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Coronavirus Live Updates: F.D.A. Issues Emergency Approval for Virus Drug as More States Reopen Coronavirus Live Updates: As More States Reopen, Protesters Chafe at Restrictions
(about 2 hours later)
In Houston, the gleaming Galleria Mall was open again, but not all of its stores, and the ample close-in parking suggested some customers were wary of returning. In Mobile, Ala., a venerable boutique decided to reopen with one dressing room, so it could be disinfected between uses. And in Galveston, Texas, beachgoers returned to the shore. Nearly a dozen states tentatively returned to public life on Friday, the first mass reopening of businesses since the pandemic brought America to a standstill six weeks ago. But there were clashes across the country over how, when and even whether it should be done.
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. Partisan battles flared in Illinois and Michigan, where protesters demanded that Democratic leaders loosen restrictions. The skirmishes there and elsewhere revealed political dividing lines and geographical differences, but also something more basic — a vast and widely varying range of personal views about what the country should do.
Iowa loosened restrictions in some counties, but not others. In Davenport, which is still under restrictions, Glory Smith, 41, questioned that logic, since the virus does not respect county boundaries. Texas lifted stay-at-home orders for its 29 million residents — in Houston, the Galleria mall was open again but ample close-in parking suggested some customers were wary of returning. In Mobile, Ala., a venerable boutique decided to reopen with one dressing room so it could be disinfected between uses.
Outdoor dining will soon return to South Carolina’s restaurants: Gov. Henry McMaster announced on Friday that he would ease more restrictions beginning Monday, when restaurants, which have been limited to takeout and delivery, will be allowed to serve diners outdoors.
Iowa loosened restrictions in some counties, but not others. In Davenport, which is still under restrictions, Glory Smith questioned that logic since the virus does not respect county boundaries.
“It is like having a smoking section on a plane or in a restaurant,” she said. “It doesn’t work.”“It is like having a smoking section on a plane or in a restaurant,” she said. “It doesn’t work.”
But as more states, like Texas, began to reopen on Friday, the governors of California, Illinois, Louisiana and Michigan contended with challenges to their authority to shutter at least some parts of public life. As more states began to reopen on Friday, the governors of California, Illinois, Louisiana and Michigan contended with challenges to their authority to shutter some parts of public life.
And as some customers stayed away, several large companies faced protests from employees concerned about their safety. Amazon and Target were the focus of renewed labor protests over the health risks of working during a pandemic.And as some customers stayed away, several large companies faced protests from employees concerned about their safety. Amazon and Target were the focus of renewed labor protests over the health risks of working during a pandemic.
President Trump 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.President Trump 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 was an expansion, with new businesses set to reopen. And in Tennessee, a stay-at-home order expired at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. By next week, nearly half the states will have made moves toward reopening their economies. At the same time, portions of the country, including much of the West Coast and the Northeast, remain shuttered.
Outdoor dining will soon return to South Carolina’s restaurants: Gov. Henry McMaster announced Friday that he would ease more restrictions beginning Monday, when restaurants, which have been limited to takeout and delivery, will be allowed to serve diners outdoors. But the reopening comes as the number of cases continues to rise in many states — known deaths from the virus surpassed 63,000 in the United States this week — and as public health experts have warned that reopening too soon could lead to a devastating second wave.
By next week, nearly half the states will have made moves toward reopening their economies. In some states, reopenings have happened even as virus cases were still increasing or remaining steady, raising concerns among public health experts about a surge in new infections that might not be detectable for up to two weeks. Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington said on Friday that he was extending the state’s stay-at-home order until at least the end of May. “I would like to tell you that you can make reservations on June 1, but I cannot,” he said.
And as some states and localities eased restrictions, others extended them. Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington said Friday that he was extending the state’s stay-at-home order until at least the end of May. And in New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham authorized a lockdown of the town of Gallup on Friday in an effort to curtail a surge in virus deaths that has the state’s tribal nations on edge.
“I would like to tell you that you can make reservations on June 1, but I cannot,” he said.
In New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham authorized a lockdown of the town of Gallup on Friday in an effort to curtail a surge in virus deaths that has the state’s tribal nations on edge.
