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Coronavirus Live Updates: Nursing Home Deaths Hit Black and Latino Communities Hardest Coronavirus Live Updates: Nursing Home Deaths Hit Black and Latino Communities Hardest
(32 minutes later)
The pandemic has devastated nursing homes in the United States, sickening staff members, ravaging residents and contributing to at least 20 percent of the nation’s Covid-19 death toll. But the virus has been particularly virulent toward African-Americans and Latinos in nursing homes where those groups make up a significant portion of the residents.The pandemic has devastated nursing homes in the United States, sickening staff members, ravaging residents and contributing to at least 20 percent of the nation’s Covid-19 death toll. But the virus has been particularly virulent toward African-Americans and Latinos in nursing homes where those groups make up a significant portion of the residents.
While the virus has been infecting and killing black people in the United States at disproportionately high rates — highlighting what public health researchers say are entrenched inequalities in resources, health and access to care — the nursing home disparities have been felt in cities and suburbs, in large facilities and small, in poorly rated homes and in those with stellar marks.While the virus has been infecting and killing black people in the United States at disproportionately high rates — highlighting what public health researchers say are entrenched inequalities in resources, health and access to care — the nursing home disparities have been felt in cities and suburbs, in large facilities and small, in poorly rated homes and in those with stellar marks.
To better understand the disparities in Maryland, California and Illinois, The New York Times teamed up with The Baltimore Sun, KPCC/LAist and The Southern Illinoisan to interview dozens of current and former nursing home workers, residents and their relatives.To better understand the disparities in Maryland, California and Illinois, The New York Times teamed up with The Baltimore Sun, KPCC/LAist and The Southern Illinoisan to interview dozens of current and former nursing home workers, residents and their relatives.
In the suburbs of Baltimore, for example, workers at one nursing home said they were given rain ponchos to protect from infection. Twenty-five employees at the center, where most residents are African-American, tested positive.In the suburbs of Baltimore, for example, workers at one nursing home said they were given rain ponchos to protect from infection. Twenty-five employees at the center, where most residents are African-American, tested positive.
In East Los Angeles, a staff member at a predominantly Latino nursing home where an outbreak emerged said she was given swimming goggles before professional gear could be obtained. She said she later tested positive.In East Los Angeles, a staff member at a predominantly Latino nursing home where an outbreak emerged said she was given swimming goggles before professional gear could be obtained. She said she later tested positive.
The race and ethnicity of the people living in a nursing home was a predictor of whether it was hit with Covid-19. But the Times analysis found that the federal government’s five-star rating system, often used to judge the quality of a nursing home, was not a predictor. Even predominantly black and Latino nursing homes with high ratings were more likely to be affected than were predominantly white nursing homes with low ratings, the data showed.The race and ethnicity of the people living in a nursing home was a predictor of whether it was hit with Covid-19. But the Times analysis found that the federal government’s five-star rating system, often used to judge the quality of a nursing home, was not a predictor. Even predominantly black and Latino nursing homes with high ratings were more likely to be affected than were predominantly white nursing homes with low ratings, the data showed.
More than 60 percent of nursing homes where at least a quarter of the residents are black or Latino have reported at least one case, a Times analysis shows. That is double the rate of homes where black and Latino people make up less than 5 percent of the population.More than 60 percent of nursing homes where at least a quarter of the residents are black or Latino have reported at least one case, a Times analysis shows. That is double the rate of homes where black and Latino people make up less than 5 percent of the population.
An additional 2.4 million workers filed first-time claims for unemployment benefits last week, the U.S. government reported Thursday, representing a leveling in the weekly toll that the coronavirus lockdowns have had on the economy.An additional 2.4 million workers filed first-time claims for unemployment benefits last week, the U.S. government reported Thursday, representing a leveling in the weekly toll that the coronavirus lockdowns have had on the economy.
Still, the number of people losing their jobs remains vast. The latest report, for the period ending May 16, brings the total count of jobless claims over the past nine weeks to more than 38 million.Still, the number of people losing their jobs remains vast. The latest report, for the period ending May 16, brings the total count of jobless claims over the past nine weeks to more than 38 million.
And the pain is widespread. A recent household survey from the Census Bureau found that nearly half of adults said they or a member of their household had lost employment income since mid-March. A recent Federal Reserve study found that approximately 40 percent of workers in households earning less than $40,000 had lost their jobs.And the pain is widespread. A recent household survey from the Census Bureau found that nearly half of adults said they or a member of their household had lost employment income since mid-March. A recent Federal Reserve study found that approximately 40 percent of workers in households earning less than $40,000 had lost their jobs.
While all 50 states have begun the process of reopening, most experts believe the path to economic recovery will be long and potentially halting. Economists who once expected a swift recovery now say unemployment is likely to remain elevated for years.While all 50 states have begun the process of reopening, most experts believe the path to economic recovery will be long and potentially halting. Economists who once expected a swift recovery now say unemployment is likely to remain elevated for years.
Emergency relief and expanded unemployment benefits have helped tide over households. Roughly three-quarters of people who are eligible for a $1,200 stimulus payment from the federal government have received it, according to the Treasury Department.Emergency relief and expanded unemployment benefits have helped tide over households. Roughly three-quarters of people who are eligible for a $1,200 stimulus payment from the federal government have received it, according to the Treasury Department.
