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Coronavirus Live Updates: Whistle-Blower Warns Congress, ‘We Don’t Have a Master Plan’ Coronavirus Live Updates: Whistle-Blower Warns Congress, ‘We Don’t Have a Master Plan’
(32 minutes later)
Dr. Rick Bright, the whistle-blower who was ousted as the director of a federal agency involved in developing a coronavirus vaccine, warned Congress on Thursday that the outbreak would “get worse and be prolonged” if the United States did not swiftly develop a national testing strategy and devise a plan for distributing a vaccine.Dr. Rick Bright, the whistle-blower who was ousted as the director of a federal agency involved in developing a coronavirus vaccine, warned Congress on Thursday that the outbreak would “get worse and be prolonged” if the United States did not swiftly develop a national testing strategy and devise a plan for distributing a vaccine.
“The window is closing to address this pandemic because we still do not have a standard, centralized, coordinated plan to take this nation through this response,” said Dr. Bright, who was abruptly removed last month from his position as the director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. He told lawmakers on a House health subcommittee that the country could be facing “the darkest winter in modern history” if the administration did not act swiftly, as Americans become “restless” to leave their homes.“The window is closing to address this pandemic because we still do not have a standard, centralized, coordinated plan to take this nation through this response,” said Dr. Bright, who was abruptly removed last month from his position as the director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. He told lawmakers on a House health subcommittee that the country could be facing “the darkest winter in modern history” if the administration did not act swiftly, as Americans become “restless” to leave their homes.
Appearing on Capitol Hill, Dr. Bright cautioned that there could be shortages of a vaccine if the United States did not start planning immediately for its widespread distribution.Appearing on Capitol Hill, Dr. Bright cautioned that there could be shortages of a vaccine if the United States did not start planning immediately for its widespread distribution.
“There’s no one company that can produce enough for our country or the world,” Dr. Bright said, predicting it could take 12 to 18 months to develop a coronavirus vaccine. “It’s going to be limited supplies.” “There’s no one company that can produce enough for our country or the world,” Dr. Bright said, predicting it could take 12 to 18 months to develop a vaccine. “It’s going to be limited supplies.”
Dr. Bright has said he was removed from BARDA and reassigned to a narrower job at the National Institutes of Health, after he objected to the wide distribution of a malaria drug that President Trump has promoted as a treatment for Covid-19. Dr. Bright has said he was removed from BARDA and reassigned to a narrower job at the National Institutes of Health after he objected to the wide distribution of a malaria drug that President Trump has promoted as a treatment for Covid-19.
On Thursday, he told lawmakers that he had pressed federal officials early on to stockpile remdesivir, a drug that has proved helpful to virus patients, but was ignored.On Thursday, he told lawmakers that he had pressed federal officials early on to stockpile remdesivir, a drug that has proved helpful to virus patients, but was ignored.
Instead, Dr. Bright said, he was “directed” to create an “expanded access” program for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, two versions of a malaria drug that Mr. Trump was championing as a possible treatment, even in the absence of data about the drugs’ effectiveness. He preferred a clinical trial, he said, adding that ongoing studies of hydroxychloroquine “haven’t shown an overwhelming use or benefit.” Instead, Dr. Bright said, he was “directed” to create an “expanded access” program for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, two versions of a malaria drug that Mr. Trump was championing as a possible treatment, even in the absence of data about the drugs’ effectiveness. He preferred a clinical trial, he said, adding that ongoing studies of hydroxychloroquine “haven’t shown an overwhelming use or benefit.”
Mr. Trump, who said on Twitter Thursday that Dr. Bright “should no longer be working for our government,” later described him to reporters as “nothing more than a really unhappy disgruntled person.” As he prepared to board Marine One on his way to a visit to Allentown, Penn., Mr. Trump said he had watched some of Dr. Bright’s testimony, and insisted that there was a “tremendous response” to hydroxychloroquine. Alex M. Azar II, the health secretary, added that, “everything he is complaining about was achieved.” Mr. Trump, who said on Twitter on Thursday that Dr. Bright “should no longer be working for our government,” later described him to reporters as “nothing more than a really unhappy, disgruntled person.” As he prepared to board Marine One on his way to a visit to Allentown, Penn., Mr. Trump said he had watched some of Dr. Bright’s testimony, and he insisted that there was a “tremendous response” to hydroxychloroquine. Alex M. Azar II, the health secretary, added that “everything he is complaining about was achieved.”
Dr. Bright also testified that his superiors were indifferent to his warnings about scarce supplies, even as people outside of government were sounding alarms. He recounted receiving an email he received in January from Mike Bowen, who runs a company that manufactures masks. Dr. Bright also testified that his superiors were indifferent to his warnings about scarce supplies, even as people outside of government were sounding alarms. He recounted receiving an email in January from Mike Bowen, who ran a company that manufactured masks.
“We’re in deep shit — the world is,” wrote Mr. Bowen, who will testify later Thursday, he said. When Dr. Bright flagged it at the highest levels, he said, he received no response.“We’re in deep shit — the world is,” wrote Mr. Bowen, who will testify later Thursday, he said. When Dr. Bright flagged it at the highest levels, he said, he received no response.
