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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
America’s 50 states have all begun to reopen, but in vastly different ways.America’s 50 states have all begun to reopen, but in vastly different ways.
Brazil authorized the use of hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus patients, even though it has not been shown to offer them any benefit and carries dangers.Brazil authorized the use of hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus patients, even though it has not been shown to offer them any benefit and carries dangers.
Amnesty International denounced Singapore for handing down death sentences over Zoom calls during the country’s lockdown.Amnesty International denounced Singapore for handing down death sentences over Zoom calls during the country’s lockdown.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.Get the latest updates here, plus maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.
The flooding in Central Michigan and the powerful cyclone plowing into South Asia are showing us how the measures we take to be safe from one kind of calamity can heighten our danger from another.The flooding in Central Michigan and the powerful cyclone plowing into South Asia are showing us how the measures we take to be safe from one kind of calamity can heighten our danger from another.
When a dam bursts or a ferocious storm bears down, the people in harm’s way must evacuate their homes and find shelter — the opposite of staying at home and maintaining social distancing. So fleeing the flood exposes you to the coronavirus, and fleeing the coronavirus exposes you to the flood.When a dam bursts or a ferocious storm bears down, the people in harm’s way must evacuate their homes and find shelter — the opposite of staying at home and maintaining social distancing. So fleeing the flood exposes you to the coronavirus, and fleeing the coronavirus exposes you to the flood.
Cyclone Amphan, one of the strongest Indian Ocean storms in decades, slammed into the east coast of India on Wednesday and menaced Bangladesh. Both countries are densely populated, and both are under lockdown orders.Cyclone Amphan, one of the strongest Indian Ocean storms in decades, slammed into the east coast of India on Wednesday and menaced Bangladesh. Both countries are densely populated, and both are under lockdown orders.
More than three million people living in swampy coastal areas of the two nations evacuated to emergency cyclone shelters. But some of the shelters were only half-full, because of widespread fear of packing into places where the virus could spread easily.More than three million people living in swampy coastal areas of the two nations evacuated to emergency cyclone shelters. But some of the shelters were only half-full, because of widespread fear of packing into places where the virus could spread easily.
And in Michigan, after two dams on the Tittabawassee River failed on Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer implored residents to evacuate immediately — but also to keep following social-distancing precautions, which she acknowledged would not be easy in shelters.And in Michigan, after two dams on the Tittabawassee River failed on Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer implored residents to evacuate immediately — but also to keep following social-distancing precautions, which she acknowledged would not be easy in shelters.
“To go through this in the midst of a global pandemic is almost unthinkable,” the governor said. “But we are here, and to the best of our ability, we are going to navigate this together.”“To go through this in the midst of a global pandemic is almost unthinkable,” the governor said. “But we are here, and to the best of our ability, we are going to navigate this together.”
At a high school in Midland, Mich., volunteers in masks set up cots and air mattresses six feet apart, encouraged people to sanitize their hands every two hours and frequently wiped down surfaces with disinfectant, The Detroit Free Press reported.At a high school in Midland, Mich., volunteers in masks set up cots and air mattresses six feet apart, encouraged people to sanitize their hands every two hours and frequently wiped down surfaces with disinfectant, The Detroit Free Press reported.
“Everything is just so weird right now,” one evacuee at the school told the paper. “I’m just waiting for the meteor.”“Everything is just so weird right now,” one evacuee at the school told the paper. “I’m just waiting for the meteor.”
The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.
New York City hospitals have seen a sharp drop in coronavirus patients and have begun to transition to the next stage in their fight against the outbreak.New York City hospitals have seen a sharp drop in coronavirus patients and have begun to transition to the next stage in their fight against the outbreak.
Our correspondent Sheri Fink has covered the pandemic from inside the city’s hospitals since the beginning. We asked her about the new reality.Our correspondent Sheri Fink has covered the pandemic from inside the city’s hospitals since the beginning. We asked her about the new reality.
What is the biggest change you’ve seen?What is the biggest change you’ve seen?
