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Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. States Call for More Testing; White House Pushes Back Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. States Call for More Testing; White House Pushes Back
(32 minutes later)
State governors facing growing pressure to revive economies stalled by the coronavirus said on Sunday that a shortage of tests was among the most significant hurdles in the way of lifting restrictions in their states.State governors facing growing pressure to revive economies stalled by the coronavirus said on Sunday that a shortage of tests was among the most significant hurdles in the way of lifting restrictions in their states.
“We are fighting a biological war,” Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia, a Democrat, said on “State of the Union” on CNN, adding that governors have been forced “to fight that war without the supplies we need.”“We are fighting a biological war,” Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia, a Democrat, said on “State of the Union” on CNN, adding that governors have been forced “to fight that war without the supplies we need.”
In interviews on Sunday morning talk shows, governors acknowledged the sweeping economic anguish that has been unleashed by the pandemic, but they continued to stress that limiting the spread of the virus was their highest priority.In interviews on Sunday morning talk shows, governors acknowledged the sweeping economic anguish that has been unleashed by the pandemic, but they continued to stress that limiting the spread of the virus was their highest priority.
“My goal is to try to get us to open as quickly as we possibly can, but in a safe way,” Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican.“My goal is to try to get us to open as quickly as we possibly can, but in a safe way,” Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican.
“As tough as this moment is,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, a Democrat, “it would be devastating to have a second wave.”“As tough as this moment is,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, a Democrat, “it would be devastating to have a second wave.”
The governors challenged remarks by Vice President Mike Pence during a briefing on Friday where he said that “we have a sufficient amount of testing to meet the requirements of Phase One reopening if state governors choose to do that.”The governors challenged remarks by Vice President Mike Pence during a briefing on Friday where he said that “we have a sufficient amount of testing to meet the requirements of Phase One reopening if state governors choose to do that.”
Mr. Northam called the assertion “delusional,” saying that Virginia lacks swabs needed to conduct the tests. In Michigan, Ms. Whitmer said, the state could handle “double or triple” the number of tests “if we had the swabs or reagents.” Mr. Hogan said that it was “absolutely false” to claim that governors were not acting aggressively enough to pursue as much testing as possible.Mr. Northam called the assertion “delusional,” saying that Virginia lacks swabs needed to conduct the tests. In Michigan, Ms. Whitmer said, the state could handle “double or triple” the number of tests “if we had the swabs or reagents.” Mr. Hogan said that it was “absolutely false” to claim that governors were not acting aggressively enough to pursue as much testing as possible.
“It’s not accurate to say there’s plenty of testing out there and the governors should just get it done,” Mr. Hogan said. “That’s not being straightforward.”“It’s not accurate to say there’s plenty of testing out there and the governors should just get it done,” Mr. Hogan said. “That’s not being straightforward.”
Dr. Deborah Birx, the coronavirus response coordinator for the White House, pushed back Sunday against criticism that the nation was not testing nearly enough people for the coronavirus, saying that not every community needs high levels of testing and that tens of thousands of test results were probably not being reported.Dr. Deborah Birx, the coronavirus response coordinator for the White House, pushed back Sunday against criticism that the nation was not testing nearly enough people for the coronavirus, saying that not every community needs high levels of testing and that tens of thousands of test results were probably not being reported.
“We need to predict community by community the testing that is needed,” Dr. Birx said on the CBS program “Face the Nation.” “Each will have a different testing need, and that’s what we’re calculating now.”“We need to predict community by community the testing that is needed,” Dr. Birx said on the CBS program “Face the Nation.” “Each will have a different testing need, and that’s what we’re calculating now.”
On the ABC program “This Week,” Dr. Birx said she thought statistics on testing were incomplete: “When you look at the number of cases that have been diagnosed, you realize that there’s probably 30,000 to 50,000 additional tests being done that aren’t being reported right now.”On the ABC program “This Week,” Dr. Birx said she thought statistics on testing were incomplete: “When you look at the number of cases that have been diagnosed, you realize that there’s probably 30,000 to 50,000 additional tests being done that aren’t being reported right now.”
There are currently about 150,000 diagnostic tests conducted each day, according to the Covid Tracking Project. Researchers at Harvard estimated last week that in order to ease restrictions, the nation needed to at least triple that pace of testing.There are currently about 150,000 diagnostic tests conducted each day, according to the Covid Tracking Project. Researchers at Harvard estimated last week that in order to ease restrictions, the nation needed to at least triple that pace of testing.
When the host of “This Week,” George Stephanopoulos, asked Dr. Birx about that estimate, she said current testing levels were adequate. “We believe it’s been enough in a whole series of the outbreak areas — when you see how Detroit has been able to test, Louisiana, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey,” Dr. Birx said.When the host of “This Week,” George Stephanopoulos, asked Dr. Birx about that estimate, she said current testing levels were adequate. “We believe it’s been enough in a whole series of the outbreak areas — when you see how Detroit has been able to test, Louisiana, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey,” Dr. Birx said.
