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Coronavirus Live Updates: Italy Prepares to Ease Limits on Travel Italy Prepares to Ease Coronavirus Travel Limits: Live Coverage
(about 1 hour later)
Italy will lift travel restrictions beginning on June 3, under a decree adopted by the government on Saturday that will open the door to renewed tourism, one of the country’s hardest-hit sectors.Italy will lift travel restrictions beginning on June 3, under a decree adopted by the government on Saturday that will open the door to renewed tourism, one of the country’s hardest-hit sectors.
The measure, in a country that is emerging from one of Europe’s tightest coronavirus lockdowns, will permit freer movement by private and public transportation within the country’s regions.The measure, in a country that is emerging from one of Europe’s tightest coronavirus lockdowns, will permit freer movement by private and public transportation within the country’s regions.
If there are fresh outbreaks of the coronavirus, the government could reimpose restrictive measures, according to a statement. A 14-day quarantine will continue to be applied to people who have been in close contact with anyone infected by the virus.If there are fresh outbreaks of the coronavirus, the government could reimpose restrictive measures, according to a statement. A 14-day quarantine will continue to be applied to people who have been in close contact with anyone infected by the virus.
On Monday, shops, bars, restaurants, hairdressers and other businesses will reopen, with stringent social distancing and hygiene rules. Regions are required to monitor their hospitals and the epidemiological situation on a daily basis, and group gatherings are still banned.On Monday, shops, bars, restaurants, hairdressers and other businesses will reopen, with stringent social distancing and hygiene rules. Regions are required to monitor their hospitals and the epidemiological situation on a daily basis, and group gatherings are still banned.
Religious services will also be allowed to restart on Monday, adhering to strict “protocols to prevent the risk of contagion,” the statement said. The easing of rules means that Mass will be again celebrated at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, which underwent a thorough cleaning with disinfectant on Friday.Religious services will also be allowed to restart on Monday, adhering to strict “protocols to prevent the risk of contagion,” the statement said. The easing of rules means that Mass will be again celebrated at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, which underwent a thorough cleaning with disinfectant on Friday.
The Vatican’s spokesman, Matteo Bruni, said on Thursday that those participating in religious functions at St. Peter’s and at Rome’s three other papal basilicas would be subject to temperature checks.The Vatican’s spokesman, Matteo Bruni, said on Thursday that those participating in religious functions at St. Peter’s and at Rome’s three other papal basilicas would be subject to temperature checks.
Italy has been among the hardest countries in Europe by the pandemic, with more than 220,000 confirmed cases and 31,600 deaths. The country’s tourism industry, which, along with cultural activities, accounts for an estimated 20 percent of the country’s economic output, has been effectively grounded during the lockdown, and the government allocated 5 billion euro (about $5.4 billion) toward these sectors.Italy has been among the hardest countries in Europe by the pandemic, with more than 220,000 confirmed cases and 31,600 deaths. The country’s tourism industry, which, along with cultural activities, accounts for an estimated 20 percent of the country’s economic output, has been effectively grounded during the lockdown, and the government allocated 5 billion euro (about $5.4 billion) toward these sectors.
A Chinese health official has suggested that some labs destroyed coronavirus samples in the early days of the outbreak, saying that such steps were required for biosafety reasons.A Chinese health official has suggested that some labs destroyed coronavirus samples in the early days of the outbreak, saying that such steps were required for biosafety reasons.
The official, Liu Dengfeng, said at a news briefing on Friday that Chinese law required labs not equipped to handle highly contagious specimens to destroy them to “prevent secondary disasters caused by unknown pathogens.”The official, Liu Dengfeng, said at a news briefing on Friday that Chinese law required labs not equipped to handle highly contagious specimens to destroy them to “prevent secondary disasters caused by unknown pathogens.”
Health officials had quickly labeled the coronavirus as “highly pathogenic” after beginning to investigate it in December, said Mr. Liu, a member of China’s National Health Commission.Health officials had quickly labeled the coronavirus as “highly pathogenic” after beginning to investigate it in December, said Mr. Liu, a member of China’s National Health Commission.
