nowhere close to deployment.Many experts caution that growth will be slow when it returns, because people will be wary of resuming normal activities before the country has far more extensive testing for the virus to help people assess the risk of contracting it if they leave their homes. Such a system appears nowhere close to deployment.
Across North America, Europe and elsewhere, factories are idled and workers are in lockdown. At some ports, goods are piling up, while elsewhere container ships sail empty. Dairy farmers are dumping their milk, while grocery store shelves have been picked bare.
These disruptions in global trade could grow more noticeable in the months to come, as consumers hoard products and countries clamp down on exports of medical supplies and even food.
Shoppers may see more shortages of unexpected products, including laptops, toilet paper and medicines. Some companies could find themselves lacking raw materials and components, a recipe for further financial trouble.
So far this year, most of the disruptions have stemmed from factory shutdowns in China, a manufacturing hub for products like electronics and industrial machinery. Laptop exports from China to the United States have plummeted, for instance, just as demand is surging as companies switch to remote work and students are thrust into distance learning.
But like the virus, which spread from China to the rest of the world, so too will the economic disruptions, which are likely to intensify in months to come. For companies and consumers who have come to rely on being able to ship goods rapidly and seamlessly around the world, the disruptions could come as a shock.
“China has shown us how extreme the downturn in industrial activity can be,” said Chris Rogers, a global trade and logistics analyst at Panjiva.
Across the United States and Europe, major manufacturers like Volkswagen and Ford have shuttered, in turn reducing demand for steel, electronics and other components.
So far, many of the product shortages in the United States and Europe don’t stem from an actual lack of goods, but rather surging demand from consumers, who are stockpiling bleach, toilet paper, diapers and dried beans, unsure what the months to come will hold.
Other shortages are occurring as producers of toilet paper, food and other products try to figure out how to rework supply chains that are set up to provide bulk shipments to restaurants and schools to instead meet household demand.
The situation is likely to get worse over the next few months.
Mike Jette, vice president of consulting services at GEP, which provides supply chain software and strategy for General Mills, Exxon Mobil, Macy’s, Walmart and other major companies, predicted that peak disruption for major companies with international supply chains would likely happen three months from now.
Mr. Jette said that companies making electronics, appliances and other products would exhaust their “safety stock” for components in the coming weeks.
Never have so many millions so suddenly lost their jobs. Never has the United States government vowed to spend so much money all at once to stave off economic ruin. Still, never has the financial security of so many been in such jeopardy.Never have so many millions so suddenly lost their jobs. Never has the United States government vowed to spend so much money all at once to stave off economic ruin. Still, never has the financial security of so many been in such jeopardy.
But what’s most immediate, never have Americans had to watch so many die day after day, separated from friends and family, the air drained from their lungs by a virus that was first detected in the country less than two months ago.But what’s most immediate, never have Americans had to watch so many die day after day, separated from friends and family, the air drained from their lungs by a virus that was first detected in the country less than two months ago.
“That is so shocking and painful and breathtaking, I don’t even have the words for it,” said New York’s governor.“That is so shocking and painful and breathtaking, I don’t even have the words for it,” said New York’s governor.
Around the world, the official death count surged toward 100,000 and public health officials from Paris to Los Angeles said the only way to keep that figure from growing even faster would be to extend the lockdowns.Around the world, the official death count surged toward 100,000 and public health officials from Paris to Los Angeles said the only way to keep that figure from growing even faster would be to extend the lockdowns.
The virus has yet to reveal many of its insidious mysteries, but new data and a growing body of research have shown that it preys on the human propensity to connect.The virus has yet to reveal many of its insidious mysteries, but new data and a growing body of research have shown that it preys on the human propensity to connect.
In one densely crowded, seven-square-mile area in the center of the New York borough of Queens, it took just weeks for the virus to infect thousands. In theory, the pathogen infects princes and paupers alike, but working-class and immigrant communities like the one in Queens have been especially hard hit, exposing the deep inequities in American society and its health care system.In one densely crowded, seven-square-mile area in the center of the New York borough of Queens, it took just weeks for the virus to infect thousands. In theory, the pathogen infects princes and paupers alike, but working-class and immigrant communities like the one in Queens have been especially hard hit, exposing the deep inequities in American society and its health care system.