Shortages of supplies have restricted the pace of testing, according to commercial laboratories. Dr. Birx said that a team at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center was calling hundreds of labs around the country to determine exactly what supplies they need “to turn on full capacity, which we believe will double the number of tests that are available for Americans.”Shortages of supplies have restricted the pace of testing, according to commercial laboratories. Dr. Birx said that a team at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center was calling hundreds of labs around the country to determine exactly what supplies they need “to turn on full capacity, which we believe will double the number of tests that are available for Americans.”
Health experts and governors in a number of hard-hit states, including New York and New Jersey, have been insisting that much more widespread testing was needed before social distancing restrictions could be relaxed, even as President Trump has encouraged people in some states to rebel against lockdowns and governors considered easing social distancing restrictions.Health experts and governors in a number of hard-hit states, including New York and New Jersey, have been insisting that much more widespread testing was needed before social distancing restrictions could be relaxed, even as President Trump has encouraged people in some states to rebel against lockdowns and governors considered easing social distancing restrictions.
“I’m not asking the federal government to do more than they need to,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Saturday. “But we do need their coordination. We need their partnership.”“I’m not asking the federal government to do more than they need to,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Saturday. “But we do need their coordination. We need their partnership.”
Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey has said he would be “the happiest guy” if he were able to start reopening the state on June 1. But last week he told “Powerhouse Politics,” an ABC News podcast, that he and other governors in the region needed the federal government’s assistance to carry out broad testing and to trace the contact that infected people have had with others.Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey has said he would be “the happiest guy” if he were able to start reopening the state on June 1. But last week he told “Powerhouse Politics,” an ABC News podcast, that he and other governors in the region needed the federal government’s assistance to carry out broad testing and to trace the contact that infected people have had with others.
Mr. Cuomo noted that 36 of New York’s newly reported deaths were at nursing homes, which he described as “the single biggest fear in all of this.” New Jersey’s health commissioner said 40 percent of the state’s 4,070 coronavirus-related deaths had occurred at long-term care facilities, which have been overwhelmed by the virus.Mr. Cuomo noted that 36 of New York’s newly reported deaths were at nursing homes, which he described as “the single biggest fear in all of this.” New Jersey’s health commissioner said 40 percent of the state’s 4,070 coronavirus-related deaths had occurred at long-term care facilities, which have been overwhelmed by the virus.
To reopen the country by mid-May, the Harvard estimates suggest that 500,000 to 700,000 tests a day would be needed in order to identify most people who are infected and isolate them from people who are healthy.To reopen the country by mid-May, the Harvard estimates suggest that 500,000 to 700,000 tests a day would be needed in order to identify most people who are infected and isolate them from people who are healthy.
Governor Murphy called the federal government an “indispensable partner” in stopping the pandemic. “So we’ve got to find common ground,” he said.Governor Murphy called the federal government an “indispensable partner” in stopping the pandemic. “So we’ve got to find common ground,” he said.
But Vice President Mike Pence defended the administration’s position that the federal government should not take the lead on testing across the nation, even in the face of pressure from governors. On the NBC program “Meet the Press,” Mr. Pence said “there is a sufficient capacity of testing across the country today for any state in America to go to a phase one level” of reopening.But Vice President Mike Pence defended the administration’s position that the federal government should not take the lead on testing across the nation, even in the face of pressure from governors. On the NBC program “Meet the Press,” Mr. Pence said “there is a sufficient capacity of testing across the country today for any state in America to go to a phase one level” of reopening.
Dr. Birx also raised questions about the accuracy of some of the test results being reported, saying: “These are very good tests, but if you utilize them in what we call very low-prevalence states where there’s no evidence of Covid-19 you can both have false negatives and false positives.”Dr. Birx also raised questions about the accuracy of some of the test results being reported, saying: “These are very good tests, but if you utilize them in what we call very low-prevalence states where there’s no evidence of Covid-19 you can both have false negatives and false positives.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, said on Sunday they were nearing agreement with the White House to break a political logjam and provide more emergency aid for small businesses and hospitals, as well as to expand testing.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, said on Sunday they were nearing agreement with the White House to break a political logjam and provide more emergency aid for small businesses and hospitals, as well as to expand testing.
On the ABC program “This Week,” Ms. Pelosi said the two sides were “very close to agreement.” The $349 billion small-business emergency fund ran out of money last week, and Republicans and Democrats have been negotiating over the weekend about the terms for replenishing it. On the ABC program “This Week,” Ms. Pelosi said the two sides were “very close to agreement.”
