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Coronavirus Live Updates: More States Let Businesses Reopen; Many Students are Postponing College Decisions Coronavirus Live Updates: More States Let Businesses Reopen; Many Students are Postponing College Decisions
(32 minutes later)
The sweeping orders that kept roughly nine out of 10 Americans at home in recent weeks gave way on Friday to a patchwork of state and local measures allowing millions of people to return to restaurants, movie theaters and malls for the first time in a month or more.The sweeping orders that kept roughly nine out of 10 Americans at home in recent weeks gave way on Friday to a patchwork of state and local measures allowing millions of people to return to restaurants, movie theaters and malls for the first time in a month or more.
But as more states, like Texas, prepared to reopen on Friday, the governors of California and Michigan contended with challenges to their authority to shutter at least some parts of public life.But as more states, like Texas, prepared to reopen on Friday, the governors of California and Michigan contended with challenges to their authority to shutter at least some parts of public life.
In Lansing, Mich., hundreds of protesters — many of them armed — gathered at the State Capitol on Thursday to oppose stay-at-home orders, weeks after a larger gathering on April 15, when thousands of demonstrators mobilized by conservative groups created a traffic jam on the streets around the statehouse.In Lansing, Mich., hundreds of protesters — many of them armed — gathered at the State Capitol on Thursday to oppose stay-at-home orders, weeks after a larger gathering on April 15, when thousands of demonstrators mobilized by conservative groups created a traffic jam on the streets around the statehouse.
And in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom stepped in on Thursday to shut down the beaches in Orange County, rolling back earlier attempts at giving people there a chance to stroll along the shore while staying a safe distance away from one another.And in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom stepped in on Thursday to shut down the beaches in Orange County, rolling back earlier attempts at giving people there a chance to stroll along the shore while staying a safe distance away from one another.
Now Mr. Newsom, already the target of litigation for his stay-at-home order, is facing fresh resistance: The Huntington Beach City Council voted Thursday night to sue the state over the beach ban, and the City Council in nearby Newport Beach appeared poised to follow, according to local media reports.Now Mr. Newsom, already the target of litigation for his stay-at-home order, is facing fresh resistance: The Huntington Beach City Council voted Thursday night to sue the state over the beach ban, and the City Council in nearby Newport Beach appeared poised to follow, according to local media reports.
The protest in Michigan came as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, signed three orders extending the restrictions to combat the coronavirus. State Senator Dayna Polehanki shared a photograph of protesters with rifles inside the building, as well as a video of hundreds of people outside. It is legal to carry firearms inside the State Capitol.The protest in Michigan came as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, signed three orders extending the restrictions to combat the coronavirus. State Senator Dayna Polehanki shared a photograph of protesters with rifles inside the building, as well as a video of hundreds of people outside. It is legal to carry firearms inside the State Capitol.
President Trump on Friday urged Ms. Whitmer to “give a little,” writing that the protesters were “very good people, but they are angry.”President Trump on Friday urged Ms. Whitmer to “give a little,” writing that the protesters were “very good people, but they are angry.”
The president has voiced support for protests against restrictions, even as federal guidance urged Americans to avoid large gatherings to help stem the spread of the virus. The Justice Department has signaled that it might endorse court challenges pushing back against some rules.The president has voiced support for protests against restrictions, even as federal guidance urged Americans to avoid large gatherings to help stem the spread of the virus. The Justice Department has signaled that it might endorse court challenges pushing back against some rules.
In addition to Texas, reopenings of certain businesses or public spaces were expected on Friday in Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, North Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. In Colorado and Oklahoma, which had already made moves to reopen, Friday marked an expansion, with new businesses set to reopen. And in Tennessee, a stay-at-home order expired at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, making Friday the first day where more movement was permitted.In addition to Texas, reopenings of certain businesses or public spaces were expected on Friday in Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, North Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. In Colorado and Oklahoma, which had already made moves to reopen, Friday marked an expansion, with new businesses set to reopen. And in Tennessee, a stay-at-home order expired at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, making Friday the first day where more movement was permitted.
Several other states, including Florida, Missouri, Nebraska and West Virginia, have announced openings starting on Monday.Several other states, including Florida, Missouri, Nebraska and West Virginia, have announced openings starting on Monday.
The changes — which have come piecemeal, by industry or region, and with restrictions for sanitation and social distancing — followed reopenings in several other states, including Alaska, Georgia and South Carolina.The changes — which have come piecemeal, by industry or region, and with restrictions for sanitation and social distancing — followed reopenings in several other states, including Alaska, Georgia and South Carolina.
By next week, nearly half the states will have made moves toward reopening their economies. In some states, reopenings have happened even as cases were still increasing or remaining steady, raising concerns among public health experts about a surge in new cases that might not be detectable for up to two weeks.By next week, nearly half the states will have made moves toward reopening their economies. In some states, reopenings have happened even as cases were still increasing or remaining steady, raising concerns among public health experts about a surge in new cases that might not be detectable for up to two weeks.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the federal government’s top expert on infectious diseases, said that while states and cities would reopen at their own discretion, there was danger in acting rashly.Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the federal government’s top expert on infectious diseases, said that while states and cities would reopen at their own discretion, there was danger in acting rashly.
