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Coronavirus Live Updates: Moving to Deflect Blame, Trump Criticizes W.H.O. Coronavirus Live Updates: Mnuchin Warns of ‘Permanent Damage’ to Economy if Lockdowns Persist
(32 minutes later)
In a joint appearance before the Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell offered a stark assessment of the fragile state of the economy, warning of more severe job losses in the coming months.
But they offered contrasting views of how best to buttress the economy, with Mr. Powell suggesting that more fiscal support to states and businesses might be needed to avoid permanent economic damage and Mr. Mnuchin suggesting that, without an expeditious reopening, the economy might never fully recover. Here are key highlights from their testimony.
Mr. Mnuchin warned that the economy may never fully recover if states extend their shutdowns for months — citing a risk of “permanent damage” — comments that reflect a change in focus by the Trump administration, which has tried to shift the economic discussion away from more financial support to allowing states to reopen.
Mr. Powell warned that the economy could face long-term damage if the policy response is not forceful enough, and reiterated that the economy may need more help to make it through the coronavirus period without lasting scars, but he was careful to avoid giving Congress explicit advice and made sure to cushion his suggestions as a conditionality.
“There is clear evidence that when you have a situation where people are unemployed for long periods of time, that can permanently weigh on their careers and their ability to go back to work,” he said, and that can weigh on the economy for years. “Equally so with small and medium-sized businesses, which are the jobs machine of our great economy.”
Mr. Powell suggested that the central bank might expand its program to buy municipal debt and agreed that state and local governments could slow the economic recovery if they lay off workers amid budget crunches.
“I try to stay at a fairly high level on this, I will just echo though, that I think something like 13 percent of the work force is in state and local government,” Mr. Powell said in response to another question, pointing out that balanced budget requirements can mean that “when revenue goes down sharply, it can mean job cuts and service cuts.”
Mr. Mnuchin, who previously said he expected that the Treasury would return all $454 billion from Congress, changed that benchmark on Tuesday, saying the “base case” now is that the government will lose money.
“Our intention is that we expect to take some losses on these facilities,” he said. Some lawmakers have been pressing the Treasury and Fed to deploy its capital aggressively and not worry about taking losses.
Mr. Powell sounded a more cautious tone, explaining that a full recovery will not come until the health crisis is resolved.
“The number one thing, of course, is people believing that it’s safe to go back to work, and that’s about having a sensible, thoughtful reopening of the economy, something that we all want — and something that we’re in the early stages of now,” Mr. Powell said. “It will be a combination of getting the virus under control, development of therapeutics, development of a vaccine.”
President Trump threatened to permanently cut off all funds to the World Health Organization Monday night, a dramatic escalation of his repeated attempts to deflect blame for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 90,000 people in the United States during the past several months.President Trump threatened to permanently cut off all funds to the World Health Organization Monday night, a dramatic escalation of his repeated attempts to deflect blame for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 90,000 people in the United States during the past several months.
In a late-night, four-page letter to the director general of the W.H.O., Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Mr. Trump accused the global health group of failing to act quickly and aggressively enough against the virus in its early days, in effect denouncing the organization for the very missteps and failures that have been leveled at him and his administration.In a late-night, four-page letter to the director general of the W.H.O., Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Mr. Trump accused the global health group of failing to act quickly and aggressively enough against the virus in its early days, in effect denouncing the organization for the very missteps and failures that have been leveled at him and his administration.
Public health experts have said the president’s public denials of the virus’s dangers slowed the American response, which included delayed testing and a failure to stockpile protective gear.Public health experts have said the president’s public denials of the virus’s dangers slowed the American response, which included delayed testing and a failure to stockpile protective gear.
In the letter, the president said that the W.H.O. “belatedly declared the outbreak of a Public Health Emergency of International concern on January 30,” more than a month after the virus was first detected. But Mr. Trump did not declare a national emergency until weeks later, despite being aware of the virus and its dangers.In the letter, the president said that the W.H.O. “belatedly declared the outbreak of a Public Health Emergency of International concern on January 30,” more than a month after the virus was first detected. But Mr. Trump did not declare a national emergency until weeks later, despite being aware of the virus and its dangers.
Mr. Trump’s letter also contained falsehoods and misleading statements. He wrote that the W.H.O. “consistently ignored credible reports of the virus spreading in Wuhan in early December 2019 or even earlier, including reports from the Lancet medical journal.”Mr. Trump’s letter also contained falsehoods and misleading statements. He wrote that the W.H.O. “consistently ignored credible reports of the virus spreading in Wuhan in early December 2019 or even earlier, including reports from the Lancet medical journal.”
