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Coronavirus Live Updates: As States Reopen, Fears of New Outbreaks Grow Coronavirus Live Updates: Fears of New Outbreaks Grow as States Reopen
(32 minutes later)
In Oregon, retail stores will flip their window signs to “open.” A stay-at-home order will expire in Arizona. And restaurants and bars in much of Virginia will be able to seat customers for happy hour again — but only outside.In Oregon, retail stores will flip their window signs to “open.” A stay-at-home order will expire in Arizona. And restaurants and bars in much of Virginia will be able to seat customers for happy hour again — but only outside.
A number of states are lifting restrictions on businesses and public life on Friday, in a significant milestone for the country’s attempt to re-emerge from coronavirus-related shutdowns. More than two-thirds of states have now relaxed restrictions in some significant way, including some that had previously been the most locked down.A number of states are lifting restrictions on businesses and public life on Friday, in a significant milestone for the country’s attempt to re-emerge from coronavirus-related shutdowns. More than two-thirds of states have now relaxed restrictions in some significant way, including some that had previously been the most locked down.
The decision about whether to reopen or not has led to bitter protests and political fights, including in key battleground states that could help determine the presidential election in the fall. In Wisconsin, orders to stay at home turned to chaos this week after the conservative majority on the State Supreme Court overturned a statewide stay-at-home order by Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat.The decision about whether to reopen or not has led to bitter protests and political fights, including in key battleground states that could help determine the presidential election in the fall. In Wisconsin, orders to stay at home turned to chaos this week after the conservative majority on the State Supreme Court overturned a statewide stay-at-home order by Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat.
As more and more people head back out in public, some of the most perilous exchanges have come between frustrated citizens and retail workers carrying the burden on the front lines. Skirmishes have broken out at places like Trader Joe’s and Target over customers not wearing masks.As more and more people head back out in public, some of the most perilous exchanges have come between frustrated citizens and retail workers carrying the burden on the front lines. Skirmishes have broken out at places like Trader Joe’s and Target over customers not wearing masks.
The reopenings have come even as the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, testified before Congress this week that reopening too soon could trigger another uncontrollable outbreak. The changes on Friday represent a departure in states that had previously been among the most assertive about restrictions.The reopenings have come even as the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, testified before Congress this week that reopening too soon could trigger another uncontrollable outbreak. The changes on Friday represent a departure in states that had previously been among the most assertive about restrictions.
But there is hope that the reopenings could ease the intense economic pain the nation is enduring: More than 36 million people have filed unemployment claims in the past two months, and on Friday the Commerce Department reported that retail sales fell a record 16.4 percent in April.But there is hope that the reopenings could ease the intense economic pain the nation is enduring: More than 36 million people have filed unemployment claims in the past two months, and on Friday the Commerce Department reported that retail sales fell a record 16.4 percent in April.
In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, will allow stores, salons and houses of worship to open up with social distancing requirements starting Friday night, even as cases remain relatively steady. Gyms, barbershops, movie theaters and bars with food permits will also be allowed to open back up in Louisiana, which at one point was experiencing the fastest growth in new cases in the world and most recently has seen a decline in new cases.In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, will allow stores, salons and houses of worship to open up with social distancing requirements starting Friday night, even as cases remain relatively steady. Gyms, barbershops, movie theaters and bars with food permits will also be allowed to open back up in Louisiana, which at one point was experiencing the fastest growth in new cases in the world and most recently has seen a decline in new cases.
In New York, five regions were cleared to begin reopening on Friday some nonessential businesses, including construction, manufacturing and curbside retail. New York City was not among them.In New York, five regions were cleared to begin reopening on Friday some nonessential businesses, including construction, manufacturing and curbside retail. New York City was not among them.
The conversation is even turning to recreation and vacation, as the Outer Banks and other popular beach spots prepared to open up to visitors this weekend. Bates Hagood, the manager of Ocean Surf Shop, in Folly Beach, S.C., was bracing for an influx of customers. For six weeks, he said, the surf shop had been shut down with the exception of a few appointment visits. Now, his phone is ringing off the hook with surfers looking to buy and rent boards in anticipation of the weekend’s waves, and the store’s reopening.The conversation is even turning to recreation and vacation, as the Outer Banks and other popular beach spots prepared to open up to visitors this weekend. Bates Hagood, the manager of Ocean Surf Shop, in Folly Beach, S.C., was bracing for an influx of customers. For six weeks, he said, the surf shop had been shut down with the exception of a few appointment visits. Now, his phone is ringing off the hook with surfers looking to buy and rent boards in anticipation of the weekend’s waves, and the store’s reopening.