The swift spread of the virus in locations where people live in cramped quarters has raised concern for vulnerable populations around the world. But it is also behavior — once common, daily behavior — that can give the virus life.The swift spread of the virus in locations where people live in cramped quarters has raised concern for vulnerable populations around the world. But it is also behavior — once common, daily behavior — that can give the virus life.
A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed how one unsuspecting man who attended a dinner, a funeral and a birthday party in Chicago was the likely source of a chain of transmission that would lead to the infection of at least 15 people, three of whom later died.A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed how one unsuspecting man who attended a dinner, a funeral and a birthday party in Chicago was the likely source of a chain of transmission that would lead to the infection of at least 15 people, three of whom later died.
Yet Republican lawmakers in Kansas blocked efforts by the governor to restrict large gatherings, saying that worshipers should be able to attend Easter services.Yet Republican lawmakers in Kansas blocked efforts by the governor to restrict large gatherings, saying that worshipers should be able to attend Easter services.
In most of the United States, even funerals have been canceled.In most of the United States, even funerals have been canceled.
As they battle a pandemic that has no regard for borders, the leaders of many of the world’s largest economies are undermining collective efforts to tame the coronavirus.As they battle a pandemic that has no regard for borders, the leaders of many of the world’s largest economies are undermining collective efforts to tame the coronavirus.
At least 69 countries have banned or restricted the export of protective equipment, medical devices or medicines, according to the Global Trade Alert project at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. The World Health Organization is warning that protectionism could limit the global availability of vaccines.At least 69 countries have banned or restricted the export of protective equipment, medical devices or medicines, according to the Global Trade Alert project at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. The World Health Organization is warning that protectionism could limit the global availability of vaccines.
With every country on the planet in need of the same lifesaving tools at once, national rivalries are jeopardizing access to products that may determine who lives and who dies.With every country on the planet in need of the same lifesaving tools at once, national rivalries are jeopardizing access to products that may determine who lives and who dies.
“The parties with the deepest pockets will secure these vaccines and medicines, and essentially, much of the developing world will be entirely out of the picture,” said Simon J. Evenett, an expert on international trade who started the University of St. Gallen project. “We will have rationing by price. It will be brutal.”“The parties with the deepest pockets will secure these vaccines and medicines, and essentially, much of the developing world will be entirely out of the picture,” said Simon J. Evenett, an expert on international trade who started the University of St. Gallen project. “We will have rationing by price. It will be brutal.”
Some point to the tragedy playing out around the world as an argument for greater self-sufficiency, so that hospitals are less reliant on China and India for medicines and protective gear. China alone makes the vast majority of the core chemicals used to make raw materials for a range of generic medicines used to treat people now hospitalized with Covid-19.Some point to the tragedy playing out around the world as an argument for greater self-sufficiency, so that hospitals are less reliant on China and India for medicines and protective gear. China alone makes the vast majority of the core chemicals used to make raw materials for a range of generic medicines used to treat people now hospitalized with Covid-19.
But if the laudable goal of diversification inspires every nation to look inward and dismantle global production, that will leave the world even more vulnerable, said Chad P. Bown, an international trade expert at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.But if the laudable goal of diversification inspires every nation to look inward and dismantle global production, that will leave the world even more vulnerable, said Chad P. Bown, an international trade expert at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.
“You have now walled yourself off from the only way you can potentially deal with this, in your time of greatest need, which is relying on the rest of the world,” he said“You have now walled yourself off from the only way you can potentially deal with this, in your time of greatest need, which is relying on the rest of the world,” he said
Michigan will forbid people from traveling between homes in the state beginning on Saturday, a sweeping expansion of the government’s efforts to contain the virus.Michigan will forbid people from traveling between homes in the state beginning on Saturday, a sweeping expansion of the government’s efforts to contain the virus.
In an executive order on Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer effectively eliminated an exception to the state’s stay-at-home order that had allowed people to travel between homes. Beginning Saturday, the new order declares, “travel between two residences is not permitted.”In an executive order on Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer effectively eliminated an exception to the state’s stay-at-home order that had allowed people to travel between homes. Beginning Saturday, the new order declares, “travel between two residences is not permitted.”
