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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
The pandemic has drastically curbed migration around the world, particularly people from poorer nations seeking work in richer ones.The pandemic has drastically curbed migration around the world, particularly people from poorer nations seeking work in richer ones.
The Supreme Court held its first remote hearing, listening to arguments and asking questions by phone.The Supreme Court held its first remote hearing, listening to arguments and asking questions by phone.
The Senate reconvened in Washington after a month away, but the House remained on an extended recess.The Senate reconvened in Washington after a month away, but the House remained on an extended recess.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas, and full coverage.Get the latest updates here, plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas, and full coverage.
Most of the United States has hunkered down for the past seven weeks, but the spread of the coronavirus has not stopped. It has slowed a bit in some places, including the hard-hit New York area, while accelerating in others.Most of the United States has hunkered down for the past seven weeks, but the spread of the coronavirus has not stopped. It has slowed a bit in some places, including the hard-hit New York area, while accelerating in others.
Even so, governors in state after state are easing stay-at-home orders and allowing some businesses to reopen — which public health experts say could put us right back where we were in mid-March, when the virus was raging unchecked.Even so, governors in state after state are easing stay-at-home orders and allowing some businesses to reopen — which public health experts say could put us right back where we were in mid-March, when the virus was raging unchecked.
Despite optimistic talk from the White House, the Trump administration is privately projecting that 3,000 people a day will be dying from Covid-19 by the beginning of June, nearly double the current toll. And with wider testing, the new-case count will surge to 200,000 a day, nearly seven times the present pace.Despite optimistic talk from the White House, the Trump administration is privately projecting that 3,000 people a day will be dying from Covid-19 by the beginning of June, nearly double the current toll. And with wider testing, the new-case count will surge to 200,000 a day, nearly seven times the present pace.
Those figures, based on government models, are summarized in chart form in an internal document obtained by The New York Times. The charts show that the “flattened curves” of U.S. diagnoses and deaths never did turn downward — and are now likely to bend more steeply upward as restrictions are eased.Those figures, based on government models, are summarized in chart form in an internal document obtained by The New York Times. The charts show that the “flattened curves” of U.S. diagnoses and deaths never did turn downward — and are now likely to bend more steeply upward as restrictions are eased.
“While mitigation didn’t fail, I think it’s fair to say that it didn’t work as well as we expected,” Scott Gottlieb, President Trump’s former commissioner of food and drugs, said Sunday on the CBS program “Face the Nation.” “We expected that we would start seeing more significant declines in new cases and deaths around the nation at this point. And we’re just not seeing that.”“While mitigation didn’t fail, I think it’s fair to say that it didn’t work as well as we expected,” Scott Gottlieb, President Trump’s former commissioner of food and drugs, said Sunday on the CBS program “Face the Nation.” “We expected that we would start seeing more significant declines in new cases and deaths around the nation at this point. And we’re just not seeing that.”
That means, he said, that Americans “may be facing the prospect that 20,000, 30,000 new cases a day diagnosed becomes the new normal.”That means, he said, that Americans “may be facing the prospect that 20,000, 30,000 new cases a day diagnosed becomes the new normal.”
Mr. Trump, who has frequently understated the impact of the disease, said on Sunday that “we’re going to lose anywhere from 75, 80 to 100,000 people” in all. That estimate is as much as twice what he was saying two weeks ago, but it is still far below what his administration now projects by the end of May, never mind the months thereafter.Mr. Trump, who has frequently understated the impact of the disease, said on Sunday that “we’re going to lose anywhere from 75, 80 to 100,000 people” in all. That estimate is as much as twice what he was saying two weeks ago, but it is still far below what his administration now projects by the end of May, never mind the months thereafter.
The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.
Some frustrated Americans have turned into citizen informants, reporting other people’s violations of social-distancing edicts or stay-at-home orders to the police, public health authorities and even their employers.Some frustrated Americans have turned into citizen informants, reporting other people’s violations of social-distancing edicts or stay-at-home orders to the police, public health authorities and even their employers.
Tips from the public have prompted officials to issue citations and have helped shutter nonessential businesses like dog groomers and massage parlors that defied closure orders.Tips from the public have prompted officials to issue citations and have helped shutter nonessential businesses like dog groomers and massage parlors that defied closure orders.
The vigilantism has also taken the form of anonymous public shaming, like scolding fliers left on cars at weekend destinations, or posters rebuking people who go maskless.The vigilantism has also taken the form of anonymous public shaming, like scolding fliers left on cars at weekend destinations, or posters rebuking people who go maskless.
Some cities and counties have set up phone numbers and websites for people to report infractions, which have attracted a flood of tips — along with complaints about encouraging citizens to inform on one another the way authoritarian regimes do.Some cities and counties have set up phone numbers and websites for people to report infractions, which have attracted a flood of tips — along with complaints about encouraging citizens to inform on one another the way authoritarian regimes do.
The problem with pictures: We’ve all seen images of jammed beaches and parks held up as evidence of heedlessness. But Vice notes that some public spaces may not really be as crowded as they seem in photos, which tend to foreshorten distances toward or away from the camera.The problem with pictures: We’ve all seen images of jammed beaches and parks held up as evidence of heedlessness. But Vice notes that some public spaces may not really be as crowded as they seem in photos, which tend to foreshorten distances toward or away from the camera.