Mr. Schumer said a deal could come as soon as Sunday night. “We’ve made very good progress, and I’m very hopeful we could come to an agreement tonight or early tomorrow morning,” Mr. Schumer said on the CNN program “State of the Union.” He added that many of the Democrats’ requests, including money for testing and hospitals, “they’re going along with, so we feel pretty good.”Mr. Schumer said a deal could come as soon as Sunday night. “We’ve made very good progress, and I’m very hopeful we could come to an agreement tonight or early tomorrow morning,” Mr. Schumer said on the CNN program “State of the Union.” He added that many of the Democrats’ requests, including money for testing and hospitals, “they’re going along with, so we feel pretty good.”
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on CNN Sunday that he was hopeful that the Senate could pass legislation as soon as Monday and that the House would take it up for a vote on Tuesday.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on CNN Sunday that he was hopeful that the Senate could pass legislation as soon as Monday and that the House would take it up for a vote on Tuesday.
The bill would include $300 billion to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program, $50 billion for the Small Business Administration’s disaster relief fund, $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing. Democrats wanted the plan to also include money for states and municipalities; Mr. Mnuchin said that would be included in a future relief package.The bill would include $300 billion to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program, $50 billion for the Small Business Administration’s disaster relief fund, $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing. Democrats wanted the plan to also include money for states and municipalities; Mr. Mnuchin said that would be included in a future relief package.
The $349 billion small-business emergency fund ran out of money last week, and Republicans and Democrats have been negotiating over the weekend about the terms for replenishing it. Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York derided President Trump on Sunday for failing to speak out about federal aid to municipalities that are struggling to cope with the pandemic.
“What’s going on? Cat got your tongue?” Mr. de Blasio said during his daily briefing. “You’re usually really talkative. You usually have an opinion on everything. How on earth do you not have an opinion on aid to American cities and states?”
The mayor, who said earlier in the week that New York City would have to slash more than $2 billion in municipal services over the next year, compared President Trump’s silence with President Gerald Ford’s dismissal of New York City’s plight during the fiscal crisis of the 1970s.
“There was that famous Daily News cover that said ‘Ford to City: Drop Dread,’” Mr. de Blasio said. “So my question is, Mr. Trump, Mr. President, are you going to save New York City or are you telling New York City to drop dead? Which one is it?”
“You are failing to protect the very people you grew up around,” Mr. de Blasio added.
After the coronavirus shut down America’s education system, districts fortified their school meals programs to ensure that their most needy students would stay fed. One month in, school leaders realize that the federal programs set up to subsidize meals for tens of millions of students cannot meet the demands of an emergency that has turned their cafeterias into food banks and community kitchens.After the coronavirus shut down America’s education system, districts fortified their school meals programs to ensure that their most needy students would stay fed. One month in, school leaders realize that the federal programs set up to subsidize meals for tens of millions of students cannot meet the demands of an emergency that has turned their cafeterias into food banks and community kitchens.
Several districts are now feeding adults and sending days’ worth of food home for entire families. And they are doing so at a cost that under federal rules they will not recoup.Several districts are now feeding adults and sending days’ worth of food home for entire families. And they are doing so at a cost that under federal rules they will not recoup.
The nation’s 12 largest school districts will spend $12 million to $19 million through the end of June to meet the demands of their pandemic meals operations, estimated Katie Wilson, the executive director of the Urban School Food Alliance, whose members include large urban districts in Los Angeles, Baltimore, New York and Chicago.The nation’s 12 largest school districts will spend $12 million to $19 million through the end of June to meet the demands of their pandemic meals operations, estimated Katie Wilson, the executive director of the Urban School Food Alliance, whose members include large urban districts in Los Angeles, Baltimore, New York and Chicago.
The organization, which is pleading for relief from Congress, the Agriculture Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has also set up a donation page to help districts cover costs.The organization, which is pleading for relief from Congress, the Agriculture Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has also set up a donation page to help districts cover costs.
“Every one of these schools that has their doors open are literally heroes on the front line,” Ms. Wilson said. “Food workers are now first responders.”“Every one of these schools that has their doors open are literally heroes on the front line,” Ms. Wilson said. “Food workers are now first responders.”
The coronavirus pandemic has hit African-Americans and Hispanics especially hard, including in New York, where the virus is twice as deadly for those populations. So in the midst of a national quarantine, civil rights activists are organizing campaigns at home from their laptops and cellphones.The coronavirus pandemic has hit African-Americans and Hispanics especially hard, including in New York, where the virus is twice as deadly for those populations. So in the midst of a national quarantine, civil rights activists are organizing campaigns at home from their laptops and cellphones.
Collectively, the goals are targeted legislation, financial investments, and government and corporate accountability. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the longtime civil rights leader, is calling for the creation of a new Kerner Commission to document the “racism and discrimination built into public policies” that make the pandemic measurably worse for some African-Americans.Collectively, the goals are targeted legislation, financial investments, and government and corporate accountability. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the longtime civil rights leader, is calling for the creation of a new Kerner Commission to document the “racism and discrimination built into public policies” that make the pandemic measurably worse for some African-Americans.