“We must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread and protect our families,” Ms. Whitmer said in a statement.“We must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread and protect our families,” Ms. Whitmer said in a statement.
Although there are loopholes and exceptions — people can, for example, still travel to places for exercise — the order will newly bar residents from traveling to vacation properties, whether they own them or not.Although there are loopholes and exceptions — people can, for example, still travel to places for exercise — the order will newly bar residents from traveling to vacation properties, whether they own them or not.
Michigan has among the most virus cases in the nation, and health officials have been particularly worried about the spread of the virus in and around Detroit.Michigan has among the most virus cases in the nation, and health officials have been particularly worried about the spread of the virus in and around Detroit.
Ms. Whitmer also announced the creation of a task force to make recommendations to address the outbreak’s disproportionate impact on African-Americans. Michigan’s population is 14 percent black, but they make up 40 percent of the state’s virus victims. The group will be led by Garlin Gilchrist II, the state’s first African-American lieutenant governor.
Public health experts attribute the disparity to longstanding inequalities. Black Americans disproportionately belong to part of the workforce that does not have the luxury of working from home. They are also less likely to be insured, and more likely to have pre-existing health conditions and face racial bias that prevents them from getting proper treatment, they said.
The number of virus patients in intensive care in New York dropped for the first time since the outbreak began, the governor said.The number of virus patients in intensive care in New York dropped for the first time since the outbreak began, the governor said.
The drop was small: 17 people, to 4,908, from 4,925 yesterday. But it provided an important data point indicating that the curve of infection is flattening, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.
The virus continues to take lives at the same rate it has in the past few days. Another 777 people died, Mr. Cuomo said, bringing the state’s total to 7,844. Many of the people who died had been in the hospital and on ventilators for weeks, he said.
“We continue to lose a tremendous number of lives,” Mr. Cuomo said on Friday. “As someone who searches for solace in all this grief, the leveling off in lives lost is a somewhat hopeful sign.”
Mr. Cuomo also called on the president to deploy the federal government to expand testing capacity in New York State and across the country. He urged him to use the Defense Production Act to require companies to produce tests in the millions. He said that New York State and private companies on their own were not capable of meeting that goal. He said that testing at an “unprecedented scale” was required before people can return to work.
“I don’t have that tool,” he said. “The federal government does.”
In the first five days of April, 1,125 people were pronounced dead in their homes or on the street in New York City, more than eight times the deaths recorded during the same period in 2019, according to the Fire Department.In the first five days of April, 1,125 people were pronounced dead in their homes or on the street in New York City, more than eight times the deaths recorded during the same period in 2019, according to the Fire Department.
Many of those deaths were probably caused by Covid-19, but were not accounted for in the tallies given by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo during his widely watched daily news conferences — statistics that are viewed as key measures of the impact of the outbreak.Many of those deaths were probably caused by Covid-19, but were not accounted for in the tallies given by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo during his widely watched daily news conferences — statistics that are viewed as key measures of the impact of the outbreak.
On Friday, Mr. Cuomo said there had been 777 more deaths in New York State, bringing the total number of deaths in the state to 7,844.
But epidemiologists, city officials and medical personnel say those numbers are likely to be far below the city’s actual death toll.But epidemiologists, city officials and medical personnel say those numbers are likely to be far below the city’s actual death toll.
A huge number of people are dying at home with presumed cases of the virus, and it does not appear that the state has a clear mechanism for factoring those victims into official death tallies.A huge number of people are dying at home with presumed cases of the virus, and it does not appear that the state has a clear mechanism for factoring those victims into official death tallies.
In the last three days, 766 people were found dead in their homes, bringing the total for the first eight days of April to 1,891, according to the city’s medical examiner’s office. It’s likely that many have not been counted in the current tally.In the last three days, 766 people were found dead in their homes, bringing the total for the first eight days of April to 1,891, according to the city’s medical examiner’s office. It’s likely that many have not been counted in the current tally.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the leading infectious disease expert in the U.S., said that a test to determine whether a person had been infected with the virus and had therefore acquired some level of immunity would be made available in coming days.