Moments before the hearing was to begin, Dr. Bright forwarded a letter to the panel from the Office of Special Counsel, the federal whistle-blower agency, saying it had made a preliminary determination of “substantial likelihood of wrongdoing” on the part of Department of Health and Human Services in reassigning him.Moments before the hearing was to begin, Dr. Bright forwarded a letter to the panel from the Office of Special Counsel, the federal whistle-blower agency, saying it had made a preliminary determination of “substantial likelihood of wrongdoing” on the part of Department of Health and Human Services in reassigning him.
The letter, dated May 12, said the office had requested that H.H.S. conduct an investigation within the next 60 days, beginning with an interview of Dr. Bright.The letter, dated May 12, said the office had requested that H.H.S. conduct an investigation within the next 60 days, beginning with an interview of Dr. Bright.
His testimony offered the back story to some elements of the whistle-blower complaint he filed with the office, in which he accused his superiors at H.H.S. of letting “politics” and “cronyism” dictate contracting decisions, and said he was pressured to steer millions of dollars in taxpayer money to the clients of a well-connected consultant.His testimony offered the back story to some elements of the whistle-blower complaint he filed with the office, in which he accused his superiors at H.H.S. of letting “politics” and “cronyism” dictate contracting decisions, and said he was pressured to steer millions of dollars in taxpayer money to the clients of a well-connected consultant.
The complaint exposed deep tensions between Dr. Bright and his boss, Dr. Robert Kadlec, the assistant secretary for health and preparedness.The complaint exposed deep tensions between Dr. Bright and his boss, Dr. Robert Kadlec, the assistant secretary for health and preparedness.
H.H.S. officials have strongly disagreed with Dr. Bright’s characterizations. But the Office of Special Counsel found “reasonable grounds” that Dr. Bright was retaliated against, and has asked for his reinstatement for 45 days while its inquiry proceeds.H.H.S. officials have strongly disagreed with Dr. Bright’s characterizations. But the Office of Special Counsel found “reasonable grounds” that Dr. Bright was retaliated against, and has asked for his reinstatement for 45 days while its inquiry proceeds.
A spokeswoman for Dr. Bright’s lawyers said Mr. Azar has not told them whether he would comply with the reinstatement request.A spokeswoman for Dr. Bright’s lawyers said Mr. Azar has not told them whether he would comply with the reinstatement request.
Dr. Bright was not testifying under oath because he said he had come in his personal capacity and as a scientist, which became a point of contention early in the hearing as Republicans complained that he should be sworn in as a government official. Representative Greg Walden, the top Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee, said the arrangement was “pretty confusing and unusual to say the least.”Dr. Bright was not testifying under oath because he said he had come in his personal capacity and as a scientist, which became a point of contention early in the hearing as Republicans complained that he should be sworn in as a government official. Representative Greg Walden, the top Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee, said the arrangement was “pretty confusing and unusual to say the least.”
Senator Richard M. Burr, Republican of North Carolina, temporarily stepped down as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, a day after F.B.I. agents seized his cellphone as part of an investigation into whether he sold hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of stocks using nonpublic information about the virus.
Mr. Burr sold the stock in mid-February before the market cratered and while Mr. Trump and some supporters were downplaying the threat of the virus. At the same time, Mr. Burr was receiving briefings and involved in conversations suggesting the country faced a growing health crisis that could hurt the economy.
The seizure on Wednesday represented a significant escalation of the inquiry, which is being conducted by both the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The decision to obtain a search warrant on a sitting senator is the kind of sensitive investigatory move that would be briefed up to the highest levels of the Justice Department.
The Justice Department declined to comment. A spokeswoman for Mr. Burr declined to comment, and his lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The senator has denied he did anything wrong, insisting that he based his trading decisions exclusively on publicly reported information that he read in financial media accounts out of Asia.
The Los Angeles Times first reported the existence of the search warrant.
Federal investigators have also scrutinized stock trades by other senators around the same time, including Senators James Inhofe, Republican of Oklahoma; Kelly Loeffler, Republican of Georgia, and Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, according to a person briefed on those cases. All three have said they did nothing wrong.
As the U.S. government reported millions more new claims for unemployment benefits last week — pushing the eight-week total to more than 36 million — two ideologically-opposed lawmakers have come to the same conclusion: It’s time for the federal government to cover workers’ salaries.
Representative Pramila Jayapal, a progressive Democrat from Washington, and Senator Josh Hawley, a conservative Republican from Missouri, are making the case to their party’s leaders that guaranteed income programs should be part of the federal relief effort.
“We have a situation where people and families in every part of the country are facing this unprecedented crisis, and they are looking for relief,” Ms. Jayapal said in an interview, a day after the Federal Reserve chair, Jerome H. Powell, warned that the country was experiencing an economic hit “without modern precedent” and risked long-term damage if lawmakers don’t do more to prevent long-term joblessness.
Her paycheck guarantee program would cover salaries and benefits for workers making up to $90,000 for as long as six months — allowing businesses to rehire furloughed and laid-off employees — and distribute grants to businesses to cover operating costs. But the debate over including it in the next round of coronavirus relief legislation has revealed a divide within her party over how far to go in building a government backstop for workers’ livelihoods.
State unemployment insurance and emergency federal relief were supposed to tide households over, but several states have a backlog of claims, and applicants continue to complain of being unable to reach overloaded state agencies.
