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Coronavirus Live Updates: As Child Hunger Soars, Federal Aid Lags Coronavirus Live Updates: As Child Hunger Soars, Federal Aid Lags
(32 minutes later)
As child hunger soars to levels without modern precedent, an emergency program Congress created two months ago has reached only a small fraction of the 30 million children it was intended to help.As child hunger soars to levels without modern precedent, an emergency program Congress created two months ago has reached only a small fraction of the 30 million children it was intended to help.
The program, Pandemic-EBT, aims to compensate for the declining reach of school meals by placing their value on electronic cards that families can use in grocery stores. But collecting lunch lists from thousands of school districts, transferring them to often outdated state computers and issuing specialized cards has proved much harder than envisioned, leaving millions of needy families waiting to buy food.The program, Pandemic-EBT, aims to compensate for the declining reach of school meals by placing their value on electronic cards that families can use in grocery stores. But collecting lunch lists from thousands of school districts, transferring them to often outdated state computers and issuing specialized cards has proved much harder than envisioned, leaving millions of needy families waiting to buy food.
Congress approved the effort in mid-March as part of the Families First act, its first major virus relief package. By May 15, only about 15 percent of eligible children had received benefits, according to an analysis by The New York Times. Just 12 states had started sending money, and Michigan and Rhode Island alone had finished.Congress approved the effort in mid-March as part of the Families First act, its first major virus relief package. By May 15, only about 15 percent of eligible children had received benefits, according to an analysis by The New York Times. Just 12 states had started sending money, and Michigan and Rhode Island alone had finished.
Among pandemic-related hardship, child hunger stands out for its urgency and symbolic resonance — after decades of exposés and reforms, a country of vast wealth still struggles to feed its young. So vital are school meals in some places, states are issuing replacement benefits in waves to keep grocers from being overwhelmed.Among pandemic-related hardship, child hunger stands out for its urgency and symbolic resonance — after decades of exposés and reforms, a country of vast wealth still struggles to feed its young. So vital are school meals in some places, states are issuing replacement benefits in waves to keep grocers from being overwhelmed.
The lag between congressional action and families buying food in many places is less a story of bureaucratic indifference than a testament to the convoluted nature of the American safety net.The lag between congressional action and families buying food in many places is less a story of bureaucratic indifference than a testament to the convoluted nature of the American safety net.
“This is why we need a federal nutrition safety net — hunger does not have state borders,” said Crystal FitzSimons of the Food Research and Action Center, a Washington advocacy group.“This is why we need a federal nutrition safety net — hunger does not have state borders,” said Crystal FitzSimons of the Food Research and Action Center, a Washington advocacy group.
House Republican leaders planned to sue top congressional officials on Tuesday to block the House of Representatives from using a remote proxy-voting system set up by Democrats to allow for remote legislating during the pandemic, calling it unconstitutional, according to three officials familiar with the plans. House Republican leaders planned to sue Speaker Nancy Pelosi and top congressional officials on Tuesday to block the House of Representatives from using a remote proxy voting system set up by Democrats to allow for remote legislating during the pandemic, calling it unconstitutional, according to three officials familiar with the plans.
In a lawsuit that will name the House clerk and sergeant-at-arms as defendants, Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the minority leader, and about 20 other Republicans plan to argue that new rules that allow lawmakers to vote from afar amid the coronavirus outbreak would be the end of Congress as it was envisioned by the nation’s founders, Nicholas Fandos and Michael Schmidt report.In a lawsuit that will name the House clerk and sergeant-at-arms as defendants, Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the minority leader, and about 20 other Republicans plan to argue that new rules that allow lawmakers to vote from afar amid the coronavirus outbreak would be the end of Congress as it was envisioned by the nation’s founders, Nicholas Fandos and Michael Schmidt report.
Democrats pushed the plan through this month over near-unanimous Republican opposition. The Republicans planned to ask a federal judge in Washington to strike down the practice immediately — leaving uncertain the fate of legislation the House planned to take up this week using the new procedures — and to invalidate it permanently. Democrats pushed the plan through this month over unanimous Republican opposition. The Republicans planned to ask a federal judge in Washington to strike down the practice immediately — leaving uncertain the fate of legislation the House planned to take up this week using the new procedures — and to invalidate it permanently.
