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On Politics: A Warning of ‘Needless Suffering and Death’ On Politics: A Warning of ‘Needless Suffering and Death’
(about 5 hours later)
Good morning and welcome to On Politics, a daily political analysis of the 2020 elections based on reporting by New York Times journalists.Good morning and welcome to On Politics, a daily political analysis of the 2020 elections based on reporting by New York Times journalists.
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Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, plans to issue a stark warning to the Senate this morning over the dangers of reopening the country’s economy too swiftly. In an email to our reporter Sheryl Gay Stolberg last night, Fauci said that in his appearance before the committee on health, education and labor, he would caution against “the danger of trying to open the country prematurely,” warning that doing so could result in “needless suffering and death.” Those comments run counter to President Trump’s recent insistence that the nation must prioritize reopening, even if it causes more deaths. Fauci’s testimony, alongside other top health officials, will be his first appearance before Congress since Trump declared a national emergency in March.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, plans to issue a stark warning to the Senate this morning over the dangers of reopening the country’s economy too swiftly. In an email to our reporter Sheryl Gay Stolberg last night, Fauci said that in his appearance before the committee on health, education and labor, he would caution against “the danger of trying to open the country prematurely,” warning that doing so could result in “needless suffering and death.” Those comments run counter to President Trump’s recent insistence that the nation must prioritize reopening, even if it causes more deaths. Fauci’s testimony, alongside other top health officials, will be his first appearance before Congress since Trump declared a national emergency in March.
The coronavirus has spread most quickly in high-density urban settings, and it has been particularly vicious among people of color, many of whom were already at an elevated risk because of pre-existing conditions and a relative lack of quality health care. It just so happens that those populations also tend to vote Democratic. All of which is fueling a debate within the Republican Party over how much aid to send to the predominantly blue states that have been hardest hit by the virus. So far, Trump and his Republican allies in the Senate have been reluctant to send states anywhere near the $1 trillion in “direct and flexible relief” that a group of Western governors — all Democrats — said the 50 states really need. “The Republican states are in strong shape,” Trump said last month. “I don’t know — is that luck or is that talent?” But House Democrats continue to push for a stimulus package that would send an infusion of cash to state and local governments, as well as bolster social-safety programs. Steny Hoyer, the majority leader, told members of his caucus yesterday that they might vote on a new stimulus bill as early as the end of this week.The coronavirus has spread most quickly in high-density urban settings, and it has been particularly vicious among people of color, many of whom were already at an elevated risk because of pre-existing conditions and a relative lack of quality health care. It just so happens that those populations also tend to vote Democratic. All of which is fueling a debate within the Republican Party over how much aid to send to the predominantly blue states that have been hardest hit by the virus. So far, Trump and his Republican allies in the Senate have been reluctant to send states anywhere near the $1 trillion in “direct and flexible relief” that a group of Western governors — all Democrats — said the 50 states really need. “The Republican states are in strong shape,” Trump said last month. “I don’t know — is that luck or is that talent?” But House Democrats continue to push for a stimulus package that would send an infusion of cash to state and local governments, as well as bolster social-safety programs. Steny Hoyer, the majority leader, told members of his caucus yesterday that they might vote on a new stimulus bill as early as the end of this week.
New virus safety rules are in place at the White House, which is still reeling from the news that two aides have been infected. More West Wing staff members will work via teleconference going forward, and most of those who come to the office will be tested for the virus frequently. And masks are now a requirement — except, apparently, in the case of Trump, who was not wearing one at the news conference yesterday where he acknowledged ordering the new rules. At that briefing, he stood beside a poster proclaiming, “America leads the world in testing” — despite the fact that Germany, Russia, Spain, Canada, Switzerland and at least 20 other countries have actually issued more tests per capita than the United States. “We have met the moment and we have prevailed,” he declared triumphantly.New virus safety rules are in place at the White House, which is still reeling from the news that two aides have been infected. More West Wing staff members will work via teleconference going forward, and most of those who come to the office will be tested for the virus frequently. And masks are now a requirement — except, apparently, in the case of Trump, who was not wearing one at the news conference yesterday where he acknowledged ordering the new rules. At that briefing, he stood beside a poster proclaiming, “America leads the world in testing” — despite the fact that Germany, Russia, Spain, Canada, Switzerland and at least 20 other countries have actually issued more tests per capita than the United States. “We have met the moment and we have prevailed,” he declared triumphantly.