A new Federal Reserve survey released Thursday showed the poorest Americans are suffering the most from job loss. Many Americans came into the nationwide lockdown with limited savings, despite gains made over the course of a record-long economic expansion.
One in five people who were working in February reported that they lost a job or were furloughed in March or the beginning of April 2020, the data showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
“Let’s not overthink this,” Mr. Hawley said as he unveiled his proposal which would cover 80 percent of employers’ payroll costs up to the median wage, about $49,000 a year. “These families need relief — now — to pay bills that are coming due, make those emergency grocery runs and get ready for potential medical bills. Let’s get it to them.”
Support for such ideas on both ends of the ideological spectrum signaled how far the political debate has shifted in just a few months and underscores the continuing toll the pandemic is having on American workers.
The six largest cities in Wisconsin will continue under stay-at-home orders, despite a ruling by the State Supreme Court on Wednesday upending restrictions imposed by the governor.The six largest cities in Wisconsin will continue under stay-at-home orders, despite a ruling by the State Supreme Court on Wednesday upending restrictions imposed by the governor.
After the ruling, which sided with Republican legislators who are part of a growing nationwide effort to use the courts to overturn public health restrictions, mayors and local health officers issued their own directives, many keeping bars and other businesses closed and banning large gatherings.After the ruling, which sided with Republican legislators who are part of a growing nationwide effort to use the courts to overturn public health restrictions, mayors and local health officers issued their own directives, many keeping bars and other businesses closed and banning large gatherings.
“We want to let the people of Dane County know that, as far as the guidelines, when you wake up tomorrow it’s going to be the same as when you woke up this morning,” Joe Parisi, the county executive, said at a news conference Wednesday night.“We want to let the people of Dane County know that, as far as the guidelines, when you wake up tomorrow it’s going to be the same as when you woke up this morning,” Joe Parisi, the county executive, said at a news conference Wednesday night.
In Kenosha County, where confirmed cases have continued to grow, residents were told the same: It is too early to lift restrictions and go back to normal life.In Kenosha County, where confirmed cases have continued to grow, residents were told the same: It is too early to lift restrictions and go back to normal life.
Jen Freiheit, the county health officer, said the court’s decision “did not come down in favor of public health,” the Kenosha News reported.Jen Freiheit, the county health officer, said the court’s decision “did not come down in favor of public health,” the Kenosha News reported.
But across Wisconsin, a state with nearly six million residents and more than 10,000 confirmed infections, other towns and cities declared themselves open for business again.But across Wisconsin, a state with nearly six million residents and more than 10,000 confirmed infections, other towns and cities declared themselves open for business again.
Kathy Beyer, 77, sat outside Brewers Two Cafe in Waukesha sipping coffee on Thursday, and said she agreed with the court’s decision. She hoped that restaurants would be taking precautions, leaving more room between tables and requiring workers to wear masks. But she and her husband were looking forward to eating out again.Kathy Beyer, 77, sat outside Brewers Two Cafe in Waukesha sipping coffee on Thursday, and said she agreed with the court’s decision. She hoped that restaurants would be taking precautions, leaving more room between tables and requiring workers to wear masks. But she and her husband were looking forward to eating out again.
“It’s time to get back to normal,” she said.“It’s time to get back to normal,” she said.
In an interview, Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, expressed frustration and deep concern about the safety of Wisconsin residents after the court ruling on his order instructing many businesses to remain closed until May 26.In an interview, Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, expressed frustration and deep concern about the safety of Wisconsin residents after the court ruling on his order instructing many businesses to remain closed until May 26.
Asked what residents of the state should now do, Mr. Evers said, “My advice is this: Be safer at home. Keep on doing what you have been doing.”Asked what residents of the state should now do, Mr. Evers said, “My advice is this: Be safer at home. Keep on doing what you have been doing.”
But many bars reopened on Wednesday night, and reports suggested that some of them were crowded with revelers.But many bars reopened on Wednesday night, and reports suggested that some of them were crowded with revelers.
Senator Richard M. Burr, Republican of North Carolina, temporarily stepped down as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, a day after F.B.I. agents seized his cellphone as part of an investigation into whether he sold hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of stocks using nonpublic information about the virus.
Mr. Burr sold the stock in mid-February, before the market cratered and while Mr. Trump and some supporters were playing down the threat of the virus. At the same time, Mr. Burr was receiving briefings and involved in conversations suggesting that the country faced a growing health crisis that could hurt the economy.
The seizure on Wednesday was a significant escalation of the inquiry, which is being conducted by both the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The decision to obtain a search warrant on a sitting senator is the kind of sensitive investigatory move that would be briefed up to the highest levels of the Justice Department.
The Justice Department declined to comment. A spokeswoman for Mr. Burr declined to comment, and his lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The senator has denied he did anything wrong, insisting that he based his trading decisions exclusively on publicly reported information that he read in financial news media accounts out of Asia.
The Los Angeles Times first reported the existence of the search warrant.
Federal investigators have also scrutinized stock trades made by other senators around the same time, including those of Senators James Inhofe, Republican of Oklahoma; Kelly Loeffler, Republican of Georgia; and Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, according to a person briefed on those cases. All three have said they did nothing wrong.
