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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today | Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today |
(about 1 hour later) | |
This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email. | This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email. |
Lawmakers and the White House agreed on nearly $484 billion in new aid for small businesses, hospitals and testing efforts. | Lawmakers and the White House agreed on nearly $484 billion in new aid for small businesses, hospitals and testing efforts. |
Italy announced plans to begin easing its lockdown, the most severe in Europe, probably by early May. | Italy announced plans to begin easing its lockdown, the most severe in Europe, probably by early May. |
Some cherished national traditions are canceled: Oktoberfest in Germany; the running of the bulls in Spain. | Some cherished national traditions are canceled: Oktoberfest in Germany; the running of the bulls in Spain. |
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage | Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage |
The governors of some states, including Georgia, are easing stay-at-home orders and allowing some businesses to reopen, despite immense criticism and loud warnings from public health experts that the coronavirus outbreak has not leveled off. | The governors of some states, including Georgia, are easing stay-at-home orders and allowing some businesses to reopen, despite immense criticism and loud warnings from public health experts that the coronavirus outbreak has not leveled off. |
Otherwise eager business owners and mayors of cities large and small are pushing back, arguing that testing is not widespread enough to reopen safely, and that doing so too soon could spark another wave of infections. | Otherwise eager business owners and mayors of cities large and small are pushing back, arguing that testing is not widespread enough to reopen safely, and that doing so too soon could spark another wave of infections. |
“That could be setting us back,” Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said of the moves to reopen. “It certainly isn’t going to be helpful.” | “That could be setting us back,” Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said of the moves to reopen. “It certainly isn’t going to be helpful.” |
Staring Friday, people in Georgia, which has more than 19,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 800 deaths, will be able to go to the gym or get a haircut, pedicure or tattoo. Next Monday, the state’s restaurants and movie theaters will be permitted to reopen. | Staring Friday, people in Georgia, which has more than 19,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 800 deaths, will be able to go to the gym or get a haircut, pedicure or tattoo. Next Monday, the state’s restaurants and movie theaters will be permitted to reopen. |
Gov. Brian Kemp has said that reopening is possible because the virus outbreak has stabilized in the state, but projections show that the worst in Georgia is yet to to come, with deaths not forecast to stop rising until early May. | Gov. Brian Kemp has said that reopening is possible because the virus outbreak has stabilized in the state, but projections show that the worst in Georgia is yet to to come, with deaths not forecast to stop rising until early May. |
Officials in other states, including Tennessee, Ohio and Colorado, have signaled that they will probably allow stay-at-home orders to expire in the next few weeks. | Officials in other states, including Tennessee, Ohio and Colorado, have signaled that they will probably allow stay-at-home orders to expire in the next few weeks. |
South Carolina moved even faster than Georgia. Gov. Henry McMaster allowed “nonessential” retail shops like sporting goods stores, bookstores and craft stores to reopen on Tuesday, and the state’s beaches are open again. | South Carolina moved even faster than Georgia. Gov. Henry McMaster allowed “nonessential” retail shops like sporting goods stores, bookstores and craft stores to reopen on Tuesday, and the state’s beaches are open again. |
Chris Dixon, reporting for The Times, spoke to Tim Goodwin, the mayor of Folly Beach, outside Charleston, S.C., who was struggling with Governor McMaster’s plans and what may happen if the virus surges. | Chris Dixon, reporting for The Times, spoke to Tim Goodwin, the mayor of Folly Beach, outside Charleston, S.C., who was struggling with Governor McMaster’s plans and what may happen if the virus surges. |
“He said, every time he hears talk about opening things up, he hears the theme music from ‘Jaws’ in his head,” Chris said of the mayor. “He doesn’t want to be the guy who opens up the town and people die as a result.” | “He said, every time he hears talk about opening things up, he hears the theme music from ‘Jaws’ in his head,” Chris said of the mayor. “He doesn’t want to be the guy who opens up the town and people die as a result.” |
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. |
The coronavirus has probably killed many more people than the confirmed global toll of roughly 169,000 deaths so far. | The coronavirus has probably killed many more people than the confirmed global toll of roughly 169,000 deaths so far. |
According to a Times analysis of mortality data from 11 countries, at least 25,000 more deaths have occurred over the last month than can be accounted for by normal patterns of mortality and the official Covid-19 counts. | According to a Times analysis of mortality data from 11 countries, at least 25,000 more deaths have occurred over the last month than can be accounted for by normal patterns of mortality and the official Covid-19 counts. |