“Within a period of a week or so, we are going to have a relatively large number of tests available,” Dr. Fauci said Friday morning on CNN.
Many countries, including Britain and Italy, have been considering deploying similar tests to provide their citizens with a proof of immunity. That would allow some workers to return to their jobs and would help businesses to slowly restart, mitigating the economic pain of the outbreak.
However, there have been significant problems with many of the tests in terms of accuracy and validation. And it remains unclear exactly what sort of immunity having had the virus confers on individuals or for how long.
Dr. Fauci suggested that providers of the antibody tests that have been consulting with the White House Task Force had cleared some of those hurdles.
“As we get to the point of considering opening the country,” he said, “it is very important to understand how much that virus has penetrated society.”
He noted that the antibody tests would in no way change the need for widespread testing to determine who was actively infected and infectious.
A few lone, holdout churches plan to defy local and federal officials this Easter weekend and meet for in-person services, despite stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidance from medical professionals.A few lone, holdout churches plan to defy local and federal officials this Easter weekend and meet for in-person services, despite stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidance from medical professionals.
The vast majority of congregations are taking precautions, with many holding services online and innovating new ways of virtual worship. Easter occurs as the pandemic is reaching its peak in many places.The vast majority of congregations are taking precautions, with many holding services online and innovating new ways of virtual worship. Easter occurs as the pandemic is reaching its peak in many places.
But the restrictions over gatherings have frustrated some Christian pastors, particularly conservatives, who say the rules restrict their religious freedom.But the restrictions over gatherings have frustrated some Christian pastors, particularly conservatives, who say the rules restrict their religious freedom.
In Louisiana, Pastor Tony Spell of Life Tabernacle Church, who was recently arrested after holding in-person services, plans to hold Easter services for hundreds of people on Sunday. In Idaho, Ammon Bundy also plans to host hundreds of people for an Easter gathering, according to reports.In Louisiana, Pastor Tony Spell of Life Tabernacle Church, who was recently arrested after holding in-person services, plans to hold Easter services for hundreds of people on Sunday. In Idaho, Ammon Bundy also plans to host hundreds of people for an Easter gathering, according to reports.
Rev. Rodney Howard-Browne, pastor of River at Tampa Bay Church, was recently arrested for “intentionally and repeatedly” defying emergency orders in Florida, after he held in-person services.Rev. Rodney Howard-Browne, pastor of River at Tampa Bay Church, was recently arrested for “intentionally and repeatedly” defying emergency orders in Florida, after he held in-person services.
Some Catholics are urging bishops to find ways to hold some form of public mass, and to find safe access for the anointing of the sick.Some Catholics are urging bishops to find ways to hold some form of public mass, and to find safe access for the anointing of the sick.
Elsewhere some churches are planning to celebrate via drive-up services, where congregants do not leave their vehicles. The Vatican will stream an Easter Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at St. Peters Basilica. Joel Osteen, who leads Lakewood Church in Texas, is streaming services with performances by Kanye West and Mariah Carey.Elsewhere some churches are planning to celebrate via drive-up services, where congregants do not leave their vehicles. The Vatican will stream an Easter Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at St. Peters Basilica. Joel Osteen, who leads Lakewood Church in Texas, is streaming services with performances by Kanye West and Mariah Carey.
President Trump has said he plans to watch Easter services on a laptop, and Vice President Pence said his family plans to virtually attend from their living room.President Trump has said he plans to watch Easter services on a laptop, and Vice President Pence said his family plans to virtually attend from their living room.
Prominent evangelical pastor Rick Warren, of Saddleback Church in California, encouraged pastors across the country to follow the guidelines in a CNN Town Hall Thursday night.Prominent evangelical pastor Rick Warren, of Saddleback Church in California, encouraged pastors across the country to follow the guidelines in a CNN Town Hall Thursday night.
“As shepherds, we are called to protect God’s flock, not just feed it and lead it,” he said. “And if you really love your congregation, tell them to stay at home on Easter.”“As shepherds, we are called to protect God’s flock, not just feed it and lead it,” he said. “And if you really love your congregation, tell them to stay at home on Easter.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said he was encouraged by — but not drawing too many conclusions from — the state’s first drop in the number of virus patients who were being treated in intensive care units.Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said he was encouraged by — but not drawing too many conclusions from — the state’s first drop in the number of virus patients who were being treated in intensive care units.