But in a statement Tuesday morning, the Lancet pointed out that the journal “published no report in December, 2019, referring to a virus or outbreak in Wuhan or anywhere else in China.” The journal said its first reports about the virus were published on January 24, just four days before the W.H.O. declared an international emergency.But in a statement Tuesday morning, the Lancet pointed out that the journal “published no report in December, 2019, referring to a virus or outbreak in Wuhan or anywhere else in China.” The journal said its first reports about the virus were published on January 24, just four days before the W.H.O. declared an international emergency.
The president has railed against the W.H.O. for weeks as his own political and public health crisis at home has intensified, saying the group is in the thrall of China, where the virus originated. In the letter, he said the group was responsible for many deaths because it failed to challenge the version of events from Xi Jinping, the president of China, regarding the origin of the virus and its initial spread.The president has railed against the W.H.O. for weeks as his own political and public health crisis at home has intensified, saying the group is in the thrall of China, where the virus originated. In the letter, he said the group was responsible for many deaths because it failed to challenge the version of events from Xi Jinping, the president of China, regarding the origin of the virus and its initial spread.
But that criticism from Mr. Trump was particularly ironic given his own very similar comments about China early in the pandemic, when he was trying to complete negotiations on a trade deal with the country. “The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency,” Mr. Trump tweeted on Jan. 24. “It will all work out well. In particular, on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!”But that criticism from Mr. Trump was particularly ironic given his own very similar comments about China early in the pandemic, when he was trying to complete negotiations on a trade deal with the country. “The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency,” Mr. Trump tweeted on Jan. 24. “It will all work out well. In particular, on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!”
Mr. Trump’s letter Monday night came after the first day of a W.H.O. meeting that was intended to chart a course forward in the pandemic fight.Mr. Trump’s letter Monday night came after the first day of a W.H.O. meeting that was intended to chart a course forward in the pandemic fight.
On Tuesday, member states agreed to launch a probe into the global response to the pandemic. The resolution, which was sponsored by the European Union and supported by more than 100 countries, was adopted without objections.On Tuesday, member states agreed to launch a probe into the global response to the pandemic. The resolution, which was sponsored by the European Union and supported by more than 100 countries, was adopted without objections.
The resolution calls for an “impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation” into the international response to virus, including by the W.H.O. Mr. Trump had been insisting that the health agency investigate the origins of the virus and whether it was created in a Chinese lab.The resolution calls for an “impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation” into the international response to virus, including by the W.H.O. Mr. Trump had been insisting that the health agency investigate the origins of the virus and whether it was created in a Chinese lab.
Scientists who have studied the genetics of the virus say that the overwhelming probability is that it leapt from animal to human in a nonlaboratory setting, as was the case with H.I.V., Ebola and SARS.Scientists who have studied the genetics of the virus say that the overwhelming probability is that it leapt from animal to human in a nonlaboratory setting, as was the case with H.I.V., Ebola and SARS.
China did not object to the resolution, but Mr. Xi on Monday said any such inquiry should wait until the health crisis is brought under control. In a statement, the United States praised the resolution and claimed it included a mandate to investigate the origins of the virus, though the resolution language contained no such mention.China did not object to the resolution, but Mr. Xi on Monday said any such inquiry should wait until the health crisis is brought under control. In a statement, the United States praised the resolution and claimed it included a mandate to investigate the origins of the virus, though the resolution language contained no such mention.
Addressing the assembly as the meeting neared its close, the leader of the W.H.O., Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: “I will initiate an evaluation at the earliest appropriate moment. We welcome any initiative to strengthen global health security and to strengthen W.H.O. W.H.O. remains fully committed to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement.”Addressing the assembly as the meeting neared its close, the leader of the W.H.O., Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: “I will initiate an evaluation at the earliest appropriate moment. We welcome any initiative to strengthen global health security and to strengthen W.H.O. W.H.O. remains fully committed to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement.”
At the White House Tuesday, Mr. Trump said that the W.H.O. will “have to clean up their act, they have to do a better job. They have to be much more fair to other countries, including the United States or we’re not going to be involved with them and we’ll do it in a separate way.”At the White House Tuesday, Mr. Trump said that the W.H.O. will “have to clean up their act, they have to do a better job. They have to be much more fair to other countries, including the United States or we’re not going to be involved with them and we’ll do it in a separate way.”
In a joint appearance before the Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell offered a stark assessment of the fragile state of the economy, warning of more severe job losses in the coming months.
But they offered contrasting views of how best to buttress the economy, with Mr. Powell suggesting that more fiscal support to states and businesses might be needed to avoid permanent economic damage and Mr. Mnuchin suggesting that, without an expeditious reopening, the economy might never fully recover. Here are key highlights from their testimony.
Mr. Mnuchin warned that the economy may never fully recover if states extend their shutdowns for months — citing a risk of “permanent damage” — comments that reflect a change in focus by the Trump administration, which has tried to shift the economic discussion away from more financial support to allowing states to reopen.