The totals include deaths from both the virus and other causes, but even so, they reveal a more complete portrait of the pandemic — especially because most countries count as Covid-19 deaths only those that occur in hospitals. | The totals include deaths from both the virus and other causes, but even so, they reveal a more complete portrait of the pandemic — especially because most countries count as Covid-19 deaths only those that occur in hospitals. |
“Whatever number is reported on a given day is going to be a gross underestimate,” a demographer at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Germany said. | “Whatever number is reported on a given day is going to be a gross underestimate,” a demographer at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Germany said. |
European nations, for example, have seen 20 to 30 percent more people dying than normal. Deaths have quadrupled in New York City and more than doubled in Paris. | European nations, for example, have seen 20 to 30 percent more people dying than normal. Deaths have quadrupled in New York City and more than doubled in Paris. |
The differences are especially pronounced in cities and countries that were slow to acknowledge the crisis. Istanbul, for example, recorded about 2,100 more deaths than expected from mid-March to mid-April — about twice the official number of Covid-19 deaths reported for the whole country in that period. | The differences are especially pronounced in cities and countries that were slow to acknowledge the crisis. Istanbul, for example, recorded about 2,100 more deaths than expected from mid-March to mid-April — about twice the official number of Covid-19 deaths reported for the whole country in that period. |
The virus may have played a role in increasing the number of deaths even among people who were not infected, as the crisis strained health care systems and limited treatment for other ailments. | The virus may have played a role in increasing the number of deaths even among people who were not infected, as the crisis strained health care systems and limited treatment for other ailments. |
There’s bad news from an analysis of coronavirus patients at Veterans Health Administration hospitals who were given hydroxychloroquine, the malaria drug widely promoted (including by President Trump) as a potential treatment for Covid-19. | There’s bad news from an analysis of coronavirus patients at Veterans Health Administration hospitals who were given hydroxychloroquine, the malaria drug widely promoted (including by President Trump) as a potential treatment for Covid-19. |
The drug didn’t work. | The drug didn’t work. |
In fact, researchers found that death rates were higher for patients who got the drug, either alone or in combination with an antibiotic, than among those receiving standard care. | In fact, researchers found that death rates were higher for patients who got the drug, either alone or in combination with an antibiotic, than among those receiving standard care. |
Hydroxychloroquine has not been shown to have antiviral effects in humans, though a laboratory study suggested that it might. There has been speculation that the drug might make patients’ symptoms less severe if they experience a “cytokine storm” — a harmful overreaction by the body’s immune system. | Hydroxychloroquine has not been shown to have antiviral effects in humans, though a laboratory study suggested that it might. There has been speculation that the drug might make patients’ symptoms less severe if they experience a “cytokine storm” — a harmful overreaction by the body’s immune system. |
Researchers analyzed the medical records of 368 men with confirmed coronavirus infections treated at the hospitals. About 28 percent of those who received hydroxychloroquine died, they found, compared with 11 percent of those who did not receive it. They also found that the drug had made no difference in whether patients wound up needing ventilators. | Researchers analyzed the medical records of 368 men with confirmed coronavirus infections treated at the hospitals. About 28 percent of those who received hydroxychloroquine died, they found, compared with 11 percent of those who did not receive it. They also found that the drug had made no difference in whether patients wound up needing ventilators. |
Updated June 16, 2020 | |
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | |
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | |
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | 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. |
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. | 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. |
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. |
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.) |
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. |
The analysis was not a controlled experiment or drug trial, so it is possible that other factors played a role in the higher observed death rate. Trials of the drug are still being conducted. | The analysis was not a controlled experiment or drug trial, so it is possible that other factors played a role in the higher observed death rate. Trials of the drug are still being conducted. |
The researchers did not track hydroxychloroquine’s side effects, which can be significant. A trial in Brazil involving a very similar drug, chloroquine, was halted earlier this month when many participants developed heart rhythm problems. | The researchers did not track hydroxychloroquine’s side effects, which can be significant. A trial in Brazil involving a very similar drug, chloroquine, was halted earlier this month when many participants developed heart rhythm problems. |