The Navajo Nation has been grappling with a severe outbreak: As of Thursday, the tribal nation had reported a total of 2,141 cases and 71 confirmed deaths. The Navajo Nation’s president, Jonathan Nez, said he fully supported the lockdown order. “We have many members of the Navajo Nation that reside in Gallup and many that travel in the area, and their health and safety is always our top priority,” Mr. Nez said.The Navajo Nation has been grappling with a severe outbreak: As of Thursday, the tribal nation had reported a total of 2,141 cases and 71 confirmed deaths. The Navajo Nation’s president, Jonathan Nez, said he fully supported the lockdown order. “We have many members of the Navajo Nation that reside in Gallup and many that travel in the area, and their health and safety is always our top priority,” Mr. Nez said.
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 Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued an emergency approval for the antiviral drug remdesivir as a treatment for patients with Covid-19, the illness caused by the virus.The Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued an emergency approval for the antiviral drug remdesivir as a treatment for patients with Covid-19, the illness caused by the virus.
The approval, formally called an emergency use authorization, had been expected following modestly encouraging results from a federal trial, announced on Wednesday.The approval, formally called an emergency use authorization, had been expected following modestly encouraging results from a federal trial, announced on Wednesday.
The trial found that patients receiving remdesivir recovered more quickly: in 11 days, versus 15 in a group receiving a placebo. But the drug, made by Gilead Sciences, did not significantly reduce fatality rates.The trial found that patients receiving remdesivir recovered more quickly: in 11 days, versus 15 in a group receiving a placebo. But the drug, made by Gilead Sciences, did not significantly reduce fatality rates.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, the president announced the F.D.A. approval and called it “an important treatment for hospitalized coronavirus patients.”Speaking to reporters on Friday, the president announced the F.D.A. approval and called it “an important treatment for hospitalized coronavirus patients.”
The president said that he was “pleased” that Gilead had received its emergency authorization. “And you know what, that is because that’s been the hot thing in the papers and in the media for the last little while — an important treatment for hospitalized coronavirus patients,” he said.The president said that he was “pleased” that Gilead had received its emergency authorization. “And you know what, that is because that’s been the hot thing in the papers and in the media for the last little while — an important treatment for hospitalized coronavirus patients,” he said.
Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the coordinator of the virus task force, said that the F.D.A. approval of remdesivir “really illustrates what can happen in such a short time” noting how fast the approval followed the first known cases in the United States.Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the coordinator of the virus task force, said that the F.D.A. approval of remdesivir “really illustrates what can happen in such a short time” noting how fast the approval followed the first known cases in the United States.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the federal government’s top expert on infectious diseases, said earlier this week that the results were “a very important proof of concept” but not a “knockout.”Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the federal government’s top expert on infectious diseases, said earlier this week that the results were “a very important proof of concept” but not a “knockout.”
The White House is preventing Dr. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, from testifying before the House next week, a spokesman for the House Appropriations Committee said on Friday.The White House is preventing Dr. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, from testifying before the House next week, a spokesman for the House Appropriations Committee said on Friday.
Top Democrats on the panel had wanted Dr. Fauci to testify as part of an in-person hearing led by Representative Rosa DeLauro, Democrat of Connecticut, who oversees the subcommittee responsible for funding health, labor and education agencies and programs. But when the committee asked for Dr. Fauci to appear, the Trump administration denied the request and the committee was told by an administration official that it was because of the White House, according to Evan Hollander, a spokesman for the House Appropriations Committee.Top Democrats on the panel had wanted Dr. Fauci to testify as part of an in-person hearing led by Representative Rosa DeLauro, Democrat of Connecticut, who oversees the subcommittee responsible for funding health, labor and education agencies and programs. But when the committee asked for Dr. Fauci to appear, the Trump administration denied the request and the committee was told by an administration official that it was because of the White House, according to Evan Hollander, a spokesman for the House Appropriations Committee.
A White House spokesman defended the decision as aimed at keeping the administration focused on its response to the virus. “It is counterproductive to have the very individuals involved in those efforts appearing at congressional hearings,” said the spokesman, Judd Deere. “We are committed to working with Congress to offer testimony at the appropriate time.”A White House spokesman defended the decision as aimed at keeping the administration focused on its response to the virus. “It is counterproductive to have the very individuals involved in those efforts appearing at congressional hearings,” said the spokesman, Judd Deere. “We are committed to working with Congress to offer testimony at the appropriate time.”
The Washington Post first reported the White House’s decision.The Washington Post first reported the White House’s decision.
