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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
Shutdowns to fight the pandemic have plunged the European Union into its worst economic slump since it was founded after World War II.Shutdowns to fight the pandemic have plunged the European Union into its worst economic slump since it was founded after World War II.
President Trump said the coronavirus task force would continue “indefinitely,” reversing what he said Tuesday about shutting it down.President Trump said the coronavirus task force would continue “indefinitely,” reversing what he said Tuesday about shutting it down.
Nearly one in five young children in the United States are not getting enough to eat, according to their mothers.Nearly one in five young children in the United States are not getting enough to eat, according to their mothers.
Get the latest updates here, as well as maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas and full coverage.Get the latest updates here, as well as maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas and full coverage.
The official list of Covid-19 symptoms is familiar — fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and, in some cases, headache, chills, and loss of taste or smell.The official list of Covid-19 symptoms is familiar — fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and, in some cases, headache, chills, and loss of taste or smell.
But then there’s how people actually experience it:But then there’s how people actually experience it:
“I felt like there was an anvil sitting on my chest.”“I felt like there was an anvil sitting on my chest.”
“Like someone inside my head was trying to push my eyes out.”“Like someone inside my head was trying to push my eyes out.”
“Just the simple act of getting up and having a shower was tiring.”“Just the simple act of getting up and having a shower was tiring.”
“I felt so beat up, like I had been in a boxing ring with Mike Tyson.”“I felt so beat up, like I had been in a boxing ring with Mike Tyson.”
“You keep wondering the whole time, ‘Is this it?’”“You keep wondering the whole time, ‘Is this it?’”
A dozen people who were sickened — in many cases, severely — by the coronavirus and have since recovered described to us in vivid terms what it feels like to endure this scary and disorienting illness.A dozen people who were sickened — in many cases, severely — by the coronavirus and have since recovered described to us in vivid terms what it feels like to endure this scary and disorienting illness.
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.
Even when both parents are stuck at home, women are doing a disproportionately large share of the extra work created by the pandemic — both the housework and the home schooling of children. That’s according to a survey conducted for The Times, one of the first national efforts to examine the housework gap issue.Even when both parents are stuck at home, women are doing a disproportionately large share of the extra work created by the pandemic — both the housework and the home schooling of children. That’s according to a survey conducted for The Times, one of the first national efforts to examine the housework gap issue.
But there’s also a perception gap: Nearly half of the men in the survey said they spend more time on home schooling than their spouse did, but only 3 percent of women agreed.But there’s also a perception gap: Nearly half of the men in the survey said they spend more time on home schooling than their spouse did, but only 3 percent of women agreed.
Alisha Haridasani Gupta, who writes our newsletter In Her Words, chalked that up to the “mental load”: men relying on women to tell them what to do at home.Alisha Haridasani Gupta, who writes our newsletter In Her Words, chalked that up to the “mental load”: men relying on women to tell them what to do at home.
“They are sort of designating the woman as the manager, so there’s this added step in the woman’s life,” Alisha told us. “And a lot of women end up saying, ‘All right, I’ll do it myself.’”“They are sort of designating the woman as the manager, so there’s this added step in the woman’s life,” Alisha told us. “And a lot of women end up saying, ‘All right, I’ll do it myself.’”
While the coronavirus crisis hasn’t erased traditional gender roles, it may have helped erode them a bit: In many families, the survey found, men have taken on more household labor than before the pandemic, particularly those who have been laid off or are able to work from home while their spouse cannot.While the coronavirus crisis hasn’t erased traditional gender roles, it may have helped erode them a bit: In many families, the survey found, men have taken on more household labor than before the pandemic, particularly those who have been laid off or are able to work from home while their spouse cannot.
Scientists have found that antibodies from Winter, a 4-year-old chocolate-colored llama with great eyelashes, neutralized the virus that causes Covid-19 in lab experiments.Scientists have found that antibodies from Winter, a 4-year-old chocolate-colored llama with great eyelashes, neutralized the virus that causes Covid-19 in lab experiments.
It wasn’t a random idea. Llama antibodies have been used in virus research for many years because they are smaller and more nimble than human antibodies, and are easily manipulated. And previous tests had shown Winter’s antibodies worked well in the lab against the viruses that cause SARS and MERS.It wasn’t a random idea. Llama antibodies have been used in virus research for many years because they are smaller and more nimble than human antibodies, and are easily manipulated. And previous tests had shown Winter’s antibodies worked well in the lab against the viruses that cause SARS and MERS.
The researchers in Belgium who conducted the study hope that injections of llama antibodies could protect people on the front lines, like health care workers, from becoming infected.The researchers in Belgium who conducted the study hope that injections of llama antibodies could protect people on the front lines, like health care workers, from becoming infected.
The catch: The treatment’s protection would wear off in a month or two without additional injections.The catch: The treatment’s protection would wear off in a month or two without additional injections.
Research is still needed on whether such injections will be safe in humans and will have the same effect in the body that they do in the lab.Research is still needed on whether such injections will be safe in humans and will have the same effect in the body that they do in the lab.
Is the coronavirus mutating? Yes. All viruses mutate to some degree as they spread. But so far, there is no compelling evidence that the coronavirus is becoming more contagious or more deadly, despite a preliminary study suggesting otherwise.Is the coronavirus mutating? Yes. All viruses mutate to some degree as they spread. But so far, there is no compelling evidence that the coronavirus is becoming more contagious or more deadly, despite a preliminary study suggesting otherwise.
