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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
The confirmed toll in Europe has passed one million infections and 100,000 deaths.The confirmed toll in Europe has passed one million infections and 100,000 deaths.
Germany has begun restarting its economy, allowing small shops to open for the first time in nearly a month.Germany has begun restarting its economy, allowing small shops to open for the first time in nearly a month.
South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee said they would start letting certain businesses reopen.South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee said they would start letting certain businesses reopen.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverageGet the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage
When can stay-at-home orders be relaxed safely? Not until we get much more testing, many state governors say.When can stay-at-home orders be relaxed safely? Not until we get much more testing, many state governors say.
Can Congress pass a bill to replenish the emergency loan fund for small businesses that ran dry last week? Not without establishing a national strategy for testing, Democrats say.Can Congress pass a bill to replenish the emergency loan fund for small businesses that ran dry last week? Not without establishing a national strategy for testing, Democrats say.
The slow, problem-plagued buildup and limited availability of coronavirus testing in the U.S. have attracted frequent criticism, and opened a rift between the Trump administration and governors of both parties. Now that rift is getting in the way of progress on several fronts.The slow, problem-plagued buildup and limited availability of coronavirus testing in the U.S. have attracted frequent criticism, and opened a rift between the Trump administration and governors of both parties. Now that rift is getting in the way of progress on several fronts.
“The No. 1 problem facing us is lack of testing,” said Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican. “We can’t open up our states without ramping up testing.” Impatient to address the problem, he arranged for Maryland to buy test kits from South Korea without waiting for federal approval.“The No. 1 problem facing us is lack of testing,” said Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican. “We can’t open up our states without ramping up testing.” Impatient to address the problem, he arranged for Maryland to buy test kits from South Korea without waiting for federal approval.
Vice President Mike Pence claimed on Sunday that “there is a sufficient capacity of testing across the country today for any state in America” to begin opening up, but Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia, a Democrat, called that claim “delusional.”Vice President Mike Pence claimed on Sunday that “there is a sufficient capacity of testing across the country today for any state in America” to begin opening up, but Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia, a Democrat, called that claim “delusional.”
Negotiations over a $450 billion economic aid package are hung up over Congressional Democrats’ insistence that it mandate and fund a national testing strategy, which they say is crucial for reining in the outbreak and allowing the economy to reopen.Negotiations over a $450 billion economic aid package are hung up over Congressional Democrats’ insistence that it mandate and fund a national testing strategy, which they say is crucial for reining in the outbreak and allowing the economy to reopen.
President Trump signaled that he did not like the idea. “States, not the Federal Government, should be doing the Testing,” he wrote on Twitter.President Trump signaled that he did not like the idea. “States, not the Federal Government, should be doing the Testing,” he wrote on Twitter.
Negotiators were also still haggling on Monday over the terms of the $300 billion in new aid for small businesses promised in the bill.Negotiators were also still haggling on Monday over the terms of the $300 billion in new aid for small businesses promised in the bill.
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.
A two-tiered society is likely to develop in the immediate wake of the Covid-19 crisis, as people who have recovered from the virus and are presumed to be immune are allowed to go back to work, gather and socialize, while everyone else must still stay home and keep their distance.A two-tiered society is likely to develop in the immediate wake of the Covid-19 crisis, as people who have recovered from the virus and are presumed to be immune are allowed to go back to work, gather and socialize, while everyone else must still stay home and keep their distance.
That’s one of the main takeaways from reporting by Donald McNeil Jr., our infectious disease reporter, on what to expect over the year ahead in the U.S.That’s one of the main takeaways from reporting by Donald McNeil Jr., our infectious disease reporter, on what to expect over the year ahead in the U.S.
“It’s quite science fiction-y,” Mr. McNeil said on today’s episode of “The Daily.” “It’s kind of dystopian.”“It’s quite science fiction-y,” Mr. McNeil said on today’s episode of “The Daily.” “It’s kind of dystopian.”
Scientists still don’t have definitive answers to crucial questions, including how to determine whether a recovered patient has developed immunity, and how long the protection lasts. But some nations are not waiting for that.Scientists still don’t have definitive answers to crucial questions, including how to determine whether a recovered patient has developed immunity, and how long the protection lasts. But some nations are not waiting for that.