At least a dozen countries took measured steps on Monday to ease restrictions on public life and reopen their economies. Italy, an early hot spot with the second-most coronavirus deaths after the United States, had locked down much tighter than most, so its reopening carried some symbolic weight.At least a dozen countries took measured steps on Monday to ease restrictions on public life and reopen their economies. Italy, an early hot spot with the second-most coronavirus deaths after the United States, had locked down much tighter than most, so its reopening carried some symbolic weight.
It was also modest.It was also modest.
Restaurants and bars could reopen, but only for takeout. Some buses and subway lines restarted, but the number of passengers was limited. Work-related travel is now allowed, but moving between regions is still tightly controlled.Restaurants and bars could reopen, but only for takeout. Some buses and subway lines restarted, but the number of passengers was limited. Work-related travel is now allowed, but moving between regions is still tightly controlled.
For the first time in seven weeks, the government also allowed Italians to visit congiunti, a word that can mean relatives or personal connections more broadly. The ambiguity caused some confusion, so the government tried to clear it up: Spouses, partners in civil unions and people with a “stable affectionate connection” would qualify and could see each other again, but not people who are just friends.For the first time in seven weeks, the government also allowed Italians to visit congiunti, a word that can mean relatives or personal connections more broadly. The ambiguity caused some confusion, so the government tried to clear it up: Spouses, partners in civil unions and people with a “stable affectionate connection” would qualify and could see each other again, but not people who are just friends.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
As Jason Horowitz, the Rome bureau chief for The Times, put it in a tweet: “Freedom rests between Like and Like Like.”As Jason Horowitz, the Rome bureau chief for The Times, put it in a tweet: “Freedom rests between Like and Like Like.”
Spain allowed small stores and businesses like hairdressers to reopen, starting a four-stage plan to return the country to a “new normalcy” by late June.Spain allowed small stores and businesses like hairdressers to reopen, starting a four-stage plan to return the country to a “new normalcy” by late June.
Australia and New Zealand are moving closer to creating a “travel bubble,” allowing people to fly between them without quarantines.Australia and New Zealand are moving closer to creating a “travel bubble,” allowing people to fly between them without quarantines.
India is easing its lockdown, one of the most severe, in areas with few or no known infections, allowing businesses, local transportation and gatherings like weddings to resume.India is easing its lockdown, one of the most severe, in areas with few or no known infections, allowing businesses, local transportation and gatherings like weddings to resume.
Restaurants, stores, museums and libraries in Florida are allowed to reopen with fewer patrons, except in the state’s most populous counties.Restaurants, stores, museums and libraries in Florida are allowed to reopen with fewer patrons, except in the state’s most populous counties.
Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.
Celebrate milestones. Virtual events you host during the pandemic may be the easiest parties you ever throw. Here’s some advice on holding a great event online.Celebrate milestones. Virtual events you host during the pandemic may be the easiest parties you ever throw. Here’s some advice on holding a great event online.
Keep your children active. With schools shuttered, the inactivity and snacking typical of summer breaks put more students at risk of obesity and health problems.Keep your children active. With schools shuttered, the inactivity and snacking typical of summer breaks put more students at risk of obesity and health problems.
Nurture your small hobbies. A writer found that sketching his dish rack helped him cope with the loss of a job a few years ago. It’s also getting him through the pandemic.Nurture your small hobbies. A writer found that sketching his dish rack helped him cope with the loss of a job a few years ago. It’s also getting him through the pandemic.
Companies selling antibody tests must prove their accuracy within 10 days or face removal from the market, the Food and Drug Administration said.Companies selling antibody tests must prove their accuracy within 10 days or face removal from the market, the Food and Drug Administration said.
Noncompliance with social distancing in Gallup, N.M., a virus hot spot, prompted Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to seal off and lock down the whole city using the state’s riot control law.Noncompliance with social distancing in Gallup, N.M., a virus hot spot, prompted Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to seal off and lock down the whole city using the state’s riot control law.
Carnival Cruise Lines said it planned to resume some cruises on Aug. 1.Carnival Cruise Lines said it planned to resume some cruises on Aug. 1.
The clothing company J. Crew filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the first major American retailer to do so since the pandemic began.The clothing company J. Crew filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the first major American retailer to do so since the pandemic began.
The virus may spell the end of open-floor offices, as employers consider how to reconfigure the workplace for social distancing.The virus may spell the end of open-floor offices, as employers consider how to reconfigure the workplace for social distancing.
The Navy is keeping the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman from returning to port on schedule, Reuters reports, because the ship has zero coronavirus cases on board and the Navy needs it to stay “clean” awhile longer.The Navy is keeping the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman from returning to port on schedule, Reuters reports, because the ship has zero coronavirus cases on board and the Navy needs it to stay “clean” awhile longer.
Every evening it’s Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid — a friendly family soccer match on our front lawn. Our two sons need an outlet after six hours of virtual schooling and over a month of “staying in place.” Occasionally, our socially distant neighbors cheer us on from across the street.Every evening it’s Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid — a friendly family soccer match on our front lawn. Our two sons need an outlet after six hours of virtual schooling and over a month of “staying in place.” Occasionally, our socially distant neighbors cheer us on from across the street.
— Cristina Perez, Coral Gables, Fla.— Cristina Perez, Coral Gables, Fla.
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Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.