“It’s really hard to overstate the critical moment we are in as a people, given how this virus has ripped through our community,” said Rashad Robinson, the president of Color of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization with 1.7 million members. “We know the pain will not be shared equally.”“It’s really hard to overstate the critical moment we are in as a people, given how this virus has ripped through our community,” said Rashad Robinson, the president of Color of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization with 1.7 million members. “We know the pain will not be shared equally.”
Mr. Robinson’s organization and others, such as the National Urban League and the N.A.A.C.P., have hosted telephone and virtual town halls, drafted state and federal policy recommendations and sent letters to legislators.Mr. Robinson’s organization and others, such as the National Urban League and the N.A.A.C.P., have hosted telephone and virtual town halls, drafted state and federal policy recommendations and sent letters to legislators.
Smaller local groups are working around social distancing restrictions to rally support. And across the country, individuals are making direct pleas for all to help slow the outbreak’s spread.Smaller local groups are working around social distancing restrictions to rally support. And across the country, individuals are making direct pleas for all to help slow the outbreak’s spread.
“I am trying to sound the alarm because I see the devastation in the black community,” Michael Fowler, the coroner of Dougherty County, said hours after the Georgia county’s 91st Covid-19 death. “Preachers, a judge, a church choir member, all walks of life are dying. My job is to pronounce death, but I believe in trying to save lives.”“I am trying to sound the alarm because I see the devastation in the black community,” Michael Fowler, the coroner of Dougherty County, said hours after the Georgia county’s 91st Covid-19 death. “Preachers, a judge, a church choir member, all walks of life are dying. My job is to pronounce death, but I believe in trying to save lives.”
When can people safely emerge from their homes? How long, realistically, before there is a coronavirus treatment or vaccine? How can the virus be kept at bay?When can people safely emerge from their homes? How long, realistically, before there is a coronavirus treatment or vaccine? How can the virus be kept at bay?
More than 20 experts in public health, medicine, epidemiology and history shared their thoughts on the future during in-depth interviews with The New York Times.More than 20 experts in public health, medicine, epidemiology and history shared their thoughts on the future during in-depth interviews with The New York Times.
Some said that American ingenuity, once fully engaged, might produce advances to ease the burdens. Several saw a path forward that depends on factors that are difficult but possible: a carefully staggered approach to reopening, widespread coronavirus testing and tracking, a treatment that works, adequate resources for health care providers — and eventually an effective vaccine.Some said that American ingenuity, once fully engaged, might produce advances to ease the burdens. Several saw a path forward that depends on factors that are difficult but possible: a carefully staggered approach to reopening, widespread coronavirus testing and tracking, a treatment that works, adequate resources for health care providers — and eventually an effective vaccine.
“My optimistic side says the virus will ease off in the summer and a vaccine will arrive like the cavalry,” one said. “But I’m learning to guard against my essentially optimistic nature.”“My optimistic side says the virus will ease off in the summer and a vaccine will arrive like the cavalry,” one said. “But I’m learning to guard against my essentially optimistic nature.”
Most experts believed that once the crisis is over, the nation and its economy will revive quickly — but that there will be no escaping a period of intense pain.Most experts believed that once the crisis is over, the nation and its economy will revive quickly — but that there will be no escaping a period of intense pain.
The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was bombed 25 years ago today, in what remains America’s deadliest single homegrown act of terrorism. The bombing killed 168 people, including 19 children.The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was bombed 25 years ago today, in what remains America’s deadliest single homegrown act of terrorism. The bombing killed 168 people, including 19 children.
The coronavirus outbreak has forced the National Memorial Museum to cancel the weeklong series of events meant to mark the occasion. Instead, the museum recorded an hourlong memorial program that was broadcast on local television stations Sunday morning and is available online.The coronavirus outbreak has forced the National Memorial Museum to cancel the weeklong series of events meant to mark the occasion. Instead, the museum recorded an hourlong memorial program that was broadcast on local television stations Sunday morning and is available online.
The virtual ceremony started with 168 seconds of silence, while the video showed the main, poignant memorial to the dead. Rows of bronze, stone and glass chairs, 168 in all, overlook the reflecting pool built where the building once stood.The virtual ceremony started with 168 seconds of silence, while the video showed the main, poignant memorial to the dead. Rows of bronze, stone and glass chairs, 168 in all, overlook the reflecting pool built where the building once stood.
Then a series of prominent politicians made brief remarks, before survivors read the names of those who perished.Then a series of prominent politicians made brief remarks, before survivors read the names of those who perished.