“They know their states, the mayors know their cities, so you want to give them a little wiggle room,” he said on CNN on Thursday evening. “But my recommendation is, you know, don’t wiggle too much.”“They know their states, the mayors know their cities, so you want to give them a little wiggle room,” he said on CNN on Thursday evening. “But my recommendation is, you know, don’t wiggle too much.”
Some cities and states are seeing increasing cases of the virus like Massachusetts, Worthington, Minn., a city in the southwest corner of the state, and Green Bay, Wis., which were singled out in a recent federal government briefing obtained by The Times. The briefing also noted that federal officials are monitoring North Carolina, where cases have increased and stay-at-home orders are set to expire on May 8.Some cities and states are seeing increasing cases of the virus like Massachusetts, Worthington, Minn., a city in the southwest corner of the state, and Green Bay, Wis., which were singled out in a recent federal government briefing obtained by The Times. The briefing also noted that federal officials are monitoring North Carolina, where cases have increased and stay-at-home orders are set to expire on May 8.
The World Health Organization extended its declaration of a global health emergency on Friday, amid increasing criticism from the Trump Administration about its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
The move comes three months after the organization’s original decision to announce a “public health emergency of international concern” on Jan. 30. At the time, only 98 of the nearly 10,000 cases confirmed had occurred outside China’s borders.
But the pandemic continues to grow. More than 3.2 million people around the world have been sickened by the virus and nearly a quarter million have died, according to official counts. Hot spots have moved outside China; there is evidence on six continents of sustained transmission.
All of this led experts in the W.H.O.’s emergency committee to reconvene to assess the evolution of the pandemic, and to advise on updated recommendations, officials said.
There has been a rapid rise in new cases in Africa and South America, where many countries have weak health care systems that could easily be overwhelmed. The acceleration is concerning because the growth rate of the virus has appeared to slow in many other countries in Asia and Europe.
Although people are slowly starting to return to work in China after weeks of lockdowns, nonessential stores still shuttered in most parts of the world and the virus has badly damaged the economy.
The Trump administration has cut off funding for the organization, claiming without evidence that W.H.O. officials colluded with China to obscure the extent of the epidemic in its early days. Political strategists have advised Republicans that blaming China, and by extension the W.H.O., is an effective deflection from criticism of the administration’s own handling of the epidemic in the United States.
Shaken by economic hardship, health fears and uncertainty about when campuses will reopen, a large number of high school seniors appear to be putting off a decision about where to go to college in the fall — or whether to go at all.Shaken by economic hardship, health fears and uncertainty about when campuses will reopen, a large number of high school seniors appear to be putting off a decision about where to go to college in the fall — or whether to go at all.
College admissions offers are reluctant to admit weakness, meaning there is little hard data at this point. But there are clear signs of concern about plummeting enrollment and lost revenue. Of some 700 universities with a May 1 acceptance deadline, which include many of the country’s most competitive, about half have already given students an extra month to decide, said Marie Bigham, founder of Accept, a college admissions reform group.College admissions offers are reluctant to admit weakness, meaning there is little hard data at this point. But there are clear signs of concern about plummeting enrollment and lost revenue. Of some 700 universities with a May 1 acceptance deadline, which include many of the country’s most competitive, about half have already given students an extra month to decide, said Marie Bigham, founder of Accept, a college admissions reform group.
Many students said they do not want to make a decision about the fall until they know for sure whether campuses will reopen. Johnny Kennevan, a senior at Seneca High School in Tabernacle, N.J., was recruited to play basketball at York College in Pennsylvania. But his plans would likely change if the campus is still closed, he said.Many students said they do not want to make a decision about the fall until they know for sure whether campuses will reopen. Johnny Kennevan, a senior at Seneca High School in Tabernacle, N.J., was recruited to play basketball at York College in Pennsylvania. But his plans would likely change if the campus is still closed, he said.
“It doesn’t make sense to pay 20 grand to sit at my computer at home and take online courses,” he said. “You can get the same education from a community college.”“It doesn’t make sense to pay 20 grand to sit at my computer at home and take online courses,” he said. “You can get the same education from a community college.”
Some schools are waiving deposit requirements, particularly for foreign students, who are especially valuable to universities because most pay full tuition. And experts say that the number of wait-listed students who are now getting offers, like Ms. Tang, shows that even some of the most selective schools are acting more aggressively to fill freshman classes. Some schools are waiving deposit requirements, particularly for foreign students, who are especially valuable to universities because most pay full tuition. And experts say that the number of wait-listed students who are now getting offers, shows that even some of the most selective schools are acting more aggressively to fill freshman classes.
“People are coming off wait lists all over the place right now,” said Debra Felix, a former admissions director at Columbia University who now runs her own student advising service. She added, “It tells me that the yeses are coming back very slowly, or people are getting back to them quickly with nos.”“People are coming off wait lists all over the place right now,” said Debra Felix, a former admissions director at Columbia University who now runs her own student advising service. She added, “It tells me that the yeses are coming back very slowly, or people are getting back to them quickly with nos.”
Since mid-March, when colleges abruptly shut down campus operations and moved to online learning, schools have announced hundreds of millions of dollars in losses and say that a $14 billion federal aid package won’t be nearly enough to keep struggling schools afloat. Executives have taken pay cuts, endowments have shrunk, hiring has been frozen and construction projects have stopped.Since mid-March, when colleges abruptly shut down campus operations and moved to online learning, schools have announced hundreds of millions of dollars in losses and say that a $14 billion federal aid package won’t be nearly enough to keep struggling schools afloat. Executives have taken pay cuts, endowments have shrunk, hiring has been frozen and construction projects have stopped.