He said there were 1,132 people receiving intensive care as of Thursday, a 1.9 percent decrease from the day before.He said there were 1,132 people receiving intensive care as of Thursday, a 1.9 percent decrease from the day before.
“One data point is not a trend,” Mr. Newsom warned. “One data point is not a headline, so I caution anybody to read too much into that one point of data, but nonetheless it is encouraging.”“One data point is not a trend,” Mr. Newsom warned. “One data point is not a headline, so I caution anybody to read too much into that one point of data, but nonetheless it is encouraging.”
California’s decision to ship hundreds of ventilators to other states this week has been met with alarm by some local officials in places like Riverside County, east of Los Angeles, which has been among the hardest hit places in the state.California’s decision to ship hundreds of ventilators to other states this week has been met with alarm by some local officials in places like Riverside County, east of Los Angeles, which has been among the hardest hit places in the state.
Officials in the county, where there have been more than 1,100 cases and at least 32 deaths, said this week that the state had denied its request for ventilators, and that a second one was pending.Officials in the county, where there have been more than 1,100 cases and at least 32 deaths, said this week that the state had denied its request for ventilators, and that a second one was pending.
On Thursday, Mr. Newsom sought to allay those concerns and pushed back against the idea that the state was neglecting its own needs.On Thursday, Mr. Newsom sought to allay those concerns and pushed back against the idea that the state was neglecting its own needs.
“It was the right thing to do, and it was the responsible thing to do as Americans,” he said. “We can’t just sit on assets when we could save lives in other states.”“It was the right thing to do, and it was the responsible thing to do as Americans,” he said. “We can’t just sit on assets when we could save lives in other states.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who allowed spring break vacationers to socialize on Florida’s beaches long after most of the country had been locked down and only issued a “shelter at home” order starting on April 3, falsely claimed on Thursday that the virus had not killed anyone in the country under the age of 25.
“This particular pandemic is one where, I don’t think nationwide there’s been a single fatality under 25,” Mr. DeSantis said during a public meeting with the state’s educators. “For whatever reason, it just doesn’t seem to threaten, you know, kids.”
A preliminary study on the first wave of cases by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that 2,572 of the nearly 150,000 confirmed cases reported in the United States between Feb. 12 and April 2 were patients under 18. At least three children have died, the research found. And there were significant gaps in the data. For instance, not all hospital visits were documented.
While less likely to become seriously ill, children can still contract the virus and spread it to people who are more vulnerable.
Of the 745 cases with data on whether the child was hospitalized, 147 children — about a fifth — were reported to have been hospitalized. Among adults, that rate is about a third, the study said.
Mr. DeSantis is one of a number of Republican lawmakers who have actively resisted following the consensus of the country’s leading public health experts.
When the federal government began rushing trillions of dollars of assistance to Americans crushed by the pandemic, the hope was that some of the aid would allow businesses to keep workers on the payroll and cushion employees against job losses.When the federal government began rushing trillions of dollars of assistance to Americans crushed by the pandemic, the hope was that some of the aid would allow businesses to keep workers on the payroll and cushion employees against job losses.
But so far, a staggering number of Americans — more than 16 million — have lost their jobs amid the outbreak. Businesses continue to fail as retailers, restaurants, nail salons and other companies across the country run out of cash and close up shop.But so far, a staggering number of Americans — more than 16 million — have lost their jobs amid the outbreak. Businesses continue to fail as retailers, restaurants, nail salons and other companies across the country run out of cash and close up shop.
There is a growing agreement among many economists that the government’s efforts were too small and came too late in the fast-moving pandemic to prevent businesses from abandoning their workers. Federal agencies, working in a prescribed partnership with Wall Street, have proved ill equipped to move money quickly to the places it is needed most.There is a growing agreement among many economists that the government’s efforts were too small and came too late in the fast-moving pandemic to prevent businesses from abandoning their workers. Federal agencies, working in a prescribed partnership with Wall Street, have proved ill equipped to move money quickly to the places it is needed most.