“Chinese laws have strict requirements for the storage, destruction and study of highly pathogenic samples,” he said. “For laboratories that do not meet the storage standards, the samples should be destroyed or transferred to a professional depository.”“Chinese laws have strict requirements for the storage, destruction and study of highly pathogenic samples,” he said. “For laboratories that do not meet the storage standards, the samples should be destroyed or transferred to a professional depository.”
Mr. Liu did not say how those labs would have acquired samples in the first place.Mr. Liu did not say how those labs would have acquired samples in the first place.
The virus is believed to have emerged in a wet market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the outbreak was first detected. A research lab in the city has been the focus of unproven theories about the outbreak’s origins. Mr. Liu did not specify details of any labs that may have destroyed samples.The virus is believed to have emerged in a wet market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the outbreak was first detected. A research lab in the city has been the focus of unproven theories about the outbreak’s origins. Mr. Liu did not specify details of any labs that may have destroyed samples.
Several world leaders have questioned China’s transparency and willingness to participate in international inquiries into the virus’s origins. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have accused China of destroying lab samples when the virus emerged in order to try to conceal the outbreak.Several world leaders have questioned China’s transparency and willingness to participate in international inquiries into the virus’s origins. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have accused China of destroying lab samples when the virus emerged in order to try to conceal the outbreak.
Mr. Pompeo has also backed President Trump’s assertion that the coronavirus originated in a lab in Wuhan, though intelligence agencies say they have reached no conclusion on the issue.Mr. Pompeo has also backed President Trump’s assertion that the coronavirus originated in a lab in Wuhan, though intelligence agencies say they have reached no conclusion on the issue.
Chinese officials have aggressively pushed back against the accusations. Mr. Liu said that U.S. officials’ remarks were “purely out of context” and “intended to confuse.”Chinese officials have aggressively pushed back against the accusations. Mr. Liu said that U.S. officials’ remarks were “purely out of context” and “intended to confuse.”
Amid forecasts of record-breaking heat, Greece on Saturday opened hundreds of beaches, continuing the gradual lifting of restrictions imposed in March to curb the spread of the coronavirus.Amid forecasts of record-breaking heat, Greece on Saturday opened hundreds of beaches, continuing the gradual lifting of restrictions imposed in March to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The move is “an important test that we must pass successfully,” a government spokesman, Stelios Petsas, said last week.The move is “an important test that we must pass successfully,” a government spokesman, Stelios Petsas, said last week.
“The whole world is watching Greece, which has so far shown an exemplary response to the pandemic,” he said, referring to the country’s early imposition of restrictions. The country has recorded 2,810 coronavirus cases and 160 deaths.“The whole world is watching Greece, which has so far shown an exemplary response to the pandemic,” he said, referring to the country’s early imposition of restrictions. The country has recorded 2,810 coronavirus cases and 160 deaths.
The opening came as temperatures were forecast to hit over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) in Athens and about 106 Fahrenheit (41 Celsius) in the southern Peloponnese peninsula and other parts of the mainland. That would make it the hottest mid-May in 150 years, according to Greek meteorologists.The opening came as temperatures were forecast to hit over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) in Athens and about 106 Fahrenheit (41 Celsius) in the southern Peloponnese peninsula and other parts of the mainland. That would make it the hottest mid-May in 150 years, according to Greek meteorologists.
Television coverage showed beaches around Greece dotted with people on Saturday, with numbers expected to grow as temperatures rise throughout the day. In Glyfada, a coastal Athens suburb that draws large crowds in summer, managers of one beach used drones to ensure that people practiced social distancing.Television coverage showed beaches around Greece dotted with people on Saturday, with numbers expected to grow as temperatures rise throughout the day. In Glyfada, a coastal Athens suburb that draws large crowds in summer, managers of one beach used drones to ensure that people practiced social distancing.
A distance of about 5 feet between sun loungers is required at the beaches, and alcohol and music are banned. Employees must wear masks and gloves, and disinfect sun loungers and tables between uses. Beach managers faces fines of up to 20,000 euros (about $21,600) for violations, and closure for a month.A distance of about 5 feet between sun loungers is required at the beaches, and alcohol and music are banned. Employees must wear masks and gloves, and disinfect sun loungers and tables between uses. Beach managers faces fines of up to 20,000 euros (about $21,600) for violations, and closure for a month.