But experts say that’s only the beginning if schools can’t persuade students to return in the fall, when many campuses are bracing for the possibility that online learning could continue.But experts say that’s only the beginning if schools can’t persuade students to return in the fall, when many campuses are bracing for the possibility that online learning could continue.
At least 4,193 workers at 115 meatpacking plants in the United States have been infected with the coronavirus, according to a report released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.At least 4,193 workers at 115 meatpacking plants in the United States have been infected with the coronavirus, according to a report released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Twenty of those workers have died, the report said. And the data almost certainly understates the scale of the problem, because not all states with infections at meat plants have reported figures to the C.D.C.Twenty of those workers have died, the report said. And the data almost certainly understates the scale of the problem, because not all states with infections at meat plants have reported figures to the C.D.C.
In total, the meat and poultry processing industry employs about half a million people, many of whom work in cramped conditions in slaughterhouses where social distancing is practically impossible. Over the last month, dozens of meatpacking plants have been forced to close because of outbreaks, straining the country’s meat supply.In total, the meat and poultry processing industry employs about half a million people, many of whom work in cramped conditions in slaughterhouses where social distancing is practically impossible. Over the last month, dozens of meatpacking plants have been forced to close because of outbreaks, straining the country’s meat supply.
This week, President Trump issued an executive order that gave officials at the Department of Agriculture the authority to take some limited actions to keep plants running, even when local authorities call for them to close.This week, President Trump issued an executive order that gave officials at the Department of Agriculture the authority to take some limited actions to keep plants running, even when local authorities call for them to close.
The C.D.C. report also lays out recommendations for meatpacking plants to keep workers safe, like installing barriers between workers and requiring face covering.The C.D.C. report also lays out recommendations for meatpacking plants to keep workers safe, like installing barriers between workers and requiring face covering.
As states begin to loosen restrictions on their economies, the act of reopening has come down not to governors or even to President Trump, but to millions of individual Americans who are being asked to do it. It is not an easy decision. In homes across the country this week, Americans whose governors said it was time to get back to work wrestled with what to do, weighing what felt like an impossible choice. Across the country this week, Americans whose governors said it was time to get back to work wrestled with what felt like an impossible choice.
If they go back to work, will they get sick and infect their families? If they refuse, will they lose their jobs? What if they work on tips and there are no customers? What happens to their unemployment benefits? If they go back to work, will they get sick and infect their families? If they refuse, will they lose their jobs? What if they work on tips and there are no customers? If they are businesses owners, will there be enough work to rehire employees?
On Friday, as several additional states, including Texas, allowed their stay-at-home orders to expire, more Americans ventured out of their doors to work, but often with a sense of dread — that they were being forced to choose between their health and their livelihood.
Large majorities still approve of shutdown orders as a way of protecting public health, but the tremendous surge of jobless claims since mid-March has created a crosscurrent: An urgent need for income.
Andrea Pinson hasn’t been paid since March 18, the last day she worked at her job at a bingo hall in Fort Worth, taking customers orders, cooking and serving them their meals. But this week, she received a short text from her boss, telling her to show up for work on Friday, when Texas is set to reopen restaurants, shops, churches and other gathering places.Andrea Pinson hasn’t been paid since March 18, the last day she worked at her job at a bingo hall in Fort Worth, taking customers orders, cooking and serving them their meals. But this week, she received a short text from her boss, telling her to show up for work on Friday, when Texas is set to reopen restaurants, shops, churches and other gathering places.
The demand was direct — be there at 5 p.m. — and on Thursday Ms. Pinson, 33, was agonizing over how to respond. If she stayed home she could lose wages or even her job. If she went to work, she risked bringing the coronavirus back to her great-uncle, 73, who lives with her and has health conditions.The demand was direct — be there at 5 p.m. — and on Thursday Ms. Pinson, 33, was agonizing over how to respond. If she stayed home she could lose wages or even her job. If she went to work, she risked bringing the coronavirus back to her great-uncle, 73, who lives with her and has health conditions.
“We need the money for sure, but I don’t want to put his life at risk just so we can have money,” she said. “He’s had open-heart surgery, he’s got asthma, there’s no way he could come back from that. I can’t lose him.”“We need the money for sure, but I don’t want to put his life at risk just so we can have money,” she said. “He’s had open-heart surgery, he’s got asthma, there’s no way he could come back from that. I can’t lose him.”
She said the bingo hall will require customers to wear masks, but she is sure people will take them off — they will have to in order to eat the burgers, nachos, and other food that she makes. She is leaning toward showing up on Friday evening, hoping that people follow the state’s guidelines and keep their distance from each other. If they don’t, she said she would probably ask her boss to let her take additional time off.She said the bingo hall will require customers to wear masks, but she is sure people will take them off — they will have to in order to eat the burgers, nachos, and other food that she makes. She is leaning toward showing up on Friday evening, hoping that people follow the state’s guidelines and keep their distance from each other. If they don’t, she said she would probably ask her boss to let her take additional time off.