The National Institutes of Health reiterated on Tuesday that there is no proven drug for treating coronavirus patients, and it advised against using hydroxychloroquine outside of approved clinical trials. | The National Institutes of Health reiterated on Tuesday that there is no proven drug for treating coronavirus patients, and it advised against using hydroxychloroquine outside of approved clinical trials. |
Italy has split into two countries in the pandemic: the wealthier north, much harder hit but preparing to emerge from lockdown, and the poorer south, which fears a second wave that would overwhelm its limited resources. | Italy has split into two countries in the pandemic: the wealthier north, much harder hit but preparing to emerge from lockdown, and the poorer south, which fears a second wave that would overwhelm its limited resources. |
Indonesia has a fatality rate of nearly 9 percent, with 7,135 confirmed cases and 616 deaths. It is barring millions of residents from traveling for Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan. | Indonesia has a fatality rate of nearly 9 percent, with 7,135 confirmed cases and 616 deaths. It is barring millions of residents from traveling for Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan. |
“It is a plague on a biblical scale.” The Hasidic Jewish community in New York City has been particularly hard hit, recording roughly 700 deaths. | “It is a plague on a biblical scale.” The Hasidic Jewish community in New York City has been particularly hard hit, recording roughly 700 deaths. |
At least 150 people have tested positive for the virus at a hotel in Greece that houses migrants. | At least 150 people have tested positive for the virus at a hotel in Greece that houses migrants. |
Hong Kong extended its social-distancing restrictions to May 7, after a second wave of infections linked to residents returning from the United States and Europe. | Hong Kong extended its social-distancing restrictions to May 7, after a second wave of infections linked to residents returning from the United States and Europe. |
Donate your stimulus check. If you don’t need the money, you might consider donating it to an organization working directly on coronavirus relief efforts. | Donate your stimulus check. If you don’t need the money, you might consider donating it to an organization working directly on coronavirus relief efforts. |
Rethink how to discipline your kids. Cooped-up children need more compassion than usual. Try responding to misbehavior with empathy first, then remind them about rules and expectations. | Rethink how to discipline your kids. Cooped-up children need more compassion than usual. Try responding to misbehavior with empathy first, then remind them about rules and expectations. |
Be easier to live with. For those sharing houses or apartments with roommates, we have some tips for minimizing friction in close confines. | Be easier to live with. For those sharing houses or apartments with roommates, we have some tips for minimizing friction in close confines. |
Make home schooling easier. Want your children to treat you like their teacher during lesson time? Here’s how to keep them engaged. | Make home schooling easier. Want your children to treat you like their teacher during lesson time? Here’s how to keep them engaged. |
The Senate passed a $484 billion coronavirus relief package that would replenish a depleted loan program for small businesses and provide funds for hospitals and coronavirus testing. The House is expected to pass the bill on Thursday. | The Senate passed a $484 billion coronavirus relief package that would replenish a depleted loan program for small businesses and provide funds for hospitals and coronavirus testing. The House is expected to pass the bill on Thursday. |
We asked photographers to create a diary showing how they experience isolation. | We asked photographers to create a diary showing how they experience isolation. |
Poison call centers have noticed an alarming trend: Accidental exposures to household cleaners and disinfectants are up significantly. | Poison call centers have noticed an alarming trend: Accidental exposures to household cleaners and disinfectants are up significantly. |
The Neiman Marcus Group is expected to file for bankruptcy within a few days — the first major retailer driven under by the coronavirus crisis, but probably not the last. | The Neiman Marcus Group is expected to file for bankruptcy within a few days — the first major retailer driven under by the coronavirus crisis, but probably not the last. |
Hobbled by government scandal and dysfunction, Puerto Rico has been testing for coronavirus at a much lower rate than anywhere else in the United States. | Hobbled by government scandal and dysfunction, Puerto Rico has been testing for coronavirus at a much lower rate than anywhere else in the United States. |
How could we head off future pandemics? With enough resources, researchers believe they could pre-emptively create vaccines and drugs to fight viral threats before they spread. | How could we head off future pandemics? With enough resources, researchers believe they could pre-emptively create vaccines and drugs to fight viral threats before they spread. |
With the fragility of life being so visceral at the moment, I decided to write thank-you letters to people who’ve impacted my life in meaningful ways. Some I haven’t spoken to in 30 years. I want them to know. | With the fragility of life being so visceral at the moment, I decided to write thank-you letters to people who’ve impacted my life in meaningful ways. Some I haven’t spoken to in 30 years. I want them to know. |
— Hani Avital, Los Angeles | — Hani Avital, Los Angeles |
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. |
Email your thoughts to briefing@nytimes.com. Did a friend forward you the briefing? Sign up here. | Email your thoughts to briefing@nytimes.com. Did a friend forward you the briefing? Sign up here. |