The suit will face an uphill battle in the federal courts, where judges have been reluctant to second-guess Congress’s ability to set its own rules. And it comes as the Supreme Court has been hearing arguments remotely, by telephone. But it would fit into a broader push by Republicans, led by President Trump, to put a cloud of suspicion over Democratic efforts to find alternative ways to vote during the pandemic and to portray them as fraudulent attempts to gain political advantage.The suit will face an uphill battle in the federal courts, where judges have been reluctant to second-guess Congress’s ability to set its own rules. And it comes as the Supreme Court has been hearing arguments remotely, by telephone. But it would fit into a broader push by Republicans, led by President Trump, to put a cloud of suspicion over Democratic efforts to find alternative ways to vote during the pandemic and to portray them as fraudulent attempts to gain political advantage.
On Sunday, the Republican Party sued Gov. Gavin Newsom of California and the state’s secretary of state in an attempt to strike down an executive order dispatching mail-in ballots to every registered voter there, deriding it as an “illegal power grab” and part of Democrats’ “partisan election agenda.”On Sunday, the Republican Party sued Gov. Gavin Newsom of California and the state’s secretary of state in an attempt to strike down an executive order dispatching mail-in ballots to every registered voter there, deriding it as an “illegal power grab” and part of Democrats’ “partisan election agenda.”
Mr. McCarthy has also called the proxy-voting system a “power grab” by Democrats. Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, suggested he might not take up any legislation passed by the House when a quorum of members was not physically present. Mr. McCarthy has also called the proxy voting system a “power grab” by Democrats. Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, suggested he might not take up any legislation passed by the House when a quorum of members was not physically present.
“There will be enormous constitutional questions around anything the House does if they fail to demonstrate a real quorum but plow ahead anyhow,” Mr. McConnell said last week.“There will be enormous constitutional questions around anything the House does if they fail to demonstrate a real quorum but plow ahead anyhow,” Mr. McConnell said last week.
The new procedures adopted by the House allow any absent lawmaker to designate another member who is physically present to record a vote on his or her behalf during periods when the speaker, the clerk and the sergeant-at-arms agree there is a state of emergency because of the virus.The new procedures adopted by the House allow any absent lawmaker to designate another member who is physically present to record a vote on his or her behalf during periods when the speaker, the clerk and the sergeant-at-arms agree there is a state of emergency because of the virus.
House Democrats planned to use the procedures for the first time on Wednesday, when the chamber will consider legislation to relax the terms of a small business loan program.House Democrats planned to use the procedures for the first time on Wednesday, when the chamber will consider legislation to relax the terms of a small business loan program.
About a dozen states are seeing an uptick in new virus cases, bucking the national trend of staying steady or seeing decreases — and at least half of the states seeing more infections were part of an early wave of reopenings in late April and early May.About a dozen states are seeing an uptick in new virus cases, bucking the national trend of staying steady or seeing decreases — and at least half of the states seeing more infections were part of an early wave of reopenings in late April and early May.
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee are among the states that have seen recent increases in newly reported cases, several weeks after moving to reopen. Arkansas, North Dakota and Oklahoma, which did never had statewide stay-at-home orders but began reopening businesses, are also reporting increases in new cases.Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee are among the states that have seen recent increases in newly reported cases, several weeks after moving to reopen. Arkansas, North Dakota and Oklahoma, which did never had statewide stay-at-home orders but began reopening businesses, are also reporting increases in new cases.
The Washington, D.C., region, which has been locked down for weeks, also saw a jump in new cases as the city approached a planned reopening on Friday.The Washington, D.C., region, which has been locked down for weeks, also saw a jump in new cases as the city approached a planned reopening on Friday.