Mr. Powell warned that the economy could face long-term damage if the policy response is not forceful enough, and reiterated that the economy may need more help to make it through the coronavirus period without lasting scars, but he was careful to avoid giving Congress explicit advice and made sure to cushion his suggestions as a conditionality.
“There is clear evidence that when you have a situation where people are unemployed for long periods of time, that can permanently weigh on their careers and their ability to go back to work,” he said, and that can weigh on the economy for years. “Equally so with small and medium-sized businesses, which are the jobs machine of our great economy.”
Mr. Powell suggested that the central bank might expand its program to buy municipal debt and agreed that state and local governments could slow the economic recovery if they lay off workers amid budget crunches.
“I try to stay at a fairly high level on this, I will just echo though, that I think something like 13 percent of the work force is in state and local government,” Mr. Powell said in response to another question, pointing out that balanced budget requirements can mean that “when revenue goes down sharply, it can mean job cuts and service cuts.”
Mr. Mnuchin, who previously said he expected that the Treasury would return all $454 billion from Congress, changed that benchmark on Tuesday, saying the “base case” now is that the government will lose money.
“Our intention is that we expect to take some losses on these facilities,” he said. Some lawmakers have been pressing the Treasury and Fed to deploy its capital aggressively and not worry about taking losses.
Mr. Powell sounded a more cautious tone, explaining that a full recovery will not come until the health crisis is resolved.
“The number one thing, of course, is people believing that it’s safe to go back to work, and that’s about having a sensible, thoughtful reopening of the economy, something that we all want — and something that we’re in the early stages of now,” Mr. Powell said. “It will be a combination of getting the virus under control, development of therapeutics, development of a vaccine.”
Mr. Trump said on Monday that he has been taking hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug whose effectiveness against the virus is unproven, for about a week and a half as a preventive measure.
“All I can tell you is, so far I seem to be OK,” he said, explaining that he takes a daily pill. The White House physician said later that Mr. Trump had no symptoms and had regularly tested negative for the virus.
The Food and Drug Administration issued a safety warning in April about hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, malaria prevention drugs that have been repeatedly promoted by Mr. Trump and widely used to treat virus patients despite the lack of evidence that they work.
The drugs can cause dangerous abnormalities in heart rhythm in virus patients, the F.D.A. warned, saying they should be used only in clinical trials or hospitals where patients can be closely monitored for heart problems.
Several doctors said they were alarmed that Mr. Trump was using the bully pulpit of the presidency to tell the public he takes a drug that has not been proven to be effective against the virus, but which does have known risks.
Dr. Steven E. Nissen, the chief academic officer of the Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, said he had treated patients who developed a life-threatening arrhythmia.
“This disorder can be lethal,” Dr. Nissen said. “My concern would be that the public not hear comments about the use of hydroxychloroquine and believe that taking this drug to prevent Covid-19 infection is without hazards.
“In fact, there are serious hazards.”
Early studies of hydroxychloroquine in the laboratory, which showed that the drug could block the virus from attacking cells, prompted enthusiasm. But the studies of the drug in humans have largely proved disappointing, and some have pointed to serious side effects in people with heart problems.
“I’m not going to get hurt by it,” said Mr. Trump, 73, explaining that he was making the disclosure in order to be transparent with Americans. “It has been around for 40 years for malaria, for lupus, for other things. I take it. Front-line workers take it. A lot of doctors take it.”
Fever checkpoints at the entrances to academic buildings. One-way paths across the grassy quad. Face masks required in classrooms and dining halls. And a dormitory-turned-quarantine facility for any students exposed to the coronavirus.Fever checkpoints at the entrances to academic buildings. One-way paths across the grassy quad. Face masks required in classrooms and dining halls. And a dormitory-turned-quarantine facility for any students exposed to the coronavirus.
That was one vision for the fall semester at the University of Kentucky conjured up by a special committee last week.That was one vision for the fall semester at the University of Kentucky conjured up by a special committee last week.
Similar discussions are taking place at almost every American college and university, as administrators fiercely debate whether they can safely reopen their campuses, even as most provide students with encouraging messages about the prospects of returning in the fall.Similar discussions are taking place at almost every American college and university, as administrators fiercely debate whether they can safely reopen their campuses, even as most provide students with encouraging messages about the prospects of returning in the fall.
On Monday, Notre Dame became one of the first major universities in the country to announce detailed plans for bringing back students, saying it would implement a regimen of testing and contact tracing, put quarantine and isolation protocols in place, and require students to maintain social distancing and wear masks in public.On Monday, Notre Dame became one of the first major universities in the country to announce detailed plans for bringing back students, saying it would implement a regimen of testing and contact tracing, put quarantine and isolation protocols in place, and require students to maintain social distancing and wear masks in public.
