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Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina Say Businesses Can Reopen Soon Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina Say Businesses Can Reopen Soon
(1 day later)
ATLANTA — Residents of Georgia will be allowed on Friday to return to the gym and get haircuts, pedicures, massages and tattoos. Next Monday, they can dine again in restaurants and go to the movies.ATLANTA — Residents of Georgia will be allowed on Friday to return to the gym and get haircuts, pedicures, massages and tattoos. Next Monday, they can dine again in restaurants and go to the movies.
With that announcement, Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia on Monday joined officials in other states who are moving ahead with plans to relax restrictions intended to curb the spread of the coronavirus, despite signs that the outbreak is just beginning to strike some parts of the country.With that announcement, Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia on Monday joined officials in other states who are moving ahead with plans to relax restrictions intended to curb the spread of the coronavirus, despite signs that the outbreak is just beginning to strike some parts of the country.
In Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee said on Monday that he was not extending his “safer-at-home” order that is set to expire on April 30. According to his office, “the vast majority of businesses in 89 counties” will be allowed to reopen on May 1. Businesses in Ohio are expected to reopen on that date as well.In Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee said on Monday that he was not extending his “safer-at-home” order that is set to expire on April 30. According to his office, “the vast majority of businesses in 89 counties” will be allowed to reopen on May 1. Businesses in Ohio are expected to reopen on that date as well.
“We’re going to do what we think is right — what I think is right — and that is try to open this economy,” Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” “but do it very, very carefully so we don’t get a lot of people killed.”“We’re going to do what we think is right — what I think is right — and that is try to open this economy,” Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” “but do it very, very carefully so we don’t get a lot of people killed.”
In South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, said on Monday that department stores and some other retail businesses that had previously been deemed nonessential would be allowed to reopen on Tuesday, but they must abide by social distancing guidelines. People will also be able to gain access to public beaches on Tuesday.In South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, said on Monday that department stores and some other retail businesses that had previously been deemed nonessential would be allowed to reopen on Tuesday, but they must abide by social distancing guidelines. People will also be able to gain access to public beaches on Tuesday.
Across the country, governors have been weighing steps toward lifting orders and reviving their stalled economies. A lack of sufficient widespread testing has been seen as one of the main obstacles.Across the country, governors have been weighing steps toward lifting orders and reviving their stalled economies. A lack of sufficient widespread testing has been seen as one of the main obstacles.
At the White House’s coronavirus briefing on Monday, President Trump reacted dismissively to governors who said they had scrambled to access testing materials, such as nasal swabs and chemical reagents.At the White House’s coronavirus briefing on Monday, President Trump reacted dismissively to governors who said they had scrambled to access testing materials, such as nasal swabs and chemical reagents.
“Some states have far more capacity than they actually understand,” he said. “That is a complex subject, but some of the governors did not understand it.”“Some states have far more capacity than they actually understand,” he said. “That is a complex subject, but some of the governors did not understand it.”
Mr. Trump specifically mentioned Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, a Democrat, and Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican. He also framed the debates around testing in political terms, saying that Democrats wanted maximum testing “because they want to be able to criticize.”Mr. Trump specifically mentioned Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, a Democrat, and Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican. He also framed the debates around testing in political terms, saying that Democrats wanted maximum testing “because they want to be able to criticize.”
Mr. Kemp, in his news conference on Monday, said that he had been frustrated by the issue of testing capacity, but that he also believed that the crisis had leveled off enough to ease restrictions and help alleviate the economic anguish they have helped create. Georgia has had more than 19,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with 775 deaths, according to state public health officials.Mr. Kemp, in his news conference on Monday, said that he had been frustrated by the issue of testing capacity, but that he also believed that the crisis had leveled off enough to ease restrictions and help alleviate the economic anguish they have helped create. Georgia has had more than 19,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with 775 deaths, according to state public health officials.
He said that stores were not reopening for “business as usual,” noting that social distancing rules still must be enforced, and that businesses should check employees’ temperatures for fevers and ramp up sanitation efforts.He said that stores were not reopening for “business as usual,” noting that social distancing rules still must be enforced, and that businesses should check employees’ temperatures for fevers and ramp up sanitation efforts.
The move to reopen, he said, was “a small step forward and should be treated as such.”The move to reopen, he said, was “a small step forward and should be treated as such.”