Dr. Fauci, one of the most visible faces of the administration’s fight against the coronavirus, has often quietly contradicted many of Mr. Trump’s statements on how the administration is handling the outbreak and how quickly the country will be able to recover.Dr. Fauci, one of the most visible faces of the administration’s fight against the coronavirus, has often quietly contradicted many of Mr. Trump’s statements on how the administration is handling the outbreak and how quickly the country will be able to recover.
But the White House has directed government health officials and scientists to coordinate all statements and public appearances with Vice President Mike Pence’s office, in an effort to streamline the administration’s messaging. Dr. Fauci told associates in February that he had been instructed not to say anything else without clearance, but has become a media fixture as the toll of the pandemic has grown.But the White House has directed government health officials and scientists to coordinate all statements and public appearances with Vice President Mike Pence’s office, in an effort to streamline the administration’s messaging. Dr. Fauci told associates in February that he had been instructed not to say anything else without clearance, but has become a media fixture as the toll of the pandemic has grown.
Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey reported another 311 deaths from the virus on Friday. It was a drop from Thursday, when the state reported 460 deaths. State health officials explained on Friday that the number of deaths reported on any given day includes many deaths that can go back weeks and are newly classified as virus-related.Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey reported another 311 deaths from the virus on Friday. It was a drop from Thursday, when the state reported 460 deaths. State health officials explained on Friday that the number of deaths reported on any given day includes many deaths that can go back weeks and are newly classified as virus-related.
But it was the second straight day that New Jersey reported more deaths than New York, which has more than twice as many people. On Friday, New York reported 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 in New York remained in the mid-900s for the fourth straight day, a sign of a plateau that its governor found troubling.But it was the second straight day that New Jersey reported more deaths than New York, which has more than twice as many people. On Friday, New York reported 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 in New York remained in the mid-900s for the fourth straight day, a sign of a plateau that its governor found troubling.
Mr. Murphy’s announcement came as New Jersey’s state and county parks are set to reopen on Saturday. So are golf courses, with extensive social distancing rules in place.Mr. Murphy’s announcement came as New Jersey’s state and county parks are set to reopen on Saturday. So are golf courses, with extensive social distancing rules in place.
He said New Jersey residents were being “trusted” with a big test this weekend, and he urged people to wear masks and avoid “knucklehead behavior with people ignoring social distancing.”He said New Jersey residents were being “trusted” with a big test this weekend, and he urged people to wear masks and avoid “knucklehead behavior with people ignoring social distancing.”
In New York, schools across the state will remain shuttered through the end of the school year, its governor said Friday, confirming what other officials had previously said was inevitable. He has said some parts of the state might be able to gradually reopen businesses on May 15, excluding New York City and the surrounding region.In New York, schools across the state will remain shuttered through the end of the school year, its governor said Friday, confirming what other officials had previously said was inevitable. He has said some parts of the state might be able to gradually reopen businesses on May 15, excluding New York City and the surrounding region.
A day after a boisterous rally that drew hundreds of people, some of them armed, to Michigan’s capitol to protest strict statewide stay-at-home orders, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifted some restrictions in the state, agreeing to allow some construction and outdoor work to resume May 7. Hundreds of protesters converged on the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield and in downtown Chicago on Friday, demanding that Gov. J.B. Pritzker lift the stay-at-home order that he extended until May 29.
The construction work includes companies that manufacture partitions and cubicles that eventually will allow for people to safely return to offices and other businesses, she said. At the Capitol, demonstrators crowded beneath a statue of Abraham Lincoln and chanted, “Open Illinois!” Most did not have face coverings, and some wore “Make America Great Again” hats.
“It’s going to be one step at a time, in increments,” Ms. Whitmer said of her decisions on reopening parts of the state’s economy. The protest came on the heels of a similar demonstration in Michigan on Thursday, where hundreds of people, some of them armed, converged on the State Capitol in Lansing to protest the state’s stay-at-home orders.
The governor spoke Friday afternoon at a news conference, which she opened by thanking janitors who cleaned up after Thursday’s rally and security officers who kept order during an event she called “disturbing.” The rally included unmasked protesters who did not adhere to social-distancing rules and who the governor said were wielding assault rifles, confederate flags and swastikas. In Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards’s decision to extend a stay-at-home order has also been met with an upswell of outrage. And in California, hundreds of people gathered in Huntington Beach on Friday to protest against Gov. Gavin Newsom’s directive to close beaches in Orange County.