“Hopefully he would understand,” she said. “Me and him do have a pretty good relationship. But he just kind of expected me to show up to work. But if I explained my situation to him, he might be OK with it. I don’t know.” “Hopefully he would understand,” she said.
At The Holiday, a women’s clothing boutique that has been in Mobile, Ala., since 1955, stickers had been placed six feet apart on the pavement outside. A hand-washing station had been set up just inside the door. Every dressing room had been closed but one, and a single employee was assigned to sanitize it after every customer.
“We’ve been cleaning and sanitizing that store for a week now,” Mary-Lacey Zeiders, one of its owners, said Friday morning as the store prepared to reopen after more than a month.
The store was preparing to reopen after Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama eased restrictions this week, allowing businesses to reopen with reduced capacity. Ms. Zeiders said her store was only allowing eight patrons in at a time, or five percent of its fire capacity. Customers at the store, which is something of an institution in Mobile, will be required to wear masks.
“We are either going to see a surge of people coming out because they’re bored and ready to get out of their house, and it’s going to be crazy and nonstop, and we’re going to have to manage our people flow,” Ms. Zeiders said. “Or it’s not going to be any different than it has been.”
“I think it could go both ways,” she said.
The World Health Organization extended its declaration of a global health emergency on Friday, amid increasing criticism from the Trump Administration about its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
The move comes three months after the organization’s original decision to announce a “public health emergency of international concern” on Jan. 30. At the time, only 98 of the nearly 10,000 cases confirmed had occurred outside China’s borders.
But the pandemic continues to grow. More than 3.2 million people around the world have been sickened by the virus and nearly a quarter million have died, according to official counts. Hot spots have moved outside China; there is evidence on six continents of sustained transmission.
All of this led experts in the W.H.O.’s emergency committee to reconvene to assess the evolution of the pandemic, and to advise on updated recommendations, officials said.
There has been a rapid rise in new cases in Africa and South America, where many countries have weak health care systems that could easily be overwhelmed. The acceleration is concerning because the growth rate of the virus has appeared to slow in many other countries in Asia and Europe.
Although people are slowly starting to return to work in China after weeks of lockdowns, nonessential stores still shuttered in most parts of the world and the virus has badly damaged the economy.
The Trump administration has cut off funding for the organization, claiming without evidence that W.H.O. officials colluded with China to obscure the extent of the epidemic in its early days. Political strategists have advised Republicans that blaming China, and by extension the W.H.O., is an effective deflection from criticism of the administration’s own handling of the epidemic in the United States.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin wants private schools with large endowments to return federal stimulus loans they received from a program intended for small businesses hit hard by the pandemic.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin wants private schools with large endowments to return federal stimulus loans they received from a program intended for small businesses hit hard by the pandemic.
In a post on Twitter, Mr. Mnuchin said Friday, “It has come to our attention that some private schools with significant endowments” have taken the loans. “They should return them,” he said.In a post on Twitter, Mr. Mnuchin said Friday, “It has come to our attention that some private schools with significant endowments” have taken the loans. “They should return them,” he said.
Many prominent prep schools have applied for the loans, which are being issued by the Small Business Administration to help businesses meet their payroll needs, The New York Times reported this week. Some decided not to take the loans because of their other resources, but others said they needed the money.Many prominent prep schools have applied for the loans, which are being issued by the Small Business Administration to help businesses meet their payroll needs, The New York Times reported this week. Some decided not to take the loans because of their other resources, but others said they needed the money.
The recipients include Sidwell Friends in Washington, D.C., the alma mater of President Obama’s and President Clinton’s children, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, Md., which counts the president’s youngest son as a student.The recipients include Sidwell Friends in Washington, D.C., the alma mater of President Obama’s and President Clinton’s children, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, Md., which counts the president’s youngest son as a student.
The Los Angeles Times reported on Thursday that a private school in Los Angeles attended by at least two of Mr. Mnuchin’s children had also accepted a loan, and that a spokeswoman for Mr. Mnuchin had described the arrangement as inappropriate.The Los Angeles Times reported on Thursday that a private school in Los Angeles attended by at least two of Mr. Mnuchin’s children had also accepted a loan, and that a spokeswoman for Mr. Mnuchin had described the arrangement as inappropriate.
In his tweet on Friday, Mr. Mnuchin did not specify what qualified as a significant endowment. Sidwell Friends has an endowment of roughly $50 million, while St. Andrews indicated in a 2017 tax filing that its endowment was about $9 million.In his tweet on Friday, Mr. Mnuchin did not specify what qualified as a significant endowment. Sidwell Friends has an endowment of roughly $50 million, while St. Andrews indicated in a 2017 tax filing that its endowment was about $9 million.
Run by the S.B.A., the $660 billion aid program — formally known as the Paycheck Protection Program — has been criticized for providing funds to large public companies ahead of Main Street small businesses like restaurants and shops.Run by the S.B.A., the $660 billion aid program — formally known as the Paycheck Protection Program — has been criticized for providing funds to large public companies ahead of Main Street small businesses like restaurants and shops.
The money comes in the form of loans, backed by the S.B.A., that can be forgiven if recipients put most of it toward payroll needs.The money comes in the form of loans, backed by the S.B.A., that can be forgiven if recipients put most of it toward payroll needs.