Chile is set to become the first country to give “immunity cards” to people who have produced antibodies against the virus. Germany and the U.S. have considered similar approaches. In China, recovered patients get cellphone QR codes linked to the owner’s personal details, so they cannot be used by someone else.Chile is set to become the first country to give “immunity cards” to people who have produced antibodies against the virus. Germany and the U.S. have considered similar approaches. In China, recovered patients get cellphone QR codes linked to the owner’s personal details, so they cannot be used by someone else.
Perverse incentives: Experts are predicting that when recovered patients have clear social and economic advantages, some people will try to join them by purposely exposing themselves to the virus, despite the large risks. “That temptation is going to be enormous,” Mr. McNeil said.Perverse incentives: Experts are predicting that when recovered patients have clear social and economic advantages, some people will try to join them by purposely exposing themselves to the virus, despite the large risks. “That temptation is going to be enormous,” Mr. McNeil said.
The pandemic has hit America’s biggest cities hard, with the coronavirus finding fertile ground in their density. Major urban centers were already losing appeal for many Americans, as skyrocketing rents and changes in the labor market have pushed young adults toward suburbs and smaller cities. Will that current now become a flood?The pandemic has hit America’s biggest cities hard, with the coronavirus finding fertile ground in their density. Major urban centers were already losing appeal for many Americans, as skyrocketing rents and changes in the labor market have pushed young adults toward suburbs and smaller cities. Will that current now become a flood?
New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago — the country’s three largest metropolitan areas — have all lost population in recent years, and overall growth in major metropolitan areas has dropped by nearly half in the past decade. Now, as local leaders struggle with how to reopen their economies, the future of life in ultradense cities is unclear.New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago — the country’s three largest metropolitan areas — have all lost population in recent years, and overall growth in major metropolitan areas has dropped by nearly half in the past decade. Now, as local leaders struggle with how to reopen their economies, the future of life in ultradense cities is unclear.
In New York, unemployment claims are up more than 20-fold, subway ridership is down by 90 percent because of stay-home restrictions and the city is projected to lose at least $7.4 billion in tax revenue by the middle of next year.In New York, unemployment claims are up more than 20-fold, subway ridership is down by 90 percent because of stay-home restrictions and the city is projected to lose at least $7.4 billion in tax revenue by the middle of next year.
The very things that made the city a magnet for businesses, tourists and young professionals — its densely packed neighborhoods and robust street life, its extensive public transit, Broadway, world-class restaurants, pre-eminent cultural institutions — were among the most vulnerable when the virus hit, and would take the longest to come back.The very things that made the city a magnet for businesses, tourists and young professionals — its densely packed neighborhoods and robust street life, its extensive public transit, Broadway, world-class restaurants, pre-eminent cultural institutions — were among the most vulnerable when the virus hit, and would take the longest to come back.
“I don’t think the New York that we left will be back for some years,” Gregg Bishop, the commissioner of the city’s small-businesses agency, told The Times. “I don’t know if we’ll ever get it back.”“I don’t think the New York that we left will be back for some years,” Gregg Bishop, the commissioner of the city’s small-businesses agency, told The Times. “I don’t know if we’ll ever get it back.”
Of course, people have bet against New York before — after the 1970s fiscal crisis; the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001; the 2008 banking crisis — and the city has bounced back each time. And some argue that even though population density is a liability during an epidemic, it makes big cities more resilient in disasters.Of course, people have bet against New York before — after the 1970s fiscal crisis; the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001; the 2008 banking crisis — and the city has bounced back each time. And some argue that even though population density is a liability during an epidemic, it makes big cities more resilient in disasters.
“How people behave in a pandemic is probably not a great guide to how they want to live their lives in normal times,” said Jed Kolko, chief economist for Indeed, a job search site. “We are living in the middle of a grand forced experiment, but we really don’t know how the experiment is going to play out.”“How people behave in a pandemic is probably not a great guide to how they want to live their lives in normal times,” said Jed Kolko, chief economist for Indeed, a job search site. “We are living in the middle of a grand forced experiment, but we really don’t know how the experiment is going to play out.”
Updated June 1, 2020 Updated June 2, 2020
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
The outbreak in Turkey has surpassed China’s, with more than 90,000 confirmed cases and at least 2,140 deaths. And it’s likely to be even bigger than the official statistics say.The outbreak in Turkey has surpassed China’s, with more than 90,000 confirmed cases and at least 2,140 deaths. And it’s likely to be even bigger than the official statistics say.