President Trump on Friday urged Ms. Whitmer to “give a little,” writing that the protesters were “very good people, but they are angry.” Officials across the country are trying to strike a balance between prioritizing public health and stanching the economic devastation. In some states, the divide has become starkly partisan and increasingly rancorous.
“I know some people are angry and I know many people are feeling restless and are itching to get back to work,” Ms. Whitmer said. “There’s nothing I want more than to just flip the switch and get back to normal, but that’s not how it’s going to work unfortunately.” Michigan, Louisiana, California and Illinois are all run by Democratic governors who have recently moved to extend stay-at-home orders. All have faced pushback from Republican state officials, and protests against their orders have doubled as rallies for conservative causes.
Michigan is one of several states with a Democratic governor and Republican-controlled legislature that is mired in partisan bitterness. Ms. Whitmer on Thursday had signed emergency orders extending some of the most severe stay-at-home orders in the nation after Republican lawmakers had blocked her other attempts to extend stay-at-home orders. “The people of Louisiana are about to revolt,” said Danny McCormick, a Republican state representative who organized a rally scheduled for Saturday outside of the governor’s mansion. Some lawmakers there have been plotting to overturn the governor’s order, potentially leaving Louisiana as the only state in the nation without an emergency declaration in place.
Asked about Mr. Trump’s tweet, Ms. Whitmer emphasized that the crisis facing the state was not a political crisis that could be negotiated away, but a crisis of public health. “That would just be completely irresponsible and nonsensical,” Mr. Edwards said at a news conference on Thursday, “to be the only state in the nation without an emergency declaration in place for the public health emergency of Covid-19.”
“We have to listen not to pollsters and not just people with political agendas but to epidemiologists,” she said, adding, “We’re making decisions based on science, not on a tweet.” In Illinois, James Marter, a Republican running for Congress, spoke at the rally in Springfield and decried that liquor stores and marijuana shops remained open, and that abortions continued. “We the people, are losing our freedoms everyday at a blinding speed,” he said according to a video that was briefly posted on Facebook by one of the rally’s organizers.
When United States senators converge on Capitol Hill for a new session next week, there will not be enough coronavirus tests for all of them — even though White House officials and staffers are well supplied. And in California, where a crowd gathered at Huntington Beach, videos showed hundreds of people demonstrating, mostly without masks, waving American flags while chanting “No More Newsom.”
Polls show that a majority of Americans support social distancing measures, and some lonely demonstrators are trying to prove that point.
A lawyer in Florida, Daniel W. Uhlfelder, tried to sue Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, to demand statewide beach closures. He said he was planning to tour beaches in the Panhandle in a Grim Reaper costume to draw attention to the risk of the virus and warn people away from the beaches there.
When senators converge on Capitol Hill for a new session next week, there will not be enough coronavirus tests for all of them — even though White House officials and staff members are well supplied.
Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the tight-lipped doctor who attends to Congress, told senior Republican officials on a private conference call on Thursday that his office could not screen all 100 senators for the virus when they return on Monday.Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the tight-lipped doctor who attends to Congress, told senior Republican officials on a private conference call on Thursday that his office could not screen all 100 senators for the virus when they return on Monday.
President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are tested frequently and have often avoided masks in public. Aides who come into close contact with them are tested weekly, according to officials familiar with the process.President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are tested frequently and have often avoided masks in public. Aides who come into close contact with them are tested weekly, according to officials familiar with the process.
The stark contrast between the testing haves at the White House and the have-nots on Capitol Hill makes clear that Mr. Trump’s pronouncement that “anybody that wants a test can get a test,” as he said in March, is far from true. Although the rich and powerful are clearly favored, not even all the powerful have equal access.The stark contrast between the testing haves at the White House and the have-nots on Capitol Hill makes clear that Mr. Trump’s pronouncement that “anybody that wants a test can get a test,” as he said in March, is far from true. Although the rich and powerful are clearly favored, not even all the powerful have equal access.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California had not been tested as of Friday. Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the top House Republican, has — but at the White House, where he attended an event with the president last week. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, has not been tested. Aides for Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, would not say whether he had been tested.Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California had not been tested as of Friday. Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the top House Republican, has — but at the White House, where he attended an event with the president last week. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, has not been tested. Aides for Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, would not say whether he had been tested.