As the authorities prepare to reopen Greece’s crucial tourism sector, a ban on travel to the country’s islands is being gradually lifted, starting with ferry connections to Crete on Monday. Domestic flights will gradually resume from Monday, though restrictions on international routes remain in place.As the authorities prepare to reopen Greece’s crucial tourism sector, a ban on travel to the country’s islands is being gradually lifted, starting with ferry connections to Crete on Monday. Domestic flights will gradually resume from Monday, though restrictions on international routes remain in place.
Thousands of children who beg in cities in northern Nigeria have been crammed into open trucks and driven across state borders back to their home villages despite a ban on interstate travel imposed in April, raising fears that the move could spread the coronavirus across Africa’s most populated country.Thousands of children who beg in cities in northern Nigeria have been crammed into open trucks and driven across state borders back to their home villages despite a ban on interstate travel imposed in April, raising fears that the move could spread the coronavirus across Africa’s most populated country.
At least 2,000 of the children, who attended Quranic schools and were often sent out to beg in the streets, have been put into quarantine, according to local news reports. Many have tested positive for the coronavirus.At least 2,000 of the children, who attended Quranic schools and were often sent out to beg in the streets, have been put into quarantine, according to local news reports. Many have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Last week, the governor of Kaduna State told a Nigerian television channel that 30,000 of the children, known as almajirai, had been repatriated to their home states from Kaduna alone.Last week, the governor of Kaduna State told a Nigerian television channel that 30,000 of the children, known as almajirai, had been repatriated to their home states from Kaduna alone.
“We didn’t take this decision because of Covid-19, but Covid-19 provided us with the opportunity because Covid-19 enables us to know where the almajiris are and to get them at one go,” said the governor, Nasir El-Rufai.“We didn’t take this decision because of Covid-19, but Covid-19 provided us with the opportunity because Covid-19 enables us to know where the almajiris are and to get them at one go,” said the governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
He added that northern governors had been determined to end the almajiri system for some time. Under the system, children as young as 5 can spend up to a decade in boardinghouses memorizing the Quran.He added that northern governors had been determined to end the almajiri system for some time. Under the system, children as young as 5 can spend up to a decade in boardinghouses memorizing the Quran.
Millions of children are out of school in Nigeria, according to the United Nations children’s agency.Millions of children are out of school in Nigeria, according to the United Nations children’s agency.
The Diamond Princess cruise ship, the site of a coronavirus outbreak among more than 700 passengers and crew members during a two-week quarantine in Japan in February, left Yokohama on Saturday after three months docked at the port.The Diamond Princess cruise ship, the site of a coronavirus outbreak among more than 700 passengers and crew members during a two-week quarantine in Japan in February, left Yokohama on Saturday after three months docked at the port.
Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, reported that the cruise ship had been undergoing disinfection for the past three months. It said the ship was sailing for Malaysia.Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, reported that the cruise ship had been undergoing disinfection for the past three months. It said the ship was sailing for Malaysia.
At the time of the February quarantine, the Diamond Princess — which is operated by Princess Cruises, a unit of Carnival Corporation — represented the largest concentration of coronavirus cases outside China, meriting its own category in data compiled by the World Health Organization. Fourteen people ultimately died from coronavirus contracted aboard the ship.At the time of the February quarantine, the Diamond Princess — which is operated by Princess Cruises, a unit of Carnival Corporation — represented the largest concentration of coronavirus cases outside China, meriting its own category in data compiled by the World Health Organization. Fourteen people ultimately died from coronavirus contracted aboard the ship.
The United States and other countries evacuated their citizens from the ship during the quarantine, and Japan faced criticism for its handling of the outbreak.The United States and other countries evacuated their citizens from the ship during the quarantine, and Japan faced criticism for its handling of the outbreak.
This month, Princess announced that because of the pandemic it was extending a suspension of most of its cruises through the summer.This month, Princess announced that because of the pandemic it was extending a suspension of most of its cruises through the summer.
A sense of normalcy is beginning to return to the Netherlands: Schools have started reopening, people can have their hair cut — and single people are allowed to have sex again with people outside their homes.
Since countries locked down and advised people to keep a safe distance from one another, those who live alone or are single have largely relied on the internet for companionship and dating.