His biggest fear is that crowds will overwhelm Folly’s businesses and services, and force another crippling shutdown. “Friday and Saturday, I just have a feeling,” he said. “Anytime we post any swell info or that waves are coming, people just go insane on social media. I just hope it doesn’t get super crazy. There are a lot of people in Charleston who are unemployed. The first they want to do is go to the beach. Unfortunately, it might get kind of crazy.”His biggest fear is that crowds will overwhelm Folly’s businesses and services, and force another crippling shutdown. “Friday and Saturday, I just have a feeling,” he said. “Anytime we post any swell info or that waves are coming, people just go insane on social media. I just hope it doesn’t get super crazy. There are a lot of people in Charleston who are unemployed. The first they want to do is go to the beach. Unfortunately, it might get kind of crazy.”
The shutdowns across the United States devastated retailers in April, as retail sales plunged a record 16.4 percent, according to government data reported Friday.The shutdowns across the United States devastated retailers in April, as retail sales plunged a record 16.4 percent, according to government data reported Friday.
That followed an 8.3 percent drop in March, producing by far the largest two-month decline on record. Total sales for April, which include retail purchases in stores and online as well as money spent at bars and restaurants, were the lowest since 2012, even without accounting for inflation.That followed an 8.3 percent drop in March, producing by far the largest two-month decline on record. Total sales for April, which include retail purchases in stores and online as well as money spent at bars and restaurants, were the lowest since 2012, even without accounting for inflation.
Many economists expect spending to rise in May because most states have begun to lift barriers to commerce and movement.Many economists expect spending to rise in May because most states have begun to lift barriers to commerce and movement.
But any recovery is likely to be slow and uneven. There is no guarantee that customers will return in numbers previously seen — and even if Americans feel comfortable going out to shop, they may not have as much money to spend, because millions have lost their jobs.But any recovery is likely to be slow and uneven. There is no guarantee that customers will return in numbers previously seen — and even if Americans feel comfortable going out to shop, they may not have as much money to spend, because millions have lost their jobs.
The damage caused by the pandemic has also compounded existing problems. At a time when companies like J. Crew and Neiman Marcus needed to be investing money to adjust to changing shopping habits, enormous sums were going to their owners.The damage caused by the pandemic has also compounded existing problems. At a time when companies like J. Crew and Neiman Marcus needed to be investing money to adjust to changing shopping habits, enormous sums were going to their owners.
Both companies were facing a host of issues before the virus forced them to close their stores and eventually file for bankruptcy. Those troubles had included adjusting to the rise of e-commerce and a lack of connection with a new generation of shoppers.Both companies were facing a host of issues before the virus forced them to close their stores and eventually file for bankruptcy. Those troubles had included adjusting to the rise of e-commerce and a lack of connection with a new generation of shoppers.
But they also shared one increasingly common problem for retailers in dire straits: an enormous debt burden — roughly $1.7 billion for J. Crew and almost $5 billion for Neiman Marcus — from leveraged buyouts led by private equity firms.But they also shared one increasingly common problem for retailers in dire straits: an enormous debt burden — roughly $1.7 billion for J. Crew and almost $5 billion for Neiman Marcus — from leveraged buyouts led by private equity firms.
As more parts of the country reopen businesses, many retail workers have reluctantly turned into de facto enforcers of public health guidelines, confronting customers who refuse to wear masks or to maintain a wide distance from others. The risk of a violent reaction now hangs over jobs already fraught with health perils.As more parts of the country reopen businesses, many retail workers have reluctantly turned into de facto enforcers of public health guidelines, confronting customers who refuse to wear masks or to maintain a wide distance from others. The risk of a violent reaction now hangs over jobs already fraught with health perils.
A Target store employee in Van Nuys, Calif., ended up with a broken left arm while helping to remove two customers who refused to wear masks.A Target store employee in Van Nuys, Calif., ended up with a broken left arm while helping to remove two customers who refused to wear masks.
A female cashier told a man refusing to wear a mask that he could not buy a pack of cigars at a convenience store in Perkasie, Pa. He punched her three times in the face.A female cashier told a man refusing to wear a mask that he could not buy a pack of cigars at a convenience store in Perkasie, Pa. He punched her three times in the face.
And in the most violent incident, the security guard at a Dollar Store in Flint, Mich., was shot dead after insisting that a customer put on a mask.And in the most violent incident, the security guard at a Dollar Store in Flint, Mich., was shot dead after insisting that a customer put on a mask.
Stores are “caught in the middle,” said Meegan Holland, the spokeswoman for the Michigan Retailers Association. “People can get belligerent when being asked to do something that they do not want to do.”Stores are “caught in the middle,” said Meegan Holland, the spokeswoman for the Michigan Retailers Association. “People can get belligerent when being asked to do something that they do not want to do.”
Public health officials have recommended masks as a crucial way to limit the spread of the virus, but they have also turned into a flash point in the country’s culture wars, with some defending their right to not wear one.Public health officials have recommended masks as a crucial way to limit the spread of the virus, but they have also turned into a flash point in the country’s culture wars, with some defending their right to not wear one.
Public health experts said this argument was misguided.Public health experts said this argument was misguided.