Notre Dame said it would start its fall semester early, on Aug. 10, and skip fall break so that students could go home at Thanksgiving and not return. The University of South Carolina announced a similar schedule, saying its students would finish the semester online after Thanksgiving because its “best current modeling predicts a spike in cases” at the beginning of December. Rice University in Houston also plans a shortened fall semester, with a mixture of remote and in-person classes. And Ithaca College will go in the other direction, starting its fall semester late, on Oct. 5, to provide more time to prepare for returning students.Notre Dame said it would start its fall semester early, on Aug. 10, and skip fall break so that students could go home at Thanksgiving and not return. The University of South Carolina announced a similar schedule, saying its students would finish the semester online after Thanksgiving because its “best current modeling predicts a spike in cases” at the beginning of December. Rice University in Houston also plans a shortened fall semester, with a mixture of remote and in-person classes. And Ithaca College will go in the other direction, starting its fall semester late, on Oct. 5, to provide more time to prepare for returning students.
Those decisions are in contrast to an announcement last week by the California State University System, which will keep its 23 campuses largely shut and teach nearly half a million students remotely.Those decisions are in contrast to an announcement last week by the California State University System, which will keep its 23 campuses largely shut and teach nearly half a million students remotely.
Meat-packing plants across the country that have been forced to close because of coronavirus outbreaks among workers aren’t the only food facilities that have been hit hard by the virus. A large-scale bakery, a date packinghouse and a mushroom farm also have emerged with clusters of Covid cases.Meat-packing plants across the country that have been forced to close because of coronavirus outbreaks among workers aren’t the only food facilities that have been hit hard by the virus. A large-scale bakery, a date packinghouse and a mushroom farm also have emerged with clusters of Covid cases.
Officials said the virus has spread through other food facilities in the same manner they spread through meat-processing factories: workers must stand close together to do their jobs and also crowd into locker rooms and cafeterias.Officials said the virus has spread through other food facilities in the same manner they spread through meat-processing factories: workers must stand close together to do their jobs and also crowd into locker rooms and cafeterias.
Some of the major clusters include a Tennessee mushroom farm where more than 50 cases have been identified and the Birds Eye vegetable processing facility in Darien, Wis., which has at least 100 cases. In Abilene, Texas, the AbiMar Foods bakery has at least 52 cases. The Leprino Foods dairy facility in Fort Morgan, Colo., has more than 80 cases; a second Leprino facility in Greeley, Colo., has at least 20. And the SunDate date packinghouse in Coachella, Calif., has at least 20 cases.Some of the major clusters include a Tennessee mushroom farm where more than 50 cases have been identified and the Birds Eye vegetable processing facility in Darien, Wis., which has at least 100 cases. In Abilene, Texas, the AbiMar Foods bakery has at least 52 cases. The Leprino Foods dairy facility in Fort Morgan, Colo., has more than 80 cases; a second Leprino facility in Greeley, Colo., has at least 20. And the SunDate date packinghouse in Coachella, Calif., has at least 20 cases.
More than 100 people have been sickened at Louisiana crawfish farms, but officials did not name the farms. At a news conference Monday, Assistant Secretary of Health Alex Billioux said some of the workers were migrants and some lived in dormitory-like settings.More than 100 people have been sickened at Louisiana crawfish farms, but officials did not name the farms. At a news conference Monday, Assistant Secretary of Health Alex Billioux said some of the workers were migrants and some lived in dormitory-like settings.
In Washington State, workers have been striking at a half dozen fruit processing warehouses where several cases have emerged.In Washington State, workers have been striking at a half dozen fruit processing warehouses where several cases have emerged.
Some of the employees, who are in the middle of apple processing season and are gearing up for cherry harvests, say they had been offered neither testing nor ample personal protection equipment and that they have faced recriminations from employers when they complained. Officials at one company told The Seattle Times it didn’t have any Covid cases and had provided masks and gloves as equipment became available and was surprised by the strike. Some of the fruit processing workers said they are engaging in a hunger strike until conditions improve.Some of the employees, who are in the middle of apple processing season and are gearing up for cherry harvests, say they had been offered neither testing nor ample personal protection equipment and that they have faced recriminations from employers when they complained. Officials at one company told The Seattle Times it didn’t have any Covid cases and had provided masks and gloves as equipment became available and was surprised by the strike. Some of the fruit processing workers said they are engaging in a hunger strike until conditions improve.
Michigan will mail absentee ballot applications to all of its voters for its congressional primary elections in August and the general election in November.Michigan will mail absentee ballot applications to all of its voters for its congressional primary elections in August and the general election in November.
The goal is to help mitigate the spread of the virus, which has hit Michigan particularly hard, and to take advantage of a new state law that was passed by voters in 2018 and allows all voters to cast absentee ballots.The goal is to help mitigate the spread of the virus, which has hit Michigan particularly hard, and to take advantage of a new state law that was passed by voters in 2018 and allows all voters to cast absentee ballots.