With several states starting to reopen their economies on Friday, Los Angeles was focused on what public health officials have warned is necessary before safely throwing open the doors of many businesses: wide-scale testing.With several states starting to reopen their economies on Friday, Los Angeles was focused on what public health officials have warned is necessary before safely throwing open the doors of many businesses: wide-scale testing.
Los Angeles became the largest city in the country to offer free testing to anyone, regardless of symptoms, a significant ramping up of testing that officials in California have said is required before tentative steps to open the economy can be taken in the coming weeks.Los Angeles became the largest city in the country to offer free testing to anyone, regardless of symptoms, a significant ramping up of testing that officials in California have said is required before tentative steps to open the economy can be taken in the coming weeks.
Since the start of the pandemic California has lagged behind other states like New York, whose population is half that of California’s, in testing, but has begun closing the gap. As of Wednesday California had administered about 603,139 tests, compared with 872,481 in New York, which is a less-populous state.Since the start of the pandemic California has lagged behind other states like New York, whose population is half that of California’s, in testing, but has begun closing the gap. As of Wednesday California had administered about 603,139 tests, compared with 872,481 in New York, which is a less-populous state.
On Thursday, the first day of free testing for all in Los Angeles, nearly 10,000 people were tested, about the three times the previous day. Mayor Eric M. Garcetti announced that any of Los Angeles County’s 12 million residents could get a free test at any of the city’s testing sites, even though county health officials are still advising testing remain limited to those with symptoms and the most vulnerable.On Thursday, the first day of free testing for all in Los Angeles, nearly 10,000 people were tested, about the three times the previous day. Mayor Eric M. Garcetti announced that any of Los Angeles County’s 12 million residents could get a free test at any of the city’s testing sites, even though county health officials are still advising testing remain limited to those with symptoms and the most vulnerable.
Mr. Garcetti said the city had hundreds of thousands of test kits on hand, and would be buying more to keep up with the number of residents rushing to get tested.Mr. Garcetti said the city had hundreds of thousands of test kits on hand, and would be buying more to keep up with the number of residents rushing to get tested.
“So we will continue to scale testing and order more to meet the demand day by day,” Mr. Garcetti said Thursday at his daily news conference. “You don’t have to wonder if that cough is covid. You don’t have to wonder if you were exposed to somebody you know had or you think had covid. You can go get tested now.”“So we will continue to scale testing and order more to meet the demand day by day,” Mr. Garcetti said Thursday at his daily news conference. “You don’t have to wonder if that cough is covid. You don’t have to wonder if you were exposed to somebody you know had or you think had covid. You can go get tested now.”
As states in America start to reopen this week, California is being far more cautious, with leaders saying the state is still weeks away from deciding how and when to begin opening shops, restaurants and parks. California’s death rate from covid-19 is far lower than New York, and Gov. Gavin Newsom has expressed optimism that the state is slowing the spread of infections and could soon, albeit slowly, open some businesses.As states in America start to reopen this week, California is being far more cautious, with leaders saying the state is still weeks away from deciding how and when to begin opening shops, restaurants and parks. California’s death rate from covid-19 is far lower than New York, and Gov. Gavin Newsom has expressed optimism that the state is slowing the spread of infections and could soon, albeit slowly, open some businesses.
Schools in the nation’s largest school district and throughout New York State will remain shuttered through the end of the school year, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Friday, confirming what educators, union leaders and Mayor Bill de Blasio had said was inevitable weeks earlier.Schools in the nation’s largest school district and throughout New York State will remain shuttered through the end of the school year, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Friday, confirming what educators, union leaders and Mayor Bill de Blasio had said was inevitable weeks earlier.
“We don’t think it’s possible” to reopen schools “in a way that would keep our children and students and educators safe,” Mr. Cuomo said.“We don’t think it’s possible” to reopen schools “in a way that would keep our children and students and educators safe,” Mr. Cuomo said.
While there was never much doubt that schools would not reopen this academic year, the shape of summer instruction and next school year is still murky. Though schools have continued their instruction online, many students are sure to fall behind academically.While there was never much doubt that schools would not reopen this academic year, the shape of summer instruction and next school year is still murky. Though schools have continued their instruction online, many students are sure to fall behind academically.
Mr. Cuomo also said Friday that 289 more people had died, the first time the one-day death toll fell below 300 since March 30. New hospitalizations for the virus remained in the mid-900s for the fourth straight day, a sign of a plateau that Mr. Cuomo found troubling.Mr. Cuomo also said Friday that 289 more people had died, the first time the one-day death toll fell below 300 since March 30. New hospitalizations for the virus remained in the mid-900s for the fourth straight day, a sign of a plateau that Mr. Cuomo found troubling.
He has said that some parts of the state might be able to gradually reopen businesses on May 15 but has resisted setting a timeline for New York City and the surrounding region, saying those decisions would be data-driven.He has said that some parts of the state might be able to gradually reopen businesses on May 15 but has resisted setting a timeline for New York City and the surrounding region, saying those decisions would be data-driven.
One part of the plan to get the economy moving again would be the establishment of perhaps the largest “contact tracing program” ever envisioned. Statewide, Mr. Cuomo said, 6,400 to 17,000 tracers would be needed to locate, contact and isolate all those whose paths crossed with infected individuals.One part of the plan to get the economy moving again would be the establishment of perhaps the largest “contact tracing program” ever envisioned. Statewide, Mr. Cuomo said, 6,400 to 17,000 tracers would be needed to locate, contact and isolate all those whose paths crossed with infected individuals.
