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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.
House Democrats proposed $3 trillion in new economic aid, including another round of stimulus checks and money for states and the Postal Service.House Democrats proposed $3 trillion in new economic aid, including another round of stimulus checks and money for states and the Postal Service.
India announced an economic aid package exceeding $260 billion — about 10 percent of the country’s G.D.P.India announced an economic aid package exceeding $260 billion — about 10 percent of the country’s G.D.P.
About 100 children in New York have had a rare inflammatory illness linked to the virus, officials suspect.About 100 children in New York have had a rare inflammatory illness linked to the virus, officials suspect.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas, and full coverage.Get the latest updates here, plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas, and full coverage.
For the first time since the pandemic began, leaders of the Trump administration’s coronavirus response testified before Congress on Tuesday, and the picture they painted was much grimmer than President Trump’s claim on Monday that “we have prevailed” over the coronavirus.For the first time since the pandemic began, leaders of the Trump administration’s coronavirus response testified before Congress on Tuesday, and the picture they painted was much grimmer than President Trump’s claim on Monday that “we have prevailed” over the coronavirus.
“We are not out of the woods yet,” Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. “But we are more prepared.”“We are not out of the woods yet,” Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. “But we are more prepared.”
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said there was no chance of having a vaccine ready in time for the new school year in the fall. And he said the U.S. was still far from the levels of testing and contact tracing needed to contain outbreaks.Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said there was no chance of having a vaccine ready in time for the new school year in the fall. And he said the U.S. was still far from the levels of testing and contact tracing needed to contain outbreaks.
“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.”
A flash point over testing: While an effective vaccine or treatment would be the “ultimate solution,” Senator Lamar Alexander, Republican of Tennessee, said during the hearing, “until we have them, all roads back to work and school go through testing.”A flash point over testing: While an effective vaccine or treatment would be the “ultimate solution,” Senator Lamar Alexander, Republican of Tennessee, said during the hearing, “until we have them, all roads back to work and school go through testing.”
Adm. Brett P. Giroir, who heads the government’s testing response, testified that the administration planned to send to states enough swabs for 12.9 million tests over the next four weeks. But several committee members were skeptical.Adm. Brett P. Giroir, who heads the government’s testing response, testified that the administration planned to send to states enough swabs for 12.9 million tests over the next four weeks. But several committee members were skeptical.
“This administration has had a record of bringing us broken promises that more supplies and testing are coming, and they don’t,” said Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the ranking Democrat.“This administration has had a record of bringing us broken promises that more supplies and testing are coming, and they don’t,” said Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the ranking Democrat.
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.
Companies are starting to think that the employees they sent home to work remotely during the pandemic may not need to return to an office afterward.Companies are starting to think that the employees they sent home to work remotely during the pandemic may not need to return to an office afterward.
That could let the companies save a fortune in rent and other costs of adapting their offices for a social-distancing future, especially in high-priced cities like San Francisco and New York. But it could have painful ripple effects for landlords, business-district restaurants and stores, and city tax coffers.That could let the companies save a fortune in rent and other costs of adapting their offices for a social-distancing future, especially in high-priced cities like San Francisco and New York. But it could have painful ripple effects for landlords, business-district restaurants and stores, and city tax coffers.
Some landlords believe the pandemic will make businesses value the socialization and collaboration of office life even more than before. But giant companies like JPMorgan Chase are betting the other way. And Twitter has already told its employees that they can work remotely forever.Some landlords believe the pandemic will make businesses value the socialization and collaboration of office life even more than before. But giant companies like JPMorgan Chase are betting the other way. And Twitter has already told its employees that they can work remotely forever.
Anxiety on the front lines: Public-facing employees at companies like Starbucks, Whole Foods and Target are worried that some safety measures adopted to protect them from infection may be rolled back before the danger is gone.Anxiety on the front lines: Public-facing employees at companies like Starbucks, Whole Foods and Target are worried that some safety measures adopted to protect them from infection may be rolled back before the danger is gone.
China blazes a trail: The precautions that local officials and major companies in China have put in place as they reopen for business may offer lessons for other countries.China blazes a trail: The precautions that local officials and major companies in China have put in place as they reopen for business may offer lessons for other countries.
The coronavirus came late to Latin America, but death rates there are now comparable to those in Europe — and the region is much less prepared than Europe was to deal with the virus.The coronavirus came late to Latin America, but death rates there are now comparable to those in Europe — and the region is much less prepared than Europe was to deal with the virus.
Twice as many people died in Lima in April 2020 as in an average April, rivaling the worst month of the pandemic in Paris, according to data collected by The New York Times. Manaus, a city in the Brazilian Amazon, experienced a similar surge, comparable to Madrid or London at their worst. In Guayaquil, Ecuador, fatalities in April quintupled — akin to what New York City endured when the outbreak there was deadliest.Twice as many people died in Lima in April 2020 as in an average April, rivaling the worst month of the pandemic in Paris, according to data collected by The New York Times. Manaus, a city in the Brazilian Amazon, experienced a similar surge, comparable to Madrid or London at their worst. In Guayaquil, Ecuador, fatalities in April quintupled — akin to what New York City endured when the outbreak there was deadliest.