A white supremacist, Timothy McVeigh, built a 7,000-pound truck bomb that he blew up at 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995, shearing off the building’s glass face and pancaking its nine floors.A white supremacist, Timothy McVeigh, built a 7,000-pound truck bomb that he blew up at 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995, shearing off the building’s glass face and pancaking its nine floors.
Before he was executed in June 2001, Mr. McVeigh expressed disappointment that his attack did not ignite a widespread uprising against the U.S. government.Before he was executed in June 2001, Mr. McVeigh expressed disappointment that his attack did not ignite a widespread uprising against the U.S. government.
The bombing remains something of an anomaly.The bombing remains something of an anomaly.
Between Pearl Harbor and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, it was the deadliest deliberate attack on the United States, yet it has not been similarly woven into the tapestry of American history. Many historians, along with those who were attacked, worry that the memory is fading even as the violent ideology that inspired Mr. McVeigh spreads.Between Pearl Harbor and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, it was the deadliest deliberate attack on the United States, yet it has not been similarly woven into the tapestry of American history. Many historians, along with those who were attacked, worry that the memory is fading even as the violent ideology that inspired Mr. McVeigh spreads.
“In today’s political environment, I hear echoes of the kind of rhetoric that I think inspired the perpetrators of the bombing,” said David F. Holt, the mayor of Oklahoma City.“In today’s political environment, I hear echoes of the kind of rhetoric that I think inspired the perpetrators of the bombing,” said David F. Holt, the mayor of Oklahoma City.
“One World: Together at Home,” a prime-time special produced by Global Citizen that was broadcast Saturday night on CBS, NBC and ABC and online, featured songs calling for inspiration, empathy and perseverance. Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, late-night representatives from each network, were the hosts, toggling awkwardly between deadpan comedy and earnestness.“One World: Together at Home,” a prime-time special produced by Global Citizen that was broadcast Saturday night on CBS, NBC and ABC and online, featured songs calling for inspiration, empathy and perseverance. Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, late-night representatives from each network, were the hosts, toggling awkwardly between deadpan comedy and earnestness.
Lady Gaga helped select the musical lineup, which included Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, the Rolling Stones, Elton John and more — many more, since there was also a six-hour webcast before the televised broadcast.Lady Gaga helped select the musical lineup, which included Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, the Rolling Stones, Elton John and more — many more, since there was also a six-hour webcast before the televised broadcast.
Billed as a special to celebrate workers essential to fighting the pandemic and to support the World Health Organization, the show was not a fund-raiser. Instead, it was a reminder of the medical, logistical and humanitarian efforts being made worldwide.Billed as a special to celebrate workers essential to fighting the pandemic and to support the World Health Organization, the show was not a fund-raiser. Instead, it was a reminder of the medical, logistical and humanitarian efforts being made worldwide.
Popular music is still seeking appropriate ways to face this crisis, our critic Jon Pareles writes. Musicians are separated from both audiences and colleagues, forcing both players and listeners to reconsider things they have always taken for granted.Popular music is still seeking appropriate ways to face this crisis, our critic Jon Pareles writes. Musicians are separated from both audiences and colleagues, forcing both players and listeners to reconsider things they have always taken for granted.
Performers are coming to terms with the unpolished sound and look of playing from the living room or home studio — either solo or, more ambitiously, collaborating virtually with homebound bandmates.Performers are coming to terms with the unpolished sound and look of playing from the living room or home studio — either solo or, more ambitiously, collaborating virtually with homebound bandmates.
And then there’s the question of the tone to take. Mourning? Sympathy? Stoicism? Comfort? Dogged determination? Upbeat defiance? Let’s just try to forget?And then there’s the question of the tone to take. Mourning? Sympathy? Stoicism? Comfort? Dogged determination? Upbeat defiance? Let’s just try to forget?
On “One World: Together at Home,” the mood was usually reflective, with a handful of more lighthearted moments.On “One World: Together at Home,” the mood was usually reflective, with a handful of more lighthearted moments.
If M.L.B. and the players’ union need to fight over the details about a return to play, it may mean that such a return is possible, our columnist Tyler Kepner writes.If M.L.B. and the players’ union need to fight over the details about a return to play, it may mean that such a return is possible, our columnist Tyler Kepner writes.
America wants a baseball season. Nobody knows quite how that will look amid the coronavirus pandemic. Those are the only certainties for a sport that has an unbroken chain of seasons with at least 100 games stretching back to the 19th century.America wants a baseball season. Nobody knows quite how that will look amid the coronavirus pandemic. Those are the only certainties for a sport that has an unbroken chain of seasons with at least 100 games stretching back to the 19th century.