“By mailing applications, we have ensured that no Michigander has to choose between their health and their right to vote,” said Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s secretary of state.“By mailing applications, we have ensured that no Michigander has to choose between their health and their right to vote,” said Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s secretary of state.
The state’s March 10 presidential primary saw half of the 2.3 million people who cast ballots use the absentee route. By May 5, when local elections were held, officials reported that 99 percent of the people who voted used absentee ballots, and turnout doubled, going from an average of 12% in the last nine years to 25%.The state’s March 10 presidential primary saw half of the 2.3 million people who cast ballots use the absentee route. By May 5, when local elections were held, officials reported that 99 percent of the people who voted used absentee ballots, and turnout doubled, going from an average of 12% in the last nine years to 25%.
Local clerks in Michigan already send out absentee ballot applications to 1.3 million voters, but the state will now mail applications to the rest of the state’s 7.7 million registered voters, using $4.5 million in federal funds.Local clerks in Michigan already send out absentee ballot applications to 1.3 million voters, but the state will now mail applications to the rest of the state’s 7.7 million registered voters, using $4.5 million in federal funds.
The pandemic has led many states to consider increasing absentee and mail-in voting. Mr. Trump and Republicans have been trying to limit absentee voting and voting by mail.The pandemic has led many states to consider increasing absentee and mail-in voting. Mr. Trump and Republicans have been trying to limit absentee voting and voting by mail.
Increased turnout could be particularly troubling for Republicans in key battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where Trump won in 2016 by tiny margins, delivering the electoral votes he needed to win the White House.Increased turnout could be particularly troubling for Republicans in key battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where Trump won in 2016 by tiny margins, delivering the electoral votes he needed to win the White House.
Both Wisconsin and Pennsylvania allow anyone to cast absentee or mail-in ballots. The Wisconsin Election Commission is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday and will decide if the state will send absentee ballot applications to all of the state’s 3.3 million registered voters.Both Wisconsin and Pennsylvania allow anyone to cast absentee or mail-in ballots. The Wisconsin Election Commission is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday and will decide if the state will send absentee ballot applications to all of the state’s 3.3 million registered voters.
Visitors will be allowed at 16 hospitals around New York State, nine of them in New York City, as part of a pilot program, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Tuesday. They will be required to wear personal protective equipment, including masks, and will be subject to temperature checks.Visitors will be allowed at 16 hospitals around New York State, nine of them in New York City, as part of a pilot program, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Tuesday. They will be required to wear personal protective equipment, including masks, and will be subject to temperature checks.
In March, state officials issued guidance asking hospitals to suspend visitation as the virus appeared to be rapidly spreading.In March, state officials issued guidance asking hospitals to suspend visitation as the virus appeared to be rapidly spreading.
“It is terrible to have someone in the hospital and then that person is isolated, not being able to see their family or friends,” Mr. Cuomo said. He added that the program was “to see if we can bring visitors in and do it safely.”“It is terrible to have someone in the hospital and then that person is isolated, not being able to see their family or friends,” Mr. Cuomo said. He added that the program was “to see if we can bring visitors in and do it safely.”
The governor’s announcement comes as only three regions in downstate New York will remain under the state’s shutdown orders; the Albany area can begin reopening on Wednesday, he said. Statewide, another 105 people had died. The governor’s announcement comes as only three regions in downstate New York will remain under the state’s shutdown orders; the Albany area can begin reopening on Wednesday, he said.
New York City, Long Island and the counties just north of the city known as the Mid-Hudson region have all yet to meet at least two of the seven health-related benchmarks that he has set for parts of the state to start relaunching their economies. New York City’s mayor, Bill de Blasio, reiterated on Monday that he ​did not ​expect​ the city ​to meet the ​state’s criteria to begin to reopen until “the first half of June.”​New York City, Long Island and the counties just north of the city known as the Mid-Hudson region have all yet to meet at least two of the seven health-related benchmarks that he has set for parts of the state to start relaunching their economies. New York City’s mayor, Bill de Blasio, reiterated on Monday that he ​did not ​expect​ the city ​to meet the ​state’s criteria to begin to reopen until “the first half of June.”​
Mr. Cuomo — who arrived at his daily briefing wearing a face mask — also said that the state would allow ceremonies to mark Memorial Day, so long as they have no more than 10 people. The state will also allow vehicle parades, provided they are held safely and participants adhere to social distancing.Mr. Cuomo — who arrived at his daily briefing wearing a face mask — also said that the state would allow ceremonies to mark Memorial Day, so long as they have no more than 10 people. The state will also allow vehicle parades, provided they are held safely and participants adhere to social distancing.
On Tuesday, Mr. de Blasio said nearly 16 percent of the city’s 1.1 million students would be asked to attend online summer school for about six weeks after the academic year ends on June 26 — about four times as many as were asked to attend summer school last year.On Tuesday, Mr. de Blasio said nearly 16 percent of the city’s 1.1 million students would be asked to attend online summer school for about six weeks after the academic year ends on June 26 — about four times as many as were asked to attend summer school last year.