Right now, the big noticeable change is in the emergency rooms. All the staff is covered in protective gear, filling the emergency room, and there are very few patients.Right now, the big noticeable change is in the emergency rooms. All the staff is covered in protective gear, filling the emergency room, and there are very few patients.
How have staff members been faring emotionally?How have staff members been faring emotionally?
There’s this strange thing happening where everyone is thanking them and clapping for them, but they are grappling with guilt because they couldn’t save everybody. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff are used to life and death, but they’re not used to death on this scale, and they’re not used to feeling so helpless.There’s this strange thing happening where everyone is thanking them and clapping for them, but they are grappling with guilt because they couldn’t save everybody. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff are used to life and death, but they’re not used to death on this scale, and they’re not used to feeling so helpless.
What are the hospitals up against now?What are the hospitals up against now?
They’re facing a number of challenges. They can’t start elective surgeries because of an executive order from the governor that currently bans them — and that affects the bottom line. They’re also concerned that people aren’t coming to their clinics, so they face this challenge of convincing the public that it’s safe. And also, they don’t know what lies ahead. There are a lot of people who are convinced that there’s going to be a second wave in the fall, or even mini-waves. So they’re having to prepare for every scenario, while they are still grappling with the previous ones.They’re facing a number of challenges. They can’t start elective surgeries because of an executive order from the governor that currently bans them — and that affects the bottom line. They’re also concerned that people aren’t coming to their clinics, so they face this challenge of convincing the public that it’s safe. And also, they don’t know what lies ahead. There are a lot of people who are convinced that there’s going to be a second wave in the fall, or even mini-waves. So they’re having to prepare for every scenario, while they are still grappling with the previous ones.
More than 100 research teams are working on vaccines for the coronavirus, with early results offering hope that one will be released in record time — perhaps sometime next year. But finding a safe, effective vaccine is just part of the puzzle: It also has to be produced and distributed.More than 100 research teams are working on vaccines for the coronavirus, with early results offering hope that one will be released in record time — perhaps sometime next year. But finding a safe, effective vaccine is just part of the puzzle: It also has to be produced and distributed.
Manufacturing vaccines is very complex, and no single company will be able to meet the global demand. And along with a vaccine — or better, several — we’ll also need all of the necessary supplies, like syringes, vials and bandages; shortages of any of them could create a bottleneck, too.Manufacturing vaccines is very complex, and no single company will be able to meet the global demand. And along with a vaccine — or better, several — we’ll also need all of the necessary supplies, like syringes, vials and bandages; shortages of any of them could create a bottleneck, too.
One thing the European Union hopes won’t get in the way: fights over intellectual property rights. The union has proposed a voluntary pool for sharing vaccine patents.One thing the European Union hopes won’t get in the way: fights over intellectual property rights. The union has proposed a voluntary pool for sharing vaccine patents.
Getting closer: A prototype vaccine has been found to protect monkeys from the coronavirus, and may point the way to effective human vaccines.Getting closer: A prototype vaccine has been found to protect monkeys from the coronavirus, and may point the way to effective human vaccines.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Different routes: Scientists are taking at least four main approaches to developing a vaccine, some well established (they worked for diseases like chickenpox and measles) and others still highly experimental.Different routes: Scientists are taking at least four main approaches to developing a vaccine, some well established (they worked for diseases like chickenpox and measles) and others still highly experimental.
Curbed enthusiasm: News of a small but promising human trial for a vaccine developed by a biotech company, Moderna, lifted hopes and stock markets this week. But several vaccine experts told the medical news site Stat that it was all but impossible to assess the findings because the company had released very little information.Curbed enthusiasm: News of a small but promising human trial for a vaccine developed by a biotech company, Moderna, lifted hopes and stock markets this week. But several vaccine experts told the medical news site Stat that it was all but impossible to assess the findings because the company had released very little information.
Connecticut has allowed restaurants, offices, stores and malls to reopen, with safety measures in place.Connecticut has allowed restaurants, offices, stores and malls to reopen, with safety measures in place.