“I never had a right to do something that could injure the health of my neighbors,” said Wendy E. Parmet, the director of the Center for Health Policy and Law at Northeastern University. Mask opponents generally overlook the fact that such regulations are meant to protect other people, not the person wearing the mask, she added.“I never had a right to do something that could injure the health of my neighbors,” said Wendy E. Parmet, the director of the Center for Health Policy and Law at Northeastern University. Mask opponents generally overlook the fact that such regulations are meant to protect other people, not the person wearing the mask, she added.
The former pharmaceutical executive picked this week to lead a crash program to develop a coronavirus vaccine said Thursday that developing and mass-producing a successful vaccine by January 2021 is a “credible objective,” but acknowledged it would be difficult, Maggie Haberman and Noah Weiland report.The former pharmaceutical executive picked this week to lead a crash program to develop a coronavirus vaccine said Thursday that developing and mass-producing a successful vaccine by January 2021 is a “credible objective,” but acknowledged it would be difficult, Maggie Haberman and Noah Weiland report.
Moncef Slaoui, a former chairman of vaccines at GlaxoSmithKline, who is heading the program, conceded in an interview that even the time frame repeatedly cited by Dr. Anthony S. Fauci as necessary for developing the vaccine, which Mr. Trump has rejected, would still outpace what many scientists believe is possible.Moncef Slaoui, a former chairman of vaccines at GlaxoSmithKline, who is heading the program, conceded in an interview that even the time frame repeatedly cited by Dr. Anthony S. Fauci as necessary for developing the vaccine, which Mr. Trump has rejected, would still outpace what many scientists believe is possible.
“Frankly, 12-18 months is already a very aggressive timeline,” Mr. Slaoui said. “I don’t think Dr. Fauci was wrong.”“Frankly, 12-18 months is already a very aggressive timeline,” Mr. Slaoui said. “I don’t think Dr. Fauci was wrong.”
But Mr. Slaoui said he was undaunted by the president’s goal.But Mr. Slaoui said he was undaunted by the president’s goal.
“I would not have committed unless I thought it was achievable,” Mr. Slaoui said, adding that he told the president that when he met with him for the first time on Wednesday at the White House and Mr. Trump asked if the goal was realistic.“I would not have committed unless I thought it was achievable,” Mr. Slaoui said, adding that he told the president that when he met with him for the first time on Wednesday at the White House and Mr. Trump asked if the goal was realistic.
The president announced the effort, which he called Operation Warp Speed, with the goal of having 300 million doses of a vaccine available by January, a number that would likely be needed to halt the spread of the pathogen, an unheard-of timeline to develop, test and produce a vaccine on such a scale.The president announced the effort, which he called Operation Warp Speed, with the goal of having 300 million doses of a vaccine available by January, a number that would likely be needed to halt the spread of the pathogen, an unheard-of timeline to develop, test and produce a vaccine on such a scale.
The Warp Speed project has been described by administration officials as an organizing mechanism for an already fierce race to find a vaccine, one that involves big pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and a handful of government agencies.The Warp Speed project has been described by administration officials as an organizing mechanism for an already fierce race to find a vaccine, one that involves big pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and a handful of government agencies.
Mr. Slaoui will serve as the chief adviser on the effort, and Gen. Gustave F. Perna, a four-star general who is in charge of the Army’s readiness as head of the Army Matériel Command, will be the chief operating officer.Mr. Slaoui will serve as the chief adviser on the effort, and Gen. Gustave F. Perna, a four-star general who is in charge of the Army’s readiness as head of the Army Matériel Command, will be the chief operating officer.
Their appointments were formally announced at the White House on Friday. During the event in the Rose Garden, Mr. Trump reiterated that he hoped a vaccine would be developed by the end of the year and he said, “Vaccine or no vaccine, we’re back, and we’re starting the process.”Their appointments were formally announced at the White House on Friday. During the event in the Rose Garden, Mr. Trump reiterated that he hoped a vaccine would be developed by the end of the year and he said, “Vaccine or no vaccine, we’re back, and we’re starting the process.”
With new guidance for restaurant operators from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention favoring broad principles (“Intensify cleaning, sanitization, disinfection and ventilation”) over specific standards, our restaurant critic, Pete Wells, asked doctors and health experts for their suggestions on handling the risks of dining out while the virus is still a threat. Here are some of their recommendations.
Check your community’s health. Dining rooms are reopening in several states that have not met the criteria suggested by the White House for a phased reopening. You should check the latest data on virus cases in your community before deciding.
Know your personal risk. Anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 or who has recently come into contact with someone who has had the virus should stay home. And anyone who falls into one of the high-risk categories identified by the C.D.C. should be especially cautious about going out to restaurants — particularly older people.
Look around once you arrive. Are the tables far apart? Will the chairs permit at least six feet of space between customers? “The biggest red flag would just be crowding,” said Craig W. Hedberg, a professor in the School of Public Health at the University. “If people are crowded near the entrance or around the bar, or there’s a lot of interaction going on between staff and customers in proximity, then obviously they’re not operating in a mode that’s designed to prevent transmission of the virus.”