Workers who have successfully applied for unemployment benefits are getting an extra $600 a week from the federal government, and most states have begun another program that extends benefits to freelancers, self-employed workers and others who don’t routinely qualify.Workers who have successfully applied for unemployment benefits are getting an extra $600 a week from the federal government, and most states have begun another program that extends benefits to freelancers, self-employed workers and others who don’t routinely qualify.
But many states are struggling to keep up with the overwhelming demand, drawing desperate complaints from people who have been waiting two months or more to receive their first benefit check. Indiana, Wyoming, Hawaii and Missouri are among those with large backlogs of incompletely processed claims. Another is Kentucky, where nearly one in three workers are unemployed.But many states are struggling to keep up with the overwhelming demand, drawing desperate complaints from people who have been waiting two months or more to receive their first benefit check. Indiana, Wyoming, Hawaii and Missouri are among those with large backlogs of incompletely processed claims. Another is Kentucky, where nearly one in three workers are unemployed.
With an additional 2.4 million workers filing new claims for unemployment benefits last week, attention is again turning to Washington and whether Congress and the White House will provide additional aid to help those struggling amid the pandemic. Mr. Trump headed to Michigan on Thursday, paying a visit to a key swing state where the virus has become a polarizing flashpoint just a day after he threatened to withhold federal funding from it for taking steps to make it easier to vote by mail amid the pandemic.
Michigan has been one of the states hit hardest by the virus. It has also seen a series of small but intense demonstrations against stay-home restrictions, some of which Mr. Trump encouraged, which at one point saw armed protesters enter the State Capitol in Lansing.
The state is critical to Mr. Trump’s hopes of winning reelection, but he has been behind in recent public polling there. The state’s governor, Gretchen Whitmer, is seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, and her name often comes up in lists of possible running mates for Joseph R. Biden.
On Wednesday the president threatened to withhold federal funding to Michigan because its Democratic secretary of state was mailing absentee ballot applications to voters, a move he falsely claimed was illegal. Mr. Trump’s threat came as the state was battling a major flood disaster that forced thousands of people to evacuate, and by the end of the day he seemed to back off it, saying “I don’t think it’s going to be necessary.”
On Thursday, Mr. Trump repeated his concerns but did not make any threats.
“We don’t want them to do mail-in ballots because it will lead to total election fraud,” Mr. Trump said before he departed for Michigan. (States that vote by mail see little fraud.)
Ms. Whitmer eased several virus-related restrictions in the state on Thursday, moving to allow gatherings of up to 10 people, and saying that beginning May 26, retail businesses will be allowed to see customers by appointment. In addition, on May 29, health care and veterinary workers will be allowed to resume some medical and dental procedures.
The president has repeatedly taken aim at Ms. Whitmer during the pandemic, referring to her as “the woman in Michigan” and at one point egging on protesters looking to ease restrictions by tweeting “Liberate Michigan.”
Mr. Trump’s political opponents were quick to pounce on his threats to Michigan’s federal aid, and worked to capitalize on them in the politically critical state. William Kristol, a prominent conservative Trump critic, said on Twitter that his group, Defending Democracy Together, was buying airtime in Michigan ahead of the president’s visit to release a new advertisement in defense of safe and secure voting.
One outstanding question of the trip is whether Mr. Trump will wear a mask while visiting a Ford plant in Ypsilanti. Ford, which had to temporarily close two newly-reopened North American assembly plants this week after employees tested positive for the virus has said that their policy was for all plant visitors to wear personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of the virus.
It is not clear whether Mr. Trump would follow the plant’s rules, as he has refused to don a face mask on previous trips around the country, violating the recommendations of the C.D.C.
President Trump is continuing to rail against voting by mail, which is increasingly viewed as a necessary option for voting amid a pandemic.
His antipathy, however, has done little so far, to slow its growth as an option in both Democratic and Republican states, Michael Wines reports. Eleven of the 16 states that limit who can vote absentee have eased their election rules this spring to let anyone cast an absentee ballot in upcoming primary elections — and in some cases, in November as well. Another state, Texas, is fighting a court order to do so.
Four of those 11 states are mailing ballot applications to registered voters. And that doesn’t count 34 other states and the District of Columbia that already allow anyone to cast an absentee ballot, including five states in which vote-by-mail is the preferred method by law.
Part of the growth is because of the specter of people voting and getting sick amid the pandemic, as happened in Wisconsin last month. But part reflects the growth of voting by mail as an increasingly desired option even before the coronavirus. In 2016, nearly one in four voters cast absentee or mail ballots, twice the share just 16 years ago, in 2004.
Many of the states that have relaxed their rules have done so only for pending primary elections, leaving the possibility that they could refuse to relax them in November. And some conservative groups plan to sue to limit its use. Like Mr. Trump they cite largely undocumented allegations of fraud.
But Daniel A. Smith, a University of Florida political scientist and expert on mail ballots, said it’s unlikely states that allowed mailing voting in primaries will forbid it in November.
“The horse is out of the barn whether it’s primaries or the general election,” he said. “The optics are such that states will be under enormous pressure to continue to allow mail voting in the fall.”
As millions more have filed for unemployment, attention is again turning to Washington and whether Congress and the White House will provide additional aid to help those struggling amid the pandemic.