As the U.S. government reported millions more new claims for unemployment benefits last week — pushing the eight-week total to more than 36 million — two ideologically-opposed lawmakers have come to the same conclusion: It’s time for the federal government to cover workers’ salaries.
Representative Pramila Jayapal, a progressive Democrat from Washington, and Senator Josh Hawley, a conservative Republican from Missouri, are making the case to their party’s leaders that guaranteed income programs should be part of the federal relief effort.
“We have a situation where people and families in every part of the country are facing this unprecedented crisis, and they are looking for relief,” Ms. Jayapal said in an interview, a day after the Federal Reserve chair, Jerome H. Powell, warned that the country was experiencing an economic hit “without modern precedent” and risked long-term damage if lawmakers don’t do more to prevent long-term joblessness.
Her paycheck guarantee program would cover salaries and benefits for workers making up to $90,000 for as long as six months — allowing businesses to rehire furloughed and laid-off employees — and distribute grants to businesses to cover operating costs. But the debate over including it in the next round of coronavirus relief legislation has revealed a divide within her party over how far to go in building a government backstop for workers’ livelihoods.
State unemployment insurance and emergency federal relief were supposed to tide households over, but several states have a backlog of claims, and applicants continue to complain of being unable to reach overloaded state agencies.
A new Federal Reserve survey released Thursday showed the poorest Americans are suffering the most from job loss. Many Americans came into the nationwide lockdown with limited savings, despite gains made over the course of a record-long economic expansion.
One in five people who were working in February reported that they lost a job or were furloughed in March or the beginning of April 2020, the data showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
“Let’s not overthink this,” Mr. Hawley said as he unveiled his proposal which would cover 80 percent of employers’ payroll costs up to the median wage, about $49,000 a year. “These families need relief — now — to pay bills that are coming due, make those emergency grocery runs and get ready for potential medical bills. Let’s get it to them.”
Support for such ideas on both ends of the ideological spectrum signaled how far the political debate has shifted in just a few months and underscores the continuing toll the pandemic is having on American workers.
Mr. Trump visited Pennsylvania on Thursday afternoon, the latest state where the debate over reopening nonessential businesses and easing stay-at-home orders has become fiercely partisan, in part stirred by the president himself.Mr. Trump visited Pennsylvania on Thursday afternoon, the latest state where the debate over reopening nonessential businesses and easing stay-at-home orders has become fiercely partisan, in part stirred by the president himself.
On Monday, Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, issued an extraordinary rebuke of Republicans who said they would defy his shutdown orders.On Monday, Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, issued an extraordinary rebuke of Republicans who said they would defy his shutdown orders.
“These folks are choosing to desert in the face of the enemy,” Mr. Wolf said.“These folks are choosing to desert in the face of the enemy,” Mr. Wolf said.
Republican officials in half a dozen counties have said they would ignore a stay-home order recently extended to June 4 and allow some businesses to reopen on Friday. Mr. Wolf threatened those counties with the loss of federal relief funds, and businesses with the loss of liquor licenses and other permits.Republican officials in half a dozen counties have said they would ignore a stay-home order recently extended to June 4 and allow some businesses to reopen on Friday. Mr. Wolf threatened those counties with the loss of federal relief funds, and businesses with the loss of liquor licenses and other permits.
Mr. Trump waded into the fight on Twitter, where he wrote: “The great people of Pennsylvania want their freedom now, and they are fully aware of what that entails. The Democrats are moving slowly, all over the U.S.A., for political purposes.”Mr. Trump waded into the fight on Twitter, where he wrote: “The great people of Pennsylvania want their freedom now, and they are fully aware of what that entails. The Democrats are moving slowly, all over the U.S.A., for political purposes.”
Pennsylvania, a state Mr. Trump narrowly won, will again be an electoral battleground this year, and some analysts see a strategy by the president and his supporters to use gut-level anger over shutdowns to drive turnout in November. With most visits and presidential rallies on hold, the Trump campaign has been pouring resources into Pennsylvania, harnessing anger over the shutdown to digitally recruit and train more volunteers.Pennsylvania, a state Mr. Trump narrowly won, will again be an electoral battleground this year, and some analysts see a strategy by the president and his supporters to use gut-level anger over shutdowns to drive turnout in November. With most visits and presidential rallies on hold, the Trump campaign has been pouring resources into Pennsylvania, harnessing anger over the shutdown to digitally recruit and train more volunteers.
“I’ve sensed a very, very strong backlash in, quote, the hinterlands,” said Charlie Gerow, a Republican strategist in Pennsylvania.“I’ve sensed a very, very strong backlash in, quote, the hinterlands,” said Charlie Gerow, a Republican strategist in Pennsylvania.
The hitch, however, is that as of now, polls show Mr. Wolf’s handling of the outbreak is far more popular than Mr. Trump’s among Pennsylvanians.The hitch, however, is that as of now, polls show Mr. Wolf’s handling of the outbreak is far more popular than Mr. Trump’s among Pennsylvanians.
Mr. Trump is headed for a distribution center for masks and other protective equipment outside Allentown, his 18th visit to Pennsylvania since taking office. He is sure to be back often.Mr. Trump is headed for a distribution center for masks and other protective equipment outside Allentown, his 18th visit to Pennsylvania since taking office. He is sure to be back often.