Consider a table outside. The virus spreads readily indoors, as shown by a study of a woman who appears to have transmitted it to nine other people who were eating in the same room of a restaurant in China. Recent evidence suggests that the risk of infection may be lower outdoors. Alfresco dining may be the way to go.
The House will be the stage for a bitter fight on Friday over a $3 trillion dollar relief package, including billions for states drowning in debt, as Washington absorbs another round of grim economic data.The House will be the stage for a bitter fight on Friday over a $3 trillion dollar relief package, including billions for states drowning in debt, as Washington absorbs another round of grim economic data.
The proposal, championed by House Democrats, includes nearly $1 trillion for state, local and tribal governments and territories, an extension of unemployment benefits and another round of $1,200 direct payments to American families. The measure would also provide a $25 billion bailout for the Postal Service — which the beleaguered agency has called a critical lifeline, but President Trump has opposed — and $3.6 billion to bolster election security.The proposal, championed by House Democrats, includes nearly $1 trillion for state, local and tribal governments and territories, an extension of unemployment benefits and another round of $1,200 direct payments to American families. The measure would also provide a $25 billion bailout for the Postal Service — which the beleaguered agency has called a critical lifeline, but President Trump has opposed — and $3.6 billion to bolster election security.
The White House has threatened a veto and said the legislation proposed by House Democrats was more concerned with “delivering on longstanding partisan and ideological wish lists than with enhancing the ability of our nation to deal with the public health and economic challenges we face.”The White House has threatened a veto and said the legislation proposed by House Democrats was more concerned with “delivering on longstanding partisan and ideological wish lists than with enhancing the ability of our nation to deal with the public health and economic challenges we face.”
The aid effort would be the fifth installment of an already sweeping assistance effort from the federal government, and Democrats and Republicans alike are facing growing pressure to act. On Wednesday, Jerome H. Powell, the Federal Reserve chair, warned that the economy was suffering a hit “without modern precedent” and said that new aid might be necessary.The aid effort would be the fifth installment of an already sweeping assistance effort from the federal government, and Democrats and Republicans alike are facing growing pressure to act. On Wednesday, Jerome H. Powell, the Federal Reserve chair, warned that the economy was suffering a hit “without modern precedent” and said that new aid might be necessary.
One day after Mr. Powell’s address, the government reported that nearly three million people filed unemployment claims last week, bringing the two-month tally to more than 36 million and signaling that scattershot reopenings of retail stores, nail salons and restaurants had not halted the flood of layoffs.One day after Mr. Powell’s address, the government reported that nearly three million people filed unemployment claims last week, bringing the two-month tally to more than 36 million and signaling that scattershot reopenings of retail stores, nail salons and restaurants had not halted the flood of layoffs.
A House vote on the Democratic proposal is not expected until Friday evening.A House vote on the Democratic proposal is not expected until Friday evening.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is using the $2 trillion economic stabilization law to throw a lifeline to education sectors she has long championed, directing millions of federal dollars intended primarily for public schools and colleges to private and religious schools.Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is using the $2 trillion economic stabilization law to throw a lifeline to education sectors she has long championed, directing millions of federal dollars intended primarily for public schools and colleges to private and religious schools.
Of $30 billion in the law for educational institutions turned upside down by the pandemic shutdowns, Ms. DeVos has used $180 million to encourage states to create “microgrants” that parents of elementary and secondary school students can use to pay for educational services, including private school tuition. She has directed school districts to share millions of dollars designated for low-income students with wealthy private schools.Of $30 billion in the law for educational institutions turned upside down by the pandemic shutdowns, Ms. DeVos has used $180 million to encourage states to create “microgrants” that parents of elementary and secondary school students can use to pay for educational services, including private school tuition. She has directed school districts to share millions of dollars designated for low-income students with wealthy private schools.
And she has nearly depleted the funding set aside for struggling colleges to bolster small colleges — many of them private, religious or on the margins of higher education — regardless of need. The Wright Graduate University for the Realization of Human Potential, a private college that has a website debunking claims that it is a cult, received about $495,000.And she has nearly depleted the funding set aside for struggling colleges to bolster small colleges — many of them private, religious or on the margins of higher education — regardless of need. The Wright Graduate University for the Realization of Human Potential, a private college that has a website debunking claims that it is a cult, received about $495,000.
House Democrats included language in a bill set for a vote on Friday that would limit Ms. DeVos’s ability to use about $58 billion in additional education relief for K-12 school districts for private schools. Congress has largely rejected Ms. DeVos’s proposals to create programs that resemble private school vouchers, and critics say Ms. DeVos is abusing discretion granted to her under emergency legislation to achieve a long-held agenda.House Democrats included language in a bill set for a vote on Friday that would limit Ms. DeVos’s ability to use about $58 billion in additional education relief for K-12 school districts for private schools. Congress has largely rejected Ms. DeVos’s proposals to create programs that resemble private school vouchers, and critics say Ms. DeVos is abusing discretion granted to her under emergency legislation to achieve a long-held agenda.