Acknowledging that human touch is important, the Dutch government this week decided to loosen its rules on sex in the pandemic, allowing a “sex buddy,” provided that the two parties are in strict agreement about trying to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
“Discuss together how to best do that,” the guidelines say. “Follow the rules around the new coronavirus.”
Initially, guidance from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment instructed people to have sex only with their steady partners. The term “sex buddy” was removed from the website after drawing attention from the international news media.
A spokeswoman for the institute told the Dutch news website NU.nl that the advice did not encourage people to have “random sex contacts,” but that people who already knew each other or were in relationships and didn’t live in the same household were allowed to have sex again.
Different places have taken varying approaches as the coronavirus has spread. In Denmark, sex has been allowed throughout the pandemic. And New York City issued guidance in March that advised avoiding sexual contact with people from other households.
“You are your safest sex partner,” the advice read.
With nearly half of Britain’s population experiencing “high” levels of anxiety during the pandemic, psychiatrists say that they have seen an increase in first-time emergency cases during the lockdown, and that a sudden drop in routine appointments makes them fear for a “tsunami of mental health after the pandemic.”With nearly half of Britain’s population experiencing “high” levels of anxiety during the pandemic, psychiatrists say that they have seen an increase in first-time emergency cases during the lockdown, and that a sudden drop in routine appointments makes them fear for a “tsunami of mental health after the pandemic.”
In a survey of over 1,300 mental health doctors across Britain, the Royal College of Psychiatrists wrote on Friday that nearly half had seen a drop-off in routine care. In particular, one psychiatrist wrote: “In old-age psychiatry, our patients appear to have evaporated. I think people are too fearful to seek help.”In a survey of over 1,300 mental health doctors across Britain, the Royal College of Psychiatrists wrote on Friday that nearly half had seen a drop-off in routine care. In particular, one psychiatrist wrote: “In old-age psychiatry, our patients appear to have evaporated. I think people are too fearful to seek help.”
As many nations have eased confinement rules but retain some forms of lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus, the World Health Organization’s director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has said that “mental health needs must be treated as a core element of our response to and recovery from” the pandemic.As many nations have eased confinement rules but retain some forms of lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus, the World Health Organization’s director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has said that “mental health needs must be treated as a core element of our response to and recovery from” the pandemic.
Troubles include depression and various mental issues stemming from isolation and increased stress. The Center for Mental Health, a British independent charity, has forecast an increase in post-traumatic stress disorder. Britain has been one of the worst-hit European countries in the pandemic, with over 236,000 confirmed cases and nearly 34,000 deaths as of Saturday.Troubles include depression and various mental issues stemming from isolation and increased stress. The Center for Mental Health, a British independent charity, has forecast an increase in post-traumatic stress disorder. Britain has been one of the worst-hit European countries in the pandemic, with over 236,000 confirmed cases and nearly 34,000 deaths as of Saturday.
“If the economic impact is similar to that of the post-2008 recession, then we could expect 500,000 additional people experiencing mental health problems,” the charity wrote.“If the economic impact is similar to that of the post-2008 recession, then we could expect 500,000 additional people experiencing mental health problems,” the charity wrote.
Just before the coronavirus arrived in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced serious challenges, perhaps the biggest of his tenure.Just before the coronavirus arrived in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced serious challenges, perhaps the biggest of his tenure.
Antigovernment protests roiled the country. Hindu-Muslim riots exploded in the capital just as President Trump was visiting. And India’s once-hot economy was slumping, shedding millions of jobs and casting a pall over the entire country.Antigovernment protests roiled the country. Hindu-Muslim riots exploded in the capital just as President Trump was visiting. And India’s once-hot economy was slumping, shedding millions of jobs and casting a pall over the entire country.
Since then, as the world has been walloped by the coronavirus pandemic, many of these problems in India, especially the economic ones, have gotten worse. But once again, India has rallied around Mr. Modi, with recent opinion polls showing his already high approval ratings touching 80, even 90, percent.Since then, as the world has been walloped by the coronavirus pandemic, many of these problems in India, especially the economic ones, have gotten worse. But once again, India has rallied around Mr. Modi, with recent opinion polls showing his already high approval ratings touching 80, even 90, percent.