At the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., on Thursday morning, about 200 protesters — some carrying handguns and semi-automatic rifles — gathered to try to keep up pressure on the governor to reopen. The demonstration was smaller and less dramatic than an earlier protest there, when several hundred people gathered at the State House and some entered the building, carrying guns. At the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., on Thursday morning, about 200 protesters — some carrying handguns and semi-automatic rifles — gathered to try to keep up pressure on the governor to reopen. The demonstration was smaller and less dramatic than an earlier protest there, when several hundred people gathered at the State House and some entered the building, carrying guns. This time, lawmakers adjourned their sessions before the protest began.
The protesters on Thursday showed their allegiances on signs and flags, bumper stickers and hats — a mix of anti-vaccine and anti-abortion activists, gun rights proponents and Trump supporters.The protesters on Thursday showed their allegiances on signs and flags, bumper stickers and hats — a mix of anti-vaccine and anti-abortion activists, gun rights proponents and Trump supporters.
In New Jersey, beaches, a major tourist draw and economic engine, will open in a limited way by Memorial Day weekend, the governor said on Thursday, adding that local officials would be required to put social-distancing regulations in place, including limiting capacity and ensure six-foot distances. The state reported an additional 244 virus-related deaths, the first time in a week that the number rose above 200.
Ravi Sharma was doubled over on his bed when his father found him. He’d had a bad cough for a week, and had self-quarantined in his bedroom. As an emergency medical technician, he knew he was at risk of infection with the virus.Ravi Sharma was doubled over on his bed when his father found him. He’d had a bad cough for a week, and had self-quarantined in his bedroom. As an emergency medical technician, he knew he was at risk of infection with the virus.
Now, Mr. Sharma, 27, could not move the right side of his body, and could only grunt in his father’s direction. His sister, Bina Yamin, on the phone with her father, could hear the sounds Mr. Sharma was making.Now, Mr. Sharma, 27, could not move the right side of his body, and could only grunt in his father’s direction. His sister, Bina Yamin, on the phone with her father, could hear the sounds Mr. Sharma was making.
“Call 911,” she told her father. “I think Ravi’s having a stroke.” She was right.“Call 911,” she told her father. “I think Ravi’s having a stroke.” She was right.
Over the next few hours, doctors at a Queens hospital worked frantically to break up a blood clot blocking a main artery to Mr. Sharma’s brain. But the doctors were puzzled. Mr. Sharma far too young for a stroke. He worked out every day, and didn’t have diabetes, high blood pressure or the kinds of medical conditions that can set the stage for strokes in young people.Over the next few hours, doctors at a Queens hospital worked frantically to break up a blood clot blocking a main artery to Mr. Sharma’s brain. But the doctors were puzzled. Mr. Sharma far too young for a stroke. He worked out every day, and didn’t have diabetes, high blood pressure or the kinds of medical conditions that can set the stage for strokes in young people.
Neurologists in New York City, Detroit, New Jersey and in other parts of the country have reported a flurry of such cases, and many are now convinced that unexplained strokes represent yet another insidious manifestation of Covid-19.Neurologists in New York City, Detroit, New Jersey and in other parts of the country have reported a flurry of such cases, and many are now convinced that unexplained strokes represent yet another insidious manifestation of Covid-19.
Though the strokes may be rare, they can have catastrophic consequences, including cognitive impairment and physical disability, even death.Though the strokes may be rare, they can have catastrophic consequences, including cognitive impairment and physical disability, even death.
“We’re seeing a startling number of young people who had a minor cough, or no recollection of viral symptoms at all, and they’re self-isolating at home like they’re supposed to — and they have a sudden stroke,” said Dr. Adam Dmytriw, a University of Toronto radiologist who is one of the authors of a paper describing a series of patients who suffered strokes related to Covid-19.“We’re seeing a startling number of young people who had a minor cough, or no recollection of viral symptoms at all, and they’re self-isolating at home like they’re supposed to — and they have a sudden stroke,” said Dr. Adam Dmytriw, a University of Toronto radiologist who is one of the authors of a paper describing a series of patients who suffered strokes related to Covid-19.
For some of these patients, a stroke was the first symptom of a virus infection. They put off going to the emergency room because they didn’t want to be exposed to the virus.For some of these patients, a stroke was the first symptom of a virus infection. They put off going to the emergency room because they didn’t want to be exposed to the virus.
“If you don’t get help, you risk being permanently disabled and needing long-term care,” said Dr. Johanna Fifi, a neurologist at Mount Sinai Health System in New York. “It’s not going to go away on its own.”“If you don’t get help, you risk being permanently disabled and needing long-term care,” said Dr. Johanna Fifi, a neurologist at Mount Sinai Health System in New York. “It’s not going to go away on its own.”
The cautions came from all corners but pointed in one direction: The struggle against the virus would be long and the economic consequences lasting.The cautions came from all corners but pointed in one direction: The struggle against the virus would be long and the economic consequences lasting.
The Federal Reserve chairman, Jerome H. Powell, said the United States was experiencing an economic hit that could permanently damage the economy. The Labor Department said that nearly 3 million more people filed new unemployment claims last week. And the World Health Organization cautioned that the virus might linger for a long time.The Federal Reserve chairman, Jerome H. Powell, said the United States was experiencing an economic hit that could permanently damage the economy. The Labor Department said that nearly 3 million more people filed new unemployment claims last week. And the World Health Organization cautioned that the virus might linger for a long time.