In a statement, the Education Department said that every student and teacher had been affected by the pandemic. “The current disruption to our education system has reaffirmed what Secretary DeVos has been saying for years: We need to rethink education for all students, of every age, no matter the type of school setting,” it said.In a statement, the Education Department said that every student and teacher had been affected by the pandemic. “The current disruption to our education system has reaffirmed what Secretary DeVos has been saying for years: We need to rethink education for all students, of every age, no matter the type of school setting,” it said.
New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware will allow beaches and lakeshores to open at 50 percent capacity Memorial Day weekend, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Friday.New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware will allow beaches and lakeshores to open at 50 percent capacity Memorial Day weekend, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Friday.
The announcement came as five parts of New York State began a gradual reopening on Friday with construction, manufacturing and curbside retail resuming. For the rest of the state that had not yet met reopening criteria, including New York City, stay-at-home orders were extended on Thursday night by executive order through May 28. (An earlier version of this briefing misstated the length of the stay-at-home order’s extension.)The announcement came as five parts of New York State began a gradual reopening on Friday with construction, manufacturing and curbside retail resuming. For the rest of the state that had not yet met reopening criteria, including New York City, stay-at-home orders were extended on Thursday night by executive order through May 28. (An earlier version of this briefing misstated the length of the stay-at-home order’s extension.)
Mr. Cuomo said Thursday that the remaining regions could reopen “the moment they hit their benchmarks.”Mr. Cuomo said Thursday that the remaining regions could reopen “the moment they hit their benchmarks.”
Even as Mr. Cuomo unveiled plans for beaches, he said that local governments could still decide to keep them closed, though they will have until Wednesday to decide. But he has also repeatedly said that any decisions about the waterfront would need to be made across the region to prevent overcrowding and excessive travel. If local officials did not enforce safety restrictions — like requirements for face coverings — or if beaches were overwhelmed, the states would step in and close them, he said.Even as Mr. Cuomo unveiled plans for beaches, he said that local governments could still decide to keep them closed, though they will have until Wednesday to decide. But he has also repeatedly said that any decisions about the waterfront would need to be made across the region to prevent overcrowding and excessive travel. If local officials did not enforce safety restrictions — like requirements for face coverings — or if beaches were overwhelmed, the states would step in and close them, he said.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said earlier Friday that New York City’s beaches would not open for Memorial Day weekend. The city was not likely to ease restrictions on business and gatherings until at least the first half of the June, he said.Mayor Bill de Blasio said earlier Friday that New York City’s beaches would not open for Memorial Day weekend. The city was not likely to ease restrictions on business and gatherings until at least the first half of the June, he said.
With a warmer weekend ahead, Mr. de Blasio said the city would try to reduce crowds at parks in Brooklyn and Manhattan and deploy police officers to limit access to the popular Sheep Meadow in Central Park.With a warmer weekend ahead, Mr. de Blasio said the city would try to reduce crowds at parks in Brooklyn and Manhattan and deploy police officers to limit access to the popular Sheep Meadow in Central Park.
But he also said the city would “reset” its approach to enforcing social distancing, focusing police officers on breaking up large groups. The police, he said, would also no longer be asked to enforce orders requiring people to wear face coverings.But he also said the city would “reset” its approach to enforcing social distancing, focusing police officers on breaking up large groups. The police, he said, would also no longer be asked to enforce orders requiring people to wear face coverings.
On Friday, the state reported 132 more virus-related deaths, its lowest daily total since March 26.On Friday, the state reported 132 more virus-related deaths, its lowest daily total since March 26.
There are now 110 cases in New York City of a rare and life-threatening inflammatory syndrome that afflicts children and appears to be connected to the virus, the mayor said. As of Thursday, three children had died statewide.There are now 110 cases in New York City of a rare and life-threatening inflammatory syndrome that afflicts children and appears to be connected to the virus, the mayor said. As of Thursday, three children had died statewide.
Coughs or sneezes may not be the only way people transmit infectious pathogens like the virus to one another. Talking can also propel thousands of droplets so small they can remain suspended in the air for eight to 14 minutes, according to a new study.Coughs or sneezes may not be the only way people transmit infectious pathogens like the virus to one another. Talking can also propel thousands of droplets so small they can remain suspended in the air for eight to 14 minutes, according to a new study.
The research, published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could help explain how people with mild or no symptoms may infect others in close quarters such as offices, nursing homes, cruise ships and other confined spaces.The research, published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could help explain how people with mild or no symptoms may infect others in close quarters such as offices, nursing homes, cruise ships and other confined spaces.
The study’s experimental conditions would need to be replicated in more real-world circumstances, and researchers still do not know how much virus has to be transmitted from one person to another to cause infection. But its findings strengthen the case for wearing masks and taking other precautions to reduce the spread of the virus.The study’s experimental conditions would need to be replicated in more real-world circumstances, and researchers still do not know how much virus has to be transmitted from one person to another to cause infection. But its findings strengthen the case for wearing masks and taking other precautions to reduce the spread of the virus.