The answer, for now, is maybe.The answer, for now, is maybe.
It remains unclear whether lawmakers will agree to extend enhanced unemployment benefits that were included in the $2 trillion stimulus package passed in March, which provides an additional $600 per week to workers who file for unemployment.It remains unclear whether lawmakers will agree to extend enhanced unemployment benefits that were included in the $2 trillion stimulus package passed in March, which provides an additional $600 per week to workers who file for unemployment.
That enhanced benefit expires at the end of July and House Democrats included a provision in the $3 trillion stimulus bill it passed on Friday to extend it through January 2021.That enhanced benefit expires at the end of July and House Democrats included a provision in the $3 trillion stimulus bill it passed on Friday to extend it through January 2021.
But Republicans have rejected that measure, along with the entire House bill, and do not plan to vote on it in the Senate.But Republicans have rejected that measure, along with the entire House bill, and do not plan to vote on it in the Senate.
“The problem is, we don’t even have all the money out the door yet,” said Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas. “I’m not saying there needs to be any sort of artificial delay but we got some lessons to learn from the first go round like don’t pay people more not to work than they earn working. That’s just a mistake. So I have no doubt we’ll pass another one.”“The problem is, we don’t even have all the money out the door yet,” said Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas. “I’m not saying there needs to be any sort of artificial delay but we got some lessons to learn from the first go round like don’t pay people more not to work than they earn working. That’s just a mistake. So I have no doubt we’ll pass another one.”
If the United States had begun imposing social-distancing measures one week earlier in March, about 36,000 fewer people would have died in the pandemic, according to new estimates from Columbia University disease modelers.If the United States had begun imposing social-distancing measures one week earlier in March, about 36,000 fewer people would have died in the pandemic, according to new estimates from Columbia University disease modelers.
And if the country had begun locking down cities and limiting social contact on March 1, two weeks earlier than when most people started staying home, a vast majority of the nation’s deaths — about 83 percent — would have been avoided, the researchers estimated.And if the country had begun locking down cities and limiting social contact on March 1, two weeks earlier than when most people started staying home, a vast majority of the nation’s deaths — about 83 percent — would have been avoided, the researchers estimated.
The enormous cost of waiting to take action reflects the unforgiving dynamics of the outbreak that swept through American cities in early March. Even small differences in timing would have prevented the worst exponential growth, which by April had subsumed New York City, New Orleans and other major cities, the researchers found.The enormous cost of waiting to take action reflects the unforgiving dynamics of the outbreak that swept through American cities in early March. Even small differences in timing would have prevented the worst exponential growth, which by April had subsumed New York City, New Orleans and other major cities, the researchers found.
“It’s a big, big difference,” said Jeffrey Shaman, an epidemiologist at Columbia and the leader of the research team. “That small moment in time, catching it in that growth phase, is incredibly critical in reducing the number of deaths.”“It’s a big, big difference,” said Jeffrey Shaman, an epidemiologist at Columbia and the leader of the research team. “That small moment in time, catching it in that growth phase, is incredibly critical in reducing the number of deaths.”
The findings are based on infectious-disease modeling that gauges how reduced contact between people starting in mid-March slowed transmission of the virus.The findings are based on infectious-disease modeling that gauges how reduced contact between people starting in mid-March slowed transmission of the virus.
On March 16, President Trump urged Americans to limit travel, avoid groups and stay home from school. Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City closed schools on March 15, and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York issued a stay-at-home order that took effect on March 22.On March 16, President Trump urged Americans to limit travel, avoid groups and stay home from school. Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City closed schools on March 15, and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York issued a stay-at-home order that took effect on March 22.
But in cities like New York, where the virus arrived early and spread quickly, those actions were too late to avoid a calamity. Dr. Shaman’s team modeled what would have happened if those same changes had taken place one or two weeks earlier and estimated the spread of infections and deaths until May 3.But in cities like New York, where the virus arrived early and spread quickly, those actions were too late to avoid a calamity. Dr. Shaman’s team modeled what would have happened if those same changes had taken place one or two weeks earlier and estimated the spread of infections and deaths until May 3.
The results show that as states reopen — all 50 states had eased restrictions somewhat as of Wednesday — outbreaks can easily get out of control unless officials closely monitor infections and immediately clamp down on new flare-ups.The results show that as states reopen — all 50 states had eased restrictions somewhat as of Wednesday — outbreaks can easily get out of control unless officials closely monitor infections and immediately clamp down on new flare-ups.
And they show that each day that officials waited to impose restrictions in early March came at a great cost.And they show that each day that officials waited to impose restrictions in early March came at a great cost.
When asked about the modeling at his daily briefing on Thursday, Mr. Cuomo did not address his own decision making at the time but said “if this country knew more and knew it earlier, I think we could have saved many many more lives.”When asked about the modeling at his daily briefing on Thursday, Mr. Cuomo did not address his own decision making at the time but said “if this country knew more and knew it earlier, I think we could have saved many many more lives.”
Statewide in New York, another 105 people died, Mr. Cuomo said Thursday, a fourth straight day of fatalities just above 100. More than 28,000 people have died in the state.Statewide in New York, another 105 people died, Mr. Cuomo said Thursday, a fourth straight day of fatalities just above 100. More than 28,000 people have died in the state.