Hopeful hints emerged last week from Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s leading expert on infectious diseases, and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, who both touted the feasibility of having teams plays in empty ballparks. But a quandary loomed: If teams cannot sell tickets, how much will the players be paid?Hopeful hints emerged last week from Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s leading expert on infectious diseases, and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, who both touted the feasibility of having teams plays in empty ballparks. But a quandary loomed: If teams cannot sell tickets, how much will the players be paid?
“The issue over pay without fans is going to get ugly,” said a top official of one team who insisted on anonymity to speak candidly about league matters. “Owners will claim they’d lose money by playing without fans if players get their full per-game salaries, and it may be true. They’re going to want a big reduction in pay from players.”“The issue over pay without fans is going to get ugly,” said a top official of one team who insisted on anonymity to speak candidly about league matters. “Owners will claim they’d lose money by playing without fans if players get their full per-game salaries, and it may be true. They’re going to want a big reduction in pay from players.”
When Major League Baseball and the players’ union agreed on new rules for the delayed season on March 26 — the original opening day — they vowed to discuss “the economic feasibility of playing games in the absence of spectators or at appropriate substitute neutral sites.”When Major League Baseball and the players’ union agreed on new rules for the delayed season on March 26 — the original opening day — they vowed to discuss “the economic feasibility of playing games in the absence of spectators or at appropriate substitute neutral sites.”
For the owners, that set up a negotiation on pay structure. But the players’ side has a different interpretation of “economic feasibility,” according to the agent Scott Boras.For the owners, that set up a negotiation on pay structure. But the players’ side has a different interpretation of “economic feasibility,” according to the agent Scott Boras.
In a way, this would be a welcome fight, because it would force baseball to set out a clear path to returning. That does not yet exist, and it depends largely on the availability of coronavirus tests, the spread of the pandemic, and authorization from state and local governments.In a way, this would be a welcome fight, because it would force baseball to set out a clear path to returning. That does not yet exist, and it depends largely on the availability of coronavirus tests, the spread of the pandemic, and authorization from state and local governments.
Even before the coronavirus, the string quartet was an endangered species. A few quartets, like the Juilliard, Guarneri and Emerson, are household names, at least for classical music lovers. But for most players, life in a small ensemble is a financial struggle even in the best of times.Even before the coronavirus, the string quartet was an endangered species. A few quartets, like the Juilliard, Guarneri and Emerson, are household names, at least for classical music lovers. But for most players, life in a small ensemble is a financial struggle even in the best of times.
And for the four players of the Tesla Quartet, aged 34 to 38, their delicate world fell apart last month amid a cascade of cancellations and postponements brought on by the pandemic.And for the four players of the Tesla Quartet, aged 34 to 38, their delicate world fell apart last month amid a cascade of cancellations and postponements brought on by the pandemic.
Even simply being together could be a risk. A quartet is, by its nature, an intimate gathering. Players can’t sit more than six feet apart and still hear each other, breathe together or respond to what are often subtle visual cues.Even simply being together could be a risk. A quartet is, by its nature, an intimate gathering. Players can’t sit more than six feet apart and still hear each other, breathe together or respond to what are often subtle visual cues.
So when Tesla’s players realized they couldn’t rehearse — which they usually did for four hours a day, five days a week — they experimented with virtual practice sessions.So when Tesla’s players realized they couldn’t rehearse — which they usually did for four hours a day, five days a week — they experimented with virtual practice sessions.
Because digital applications are hampered by lags in the transmission of images and sound, they settled on a system in which one player would lay down a track so that the others could then listen and play over it.Because digital applications are hampered by lags in the transmission of images and sound, they settled on a system in which one player would lay down a track so that the others could then listen and play over it.
After mixing the tracks, they post the finished product to YouTube. Now, every few days since March 21, Tesla has added another short variation on a Russian theme, which the members are calling “Quarantunes.”After mixing the tracks, they post the finished product to YouTube. Now, every few days since March 21, Tesla has added another short variation on a Russian theme, which the members are calling “Quarantunes.”
“We’re trying to use technology to give a pretty good approximation of a live performance,” said Edwin Kaplan, the group’s violist. “It’s the only way music can exist right now.”“We’re trying to use technology to give a pretty good approximation of a live performance,” said Edwin Kaplan, the group’s violist. “It’s the only way music can exist right now.”
Across America, most religious groups have stopped coming together in large numbers to pray and hold services, in keeping with stay-at-home orders. They have improvised with online preaching and even drive-in services. Mormons have stopped going door-to-door in the U.S. and called home many missionaries working abroad.Across America, most religious groups have stopped coming together in large numbers to pray and hold services, in keeping with stay-at-home orders. They have improvised with online preaching and even drive-in services. Mormons have stopped going door-to-door in the U.S. and called home many missionaries working abroad.