Analysts say that Mr. Modi’s success may be durable.Analysts say that Mr. Modi’s success may be durable.
His nationwide stay-at-home lockdown, which he dropped on the country with four hours’ notice, has been largely obeyed. He never played down the virus threat or said India had capabilities it did not. And unlike in the United States, where partisan politics has gummed up the response and created great discord, analysts say Mr. Modi has worked well with state-level officials across India, regardless of ideology.His nationwide stay-at-home lockdown, which he dropped on the country with four hours’ notice, has been largely obeyed. He never played down the virus threat or said India had capabilities it did not. And unlike in the United States, where partisan politics has gummed up the response and created great discord, analysts say Mr. Modi has worked well with state-level officials across India, regardless of ideology.
It has not been a spotless performance, however. Mr. Modi’s government was caught off guard by an exodus of migrant workers pouring out of India’s cities, making desperate and sometimes fatal journeys hundreds of miles home. (On Saturday, more than 20 migrants were killed in a truck crash as they traveled home.)It has not been a spotless performance, however. Mr. Modi’s government was caught off guard by an exodus of migrant workers pouring out of India’s cities, making desperate and sometimes fatal journeys hundreds of miles home. (On Saturday, more than 20 migrants were killed in a truck crash as they traveled home.)
And many economists believe that an $260 billion relief package that he announced this week will hardly be enough.And many economists believe that an $260 billion relief package that he announced this week will hardly be enough.
On Saturday, soccer fans in the Faroe Islands will live the dream of millions of global sports fans who have lived under weeks of lockdowns when they return to stadiums to watch a game.On Saturday, soccer fans in the Faroe Islands will live the dream of millions of global sports fans who have lived under weeks of lockdowns when they return to stadiums to watch a game.
The move comes after the self-governing archipelago, which is part of Denmark, quashed an outbreak of the coronavirus, prompting the local government to allow spectators to begin attending the national soccer league’s second round.The move comes after the self-governing archipelago, which is part of Denmark, quashed an outbreak of the coronavirus, prompting the local government to allow spectators to begin attending the national soccer league’s second round.
The first round was played in empty stadiums last week, and four matches are scheduled for Sunday. Each team can bring in only 100 fans per match, and the stadium must leave every second seat and every second row empty.The first round was played in empty stadiums last week, and four matches are scheduled for Sunday. Each team can bring in only 100 fans per match, and the stadium must leave every second seat and every second row empty.
After the coronavirus arrived, the North Atlantic nation closed schools and put in place an expansive testing regime. Many tests were conducted in labs created 20 years ago to combat a flu that killed 90 percent of the islands’ salmon. The Faroe Islands have registered no new coronavirus cases since April 25.After the coronavirus arrived, the North Atlantic nation closed schools and put in place an expansive testing regime. Many tests were conducted in labs created 20 years ago to combat a flu that killed 90 percent of the islands’ salmon. The Faroe Islands have registered no new coronavirus cases since April 25.
In Germany, meanwhile, the nation’s soccer league is entering uncharted territory. It has been 65 days since the Bundesliga went into hibernation, and on Saturday, at 3:30 p.m. local time, it plans to return — though to stadiums empty of fans. In Germany, meanwhile, the nation’s soccer league is entering uncharted territory. It has been 65 days since the Bundesliga went into hibernation, and on Saturday afternoon it returned — though to stadiums empty of fans.
Many in Germany, including some fan groups, believe that the Bundesliga has hurried back with money as its only motivation. By returning, it has turned a problem into an opportunity, having long sought to end the primacy of England’s Premier League in soccer’s global landscape.Many in Germany, including some fan groups, believe that the Bundesliga has hurried back with money as its only motivation. By returning, it has turned a problem into an opportunity, having long sought to end the primacy of England’s Premier League in soccer’s global landscape.
But the return is also down to a broader political reality.But the return is also down to a broader political reality.
“We can be the first to start again because of our health care system,” said Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s sporting director. “We are thankful to have the opportunity.”“We can be the first to start again because of our health care system,” said Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s sporting director. “We are thankful to have the opportunity.”