On Monday, police officers answering a complaint found about 60 students studying at a Hasidic yeshiva in Brooklyn, the latest of several episodes that have ignited tensions between the authorities and Hasidic Jews over enforcement of social-distancing rules. The school was closed.On Monday, police officers answering a complaint found about 60 students studying at a Hasidic yeshiva in Brooklyn, the latest of several episodes that have ignited tensions between the authorities and Hasidic Jews over enforcement of social-distancing rules. The school was closed.
Statewide, another 105 people had died, Mr. Cuomo said Tuesday. On Monday, data was that offered the most granular picture yet of the ​pandemic’s lethal rampage through New York City, reinforcing earlier ​signs​ that ​the virus has affected immigrant​, ​ black and Hispanic residents disproportionately.
Mr. Trump said on Monday that he has been taking hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug whose effectiveness against the virus is unproven, for about a week and a half as a preventive measure.
“All I can tell you is, so far I seem to be OK,” he said, explaining that he takes a daily pill. The White House physician said later that Mr. Trump had no symptoms and had regularly tested negative for the virus.
The Food and Drug Administration issued a safety warning in April about hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, malaria prevention drugs that have been repeatedly promoted by Mr. Trump and widely used to treat virus patients despite the lack of evidence that they work.
The drugs can cause dangerous abnormalities in heart rhythm in virus patients, the F.D.A. warned, saying they should be used only in clinical trials or hospitals where patients can be closely monitored for heart problems.
Several doctors said they were alarmed that Mr. Trump was using the bully pulpit of the presidency to tell the public he takes a drug that has not been proven to be effective against the virus, but which does have known risks.
Dr. Steven E. Nissen, the chief academic officer of the Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, said he had treated patients who developed a life-threatening arrhythmia.
“This disorder can be lethal,” Dr. Nissen said. “My concern would be that the public not hear comments about the use of hydroxychloroquine and believe that taking this drug to prevent Covid-19 infection is without hazards.
“In fact, there are serious hazards.”
Early studies of hydroxychloroquine in the laboratory, which showed that the drug could block the virus from attacking cells, prompted enthusiasm. But the studies of the drug in humans have largely proved disappointing, and some have pointed to serious side effects in people with heart problems.
“I’m not going to get hurt by it,” said Mr. Trump, 73, explaining that he was making the disclosure in order to be transparent with Americans. “It has been around for 40 years for malaria, for lupus, for other things. I take it. Front-line workers take it. A lot of doctors take it.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada said on Tuesday that the border between his country and the United States, where the outbreak is more severe, would remain closed for at least another month after the two countries reached an agreement to extend its closing.
The closing was introduced in March and set to expire on Thursday.
The closing does not apply to the cross-border transportation of goods by trucks, ships and planes. And people who commute across the border to work in essential jobs, like Canadian health care workers employed in American communities, can continue to cross.
Recently, several Canadian provincial leaders have said that they oppose a rapid reopening of the border. The outbreak in the United States is much more severe; the United States has reported about 463 cases per 100,000 people, more than double Canada’s rate.
Saddled with debt, and entering a job market devastated by the pandemic, millions of young people, especially those without college degrees, face an exceptionally dicey future.Saddled with debt, and entering a job market devastated by the pandemic, millions of young people, especially those without college degrees, face an exceptionally dicey future.
They are new to the job market — with scant on-the-job experience and little or no seniority to protect them from layoffs. A large body of research — along with the experience of those who came of age in the last recession — shows that young people trying to start their careers during an economic crisis are at a lasting disadvantage. Their wages, opportunities and confidence in the workplace may never fully recover.They are new to the job market — with scant on-the-job experience and little or no seniority to protect them from layoffs. A large body of research — along with the experience of those who came of age in the last recession — shows that young people trying to start their careers during an economic crisis are at a lasting disadvantage. Their wages, opportunities and confidence in the workplace may never fully recover.
And in the worst downturn in generations — one with no bottom in sight — the pattern is beginning to play out with a vengeance. From March to April, employment dropped by a quarter for workers 20 to 24 years old, and 16 percent for those 20 to 29. That compares with about 12 percent of workers in their 50s.And in the worst downturn in generations — one with no bottom in sight — the pattern is beginning to play out with a vengeance. From March to April, employment dropped by a quarter for workers 20 to 24 years old, and 16 percent for those 20 to 29. That compares with about 12 percent of workers in their 50s.
For some younger workers, this is the second blow in barely a decade. An analysis by the McKinsey Global Institute noted that “the generation that first entered the job market in the aftermath of the Great Recession is now going through its second ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ downturn.”For some younger workers, this is the second blow in barely a decade. An analysis by the McKinsey Global Institute noted that “the generation that first entered the job market in the aftermath of the Great Recession is now going through its second ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ downturn.”