The new numbers could reflect increased testing capacity in some places, although they are also an indication that the virus’s grip on the country is far from over. Experts have warned that opening too early could lead to a second wave. Dr. Michael Ryan, the executive director of the World Health Organization’s emergencies unit, warned at a press briefing on Monday that easing social-distancing measures too soon could allow the virus to bounce back quickly and hit “a second peak” in many nations.The new numbers could reflect increased testing capacity in some places, although they are also an indication that the virus’s grip on the country is far from over. Experts have warned that opening too early could lead to a second wave. Dr. Michael Ryan, the executive director of the World Health Organization’s emergencies unit, warned at a press briefing on Monday that easing social-distancing measures too soon could allow the virus to bounce back quickly and hit “a second peak” in many nations.
The latest figures came as the overall pace of new cases and deaths slowed in the United States and some Americans began relaxing social distancing, crowding pools and parties over Memorial Day weekend.The latest figures came as the overall pace of new cases and deaths slowed in the United States and some Americans began relaxing social distancing, crowding pools and parties over Memorial Day weekend.
Some of the hardest-hit states, like New York and New Jersey, have reported steep downward trends. Other states, such as Oregon and Pennsylvania, are also showing signs of progress.Some of the hardest-hit states, like New York and New Jersey, have reported steep downward trends. Other states, such as Oregon and Pennsylvania, are also showing signs of progress.
The famed all-you-can-eat buffets and nightclubs will be gone. It is unknown when big conventions, live shows and sports events will return.The famed all-you-can-eat buffets and nightclubs will be gone. It is unknown when big conventions, live shows and sports events will return.
And when the casinos and resorts reopen in Las Vegas, tentatively in early June, players will no longer be able to touch the cards.And when the casinos and resorts reopen in Las Vegas, tentatively in early June, players will no longer be able to touch the cards.
About one-third of the economy in Las Vegas comes from the leisure and hospitality industry, more than any other major metropolitan area of the country. Nevada’s unemployment rate skyrocketed to 28.2 percent in April, the highest in the United States and in the state’s history, as casinos and other nonessential businesses laid off or furloughed hundreds of thousands of employees.About one-third of the economy in Las Vegas comes from the leisure and hospitality industry, more than any other major metropolitan area of the country. Nevada’s unemployment rate skyrocketed to 28.2 percent in April, the highest in the United States and in the state’s history, as casinos and other nonessential businesses laid off or furloughed hundreds of thousands of employees.
There have been at least 8,000 cases in Nevada, according to a Times database. As of Tuesday morning, at least 396 people had died. Over the last seven days, the Las Vegas metro area was adding an average of 102.7 new cases a day.There have been at least 8,000 cases in Nevada, according to a Times database. As of Tuesday morning, at least 396 people had died. Over the last seven days, the Las Vegas metro area was adding an average of 102.7 new cases a day.
Guidelines issued this month by the Nevada Gaming Control Board limit capacity for casinos to 50 percent and require new cleaning and social-distancing policies. Casinos are now taking out slot machines — which can make up half of the gaming revenue at many establishments — and considering raising minimum bets at card tables. Regulators have capped capacity at three players a table for blackjack and four for poker.Guidelines issued this month by the Nevada Gaming Control Board limit capacity for casinos to 50 percent and require new cleaning and social-distancing policies. Casinos are now taking out slot machines — which can make up half of the gaming revenue at many establishments — and considering raising minimum bets at card tables. Regulators have capped capacity at three players a table for blackjack and four for poker.
For many, the point of Las Vegas is the antithesis of social distancing.For many, the point of Las Vegas is the antithesis of social distancing.
“Nobody comes to Vegas to spend time by themselves,” said Brian Labus, an assistant professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who is also a member of the governor’s medical advisory team.“Nobody comes to Vegas to spend time by themselves,” said Brian Labus, an assistant professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who is also a member of the governor’s medical advisory team.
Wall Street rallied on Tuesday as investors began betting on an economic recovery, with both stocks and crude oil prices surging. The Justice Department on Tuesday notified three senators that it would not pursue insider trading charges against them after an investigation into stock transactions from the early days of the pandemic did not find sufficient evidence that they had broken the law, according to a person briefed on the investigations.