Our colleague Anatoly Kurmanaev, who covers the region from Caracas, says Latin America has been hit particularly hard because many countries there have health care systems that are closer to the U.S. model than to Europe’s: strong private coverage for the wealthy and very weak universal coverage for everyone else. So when ordinary people get sick, it can be difficult for them to get treatment and recover.Our colleague Anatoly Kurmanaev, who covers the region from Caracas, says Latin America has been hit particularly hard because many countries there have health care systems that are closer to the U.S. model than to Europe’s: strong private coverage for the wealthy and very weak universal coverage for everyone else. So when ordinary people get sick, it can be difficult for them to get treatment and recover.
Hospitals tend to be strapped for funds, support systems can be meager, and many people work in informal jobs that do not let them stay home and self-quarantine.Hospitals tend to be strapped for funds, support systems can be meager, and many people work in informal jobs that do not let them stay home and self-quarantine.
“For a while, it seemed like maybe the global south would pull through, that maybe this was a rich-world disease, because of their colder climates, older populations, and more common preconditions like diabetes,” Anatoly told us. “But the example of Latin America shows that that’s not the case.”“For a while, it seemed like maybe the global south would pull through, that maybe this was a rich-world disease, because of their colder climates, older populations, and more common preconditions like diabetes,” Anatoly told us. “But the example of Latin America shows that that’s not the case.”
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
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.
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.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.)
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.
Just three days after some restrictions were relaxed in South Korea, the mayor of Seoul ordered nightspots closed indefinitely after more than 100 new cases emerged from one infected man’s visits to bars and clubs.Just three days after some restrictions were relaxed in South Korea, the mayor of Seoul ordered nightspots closed indefinitely after more than 100 new cases emerged from one infected man’s visits to bars and clubs.
In Germany, which has moved into its second major phase of reopening, a measure of viral spread known as R0 has ticked above a crucial threshold for three straight days.In Germany, which has moved into its second major phase of reopening, a measure of viral spread known as R0 has ticked above a crucial threshold for three straight days.
Six new cases have been reported in Wuhan, China, where the global pandemic began. The city has ordered that all 11 million residents be tested in the next 10 days.Six new cases have been reported in Wuhan, China, where the global pandemic began. The city has ordered that all 11 million residents be tested in the next 10 days.
Coronavirus cases in Singapore have ballooned to more than 23,000 as infection has spread in dormitories for foreign workers.Coronavirus cases in Singapore have ballooned to more than 23,000 as infection has spread in dormitories for foreign workers.
Here’s a roundup of reopenings and continuing restrictions in all 50 U.S. states.Here’s a roundup of reopenings and continuing restrictions in all 50 U.S. states.
Become an indoor plant parent. There’s almost always room for a little green indoors, even in the smallest spaces. And if you can’t manage a live plant, a nice fake one would do.Become an indoor plant parent. There’s almost always room for a little green indoors, even in the smallest spaces. And if you can’t manage a live plant, a nice fake one would do.
Find family harmony. If your adult children have returned home, it can be helpful to set ground rules for living together and discuss how household responsibilities are managed.Find family harmony. If your adult children have returned home, it can be helpful to set ground rules for living together and discuss how household responsibilities are managed.
Rethink Covid-19 in children. There’s new evidence that the virus poses greater risks to some children than previously realized. Here’s what parents should understand and look out for.Rethink Covid-19 in children. There’s new evidence that the virus poses greater risks to some children than previously realized. Here’s what parents should understand and look out for.
Britons often gripe about their National Health Service, but its response to the pandemic has inspired renewed pride in the struggling institution.Britons often gripe about their National Health Service, but its response to the pandemic has inspired renewed pride in the struggling institution.
Orthodox and Hasidic Jews in New York, who were hit particularly hard by the virus, are now flocking to donate blood plasma for use in treating patients with Covid-19.Orthodox and Hasidic Jews in New York, who were hit particularly hard by the virus, are now flocking to donate blood plasma for use in treating patients with Covid-19.
California State University, the nation’s largest four-year public university system, canceled in-person classes for the fall semester, with instruction to take place almost exclusively online.California State University, the nation’s largest four-year public university system, canceled in-person classes for the fall semester, with instruction to take place almost exclusively online.
A popular Australian soap opera that has resumed production with new safety rules may show a way forward for the global entertainment industry.A popular Australian soap opera that has resumed production with new safety rules may show a way forward for the global entertainment industry.
Hey, where’s the flour? Here’s why some everyday staples have disappeared from grocery store shelves.Hey, where’s the flour? Here’s why some everyday staples have disappeared from grocery store shelves.
I am a freelance musician and, since live performances have been canceled through the summer and I cannot get together with my friends for music-making, I have started playing concerts from my front porch for neighbors and passers-by. A friend picked up on the idea and we are now organizing a ”concert porch crawl” in our neighborhood.I am a freelance musician and, since live performances have been canceled through the summer and I cannot get together with my friends for music-making, I have started playing concerts from my front porch for neighbors and passers-by. A friend picked up on the idea and we are now organizing a ”concert porch crawl” in our neighborhood.
— Ute Zahn, Minneapolis— Ute Zahn, Minneapolis
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Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.