Joe Biden is breathing a slight sigh of relief right now: His campaign and the Democratic National Committee raised over $60 million in April, a good enough number to partially quell Democrats’ fears over Trump’s still-daunting lead in the money race. Still, not to be outdone, Trump and shared committees with the Republican National Committee raised nearly $63 million last month; they recently started a $10 million ad blitz taking aim at Biden. For both sides, fund-raising in April was done almost entirely virtually. As Trump steers the country’s virus response, Biden is still struggling to break through on the national stage; most of his virtual campaign appearances in recent weeks have been related to fund-raising, and he has appeared on television sparingly.Joe Biden is breathing a slight sigh of relief right now: His campaign and the Democratic National Committee raised over $60 million in April, a good enough number to partially quell Democrats’ fears over Trump’s still-daunting lead in the money race. Still, not to be outdone, Trump and shared committees with the Republican National Committee raised nearly $63 million last month; they recently started a $10 million ad blitz taking aim at Biden. For both sides, fund-raising in April was done almost entirely virtually. As Trump steers the country’s virus response, Biden is still struggling to break through on the national stage; most of his virtual campaign appearances in recent weeks have been related to fund-raising, and he has appeared on television sparingly.
President Trump walked into the Rose Garden to speak about coronavirus testing on Monday.President Trump walked into the Rose Garden to speak about coronavirus testing on Monday.
Remember back in January, when Trump was praising China for its efforts to contain the coronavirus? That feels like a distant memory now, doesn’t it?Remember back in January, when Trump was praising China for its efforts to contain the coronavirus? That feels like a distant memory now, doesn’t it?
Since then, he and members of his administration have accused the Chinese government of covering up information about the virus’s spread, and even suggested — without evidence — that the coronavirus might have been cultivated in a Chinese government lab.Since then, he and members of his administration have accused the Chinese government of covering up information about the virus’s spread, and even suggested — without evidence — that the coronavirus might have been cultivated in a Chinese government lab.
Well, things just got even more tense. As David E. Sanger and Nicole Perlroth reported recently, the United States is now planning to publicly accuse China of trying to steal American research aimed at finding a coronavirus vaccine.Well, things just got even more tense. As David E. Sanger and Nicole Perlroth reported recently, the United States is now planning to publicly accuse China of trying to steal American research aimed at finding a coronavirus vaccine.
This is a complicated story with heavy geopolitical implications, so we asked David to break down what it all means. Here’s a slightly edited and shortened transcript of our conversation.This is a complicated story with heavy geopolitical implications, so we asked David to break down what it all means. Here’s a slightly edited and shortened transcript of our conversation.
Hi David. Could you give us a rundown of what’s at issue here? What exactly is the United States accusing China of doing?Hi David. Could you give us a rundown of what’s at issue here? What exactly is the United States accusing China of doing?
The F.B.I. and the Department of Homeland Security, which are responsible for investigating cybercrime and domestic cyberdefense, are expected to accuse China of trying to break into pharmaceutical companies, university laboratories and government networks to get information about research into coronavirus vaccines and therapeutics. It wouldn’t be the first time that China, or other countries, have used cybertheft for economic advantage. What’s different now is that all that energy is going into the biggest geopolitical and technological competition of the current era: a cure for the coronavirus.The F.B.I. and the Department of Homeland Security, which are responsible for investigating cybercrime and domestic cyberdefense, are expected to accuse China of trying to break into pharmaceutical companies, university laboratories and government networks to get information about research into coronavirus vaccines and therapeutics. It wouldn’t be the first time that China, or other countries, have used cybertheft for economic advantage. What’s different now is that all that energy is going into the biggest geopolitical and technological competition of the current era: a cure for the coronavirus.
When I hear that one country is blaming another for hacking into its coronavirus research, the naïve question that jumps to my mind is: What’s the big deal? Shouldn’t researchers all over the world be sharing information with one another, given that we’re all in pursuit of the same goal — a virus vaccine? What am I missing here?When I hear that one country is blaming another for hacking into its coronavirus research, the naïve question that jumps to my mind is: What’s the big deal? Shouldn’t researchers all over the world be sharing information with one another, given that we’re all in pursuit of the same goal — a virus vaccine? What am I missing here?