With U.S. retail sales plunging, jobless claims mounting and states buffeted by seas of red ink, the House narrowly passed a $3 trillion pandemic relief package to help struggling state and local governments and another round of direct $1,200 payments to individuals, advancing a proposal with little chance of becoming law over near-unanimous Republican opposition. The number of new confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States has steadily declined in recent days, but that progress is tenuous and uncertain.
Democratic leaders characterized the package, which President Trump has promised to veto, as their opening offer in future negotiations over coronavirus aid, even amid rifts within their own ranks. Only about 3 percent of the population has been tested. More than 20,000 new cases are identified most days. And almost every day this past week, more than 1,000 Americans died from the virus. The total death toll is now over 87,000.
With nearly $1 trillion in aid to battered states, cities and Native American populations, and another round of bolstered jobless benefits and direct government payments to Americans, the measure was an expansive sequel to the $2.2 trillion stimulus enacted in March. That has left the nation at a perilous moment, beginning to reopen businesses and ease social distancing measures despite the risk of a resurgence.
Mr. Trump and Republicans have expressed reluctance to commit to another phase of federal assistance and have made it clear that they are in no rush to provide it. “We’re seeing a decline — undoubtedly, that is something good to see,” said Jeffrey Shaman, an epidemiologist at Columbia University. “But what we are also seeing is a lot of places right on the edge of controlling the disease.”
The bill passed on a tight margin, 208-199, as some moderate Democrats from conservative-leaning districts rejected it as a costly overreach that included provisions unrelated to the pandemic. Reopenings might ease the nation’s intense economic pain: More than 36 million people have filed unemployment claims in the past two months, and on Friday the Commerce Department reported that retail sales had fallen a record 16.4 percent in April.
A divided House narrowly passed a $3 trillion pandemic relief package on Friday, including aid for state and local governments and another round of $1,200 payments to taxpayers, but Republican opposition has been near-unanimous and the bill stands little chance of becoming law.
Here’s what else is happening in the U.S.:Here’s what else is happening in the U.S.:
Retail sales plunged 16.4 percent, according to government data reported Friday. That dive followed an 8.3 percent drop in March, producing by far the largest two-month decline on record. Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Friday that opening New York City’s 14 miles of public beaches was “not in the cards” by the Memorial Day holiday next weekend, when they have traditionally opened for swimming. He said they would remain closed until officials were confident that the beaches could be used without a serious risk of spreading the coronavirus.
A coronavirus testing program in the Seattle area — promoted by the billionaire Bill Gates and local public health officials as a way of conducting wider surveillance on the virus’s spread — has been ordered by the federal government to stop its work pending additional reviews. Former President Barack Obama is set to give two virtual commencement speeches to graduating college and high school seniors on Saturday in his first public addresses to a national audience during the pandemic.
Like millions of American workers, an Indian software engineer, a British market researcher and an Iranian architect lost their jobs amid the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike Americans, they are not entitled to unemployment benefits, despite paying taxes, because they are on foreign work visas. And if they cannot find similar jobs soon, they must leave the country.
The lives of tens of thousands of foreign workers on skilled-worker visas, like H-1Bs, have been upended by the economic fallout from the pandemic. Many had been waiting for years to obtain permanent legal residency through their employer, and now face the prospect of deportation.
The Trump administration is also expected in the next few weeks to halt the issuance of new work visas like the H-1B, for high-skilled foreigners, and the H-2B, for seasonal employment. New measures under review would also eliminate a program that enables foreign graduates of American universities to remain in the country and work.
The tightening rules come as unemployment in the U.S. soared last month to 14.7 percent, the highest level on record, and as calls escalated in Congress for Americans to be given priority for jobs.
Taiwan and New Zealand, with far fewer Covid-19 infections and deaths than their wealthy peers, have all but halted coronavirus transmission. Germany has a much lower death rate than the rest of Western Europe. Finland has fared better than its neighbors.Taiwan and New Zealand, with far fewer Covid-19 infections and deaths than their wealthy peers, have all but halted coronavirus transmission. Germany has a much lower death rate than the rest of Western Europe. Finland has fared better than its neighbors.
And like several other countries that have done well in handling the pandemic, they are led by women.And like several other countries that have done well in handling the pandemic, they are led by women.