Molly Zerjal, 32, of St. Louis, lost a communications job at Wells Fargo during the last downturn. Now, Ms. Zerjal works in marketing at a different financial firm, and she’s afraid it could happen again.Molly Zerjal, 32, of St. Louis, lost a communications job at Wells Fargo during the last downturn. Now, Ms. Zerjal works in marketing at a different financial firm, and she’s afraid it could happen again.
“I’m not an essential worker: marketing and communications is a ‘nice to have,’” she said. “Every day, I’m like, ‘Oh, God, what could happen today?’ It’s like P.T.S.D.”“I’m not an essential worker: marketing and communications is a ‘nice to have,’” she said. “Every day, I’m like, ‘Oh, God, what could happen today?’ It’s like P.T.S.D.”
Airports, office buildings, warehouses and restaurant chains are rushing to install new safety measures like fever-scanning cameras and infrared temperature-sensing guns. But the American Civil Liberties Union warned on Tuesday against using the tools to screen people for possible symptoms, saying the devices were often inaccurate, ineffective and intrusive.Airports, office buildings, warehouses and restaurant chains are rushing to install new safety measures like fever-scanning cameras and infrared temperature-sensing guns. But the American Civil Liberties Union warned on Tuesday against using the tools to screen people for possible symptoms, saying the devices were often inaccurate, ineffective and intrusive.
In a new report, “Temperature Screening and Civil Liberties During an Epidemic,” the A.C.L.U. said that such technologies could give people a false sense of security, potentially leading them to be less vigilant about health measures like wearing masks or social distancing. The group also cautioned that the push for widespread temperature scans during the pandemic could usher in permanent new forms of surveillance and social control.In a new report, “Temperature Screening and Civil Liberties During an Epidemic,” the A.C.L.U. said that such technologies could give people a false sense of security, potentially leading them to be less vigilant about health measures like wearing masks or social distancing. The group also cautioned that the push for widespread temperature scans during the pandemic could usher in permanent new forms of surveillance and social control.
In its report, the A.C.L.U. recommended that public health experts study the effectiveness of temperature-scanning technologies “to determine if the trade-offs are worth it.” Otherwise, the group said, the fever-screening systems should not be deployed.In its report, the A.C.L.U. recommended that public health experts study the effectiveness of temperature-scanning technologies “to determine if the trade-offs are worth it.” Otherwise, the group said, the fever-screening systems should not be deployed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a lower-tech solution: “Ask employees to take their own temperature either before coming to the workplace or upon arrival at the workplace.”The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a lower-tech solution: “Ask employees to take their own temperature either before coming to the workplace or upon arrival at the workplace.”
Therese Kelly arrived for her shift at an Amazon warehouse in Hazle Township, Pa., on March 27 to find her co-workers standing clustered in the cavernous space. Over a loudspeaker, a manager told them what they had feared: For the first time, an employee had tested positive.Therese Kelly arrived for her shift at an Amazon warehouse in Hazle Township, Pa., on March 27 to find her co-workers standing clustered in the cavernous space. Over a loudspeaker, a manager told them what they had feared: For the first time, an employee had tested positive.
Some of the workers cut short their shifts and went home. Ms. Kelly, 63, got to work.Some of the workers cut short their shifts and went home. Ms. Kelly, 63, got to work.
In the less than two months since then, the warehouse in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania has become Amazon’s biggest hot spot.In the less than two months since then, the warehouse in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania has become Amazon’s biggest hot spot.
Local lawmakers believe that more than 100 workers have contracted the disease, but the exact number is unknown. At first, Amazon told workers about each new case. But when the total reached about 60, the announcements stopped giving specific numbers.Local lawmakers believe that more than 100 workers have contracted the disease, but the exact number is unknown. At first, Amazon told workers about each new case. But when the total reached about 60, the announcements stopped giving specific numbers.
The best estimate is that more than 900 of the company’s 400,000 blue-collar workers have had the disease. But that number, crowdsourced by Jana Jumpp, an Amazon worker, almost certainly understates the spread.The best estimate is that more than 900 of the company’s 400,000 blue-collar workers have had the disease. But that number, crowdsourced by Jana Jumpp, an Amazon worker, almost certainly understates the spread.
The company has been hit by the biggest surge of orders it has ever experienced, and has paid workers extra to stay on the job.The company has been hit by the biggest surge of orders it has ever experienced, and has paid workers extra to stay on the job.
Data released on Monday offered the most granular picture yet of the ​pandemic’s lethal rampage through New York City, reinforcing earlier ​signs​ that ​the virus has affected immigrant​, ​ black and Hispanic residents disproportionately.