How many Americans have died because of the coronavirus? While no one can say yet what the true total is, the current official tally is surely an undercount. There are gaps in testing, many states are weeks or months behind in reporting, and the process of counting is complicated and time-consuming.How many Americans have died because of the coronavirus? While no one can say yet what the true total is, the current official tally is surely an undercount. There are gaps in testing, many states are weeks or months behind in reporting, and the process of counting is complicated and time-consuming.
To get a more complete look at the virus’s effect in the U.S., The Times analyzed C.D.C. data and calculated the number of “excess deaths” — or how many more people have died than usual — for each state. Here’s what we found.To get a more complete look at the virus’s effect in the U.S., The Times analyzed C.D.C. data and calculated the number of “excess deaths” — or how many more people have died than usual — for each state. Here’s what we found.
Germany will begin its second phase of reopening this week, allowing schools, day care centers, stores and restaurants to resume business. The country has also begun ambitious antibody studies to test broad sectors of the population.Germany will begin its second phase of reopening this week, allowing schools, day care centers, stores and restaurants to resume business. The country has also begun ambitious antibody studies to test broad sectors of the population.
As India begins to lift lockdown restrictions, people in urban areas are gathering on streets where social distancing is impossible. The country’s death rate has risen to more than 100 a day, from several dozen in mid-April.As India begins to lift lockdown restrictions, people in urban areas are gathering on streets where social distancing is impossible. The country’s death rate has risen to more than 100 a day, from several dozen in mid-April.
In the border-straddling town of Baarle-Hertog-Nassau, residents have had to navigate the tight restrictions in Belgium, which is starting to reopen, and the more relaxed approach of the Netherlands, from block to block and even from one side of a room to the other.In the border-straddling town of Baarle-Hertog-Nassau, residents have had to navigate the tight restrictions in Belgium, which is starting to reopen, and the more relaxed approach of the Netherlands, from block to block and even from one side of a room to the other.
Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.
Updated May 28, 2020 Updated June 1, 2020
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
There is an uptick in people reporting symptoms of chilblains, which are painful red or purple lesions that typically appear in the winter on fingers or toes. The lesions are emerging as yet another symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. Chilblains are caused by inflammation in small blood vessels in reaction to cold or damp conditions, but they are usually common in the coldest winter months. 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.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
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.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
Clean slowly. Many household disinfectants promise to kill 99.9 percent of germs, but not if you wipe the product off too quickly. Some cleaners need several minutes of contact time to do their jobs. Check the label for recommended contact time.Clean slowly. Many household disinfectants promise to kill 99.9 percent of germs, but not if you wipe the product off too quickly. Some cleaners need several minutes of contact time to do their jobs. Check the label for recommended contact time.
Get grandma online. Here are five ways to stay in touch with your less tech-savvy friends and relatives, with tools from Amazon’s Echo Show to Facebook Portal to Jitsi Meet. (You could always write a letter.)Get grandma online. Here are five ways to stay in touch with your less tech-savvy friends and relatives, with tools from Amazon’s Echo Show to Facebook Portal to Jitsi Meet. (You could always write a letter.)
Help children create new rituals. The flexibility of not going to school can let them get more sleep and try new activities.Help children create new rituals. The flexibility of not going to school can let them get more sleep and try new activities.
The Supreme Court refused to intervene to overturn Pennsylvania’s order that most businesses close down to fight the spread of the coronavirus.The Supreme Court refused to intervene to overturn Pennsylvania’s order that most businesses close down to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
Wholesale prices for Grade A large eggs tripled in March, prompting lawsuits accusing egg producers and supermarkets of price-gouging and profiteering.Wholesale prices for Grade A large eggs tripled in March, prompting lawsuits accusing egg producers and supermarkets of price-gouging and profiteering.
There is still one part of the U.S. without a single coronavirus case: American Samoa, a cluster of islands in Polynesia that has sealed itself off from the outside world for nearly two months.There is still one part of the U.S. without a single coronavirus case: American Samoa, a cluster of islands in Polynesia that has sealed itself off from the outside world for nearly two months.
Which is safer to visit, a restaurant or a gym? The Times Opinion section analyzed anonymized cellphone location data to measure how crowded different types of businesses get.Which is safer to visit, a restaurant or a gym? The Times Opinion section analyzed anonymized cellphone location data to measure how crowded different types of businesses get.
A British government scientist who had lectured the public about the need for strict social distancing resigned after he was caught breaking the rules to visit his married lover, The Telegraph reported.A British government scientist who had lectured the public about the need for strict social distancing resigned after he was caught breaking the rules to visit his married lover, The Telegraph reported.
At least 2,000 prison employees and nearly 5,000 prisoners in the U.S. have contracted the coronavirus, the C.D.C. reported.At least 2,000 prison employees and nearly 5,000 prisoners in the U.S. have contracted the coronavirus, the C.D.C. reported.
My husband and I bought scissors and a good trimmer, and cut each other’s hair. We tried to emulate a barber shop/hairstyling place. It was fun and brought us closer together. My husband did a great job on my hair. I had no idea of his hidden talent.My husband and I bought scissors and a good trimmer, and cut each other’s hair. We tried to emulate a barber shop/hairstyling place. It was fun and brought us closer together. My husband did a great job on my hair. I had no idea of his hidden talent.
— Diane M. Norberg, Sarasota, Fla.— Diane M. Norberg, Sarasota, Fla.
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
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Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe contributed to today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe contributed to today’s newsletter.