Many people, cooped up inside to slow the spread of the virus, are living in small spaces and reeling from financial worries. Children are home from school in every state.Many people, cooped up inside to slow the spread of the virus, are living in small spaces and reeling from financial worries. Children are home from school in every state.
That has led to another spiraling crisis: Doctors and advocates for victims are seeing signs of an increase in violence at home. They are hearing accounts of people lashing out, particularly at women and children.That has led to another spiraling crisis: Doctors and advocates for victims are seeing signs of an increase in violence at home. They are hearing accounts of people lashing out, particularly at women and children.
“No one can leave,” said Kim Foxx, the chief prosecutor in Chicago. “You’re literally mandating that people who probably should not be together in the same space stay.”“No one can leave,” said Kim Foxx, the chief prosecutor in Chicago. “You’re literally mandating that people who probably should not be together in the same space stay.”
In Chicago, the number of people seeking help has increased significantly in recent weeks. During the first week of March, 383 people called a domestic violence hotline in the city. By the end of April, the weekly number had soared to 549.In Chicago, the number of people seeking help has increased significantly in recent weeks. During the first week of March, 383 people called a domestic violence hotline in the city. By the end of April, the weekly number had soared to 549.
In other cities, including Los Angeles and New York, the police have seen a drop in calls, but the authorities have said they believe that victims are in such close quarters with their abusers that they are unable to call the police.In other cities, including Los Angeles and New York, the police have seen a drop in calls, but the authorities have said they believe that victims are in such close quarters with their abusers that they are unable to call the police.
“The pandemic has put the pressure on,” said Amanda Pyron, the executive director of the Network, an advocacy organization in Chicago. “No one can go stay somewhere for a few days, have family come over, have the kids go stay with grandparents. Those safety supports aren’t accessible in a meaningful way.”“The pandemic has put the pressure on,” said Amanda Pyron, the executive director of the Network, an advocacy organization in Chicago. “No one can go stay somewhere for a few days, have family come over, have the kids go stay with grandparents. Those safety supports aren’t accessible in a meaningful way.”
The American health care system for years has supplied many hospitals with a clear playbook for turning a profit: Provide surgeries, scans and other well-reimbursed services to privately insured patients, whose plans pay higher prices than public programs like Medicare and Medicaid.The American health care system for years has supplied many hospitals with a clear playbook for turning a profit: Provide surgeries, scans and other well-reimbursed services to privately insured patients, whose plans pay higher prices than public programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
The outbreak has shown the vulnerabilities of this business model, with procedures canceled, tests postponed and millions of newly unemployed Americans expected to lose the health coverage they received at work.The outbreak has shown the vulnerabilities of this business model, with procedures canceled, tests postponed and millions of newly unemployed Americans expected to lose the health coverage they received at work.
“Health care has always been viewed as recession-proof, but it’s not pandemic-proof,” said Dr. David Blumenthal, president of the Commonwealth Fund, a health research organization. “The level of economic impact, plus the fear of coronavirus, will have a more dramatic impact than any event we’ve seen the health care system weather in my lifetime.”“Health care has always been viewed as recession-proof, but it’s not pandemic-proof,” said Dr. David Blumenthal, president of the Commonwealth Fund, a health research organization. “The level of economic impact, plus the fear of coronavirus, will have a more dramatic impact than any event we’ve seen the health care system weather in my lifetime.”
The disruption stretches from large, top-ranked hospitals like the Mayo Clinic to small, rural facilities, which all report losing between 40 to 70 percent of their patient volume.The disruption stretches from large, top-ranked hospitals like the Mayo Clinic to small, rural facilities, which all report losing between 40 to 70 percent of their patient volume.
It may ultimately leave Americans with less access to medical care, according to financial analysts, health economists and policy experts. “There is a huge threat to our capability to provide basic services,” Dr. Blumenthal said.It may ultimately leave Americans with less access to medical care, according to financial analysts, health economists and policy experts. “There is a huge threat to our capability to provide basic services,” Dr. Blumenthal said.
As high school and college come to a close for the Class of 2020, the virus has upended the traditional celebrations that accompany those milestones.As high school and college come to a close for the Class of 2020, the virus has upended the traditional celebrations that accompany those milestones.
Instead of walking across a stage to cheers, the nation’s nearly 3.7 million high school seniors and some 3 million college graduates will receive their diplomas in the mail or on their phones. And commencement speakers will offer life advice through a webcam, instead of looking across a sea of smiling graduates.Instead of walking across a stage to cheers, the nation’s nearly 3.7 million high school seniors and some 3 million college graduates will receive their diplomas in the mail or on their phones. And commencement speakers will offer life advice through a webcam, instead of looking across a sea of smiling graduates.
