This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/12/us/coronavirus-updates.html

The article has changed 54 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 12 Version 13
Coronavirus Live Updates: Health Experts Testify U.S. Still Lacks Critical Capabilities to Contain Spikes Coronavirus Live Updates: Health Experts Testify U.S. Still Lacks Critical Capabilities to Contain Spikes
(32 minutes later)
Leaders of the Trump administration’s coronavirus response painted a grim picture on Tuesday of the months ahead, warning a Senate panel that the United States does not yet have control over the pandemic and lacks crucial capabilities to contain an inevitable surge in cases that could arise if the nation moves too quickly to reopen the economy. Leaders of the Trump administration’s coronavirus response painted a grim picture on Tuesday of the months ahead, warning a Senate panel that the United States did not yet have control over the pandemic and lacked crucial capabilities to contain an inevitable surge in cases that could arise if the nation moved too quickly to reopen the economy.
A day after President Trump declared, “We have met the moment, and we have prevailed,” the experts warned of dire consequences if states do not proceed with caution in reopening. A day after President Trump declared, “We have met the moment, and we have prevailed,” the experts warned of dire consequences if states did not proceed with caution in reopening.
“We are not out of the woods yet,” said Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “but we are more prepared.” “We are not out of the woods yet,” said Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “but we are more prepared.”
Dr. Redfield’s remark, during a high-profile — and partially virtual — hearing before the Senate’s health committee, along with comments of Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, made clear that the country is still facing steep challenges in responding to the pandemic. Dr. Redfield’s remark, during a high-profile — and partially virtual — hearing before the Senate’s health committee, along with comments from Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, made clear that the country was still facing steep challenges in responding to the pandemic.
They warned that a vaccine would not be ready in time for the new school year, and conceded that the country still lacks an adequate contact tracing infrastructure to monitor the spread of Covid-19. The officials told senators that outbreaks in other parts of the world would surely reach the United States, and emphasized the importance of erring on the side of caution in dealing with an unpredictable and potentially lethal disease. They warned that a vaccine would not be ready in time for the new school year and conceded that the country still lacked an adequate contact tracing infrastructure to monitor the spread of Covid-19. The officials told senators that outbreaks in other parts of the world would surely reach the United States, and they emphasized the importance of erring on the side of caution in dealing with an unpredictable and potentially lethal disease.
“If we do not respond in an adequate way when the fall comes, given that it is without a doubt that there will be infections that will be in the community, then we run the risk of having a resurgence,” Dr. Fauci said. “I would hope that by that time, in the fall, that we would have more than enough to respond adequately, but if we don’t, there will be problems.” “If we do not respond in an adequate way when the fall comes, given that it is without a doubt that there will be infections that will be in the community, then we run the risk of having a resurgence,” Dr. Fauci said. “I would hope that by that time, in the fall, that we would have more than enough to respond adequately. But if we don’t, there will be problems.”
The two were among four government doctors — the others were Dr. Stephen Hahn, the commissioner of food and drugs and Adm. Brett P. Giroir, the assistant secretary for health — who testified remotely during the hearing. Senator Lamar Alexander, Republican of Tennessee, who like Drs. Fauci, Redfield and Hahn is in quarantine after being exposed to the virus, presided from his den in Maryville, Tennessee, his dog sleeping in the background. The two were among four government doctors — the others were Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and Adm. Brett P. Giroir, the assistant secretary for health — who testified remotely during the hearing. Senator Lamar Alexander, Republican of Tennessee, who like Drs. Fauci, Redfield and Hahn is in quarantine after being exposed to the virus, presided from his den in Maryville, Tenn., with his dog sleeping in the background.
Their downbeat assessments came as the death toll in the United States surpassed 81,000 — a figure that Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, noted is “45 times the rate of South Korea.” The downbeat assessments came as the death toll in the United States surpassed 81,000 — a figure that Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, noted was “45 times the rate of South Korea.”
The hearing was the first chance lawmakers have had to publicly question the officials in Congress since Mr. Trump declared a national emergency two months ago. The hearing was the first chance lawmakers had to publicly question the officials in Congress since Mr. Trump declared a national emergency two months ago.
Their message was starkly different from the self-congratulatory one the president has delivered as he has repeatedly urged an end to stay-at-home orders and, as he calls it, a “transition to greatness.”Their message was starkly different from the self-congratulatory one the president has delivered as he has repeatedly urged an end to stay-at-home orders and, as he calls it, a “transition to greatness.”
Under questioning from senators, Dr. Fauci cautioned that if the country reopened prematurely, “the consequences could be really serious.”Under questioning from senators, Dr. Fauci cautioned that if the country reopened prematurely, “the consequences could be really serious.”
As it unfolded, Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law and an adviser to his re-election campaign, insisted the Trump campaign would hold the Republican National Convention as planned this summer in Charlotte, N.C. As it unfolded, Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law and an adviser to his re-election campaign, insisted that the Trump campaign would hold the Republican National Convention as planned in Charlotte, N.C., in August.
“We don’t plan on canceling our convention,” Ms. Trump told local reporters in a conference call on Tuesday. “We plan on going ahead with it.” “We don’t plan on canceling our convention,” Ms. Trump told reporters in a conference call on Tuesday. “We plan on going ahead with it.”
Senators at Tuesday’s hearing emphasized the importance of ramping up testing, as the Trump administration said it was preparing to provide to states supplies for millions of tests.Senators at Tuesday’s hearing emphasized the importance of ramping up testing, as the Trump administration said it was preparing to provide to states supplies for millions of tests.