The S&P 500 closed 1.2 percent higher, with shares of companies most likely to benefit from the lifting of restrictions on travel and commerce faring well. Shares of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines both rose more than 10 percent. Marriott International climbed more than 4 percent. The department contacted lawyers for Senators Kelly Loeffler, Republican of Georgia; James M. Inhofe, Republican of Oklahoma; and Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California. All three had sold substantial amounts of stock in late January or early February, when lawmakers were being briefed on the threat of the virus, but before the pandemic began roiling financial markets or was fully understood by the public.
Conversely, shares of companies that were seen as benefiting as consumers stayed home and shopped online tumbled. Netflix fell more than 3 percent and shares of Amazon slipped. Law enforcement officials appear to still be investigating Senator Richard M. Burr, Republican of North Carolina, whose own stock sales in mid-February have drawn scrutiny from the Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission. This month, F.B.I. agents seized Mr. Burr’s cellphone.
The rally came as the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange reopened after closing on March 23, though at a reduced head count to allow social-distancing measures to remain in force. New York’s governor rang the opening bell to start trading at 9:30 a.m. A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment. An aide to Ms. Loeffler confirmed the notification, and aides for the other senators did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Floor brokers and trading floor officials will be allowed back, while designated market makers — the specialist traders who buy and sell to “make markets” in certain securities — will continue to operate remotely. Mr. Trump has threatened to pull the Republican National Convention from its host city of Charlotte, N.C., unless the state’s governor, a Democrat, can “guarantee” that the August event be held at full capacity. But North Carolina officials said on Tuesday morning that the virus situation in the state remained volatile, making such guarantees difficult to make.
Those who are returning must comply with a number of restrictions to regain access to the floor, including avoiding public transportation, submitting to temperature checks upon entry and wearing a face mask. They will also be expected to maintain a 6-foot distance and avoid physical contact such as shaking hands.
Mr. Trump has threatened to pull the Republican National Convention from its host city of Charlotte, N.C., unless the state’s Democratic governor can “guarantee” that the August event be held at full capacity. But North Carolina officials said on Tuesday morning that the virus situation in the state remained volatile, making such guarantees difficult to make.
North Carolina is among a number of states with significant growth in newly reported cases over the last 14 days. Though some of that is because of increased testing capacity, the escalation has state officials moving cautiously with reopening plans, said Sadie Weiner, a spokeswoman for Gov. Roy Cooper.North Carolina is among a number of states with significant growth in newly reported cases over the last 14 days. Though some of that is because of increased testing capacity, the escalation has state officials moving cautiously with reopening plans, said Sadie Weiner, a spokeswoman for Gov. Roy Cooper.
With some important indicators, like the trajectory of hospitalizations, leveling off, Mr. Cooper let the state move on Friday to a “Phase 2” response that allowed businesses like restaurants and day cares to open, with limits. But Mr. Cooper decided against opening businesses like gyms and bars, given the high number of new cases.With some important indicators, like the trajectory of hospitalizations, leveling off, Mr. Cooper let the state move on Friday to a “Phase 2” response that allowed businesses like restaurants and day cares to open, with limits. But Mr. Cooper decided against opening businesses like gyms and bars, given the high number of new cases.
“We said, why don’t we pump the brakes a little,” Ms. Weiner said.“We said, why don’t we pump the brakes a little,” Ms. Weiner said.
On Saturday, 1,107 new cases were reported in the state, its largest number so far. Mecklenburg County, the state’s second-most populous and home to Charlotte, is also struggling: 3,261 cases and 74 related deaths were reported as of Friday.On Saturday, 1,107 new cases were reported in the state, its largest number so far. Mecklenburg County, the state’s second-most populous and home to Charlotte, is also struggling: 3,261 cases and 74 related deaths were reported as of Friday.
The city and county on Monday issued a joint statement saying they would “continue to plan for the R.N.C. while respecting national and state guidance regarding the pandemic.” They also said they were working on guidelines for large events, including the convention, and anticipated “providing that guidance in June.”The city and county on Monday issued a joint statement saying they would “continue to plan for the R.N.C. while respecting national and state guidance regarding the pandemic.” They also said they were working on guidelines for large events, including the convention, and anticipated “providing that guidance in June.”