“It is important to put this on the table: This virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities, and this virus may never go away,” said Mike Ryan, the head of the W.H.O. emergency response team.“It is important to put this on the table: This virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities, and this virus may never go away,” said Mike Ryan, the head of the W.H.O. emergency response team.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci told a Senate panel this week that a vaccine for the virus would almost certainly not be ready in time for the new school year and urged caution in the face of a pathogen that continued to surprise and baffle the world’s leading scientists.Dr. Anthony S. Fauci told a Senate panel this week that a vaccine for the virus would almost certainly not be ready in time for the new school year and urged caution in the face of a pathogen that continued to surprise and baffle the world’s leading scientists.
“I think we better be careful, if we are not cavalier, in thinking that children are completely immune to the deleterious effects,” Dr. Fauci said. “Children in general do much, much better than adults and the elderly and particularly those with underlying conditions. But I am very careful and hopefully humble in knowing that I don’t know everything about this disease. And that’s why I’m very reserved in making broad predictions.”“I think we better be careful, if we are not cavalier, in thinking that children are completely immune to the deleterious effects,” Dr. Fauci said. “Children in general do much, much better than adults and the elderly and particularly those with underlying conditions. But I am very careful and hopefully humble in knowing that I don’t know everything about this disease. And that’s why I’m very reserved in making broad predictions.”
The warnings, like so many aspects of the response to the crisis in America, were quickly swept up in dysfunctional political discourse and variously disputed, distorted or dismissed — including by Mr. Trump himself.The warnings, like so many aspects of the response to the crisis in America, were quickly swept up in dysfunctional political discourse and variously disputed, distorted or dismissed — including by Mr. Trump himself.
The president, whose administration is forecasting a rapid economic rebound as it pushes states to ease restrictions on public life, pressed to reopen the country’s schools and criticized Dr. Fauci’s testimony.The president, whose administration is forecasting a rapid economic rebound as it pushes states to ease restrictions on public life, pressed to reopen the country’s schools and criticized Dr. Fauci’s testimony.
“I totally disagree with him on schools,” Mr. Trump said in an interview on Fox Business on Thursday morning. “And we will have, I call them embers. I call them spikes. And he called — I noticed he used the word spike. Well, you might have that, and we’ll put it out.”“I totally disagree with him on schools,” Mr. Trump said in an interview on Fox Business on Thursday morning. “And we will have, I call them embers. I call them spikes. And he called — I noticed he used the word spike. Well, you might have that, and we’ll put it out.”
Mr. Trump also said he expected a vaccine to be available by the end of the year, a timeline health experts have advised is unlikely. He also said the military would help with the distribution.Mr. Trump also said he expected a vaccine to be available by the end of the year, a timeline health experts have advised is unlikely. He also said the military would help with the distribution.
“Our military is now being mobilized, so at the end of the year, we’re going to be able to give it to a lot of people very, very rapidly,” Mr. Trump said without providing specifics.“Our military is now being mobilized, so at the end of the year, we’re going to be able to give it to a lot of people very, very rapidly,” Mr. Trump said without providing specifics.
Just as in a natural disaster like a hurricane, in a public health emergency, the military can be authorized to provide assistance in areas such as distributing supplies and logistics.Just as in a natural disaster like a hurricane, in a public health emergency, the military can be authorized to provide assistance in areas such as distributing supplies and logistics.
The White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, said Thursday on “CBS This Morning” that the president still had confidence in Dr. Fauci but that they were “on opposite sides of the equation” when it came to the reopening schools. Mr. Trump takes the advice of several medical experts before making his own decisions, she said. “He makes the best decision based on the data presented to him,” Ms. McEnany said.The White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, said Thursday on “CBS This Morning” that the president still had confidence in Dr. Fauci but that they were “on opposite sides of the equation” when it came to the reopening schools. Mr. Trump takes the advice of several medical experts before making his own decisions, she said. “He makes the best decision based on the data presented to him,” Ms. McEnany said.
The people of Cordova, Alaska, had weathered the pandemic with no cases and the comfort of isolation — a coastal town unreachable by road in a state with some of the fewest infections per capita in the country.The people of Cordova, Alaska, had weathered the pandemic with no cases and the comfort of isolation — a coastal town unreachable by road in a state with some of the fewest infections per capita in the country.
But that may be changing. Over the past two weeks, fishing boat crews have started arriving by the hundreds for the start of Alaska’s summer seafood rush. And the first case has also surfaced.But that may be changing. Over the past two weeks, fishing boat crews have started arriving by the hundreds for the start of Alaska’s summer seafood rush. And the first case has also surfaced.
The fishing frenzy begins on Thursday with the season opening for the famed Copper River salmon. But the town of about 2,000 people has been consumed by debates over whether to even allow a fishing season and how to handle an influx of fishing crews.The fishing frenzy begins on Thursday with the season opening for the famed Copper River salmon. But the town of about 2,000 people has been consumed by debates over whether to even allow a fishing season and how to handle an influx of fishing crews.