Jehovah’s Witnesses — with 1.3 million members in the U.S. who hand out brochures on sidewalks and subway platforms and ring doorbells — are one of the most visible religious groups in the nation. Members are called on to share scriptures in person with nonmembers, warning of an imminent Armageddon and hoping to baptize them with the prospect of living forever.Jehovah’s Witnesses — with 1.3 million members in the U.S. who hand out brochures on sidewalks and subway platforms and ring doorbells — are one of the most visible religious groups in the nation. Members are called on to share scriptures in person with nonmembers, warning of an imminent Armageddon and hoping to baptize them with the prospect of living forever.
Yet the pandemic led the group’s leaders to decide that, in the interest of safety, Jehovah’s Witnesses should stop witnessing, its practice of in-person attempts at converting people to the group.Yet the pandemic led the group’s leaders to decide that, in the interest of safety, Jehovah’s Witnesses should stop witnessing, its practice of in-person attempts at converting people to the group.
The move was the first of its kind in the nearly 150 years that the group has existed. It followed anguished discussions at Watchtower headquarters, with leaders deciding on March 20 that knocking on doors would leave the impression that members were disregarding the safety of those they hoped to convert.The move was the first of its kind in the nearly 150 years that the group has existed. It followed anguished discussions at Watchtower headquarters, with leaders deciding on March 20 that knocking on doors would leave the impression that members were disregarding the safety of those they hoped to convert.
“This was not an easy decision for anybody,” said Robert Hendriks, the group’s U.S. spokesman. “As you know, our ministry is our life.”“This was not an easy decision for anybody,” said Robert Hendriks, the group’s U.S. spokesman. “As you know, our ministry is our life.”
Six feet is the suggested space to keep between people in stores and on casual strolls, but when we walk briskly or run, air moves differently around us, increasing the space required to maintain a proper social distance.Six feet is the suggested space to keep between people in stores and on casual strolls, but when we walk briskly or run, air moves differently around us, increasing the space required to maintain a proper social distance.
Visitors to the western end of Fire Island are greeted by a large sign telling them to “Stop, turn around, go back.”Visitors to the western end of Fire Island are greeted by a large sign telling them to “Stop, turn around, go back.”
Visiting Fire Island is not banned — a resident put up the unofficial sign — but it is strongly discouraged by local officials who fear that outsiders might bring the coronavirus to this 32 mile-long barrier island east of New York City.Visiting Fire Island is not banned — a resident put up the unofficial sign — but it is strongly discouraged by local officials who fear that outsiders might bring the coronavirus to this 32 mile-long barrier island east of New York City.
Like many summer vacation areas, the region’s island communities have looked with trepidation at the encroaching virus and the visitors who might be carrying it with them. But the islands have been especially adamant about avoiding possible exposure from newcomers, in part because the isolation that makes them charming also makes them terrible places to fall ill.Like many summer vacation areas, the region’s island communities have looked with trepidation at the encroaching virus and the visitors who might be carrying it with them. But the islands have been especially adamant about avoiding possible exposure from newcomers, in part because the isolation that makes them charming also makes them terrible places to fall ill.
Although their county, Suffolk, has become a virus hot spot, Fire Island, Shelter Island, Fishers Island each have had few or no documented cases. The same goes for Block Island, just beyond New York waters in Rhode Island.Although their county, Suffolk, has become a virus hot spot, Fire Island, Shelter Island, Fishers Island each have had few or no documented cases. The same goes for Block Island, just beyond New York waters in Rhode Island.
And — fearful that an outbreak that would overwhelm their bare-bones, off-season medical and emergency rescue services — the islands want to keep it that way.And — fearful that an outbreak that would overwhelm their bare-bones, off-season medical and emergency rescue services — the islands want to keep it that way.
Shortly before midnight on Friday, hours after encouraging Americans to “liberate” three Democratic-governed states from stay-at-home orders, President Trump turned to Twitter, where he retweeted 11 posts by Charlie Kirk, a provocateur with ties to the Trump family and a social media presence that attracts more attention than some mainstream news outlets.Shortly before midnight on Friday, hours after encouraging Americans to “liberate” three Democratic-governed states from stay-at-home orders, President Trump turned to Twitter, where he retweeted 11 posts by Charlie Kirk, a provocateur with ties to the Trump family and a social media presence that attracts more attention than some mainstream news outlets.
One of the tweets by Mr. Kirk — the 26-year-old who runs Turning Point USA, a conservative student group — accused the World Health Organization of covering up the coronavirus outbreak. Another claimed that Democrats were appeasing Beijing and not doing enough to help Americans left jobless by the pandemic.One of the tweets by Mr. Kirk — the 26-year-old who runs Turning Point USA, a conservative student group — accused the World Health Organization of covering up the coronavirus outbreak. Another claimed that Democrats were appeasing Beijing and not doing enough to help Americans left jobless by the pandemic.