Mr. Alexander described a future vaccine or treatment as the “ultimate solution,” but said “until we have them, all roads back to work and school go through testing. The more tests we conduct, the better we can identify those who are sick and exposed.”Mr. Alexander described a future vaccine or treatment as the “ultimate solution,” but said “until we have them, all roads back to work and school go through testing. The more tests we conduct, the better we can identify those who are sick and exposed.”
Admiral Giroir, the assistant secretary of health who is overseeing the government’s testing response, testified that the administration is planning to send enough testing swabs for 12.9 million tests to states over the next four weeks, and that by September, the country will have the ability to conduct 40 to 50 million tests per month.Admiral Giroir, the assistant secretary of health who is overseeing the government’s testing response, testified that the administration is planning to send enough testing swabs for 12.9 million tests to states over the next four weeks, and that by September, the country will have the ability to conduct 40 to 50 million tests per month.
He also pointed to new technologies, such as a recently approved antigen test, that could further increase the capacity. But his remarks drew skepticism from Democratic senators, including Senator Murray of Washington, the committee’s top Democrat. “This administration has had a record of bringing us broken promises that more supplies and testing are coming and they don’t,” she said. “And we know that testing needs will persist long past June, long past.”He also pointed to new technologies, such as a recently approved antigen test, that could further increase the capacity. But his remarks drew skepticism from Democratic senators, including Senator Murray of Washington, the committee’s top Democrat. “This administration has had a record of bringing us broken promises that more supplies and testing are coming and they don’t,” she said. “And we know that testing needs will persist long past June, long past.”
The amount of testing in the United States has been steadily increasing, with nearly 400,000 tests processed on Monday, a daily record, according the Covid Tracking Project. But that is still not at the level that many public health experts say will be needed to safely reopen society. Some experts have said that 2 to 3 million people per day must be tested in order to quickly identify hot spots and get the virus under control.The amount of testing in the United States has been steadily increasing, with nearly 400,000 tests processed on Monday, a daily record, according the Covid Tracking Project. But that is still not at the level that many public health experts say will be needed to safely reopen society. Some experts have said that 2 to 3 million people per day must be tested in order to quickly identify hot spots and get the virus under control.
In recent weeks, the availability of supplies has improved and many testing sites are no longer experiencing shortages. But shipping millions of swabs to states does not guarantee that they will immediately begin to scale up testing. Other bottlenecks have also limited the number of tests that can be done, including having enough workers to take samples from patients and enough protective equipment to keep the workers safe.In recent weeks, the availability of supplies has improved and many testing sites are no longer experiencing shortages. But shipping millions of swabs to states does not guarantee that they will immediately begin to scale up testing. Other bottlenecks have also limited the number of tests that can be done, including having enough workers to take samples from patients and enough protective equipment to keep the workers safe.
On Monday, a coalition of public health organizations sent a letter to Congress asking for at least $7.6 billion to increase the contact tracing work force in the United States. The organizations say they need at least 100,000 additional contact tracers, 10,000 supervisors, and 1,600 epidemiologists to rapidly build contact tracing capacity in response to the pandemic.On Monday, a coalition of public health organizations sent a letter to Congress asking for at least $7.6 billion to increase the contact tracing work force in the United States. The organizations say they need at least 100,000 additional contact tracers, 10,000 supervisors, and 1,600 epidemiologists to rapidly build contact tracing capacity in response to the pandemic.
Dr. Redfield said that the coronavirus outbreak “went beyond the capacity” of the government’s contact tracing program, telling senators, “we lost containment.”Dr. Redfield said that the coronavirus outbreak “went beyond the capacity” of the government’s contact tracing program, telling senators, “we lost containment.”
He said the C.D.C. had reprogrammed 500 people nationwide to help build up the contact-tracing capacity the states would need to prepare for the fall and winter.He said the C.D.C. had reprogrammed 500 people nationwide to help build up the contact-tracing capacity the states would need to prepare for the fall and winter.
Senator Richard Burr, Republican of North Carolina, complained that the administration has been slow to establish a surveillance effort despite huge sums of money Congress has provided for the purpose. “I’m hopeful we won’t just talk about surveillance,” Mr. Burr said, “we’ll actually execute it.” Senator Richard Burr, Republican of North Carolina, complained that the C.D.C. has been slow to build surveillance tracking capabilities for many infectious diseases despite huge sums of money Congress has provided for the purpose. “I’m hopeful we won’t just talk about surveillance,” Mr. Burr said, “we’ll actually execute it.”
Dr. Redfield said a national surveillance system was being developed with a special focus on rigorous surveillance of nursing homes — where a third of the nation’s deaths have taken place. Facilities must report all infections in both residents and staff members to public health authorities and notify family members there are cases in the facilities, Dr. Redfield said. He was uncertain about the timing of carrying out the guidelines, however, saying, “I’m pretty confident it’s operational, but I need to double check just to make sure.” Dr. Redfield said a national surveillance system for the virus was being developed with a special focus on nursing homes — where a third of the nation’s deaths have taken place. Facilities must report all infections in both residents and staff members to public health authorities and notify family members there are cases in the facilities, Dr. Redfield said. He was uncertain about the timing of carrying out the guidelines, however, saying, “I’m pretty confident it’s operational, but I need to double check just to make sure.”
House Democrats on Tuesday unveiled a sweeping, $3 trillion economic relief measure to respond to the pandemic, including $1 trillion in aid to state, local and tribal governments; another round of $1,200 direct payments to American families; and more money for jobless aid and food assistance. The measure would also provide a $25 billion bailout for the U.S. Postal Service, which has said it is set to run out of cash by September without a lifeline from Congress. House Democrats on Tuesday unveiled a sweeping, $3 trillion economic relief measure to respond to the pandemic, including $1 trillion in aid to state, local and tribal governments; another round of $1,200 direct payments to American families; and more money for jobless aid and food assistance. The measure would also provide a $25 billion bailout for the U.S. Postal Service, which has said it is set to run out of cash by September without a lifeline from Congress.