The city has embarked on an all-stops-out effort to test, trace and isolate every virus case. Tests have been stockpiled to check anyone who develops symptoms. People found to have infections will be quarantined or removed from the city, and their contacts tracked down and tested.The city has embarked on an all-stops-out effort to test, trace and isolate every virus case. Tests have been stockpiled to check anyone who develops symptoms. People found to have infections will be quarantined or removed from the city, and their contacts tracked down and tested.
While fishing is at the core of her family and community, Sylvia Lange, a hotel proprietor in Cordova, said she also had concerns about the ability of the city and the industry to hold back an outbreak as virulent as the coronavirus. While fishing is at the core of her family and community, Sylvia Lange, a hotel proprietor in Cordova, said she also had concerns about the ability of the city and the industry to hold back an outbreak as virulent as the coronavirus.
“It’s not easy to be critical of an industry we all love and are dependent on,” Ms. Lange said. “People have said they’ll never set foot again in our business.”“It’s not easy to be critical of an industry we all love and are dependent on,” Ms. Lange said. “People have said they’ll never set foot again in our business.”
As concerns mount over children afflicted with a potentially deadly inflammatory condition, a new study shed light on the condition’s distinctive characteristics and provided the strongest evidence yet that the syndrome is linked to the virus.As concerns mount over children afflicted with a potentially deadly inflammatory condition, a new study shed light on the condition’s distinctive characteristics and provided the strongest evidence yet that the syndrome is linked to the virus.
The condition, called pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, has been reported in more than 100 children in New York State, including in three who died. New York City has confirmed 100 cases alone, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Thursday, 18 more since the day before. Cases have been reported in other states, including California, Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as in Europe.The condition, called pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, has been reported in more than 100 children in New York State, including in three who died. New York City has confirmed 100 cases alone, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Thursday, 18 more since the day before. Cases have been reported in other states, including California, Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as in Europe.
“This is something where we need to put supreme focus,” Mr. de Blasio said during his daily news briefing. “We have to understand it better. We have to get ahead of it.”“This is something where we need to put supreme focus,” Mr. de Blasio said during his daily news briefing. “We have to understand it better. We have to get ahead of it.”
In the new study, published on Wednesday in the journal Lancet, doctors in Italy compared a series of 10 cases of the illness with cases of a similar rare condition in children called Kawasaki disease.In the new study, published on Wednesday in the journal Lancet, doctors in Italy compared a series of 10 cases of the illness with cases of a similar rare condition in children called Kawasaki disease.
The authors found that over the five years before the pandemic — January 2015 to mid-February 2020 — 19 children with Kawasaki disease were treated at Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII in the province of Bergamo, which has an advanced pediatric department.The authors found that over the five years before the pandemic — January 2015 to mid-February 2020 — 19 children with Kawasaki disease were treated at Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII in the province of Bergamo, which has an advanced pediatric department.
But during the two months from Feb. 18 to April 20 alone, the hospital, located at the center of Italy’s outbreak, treated 10 children with similar hyper-inflammatory symptoms. Eight of them tested positive for coronavirus antibodies.But during the two months from Feb. 18 to April 20 alone, the hospital, located at the center of Italy’s outbreak, treated 10 children with similar hyper-inflammatory symptoms. Eight of them tested positive for coronavirus antibodies.
Ten cases in two months — a much higher rate of incidence than Kawasaki disease cases, which occurred at a pace of about one every three months — suggests a cluster that was driven by the pandemic, especially since overall hospital admissions during this time were much lower than usual, the authors said.Ten cases in two months — a much higher rate of incidence than Kawasaki disease cases, which occurred at a pace of about one every three months — suggests a cluster that was driven by the pandemic, especially since overall hospital admissions during this time were much lower than usual, the authors said.
None of the 10 children died, but their symptoms were more severe than those experienced by the children with Kawasaki disease. They were much more likely to have heart complications, and five of them exhibited shock, which did not occur in any of the Kawasaki cases. They had lower counts of platelets and a type of white blood cell, typical of Covid-19 patients defending against the infection. And more of the children with the new syndrome needed treatment with steroids in addition to the immunoglobulin treatment that both they and the Kawasaki patients received.None of the 10 children died, but their symptoms were more severe than those experienced by the children with Kawasaki disease. They were much more likely to have heart complications, and five of them exhibited shock, which did not occur in any of the Kawasaki cases. They had lower counts of platelets and a type of white blood cell, typical of Covid-19 patients defending against the infection. And more of the children with the new syndrome needed treatment with steroids in addition to the immunoglobulin treatment that both they and the Kawasaki patients received.
Children who do not have the inflammatory syndrome can also become seriously ill, with respiratory problems.Children who do not have the inflammatory syndrome can also become seriously ill, with respiratory problems.
Another new study paints the most detailed picture yet of American children who were treated in intensive care units throughout the United States as the pandemic was taking hold.Another new study paints the most detailed picture yet of American children who were treated in intensive care units throughout the United States as the pandemic was taking hold.
None of the children in the study, published Monday in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, were stricken by the new mysterious inflammatory syndrome. They suffered from the virus’s primary line of attack: the severe respiratory problems that have afflicted tens of thousands of American adults.None of the children in the study, published Monday in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, were stricken by the new mysterious inflammatory syndrome. They suffered from the virus’s primary line of attack: the severe respiratory problems that have afflicted tens of thousands of American adults.