This week, after Dr. Monahan warned the House of Representatives that it might be risky to come back on Monday as scheduled, Ms. Pelosi abandoned plans to do so. The House will now return May 11. But Mr. McConnell decided to bring the Senate back into session on Monday.This week, after Dr. Monahan warned the House of Representatives that it might be risky to come back on Monday as scheduled, Ms. Pelosi abandoned plans to do so. The House will now return May 11. But Mr. McConnell decided to bring the Senate back into session on Monday.
Without sufficient diagnostic testing, some senators feared that the Capitol — where senators are surrounded by aides and a vast support staff of food service workers, custodians and other personnel — would become a mini hot spot for the virus.Without sufficient diagnostic testing, some senators feared that the Capitol — where senators are surrounded by aides and a vast support staff of food service workers, custodians and other personnel — would become a mini hot spot for the virus.
More than 150 workers on a construction project at a nuclear power facility in Georgia have tested positive for the coronavirus, and absenteeism has “increased dramatically,” according to documents and a spokesman for Georgia Power, the utility company that is a part owner of the facility. More than 150 workers on a construction project at a nuclear power facility in Georgia have tested positive for the virus, and absenteeism has “increased dramatically,” according to documents and a spokesman for Georgia Power, the utility company that is a part owner of the facility.
The facility, Plant Vogtle, is near Waynesboro, Ga., about 150 miles east of Atlanta, and has been in operation since 1987. It is in the middle of a multibillion-dollar expansion that has been plagued with setbacks, including construction problems, cost overruns and the 2016 bankruptcy of Westinghouse, its lead contractor.The facility, Plant Vogtle, is near Waynesboro, Ga., about 150 miles east of Atlanta, and has been in operation since 1987. It is in the middle of a multibillion-dollar expansion that has been plagued with setbacks, including construction problems, cost overruns and the 2016 bankruptcy of Westinghouse, its lead contractor.
As of March, the expansion employed more than 9,000 workers, making it the largest construction project in the state, according to North America’s Building Trades Unions, which represents many of the Vogtle workers.As of March, the expansion employed more than 9,000 workers, making it the largest construction project in the state, according to North America’s Building Trades Unions, which represents many of the Vogtle workers.
But after concerns about the spread of the virus mounted in recent weeks, the plant’s owners reduced the work force on the expansion project by 20 percent.But after concerns about the spread of the virus mounted in recent weeks, the plant’s owners reduced the work force on the expansion project by 20 percent.
Of the 171 workers found to have the coronavirus, 90 are “active confirmed positive cases” and 81 are workers who recovered and are “available to return to work,” John Kraft, the spokesman for Georgia Power, said in an email late Thursday. Mr. Kraft said that 439 workers tested negative, and that 48 were awaiting test results. Of the 171 workers found to have the virus, 90 are “active confirmed positive cases” and 81 are workers who recovered and are “available to return to work,” John Kraft, the spokesman for Georgia Power, said in an email late Thursday. Mr. Kraft said that 439 workers tested negative, and that 48 were awaiting test results.
The owners learned of the first worker to test positive on April 4, Mr. Kraft said. Around that time, some workers told a local TV station that they were concerned that not enough was being done to protect them from the virus on the work site. The owners learned of the first worker to test positive on April 4, Mr. Kraft said. Around that time, some workers told a local TV station that they were concerned that not enough was being done to protect on the work site.
The smaller work force, Mr. Kraft said, will allow for increased social distancing. The site has banned large group meetings, expanded an on-site medical clinic, and added portable bathrooms and hand-washing stations, among other changes. And testing will continue. The smaller work force, Mr. Kraft said, will allow for increased social distancing. The site has banned large group meetings, expanded an on-site medical clinic and added portable bathrooms and hand-washing stations, among other changes. And testing will continue.
Last week, Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia began taking aggressive steps to reopen sectors of the Georgia economy, including hair salons, barber shops and bowling alleys. A day after a boisterous rally that drew hundreds of people, some of them armed, to Michigan’s capitol to protest strict statewide stay-at-home orders, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifted some restrictions in the state, agreeing to allow some construction and outdoor work to resume May 7.
The construction work includes companies that manufacture partitions and cubicles that eventually will allow for people to safely return to offices and other businesses, she said.