Never mind that several of the tweets misconstrued the truth. Mixing, matching and twisting facts, Mr. Kirk exemplifies a new breed of political agitator that has flourished since the 2016 election by walking the line between mainstream conservative opinion and outright disinformation.Never mind that several of the tweets misconstrued the truth. Mixing, matching and twisting facts, Mr. Kirk exemplifies a new breed of political agitator that has flourished since the 2016 election by walking the line between mainstream conservative opinion and outright disinformation.
The style, which often seems modeled on that of Mr. Trump, has propelled Mr. Kirk from student activist to leading voice on the right. His work is bankrolled by prominent Republican donors, and he has cultivated a powerful ally in the president’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.The style, which often seems modeled on that of Mr. Trump, has propelled Mr. Kirk from student activist to leading voice on the right. His work is bankrolled by prominent Republican donors, and he has cultivated a powerful ally in the president’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.
And now, the pandemic has showcased Mr. Kirk’s influence, providing him with ample fodder to stir up fellow conservatives against a full menu of enemies, real and perceived.And now, the pandemic has showcased Mr. Kirk’s influence, providing him with ample fodder to stir up fellow conservatives against a full menu of enemies, real and perceived.
With the Capitol shuttered until at least early May and the House considering remote voting to facilitate a more prolonged absence from Washington, members of Congress are sequestered at home like the rest of America, forced to reimagine how to do their jobs virtually.With the Capitol shuttered until at least early May and the House considering remote voting to facilitate a more prolonged absence from Washington, members of Congress are sequestered at home like the rest of America, forced to reimagine how to do their jobs virtually.
It is a singular challenge for lawmakers, whose tasks typically revolve around human contact with a rotating cast of constituents, staff, lobbyists and fellow lawmakers. They have come up with creative (some more than others) solutions.It is a singular challenge for lawmakers, whose tasks typically revolve around human contact with a rotating cast of constituents, staff, lobbyists and fellow lawmakers. They have come up with creative (some more than others) solutions.
The Times spoke to lawmakers about how they’re adapting to the new world.The Times spoke to lawmakers about how they’re adapting to the new world.
Representative Debbie Dingell, Democrat of Michigan, is sharing both intimate details and public-service information in a Facebook diary. Senator Angus King, independent of Maine, is meeting constituents — from a distance — in the open air. Many other lawmakers have turned to teleconferencing. And at least one, Representative Mike Gallagher, Republican of Wisconsin, has started a podcast.Representative Debbie Dingell, Democrat of Michigan, is sharing both intimate details and public-service information in a Facebook diary. Senator Angus King, independent of Maine, is meeting constituents — from a distance — in the open air. Many other lawmakers have turned to teleconferencing. And at least one, Representative Mike Gallagher, Republican of Wisconsin, has started a podcast.
Tarlach MacNiallais was known for his decades of advocacy for L.G.B.T.Q. and disability rights.Tarlach MacNiallais was known for his decades of advocacy for L.G.B.T.Q. and disability rights.
“A battering ram on issues of importance,” according to Harriet Golden, a vice president at A.H.R.C. New York City, an organization that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where Mr. MacNiallais worked for nearly 35 years.“A battering ram on issues of importance,” according to Harriet Golden, a vice president at A.H.R.C. New York City, an organization that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where Mr. MacNiallais worked for nearly 35 years.
Moving from Northern Ireland to New York in the mid-1980s, Mr. MacNiallais became involved in the protracted struggle by L.G.B.T.Q. groups to be fully included in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade up Fifth Avenue. Many years later, he became a member of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade formation committee, and marched in the parade with the Lavender and Green Alliance in 2016.Moving from Northern Ireland to New York in the mid-1980s, Mr. MacNiallais became involved in the protracted struggle by L.G.B.T.Q. groups to be fully included in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade up Fifth Avenue. Many years later, he became a member of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade formation committee, and marched in the parade with the Lavender and Green Alliance in 2016.
Mr. MacNiallais died on April 1. He was 57. The cause was complications of the coronavirus, according to friends and family.Mr. MacNiallais died on April 1. He was 57. The cause was complications of the coronavirus, according to friends and family.
Reporting was contributed by Erica L. Green, Lola Fadulu, Audra D.S. Burch, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Nicholas Fandos, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Neil MacFarquhar, James B. Stewart, Dionne Searcey, Corey Kilgannon, Matthew Rosenberg, Katie Rogers, Derrick Bryson Taylor, Jon Pareles, Melina Delkic and Tyler Kepner. Reporting was contributed by Erica L. Green, Lola Fadulu, Audra D.S. Burch, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Nicholas Fandos, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Neil MacFarquhar, Jonah Engel Bromwich, James B. Stewart, Dionne Searcey, Corey Kilgannon, Matthew Rosenberg, Katie Rogers, Derrick Bryson Taylor, Jon Pareles, Melina Delkic and Tyler Kepner.