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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.
U.S. economic output shrank at a 4.8 percent annual rate in the first quarter, the biggest contraction since the 2008 financial crisis.U.S. economic output shrank at a 4.8 percent annual rate in the first quarter, the biggest contraction since the 2008 financial crisis.
Conservative groups fighting coronavirus restrictions have gotten signs of support from the Justice Department.Conservative groups fighting coronavirus restrictions have gotten signs of support from the Justice Department.
France’s leading soccer league became the first of Europe’s big five to call off its season.France’s leading soccer league became the first of Europe’s big five to call off its season.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas and full coverage.Get the latest updates here, plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas and full coverage.
A federal trial suggests it might help people recover from the coronavirus a lot faster. But a study found it had no benefit for severely ill patients. The F.D.A. is likely to authorize its emergency use, an administration official told The New York Times.A federal trial suggests it might help people recover from the coronavirus a lot faster. But a study found it had no benefit for severely ill patients. The F.D.A. is likely to authorize its emergency use, an administration official told The New York Times.
All that news came on Wednesday about an experimental antiviral drug called remdesivir (pronounced rem-DESS-ih-veer).All that news came on Wednesday about an experimental antiviral drug called remdesivir (pronounced rem-DESS-ih-veer).
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is optimistic about the drug, which was originally developed in the hope that it might be useful against the Ebola virus (it wasn’t).Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is optimistic about the drug, which was originally developed in the hope that it might be useful against the Ebola virus (it wasn’t).
In the federal trial, conducted by his organization, Dr. Fauci said remdesivir appeared to speed up recovery from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, by about 31 percent compared with a placebo. While that “doesn’t seem like a knockout,” he said, “what it has proven is that a drug can block this virus.”In the federal trial, conducted by his organization, Dr. Fauci said remdesivir appeared to speed up recovery from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, by about 31 percent compared with a placebo. While that “doesn’t seem like a knockout,” he said, “what it has proven is that a drug can block this virus.”
But the other study, conducted in China and published in The Lancet, threw some cold water on the buzz. Though apparently safe and well tolerated, the drug wasn’t found to give patients who were already critically ill any significant benefit. That study leaves open the possibility that remdesivir may be of some help earlier in the course of the disease or in less severe cases.But the other study, conducted in China and published in The Lancet, threw some cold water on the buzz. Though apparently safe and well tolerated, the drug wasn’t found to give patients who were already critically ill any significant benefit. That study leaves open the possibility that remdesivir may be of some help earlier in the course of the disease or in less severe cases.
The drug’s maker, Gilead Sciences, treaded carefully on Wednesday, saying that it was “aware of positive data emerging” from the federal study. Trading in its stock was halted.The drug’s maker, Gilead Sciences, treaded carefully on Wednesday, saying that it was “aware of positive data emerging” from the federal study. Trading in its stock was halted.
Caveats. Remdesivir has never been approved as a treatment for any disease. The science about it remains uncertain. The federal study and the data it yielded have not yet been peer-reviewed — which has prompted some questions about whether the results were announced prematurely, perhaps for political reasons.Caveats. Remdesivir has never been approved as a treatment for any disease. The science about it remains uncertain. The federal study and the data it yielded have not yet been peer-reviewed — which has prompted some questions about whether the results were announced prematurely, perhaps for political reasons.
Hopes have been raised before about drugs that seemed promising but later turned out to be ineffective — or in the case of hydroxychloroquine, downright harmful. There is still no approved treatment for Covid-19.Hopes have been raised before about drugs that seemed promising but later turned out to be ineffective — or in the case of hydroxychloroquine, downright harmful. There is still no approved treatment for Covid-19.
A frantic search. Another experimental treatment for severely ill coronavirus patients is to give them blood plasma from recovered patients whose antibodies might help the recipients. But there is nowhere near enough “convalescent plasma” to go around.A frantic search. Another experimental treatment for severely ill coronavirus patients is to give them blood plasma from recovered patients whose antibodies might help the recipients. But there is nowhere near enough “convalescent plasma” to go around.
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.