If there is an upside to the missing pomp and circumstance, it is that some of America’s biggest celebrities will offer well-wishes and deliver the keynote addresses in virtual ceremonies.If there is an upside to the missing pomp and circumstance, it is that some of America’s biggest celebrities will offer well-wishes and deliver the keynote addresses in virtual ceremonies.
Oprah Winfrey will offer a commencement speech in a live-streamed celebration hosted by Facebook at 2 p.m. Eastern time on Friday that will feature photographs and videos of graduates around the country. She will be joined — virtually — by more than 75 other celebrities, and Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak, former co-stars of “The Office,” will serve as hosts to the Facebook celebration. Next month, Ms. Winfrey will also headline a virtual graduation ceremony for high school seniors in Chicago, where she filmed her top-rated talk show for more than two decades.Oprah Winfrey will offer a commencement speech in a live-streamed celebration hosted by Facebook at 2 p.m. Eastern time on Friday that will feature photographs and videos of graduates around the country. She will be joined — virtually — by more than 75 other celebrities, and Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak, former co-stars of “The Office,” will serve as hosts to the Facebook celebration. Next month, Ms. Winfrey will also headline a virtual graduation ceremony for high school seniors in Chicago, where she filmed her top-rated talk show for more than two decades.
On Saturday, former President Barack Obama is scheduled to give two commencement speeches, the first at 2 p.m. Eastern for graduates of historically black colleges and universities, and another during a prime time special for high school graduates, airing at 8 p.m. Eastern on all the major television networks..On Saturday, former President Barack Obama is scheduled to give two commencement speeches, the first at 2 p.m. Eastern for graduates of historically black colleges and universities, and another during a prime time special for high school graduates, airing at 8 p.m. Eastern on all the major television networks..
Mr. Obama is also scheduled to speak at a YouTube-hosted commencement on June 6, along with Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys and the K-pop group BTS.Mr. Obama is also scheduled to speak at a YouTube-hosted commencement on June 6, along with Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys and the K-pop group BTS.
For more than 50 years, Cornelia Vertenstein, 92, has taught piano lessons from her home in Denver. Every week, through all those years, a parade of children came to her door, books in hand.For more than 50 years, Cornelia Vertenstein, 92, has taught piano lessons from her home in Denver. Every week, through all those years, a parade of children came to her door, books in hand.
They practiced for an hour at the Chickering & Sons piano that Ms. Vertenstein and her former husband, both Holocaust survivors from Romania, bought for $600 in 1965, two years after landing in the United States.They practiced for an hour at the Chickering & Sons piano that Ms. Vertenstein and her former husband, both Holocaust survivors from Romania, bought for $600 in 1965, two years after landing in the United States.
And when the children left, at least the little ones, Ms. Vertenstein gave them a sticker for encouragement. They gave her a hug.And when the children left, at least the little ones, Ms. Vertenstein gave them a sticker for encouragement. They gave her a hug.
The virus has put an end to those visits. But Ms. Vertenstein would not let it put an end to the lessons. And she certainly would not let it cancel spring recitals.The virus has put an end to those visits. But Ms. Vertenstein would not let it put an end to the lessons. And she certainly would not let it cancel spring recitals.
“I believe strongly in continuity,” Ms. Vertenstein said. “My students learn to be persistent in what they are doing. I try to teach them not only how to learn, but how to work.”“I believe strongly in continuity,” Ms. Vertenstein said. “My students learn to be persistent in what they are doing. I try to teach them not only how to learn, but how to work.”
She insisted that the lessons would continue. She called the students on their cellphones, using FaceTime on her iPad, at the exact time when their lessons were scheduled.She insisted that the lessons would continue. She called the students on their cellphones, using FaceTime on her iPad, at the exact time when their lessons were scheduled.
“They know that when she calls, they need to be at the piano, books prepared, with a pencil and already warmed up,” said Yvette Frampton, a mother of three of Ms. Vertenstein’s students.“They know that when she calls, they need to be at the piano, books prepared, with a pencil and already warmed up,” said Yvette Frampton, a mother of three of Ms. Vertenstein’s students.
With movie theaters closed because of the pandemic, many Hollywood producers have delayed the release of potential blockbusters. But on April 10, Universal Pictures made the animated sequel to its 2016 hit “Trolls” available as a digital rental on streaming platforms for $19.95.With movie theaters closed because of the pandemic, many Hollywood producers have delayed the release of potential blockbusters. But on April 10, Universal Pictures made the animated sequel to its 2016 hit “Trolls” available as a digital rental on streaming platforms for $19.95.
A month later, “Trolls World Tour” has brought in more than $100 million, a record for streaming. Universal said that when movie theaters reopened, it planned to release its films simultaneously in theaters and online, eliminating the theaters’ traditional window of exclusivity.A month later, “Trolls World Tour” has brought in more than $100 million, a record for streaming. Universal said that when movie theaters reopened, it planned to release its films simultaneously in theaters and online, eliminating the theaters’ traditional window of exclusivity.