Even as regional leaders began to sketch out how to reopen in the weeks ahead, New Jersey’s governor announced on Thursday that the state had recorded 460 new virus-related deaths, a sharp one-day increase and the most the state had reported in a single day so far.Even as regional leaders began to sketch out how to reopen in the weeks ahead, New Jersey’s governor announced on Thursday that the state had recorded 460 new virus-related deaths, a sharp one-day increase and the most the state had reported in a single day so far.
In Connecticut, the governor on Thursday outlined a plan for restarting the state’s economy that would begin with some retailers, offices, hair and nail salons, outdoor restaurants and outdoor recreation facilities reopening by May 20, if infections and hospitalizations continued to decline. He emphasized that businesses would not be required to open.In Connecticut, the governor on Thursday outlined a plan for restarting the state’s economy that would begin with some retailers, offices, hair and nail salons, outdoor restaurants and outdoor recreation facilities reopening by May 20, if infections and hospitalizations continued to decline. He emphasized that businesses would not be required to open.
Texas, the largest Republican-led state in the country, and other states set to loosen restrictions on Friday were embarking down a politically charged path fraught with uncertainty and public health risks. Amid a pandemic that has killed more than 800 Texans, the state was ending its stay-at-home order weeks before some of the benchmark epidemiological models suggested doing soTexas, the largest Republican-led state in the country, and other states set to loosen restrictions on Friday were embarking down a politically charged path fraught with uncertainty and public health risks. Amid a pandemic that has killed more than 800 Texans, the state was ending its stay-at-home order weeks before some of the benchmark epidemiological models suggested doing so
Based on an executive order issued by Gov. Greg Abbott, the state’s restaurants, movie theaters and other businesses were allowed to reopen on Friday, although they were required to limit their capacity to 25 percent of their listed occupancy. In Houston, the Galleria mall was preparing to open its doors but keep its playground areas and water fountains shut. On the Gulf Coast, the beaches at Galveston were reopened.Based on an executive order issued by Gov. Greg Abbott, the state’s restaurants, movie theaters and other businesses were allowed to reopen on Friday, although they were required to limit their capacity to 25 percent of their listed occupancy. In Houston, the Galleria mall was preparing to open its doors but keep its playground areas and water fountains shut. On the Gulf Coast, the beaches at Galveston were reopened.
In San Antonio, the celebrity chef Johnny Hernandez was reopening three of his seven restaurants and bringing back 40 furloughed employees, all required to wear face masks and gloves. Patrons will be asked whether they have any symptoms, but he decided against checking diners for fevers as they enter.In San Antonio, the celebrity chef Johnny Hernandez was reopening three of his seven restaurants and bringing back 40 furloughed employees, all required to wear face masks and gloves. Patrons will be asked whether they have any symptoms, but he decided against checking diners for fevers as they enter.
Many businesses remained closed around the state, a sign of both fears and anxiety about the governor’s decision. One Austin man posted an online list of local restaurants that planned to reopen for indoor dining and called for a boycott.Many businesses remained closed around the state, a sign of both fears and anxiety about the governor’s decision. One Austin man posted an online list of local restaurants that planned to reopen for indoor dining and called for a boycott.
Officials and public health experts in Texas’ largest cities warned that a second wave of the virus was possible if the reopening caused a widespread decrease in social distancing.Officials and public health experts in Texas’ largest cities warned that a second wave of the virus was possible if the reopening caused a widespread decrease in social distancing.
“As long as we’re reporting new cases,” Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston told reporters this week, “and as long as we’re reporting people who are dying, and as long as we can’t tell you that this virus is out of here, then you need to be very, very, very careful.”“As long as we’re reporting new cases,” Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston told reporters this week, “and as long as we’re reporting people who are dying, and as long as we can’t tell you that this virus is out of here, then you need to be very, very, very careful.”
As patients with the virus multiplied and filled hospitals around the country, routine treatments like kidney dialysis became scarce, placing virus patients with kidney disease at an even higher risk of dying. Kidney specialists estimate that 20 percent to 40 percent of I.C.U. patients with the coronavirus suffered kidney failure and needed emergency dialysis. In some hospitals in New York City, demand for dialysis rose threefold during the crisis.As patients with the virus multiplied and filled hospitals around the country, routine treatments like kidney dialysis became scarce, placing virus patients with kidney disease at an even higher risk of dying. Kidney specialists estimate that 20 percent to 40 percent of I.C.U. patients with the coronavirus suffered kidney failure and needed emergency dialysis. In some hospitals in New York City, demand for dialysis rose threefold during the crisis.