Concerns have been building about shortages of meat, because so many packing plants in the U.S. have become virus hot spots, causing some to close.Concerns have been building about shortages of meat, because so many packing plants in the U.S. have become virus hot spots, causing some to close.
President Trump declared the processing plants “critical infrastructure” on Tuesday, in a bid to keep the nation’s food retailers stocked with chicken, beef, pork and other products.President Trump declared the processing plants “critical infrastructure” on Tuesday, in a bid to keep the nation’s food retailers stocked with chicken, beef, pork and other products.
The executive order does not directly force plants to stay open, but it may allow the Agriculture Department to force meat companies to fulfill orders from retailers, and they would have to keep their operations running to some degree to do that.The executive order does not directly force plants to stay open, but it may allow the Agriculture Department to force meat companies to fulfill orders from retailers, and they would have to keep their operations running to some degree to do that.
Labor unions and advocates have pushed back, saying that too little is being done to protect employees, who often work shoulder to shoulder on production lines — one of the reasons the plants are hot spots in the first place. Federal agencies recently issued safety guidelines for protecting processing workers, but compliance is voluntary and, some in the industry say, all but impossible.Labor unions and advocates have pushed back, saying that too little is being done to protect employees, who often work shoulder to shoulder on production lines — one of the reasons the plants are hot spots in the first place. Federal agencies recently issued safety guidelines for protecting processing workers, but compliance is voluntary and, some in the industry say, all but impossible.
So far, at least 20 meat plant workers have died of the virus, according to one union, and thousands more have been sickened.So far, at least 20 meat plant workers have died of the virus, according to one union, and thousands more have been sickened.
With several large plants closed, slaughtering capacity is down significantly, leaving some farmers to kill livestock they can no longer sell for processing.With several large plants closed, slaughtering capacity is down significantly, leaving some farmers to kill livestock they can no longer sell for processing.
Scandal in Iran: With chicken sales plunging, Iranian poultry factories killed 15 million chicks this month. Videos of a truck dumping the birds into a ditch where they were buried alive prompted an uproar.Scandal in Iran: With chicken sales plunging, Iranian poultry factories killed 15 million chicks this month. Videos of a truck dumping the birds into a ditch where they were buried alive prompted an uproar.
The pandemic has changed the rhythms of our lives in so many ways — including, it seems, our biorhythms.The pandemic has changed the rhythms of our lives in so many ways — including, it seems, our biorhythms.
New York City may be the city that never sleeps, but data on residential electricity use shows that when New Yorkers are stuck at home, they stay in bed a little longer.New York City may be the city that never sleeps, but data on residential electricity use shows that when New Yorkers are stuck at home, they stay in bed a little longer.
On a normal weekday, power use in the city increases sharply from about 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., according to data from 400 apartments collected by Columbia University. But in these days without a commute or a rush to get children ready for school, the increase comes later in the morning.On a normal weekday, power use in the city increases sharply from about 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., according to data from 400 apartments collected by Columbia University. But in these days without a commute or a rush to get children ready for school, the increase comes later in the morning.
Before stay-at-home orders went into effect, electricity use would fall sharply again around 9 a.m. as many people left their apartments for the day. But now, it keeps climbing throughout the day as people work and study from home, or cook more, clean more and watch more television.Before stay-at-home orders went into effect, electricity use would fall sharply again around 9 a.m. as many people left their apartments for the day. But now, it keeps climbing throughout the day as people work and study from home, or cook more, clean more and watch more television.
The normal evening surge, when people returned home and flicked on the lights, is less abrupt now, too. And the data suggests that people are staying up later, with more total use at night and higher demand even as midnight approaches.The normal evening surge, when people returned home and flicked on the lights, is less abrupt now, too. And the data suggests that people are staying up later, with more total use at night and higher demand even as midnight approaches.
Updated June 2, 2020 Updated June 5, 2020
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.
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.
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.
Over all, the data showed people using about 7 percent more electricity a day on weekdays, and 4 percent more on weekends, than before the pandemic.Over all, the data showed people using about 7 percent more electricity a day on weekdays, and 4 percent more on weekends, than before the pandemic.