The inability of the United States to provide broad diagnostic testing, widely seen as a pivotal failing in the nation’s effort to contain the virus, has been traced to the botched rollout by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the tardy response by the Food and Drug Administration, and supply shortages of swabs and masks.The inability of the United States to provide broad diagnostic testing, widely seen as a pivotal failing in the nation’s effort to contain the virus, has been traced to the botched rollout by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the tardy response by the Food and Drug Administration, and supply shortages of swabs and masks.
But the fragmented, poorly organized American health care system has also made it difficult for hospitals and other medical providers to quickly overcome obstacles to testing.But the fragmented, poorly organized American health care system has also made it difficult for hospitals and other medical providers to quickly overcome obstacles to testing.
“It’s still amazing to me, like, how can that be the case, that there is not a more systematic way to address a central need?” said Fyodor Urnov, the scientist who oversaw the transformation of the Innovative Genomics Institute into a clinical laboratory.“It’s still amazing to me, like, how can that be the case, that there is not a more systematic way to address a central need?” said Fyodor Urnov, the scientist who oversaw the transformation of the Innovative Genomics Institute into a clinical laboratory.
There have been calls for more than a decade to create a national laboratory system that could oversee a testing response in a public health crisis. An effort to create one 10 years ago withered away over time because of a lack of funding.There have been calls for more than a decade to create a national laboratory system that could oversee a testing response in a public health crisis. An effort to create one 10 years ago withered away over time because of a lack of funding.
In recent days, Mr. Trump has delivered a mixed message on testing, saying on May 11 that in ramping up, “we have met the moment and we have prevailed,” while a few days later, he suggested that testing was “overrated” and that the high number of cases in the United States could be traced to more prevalent testing.In recent days, Mr. Trump has delivered a mixed message on testing, saying on May 11 that in ramping up, “we have met the moment and we have prevailed,” while a few days later, he suggested that testing was “overrated” and that the high number of cases in the United States could be traced to more prevalent testing.
The picture for testing is slowly improving. The United States is completing more than 300,000 tests a day, double the amount of a month ago, according to the Covid Tracking Project. But the country still needs to triple its capacity to at least 900,000 tests a day, and as many as 20 million tests must be completed in order to get an accurate view of the outbreak, particularly as states ease virus-related restrictions.The picture for testing is slowly improving. The United States is completing more than 300,000 tests a day, double the amount of a month ago, according to the Covid Tracking Project. But the country still needs to triple its capacity to at least 900,000 tests a day, and as many as 20 million tests must be completed in order to get an accurate view of the outbreak, particularly as states ease virus-related restrictions.
Mr. Trump is scheduled to visit a Ford Motor plant that is manufacturing ventilators in Ypsilanti, Mich., on Thursday, his first trip to the state since January. The trip comes at a time when his campaign advisers are increasingly concerned about his re-election prospects there.
On Wednesday, as the state was battling a flood disaster, Mr. Trump threatened to withhold federal funding to Michigan because its Democratic secretary of state mailed absentee ballot applications to voters, a move he falsely claimed was illegal. But by the end of the day, Mr. Trump had seemingly backed off the threat. “I don’t think it’s going to be necessary,” he said.
On Thursday, Mr. Trump repeated his concerns but did not make any threats.
“We don’t want them to do mail-in ballots because it will lead to total election fraud,” Mr. Trump said before he departed for Michigan.
Michigan is among the states hit the hardest by the spread of the virus. On Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, eased some of the virus-related restrictions, including allowing gatherings of up to 10 people, and on May 26, retail businesses will be allowed to see customers by appointment. In addition, on May 29, health care and veterinary workers will be allowed to resume some medical and dental procedures.
Mr. Trump’s political opponents were quick to pounce on his threats to Michigan and worked to capitalize on them in the politically critical state. William Kristol, a prominent conservative Trump critic, said on Twitter that his group, Defending Democracy Together, was buying airtime in Michigan ahead of the president’s visit to release a new advertisement in defense of safe and secure voting.
One outstanding question of the trip is whether Mr. Trump will wear a mask while visiting the Ford plant. Ford said that their policy was for all plant visitors to wear personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of the virus. It is not clear that he will follow the plant’s rules as Mr. Trump has refused to don a face mask on previous trips around the country, violating the recommendations of the C.D.C.
During the visit to Michigan, Mr. Trump is also scheduled to participate in a listening session with African-American leaders.
The chief scientist brought on to lead the Trump administration’s vaccine efforts has spent the past several days trying to disentangle pieces of his stock portfolio and his intricate ties to big pharmaceutical interests, as critics point to the potential for significant conflicts of interest.The chief scientist brought on to lead the Trump administration’s vaccine efforts has spent the past several days trying to disentangle pieces of his stock portfolio and his intricate ties to big pharmaceutical interests, as critics point to the potential for significant conflicts of interest.
The scientist, Moncef Slaoui, is a venture capitalist and a former longtime executive at GlaxoSmithKline. Most recently, he sat on the board of Moderna, a Cambridge, Mass., biotechnology firm with a $30 billion valuation that is pursuing a virus vaccine. He resigned when Mr. Trump named him to the new post as chief adviser for Operation Warp Speed, the federal drive for coronavirus vaccines and treatments.The scientist, Moncef Slaoui, is a venture capitalist and a former longtime executive at GlaxoSmithKline. Most recently, he sat on the board of Moderna, a Cambridge, Mass., biotechnology firm with a $30 billion valuation that is pursuing a virus vaccine. He resigned when Mr. Trump named him to the new post as chief adviser for Operation Warp Speed, the federal drive for coronavirus vaccines and treatments.