The Times reporter Nicholas Kulish chronicled the experience of a 68-year-old New Yorker’s fight to survive. The patient, Jamal Uddin, a supervisor at the city’s H.I.V./AIDS Services, had a ventilator to help him breathe, the one piece of equipment everyone feared would be unavailable if the hospitals were overwhelmed. But he did not have adequate access to dialysis, a common treatment for impaired kidney. After fighting for four days, Mr. Uddin was finally scheduled to receive dialysis at 9 p.m. on April 14. He was declared dead at 9:01 p.m., after going into cardiac arrest.The Times reporter Nicholas Kulish chronicled the experience of a 68-year-old New Yorker’s fight to survive. The patient, Jamal Uddin, a supervisor at the city’s H.I.V./AIDS Services, had a ventilator to help him breathe, the one piece of equipment everyone feared would be unavailable if the hospitals were overwhelmed. But he did not have adequate access to dialysis, a common treatment for impaired kidney. After fighting for four days, Mr. Uddin was finally scheduled to receive dialysis at 9 p.m. on April 14. He was declared dead at 9:01 p.m., after going into cardiac arrest.
At the peak of the outbreak, the number of Covid-19 patients fighting kidney failure led to soaring demand for dialysis at hospitals around New York City, including at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn, where Mr. Uddin was being treated. Nephrologists sounded the alarm that they did not have the medication, staffing or machines to deal with the unexpected influx of patients.At the peak of the outbreak, the number of Covid-19 patients fighting kidney failure led to soaring demand for dialysis at hospitals around New York City, including at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn, where Mr. Uddin was being treated. Nephrologists sounded the alarm that they did not have the medication, staffing or machines to deal with the unexpected influx of patients.
The hospital’s own records indicate that the specialized dialysis known as continuous renal replacement therapy was in short supply when Mr. Uddin was severely ill with Covid-19 there.The hospital’s own records indicate that the specialized dialysis known as continuous renal replacement therapy was in short supply when Mr. Uddin was severely ill with Covid-19 there.
“Every day there were decisions made as to whether he was stable, whether he required an emergency intervention, and on each of these days he did not,” said Dr. Joseph M. Weisstuch, chief medical officer of the hospital. “We went above and beyond taking care of an extremely sick patient.”“Every day there were decisions made as to whether he was stable, whether he required an emergency intervention, and on each of these days he did not,” said Dr. Joseph M. Weisstuch, chief medical officer of the hospital. “We went above and beyond taking care of an extremely sick patient.”
Drugs that are widely prescribed to treat high blood pressure do not make patients more susceptible to coronavirus infection, or to severe illness if they do become infected, researchers are reporting. Before the coronavirus outbreak, Dr. Lindy Fox, a dermatologist in San Francisco, used to see four or five patients a year with chilblains — painful red or purple lesions that typically emerge on fingers or toes in the winter.
Their findings are good news for millions of people who take blood-pressure drugs that belong to two classes: ACE inhibitors, which include lisinopril, captopril and other drugs ending in –pril; and ARBs, which include losartan, valsartan and other drugs ending in –sartan. Over the past few weeks, she has seen dozens.
Since the epidemic began, conflicting theories have circulated about whether those drugs could make the disease better or worse, or have any effect at all. “All of a sudden, we are inundated with toes,” said Dr. Fox, who practices at the University of California, San Francisco. “I’ve got clinics filled with people coming in with new toe lesions.”
The new research was published Friday by The New England Journal of Medicine, and similar findings from China were published last week in JAMA Cardiology. In Boston, Dr. Esther Freeman, director of global health dermatology at the Massachusetts General Hospital, said her telemedicine clinic is also “completely full of toes. I had to add extra clinical sessions, just to take care of toe consults.”
Both studies were based on reviewing patients’ records, which does not provide evidence as strong as the results of controlled clinical trials, where patients are picked at random to take one treatment or another. The lesions are emerging as yet another telltale symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. The most prominent signs are a dry cough and shortness of breath, but the virus has been linked to a string of unusual and diverse effects, like mental confusion and a diminished sense of smell.
Concerns arose about the drugs because early in the epidemic because reports from China indicated that people with hypertension seemed to fare poorly, and it seemed logical to ask if the cause was the condition itself, or if blood pressure drugs were somehow making them more vulnerable. Federal health officials do not include toe lesions in the list of coronavirus symptoms, but some dermatologists are pushing for a change, saying so-called Covid toe should be sufficient grounds for testing. (Covid-19 is the name of the illness caused by the coronavirus.)
Not surprisingly, patients have been confused and unsettled. Medical societies have urged calm and said people should stick with their medications, because high blood pressure increases the risks of heart disease, strokes and kidney damage. But the societies also called for research into the issue. Most cases have been reported in children, teens and young adults. Scientists are just beginning to study the phenomenon, but so far chilblain-like lesions appear to signal, curiously enough, a mild or even asymptomatic infection.
The new research found no connection between the blood pressure drugs and the risk of infection or severe illness. They may also develop several weeks after the acute phase of an infection is over.
While dermatologists say it’s not unusual for rashes to appear along with viral infections — like measles or chickenpox — the toe lesions surprised them.
No one knows exactly why the new coronavirus might cause chilblain-like lesions. One hypothesis is that they are caused by inflammation, a prominent feature of Covid-19. Inflammation also causes one of the most serious syndromes associated with the coronavirus, acute respiratory distress syndrome.
“This should be a criteria for testing, just like loss of smell, and shortness of breath and chest pain,” Dr. Fox said.
As unemployment soars nationwide, tenants rights groups and community nonprofits have rallied around an audacious goal: to persuade the government to halt rent and mortgage payments — without back payments accruing — for as long as the economy is battered by the virus.As unemployment soars nationwide, tenants rights groups and community nonprofits have rallied around an audacious goal: to persuade the government to halt rent and mortgage payments — without back payments accruing — for as long as the economy is battered by the virus.
