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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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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.
A new study found that hydroxychloroquine, the antimalaria drug promoted by President Trump, may actually harm coronavirus patients.A new study found that hydroxychloroquine, the antimalaria drug promoted by President Trump, may actually harm coronavirus patients.
An early-stage trial of a vaccine developed in China and tested on 108 people appears to be safe and may offer protection against the virus.An early-stage trial of a vaccine developed in China and tested on 108 people appears to be safe and may offer protection against the virus.
Mr. Trump declared houses of worship “essential services” and ordered governors to let them reopen.Mr. Trump declared houses of worship “essential services” and ordered governors to let them reopen.
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 U.S. is about to kick off its first major holiday weekend since the pandemic began — and it’s going to be unlike any other, with most of the traditional activities off limits or significantly restricted.The U.S. is about to kick off its first major holiday weekend since the pandemic began — and it’s going to be unlike any other, with most of the traditional activities off limits or significantly restricted.
But the virus doesn’t have to spoil your holiday plans. With some precautions, it’s still possible to honor the fallen and enjoy the warm weather while lowering your risk of infection. Here are some tips to stay safe:But the virus doesn’t have to spoil your holiday plans. With some precautions, it’s still possible to honor the fallen and enjoy the warm weather while lowering your risk of infection. Here are some tips to stay safe:
Though many memorial events have been canceled, some are being adapted, like a “virtual flag garden” in Massachusetts and a streamed service for veterans in Minnesota.Though many memorial events have been canceled, some are being adapted, like a “virtual flag garden” in Massachusetts and a streamed service for veterans in Minnesota.
The biggest risk of swimming in pools, lakes or the ocean is your exposure to other people, not the water itself — other coronaviruses have proved to be unstable in water and highly sensitive to chlorine. Being able to avoid others, both in and near the water, is the key to safe swimming.The biggest risk of swimming in pools, lakes or the ocean is your exposure to other people, not the water itself — other coronaviruses have proved to be unstable in water and highly sensitive to chlorine. Being able to avoid others, both in and near the water, is the key to safe swimming.
Ideally, you should socialize only with people in your household. But if you decide to gather with others, it’s best to do so outdoors. Keep the group small, and stay at least six feet apart.Ideally, you should socialize only with people in your household. But if you decide to gather with others, it’s best to do so outdoors. Keep the group small, and stay at least six feet apart.
The safest picnic is with your family, but if you invite guests, they should bring their own food, drinks, ice and coolers and sit at their own tables. Wear masks for long conversations, and have hand sanitizer available or set up a hand-washing station.The safest picnic is with your family, but if you invite guests, they should bring their own food, drinks, ice and coolers and sit at their own tables. Wear masks for long conversations, and have hand sanitizer available or set up a hand-washing station.
Be prepared for transformed airports. During security screenings, you’ll be asked to scan your own boarding pass and put any food you’ve brought in a separate bin to prevent cross-contamination. And the 3.4-ounce rule has been relaxed for hand sanitizer: You’re allowed to bring up to 12 ounces on board.Be prepared for transformed airports. During security screenings, you’ll be asked to scan your own boarding pass and put any food you’ve brought in a separate bin to prevent cross-contamination. And the 3.4-ounce rule has been relaxed for hand sanitizer: You’re allowed to bring up to 12 ounces on board.
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.
If you plan to hit the beach this weekend, read up on the local rules and go only if you can avoid crowds. (There may even be a webcam that you can check first.) But be warned: Some states, counties and communities are limiting access to locals only.If you plan to hit the beach this weekend, read up on the local rules and go only if you can avoid crowds. (There may even be a webcam that you can check first.) But be warned: Some states, counties and communities are limiting access to locals only.
Here’s a look at how some states are regulating beaches at the start of the summer:Here’s a look at how some states are regulating beaches at the start of the summer:
California: Beaches in 15 counties are open for “active use,” which does not include lounging on beach towels.California: Beaches in 15 counties are open for “active use,” which does not include lounging on beach towels.
New Jersey: The second phase of reopening the Jersey Shore begins this weekend. Sunbathing is allowed, but swimming is not expected to be permitted until July.New Jersey: The second phase of reopening the Jersey Shore begins this weekend. Sunbathing is allowed, but swimming is not expected to be permitted until July.