These successes may not prove anything intrinsic about women’s leadership, but experts say they could offer valuable lessons about crisis management.These successes may not prove anything intrinsic about women’s leadership, but experts say they could offer valuable lessons about crisis management.
For starters, the presence of a female leader can signal that a country has more inclusive political institutions and values. That bodes well for a handling a crisis: Taking information from diverse sources and having the humility to listen to outsiders are crucial for successful pandemic response, Devi Sridhar, the chair of global health at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, wrote in the British Medical Journal.For starters, the presence of a female leader can signal that a country has more inclusive political institutions and values. That bodes well for a handling a crisis: Taking information from diverse sources and having the humility to listen to outsiders are crucial for successful pandemic response, Devi Sridhar, the chair of global health at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, wrote in the British Medical Journal.
Whereas Ms. Merkel’s government considered epidemiological models, the input of medical providers and the success of South Korea’s efforts, governments in many countries with high death tolls have relied primarily on their own advisers, with few channels for dissent or outside views.Whereas Ms. Merkel’s government considered epidemiological models, the input of medical providers and the success of South Korea’s efforts, governments in many countries with high death tolls have relied primarily on their own advisers, with few channels for dissent or outside views.
President Trump’s decision not to wear a mask aligns with a common view that a strong leader exhibits a swaggering notion of masculinity — projecting power, acting aggressively and showing no fear.President Trump’s decision not to wear a mask aligns with a common view that a strong leader exhibits a swaggering notion of masculinity — projecting power, acting aggressively and showing no fear.
Women, however powerful, often have to avoid such behaviors or risk being “seen as unfeminine,” said Alice Evans, a sociologist at King’s College London.Women, however powerful, often have to avoid such behaviors or risk being “seen as unfeminine,” said Alice Evans, a sociologist at King’s College London.
Male leaders can overcome gendered expectations. But it may be less politically costly for women to adopt cautious, defensive policies because it does not violate perceived gender norms.Male leaders can overcome gendered expectations. But it may be less politically costly for women to adopt cautious, defensive policies because it does not violate perceived gender norms.
Brazil’s health minister, Nelson Teich, said on Friday that he was stepping down less than a month after taking the job, after clashing with President Jair Bolsonaro over the president’s decision not to embrace social distancing and quarantines.Brazil’s health minister, Nelson Teich, said on Friday that he was stepping down less than a month after taking the job, after clashing with President Jair Bolsonaro over the president’s decision not to embrace social distancing and quarantines.
Last month, Mr. Bolsonaro fired the previous health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, who had butted heads with the president over the same issues. Mr. Teich addressed a news conference on Friday but did not provide a reason for his resignation.Last month, Mr. Bolsonaro fired the previous health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, who had butted heads with the president over the same issues. Mr. Teich addressed a news conference on Friday but did not provide a reason for his resignation.
While governors and mayors in much of the country have urged Brazilians to stay home as much as possible, Mr. Bolsonaro has implored them to go out and work, arguing that an economic unraveling would be more damaging to the country than the virus is. This week he classified beauty salons and gyms as essential businesses that should remain open.While governors and mayors in much of the country have urged Brazilians to stay home as much as possible, Mr. Bolsonaro has implored them to go out and work, arguing that an economic unraveling would be more damaging to the country than the virus is. This week he classified beauty salons and gyms as essential businesses that should remain open.
He has repeatedly played down the pandemic, at one point dismissing Covid-19 as “a measly cold,” and has touted an unproven drug as an effective treatment. Asked in April about Brazil’s fast-growing death toll, he said: “So what? Sorry, but what do you want me to do?”He has repeatedly played down the pandemic, at one point dismissing Covid-19 as “a measly cold,” and has touted an unproven drug as an effective treatment. Asked in April about Brazil’s fast-growing death toll, he said: “So what? Sorry, but what do you want me to do?”
Brazil has more than 200,000 confirmed coronavirus infections and over 14,000 deaths. Those figures, among the highest in the world and rising sharply, still grossly underrepresent the extent of the epidemic, experts say, because Brazil has limited testing capacity.Brazil has more than 200,000 confirmed coronavirus infections and over 14,000 deaths. Those figures, among the highest in the world and rising sharply, still grossly underrepresent the extent of the epidemic, experts say, because Brazil has limited testing capacity.
