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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.
Nearly three million people filed new unemployment claims in the U.S. last week, bringing the total to more than 36 million for the last two months.Nearly three million people filed new unemployment claims in the U.S. last week, bringing the total to more than 36 million for the last two months.
Only small fraction of the U.S. population have caught the coronavirus so far, new studies indicate, suggesting that “herd immunity” is still out of reach.Only small fraction of the U.S. population have caught the coronavirus so far, new studies indicate, suggesting that “herd immunity” is still out of reach.
Some young adults infected with the virus are having strokes.Some young adults infected with the virus are having strokes.
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.
Dr. Rick Bright, a top government scientist, went before Congress on Thursday and connected some of the dots of the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic. They did not add up to a pretty picture.Dr. Rick Bright, a top government scientist, went before Congress on Thursday and connected some of the dots of the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic. They did not add up to a pretty picture.
Top Trump administration officials, he said, failed to heed early warnings to stock up on masks and other supplies to combat the crisis, and failed to level with the public about the severity of the threat. As a result, he said, “lives were endangered, and I believe lives were lost.”Top Trump administration officials, he said, failed to heed early warnings to stock up on masks and other supplies to combat the crisis, and failed to level with the public about the severity of the threat. As a result, he said, “lives were endangered, and I believe lives were lost.”
Testifying before a House health subcommittee, Dr. Bright said the coronavirus outbreak would “get worse and be prolonged” if the U.S. did not swiftly adopt a national testing strategy.Testifying before a House health subcommittee, Dr. Bright said the coronavirus outbreak would “get worse and be prolonged” if the U.S. did not swiftly adopt a national testing strategy.
He said the government also needed to develop a vaccine distribution plan right away to avoid shortages. “There’s no one company that can produce enough for our country or the world,” he said. “It’s going to be limited supplies.”He said the government also needed to develop a vaccine distribution plan right away to avoid shortages. “There’s no one company that can produce enough for our country or the world,” he said. “It’s going to be limited supplies.”
Without rapid action, he said, the country was in for “the darkest winter in modern history.”Without rapid action, he said, the country was in for “the darkest winter in modern history.”
Dr. Bright was head of the federal Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency until April, when he was reassigned to a narrower job. He says the shift was in retaliation for his objecting to decisions driven by politics and cronyism, and he has filed a whistle-blower complaint.Dr. Bright was head of the federal Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency until April, when he was reassigned to a narrower job. He says the shift was in retaliation for his objecting to decisions driven by politics and cronyism, and he has filed a whistle-blower complaint.
The breaking point came, Dr. Bright said, when he opposed widespread distribution of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, two antimalaria drugs that President Trump publicly promoted. At the time, neither had been shown to do Covid-19 patients any good (they still haven’t), and both carry significant risks.The breaking point came, Dr. Bright said, when he opposed widespread distribution of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, two antimalaria drugs that President Trump publicly promoted. At the time, neither had been shown to do Covid-19 patients any good (they still haven’t), and both carry significant risks.
Mr. Trump brushed off Dr. Bright on Thursday as an “angry, disgruntled employee” who “didn’t do a very good job.” Democrats painted the doctor as prescient and courageous, and lamented that his warnings were not heeded.Mr. Trump brushed off Dr. Bright on Thursday as an “angry, disgruntled employee” who “didn’t do a very good job.” Democrats painted the doctor as prescient and courageous, and lamented that his warnings were not heeded.
“It all adds up to one inescapable conclusion,” said Representative John Sarbanes of Maryland. “It didn’t have to be this way.”“It all adds up to one inescapable conclusion,” said Representative John Sarbanes of Maryland. “It didn’t have to be this way.”
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.
Medical workers on the front lines in Russia are becoming infected with the coronavirus in large numbers. At least 180 have died so far, and thousands more have fallen ill.Medical workers on the front lines in Russia are becoming infected with the coronavirus in large numbers. At least 180 have died so far, and thousands more have fallen ill.