On Tuesday, Mr. Trump said he wanted a decision from Mr. Cooper “within a week” about whether Republicans would be able to hold the convention in the state.
“We need a fast decision from the governor,” Mr. Trump said during an event in the Rose Garden. “I don’t want to have it where we get there, and then they announce after all the money was spent, all the work was done, all the people traveling, guess what, you can’t put anybody in the arena, or you can put a tiny number of people in the arena. We can’t do that.”
Republicans are hoping to attract 50,000 attendees to the four-day convention, which is scheduled to begin Aug. 24. But it is unclear when presenters and arenas across the nation will decide it is safe to welcome crowds back. Pop stars including Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber have canceled their performances this year, and professional sports leagues are still weighing when to resume games and whether they will play in front of fans.Republicans are hoping to attract 50,000 attendees to the four-day convention, which is scheduled to begin Aug. 24. But it is unclear when presenters and arenas across the nation will decide it is safe to welcome crowds back. Pop stars including Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber have canceled their performances this year, and professional sports leagues are still weighing when to resume games and whether they will play in front of fans.
The governors of Georgia and Florida, both Republicans, each chimed in to say they would be happy to have the Republican convention in their respective states.The governors of Georgia and Florida, both Republicans, each chimed in to say they would be happy to have the Republican convention in their respective states.
“With world-class facilities, restaurants, hotels and work force, Georgia would be honored to safely host the Republican National Convention,” Gov. Brian Kemp said on Twitter on Tuesday.“With world-class facilities, restaurants, hotels and work force, Georgia would be honored to safely host the Republican National Convention,” Gov. Brian Kemp said on Twitter on Tuesday.
California was the first state to shut down to fight the spread of the virus and has avoided the staggeringly high infection and death rates in the Northeast. But the debilitating costs of that aggressive stance are mounting every day.California was the first state to shut down to fight the spread of the virus and has avoided the staggeringly high infection and death rates in the Northeast. But the debilitating costs of that aggressive stance are mounting every day.
California has an estimated unemployment rate above 20 percent, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom — far higher than the 14.7 percent national rate. In Los Angeles, with movie productions shut down, theme parks padlocked and hotels empty, things are even worse: The jobless rate has reached 24 percent, roughly equal to the peak unemployment of the Great Depression, in 1933.California has an estimated unemployment rate above 20 percent, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom — far higher than the 14.7 percent national rate. In Los Angeles, with movie productions shut down, theme parks padlocked and hotels empty, things are even worse: The jobless rate has reached 24 percent, roughly equal to the peak unemployment of the Great Depression, in 1933.
“Economic free fall” is how Tom Steyer, the former presidential candidate, described it. He is leading the state’s economic recovery task force, a group of business leaders, labor activists, economists and former governors who have begun plotting a way out.“Economic free fall” is how Tom Steyer, the former presidential candidate, described it. He is leading the state’s economic recovery task force, a group of business leaders, labor activists, economists and former governors who have begun plotting a way out.
With a gross domestic product larger than 25 states combined, California’s pace of recovery has significant implications for the future of the United States. After 2008, California helped lead the nation in economic growth and job creation, powered by Silicon Valley, which remains relatively resilient.With a gross domestic product larger than 25 states combined, California’s pace of recovery has significant implications for the future of the United States. After 2008, California helped lead the nation in economic growth and job creation, powered by Silicon Valley, which remains relatively resilient.
But this time the pain is shared across a much broader area of the economy, including rotten strawberries in fields along the Pacific Coast, the empty wine-tasting rooms of Napa Valley and the deserted campuses of the nation’s largest public university system.But this time the pain is shared across a much broader area of the economy, including rotten strawberries in fields along the Pacific Coast, the empty wine-tasting rooms of Napa Valley and the deserted campuses of the nation’s largest public university system.