The study looked at 48 cases from 14 hospitals, in patients up to age 21, during late March and early April. Two of them died. Eighteen were placed on ventilators and two of them remain on the breathing machines more than a month later, said Dr. Lara S. Shekerdemian, chief of critical care at Texas Children’s Hospital and an author of the study.The study looked at 48 cases from 14 hospitals, in patients up to age 21, during late March and early April. Two of them died. Eighteen were placed on ventilators and two of them remain on the breathing machines more than a month later, said Dr. Lara S. Shekerdemian, chief of critical care at Texas Children’s Hospital and an author of the study.
Over all, the study both reinforces the evidence that only a small percentage of children will be severely affected by the virus and confirms that some can become devastatingly ill.Over all, the study both reinforces the evidence that only a small percentage of children will be severely affected by the virus and confirms that some can become devastatingly ill.
Fall will be quiet this year at San Diego State University. No big lecture classes. No parking lots packed with commuting students. No campus hubbub around Greek life.Fall will be quiet this year at San Diego State University. No big lecture classes. No parking lots packed with commuting students. No campus hubbub around Greek life.
But 20 minutes up the freeway at the University of California, San Diego, things could look very different, with tens of thousands of students streaming back to campus, if only to single dorm rooms and socially distanced classrooms.But 20 minutes up the freeway at the University of California, San Diego, things could look very different, with tens of thousands of students streaming back to campus, if only to single dorm rooms and socially distanced classrooms.
Across the country this fall, college life is likely to vary from campus to campus — a patchwork that mirrors what is happening in states and communities, as some move toward widespread reopening and others keep their economies mostly closed.Across the country this fall, college life is likely to vary from campus to campus — a patchwork that mirrors what is happening in states and communities, as some move toward widespread reopening and others keep their economies mostly closed.
Colleges and universities are now studying whether and how to move forward, with plans ranging wildly between hope and grim epidemiology. On Tuesday, California’s state university system announced that it would cancel in-person classes at its 23 campuses for the fall semester. A day later, Harvard Medical School announced that its classes for incoming students would be held remotely as well.Colleges and universities are now studying whether and how to move forward, with plans ranging wildly between hope and grim epidemiology. On Tuesday, California’s state university system announced that it would cancel in-person classes at its 23 campuses for the fall semester. A day later, Harvard Medical School announced that its classes for incoming students would be held remotely as well.
Like the rest of the country, colleges face formidable risks, both human and economic. Students and faculty members must be kept safe and healthy, but so must a segment of the economy that employs nearly four million people and operates as the nation’s predominant social mobility engine.Like the rest of the country, colleges face formidable risks, both human and economic. Students and faculty members must be kept safe and healthy, but so must a segment of the economy that employs nearly four million people and operates as the nation’s predominant social mobility engine.
Higher education experts said the decision on whether to hold in-person classes in the fall would most likely depend on a number of factors, including the type of institution, location, the size of the student body and funding.Higher education experts said the decision on whether to hold in-person classes in the fall would most likely depend on a number of factors, including the type of institution, location, the size of the student body and funding.
“I think we are going to see a lot of variation,” said Laura W. Perna, a professor at the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.“I think we are going to see a lot of variation,” said Laura W. Perna, a professor at the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
After a forced period of inactivity, many are wondering whether it is wise to return to shared exercise bikes, weights and treadmills. By their very nature, public athletic facilities tend to be breeding grounds for germs, but there are things you can do to mitigate the risk of infection if you want to get a workout in. After a forced period of inactivity, many are wondering whether it is wise to return to shared exercise bikes, weights and treadmills. By their very nature, public athletic facilities tend to be breeding grounds for germs. But there are things you can do to mitigate the risk of infection if you want to get a workout in.
A commercial extolling Chinese youth, showed online and on state-run television, provoked an immediate nationwide backlash.A commercial extolling Chinese youth, showed online and on state-run television, provoked an immediate nationwide backlash.
Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Kim Barker, Karen Barrow, Pam Belluck, Katie Benner, Julie Bosman, Patricia Cohen, Michael Cooper, Tiffany Hsu, Marc Santora, Roni Caryn Rabin, Katie Rogers, Catie Edmondson, Kathleen Gray, Trip Gabriel, Eileen Sullivan, Alan Blinder, Manny Fernandez, David Montgomery, Amy Julia Harris, Rachel L. Harris, Shawn Hubler, Nicholas Fandos, Katie Rogers, Kay Nolan, Michael Gold, Azi Paybarah, Jesse McKinley, Lisa Tarchak, Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Neil Vigdor. Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Kim Barker, Karen Barrow, Pam Belluck, Katie Benner, Alan Blinder, Julie Bosman, Patricia Cohen, Michael Cooper, Catie Edmondson, Nicholas Fandos, Manny Fernandez, Trip Gabriel, Michael Gold, Kathleen Gray, Amy Julia Harris, Rachel L. Harris, Tiffany Hsu, Shawn Hubler, Jesse McKinley, David Montgomery, Kay Nolan, Azi Paybarah, Roni Caryn Rabin, Katie Rogers, Marc Santora, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Lisa Tarchak and Neil Vigdor.