This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/10/us/coronavirus-today.html

The article has changed 28 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 9 Version 10
Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
(1 day later)
This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
The global death toll surpassed 100,000, with more than 1.6 million confirmed cases.The global death toll surpassed 100,000, with more than 1.6 million confirmed cases.
President Trump called the question of when to relax social distancing guidelines “the biggest decision I’ll ever make.”President Trump called the question of when to relax social distancing guidelines “the biggest decision I’ll ever make.”
The World Health Organization will soon begin large-scale antibody testing in multiple countries.The World Health Organization will soon begin large-scale antibody testing in multiple countries.
Read the latest updates: World | U.S. | New York | BusinessRead the latest updates: World | U.S. | New York | Business
New federal projections show that stay-at-home orders, school closures and social distancing greatly reduce infections of the coronavirus. But if the restrictions are lifted after 30 days, experts say, it would lead to a drastic spike in cases.New federal projections show that stay-at-home orders, school closures and social distancing greatly reduce infections of the coronavirus. But if the restrictions are lifted after 30 days, experts say, it would lead to a drastic spike in cases.
For states like New York, Massachusetts and Illinois, which ordered restrictions in late March, that spike would come in mid- to late summer, according to the projections.For states like New York, Massachusetts and Illinois, which ordered restrictions in late March, that spike would come in mid- to late summer, according to the projections.
“It’s important to remember this is not the time to feel that, since we have made such important advance in the success of the mitigation, that we need to be pulling back at all,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, an infectious disease expert and member of the White House’s coronavirus task force, said on Friday.“It’s important to remember this is not the time to feel that, since we have made such important advance in the success of the mitigation, that we need to be pulling back at all,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, an infectious disease expert and member of the White House’s coronavirus task force, said on Friday.
The projections, which were prepared by the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, offer a sobering argument for continued restrictions:The projections, which were prepared by the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, offer a sobering argument for continued restrictions:
Without any mitigation, the projection says, the death toll from the coronavirus could have reached 300,000.Without any mitigation, the projection says, the death toll from the coronavirus could have reached 300,000.
If officials lift stay-at-home orders after 30 days, the death total is estimated to reach 200,000 — even if schools remain closed, people work remotely and social distancing continues.If officials lift stay-at-home orders after 30 days, the death total is estimated to reach 200,000 — even if schools remain closed, people work remotely and social distancing continues.
The restrictions must be lifted eventually, of course, and Dr. Fauci noted that an increase in cases would undoubtedly follow. But the new projections show how crucial the timing will be.The restrictions must be lifted eventually, of course, and Dr. Fauci noted that an increase in cases would undoubtedly follow. But the new projections show how crucial the timing will be.
“The facts are going to determine what we do,” President Trump, who has been eager to restart the economy, said on Friday. “We hope we’re going to be able to fulfill a certain date. But we’re not doing anything until we know that this country is going to be healthy. We don’t want to go back and start doing it over again.”“The facts are going to determine what we do,” President Trump, who has been eager to restart the economy, said on Friday. “We hope we’re going to be able to fulfill a certain date. But we’re not doing anything until we know that this country is going to be healthy. We don’t want to go back and start doing it over again.”
If not now, when? The Times Magazine asked five experts — including a bioethicist, an economist and a civil rights leader — about the moral and ethical considerations that will go into deciding to resume the usual rhythms of American life.If not now, when? The Times Magazine asked five experts — including a bioethicist, an economist and a civil rights leader — about the moral and ethical considerations that will go into deciding to resume the usual rhythms of American life.
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.
While much of the world has put draconian measures in place to fight outbreaks, South Korea and Iceland have avoided doing so — and found a degree of normalcy that remains a distant dream for most countries.While much of the world has put draconian measures in place to fight outbreaks, South Korea and Iceland have avoided doing so — and found a degree of normalcy that remains a distant dream for most countries.
South Korea’s success managing the epidemic is well-known: After an initial explosion of cases, it employed swift, widespread testing and contact tracing. There are now fewer than 50 new confirmed cases a day.South Korea’s success managing the epidemic is well-known: After an initial explosion of cases, it employed swift, widespread testing and contact tracing. There are now fewer than 50 new confirmed cases a day.