The measure is all but certainly dead on arrival in the Republican-led Senate, where leaders have said they want to pause before considering another round of aid on top of the roughly $2.7 trillion already provided, and Republicans are divided over the issue of rescuing states from financial hardship. The measure is all but certainly dead on arrival in the Republican-led Senate, where leaders have said that they want to pause before considering another round of aid on top of the roughly $2.7 trillion already provided. Republicans remain divided over rescuing states from financial hardship.
But it serves as the Democratic majority’s opening offer for the next round of stimulus negotiations. But the proposal serves as the Democratic majority’s opening offer for the next round of stimulus negotiations.
The House is expected to vote on the measure on Friday, along with a historic change to its rules that would allow for remote work, Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, the majority leader, told lawmakers.The House is expected to vote on the measure on Friday, along with a historic change to its rules that would allow for remote work, Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, the majority leader, told lawmakers.
In a tense exchange about whether children should go back to school, Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, noted that the mortality rate in children is low and suggested that schools should be reopened district by district.In a tense exchange about whether children should go back to school, Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, noted that the mortality rate in children is low and suggested that schools should be reopened district by district.
“As much as I respect you Dr. Fauci, I don’t think you’re the end all. I don’t think you’re the one person who gets to make the decision,” Mr. Paul said. “We can listen to your advice but there are people on the other side saying there won’t be a surge.”“As much as I respect you Dr. Fauci, I don’t think you’re the end all. I don’t think you’re the one person who gets to make the decision,” Mr. Paul said. “We can listen to your advice but there are people on the other side saying there won’t be a surge.”
To that, Dr. Fauci gave a pointed response. “I have never made myself out to be the end all and only voice in this,” he said. “I’m a scientist, a physician and a public health official. I give advice on the best scientific evidence.”To that, Dr. Fauci gave a pointed response. “I have never made myself out to be the end all and only voice in this,” he said. “I’m a scientist, a physician and a public health official. I give advice on the best scientific evidence.”
Dr. Fauci warned that in making decisions about school openings, officials should not be “cavalier in thinking that children are completely immune to the deleterious effects” of Covid-19.Dr. Fauci warned that in making decisions about school openings, officials should not be “cavalier in thinking that children are completely immune to the deleterious effects” of Covid-19.
Mr. Paul also cited a series of studies suggesting that recovered Covid-19 patients have some form of immunity, and said that the findings were not being reported by the media. In fact, they have been covered widely by The Times and other outlets. Governments worldwide have seized on the findings to suggest that widespread use of antibody testing could be the key to reopening economies.Mr. Paul also cited a series of studies suggesting that recovered Covid-19 patients have some form of immunity, and said that the findings were not being reported by the media. In fact, they have been covered widely by The Times and other outlets. Governments worldwide have seized on the findings to suggest that widespread use of antibody testing could be the key to reopening economies.
The few antibody surveys available suggest that fewer than 5 percent of Americans have been exposed and may have antibodies, except in places like New York City and the Bay Area. That means that the vast majority of Americans are still vulnerable to the virus.The few antibody surveys available suggest that fewer than 5 percent of Americans have been exposed and may have antibodies, except in places like New York City and the Bay Area. That means that the vast majority of Americans are still vulnerable to the virus.
Dr. Paul pointed to Sweden as a model for coping with the pandemic. But the jury is still out: The Covid-19 death rate in Sweden is actually higher than that in the United States.Dr. Paul pointed to Sweden as a model for coping with the pandemic. But the jury is still out: The Covid-19 death rate in Sweden is actually higher than that in the United States.
Scientists hope to know by late fall or early winter whether they have at least one possible effective vaccine, Dr. Fauci told the senators. But he cautioned, “Even at the top speed we’re going, we don’t see a vaccine playing in the ability of individuals to get back to school this term.”Scientists hope to know by late fall or early winter whether they have at least one possible effective vaccine, Dr. Fauci told the senators. But he cautioned, “Even at the top speed we’re going, we don’t see a vaccine playing in the ability of individuals to get back to school this term.”
Dr. Fauci emphasized the importance of having “multiple winners,” meaning more than one vaccine available, to provide “global availability.” He repeated is cautious optimism that an effective vaccine would be developed and said he there was no guarantee that would happen. “You can have everything you think that’s in place, and you don’t induce the kind of immune response that turns out to be protective, and durably protective,” he said. Dr. Fauci emphasized the importance of having “multiple winners,” meaning more than one vaccine available, to provide “global availability.” He repeated his cautious optimism that an effective vaccine would be developed and said he there was no guarantee that would happen. “You can have everything you think that’s in place, and you don’t induce the kind of immune response that turns out to be protective, and durably protective,” he said.
“So, one, the big unknown is it will be effective. Another concern is “disease enhancement,” the possibility that a vaccine could induce an immune response that would make the illness worse instead of protecting people from the virus.“So, one, the big unknown is it will be effective. Another concern is “disease enhancement,” the possibility that a vaccine could induce an immune response that would make the illness worse instead of protecting people from the virus.
“We want to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Dr. Fauci said, adding that he was hopeful there would be a vaccine candidate that will give some degree of efficacy, hopefully a percentage high enough that will induce the kind of herd immunity that would give protection to the population as a whole.” He said developing a vaccine in the next year to two years is “definitely not a long shot,” adding “it is more likely than not that we will.”“We want to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Dr. Fauci said, adding that he was hopeful there would be a vaccine candidate that will give some degree of efficacy, hopefully a percentage high enough that will induce the kind of herd immunity that would give protection to the population as a whole.” He said developing a vaccine in the next year to two years is “definitely not a long shot,” adding “it is more likely than not that we will.”