Officially, the country is recording more than 800 coronavirus deaths per day, second only to the United States.Officially, the country is recording more than 800 coronavirus deaths per day, second only to the United States.
Hannah Beech, the Southeast Asia bureau chief for The Times, is based in Bangkok and covers conflict and natural disasters in about a dozen countries. Among them is Myanmar, where she has reported on the military’s campaign of ethnic cleansing targeting the Rohingya Muslim minority. In the course of her reporting in the region, she has met children whose parents killed themselves as suicide bombers and others who watched as soldiers bayoneted their relatives.Hannah Beech, the Southeast Asia bureau chief for The Times, is based in Bangkok and covers conflict and natural disasters in about a dozen countries. Among them is Myanmar, where she has reported on the military’s campaign of ethnic cleansing targeting the Rohingya Muslim minority. In the course of her reporting in the region, she has met children whose parents killed themselves as suicide bombers and others who watched as soldiers bayoneted their relatives.
I didn’t want to be that parent, the one who talks about how when I was a child I had to walk uphill both ways, in the snow, just to get to school.I didn’t want to be that parent, the one who talks about how when I was a child I had to walk uphill both ways, in the snow, just to get to school.
For one thing, I spent some of my childhood in Bangkok, where I now live with my husband and two sons. There is no snow in Bangkok and not much uphill.For one thing, I spent some of my childhood in Bangkok, where I now live with my husband and two sons. There is no snow in Bangkok and not much uphill.
So when my boys, ages 10 and 12, ask me at dinner what I did on a reporting trip — “going away again,” as they call it — I often hesitate.So when my boys, ages 10 and 12, ask me at dinner what I did on a reporting trip — “going away again,” as they call it — I often hesitate.
“Well, Mama interviewed women who were raped when they were trying to flee their homes,” doesn’t seem quite right for the dinner table. Or, “Well, Mama put Mentholatum under her nose because it makes death smell a little less bad.”“Well, Mama interviewed women who were raped when they were trying to flee their homes,” doesn’t seem quite right for the dinner table. Or, “Well, Mama put Mentholatum under her nose because it makes death smell a little less bad.”
But I don’t want to coddle them either. My husband and I ensure that the kids eat what we eat, even if it’s okra. We make them read The Times.But I don’t want to coddle them either. My husband and I ensure that the kids eat what we eat, even if it’s okra. We make them read The Times.
I find myself, too often, comparing them, in their privileged bubble of international school and summer camp in Maine, to the boy I met in a refugee camp or the girl with the big eyes who lost her parents in one of Southeast Asia’s drumbeat of disasters: earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, landslides, floods, plane crashes, bombings.I find myself, too often, comparing them, in their privileged bubble of international school and summer camp in Maine, to the boy I met in a refugee camp or the girl with the big eyes who lost her parents in one of Southeast Asia’s drumbeat of disasters: earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, landslides, floods, plane crashes, bombings.
There is, as my children have discovered, a lot of bad news out there. Tap here to read Hannah Beech’s full dispatch on parenting through the pandemic.There is, as my children have discovered, a lot of bad news out there. Tap here to read Hannah Beech’s full dispatch on parenting through the pandemic.
Reporting was contributed by Hannah Beech, Chris Buckley, Ben Casselman, Jeffrey Gettleman, Miriam Jordan, Niki Kitsantonis, Ruth Maclean, Sapna Maheshwari, Steven Lee Myers, Elian Peltier, Elisabetta Povoledo, Motoko Rich, Martin Selsoe Sorensen, Rory Smith, Amanda Taub, Vivian Wang and Sameer Yasir. Reporting was contributed by Hannah Beech, Julie Bosman, Chris Buckley, Ben Casselman, Jeffrey Gettleman, Amy Harmon, Miriam Jordan, Niki Kitsantonis, Ruth Maclean, Sapna Maheshwari, Claire Moses, Steven Lee Myers, Elian Peltier, Elisabetta Povoledo, Motoko Rich, Martin Selsoe Sorensen, Mitch Smith, Rory Smith, Amanda Taub, Vivian Wang and Sameer Yasir.