Just days into his job, the extent of Dr. Slaoui’s financial interests in drug companies has begun to emerge: The value of his stock holdings in Moderna jumped nearly $2.4 million, to $12.4 million, when the company released preliminary, partial data from an early phase of its candidate vaccine trial that helped send the markets soaring on Monday.Just days into his job, the extent of Dr. Slaoui’s financial interests in drug companies has begun to emerge: The value of his stock holdings in Moderna jumped nearly $2.4 million, to $12.4 million, when the company released preliminary, partial data from an early phase of its candidate vaccine trial that helped send the markets soaring on Monday.
Dr. Slaoui sold his shares on Tuesday, and the administration said he would donate the increased value to cancer research.Dr. Slaoui sold his shares on Tuesday, and the administration said he would donate the increased value to cancer research.
But the Moderna stock is just one piece of his pharmaceutical portfolio, much of which is not public. And some ethics and financial securities experts have voiced concerns about the arrangement Dr. Slaoui struck with the administration.But the Moderna stock is just one piece of his pharmaceutical portfolio, much of which is not public. And some ethics and financial securities experts have voiced concerns about the arrangement Dr. Slaoui struck with the administration.
In agreeing to accept the position, Dr. Slaoui did not come on board as a government employee. Instead, he is on a contract, receiving $1 for his service. That leaves him exempt from federal disclosure rules that would require him to list his outside positions, stock holdings and other potential conflicts. And the contract position is not subject to the same conflict-of-interest laws and regulations that executive branch employees must follow.In agreeing to accept the position, Dr. Slaoui did not come on board as a government employee. Instead, he is on a contract, receiving $1 for his service. That leaves him exempt from federal disclosure rules that would require him to list his outside positions, stock holdings and other potential conflicts. And the contract position is not subject to the same conflict-of-interest laws and regulations that executive branch employees must follow.
Calling for “a national expression of grief,” the Democratic leaders of the House and Senate asked Mr. Trump on Thursday to order flags on all government buildings be lowered to half-staff when the country reaches 100,000 virus-related deaths in the coming days.Calling for “a national expression of grief,” the Democratic leaders of the House and Senate asked Mr. Trump on Thursday to order flags on all government buildings be lowered to half-staff when the country reaches 100,000 virus-related deaths in the coming days.
In a letter to Mr. Trump on Thursday morning, Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, said doing so would be an appropriate gesture at a time when the United States is preparing to honor those it lost to war on Memorial Day.In a letter to Mr. Trump on Thursday morning, Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, said doing so would be an appropriate gesture at a time when the United States is preparing to honor those it lost to war on Memorial Day.
“Respectful of them and the loss to our country, we are writing to request that you order flags to be flown at half-staff on all public buildings in our country on the sad day of reckoning when we reach 100,000 deaths,” they wrote. “It would serve as a national expression of grief so needed by everyone in our country.”“Respectful of them and the loss to our country, we are writing to request that you order flags to be flown at half-staff on all public buildings in our country on the sad day of reckoning when we reach 100,000 deaths,” they wrote. “It would serve as a national expression of grief so needed by everyone in our country.”
More than 93,000 people have now died, according to a tally by The New York Times, and an average of more than 1,000 deaths a day are still being recorded.More than 93,000 people have now died, according to a tally by The New York Times, and an average of more than 1,000 deaths a day are still being recorded.
Mr. Trump has not led any observance of national mourning since the pandemic began claiming American lives by the thousands, and in his recent public comments, he has steered clear of talking about the deaths, focusing instead on the need to reopen the country — a process he describes as a “transition to greatness” — and defending his own handling of the crisis.Mr. Trump has not led any observance of national mourning since the pandemic began claiming American lives by the thousands, and in his recent public comments, he has steered clear of talking about the deaths, focusing instead on the need to reopen the country — a process he describes as a “transition to greatness” — and defending his own handling of the crisis.
Ms. Pelosi can lower flags over the Capitol on her own authority, but it takes an order from the president to lower flags at the White House and on federal buildings around the country.Ms. Pelosi can lower flags over the Capitol on her own authority, but it takes an order from the president to lower flags at the White House and on federal buildings around the country.
States and cities around the country have begun with varying degrees of success to ramp up efforts to put contact tracing in place on a large scale. Last week, Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said that his state would hire up to several thousand contact tracers to assist the 800 now working for local and county health departments.
Twenty miles to the west of New York City, Paterson, a poor, largely nonwhite city of about 150,000, has been tracing the virus at a level that could be the envy of larger cities. The team has been able to successfully investigate and trace about 90 percent of the more than 5,900 positive cases in Paterson, said the city’s top health officer, Dr. Paul Persaud.
As of Saturday, 306 Paterson residents have died, giving the city a Covid-19 death rate of 5.1 percent among those who have tested positive for the disease, compared to 7 percent statewide.
Perry N. Halkitis, the dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health, said that it was impossible to know how much contact tracing has helped control the spread of the virus. But contact tracing, he noted, “is one of the few tools that we actually have in the absence of a vaccine.”
