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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.
The Trump administration is moving to extend restrictions on crossing the Mexican and Canadian borders indefinitely.The Trump administration is moving to extend restrictions on crossing the Mexican and Canadian borders indefinitely.
The U.S. economy could be permanently damaged by the coronavirus pandemic if Congress does not take further action, the chairman of the Federal Reserve says.The U.S. economy could be permanently damaged by the coronavirus pandemic if Congress does not take further action, the chairman of the Federal Reserve says.
A top World Health Organization official warns that the coronavirus “may never go away” and is unlikely to be eradicated by a vaccine.A top World Health Organization official warns that the coronavirus “may never go away” and is unlikely to be eradicated by a vaccine.
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.
Americans seem to be running out of patience with fighting the coronavirus by staying home.Americans seem to be running out of patience with fighting the coronavirus by staying home.
About 25 million more people ventured outside their homes on an average day last week than during the preceding six weeks, according to a New York Times analysis of cellphone location data provided by Cuebiq.About 25 million more people ventured outside their homes on an average day last week than during the preceding six weeks, according to a New York Times analysis of cellphone location data provided by Cuebiq.
The trend was visible nearly everywhere: in the states that have begun to lift stay-at-home orders; in the states that haven’t; and in states that never imposed them to begin with.The trend was visible nearly everywhere: in the states that have begun to lift stay-at-home orders; in the states that haven’t; and in states that never imposed them to begin with.
About 119 million people, or 36 percent of U.S. residents, stayed within about 300 feet of home on an average day last week, according to the analysis. When social distancing was at its peak in late March and April, the average was 144 million, or 43.8 percent. In normal times it’s around 20 percent.About 119 million people, or 36 percent of U.S. residents, stayed within about 300 feet of home on an average day last week, according to the analysis. When social distancing was at its peak in late March and April, the average was 144 million, or 43.8 percent. In normal times it’s around 20 percent.
The scale of the trend varied a bit from state to state — as you might expect, somewhat more people are venturing out where restrictions have been eased. But it was most pronounced in Michigan, a state that has not lifted its stay-at-home order. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Michigan is also where we’ve seen some of the angriest protests against the orders.The scale of the trend varied a bit from state to state — as you might expect, somewhat more people are venturing out where restrictions have been eased. But it was most pronounced in Michigan, a state that has not lifted its stay-at-home order. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Michigan is also where we’ve seen some of the angriest protests against the orders.
The cellphone data suggest that once again, the public is getting ahead of government officials. Many people started to isolate themselves days or weeks before orders were issued — and now, many are emerging without waiting for an all-clear.The cellphone data suggest that once again, the public is getting ahead of government officials. Many people started to isolate themselves days or weeks before orders were issued — and now, many are emerging without waiting for an all-clear.
It’s too soon to tell whether the increased movement is causing new waves of coronavirus infection. But public health officials are worried. Social distancing is one of the most effective means of curbing the virus’s spread — and none of the states that have dropped stay-at-home orders has satisfied the federal guidelines for doing so safely.It’s too soon to tell whether the increased movement is causing new waves of coronavirus infection. But public health officials are worried. Social distancing is one of the most effective means of curbing the virus’s spread — and none of the states that have dropped stay-at-home orders has satisfied the federal guidelines for doing so safely.
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.
Our China correspondent Amy Qin has had to go through quarantine four times since February — once each in San Diego, Beijing, Los Angeles and Taipei. We caught up with her to talk about her experiences; here’s some of what she told us.Our China correspondent Amy Qin has had to go through quarantine four times since February — once each in San Diego, Beijing, Los Angeles and Taipei. We caught up with her to talk about her experiences; here’s some of what she told us.
What was it like to be isolated in these different surroundings?What was it like to be isolated in these different surroundings?
The first place I was quarantined was in San Diego, after they evacuated a group of U.S. citizens from China and put us on a military base. It was incredibly organized, and an incredible effort. But, you know, there were these red flags, which I didn’t notice until later. It was really bizarre that we weren’t required to wear face masks and that we were permitted to mingle with each other on the base.The first place I was quarantined was in San Diego, after they evacuated a group of U.S. citizens from China and put us on a military base. It was incredibly organized, and an incredible effort. But, you know, there were these red flags, which I didn’t notice until later. It was really bizarre that we weren’t required to wear face masks and that we were permitted to mingle with each other on the base.
When I went back to China, I knew that the government was going to be upset about a brief layover I had in Seoul, where an outbreak had erupted, and that they would try to put me in a state-supervised quarantine. But I also knew that I could possibly get out of it — and I did. I self-quarantined at home.When I went back to China, I knew that the government was going to be upset about a brief layover I had in Seoul, where an outbreak had erupted, and that they would try to put me in a state-supervised quarantine. But I also knew that I could possibly get out of it — and I did. I self-quarantined at home.
Did any place get quarantining right?Did any place get quarantining right?
Yes, Taiwan. They completely thought through the whole process, to minimize any contact I had with the outside world — from when I stepped off the plane until I went into quarantine. As soon as I got to my quarantine hotel, they disinfected all my stuff and gave me shoe covers.Yes, Taiwan. They completely thought through the whole process, to minimize any contact I had with the outside world — from when I stepped off the plane until I went into quarantine. As soon as I got to my quarantine hotel, they disinfected all my stuff and gave me shoe covers.
But I thought the most impressive thing was that they make you prove that you had a phone number, and that they could reach you on it, because that’s the most important thing for contact tracing.But I thought the most impressive thing was that they make you prove that you had a phone number, and that they could reach you on it, because that’s the most important thing for contact tracing.