Whether a vaccine would be available to everyone for free was a different matter. The assistant secretary for health, Adm. Brett P. Giroir, said people “should gain access to it,” but that he was not in control of that aspect. “I will certainly advocate that everyone is able to receive the vaccine regardless of income or other circumstance.”Whether a vaccine would be available to everyone for free was a different matter. The assistant secretary for health, Adm. Brett P. Giroir, said people “should gain access to it,” but that he was not in control of that aspect. “I will certainly advocate that everyone is able to receive the vaccine regardless of income or other circumstance.”
Dr. Redfield said that an expansive new set of C.D.C. guidelines for states to reopen schools, businesses and religious institutions would be released “soon,” but would not get more specific about a White House effort to revise or scuttle them.Dr. Redfield said that an expansive new set of C.D.C. guidelines for states to reopen schools, businesses and religious institutions would be released “soon,” but would not get more specific about a White House effort to revise or scuttle them.
“Soon isn’t terribly helpful,” Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut, replied in a heated exchange about whether his state, which has a stay-at-home order expiring in the coming days, would know how to properly reopen.“Soon isn’t terribly helpful,” Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut, replied in a heated exchange about whether his state, which has a stay-at-home order expiring in the coming days, would know how to properly reopen.
White House and senior health officials rejected the C.D.C. recommendations over concerns that they were overly prescriptive, infringed on religious rights and risked further damaging the economy.White House and senior health officials rejected the C.D.C. recommendations over concerns that they were overly prescriptive, infringed on religious rights and risked further damaging the economy.
Mr. Murphy referred to previous guidelines the White House has released for opening the country as “criminally vague.” The directions, which were released in April, called for states to have a “downward trajectory of positive tests” or a “downward trajectory of documented cases” of the coronavirus over two weeks.Mr. Murphy referred to previous guidelines the White House has released for opening the country as “criminally vague.” The directions, which were released in April, called for states to have a “downward trajectory of positive tests” or a “downward trajectory of documented cases” of the coronavirus over two weeks.
President Trump has publicly encouraged some states that have not met those standards to begin the process for reopening. In more than half of states easing restrictions last week, case counts were trending upward, the proportion of positive test results was rising, or both.President Trump has publicly encouraged some states that have not met those standards to begin the process for reopening. In more than half of states easing restrictions last week, case counts were trending upward, the proportion of positive test results was rising, or both.
“I worry that you’re trying to have it both ways,” Mr. Murphy told Dr. Redfield. “You say that states should not open too early but then you don’t give us the resources to succeed. You work for a president who is frankly undermining our efforts to comply with the guidelines that you have given us.”“I worry that you’re trying to have it both ways,” Mr. Murphy told Dr. Redfield. “You say that states should not open too early but then you don’t give us the resources to succeed. You work for a president who is frankly undermining our efforts to comply with the guidelines that you have given us.”
Senators and witnesses participated in Tuesday’s hearing from around the country, with only a small group of lawmakers attending in Washington but most beaming in by video from their homes, creating an unusual backdrop for the proceedings.Senators and witnesses participated in Tuesday’s hearing from around the country, with only a small group of lawmakers attending in Washington but most beaming in by video from their homes, creating an unusual backdrop for the proceedings.
Mr. Alexander, the chairman of the committee, who is self-isolating, led the hearing from his rustically decorated den in Tennessee, his dog Rufus just visible in the corner of his screen. At several points during the hearing, a dog could be heard barking as senators attempted to ask questions, most notably for the duration of an entire question posed by Mr. Burr.Mr. Alexander, the chairman of the committee, who is self-isolating, led the hearing from his rustically decorated den in Tennessee, his dog Rufus just visible in the corner of his screen. At several points during the hearing, a dog could be heard barking as senators attempted to ask questions, most notably for the duration of an entire question posed by Mr. Burr.
Ms. Murray, the ranking Democrat, was at her home as well, while about a half-dozen senators were on Capitol Hill, sitting six feet apart at a special dais draped in black covering, some of them wearing masks.Ms. Murray, the ranking Democrat, was at her home as well, while about a half-dozen senators were on Capitol Hill, sitting six feet apart at a special dais draped in black covering, some of them wearing masks.
Dr. Fauci appeared from his cluttered home office, where viewers could spy many stacks of books and a leather easy chair.Dr. Fauci appeared from his cluttered home office, where viewers could spy many stacks of books and a leather easy chair.
Dr. Redfield of the C.D.C. also testified from his home office, while Brett P. Giroir, the assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services, appeared to be speaking from the agency’s headquarters in Southwest Washington, blocks away from the hearing room. Dr. Hahn’s office background was blurred, lending his image the look of a slick pharmaceutical ad.Dr. Redfield of the C.D.C. also testified from his home office, while Brett P. Giroir, the assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services, appeared to be speaking from the agency’s headquarters in Southwest Washington, blocks away from the hearing room. Dr. Hahn’s office background was blurred, lending his image the look of a slick pharmaceutical ad.
A video screen in the hearing room displayed the remote attendees in checkerboard fashion, along with an image of a digital countdown clock showing how much time each speaker had remaining. Most senators and officials had their full names displayed in the bottom corner of their video feed squares, but the one for Senator Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah, was labeled simply, “mitt.”A video screen in the hearing room displayed the remote attendees in checkerboard fashion, along with an image of a digital countdown clock showing how much time each speaker had remaining. Most senators and officials had their full names displayed in the bottom corner of their video feed squares, but the one for Senator Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah, was labeled simply, “mitt.”