​The data​ ​reported deaths ​in the city by ZIP code​ for the first time​​. The breakdown showed that of the 10 ZIP codes with the highest death rates, eight ha​d​ populations that ​were predominantly black or Hispanic; three of the ZIP codes in Queens had ​populations that ​were mostly foreign-born.
The pandemic overwhelmed the system for tending the dead in New York City. Hospitals had to hire an army of temporary workers, volunteers, even college students, to work in the morgues. Two of the students who signed on to help found themselves inside a realm where civilians rarely venture. Both were horrified by the onslaught of death, but also amazed at the glints of humanity they witnessed.The pandemic overwhelmed the system for tending the dead in New York City. Hospitals had to hire an army of temporary workers, volunteers, even college students, to work in the morgues. Two of the students who signed on to help found themselves inside a realm where civilians rarely venture. Both were horrified by the onslaught of death, but also amazed at the glints of humanity they witnessed.
“This is not where I expected my senior year would be,” Mariel Sander, a senior at Columbia University, told us. She spent her spring semester working in a morgue during the apex of the pandemic.“This is not where I expected my senior year would be,” Mariel Sander, a senior at Columbia University, told us. She spent her spring semester working in a morgue during the apex of the pandemic.
When the outbreak started, Ms. Sander knew she had to do something, but wasn’t sure what. She reached out to offer help to medical responders, and was asked to work in a hospital morgue, which she requested we not identify. Ms. Sander spent the next few weeks loading and unloading dead bodies into the hospital’s morgue or the trailers parked just outside. Even amid the grim situation, Ms. Sander was comforted by the compassion her colleagues showed for the dead. “It’s not just about preservation of life. It’s about respect for life,” Ms. Sander said.When the outbreak started, Ms. Sander knew she had to do something, but wasn’t sure what. She reached out to offer help to medical responders, and was asked to work in a hospital morgue, which she requested we not identify. Ms. Sander spent the next few weeks loading and unloading dead bodies into the hospital’s morgue or the trailers parked just outside. Even amid the grim situation, Ms. Sander was comforted by the compassion her colleagues showed for the dead. “It’s not just about preservation of life. It’s about respect for life,” Ms. Sander said.
Devin Speak is an amateur photographer and a sophomore at N.Y.U. who decided it was important to document what he saw during his brief stint at a different hospital morgue.Devin Speak is an amateur photographer and a sophomore at N.Y.U. who decided it was important to document what he saw during his brief stint at a different hospital morgue.
He said his photographs revealed the part of the pandemic he thinks the world needs to see. “It certainly gave me a different relationship to all of those numbers,” he said.He said his photographs revealed the part of the pandemic he thinks the world needs to see. “It certainly gave me a different relationship to all of those numbers,” he said.
Speak said he and his colleagues tried hard to take care of the bodies they were handling. “When we load them off to the funeral homes, I just tell them, ‘It’s gonna be alright. It’s all good now. You don’t have to worry about anything.’”Speak said he and his colleagues tried hard to take care of the bodies they were handling. “When we load them off to the funeral homes, I just tell them, ‘It’s gonna be alright. It’s all good now. You don’t have to worry about anything.’”
Parents are learning how to navigate difficult conversations with their children about death, job loss and sickness, all while trying to answer questions they barely understand. Hopefully, we can help.Parents are learning how to navigate difficult conversations with their children about death, job loss and sickness, all while trying to answer questions they barely understand. Hopefully, we can help.
The residents of Wuhan, China, are getting back to normal. But in other places, like Ecuador, the situation is growing dire.The residents of Wuhan, China, are getting back to normal. But in other places, like Ecuador, the situation is growing dire.
Reporting was contributed by Eileen Sullivan, Alan Blinder, Michael Cooper, Kathleen Gray, Dionne Searcey, Mitch Smith, Benedict Carey, Anemona Hartocollis, Andrew Jacobs, Annie Karni, Dan Levin, Eduardo Porter, Alan Rappeport, Michael D. Shear, Natasha Singer, Jeanna Smialek, Eliza Shapiro, Michael Gold, Dagny Salas, Kaly Soto, Matt Stevens, Katie Thomas, Karen Weise, Edward Wong, Anemona Hartocollis, Jim Tankersley, Robin Stein and David Yaffe-Bellany.Reporting was contributed by Eileen Sullivan, Alan Blinder, Michael Cooper, Kathleen Gray, Dionne Searcey, Mitch Smith, Benedict Carey, Anemona Hartocollis, Andrew Jacobs, Annie Karni, Dan Levin, Eduardo Porter, Alan Rappeport, Michael D. Shear, Natasha Singer, Jeanna Smialek, Eliza Shapiro, Michael Gold, Dagny Salas, Kaly Soto, Matt Stevens, Katie Thomas, Karen Weise, Edward Wong, Anemona Hartocollis, Jim Tankersley, Robin Stein and David Yaffe-Bellany.