Florida: Most beaches are open, but many are restricting activities and large gatherings, and some have reduced hours. Beaches in Miami remain closed but are planning to reopen on June 1.Florida: Most beaches are open, but many are restricting activities and large gatherings, and some have reduced hours. Beaches in Miami remain closed but are planning to reopen on June 1.
Massachusetts: Beaches will reopen for swimming on Memorial Day, but volleyball is banned and sunbathers must place their towels 12 feet apart.Massachusetts: Beaches will reopen for swimming on Memorial Day, but volleyball is banned and sunbathers must place their towels 12 feet apart.
New York City: Mayor Bill de Blasio said that, for now, beaches are intended only for those who live near them, and not for swimming. The city is considering opening beaches for bathers in early June.New York City: Mayor Bill de Blasio said that, for now, beaches are intended only for those who live near them, and not for swimming. The city is considering opening beaches for bathers in early June.
The corner of Lafayette and East Fourth Streets in Manhattan used to be a busy thoroughfare, with coffee shops, gyms and hurried N.Y.U. students walking between classes. But during the pandemic, the usual sounds of the city have gone quiet. Hear it for yourself here.The corner of Lafayette and East Fourth Streets in Manhattan used to be a busy thoroughfare, with coffee shops, gyms and hurried N.Y.U. students walking between classes. But during the pandemic, the usual sounds of the city have gone quiet. Hear it for yourself here.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
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.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
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.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.
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.)
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.
Is your bad mood something more? You may want to contemplate whether the coronavirus has simply put you in a funk, or if you have depression that should be evaluated and treated. You can familiarize yourself with depression’s physical and mental markers.Is your bad mood something more? You may want to contemplate whether the coronavirus has simply put you in a funk, or if you have depression that should be evaluated and treated. You can familiarize yourself with depression’s physical and mental markers.
Try a new board game. These travel-themed games will transport you to Renaissance Florence, Barcelona, Istanbul and beyond with just the roll of a die.Try a new board game. These travel-themed games will transport you to Renaissance Florence, Barcelona, Istanbul and beyond with just the roll of a die.
Host your own summer camp. Ask your kids what they were most looking forward to about camp — then help them grieve their losses and figure out which parts you can recreate.Host your own summer camp. Ask your kids what they were most looking forward to about camp — then help them grieve their losses and figure out which parts you can recreate.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several state health departments have come under fire for mixing antibody and viral tests in their reported results, in a way that experts say could distort the true picture of the pandemic.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several state health departments have come under fire for mixing antibody and viral tests in their reported results, in a way that experts say could distort the true picture of the pandemic.
Are you more likely to die from the coronavirus or from driving to work, skydiving or being a soldier in a war? A former academic physicist puts the risk into perspective.Are you more likely to die from the coronavirus or from driving to work, skydiving or being a soldier in a war? A former academic physicist puts the risk into perspective.
See what it was like inside one of the hardest-hit hospitals in New York during the peak of the city’s outbreak.See what it was like inside one of the hardest-hit hospitals in New York during the peak of the city’s outbreak.
Hundreds of companies have canceled their summer internship programs, undercutting a steppingstone to employment for young people.Hundreds of companies have canceled their summer internship programs, undercutting a steppingstone to employment for young people.
After losing some customers to rivals during the pandemic, Amazon is trying to lure them back with faster shipping times and big sales.After losing some customers to rivals during the pandemic, Amazon is trying to lure them back with faster shipping times and big sales.
A teenage girl crossed India on a $20 bike to get her father safely home amid the crisis.A teenage girl crossed India on a $20 bike to get her father safely home amid the crisis.
My 12-year-old grandson and I are writing a book called “Coronavirus: A Novel.” The idea is to create a keepsake of our experience and to pass it on to his future offspring. The process is pretty much like improv. One of us writes a fictional passage and leaves off midstream. The other continues the story in whatever direction they lead it.My 12-year-old grandson and I are writing a book called “Coronavirus: A Novel.” The idea is to create a keepsake of our experience and to pass it on to his future offspring. The process is pretty much like improv. One of us writes a fictional passage and leaves off midstream. The other continues the story in whatever direction they lead it.
— Barbara Seldin, San Diego— Barbara Seldin, San Diego
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