Desperate stories are emerging from inside Russian hospitals. At one Moscow facility, three out of four staff members of one department became sick. Three doctors who complained about hospital conditions have died falling from windows in recent weeks; they are believed to have been possible stress-related suicides, not homicides.Desperate stories are emerging from inside Russian hospitals. At one Moscow facility, three out of four staff members of one department became sick. Three doctors who complained about hospital conditions have died falling from windows in recent weeks; they are believed to have been possible stress-related suicides, not homicides.
Our Moscow correspondent Anton Troianovski said the elevated death rate among medical workers stems from a dire shortage of protective gear and a “very rigid, top-down bureaucratic system” in the country that puts out contradictory information and does not allow local leaders to take the initiative in responding to the fast-moving crisis.Our Moscow correspondent Anton Troianovski said the elevated death rate among medical workers stems from a dire shortage of protective gear and a “very rigid, top-down bureaucratic system” in the country that puts out contradictory information and does not allow local leaders to take the initiative in responding to the fast-moving crisis.
Russia has announced a total of 252,245 confirmed coronavirus infections, more than any other country except the United States. Even so, President Vladimir Putin lifted a nationwide lockdown on Monday, saying that the country’s hospitals were prepared and that doctors had everything they needed.Russia has announced a total of 252,245 confirmed coronavirus infections, more than any other country except the United States. Even so, President Vladimir Putin lifted a nationwide lockdown on Monday, saying that the country’s hospitals were prepared and that doctors had everything they needed.
“Putin and the government have essentially declared that the worst is over and it’s time to start going back to normal,” Anton told us. “But how can you go back to normal when you still have doctors getting sick and dying at such dreadful levels?”“Putin and the government have essentially declared that the worst is over and it’s time to start going back to normal,” Anton told us. “But how can you go back to normal when you still have doctors getting sick and dying at such dreadful levels?”
As more people in the U.S. lose jobs and face the threat of not being able to feed themselves and their families, livestock farmers are dealing with a very different problem: too many animals for processing plants to handle, now that many of the country’s largest plants have been shut down by virus outbreaks.As more people in the U.S. lose jobs and face the threat of not being able to feed themselves and their families, livestock farmers are dealing with a very different problem: too many animals for processing plants to handle, now that many of the country’s largest plants have been shut down by virus outbreaks.
Pork producers, in particular, have found themselves having to kill and dispose of hundreds of thousands of pigs that were ready for slaughter but could not be sold to meat processors. Some farmers have resorted to gassing the animals, others to shooting or suffocating them. One closed meatpacking plant in Minnesota was used as a euthanasia facility.Pork producers, in particular, have found themselves having to kill and dispose of hundreds of thousands of pigs that were ready for slaughter but could not be sold to meat processors. Some farmers have resorted to gassing the animals, others to shooting or suffocating them. One closed meatpacking plant in Minnesota was used as a euthanasia facility.
The crisis has caused severe financial strain and emotional anguish for many farmers, prompting predictions of rising suicide rates across rural America. And at the other end of the supply chain, grocery stores and fast-food restaurants are facing meat shortages and imposing purchase limits on customers.The crisis has caused severe financial strain and emotional anguish for many farmers, prompting predictions of rising suicide rates across rural America. And at the other end of the supply chain, grocery stores and fast-food restaurants are facing meat shortages and imposing purchase limits on customers.
To address the dual food supply problems — too much coming from farms, not enough reaching the hungry — some American food banks are changing the way they operate, building kitchens to prepare meals instead of handing out bags of ingredients. Doing the cooking allows the food banks to handle larger amounts of perishable produce than they otherwise could, and provide added relief to struggling families.To address the dual food supply problems — too much coming from farms, not enough reaching the hungry — some American food banks are changing the way they operate, building kitchens to prepare meals instead of handing out bags of ingredients. Doing the cooking allows the food banks to handle larger amounts of perishable produce than they otherwise could, and provide added relief to struggling families.