The effort has been brewing on social media, with the hashtag #CancelRent and online video rallies, as well as a smattering of in-person protests, frequently held in cars to maintain social distancing.The effort has been brewing on social media, with the hashtag #CancelRent and online video rallies, as well as a smattering of in-person protests, frequently held in cars to maintain social distancing.
But landlords say they are also struggling to pay their bills since many tenants have already been unable to pay rent. They call the advocates’ efforts reckless and say that withholding rent would create cascading consequences, including leaving property owners without the means to pay mortgages and property taxes or to maintain buildings.But landlords say they are also struggling to pay their bills since many tenants have already been unable to pay rent. They call the advocates’ efforts reckless and say that withholding rent would create cascading consequences, including leaving property owners without the means to pay mortgages and property taxes or to maintain buildings.
Still, from New York to Kansas City to Los Angeles, groups have encouraged tenants to withhold payments on Friday, the due date for May rent, aiming to create pressure for an expansion of affordable housing and tenant-friendly legislation.Still, from New York to Kansas City to Los Angeles, groups have encouraged tenants to withhold payments on Friday, the due date for May rent, aiming to create pressure for an expansion of affordable housing and tenant-friendly legislation.
To cancel rent and mortgage payments, the federal government would have to take sweeping and possibly unconstitutional intervention in the housing and financial markets, interceding in private contracts and ordering banks and landlords not to collect money.To cancel rent and mortgage payments, the federal government would have to take sweeping and possibly unconstitutional intervention in the housing and financial markets, interceding in private contracts and ordering banks and landlords not to collect money.
While the prospect of this happening is low, the campaigns are less about pushing a particular piece of legislation and more about kindling a mass movement akin to the Occupy Wall Street protests that followed the 2008 financial crisis.While the prospect of this happening is low, the campaigns are less about pushing a particular piece of legislation and more about kindling a mass movement akin to the Occupy Wall Street protests that followed the 2008 financial crisis.
U.S. stocks fell on Friday as investors reeled from earnings reports by Apple and Amazon that underscored the virus’s effect on big business.U.S. stocks fell on Friday as investors reeled from earnings reports by Apple and Amazon that underscored the virus’s effect on big business.
The S&P 500 was down more than 2 percent on Friday afternoon, dragged lower by shares of tech companies.The S&P 500 was down more than 2 percent on Friday afternoon, dragged lower by shares of tech companies.
Amazon stock fell more than 5 percent after the company reported on Thursday that despite surging sales in the first quarter, rising delivery costs had taken a big bite out of profits. Apple stock also fell, after the company refused on Thursday to give any estimates for the current quarter.Amazon stock fell more than 5 percent after the company reported on Thursday that despite surging sales in the first quarter, rising delivery costs had taken a big bite out of profits. Apple stock also fell, after the company refused on Thursday to give any estimates for the current quarter.
The emergence of investor doubt could signal a turn for the markets, which have risen despite the steady drumbeat of negative news. Even with a retreat on Thursday, Wall Street closed out the month of April with a nearly 13 percent gain, its best performance since 1987.The emergence of investor doubt could signal a turn for the markets, which have risen despite the steady drumbeat of negative news. Even with a retreat on Thursday, Wall Street closed out the month of April with a nearly 13 percent gain, its best performance since 1987.
The new Saturday night: With billions of people staying home, the world is reinventing the weekend.The new Saturday night: With billions of people staying home, the world is reinventing the weekend.
Maybe you started this lockdown with good intentions to stay active. It’s possible those promises have slipped away as the days have passed into weeks. But take heart: It doesn’t take much — no more than four seconds — to get your metabolism going. Here’s how a short burst of activity can help you, and more exercise tips to keep your motivated to move.Maybe you started this lockdown with good intentions to stay active. It’s possible those promises have slipped away as the days have passed into weeks. But take heart: It doesn’t take much — no more than four seconds — to get your metabolism going. Here’s how a short burst of activity can help you, and more exercise tips to keep your motivated to move.
Hong Kong police officers were deploying across the city to prevent any pro-democracy Labor Day rallies held in defiance of social-distancing orders.Hong Kong police officers were deploying across the city to prevent any pro-democracy Labor Day rallies held in defiance of social-distancing orders.
Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, Michael Cooper, Sarah Mervosh, Sheri Fink, Manny Fernandez, Alan Feuer, Eliza Shapiro, Andy Newman, Matthew Haag, Conor Dougherty, Thomas Fuller, Shawn Hubler, John Koblin, Patricia Mazzei, Marc Santora, William K. Rashbaum, Sabrina Tavernise, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Nelson D. Schwartz, Tiffany Hsu and Patricia Cohen. Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, Michael Cooper, Sarah Mervosh, Sheri Fink, Manny Fernandez, Alan Feuer, Eliza Shapiro, Andy Newman, Matthew Haag, Conor Dougherty, Thomas Fuller, Shawn Hubler, John Koblin, Patricia Mazzei, Marc Santora, William K. Rashbaum, Sabrina Tavernise, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Nelson D. Schwartz, Rick Rojas, Roni Caryn Rabin, Tiffany Hsu and Patricia Cohen.