Singapore thought it had the virus under control, but its case count has more than doubled over the past few days to more than 8,000 — the highest toll in Southeast Asia — with outbreaks among migrant workers in cramped quarters.Singapore thought it had the virus under control, but its case count has more than doubled over the past few days to more than 8,000 — the highest toll in Southeast Asia — with outbreaks among migrant workers in cramped quarters.
China has ordered its citizens in Russia to stay put and locked down the border city of Suifenhe, after a wave of new infections linked to Chinese people returning from abroad.China has ordered its citizens in Russia to stay put and locked down the border city of Suifenhe, after a wave of new infections linked to Chinese people returning from abroad.
President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil joined protesters in Brasíliato demand the reopening of businesses and the easing of measures imposed by the country’s state governors. The country has 39,548 diagnosed coronavirus cases and 2,507 confirmed deaths.President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil joined protesters in Brasíliato demand the reopening of businesses and the easing of measures imposed by the country’s state governors. The country has 39,548 diagnosed coronavirus cases and 2,507 confirmed deaths.
At a prison in Marion, Ohio, at least 1,828 inmates — almost three-quarters of its population — and 103 employees have tested positive, making it the largest reported cluster in the U.S.At a prison in Marion, Ohio, at least 1,828 inmates — almost three-quarters of its population — and 103 employees have tested positive, making it the largest reported cluster in the U.S.
Manage loneliness. You’re not alone in feeling alone right now. Here are some ideas to help.Manage loneliness. You’re not alone in feeling alone right now. Here are some ideas to help.
Set up your home office, free. Our writer has suggestions on creating a comfortable working space using things you probably already own.Set up your home office, free. Our writer has suggestions on creating a comfortable working space using things you probably already own.
Neighbors aren’t social distancing? Here are some tips to stay safe even when those around you are putting others at risk.Neighbors aren’t social distancing? Here are some tips to stay safe even when those around you are putting others at risk.
How to help if you’ve recovered. You can run errands for at-risk neighbors, and you can donate blood or convalescent plasma. But first, make sure you’ve actually recovered.How to help if you’ve recovered. You can run errands for at-risk neighbors, and you can donate blood or convalescent plasma. But first, make sure you’ve actually recovered.
A virtual discussion on leading through a crisisA virtual discussion on leading through a crisis
Join David Gelles, our Corner Office columnist, on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. Eastern time as he talks to two chief executives in the food and beverage industry about the challenges posed by the coronavirus. Register for the call here.Join David Gelles, our Corner Office columnist, on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. Eastern time as he talks to two chief executives in the food and beverage industry about the challenges posed by the coronavirus. Register for the call here.
The coronavirus may indirectly be killing people who never catch it, by keeping them from getting desperately needed treatments like organ transplants and chemotherapy.The coronavirus may indirectly be killing people who never catch it, by keeping them from getting desperately needed treatments like organ transplants and chemotherapy.
The crude oil market is so glutted because of slack demand that one price benchmark fell below zero, suggesting that people are willing to pay to have it taken off their hands.The crude oil market is so glutted because of slack demand that one price benchmark fell below zero, suggesting that people are willing to pay to have it taken off their hands.
A social side effect of everyone wearing face masks: You can’t tell when someone is smiling, sneering or sticking their tongue out at you. The Associated Press considers the visual cues and facial expressions we’re missing.A social side effect of everyone wearing face masks: You can’t tell when someone is smiling, sneering or sticking their tongue out at you. The Associated Press considers the visual cues and facial expressions we’re missing.
Hundreds of Detroit police officers have been infected or quarantined, making the city’s police department one of the hardest-hit law enforcement agencies in the U.S.Hundreds of Detroit police officers have been infected or quarantined, making the city’s police department one of the hardest-hit law enforcement agencies in the U.S.
Many cases of Covid pneumonia go undetected until it’s too late, but a small device available at pharmacies can provide valuable early warnings, writes Dr. Richard Levitan, an emergency physician, in a Times Op-Ed.Many cases of Covid pneumonia go undetected until it’s too late, but a small device available at pharmacies can provide valuable early warnings, writes Dr. Richard Levitan, an emergency physician, in a Times Op-Ed.
My daughter is taking the positives from not being (physically) in school and coloring her hair pink! Self-expression and creativity as an antidote to lockdown. (And it will wash out.)My daughter is taking the positives from not being (physically) in school and coloring her hair pink! Self-expression and creativity as an antidote to lockdown. (And it will wash out.)
— Susannah Rodgers, London— Susannah Rodgers, London
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.
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