“It’s going to be one step at a time, in increments,” Ms. Whitmer said of her decisions on reopening parts of the state’s economy.
The governor spoke Friday afternoon at a news conference, which she opened by thanking janitors who cleaned up after Thursday’s rally and security officers who kept order during an event she called “disturbing.” The rally included unmasked protesters who did not adhere to social-distancing rules and who the governor said were wielding assault rifles, confederate flags and swastikas.
President Trump on Friday urged Ms. Whitmer to “give a little,” writing that the protesters were “very good people, but they are angry.”
“I know some people are angry and I know many people are feeling restless and are itching to get back to work,” Ms. Whitmer said. “There’s nothing I want more than to just flip the switch and get back to normal, but that’s not how it’s going to work unfortunately.”
Michigan is one of several states with a Democratic governor and Republican-controlled legislature that is mired in partisan bitterness. Ms. Whitmer on Thursday had signed emergency orders extending some of the most severe stay-at-home orders in the nation after Republican lawmakers had blocked her other attempts to extend stay-at-home orders.
Asked about Mr. Trump’s tweet, Ms. Whitmer emphasized that the crisis facing the state was not a political crisis that could be negotiated away, but a crisis of public health.
“We have to listen not to pollsters and not just people with political agendas but to epidemiologists,” she said, adding, “We’re making decisions based on science, not on a tweet.”
The Trump administration is moving to take a more aggressive stand against China, further fraying ties that have reached their lowest point in decades.The Trump administration is moving to take a more aggressive stand against China, further fraying ties that have reached their lowest point in decades.
White House aides prodded President Trump this week to issue an order to block a government pension fund from investing in Chinese companies, officials said — a move that could upend capital flows across the Pacific. Mr. Trump announced that he was restricting the use of electrical equipment in the domestic grid system with links to “a foreign adversary” — an unspoken reference to China.White House aides prodded President Trump this week to issue an order to block a government pension fund from investing in Chinese companies, officials said — a move that could upend capital flows across the Pacific. Mr. Trump announced that he was restricting the use of electrical equipment in the domestic grid system with links to “a foreign adversary” — an unspoken reference to China.
The administration is cutting off grants that would help support virology laboratories in Wuhan, China, the city where the coronavirus outbreak began, and is looking into scientific collaborations undertaken there by the University of Texas.The administration is cutting off grants that would help support virology laboratories in Wuhan, China, the city where the coronavirus outbreak began, and is looking into scientific collaborations undertaken there by the University of Texas.
Senior aides, led by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have asked intelligence agencies to continue looking for any evidence to support an unsubstantiated theory that the pandemic might be the result of an accidental lab leak, even though agency analysts have said they most likely will not find proof.Senior aides, led by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have asked intelligence agencies to continue looking for any evidence to support an unsubstantiated theory that the pandemic might be the result of an accidental lab leak, even though agency analysts have said they most likely will not find proof.
The open rivalry between the two nations has taken on a harder and much darker shading since the virus spread across the globe.The open rivalry between the two nations has taken on a harder and much darker shading since the virus spread across the globe.
But some, including members of Mr. Trump’s economic advisory team, warned that the administration must take care not to overreach. China is likely to emerge from the recession caused by the pandemic faster than other nations. And the United States will probably rely on economic activity in Asia to help prop up its own economy.But some, including members of Mr. Trump’s economic advisory team, warned that the administration must take care not to overreach. China is likely to emerge from the recession caused by the pandemic faster than other nations. And the United States will probably rely on economic activity in Asia to help prop up its own economy.
At least 4,193 workers at 115 meatpacking plants in the United States have been infected with the virus, 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 virus, 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, the president 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, the president 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.
U.S. stocks fell on Friday as investors reacted to signs of growing tensions between China and the United States as well as earnings reports by Apple and Amazon that showed the depth of the pandemic’s impact on big business.U.S. stocks fell on Friday as investors reacted to signs of growing tensions between China and the United States as well as earnings reports by Apple and Amazon that showed the depth of the pandemic’s impact on big business.
Both the S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite fell about 3 percent.Both the S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite fell about 3 percent.