The country has made so much progress that on Friday, it proceeded with a nationwide election. Unlike in this week’s Wisconsin primary, polling stations in South Korea all followed extensive precautions: After voters waited at three-foot intervals, and they were required to have their temperatures taken, use hand sanitizer and don disposable gloves to cast a ballot.The country has made so much progress that on Friday, it proceeded with a nationwide election. Unlike in this week’s Wisconsin primary, polling stations in South Korea all followed extensive precautions: After voters waited at three-foot intervals, and they were required to have their temperatures taken, use hand sanitizer and don disposable gloves to cast a ballot.
Iceland, whose outbreak started much later than South Korea’s, is trying to follow a similar path — with the goal of testing every single person in the country.Iceland, whose outbreak started much later than South Korea’s, is trying to follow a similar path — with the goal of testing every single person in the country.
Primary schools, day care centers and some restaurants remain open, and tourists are still allowed to enter. About a tenth of the Nordic island’s 360,000 residents had been tested as of Wednesday morning.Primary schools, day care centers and some restaurants remain open, and tourists are still allowed to enter. About a tenth of the Nordic island’s 360,000 residents had been tested as of Wednesday morning.
Critics say there are not enough resources to test the whole country expediently, and many have warned that a false sense of optimism could bring disastrous consequences.Critics say there are not enough resources to test the whole country expediently, and many have warned that a false sense of optimism could bring disastrous consequences.
But the assistant to Iceland’s director of health has said officials believe that the case count — 1,675 — has already peaked and that more people are now recovering than getting infected.But the assistant to Iceland’s director of health has said officials believe that the case count — 1,675 — has already peaked and that more people are now recovering than getting infected.
Determining when Americans will be able to go back to school or work could depend on something called an antibody test. Here’s what we know — and what we don’t — about these tests.Determining when Americans will be able to go back to school or work could depend on something called an antibody test. Here’s what we know — and what we don’t — about these tests.
What is an antibody test?What is an antibody test?
When your body encounters a virus, it triggers an immune response and produces antibodies. The test looks for signs of that response — in this case, the antibodies that appear to fight the coronavirus.When your body encounters a virus, it triggers an immune response and produces antibodies. The test looks for signs of that response — in this case, the antibodies that appear to fight the coronavirus.
I’m pretty sure I had the coronavirus already. Can I take a test and go back to work?I’m pretty sure I had the coronavirus already. Can I take a test and go back to work?
Not yet. Most of these tests offer a simple yes-no answer to the question of who has antibodies. But simply having antibodies does not guarantee immunity — if you had mild or no symptoms, for example, you might not have developed antibodies strong enough to prevent reinfection.Not yet. Most of these tests offer a simple yes-no answer to the question of who has antibodies. But simply having antibodies does not guarantee immunity — if you had mild or no symptoms, for example, you might not have developed antibodies strong enough to prevent reinfection.
When will these tests be widely available?When will these tests be widely available?
Dr. Fauci said on CNN this morning that more would be available in the U.S. within a week or so, and the World Health Organization is planning to test large numbers of people in multiple countries. Some tests are already available, particularly in research projects and hospitals, but it’s unclear how reliable they are.Dr. Fauci said on CNN this morning that more would be available in the U.S. within a week or so, and the World Health Organization is planning to test large numbers of people in multiple countries. Some tests are already available, particularly in research projects and hospitals, but it’s unclear how reliable they are.
How long would immunity last?How long would immunity last?
We don’t know. But if the coronavirus is like other viruses, it could be anywhere from one to eight years.We don’t know. But if the coronavirus is like other viruses, it could be anywhere from one to eight years.
Updated June 30, 2020
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.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
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.
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.
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 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.
More than 7,800 deaths have been reported in New York State, but the actual tally is most likely much higher, as many home deaths go uncounted. In New York City, some victims are being buried in mass graves as morgues become overwhelmed.More than 7,800 deaths have been reported in New York State, but the actual tally is most likely much higher, as many home deaths go uncounted. In New York City, some victims are being buried in mass graves as morgues become overwhelmed.
Michigan — the third hardest-hit state, with 21,375 cases — will ban travel between homes beginning Saturday.Michigan — the third hardest-hit state, with 21,375 cases — will ban travel between homes beginning Saturday.
Yemen reported its first case. It could be particularly vulnerable to the crisis, as its economy and health infrastructure have been ravaged by five years of war.Yemen reported its first case. It could be particularly vulnerable to the crisis, as its economy and health infrastructure have been ravaged by five years of war.