Mr. Kemp and Mr. Lee, both Republicans, were among the governors who were criticized for being slow to impose statewide closure orders. Both had expressed concerns about an invasion of civil liberties and the economic strain that closing down large parts of the economy would create.Mr. Kemp and Mr. Lee, both Republicans, were among the governors who were criticized for being slow to impose statewide closure orders. Both had expressed concerns about an invasion of civil liberties and the economic strain that closing down large parts of the economy would create.
Parts of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a string of barrier islands whose beaches are popular with tourists, are also moving forward with lifting restrictions for entry, officials said.Parts of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a string of barrier islands whose beaches are popular with tourists, are also moving forward with lifting restrictions for entry, officials said.
Emergency officials from Dare County, N.C., which includes the towns of Nags Head, Kitty Hawk and Southern Shores, said in a statement on Monday that the decision was based on “careful consideration of the science, trends, data and resource availability.” The county has had 15 diagnosed cases, with one death, officials said.Emergency officials from Dare County, N.C., which includes the towns of Nags Head, Kitty Hawk and Southern Shores, said in a statement on Monday that the decision was based on “careful consideration of the science, trends, data and resource availability.” The county has had 15 diagnosed cases, with one death, officials said.
In Ohio, even as plans were being put in place to reopen, a state prison about an hour’s drive north of the capital became the largest-known source of coronavirus infections in the United States, continuing a trend of fast-moving outbreaks in crowded, confined spaces.In Ohio, even as plans were being put in place to reopen, a state prison about an hour’s drive north of the capital became the largest-known source of coronavirus infections in the United States, continuing a trend of fast-moving outbreaks in crowded, confined spaces.
Officials said that at least 1,828 inmates — almost three-quarters of the population — had tested positive for the coronavirus at the minimum- and medium-security prison in Marion, Ohio. That is more than the number of known cases from a meatpacking plant in South Dakota and a Navy aircraft carrier docked in Guam.Officials said that at least 1,828 inmates — almost three-quarters of the population — had tested positive for the coronavirus at the minimum- and medium-security prison in Marion, Ohio. That is more than the number of known cases from a meatpacking plant in South Dakota and a Navy aircraft carrier docked in Guam.
“Once Covid-19 gets inside the gate, inside the door, it spreads, and it spreads very significantly,” Mr. DeWine, a Republican, said at a news conference on Monday.“Once Covid-19 gets inside the gate, inside the door, it spreads, and it spreads very significantly,” Mr. DeWine, a Republican, said at a news conference on Monday.
Although there have been encouraging signs that the outbreak is beginning to level off in some parts of the country, the threat is continuing to grow in other states and regions.Although there have been encouraging signs that the outbreak is beginning to level off in some parts of the country, the threat is continuing to grow in other states and regions.
Even in areas where the number of new cases is beginning to flatten, they remain high: New York, which on Monday reported its fewest positive tests in a month and its lowest one-day death toll in more than two weeks, still had 4,726 new cases and 478 new deaths. And the country has added more than 25,000 new cases a day for the past week.Even in areas where the number of new cases is beginning to flatten, they remain high: New York, which on Monday reported its fewest positive tests in a month and its lowest one-day death toll in more than two weeks, still had 4,726 new cases and 478 new deaths. And the country has added more than 25,000 new cases a day for the past week.
In some parts of the country, there are signs that things are getting worse, not better.In some parts of the country, there are signs that things are getting worse, not better.
In Massachusetts, which has been particularly hard hit in recent days, officials reported 1,705 new cases on Sunday, bringing the state’s total to 38,077. Officials also reported 146 new deaths, which brought the death toll to 1,706.In Massachusetts, which has been particularly hard hit in recent days, officials reported 1,705 new cases on Sunday, bringing the state’s total to 38,077. Officials also reported 146 new deaths, which brought the death toll to 1,706.
“We’re right in the middle of the surge now,” Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, said Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”“We’re right in the middle of the surge now,” Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, said Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”
Los Angeles County reported 81 deaths on Saturday, its highest one-day death toll.Los Angeles County reported 81 deaths on Saturday, its highest one-day death toll.
“In this last week, we have doubled the number of deaths that occurred among L.A. County residents,” Barbara Ferrer, the county’s director of public health, said in a statement on Saturday. Fewer deaths were reported Sunday — 24 — but county officials noted that nearly 1,000 new cases had been identified in the previous 48 hours.“In this last week, we have doubled the number of deaths that occurred among L.A. County residents,” Barbara Ferrer, the county’s director of public health, said in a statement on Saturday. Fewer deaths were reported Sunday — 24 — but county officials noted that nearly 1,000 new cases had been identified in the previous 48 hours.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
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.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 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.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.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.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.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Significant workplace-based clusters of known infections have been reported in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee and other states, suggesting that the pandemic is just beginning to sink into some communities.Significant workplace-based clusters of known infections have been reported in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee and other states, suggesting that the pandemic is just beginning to sink into some communities.