New York State health officials are investigating about 100 cases of a rare and dangerous inflammatory syndrome that afflicts children and appears to be connected to the virus, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Tuesday.New York State health officials are investigating about 100 cases of a rare and dangerous inflammatory syndrome that afflicts children and appears to be connected to the virus, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Tuesday.
So far, three deaths in the state have been linked to the illness, which is known as pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome and causes life-threatening inflammation in critical organs, he said.So far, three deaths in the state have been linked to the illness, which is known as pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome and causes life-threatening inflammation in critical organs, he said.
The dead included a 5-year-old boy, who died last week in New York City; a 7-year-old boy and an 18-year-old girl; Mr. Cuomo said. More than half of the state’s pediatric inflammatory syndrome cases — 57 percent — involved children ages 5 to 14.
More than half of the cases in the state — 57 percent — occurred in children ages 5 to 14. Earlier the day, Mayor Bill de Blasio said that 52 cases of the syndrome had been reported in New York City, with 10 potential cases also being evaluated.
“This is a truly disturbing situation,” Mr. Cuomo said. “And I know parents around the state and around the country are very concerned about this, and they should be.” The dead included a 5-year-old boy, who died last week in New York City; a 7-year-old boy and an 18-year-old girl, Mr. Cuomo said.
Earlier the day, Mayor Bill de Blasio said that 52 cases of the illness had been reported in New York City, with 10 potential cases also being evaluated. “This is a truly disturbing situation,” he said at his daily news briefing. “And I know parents around the state and around the country are very concerned about this, and they should be.”
The illness began to appear in the region in recent weeks, and doctors and researchers are still investigating how and why it affects children. The governor’s announcement came as he reported 195 more virus-related deaths in the state, an increase from Monday’s total but the second consecutive day that the toll was under 200.
Mr. de Blasio’s announcement came after Connecticut reported its first cases of the syndrome on Monday. As of Tuesday, six children in Connecticut were being treated for the ailment, officials said. The pediatric illness began to appear in the region in recent weeks, and doctors and researchers are still investigating how and why it affects children.
Mr. Lamont announced three of the cases at a briefing on Monday. Connecticut reported its first cases of the syndrome on Monday. As of Tuesday, six children in the state were being treated for the ailment, officials said.
Connecticut’s governor announced three of the the state’s cases at a briefing on Monday.
“I think right now it’s a very, very tiny risk of infection,” he said. “It was not really ever detected in Asia, which, I don’t quite know what that implies.”“I think right now it’s a very, very tiny risk of infection,” he said. “It was not really ever detected in Asia, which, I don’t quite know what that implies.”
Three other children were being treated for the syndrome at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, a spokeswoman, Monica Buchanan, said on Tuesday. Two of the three were confirmed to have the illness, she said. Three other children were being treated for the syndrome at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday. Two of the three were confirmed to have the illness, she said.
As of Monday, health officials in New Jersey said they were investigating eight potential cases of the syndrome.
Guidelines introduced by many states, cities and businesses mandating that store customers wear masks have led to at times violent confrontations across the United States, with some customers who have refused to comply arrested in Pennsylvania, Georgia and California.Guidelines introduced by many states, cities and businesses mandating that store customers wear masks have led to at times violent confrontations across the United States, with some customers who have refused to comply arrested in Pennsylvania, Georgia and California.
And in Michigan, the authorities say one dispute over a mask escalated into a fatality, with three people charged in the killing of a security guard who was shot dead on May 1 after asking a customer to wear a mask in a Family Dollar store in Flint.And in Michigan, the authorities say one dispute over a mask escalated into a fatality, with three people charged in the killing of a security guard who was shot dead on May 1 after asking a customer to wear a mask in a Family Dollar store in Flint.
Some people say they oppose any order that they wear a mask on ideological grounds as government overreach, some find the masks uncomfortable and some just get angry.Some people say they oppose any order that they wear a mask on ideological grounds as government overreach, some find the masks uncomfortable and some just get angry.
In one of the latest episodes, two men were arrested on Monday for a melee at a Target in Van Nuys, Calif., that left one employee with a broken arm.In one of the latest episodes, two men were arrested on Monday for a melee at a Target in Van Nuys, Calif., that left one employee with a broken arm.
In some places, including Ohio and Stillwater, Okla., the level of threats and anger prompted officials to rescind their orders, even though the C.D.C. recommends wearing face coverings in many instances to help slow the spread of the virus.In some places, including Ohio and Stillwater, Okla., the level of threats and anger prompted officials to rescind their orders, even though the C.D.C. recommends wearing face coverings in many instances to help slow the spread of the virus.
Though some may bristle at the imposition of wearing a mask, confrontations driven by the concept of “liberty” are misguided, legal experts said, overlooking the fact that the guidelines are designed to protect the public.Though some may bristle at the imposition of wearing a mask, confrontations driven by the concept of “liberty” are misguided, legal experts said, overlooking the fact that the guidelines are designed to protect the public.
“I never had a right to do something that could injure the health of my neighbors,” said Wendy Parmet, the director of the Center for Health Policy and Law at Northeastern University.“I never had a right to do something that could injure the health of my neighbors,” said Wendy Parmet, the director of the Center for Health Policy and Law at Northeastern University.