Amazon shares dropped by more than 7 percent. Despite the delivery and web-services giant reporting surging sales in the first quarter, investors focused on the rising costs of delivering products amid the health crisis. Jeff Bezos, the company’s founder, said the expense of protecting workers, including providing protective equipment and Covid-19 tests, could swing the company to a loss of as much as $1.5 billion in the current quarter.Amazon shares dropped by more than 7 percent. Despite the delivery and web-services giant reporting surging sales in the first quarter, investors focused on the rising costs of delivering products amid the health crisis. Jeff Bezos, the company’s founder, said the expense of protecting workers, including providing protective equipment and Covid-19 tests, could swing the company to a loss of as much as $1.5 billion in the current quarter.
Apple stock dipped, after the company refused on Thursday to give any estimates for the current quarter. But the tech giant signaled confidence by announcing another big stock buyback, and said that its first-quarter revenue rose nearly 1 percent to $58.3 billion, despite lockdowns in China, where it assembles nearly all of its products.Apple stock dipped, after the company refused on Thursday to give any estimates for the current quarter. But the tech giant signaled confidence by announcing another big stock buyback, and said that its first-quarter revenue rose nearly 1 percent to $58.3 billion, despite lockdowns in China, where it assembles nearly all of its products.
Investors also grew leery of signs of returning tensions between the Trump administration and China. In recent days, the Trump administration has ratcheted up its rhetoric blaming China for the spread of the pandemic. On Thursday, the president speculated that a Chinese laboratory could have released the virus. Investors also grew leery of signs of returning tensions between the Trump administration and China. In recent days, the Trump administration has ratcheted up its rhetoric blaming China for the spread of the pandemic.
“The China issue is definitely playing a large role today,” Matthew J. Maley with Miller Tabak, a trading and asset management firm, wrote in an email. .
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, many 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 officers 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 officers 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 did 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 most likely change if the campus is still closed, he said. 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 most 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 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 international students. 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. Since colleges abruptly shut down campus operations and moved to online learning, they have announced hundreds of millions of dollars in losses and say that a $14 billion federal aid package will not 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 will not 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 is only the beginning if schools cannot persuade students to return in the fall, when many campuses are bracing for the possibility that online learning could continue.But experts say that is only the beginning if schools cannot persuade students to return in the fall, when many campuses are bracing for the possibility that online learning could continue.
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. Across the country this week, Americans whose governors said it was time to return 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? If they are businesses owners, will there be enough work to rehire employees? If they go back, 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?
When Maine announced this week that hair salons could reopen, Sarah Kyllonen, a stylist in Lewiston, stayed up late wondering what to do, feeling overwhelmed.When Maine announced this week that hair salons could reopen, Sarah Kyllonen, a stylist in Lewiston, stayed up late wondering what to do, feeling overwhelmed.
The virus still scared her. It seemed too soon to open up. Then again, her bills had not stopped and her unemployment benefits had not started, and she was starting to worry about next month’s rent. “It’s an extremely hard decision for all of us,” she said. “I want to go back to work. I want to have the money. I want to see people. But it’s hard because I’m worried about the virus coming back around.”The virus still scared her. It seemed too soon to open up. Then again, her bills had not stopped and her unemployment benefits had not started, and she was starting to worry about next month’s rent. “It’s an extremely hard decision for all of us,” she said. “I want to go back to work. I want to have the money. I want to see people. But it’s hard because I’m worried about the virus coming back around.”
Hundreds of protesters converged on the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield and in downtown Chicago on Friday, demanding that Gov. J.B. Pritzker lift the stay-at-home order that he extended until May 29.
At the Capitol, demonstrators crowded beneath a statue of Abraham Lincoln and chanted, “Open Illinois!” Most did not have face coverings, and some wore “Make America Great Again” hats.
The protest came on the heels of a similar demonstration in Michigan on Thursday: Hundreds of people, some of them armed, converged on the State Capitol in Lansing to protest the stay-at-home orders put in place by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
In Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards’s decision to extend a stay-at-home order has also been met with an upswell of outrage. And in California, hundreds of people gathered in Huntington Beach on Friday to protest against Gov. Gavin Newsom’s directive to close beaches in Orange County.
Officials across the country are trying to strike a balance between prioritizing public health and stanching the economic devastation. In some states, the divide has become starkly partisan and increasingly rancorous.
Michigan, Louisiana, California and Illinois are all run by Democratic governors who have recently moved to extend stay-at-home orders. All have faced pushback from Republican state officials, and protests against their orders have doubled as rallies for conservative causes.