It’s a great question. In most endeavors, the United States and China are technological competitors. That’s true in the military sphere; it’s certainly true when it comes to artificial intelligence, 5G networks and high-speed trains, to name just a few. But the hope is that, in an ideal world, a breakthrough for a coronavirus vaccine or an effective therapeutic treatment would be immediately shared, and that humanitarian instincts would win out over profit-making. Unfortunately, the fact is that the country that invents a vaccine or a cure first is going to be under great political pressure to treat its own population first.It’s a great question. In most endeavors, the United States and China are technological competitors. That’s true in the military sphere; it’s certainly true when it comes to artificial intelligence, 5G networks and high-speed trains, to name just a few. But the hope is that, in an ideal world, a breakthrough for a coronavirus vaccine or an effective therapeutic treatment would be immediately shared, and that humanitarian instincts would win out over profit-making. Unfortunately, the fact is that the country that invents a vaccine or a cure first is going to be under great political pressure to treat its own population first.
As you and Nicole describe in your article, this isn’t just a U.S.-China thing: Countries all over the world appear to be deploying government hackers to intercept information about other nations’ virus responses. Is it just me, or is there a distinct lack of global cooperation here? What is causing that?As you and Nicole describe in your article, this isn’t just a U.S.-China thing: Countries all over the world appear to be deploying government hackers to intercept information about other nations’ virus responses. Is it just me, or is there a distinct lack of global cooperation here? What is causing that?
There is a distinct lack of cooperation, and when historians and political scientists look back at this moment they may well see a further fracturing of the post-Cold War era. In the years since 1945, it’s usually the United States that has taken the lead in helping nations find a global cure for some of the world’s worst diseases. It was only a few years ago that President Obama sent American troops to Africa to help mitigate the spread of Ebola. Part of that was a humanitarian effort. But part of it was a recognition that in a global economy in which people leap on and off airplanes, no disease stays out of the United States for long. So far, we have seen the United States announce that it is suspending aid to the World Health Organization; decline to join a communiqué from the G7 because it didn’t like the wording; and accuse China of hampering the investigation into the origins of the virus. Don’t get me wrong — China did everything it could to cover up what was happening. But there is a vacuum now in which China is acting selfishly, the United States is withdrawing, and no one is stepping in to play an organizing role in helping nations attack what they all call a common enemy.There is a distinct lack of cooperation, and when historians and political scientists look back at this moment they may well see a further fracturing of the post-Cold War era. In the years since 1945, it’s usually the United States that has taken the lead in helping nations find a global cure for some of the world’s worst diseases. It was only a few years ago that President Obama sent American troops to Africa to help mitigate the spread of Ebola. Part of that was a humanitarian effort. But part of it was a recognition that in a global economy in which people leap on and off airplanes, no disease stays out of the United States for long. So far, we have seen the United States announce that it is suspending aid to the World Health Organization; decline to join a communiqué from the G7 because it didn’t like the wording; and accuse China of hampering the investigation into the origins of the virus. Don’t get me wrong — China did everything it could to cover up what was happening. But there is a vacuum now in which China is acting selfishly, the United States is withdrawing, and no one is stepping in to play an organizing role in helping nations attack what they all call a common enemy.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
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.
In terms of the United States’ decision to publicly accuse China, how much of this is really about Chinese hacking, and how much of it is about the Trump administration’s desire to portray China as the leading American adversary — and as the country most responsible for the pandemic — as we head into a presidential campaign?In terms of the United States’ decision to publicly accuse China, how much of this is really about Chinese hacking, and how much of it is about the Trump administration’s desire to portray China as the leading American adversary — and as the country most responsible for the pandemic — as we head into a presidential campaign?
Look, I have no doubt that the Chinese are attempting to pry out American medical advances. But the timing is also politically convenient, at a moment when Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has claimed there is “enormous evidence” that the virus may have begun in a government laboratory in Wuhan, a charge he had to reel back in a few days ago. Trump wants to look tough on China and portray Joe Biden as soft. But remember, it was also Trump who in January praised how Xi Jinping was handling the crisis, and thanked him for his transparency. You might have already seen his words of praise for China running on some Biden ads.Look, I have no doubt that the Chinese are attempting to pry out American medical advances. But the timing is also politically convenient, at a moment when Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has claimed there is “enormous evidence” that the virus may have begun in a government laboratory in Wuhan, a charge he had to reel back in a few days ago. Trump wants to look tough on China and portray Joe Biden as soft. But remember, it was also Trump who in January praised how Xi Jinping was handling the crisis, and thanked him for his transparency. You might have already seen his words of praise for China running on some Biden ads.
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Is there anything you think we’re missing? Anything you want to see more of? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at onpolitics@nytimes.com.Is there anything you think we’re missing? Anything you want to see more of? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at onpolitics@nytimes.com.