The lives of tens of thousands of foreign workers on skilled-worker visas, such as H-1Bs, have been upended by the pandemic’s economic fallout. Many have been waiting in a backlog for several years to obtain permanent legal residency through their employer. Now, they face the prospect of swift deportation if they are furloughed or laid off from their jobs.The lives of tens of thousands of foreign workers on skilled-worker visas, such as H-1Bs, have been upended by the pandemic’s economic fallout. Many have been waiting in a backlog for several years to obtain permanent legal residency through their employer. Now, they face the prospect of swift deportation if they are furloughed or laid off from their jobs.
The Trump administration is also expected within the next few weeks to halt the issuance of new work visas such as the H-1B, for high skilled foreigners, and the H-2B, for seasonal employment. The new measures under review, according to two current and two former government immigration officials, would also eliminate a program that enables foreign graduates of American universities to remain in the country and work.The Trump administration is also expected within the next few weeks to halt the issuance of new work visas such as the H-1B, for high skilled foreigners, and the H-2B, for seasonal employment. The new measures under review, according to two current and two former government immigration officials, would also eliminate a program that enables foreign graduates of American universities to remain in the country and work.
The tightening work rules come as unemployment in the U.S. soared last month to 14.7 percent, the highest level on record, and as calls escalated in Congress for Americans to be given priority for jobs.The tightening work rules come as unemployment in the U.S. soared last month to 14.7 percent, the highest level on record, and as calls escalated in Congress for Americans to be given priority for jobs.
“Given the extreme lack of available jobs for American job-seekers as portions of our economy begin to reopen, it defies common sense to admit additional foreign guest workers to compete for such limited employment,” a group of Republican senators said in a letter this week calling for a suspension of new visas to guest workers who have not yet entered the country.“Given the extreme lack of available jobs for American job-seekers as portions of our economy begin to reopen, it defies common sense to admit additional foreign guest workers to compete for such limited employment,” a group of Republican senators said in a letter this week calling for a suspension of new visas to guest workers who have not yet entered the country.
For those already rooted in the country, the consequences of canceling the existing visas are “life altering,” said Shev Dalal-Dheini, director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “They have been thrown into limbo.”For those already rooted in the country, the consequences of canceling the existing visas are “life altering,” said Shev Dalal-Dheini, director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “They have been thrown into limbo.”
The United States recorded its largest monthly deficit in history in April as the government began funneling billions of dollars of stimulus funds to cushion the economy from the coronavirus pandemic.The United States recorded its largest monthly deficit in history in April as the government began funneling billions of dollars of stimulus funds to cushion the economy from the coronavirus pandemic.
The Treasury Department said on Tuesday that the budget deficit surged to $738 billion last month as the Trump administration deferred tax payments that normally come due in April to mid July and sent millions of Americans economic relief payments. It was the largest shortfall of any month on record and the deficit for the fiscal year to date topped $1.4 trillion.The Treasury Department said on Tuesday that the budget deficit surged to $738 billion last month as the Trump administration deferred tax payments that normally come due in April to mid July and sent millions of Americans economic relief payments. It was the largest shortfall of any month on record and the deficit for the fiscal year to date topped $1.4 trillion.
The figures show the breadth of the fiscal measures that the government has been taking to support a cratering economy and the deep debt burden that it will be facing as the economy recovers. A Treasury official outlining the release of the date called the numbers “striking.”The figures show the breadth of the fiscal measures that the government has been taking to support a cratering economy and the deep debt burden that it will be facing as the economy recovers. A Treasury official outlining the release of the date called the numbers “striking.”
The Congressional Budget Office projected last month that the federal budget deficit will hit $3.7 trillion for the 2020 fiscal year, which would be its largest size as a share of the economy since World War II.The Congressional Budget Office projected last month that the federal budget deficit will hit $3.7 trillion for the 2020 fiscal year, which would be its largest size as a share of the economy since World War II.
Much of the decline in government receipts last month was due to the three-month delay of Tax Day to July 15, while a large proportion of the increase in spending was reflected in the economic impact payments and in additional health care spending. April usually yields a surplus. The largest deficit for the month previously came in 2010.Much of the decline in government receipts last month was due to the three-month delay of Tax Day to July 15, while a large proportion of the increase in spending was reflected in the economic impact payments and in additional health care spending. April usually yields a surplus. The largest deficit for the month previously came in 2010.
Although Republicans have been increasingly expressing worry about the deficit, it is likely that more government spending is in store.Although Republicans have been increasingly expressing worry about the deficit, it is likely that more government spending is in store.
House Democrats released on Tuesday released a proposal for another $3 trillion economic relief bill.House Democrats released on Tuesday released a proposal for another $3 trillion economic relief bill.
California’s system of community colleges has sued the Education Department, seeking to overturn guidelines issued by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos that would deny virus relief to to undocumented students, including those under federal protection who are known as Dreamers.California’s system of community colleges has sued the Education Department, seeking to overturn guidelines issued by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos that would deny virus relief to to undocumented students, including those under federal protection who are known as Dreamers.
Filed in Federal District Court in San Francisco on Monday, the lawsuit says that Ms. DeVos’s guidance to colleges and universities about distributing more than $6 billion in emergency relief for students is in violation of the intent of Congress.Filed in Federal District Court in San Francisco on Monday, the lawsuit says that Ms. DeVos’s guidance to colleges and universities about distributing more than $6 billion in emergency relief for students is in violation of the intent of Congress.
The guidance was issued by the department last month, after Congress passed the $2 trillion CARES Act to help Americans recoup financial damages caused by the pandemic.The guidance was issued by the department last month, after Congress passed the $2 trillion CARES Act to help Americans recoup financial damages caused by the pandemic.
The act includes aid to help students impacted by campus closures pay for food, housing, child care and other expenses.The act includes aid to help students impacted by campus closures pay for food, housing, child care and other expenses.