“The people of Louisiana are about to revolt,” said Danny McCormick, a Republican state representative who organized a rally scheduled for Saturday outside of the governor’s mansion. Some lawmakers there have been plotting to overturn the governor’s order, potentially leaving Louisiana as the only state in the nation without an emergency declaration in place.
“That would just be completely irresponsible and nonsensical,” Mr. Edwards said at a news conference on Thursday, “to be the only state in the nation without an emergency declaration in place for the public health emergency of Covid-19.”
In Illinois, James Marter, a Republican running for Congress, spoke at the rally in Springfield and decried that liquor stores and marijuana shops remained open, and that abortions continued. “We the people, are losing our freedoms everyday at a blinding speed,” he said according to a video that was briefly posted on Facebook by one of the rally’s organizers.
And in California, Mr. Newsom, who moved to shut down the beaches in Orange County after they drew large crowds, is facing resistance to some of his measures. A crowd gathered again at Huntington Beach on Friday, and videos showed hundreds of people demonstrating, mostly without masks, and waving American flags while chanting “No More Newsom.”
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.
Polls show that a majority of Americans support social distancing measures, and some lonely demonstrators are trying to prove that point.
A lawyer in Florida, Daniel W. Uhlfelder, tried to sue Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, to demand statewide beach closures. He said he was planning to tour beaches in the Panhandle in a Grim Reaper costume to draw attention to the risk of the virus and warn people away from the beaches there.
“It’s going to be a public health disaster,” Mr. Uhlfelder said. “It’s going to be a magnet.”
Los Angeles has become 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 to take even tentative steps to open the economy.Los Angeles has become 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 to take even tentative steps to open the economy.
On Thursday, the first day of free testing for all in Los Angeles, nearly 10,000 people were tested, about 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, though county health officials are still advising testing be 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 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, though county health officials are still advising testing be 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.Mr. Garcetti said the city had hundreds of thousands of test kits on hand and would be buying more.
“You don’t have to wonder if that cough is Covid,” he said Thursday at a news conference. “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.”“You don’t have to wonder if that cough is Covid,” he said Thursday at a news conference. “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.”
Before the 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. Over the past few weeks, she has seen dozens.
“All of a sudden, we are inundated with toes,” Dr. Fox said. “I’ve got clinics filled with people coming in with new toe lesions.”
The lesions are emerging as yet another telltale symptom of infection with the virus. The most prominent signs are a dry cough and shortness of breath, but the virus has been linked to unusual and diverse effects, like mental confusion and a diminished sense of smell.
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 a mild or even asymptomatic infection. They may also develop several weeks after the acute phase of an infection is over.
It is unclear why the new virus might cause chilblain-like lesions. One hypothesis is that they are caused by inflammation, a prominent feature of Covid-19.
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. 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 you motivated to move. Maybe you started this lockdown with good intentions. It’s possible those promises have slipped away. But take heart: It doesn’t take much to get your metabolism going. Here’s how a short burst of activity can help you, and more exercise tips to keep you motivated to move.
Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, Michael Cooper, Sarah Mervosh, John Eligon, Sheri Fink, Manny Fernandez, Alan Feuer, Jacey Fortin, Mike Baker, Richard Fausset, Dionne Searcey, Simon Romero, Eliza Shapiro, Andy Newman, Matthew Haag, Conor Dougherty, Thomas Fuller, Shawn Hubler, Annie Karni, John Koblin, Patricia Mazzei, Marc Santora, Emily Cochrane, William K. Rashbaum, Maria Cramer, Sabrina Tavernise, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Nelson D. Schwartz, Rick Rojas, Roni Caryn Rabin, Tiffany Hsu and Patricia Cohen. Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Alan Blinder, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Emily Cochrane, Patricia Cohen, Michael Cooper, Maria Cramer, Conor Dougherty, John Eligon, Nicholas Fandos, Richard Fausset, Manny Fernandez, Alan Feuer, Sheri Fink, Jacey Fortin, Thomas Fuller, Matthew Haag, Tiffany Hsu, Shawn Hubler, Annie Karni, John Koblin, Patricia Mazzei, Sarah Mervosh, Andy Newman, Roni Caryn Rabin, William K. Rashbaum, Katie Rogers, Rick Rojas, Simon Romero, Marc Santora, Nelson D. Schwartz, Dionne Searcey, Eliza Shapiro, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan and Sabrina Tavernise.