Any advice for those who go into isolation away from home?Any advice for those who go into isolation away from home?
If you’re into spicy food, bring chile oil with you. It will help mask any of your food situations, no matter how bad they are.If you’re into spicy food, bring chile oil with you. It will help mask any of your food situations, no matter how bad they are.
Doctors have found that flipping bedridden Covid-19 patients onto their stomachs — a technique called proning — can help them breathe a little bit easier, and may even be lowering the mortality rate of the disease.Doctors have found that flipping bedridden Covid-19 patients onto their stomachs — a technique called proning — can help them breathe a little bit easier, and may even be lowering the mortality rate of the disease.
Proning takes advantage of gravity to help open the lungs, which can become compressed by fluid and inflammation in Covid-19 patients, and make it easier to support their breathing. In patients with the most severe respiratory distress, proning may be one of the few interventions that can improve the odds of survival, by allowing ventilators to work more effectively.Proning takes advantage of gravity to help open the lungs, which can become compressed by fluid and inflammation in Covid-19 patients, and make it easier to support their breathing. In patients with the most severe respiratory distress, proning may be one of the few interventions that can improve the odds of survival, by allowing ventilators to work more effectively.
Health care workers are now turning to proning more often for patients who are having trouble breathing but do not yet require a ventilator — something that was not done before the pandemic. The goal is to prevent the patients from ever needing one.Health care workers are now turning to proning more often for patients who are having trouble breathing but do not yet require a ventilator — something that was not done before the pandemic. The goal is to prevent the patients from ever needing one.
‘Team Science’: Researchers around the world, collaborating at a speed and scale they never have before, have assessed 12,000 existing drugs and identified 30 that seem able to stop the virus from destroying human cells.‘Team Science’: Researchers around the world, collaborating at a speed and scale they never have before, have assessed 12,000 existing drugs and identified 30 that seem able to stop the virus from destroying human cells.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Zealand has ended its state of emergency, allowing schools, bars, restaurants, theaters and museums to reopen. People can now travel between regions and gather in groups of up to 10.New Zealand has ended its state of emergency, allowing schools, bars, restaurants, theaters and museums to reopen. People can now travel between regions and gather in groups of up to 10.
Free movement has resumed between Austria and Germany after three checkpoints were opened.Free movement has resumed between Austria and Germany after three checkpoints were opened.
Two counties in Northern California — Butte and El Dorado — have met the criteria for easing some restrictions, ahead of the rest of the state.Two counties in Northern California — Butte and El Dorado — have met the criteria for easing some restrictions, ahead of the rest of the state.
Starting Monday, all retail stores in New Jersey can open for curbside pickup, and nonessential construction work will be allowed.Starting Monday, all retail stores in New Jersey can open for curbside pickup, and nonessential construction work will be allowed.
Here’s a roundup of restrictions and reopenings in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of restrictions and reopenings in all 50 states.
Recover from a bad day. Small annoyances can feel insurmountable right now. Expressing gratitude, finding ways to connect with others and simply pausing to take a breath can help snap you out of a sour mood.Recover from a bad day. Small annoyances can feel insurmountable right now. Expressing gratitude, finding ways to connect with others and simply pausing to take a breath can help snap you out of a sour mood.
Beware of pandemic scams. The crisis has created many new opportunities for fraud. Here are some tips for avoiding bogus websites, robocallers, phishing schemes and data breaches.Beware of pandemic scams. The crisis has created many new opportunities for fraud. Here are some tips for avoiding bogus websites, robocallers, phishing schemes and data breaches.
Grow a better tomato. It’s prime tomato-planting season, or soon will be, in much of the country. If it’s your first time or you haven’t had good results in the past, try this step-by-step guide.Grow a better tomato. It’s prime tomato-planting season, or soon will be, in much of the country. If it’s your first time or you haven’t had good results in the past, try this step-by-step guide.
Kevin Roose, our technology columnist, has already noticed a groundswell of misinformation on social media about a Covid-19 vaccine — months or years before one even exists.Kevin Roose, our technology columnist, has already noticed a groundswell of misinformation on social media about a Covid-19 vaccine — months or years before one even exists.
The coronavirus test used at the White House, made by Abbott Laboratories, may miss as many as half of positive cases, Bloomberg reports.The coronavirus test used at the White House, made by Abbott Laboratories, may miss as many as half of positive cases, Bloomberg reports.
The pandemic has helped push the United States toward an energy milestone: The country is on a track, for the first time, to produce more electricity this year from renewable energy sources than from coal.The pandemic has helped push the United States toward an energy milestone: The country is on a track, for the first time, to produce more electricity this year from renewable energy sources than from coal.
The Internal Revenue Service made it easier for employers to allow workers to adjust their health insurance plans and flexible spending accounts.The Internal Revenue Service made it easier for employers to allow workers to adjust their health insurance plans and flexible spending accounts.
What’s it like to weather stay-at-home orders alone? Times readers around the world shared their photos and reflections.What’s it like to weather stay-at-home orders alone? Times readers around the world shared their photos and reflections.
I created a cooking/song challenge game for the six of us living together during the pandemic. One person in the household challenges another by sending a song that they think the person does not know, and will also really like. The recipient’s challenge is to create a meal that they have never made before, which is inspired by that song.I created a cooking/song challenge game for the six of us living together during the pandemic. One person in the household challenges another by sending a song that they think the person does not know, and will also really like. The recipient’s challenge is to create a meal that they have never made before, which is inspired by that song.
— Kate Green, Ottawa— Kate Green, Ottawa
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
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Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.