After months of denial, Russia admitted to a surge in cases: In Moscow, the number more than doubled over the past week to 6,500, pushing its health care system to the limit.After months of denial, Russia admitted to a surge in cases: In Moscow, the number more than doubled over the past week to 6,500, pushing its health care system to the limit.
Entertain yourself: Our culture writers offer suggestions on music, theater and more to experience at home this weekend.Entertain yourself: Our culture writers offer suggestions on music, theater and more to experience at home this weekend.
Don’t fall for these myths: Gloves won’t protect you as well as you might think, and there’s no need to stock up on vitamin C.Don’t fall for these myths: Gloves won’t protect you as well as you might think, and there’s no need to stock up on vitamin C.
Host a family meeting: Does everyone in your household dislike everyone else now? Maybe it’s time for a family meeting. Here’s how to host a successful one.Host a family meeting: Does everyone in your household dislike everyone else now? Maybe it’s time for a family meeting. Here’s how to host a successful one.
Wear a face mask while you run: Even though outdoor exercise is probably safe with or without a mask, most of us probably should cover our faces. Our Ask Well column answered more questions about working out and face masks.Wear a face mask while you run: Even though outdoor exercise is probably safe with or without a mask, most of us probably should cover our faces. Our Ask Well column answered more questions about working out and face masks.
The Times is collecting the stories of people who have died in the pandemic. Here are a few from this week.The Times is collecting the stories of people who have died in the pandemic. Here are a few from this week.
John Prine, 73: The raspy-voiced country-folk singer was a favorite of Bob Dylan.John Prine, 73: The raspy-voiced country-folk singer was a favorite of Bob Dylan.
Sandra Santos-Vizcaino, 54: She was one of the most beloved instructors at Public School 9 in Brooklyn.Sandra Santos-Vizcaino, 54: She was one of the most beloved instructors at Public School 9 in Brooklyn.
David C. Driskell, 88: The artist, art historian and curator was pivotal in bringing recognition to African-American art.David C. Driskell, 88: The artist, art historian and curator was pivotal in bringing recognition to African-American art.
Apple and Google say they are teaming up to create smartphone software that would tell people if they were in recent contact with someone who was infected with the virus.Apple and Google say they are teaming up to create smartphone software that would tell people if they were in recent contact with someone who was infected with the virus.
Americans were already struggling before the pandemic, and things could get even worse now, The Times’s new Opinion series argues. These charts explain why.Americans were already struggling before the pandemic, and things could get even worse now, The Times’s new Opinion series argues. These charts explain why.
The two recently passed federal relief packages have provisions for the self-employed, including expanded unemployment insurance, credits for sick leave and delayed tax payments.The two recently passed federal relief packages have provisions for the self-employed, including expanded unemployment insurance, credits for sick leave and delayed tax payments.
A mostly virtual Easter is expected this Sunday, but some congregations plan to defy stay-at-home orders.A mostly virtual Easter is expected this Sunday, but some congregations plan to defy stay-at-home orders.
Grocery stores are struggling to keep eggs on the shelves ahead of Easter as quarantined Americans stockpile and “stress bake,” Axios reports.Grocery stores are struggling to keep eggs on the shelves ahead of Easter as quarantined Americans stockpile and “stress bake,” Axios reports.
Some heartwarming news: Students and older people in isolation are forging connections and fighting boredom through pen-pal programs.Some heartwarming news: Students and older people in isolation are forging connections and fighting boredom through pen-pal programs.
While walking my dog in the evenings after work, I’ve begun to greet everyone I see, whether I know them or not. I shout a loud “good evening” to passers-by and those out in their yards or simply sitting on their porches. Every car that goes by gets a smile and a wave. We all now have one stitch of commonality, and these simple actions are my way of putting aside all of our other petty differences and saying that together, we will get through this.While walking my dog in the evenings after work, I’ve begun to greet everyone I see, whether I know them or not. I shout a loud “good evening” to passers-by and those out in their yards or simply sitting on their porches. Every car that goes by gets a smile and a wave. We all now have one stitch of commonality, and these simple actions are my way of putting aside all of our other petty differences and saying that together, we will get through this.
— Ann D. Baus, La Crosse, Kan.— Ann D. Baus, La Crosse, Kan.
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
Sign up here to get the briefing by email.Sign up here to get the briefing by email.