Nursing homes and prisons also continue to be hot spots.Nursing homes and prisons also continue to be hot spots.
About one out of five confirmed cases in Ohio is now connected to the state’s prison system, according to statewide numbers. The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said that as of Sunday, at least 2,400 inmates in the system had tested positive, and seven had died of either confirmed or suspected Covid-19 infections.About one out of five confirmed cases in Ohio is now connected to the state’s prison system, according to statewide numbers. The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said that as of Sunday, at least 2,400 inmates in the system had tested positive, and seven had died of either confirmed or suspected Covid-19 infections.
No deaths have been reported among the inmates at the prison in Marion, but one staff member there has died, and 103 employees have tested positive. The prison announced its first positive case, of an employee, on March 29.No deaths have been reported among the inmates at the prison in Marion, but one staff member there has died, and 103 employees have tested positive. The prison announced its first positive case, of an employee, on March 29.
Pickaway Correctional Institution, southwest of Columbus, also had a large number of confirmed cases, with 384 inmates and 64 employees testing positive as of Sunday.Pickaway Correctional Institution, southwest of Columbus, also had a large number of confirmed cases, with 384 inmates and 64 employees testing positive as of Sunday.
Despite warnings from health officials and attempts to release some inmates to prevent outbreaks, jails, prisons and detention centers have emerged as major coronavirus spreaders. As of Monday, four of the 10 largest-known sources of infection in the United States were correctional facilities, according to national data collected by The New York Times.Despite warnings from health officials and attempts to release some inmates to prevent outbreaks, jails, prisons and detention centers have emerged as major coronavirus spreaders. As of Monday, four of the 10 largest-known sources of infection in the United States were correctional facilities, according to national data collected by The New York Times.
More than half of the inmates at the Neuse Correctional Institution in Goldsboro, N.C. — 458 — have tested positive for the virus, county officials said. And there have been more than 600 cases involving inmates and staff members at the Cook County Jail in Chicago, where four inmates have died.More than half of the inmates at the Neuse Correctional Institution in Goldsboro, N.C. — 458 — have tested positive for the virus, county officials said. And there have been more than 600 cases involving inmates and staff members at the Cook County Jail in Chicago, where four inmates have died.
At one point last week, Chicago’s jail was the top-known source of U.S. infections, but other sources have since surpassed it.At one point last week, Chicago’s jail was the top-known source of U.S. infections, but other sources have since surpassed it.
The overall numbers inside prisons are most likely a vast undercount because some state and local agencies have not released information about cases behind bars, and others, including the federal Bureau of Prisons, are not testing everyone who falls ill. In contrast, Ohio said it was testing aggressively inside prisons where the virus has been confirmed, extending tests even to prisoners who were not showing symptoms.The overall numbers inside prisons are most likely a vast undercount because some state and local agencies have not released information about cases behind bars, and others, including the federal Bureau of Prisons, are not testing everyone who falls ill. In contrast, Ohio said it was testing aggressively inside prisons where the virus has been confirmed, extending tests even to prisoners who were not showing symptoms.
“The reason that you’re seeing the numbers spike, of course, is because we are massively testing now,” Mr. DeWine said. Prisons, or any place where people were living together in close quarters, he said, present “a very difficult situation.”“The reason that you’re seeing the numbers spike, of course, is because we are massively testing now,” Mr. DeWine said. Prisons, or any place where people were living together in close quarters, he said, present “a very difficult situation.”
Dr. Amy Acton, the director of the Ohio Department of Health, said that despite the large number of positive cases detected in the prison system, many of the infected inmates were not sick.Dr. Amy Acton, the director of the Ohio Department of Health, said that despite the large number of positive cases detected in the prison system, many of the infected inmates were not sick.
“What was fascinating about some of that data was the amount of asymptomatic cases we are picking up,” Dr. Acton said, adding that neighboring states were getting similar results.“What was fascinating about some of that data was the amount of asymptomatic cases we are picking up,” Dr. Acton said, adding that neighboring states were getting similar results.
Rick Rojas reported from Atlanta and Michael Cooper from New York. Scott Dodd, Sean Plambeck and Timothy Williams contributed reporting.Rick Rojas reported from Atlanta and Michael Cooper from New York. Scott Dodd, Sean Plambeck and Timothy Williams contributed reporting.