Utility companies across the country say that residential customers are using more electricity during the day. But businesses ordinarily use much more power than residences do; because many businesses are closed now, overall demand for power is down — in some places by 10 percent or more.Utility companies across the country say that residential customers are using more electricity during the day. But businesses ordinarily use much more power than residences do; because many businesses are closed now, overall demand for power is down — in some places by 10 percent or more.
In Singapore, the virus has spread rapidly through migrant worker dormitories, which are linked to a vast majority of the city-state’s 15,641 cases.In Singapore, the virus has spread rapidly through migrant worker dormitories, which are linked to a vast majority of the city-state’s 15,641 cases.
One of the deadliest nursing home outbreaks in the U.S. is in a center for veterans in Massachusetts, where at least 68 residents have died.One of the deadliest nursing home outbreaks in the U.S. is in a center for veterans in Massachusetts, where at least 68 residents have died.
In New York City, which has had 170,154 cases and 17,627 deaths, Mayor Bill de Blasio criticized Hasidic residents of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, after police officers dispersed crowds taking part in a funeral for a rabbi who died of the virus.In New York City, which has had 170,154 cases and 17,627 deaths, Mayor Bill de Blasio criticized Hasidic residents of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, after police officers dispersed crowds taking part in a funeral for a rabbi who died of the virus.
Try a tiny workout. Four seconds of high-intensity exertion, repeated periodically throughout the day, might counteract some of the unhealthy metabolic consequences of sitting for hours.Try a tiny workout. Four seconds of high-intensity exertion, repeated periodically throughout the day, might counteract some of the unhealthy metabolic consequences of sitting for hours.
Find support for dealing with addiction. Though face-to-face counseling and in-person group meetings have been suspended, there are many virtual options newly available.Find support for dealing with addiction. Though face-to-face counseling and in-person group meetings have been suspended, there are many virtual options newly available.
Bury the hatchet. Some people are using time in isolation to resolve deeply held grudges.Bury the hatchet. Some people are using time in isolation to resolve deeply held grudges.
Pick up the phone. A young writer recommends rediscovering the old-fashioned phone call as a way to stay in touch with friends and build relationships.Pick up the phone. A young writer recommends rediscovering the old-fashioned phone call as a way to stay in touch with friends and build relationships.
President Trump called for a crash program to expedite development of a coronavirus vaccine, with a goal of manufacturing enough to vaccinate the whole U.S. population by the end of the year — sooner than many experts say will be practical or safe.President Trump called for a crash program to expedite development of a coronavirus vaccine, with a goal of manufacturing enough to vaccinate the whole U.S. population by the end of the year — sooner than many experts say will be practical or safe.
An unexpected effect of the pandemic: It’s disrupting the illegal trade in rare animals.An unexpected effect of the pandemic: It’s disrupting the illegal trade in rare animals.
The race is on to develop apps that could aid contract tracing, but there are concerns about privacy and hastily written software.The race is on to develop apps that could aid contract tracing, but there are concerns about privacy and hastily written software.
A pug in North Carolina named Winston has tested positive for the coronavirus. It’s apparently the first known case in which the virus was detected in a dog in the United States.A pug in North Carolina named Winston has tested positive for the coronavirus. It’s apparently the first known case in which the virus was detected in a dog in the United States.
When the influenza pandemic struck in 1918, it complicated plans for women’s suffrage. Now, with the centennial of the 19th Amendment, the coronavirus is upending life once more.When the influenza pandemic struck in 1918, it complicated plans for women’s suffrage. Now, with the centennial of the 19th Amendment, the coronavirus is upending life once more.
As we prepared to begin the quarantine, I started a baking group on Facebook. I’m a home cook and have a personal interest in learning how to bake, and now over 1,700 people have joined me in this group. Each week I post a series of baking challenges, and we learn new things. Most of us are baking for friends and family who we can’t spend time with right now.As we prepared to begin the quarantine, I started a baking group on Facebook. I’m a home cook and have a personal interest in learning how to bake, and now over 1,700 people have joined me in this group. Each week I post a series of baking challenges, and we learn new things. Most of us are baking for friends and family who we can’t spend time with right now.
— Abby Kumpel, Pittsburgh— Abby Kumpel, Pittsburgh
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