Airports this Memorial Day weekend are likely to be far emptier than usual, but people who are planning to fly will find lots of changes to every part of the screening process.Airports this Memorial Day weekend are likely to be far emptier than usual, but people who are planning to fly will find lots of changes to every part of the screening process.
At security lines, signs and other markings will remind passengers to keep their distance. The Transportation Security Administration said Thursday that its agents will wear masks, gloves and, in some cases, eye protection. Passengers will be asked to scan their own boarding passes and place any food in their luggage in a separate bin during screening to limit cross contamination.At security lines, signs and other markings will remind passengers to keep their distance. The Transportation Security Administration said Thursday that its agents will wear masks, gloves and, in some cases, eye protection. Passengers will be asked to scan their own boarding passes and place any food in their luggage in a separate bin during screening to limit cross contamination.
“In the interest of T.S.A. front line workers and traveler health, T.S.A. is committed to making prudent changes to our screening processes to limit physical contact and increase physical distance as much as possible,” David Pekoske, the agency’s administrator, said in a statement.“In the interest of T.S.A. front line workers and traveler health, T.S.A. is committed to making prudent changes to our screening processes to limit physical contact and increase physical distance as much as possible,” David Pekoske, the agency’s administrator, said in a statement.
Most normal rules remain in place, but the T.S.A. said it would relax one: Passengers will now be allowed to bring up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer with them on their journey.Most normal rules remain in place, but the T.S.A. said it would relax one: Passengers will now be allowed to bring up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer with them on their journey.
Airlines are also making changes. Travelers who need to check a bag or print a ticket, for example, might find a sneeze guard separating them from a ticketing agent, a precaution being taken in some locations by United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. If they opt to use a kiosk instead, passengers may end up interacting with one that works without any need for contact at all.Airlines are also making changes. Travelers who need to check a bag or print a ticket, for example, might find a sneeze guard separating them from a ticketing agent, a precaution being taken in some locations by United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. If they opt to use a kiosk instead, passengers may end up interacting with one that works without any need for contact at all.
As many cities and towns across the country turn to modified and scaled-down ways of celebrating Memorial Day, including a “Virtual Flag Garden” in Massachusetts and services to be recorded and streamed to parts of Minnesota, at least one county in Pennsylvania will be going ahead with its usual tradition.
In Berks County, Pa., veterans groups and volunteers will plant an estimated 50,000 flags at the graves of fallen veterans, after the state waived certain restrictions meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
And following pressure on Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration, a nearby flag-making company is now permitted to distribute its flags to the groups, The Reading Eagle reported. The company had previously been denied a waiver.
Berks County is not alone. In Mohave Valley, Ariz., Desert Lawn Funeral Home, Crematory and Memorial Gardens announced it will be going ahead with its Memorial Day service, despite ceremonies in surrounding cities and towns being cancelled, the Mohave Valley Desert News reported.
“We will not forego this tradition,” Janelle Summerlin, a spokeswoman for the funeral home and cemetery, told the news organization. “We’ve been doing it for 30-plus years.”
Traditionally, every Memorial Day weekend, Boys and Girl Scouts and other groups have placed American flags and wreaths at the graves of fallen veterans. But this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs said it would not allow public events during the holiday at V.A. cemeteries across the country because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.
The National Cemetery Administration, which falls under the V.A.’s jurisdiction, also said it planned to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for social distancing and limiting the size of gatherings.
Families and friends of fallen veterans will be still allowed to visit gravesites to place individual flags and flowers.
Michigan, one of the states hardest hit by the pandemic, was confronted by a new emergency on Wednesday after days of torrential rainfall breached two dams the night before. Thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes, and much of Midland, the home of Dow Chemical and some of its plants, was submerged.Michigan, one of the states hardest hit by the pandemic, was confronted by a new emergency on Wednesday after days of torrential rainfall breached two dams the night before. Thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes, and much of Midland, the home of Dow Chemical and some of its plants, was submerged.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who has clashed with Republicans over the state’s response to the virus, found herself in an ever more complicated position: urging residents to flee their homes while maintaining social distancing to avoid the spreading virus. Midland County has had 76 known cases, a relatively small number in a battered state.Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who has clashed with Republicans over the state’s response to the virus, found herself in an ever more complicated position: urging residents to flee their homes while maintaining social distancing to avoid the spreading virus. Midland County has had 76 known cases, a relatively small number in a battered state.
“It’s hard to believe that we’re in the middle of a 100-year crisis, a global pandemic, and we’re also dealing with a flooding event that looks to be the worst in 500 years,” Ms. Whitmer said.“It’s hard to believe that we’re in the middle of a 100-year crisis, a global pandemic, and we’re also dealing with a flooding event that looks to be the worst in 500 years,” Ms. Whitmer said.
For years, federal regulators had warned that a dam in nearby Edenville Township could rupture and had chided its corporate owner, Boyce Hydro Power, for failing to make required structural changes. On Tuesday night, the dam gave way, sending water gushing into streets and threatening Dow Chemical, the producer of plastics that sits along the Tittabawassee River. Ten miles south of the Edenville dam, water was spilling over a second dam, a structure feared to be on the verge of collapse on Wednesday.For years, federal regulators had warned that a dam in nearby Edenville Township could rupture and had chided its corporate owner, Boyce Hydro Power, for failing to make required structural changes. On Tuesday night, the dam gave way, sending water gushing into streets and threatening Dow Chemical, the producer of plastics that sits along the Tittabawassee River. Ten miles south of the Edenville dam, water was spilling over a second dam, a structure feared to be on the verge of collapse on Wednesday.