James B. Stewart asks: Is this, finally, the death knell for the theater?James B. Stewart asks: Is this, finally, the death knell for the theater?
If theaters are no longer the only places to watch hot new movies, what is left to attract crowds? Big screens are nice, and there’s the debatable proposition that movies are more fun when watched with a crowd and the aroma of popcorn, but that’s not much of a business model.If theaters are no longer the only places to watch hot new movies, what is left to attract crowds? Big screens are nice, and there’s the debatable proposition that movies are more fun when watched with a crowd and the aroma of popcorn, but that’s not much of a business model.
But the concept that a theater could be an experience beyond the movie itself that would lure people out of their homes may offer a path forward.But the concept that a theater could be an experience beyond the movie itself that would lure people out of their homes may offer a path forward.
“Movie theaters have always come back, and when they do, they’ve been better,” said Maggie Valentine, author of “The Show Starts on the Sidewalk,” a history of movie theaters. She noted that the movie palaces of the 1920s were a response to the 1918 flu pandemic, and a drab, run-of-the-mill experience wouldn’t do the trick. “They had to give people a reason to leave their homes.”“Movie theaters have always come back, and when they do, they’ve been better,” said Maggie Valentine, author of “The Show Starts on the Sidewalk,” a history of movie theaters. She noted that the movie palaces of the 1920s were a response to the 1918 flu pandemic, and a drab, run-of-the-mill experience wouldn’t do the trick. “They had to give people a reason to leave their homes.”
In summer resort towns across the United States, livelihoods for the year are built in the 15 weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day.In summer resort towns across the United States, livelihoods for the year are built in the 15 weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
It is during those weeks that tourists from around the country and the world arrive to bask on the beach and gather for festivals and weddings, and tour operators, hoteliers, innkeepers, restaurant employees and others earn the bulk of their annual income.It is during those weeks that tourists from around the country and the world arrive to bask on the beach and gather for festivals and weddings, and tour operators, hoteliers, innkeepers, restaurant employees and others earn the bulk of their annual income.
But this year, with Memorial Day — the kickoff for summer — approaching, there will be fewer guests to welcome and likely no sizable weddings or festivals to host. Business owners in resort areas as disparate as Cape Cod, Mass., and Lake Chelan, Wash., say that as the start of summer approaches, they are having to face the difficult reality that little money will be made this year.But this year, with Memorial Day — the kickoff for summer — approaching, there will be fewer guests to welcome and likely no sizable weddings or festivals to host. Business owners in resort areas as disparate as Cape Cod, Mass., and Lake Chelan, Wash., say that as the start of summer approaches, they are having to face the difficult reality that little money will be made this year.
“I was all booked for next weekend and Memorial Day weekend, which is when things really kick off, but now everything has been canceled and we have zero income,” said Barb Rishel, the owner of the Wellington Inn, a 10-room bed-and-breakfast in Traverse City, Mich. “It’s devastating. It’s bleak.”“I was all booked for next weekend and Memorial Day weekend, which is when things really kick off, but now everything has been canceled and we have zero income,” said Barb Rishel, the owner of the Wellington Inn, a 10-room bed-and-breakfast in Traverse City, Mich. “It’s devastating. It’s bleak.”
Considering starting therapy? Even if you’re meeting online, an interview can help you determine whether or not the therapy, or the therapist, is a good fit.Considering starting therapy? Even if you’re meeting online, an interview can help you determine whether or not the therapy, or the therapist, is a good fit.
Industrial production surged last month in China, according to data released on Friday.Industrial production surged last month in China, according to data released on Friday.
Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, Mary Williams Walsh, Erica L. Green, Katie Thomas, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Knvul Sheikh, Marc Santora, Ben Casselman, Neil MacFarquhar, Sapna Maheshwari, Sarah Mervosh, William K. Rashbaum, J. David Goodman, Jeffrey C. Mays, Joseph Goldstein, Michael Gold, Dagny Salas, Karen Barrow, John Branch, Julie Bosman, Kay Nolan, Campbell Robertson, Sheila Kaplan, Emily Cochrane, Nicholas Fandos, James B. Stewart, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Sarah Kliff, Tariro Mzezewa, Chris Dixon, Maggie Haberman and Noah Weiland. Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, Mary Williams Walsh, Michael Cooper, Erica L. Green, Katie Thomas, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Knvul Sheikh, Marc Santora, Ben Casselman, Neil MacFarquhar, Sapna Maheshwari, Sarah Mervosh, William K. Rashbaum, J. David Goodman, Jeffrey C. Mays, Joseph Goldstein, Michael Gold, Dagny Salas, Karen Barrow, John Branch, Julie Bosman, Kay Nolan, Campbell Robertson, Sheila Kaplan, Emily Cochrane, Nicholas Fandos, James B. Stewart, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Sarah Kliff, Tariro Mzezewa, Chris Dixon, Maggie Haberman and Noah Weiland.