The coronavirus problem that India had feared is becoming a reality in its most populous city, Mumbai. Hospitals are overflowing with the sick. Police officers are exhausted. And in the slums, where people live eight to a room, social distancing is all but impossible.The coronavirus problem that India had feared is becoming a reality in its most populous city, Mumbai. Hospitals are overflowing with the sick. Police officers are exhausted. And in the slums, where people live eight to a room, social distancing is all but impossible.
Here’s what the crisis looks like, captured by a local photographer over the past eight weeks.Here’s what the crisis looks like, captured by a local photographer over the past eight weeks.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 5, 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.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court blocked an extension of the state’s stay-at-home order, siding with Republican legislators over Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat. Though the governor pleaded with Wisconsinites to keep following the restrictions, many bars swiftly reopened.The Wisconsin Supreme Court blocked an extension of the state’s stay-at-home order, siding with Republican legislators over Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat. Though the governor pleaded with Wisconsinites to keep following the restrictions, many bars swiftly reopened.
Japan is lifting its state of emergency everywhere except in the country’s eight most populous prefectures, which include Tokyo and Osaka.Japan is lifting its state of emergency everywhere except in the country’s eight most populous prefectures, which include Tokyo and Osaka.
Gov. Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania, a Democrat, said it was a “cowardly act” for Republican politicians to defy his stay-at-home orders, which have been eased in 37 counties so far.Gov. Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania, a Democrat, said it was a “cowardly act” for Republican politicians to defy his stay-at-home orders, which have been eased in 37 counties so far.
Here’s a roundup of restrictions and reopenings in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of restrictions and reopenings in all 50 states.
Make your own plant-based milk. If your grocery store is out of soy, oat or almond milk, try making some at home with this step-by-step guide — no fancy equipment required.Make your own plant-based milk. If your grocery store is out of soy, oat or almond milk, try making some at home with this step-by-step guide — no fancy equipment required.
Stay safe at the gym. As fitness centers reopen in some states, you can take precautions to minimize the risk of using them: Wash your hands frequently, use disinfectant on equipment and give other gymgoers a wide berth.Stay safe at the gym. As fitness centers reopen in some states, you can take precautions to minimize the risk of using them: Wash your hands frequently, use disinfectant on equipment and give other gymgoers a wide berth.
Check on your friends. Isolation is hard on everyone, extroverts as well as introverts. You can write letters, send care packages or plan one-on-one virtual cocktail hours to stay connected.Check on your friends. Isolation is hard on everyone, extroverts as well as introverts. You can write letters, send care packages or plan one-on-one virtual cocktail hours to stay connected.
It’s not just coughs and sneezes: A new study suggests that talking can propel the droplets that spread the virus. (So wear a mask in public.)It’s not just coughs and sneezes: A new study suggests that talking can propel the droplets that spread the virus. (So wear a mask in public.)
Officials in Wuhan, China, announced ambitious plans to test all 11 million city residents, after six new cases were confirmed this week.Officials in Wuhan, China, announced ambitious plans to test all 11 million city residents, after six new cases were confirmed this week.
Cases have been found for the first time in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, where the virus could spread with devastating speed.Cases have been found for the first time in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, where the virus could spread with devastating speed.
Prime fishing season has begun in Alaska, bringing out-of-state crews to isolated towns that have avoided the virus so far.Prime fishing season has begun in Alaska, bringing out-of-state crews to isolated towns that have avoided the virus so far.
For those who believe they’re quarantining with ghosts, the pandemic has been extra scary.For those who believe they’re quarantining with ghosts, the pandemic has been extra scary.
Across three countries and four generations, we have started a daily drawing challenge. I was not expecting to feel so much joy watching the drawings come in at the end of the day! I am saving them to make a book.Across three countries and four generations, we have started a daily drawing challenge. I was not expecting to feel so much joy watching the drawings come in at the end of the day! I am saving them to make a book.
— Ana Luz Porzecanski, New York City— Ana Luz Porzecanski, New York City
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 contributed to today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe contributed to today’s newsletter.