The Education Department said that only students who are eligible for federal financial aid could share in the $6.25 billion pot — a restriction that effectively excludes more than half of the 1.5 million students enrolled in California’s 115 community colleges for the spring semester, according to Eloy Ortiz Oakley, the system’s chancellor.The Education Department said that only students who are eligible for federal financial aid could share in the $6.25 billion pot — a restriction that effectively excludes more than half of the 1.5 million students enrolled in California’s 115 community colleges for the spring semester, according to Eloy Ortiz Oakley, the system’s chancellor.
Among them, Mr. Oakley said in a statement, are veterans, citizens who never completed a financial aid application, students who lack high school diplomas and some 70,000 undocumented students, including many who are federally protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, an Obama-era policy that protects hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children.Among them, Mr. Oakley said in a statement, are veterans, citizens who never completed a financial aid application, students who lack high school diplomas and some 70,000 undocumented students, including many who are federally protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, an Obama-era policy that protects hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children.
The suit says the community colleges, which make up the nation’s largest higher education system, have had to divert money from other places to assist students who had originally been eligible for federal stimulus funds.The suit says the community colleges, which make up the nation’s largest higher education system, have had to divert money from other places to assist students who had originally been eligible for federal stimulus funds.
Education Department Press Secretary Angela Morabito disputed the contention that Congress intended to include DACA recipients in the aid package.Education Department Press Secretary Angela Morabito disputed the contention that Congress intended to include DACA recipients in the aid package.
“States, colleges and universities have every right to help their DACA students financially,” she said, “but they cannot use U.S. federal taxpayer dollars in order to do so.”“States, colleges and universities have every right to help their DACA students financially,” she said, “but they cannot use U.S. federal taxpayer dollars in order to do so.”
The United States did not shut down all at once. And it is not opening up all at once. The political, economic and social pressures, as well as the public health dangers, are varied and nuanced.The United States did not shut down all at once. And it is not opening up all at once. The political, economic and social pressures, as well as the public health dangers, are varied and nuanced.
In a case study, Nicholas Casey reports from Farmington, N.M., about why Mayor Nate Duckett wants to reopen, while the governor wants the state to stay closed. To understand the conflicting viewpoints, Mr. Casey writes, it helps to know something about what the mayor calls his city’s “death spiral.”In a case study, Nicholas Casey reports from Farmington, N.M., about why Mayor Nate Duckett wants to reopen, while the governor wants the state to stay closed. To understand the conflicting viewpoints, Mr. Casey writes, it helps to know something about what the mayor calls his city’s “death spiral.”
Perched in a rural corner of northwestern New Mexico, Farmington watched its wealth vanish as its oil and gas industries went elsewhere. Its population is one of the fastest-shrinking in the United States. What keeps the lights on in Farmington is a coal-fired power plant whose fate remains uncertain.Perched in a rural corner of northwestern New Mexico, Farmington watched its wealth vanish as its oil and gas industries went elsewhere. Its population is one of the fastest-shrinking in the United States. What keeps the lights on in Farmington is a coal-fired power plant whose fate remains uncertain.
And all of that was before the virus leveled what remained of Farmington’s economy.And all of that was before the virus leveled what remained of Farmington’s economy.
So in April, Mr. Duckett went to his office in City Hall to write new orders for his town. They amounted to no less than an existential plea, warning of crime, hunger, violence and homelessness if the lockdown continued.So in April, Mr. Duckett went to his office in City Hall to write new orders for his town. They amounted to no less than an existential plea, warning of crime, hunger, violence and homelessness if the lockdown continued.
The mayor’s appeal reflects anxieties shared in small cities and towns across the West, which have far fewer cases of Covid-19 per capita than the eastern United States. In Farmington, few people say they know anyone who is ill from the virus, but almost everyone knows someone unemployed by it.The mayor’s appeal reflects anxieties shared in small cities and towns across the West, which have far fewer cases of Covid-19 per capita than the eastern United States. In Farmington, few people say they know anyone who is ill from the virus, but almost everyone knows someone unemployed by it.
But in places affected more deeply by the virus, there is more palpable fear and confusion.But in places affected more deeply by the virus, there is more palpable fear and confusion.
Noam Scheiber reports on how many workers, concerned about returning to their jobs, are pressing for more generous and accessible sick-leave policies, more protective equipment and better hazard pay.Noam Scheiber reports on how many workers, concerned about returning to their jobs, are pressing for more generous and accessible sick-leave policies, more protective equipment and better hazard pay.
Riley Breakell, who works in a Starbucks in Connecticut, was reassured in mid-March when the company sent a letter announcing expanded catastrophe pay for those absent because of the pandemic. Even though she couldn’t live on the roughly $250 per week she received from Starbucks while her store was closed for a month and a half, she appreciated the company’s effort to do right by its employees.Riley Breakell, who works in a Starbucks in Connecticut, was reassured in mid-March when the company sent a letter announcing expanded catastrophe pay for those absent because of the pandemic. Even though she couldn’t live on the roughly $250 per week she received from Starbucks while her store was closed for a month and a half, she appreciated the company’s effort to do right by its employees.
But after the company said that those provisions would cease for those who were able but “unwilling to work” as stores reopened last week, Ms. Breakell became increasingly frustrated, questioning her managers about the risks that workers would encounter.But after the company said that those provisions would cease for those who were able but “unwilling to work” as stores reopened last week, Ms. Breakell became increasingly frustrated, questioning her managers about the risks that workers would encounter.
“The first letter they sent said you should not have to choose between your health and a job, and now they’re like, ‘Well, if you don’t want to go back, you have to quit,’” she said last week, shortly before her first day back. “I’m very anxious.”“The first letter they sent said you should not have to choose between your health and a job, and now they’re like, ‘Well, if you don’t want to go back, you have to quit,’” she said last week, shortly before her first day back. “I’m very anxious.”