Flooded by requests for help like never before, a federal program that was supposed to deliver emergency relief to small businesses in just three days has run low on funding and nearly frozen up entirely.Flooded by requests for help like never before, a federal program that was supposed to deliver emergency relief to small businesses in just three days has run low on funding and nearly frozen up entirely.
The initiative, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, is an expansion of an emergency system run by the Small Business Administration that has for years helped companies after natural disasters like hurricanes, floods and tornadoes.The initiative, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, is an expansion of an emergency system run by the Small Business Administration that has for years helped companies after natural disasters like hurricanes, floods and tornadoes.
But in the face of the pandemic, the loan program is drowning in requests. Many applicants have waited weeks for approval, and while the program is supposed to offer loans up to $2 million, many recent applicants said the S.B.A. help line had told them that loans would be capped at $15,000 per borrower.But in the face of the pandemic, the loan program is drowning in requests. Many applicants have waited weeks for approval, and while the program is supposed to offer loans up to $2 million, many recent applicants said the S.B.A. help line had told them that loans would be capped at $15,000 per borrower.
In a sign of how the coronavirus pandemic has changed the face of Congress, Representative Don Beyer, Democrat of Virginia, gaveled in a procedural session of the House on Friday morning wearing latex gloves and a brown cloth mask obscuring his entire face up to his eyes.In a sign of how the coronavirus pandemic has changed the face of Congress, Representative Don Beyer, Democrat of Virginia, gaveled in a procedural session of the House on Friday morning wearing latex gloves and a brown cloth mask obscuring his entire face up to his eyes.
“It’s not my normal look but we are not living in normal times,” Mr. Beyer said on Twitter, where he posted a screen grab from C-Span showing him on the House rostrum holding the gavel, a large American flag behind him, wearing the protective gear. “Those who would lead must do first by example.”“It’s not my normal look but we are not living in normal times,” Mr. Beyer said on Twitter, where he posted a screen grab from C-Span showing him on the House rostrum holding the gavel, a large American flag behind him, wearing the protective gear. “Those who would lead must do first by example.”
Even as public health officials recommend that people wear masks to guard against transmission of Covid-19, President Trump has said he is not interested in wearing one, telling reporters that he could not see himself sitting at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office in such equipment. “Somehow, I don’t see it for myself,” Mr. Trump said. “I just don’t.” (His wife Melania, however, tweeted a picture of herself on Thursday wearing a medical mask and noting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was advising people to cover their faces.)Even as public health officials recommend that people wear masks to guard against transmission of Covid-19, President Trump has said he is not interested in wearing one, telling reporters that he could not see himself sitting at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office in such equipment. “Somehow, I don’t see it for myself,” Mr. Trump said. “I just don’t.” (His wife Melania, however, tweeted a picture of herself on Thursday wearing a medical mask and noting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was advising people to cover their faces.)
Mr. Beyer previously self-isolated last month as a precaution after possible exposure to someone with the coronavirus. He said the mask he wore on Friday, which had coffee filters inside, was made by his daughter. His decision to wear it reflected the concerns lawmakers have about returning to Washington for legislative business at a time when experts have recommended avoiding traveling or congregating in large groups.Mr. Beyer previously self-isolated last month as a precaution after possible exposure to someone with the coronavirus. He said the mask he wore on Friday, which had coffee filters inside, was made by his daughter. His decision to wear it reflected the concerns lawmakers have about returning to Washington for legislative business at a time when experts have recommended avoiding traveling or congregating in large groups.
While Congress is scheduled to return on April 20, lawmakers in both chambers have suggested in recent days that the meeting may get pushed back.While Congress is scheduled to return on April 20, lawmakers in both chambers have suggested in recent days that the meeting may get pushed back.
Representative Brad Sherman, Democrat of California, who oversaw the last procedural session in the House on Tuesday, took a similar precaution, wearing a black mask made by his 11-year-old daughter, Molly. Mr. Sherman did not wear gloves during his brief moments of presiding over the chamber.Representative Brad Sherman, Democrat of California, who oversaw the last procedural session in the House on Tuesday, took a similar precaution, wearing a black mask made by his 11-year-old daughter, Molly. Mr. Sherman did not wear gloves during his brief moments of presiding over the chamber.