By then, floodwaters had crept high enough that red stop signs were barely peeking out in downtown Midland, a city of 42,000 residents about 130 miles northwest of Detroit.By then, floodwaters had crept high enough that red stop signs were barely peeking out in downtown Midland, a city of 42,000 residents about 130 miles northwest of Detroit.
Officials said there were no known injuries or deaths tied to the floods.Officials said there were no known injuries or deaths tied to the floods.
As news of the disaster spread, Mr. Trump threatened on Twitter to withhold federal funds to Michigan if the state proceeded to expand vote-by-mail efforts. The president then followed up by saying that the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the military had been deployed to Michigan to assist with disaster response.As news of the disaster spread, Mr. Trump threatened on Twitter to withhold federal funds to Michigan if the state proceeded to expand vote-by-mail efforts. The president then followed up by saying that the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the military had been deployed to Michigan to assist with disaster response.
Michael D. Cohen, Mr. Trump’s former personal lawyer and fixer, was released from a federal prison on Thursday on furlough and returned to his home in Manhattan, one of his lawyers said. He had asked to be released over health concerns tied to the coronavirus.Michael D. Cohen, Mr. Trump’s former personal lawyer and fixer, was released from a federal prison on Thursday on furlough and returned to his home in Manhattan, one of his lawyers said. He had asked to be released over health concerns tied to the coronavirus.
Mr. Cohen, 53, who pleaded guilty in 2018 to campaign finance violations and other crimes, had been serving his sentence at a minimum-security camp next to a medium-security federal prison and detention center in Otisville, about 75 miles northwest of New York City.Mr. Cohen, 53, who pleaded guilty in 2018 to campaign finance violations and other crimes, had been serving his sentence at a minimum-security camp next to a medium-security federal prison and detention center in Otisville, about 75 miles northwest of New York City.
Mr. Cohen’s projected release date was November 2021, according to the bureau’s website, but he had sought to be released sooner because of medical issues and the risk that they would be exacerbated by the virus’s spread at the prison.Mr. Cohen’s projected release date was November 2021, according to the bureau’s website, but he had sought to be released sooner because of medical issues and the risk that they would be exacerbated by the virus’s spread at the prison.
He was recorded by television news cameras as he entered his doorman building on Park Avenue in New York City in the late morning, wearing a cap, black suit jacket, jeans and a surgical mask. He nodded to reporters and photographers as he buttoned his jacket, but made no comment.He was recorded by television news cameras as he entered his doorman building on Park Avenue in New York City in the late morning, wearing a cap, black suit jacket, jeans and a surgical mask. He nodded to reporters and photographers as he buttoned his jacket, but made no comment.
One law enforcement official briefed on the matter said it was expected that Mr. Cohen would serve the balance of his sentence under home confinement, but it was unclear on Wednesday whether a final decision had been made with regard to that.One law enforcement official briefed on the matter said it was expected that Mr. Cohen would serve the balance of his sentence under home confinement, but it was unclear on Wednesday whether a final decision had been made with regard to that.
Prisons and jails across the country have been hot spots for the spread of the virus. In April, Attorney General William P. Barr ordered the prisons bureau, which is part of the Justice Department, to determine which federal inmates could be safely released to home confinement. As of May 13, more than 2,500 inmates had been, according to bureau data.Prisons and jails across the country have been hot spots for the spread of the virus. In April, Attorney General William P. Barr ordered the prisons bureau, which is part of the Justice Department, to determine which federal inmates could be safely released to home confinement. As of May 13, more than 2,500 inmates had been, according to bureau data.
The federal crimes that Mr. Cohen admitted to were part of a scheme to pay hush money to two women who claimed they had affairs with Mr. Trump before he was president, which Mr. Trump has denied.The federal crimes that Mr. Cohen admitted to were part of a scheme to pay hush money to two women who claimed they had affairs with Mr. Trump before he was president, which Mr. Trump has denied.
Mr. Cohen’s release came a week after Paul Manafort, Mr. Trump’s onetime campaign chairman, was released into home confinement in Northern Virginia because of underlying health conditions and concerns about the virus. He had been serving a federal prison sentence of seven and a half years.Mr. Cohen’s release came a week after Paul Manafort, Mr. Trump’s onetime campaign chairman, was released into home confinement in Northern Virginia because of underlying health conditions and concerns about the virus. He had been serving a federal prison sentence of seven and a half years.
With a squeegee in his left latex-gloved hand and a plastic spray bottle with a solution of vinegar, water and glass cleaner in his right, a young man stood alone on a Baltimore street corner and waited for the traffic lights to turn red.With a squeegee in his left latex-gloved hand and a plastic spray bottle with a solution of vinegar, water and glass cleaner in his right, a young man stood alone on a Baltimore street corner and waited for the traffic lights to turn red.
As soon as it did, he tried to clean windshields for a small donation.As soon as it did, he tried to clean windshields for a small donation.