In New York State, religious gatherings of up to 10 people can resume, and visitors will once again be allowed at 16 hospitals.In New York State, religious gatherings of up to 10 people can resume, and visitors will once again be allowed at 16 hospitals.
Though fear and anxiety linger in Hong Kong, the city is humming back to life, our China correspondent Vivian Wang reports.Though fear and anxiety linger in Hong Kong, the city is humming back to life, our China correspondent Vivian Wang reports.
The reopening situation in California is evolving rapidly. Our Q. and A. explains what you need to know.The reopening situation in California is evolving rapidly. Our Q. and A. explains what you need to know.
Face shields, sneeze guards, temperature checks: See how businesses in Spain and Italy are adapting to a new world.Face shields, sneeze guards, temperature checks: See how businesses in Spain and Italy are adapting to a new world.
Here’s a roundup of reopenings and remaining restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of reopenings and remaining restrictions in all 50 states.
Increase your internet speed. Our Tech Fix columnist explains how to diagnose and, when possible, fix a lousy connection. One tip: If your router is more than five years old, it should be replaced.Increase your internet speed. Our Tech Fix columnist explains how to diagnose and, when possible, fix a lousy connection. One tip: If your router is more than five years old, it should be replaced.
Take a cue from Times journalists. Our reporters, critics and editors have started Google Docs with their quarantine recommendations. Check out the horrors movies they’re watching, the books they’re buying and the food they’re cooking.Take a cue from Times journalists. Our reporters, critics and editors have started Google Docs with their quarantine recommendations. Check out the horrors movies they’re watching, the books they’re buying and the food they’re cooking.
Go camping at home. If you have a backyard, throw up a tent, roast s’mores over a fire pit and enjoy the novelty of sleeping somewhere else — while still having access to your own bathrooms.Go camping at home. If you have a backyard, throw up a tent, roast s’mores over a fire pit and enjoy the novelty of sleeping somewhere else — while still having access to your own bathrooms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quietly released more detailed guidance for reopening safely, after the White House had shelved an earlier version.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quietly released more detailed guidance for reopening safely, after the White House had shelved an earlier version.
Being cut off from support systems at school is taking a toll on the mental health of American children.Being cut off from support systems at school is taking a toll on the mental health of American children.
As some workers return to office buildings, they may face unexpected health threats, like built-up bacteria in stagnant plumbing systems that can cause Legionnaires’ disease.As some workers return to office buildings, they may face unexpected health threats, like built-up bacteria in stagnant plumbing systems that can cause Legionnaires’ disease.
In an extraordinary shift in policy, hundreds of unaccompanied migrant children and teenagers have been quickly deported by U.S. authorities during the pandemic without a chance to speak to a social worker or plead for asylum.In an extraordinary shift in policy, hundreds of unaccompanied migrant children and teenagers have been quickly deported by U.S. authorities during the pandemic without a chance to speak to a social worker or plead for asylum.
Some people who have survived the coronavirus say they have been shunned by relatives and friends.Some people who have survived the coronavirus say they have been shunned by relatives and friends.
Residents in 11 of the world’s most overvisited tourist destinations told The Times about the bittersweets ways the crisis has transformed where they live.Residents in 11 of the world’s most overvisited tourist destinations told The Times about the bittersweets ways the crisis has transformed where they live.
We are a family of seven kids, and Mom sends out a writing prompt each day. It’s usually a question or something to reflect on, but it’s interesting to read all the responses. Prompts have ranged from what was your favorite and least favorite childhood meal to what is the thing you miss most during stay-at-home. We are spread out all over, but this helps us to stay connected.We are a family of seven kids, and Mom sends out a writing prompt each day. It’s usually a question or something to reflect on, but it’s interesting to read all the responses. Prompts have ranged from what was your favorite and least favorite childhood meal to what is the thing you miss most during stay-at-home. We are spread out all over, but this helps us to stay connected.
— Elise Edwards, Washington, D.C.— Elise Edwards, Washington, D.C.
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
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Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.