His whole family back in Myanmar depended on him. But Ko Zaw Win Tun, one of an estimated four million migrant workers in Thailand, lost his job at a Bangkok toy store when the city went into a lockdown.His whole family back in Myanmar depended on him. But Ko Zaw Win Tun, one of an estimated four million migrant workers in Thailand, lost his job at a Bangkok toy store when the city went into a lockdown.
With little hope of a new job there, Mr. Zaw Win Tun, 24, joined the crowds of workers rushing home to Myanmar, traveling by packed bus, plane and car to reach his hometown, Kyaukme, in the country’s north.With little hope of a new job there, Mr. Zaw Win Tun, 24, joined the crowds of workers rushing home to Myanmar, traveling by packed bus, plane and car to reach his hometown, Kyaukme, in the country’s north.
The morning after he returned, the fever set in. A test for the virus came back positive.The morning after he returned, the fever set in. A test for the virus came back positive.
The virus spread early through international travelers: tourists, worshipers, conference attendees and members of the business elite. But nearly 200 million migrant workers also travel across national borders, according to the International Labor Organization. About 760 million more move within their countries, more than 40 million in India alone.The virus spread early through international travelers: tourists, worshipers, conference attendees and members of the business elite. But nearly 200 million migrant workers also travel across national borders, according to the International Labor Organization. About 760 million more move within their countries, more than 40 million in India alone.
Lacking basic rights and marooned in unfamiliar places, migrant workers are usually the first in the labor force to be hit by an economic downturn. Now, as the coronavirus disease, Covid-19, spreads across the globe, migrant workers are not only victims but also vectors, taking the epidemic to villages ill equipped to deal with a health crisis.Lacking basic rights and marooned in unfamiliar places, migrant workers are usually the first in the labor force to be hit by an economic downturn. Now, as the coronavirus disease, Covid-19, spreads across the globe, migrant workers are not only victims but also vectors, taking the epidemic to villages ill equipped to deal with a health crisis.
“When the virus attacks people who are vulnerable like me, I feel like there is no help for us,” Mr. Zaw Win Tun said from his hospital bed.“When the virus attacks people who are vulnerable like me, I feel like there is no help for us,” Mr. Zaw Win Tun said from his hospital bed.
Three tubs of absentee ballots that never reached voters were discovered in a postal center outside Milwaukee. At least 9,000 absentee ballots requested by voters were never sent, and others recorded as sent were never received. Even when voters did return their completed ballots in the mail, thousands were postmarked too late to count — or not at all.
Cracks in Wisconsin’s vote-by-mail operation are now emerging after the state’s scramble to expand that effort on the fly for voters who feared going to the polls in Tuesday’s elections. The takeaways — that the election network and the Postal Service were pushed to the brink of their capabilities, and that mistakes were clearly made — are instructive for other states if they choose to broaden vote-by-mail methods without sufficient time, money and planning.
Wearing a face covering takes some adjustment. To get the most benefit, you need to wear it consistently and correctly. Here are some pointers.Wearing a face covering takes some adjustment. To get the most benefit, you need to wear it consistently and correctly. Here are some pointers.
Reporting contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, William K. Rashbaum, Ali Watkins, Marc Santora, Tim Arango, Hannah Beech, Nick Corasaniti, Stacy Cowley, Stephanie Saul, Matt Stevens, Jim Tankersley, Elizabeth Williamson, Peter S. Goodman, Katie Thomas, Sui-Lee Wee, Jeffrey Gettleman, Elizabeth Dias, Brian Wollitz and Ali DeFazio. Reporting contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Andy Newman, Matthew Haag, William K. Rashbaum, Ali Watkins, Marc Santora, Tim Arango, Hannah Beech, Nick Corasaniti, Stacy Cowley, Stephanie Saul, Matt Stevens, Adeel Hassan, Jim Tankersley, Elizabeth Williamson, Peter S. Goodman, Katie Thomas, Sui-Lee Wee, Jeffrey Gettleman, Elizabeth Dias, Brian Wollitz and Ali DeFazi.