Albany, a city of 75,000 in the southwest part of Georgia, emerged as a virus hot spot after a pair of funerals led to hundreds of cases. In response to a push by Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, to reopen the state, pastors across Albany have united to keep their doors closed.Albany, a city of 75,000 in the southwest part of Georgia, emerged as a virus hot spot after a pair of funerals led to hundreds of cases. In response to a push by Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, to reopen the state, pastors across Albany have united to keep their doors closed.
“We cannot go back to business as usual,” said Orson Burton, a pastor who lost members of his congregation, including his father-in-law. “These are not numbers, these are souls.”“We cannot go back to business as usual,” said Orson Burton, a pastor who lost members of his congregation, including his father-in-law. “These are not numbers, these are souls.”
Mr. Burton is on a mission to keep people at home, through door-to-door visits and online sermons, and he has joined a coalition of about 30 pastors who have decided to keep their churches closed until the crisis eases. Otherwise, they fear, they will be hit with a second wave of the virus.Mr. Burton is on a mission to keep people at home, through door-to-door visits and online sermons, and he has joined a coalition of about 30 pastors who have decided to keep their churches closed until the crisis eases. Otherwise, they fear, they will be hit with a second wave of the virus.
Their effort is backed by the city’s elected leaders — who passed a resolution encouraging people to continue staying at home — and by doctors at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, the only hospital in the Albany region.Their effort is backed by the city’s elected leaders — who passed a resolution encouraging people to continue staying at home — and by doctors at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, the only hospital in the Albany region.
“It could happen again in a heartbeat,” said Dr. James Black, the head of the emergency department at the hospital.“It could happen again in a heartbeat,” said Dr. James Black, the head of the emergency department at the hospital.
There’s always room for a little bit of nature indoors, no matter how small a space you have. And if all else fails, opt for some fake plants. Here are some tips to consider if you want to add a splash of green to your surroundings.There’s always room for a little bit of nature indoors, no matter how small a space you have. And if all else fails, opt for some fake plants. Here are some tips to consider if you want to add a splash of green to your surroundings.
It’s hard enough to Zoom with your mother.It’s hard enough to Zoom with your mother.
Imagine being one of the more than 200 arts leaders who for the past month have been getting on the same daily Zoom call seeking comfort, counsel and connection as they try to stave off a raft of institutional failures prompted by the pandemic.Imagine being one of the more than 200 arts leaders who for the past month have been getting on the same daily Zoom call seeking comfort, counsel and connection as they try to stave off a raft of institutional failures prompted by the pandemic.
More than just a logistical feat, the phone call has become a singular measurement of how worried, desperate and vulnerable cultural organizations have become since the virus hit. And just as notable, how much they are actually acting these days like the “arts community” to which they often aspire.More than just a logistical feat, the phone call has become a singular measurement of how worried, desperate and vulnerable cultural organizations have become since the virus hit. And just as notable, how much they are actually acting these days like the “arts community” to which they often aspire.
More typically, the city’s cultural institutions compete for audiences, donors and attention. Museums rarely interact with performing arts groups. Manhattan cultural behemoths don’t often communicate with their scrappier counterparts in other boroughs.More typically, the city’s cultural institutions compete for audiences, donors and attention. Museums rarely interact with performing arts groups. Manhattan cultural behemoths don’t often communicate with their scrappier counterparts in other boroughs.
Yet on these calls, cultural organizations that span the city — some from Museum Mile on Fifth Avenue, others from unheralded blocks in Brooklyn and the Bronx — are trading tips for accessing federal funds, strategies for streaming and thoughts about summer programming. The big fish are helping the small, as they both absorb guidance from local and federal officials who periodically join the conversation.Yet on these calls, cultural organizations that span the city — some from Museum Mile on Fifth Avenue, others from unheralded blocks in Brooklyn and the Bronx — are trading tips for accessing federal funds, strategies for streaming and thoughts about summer programming. The big fish are helping the small, as they both absorb guidance from local and federal officials who periodically join the conversation.
“The calls have really been a lifeline,” said Ellen Kodadek, the executive and artistic director of Flushing Town Hall, a multidisciplinary arts center in Queens.“The calls have really been a lifeline,” said Ellen Kodadek, the executive and artistic director of Flushing Town Hall, a multidisciplinary arts center in Queens.
Officials in Wuhan, China, where the virus emerged last year, ordered that all residents be tested after six new cases were found. Officials in Wuhan, China — where the virus emerged last year — ordered that all residents be tested after six new cases were found.
Reporting was contributed by Eileen Sullivan, Alan Blinder, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Noah Weiland, Catie Edmondson, Shawn Hubler, Marc Santora, Katie Thomas, Michael D. Shear, Maggie Haberman, Linda Qiu, David Waldstein, Michael Gold, Nicholas Casey, Noam Scheiber, Robin Pogrebin, Michael Paulson, Neil MacFarquhar, Miriam Jordan, Alan Rappeport, Liam Stack, Matt Stevens, Annie Karni and Sheila Kaplan. Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Nicholas Casey, Catie Edmondson, Michael Gold, Maggie Haberman, Shawn Hubler, Miriam Jordan, Sheila Kaplan, Annie Karni, Neil MacFarquhar, Michael Paulson, Robin Pogrebin, Linda Qiu, Alan Rappeport, Marc Santora, Noam Scheiber, Michael D. Shear, Liam Stack, Matt Stevens, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Katie Thomas, David Waldstein, and Noah Weiland.