The young man, Evay, who asked that his last name be withheld, was a food runner and buser at a restaurant on Baltimore’s Harbor East front. But like many dining establishments around the country, it was forced to shutter to slow the spread of the virus.The young man, Evay, who asked that his last name be withheld, was a food runner and buser at a restaurant on Baltimore’s Harbor East front. But like many dining establishments around the country, it was forced to shutter to slow the spread of the virus.
Now Evay relies on washing car windows to pay for food and rent. Before the virus hit, he could make almost $200 cleaning the windows, but now, on a good day, he makes half that.Now Evay relies on washing car windows to pay for food and rent. Before the virus hit, he could make almost $200 cleaning the windows, but now, on a good day, he makes half that.
While Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican, has started reopening parts of the state, Baltimore’s mayor, Bernard C. “Jack” Young, a Democrat, has said that the city will keep its stay-at-home order in place for now.While Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican, has started reopening parts of the state, Baltimore’s mayor, Bernard C. “Jack” Young, a Democrat, has said that the city will keep its stay-at-home order in place for now.
Mr. Young also said this week that the city’s summer jobs program for young people would have to be cut in half, and offer many jobs virtually.Mr. Young also said this week that the city’s summer jobs program for young people would have to be cut in half, and offer many jobs virtually.
Many of Baltimore’s squeegee workers aren’t in high school, so they don’t qualify for the free lunches made available to the community by local school districts.Many of Baltimore’s squeegee workers aren’t in high school, so they don’t qualify for the free lunches made available to the community by local school districts.
The Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success is trying to help by hiring squeegee workers to deliver the free meals. The initiative is part of the “Earn As You Grow” piece of what the office calls the Squeegee Alternative Plan. The pay is $50 a day, or $250 per week.The Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success is trying to help by hiring squeegee workers to deliver the free meals. The initiative is part of the “Earn As You Grow” piece of what the office calls the Squeegee Alternative Plan. The pay is $50 a day, or $250 per week.
Washing car windows at intersections is not illegal in Baltimore, but some city officials have tried to ban it. The police aren’t targeting the workers during the lockdown, one officer said, though they may be asked to disperse if they are in large groups.Washing car windows at intersections is not illegal in Baltimore, but some city officials have tried to ban it. The police aren’t targeting the workers during the lockdown, one officer said, though they may be asked to disperse if they are in large groups.
Evay said an officer asked him to move, telling him he was not supposed to be outside unless he was going to work. “I said, ‘I am going to work.’”Evay said an officer asked him to move, telling him he was not supposed to be outside unless he was going to work. “I said, ‘I am going to work.’”
In many states, the beaches are open or opening for Memorial Day weekend. Exciting news, but no activity is going to be risk-free. Here are some things to remember when planning a beach day: know the rules, consider your beach’s geography, stay moving or far away, use your own gear and check out the restroom facilities when you arrive.In many states, the beaches are open or opening for Memorial Day weekend. Exciting news, but no activity is going to be risk-free. Here are some things to remember when planning a beach day: know the rules, consider your beach’s geography, stay moving or far away, use your own gear and check out the restroom facilities when you arrive.
The latest outbreak in China is concentrated in Jilin, a northeastern province of 27 million people that sits near the borders with Russia and North Korea. Jilin has reported only about 130 cases and two deaths, but experts there have warned of a potential “big explosion.”The latest outbreak in China is concentrated in Jilin, a northeastern province of 27 million people that sits near the borders with Russia and North Korea. Jilin has reported only about 130 cases and two deaths, but experts there have warned of a potential “big explosion.”
The humble bicycle is the surprise star of lockdown. With youth sports on hold, car traffic down 75 percent or more throughout the United States (according to the research firm StreetLightData), and cooped-up children doing parkour on the living room furniture, family bike rides have never sounded better. Here are some tips for a safe and successful trip.The humble bicycle is the surprise star of lockdown. With youth sports on hold, car traffic down 75 percent or more throughout the United States (according to the research firm StreetLightData), and cooped-up children doing parkour on the living room furniture, family bike rides have never sounded better. Here are some tips for a safe and successful trip.
Reporting was contributed by Karen Barrow, Eileen Sullivan, Julie Bosman, Katie Thomas, Patricia Cohen, Andrew Das, James Glanz, Matthew Goldstein, Abby Goodnough, Kathleen Gray, Maggie Haberman, Niraj Chokshi, Benjamin Weiser, Katie Benner, William K. Rashbaum, Sheila Kaplan, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Sharon Otterman, Campbell Robertson, Chaseedaw Giles, Anna Schaverien, Lauren Sloss, Kaly Soto, Chris Stanford, Annie Karni, Emily Cochrane and Alexandra Stevenson. Reporting was contributed by Karen Barrow, Eileen Sullivan, Michael Cooper, Julie Bosman, Katie Thomas, Patricia Cohen, Andrew Das, James Glanz, Matthew Goldstein, Abby Goodnough, Kathleen Gray, Maggie Haberman, Niraj Chokshi, Benjamin Weiser, Katie Benner, William K. Rashbaum, Sheila Kaplan, Vanessa Swales, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Campbell Robertson, Chaseedaw Giles, Anna Schaverien, Lauren Sloss, Kaly Soto, Chris Stanford, Annie Karni, Emily Cochrane and Alexandra Stevenson.