“I’d say this will be the most serious economic dislocation that America has faced,” said Jerry Brown, who left the governor’s office in 2019 with billions in the state’s rainy day fund. “The response should be a Rooseveltian intervention and effort to mobilize the economy the best way we can.”“I’d say this will be the most serious economic dislocation that America has faced,” said Jerry Brown, who left the governor’s office in 2019 with billions in the state’s rainy day fund. “The response should be a Rooseveltian intervention and effort to mobilize the economy the best way we can.”
On Monday, state public health officials announced that houses of worship could reopen across the state under restrictions that officials said would be re-evaluated next month. On Tuesday, Mr. Newsom released safety rules that he said would allow hair salons and barbershops in most of the state to reopen while mitigating the spread of the virus.
Retail stores were also allowed to open their doors to customers statewide, under the same guidelines that public health officials previously released for the counties moving more quickly through the reopening process. The new rules direct hair cutters and customers to wear face masks, among other precautions, and the governor urged Californians not to follow his own example. Over the weekend, Mr. Newsom tweeted photos of his own children, barefaced, performing what he said was a “family effort to remove what was described by my wife as a mullet.”
Wall Street rallied on Tuesday as investors began betting on an economic recovery, with both stocks and crude oil prices surging.
The S&P 500 closed 1.2 percent higher, with shares of companies most likely to benefit from the lifting of restrictions on travel and commerce faring well. Shares of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines both rose more than 10 percent. Marriott International climbed more than 4 percent.
Conversely, shares of companies that were seen as benefiting as consumers stayed home and shopped online tumbled. Netflix fell more than 3 percent, and shares of Amazon slipped.
The rally came as the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange reopened after closing on March 23, though at a reduced head count to allow social-distancing measures to remain in force. New York’s governor rang the opening bell to start trading at 9:30 a.m.
Floor brokers and trading floor officials will be allowed back, while designated market makers — the specialist traders who buy and sell to “make markets” in certain securities — will continue to operate remotely.
Those who are returning must comply with a number of restrictions to regain access to the floor, including avoiding public transportation, submitting to temperature checks upon entry and wearing a face mask. They will also be expected to maintain a 6-foot distance and avoid physical contact such as shaking hands.
Glenn A. Fine, ousted by Mr. Trump last month as head of a watchdog panel assigned to oversee how his administration spends trillions of taxpayer dollars in pandemic relief, announced on Monday he was resigning from his Pentagon job.Glenn A. Fine, ousted by Mr. Trump last month as head of a watchdog panel assigned to oversee how his administration spends trillions of taxpayer dollars in pandemic relief, announced on Monday he was resigning from his Pentagon job.
On April 7, Mr. Trump demoted Mr. Fine as the acting inspector general for the Defense Department. The move disqualified Mr. Fine, who has a reputation for aggressiveness and independence, from continuing to serve as the leader of a committee of inspectors general that Congress created to coordinate oversight of the administration’s pandemic spending. Mr. Fine had just been named chairman of that panel a few days earlier by a broader organization of inspectors general from across the government.On April 7, Mr. Trump demoted Mr. Fine as the acting inspector general for the Defense Department. The move disqualified Mr. Fine, who has a reputation for aggressiveness and independence, from continuing to serve as the leader of a committee of inspectors general that Congress created to coordinate oversight of the administration’s pandemic spending. Mr. Fine had just been named chairman of that panel a few days earlier by a broader organization of inspectors general from across the government.
The president last month started a frontal assault on the ability of inspectors general to investigate his administration.The president last month started a frontal assault on the ability of inspectors general to investigate his administration.
Shorn of his leadership role, both at the Defense Department and in the new pandemic oversight panel, Mr. Fine opted to leave government. In a statement, he cited the importance of the inspectors general throughout government.Shorn of his leadership role, both at the Defense Department and in the new pandemic oversight panel, Mr. Fine opted to leave government. In a statement, he cited the importance of the inspectors general throughout government.
“The role of inspectors general is a strength of our system of government,” Mr. Fine said. “They provide independent oversight to help improve government operations in a transparent way. They are a vital component of our system of checks and balances, and I am grateful to have been part of that system.”“The role of inspectors general is a strength of our system of government,” Mr. Fine said. “They provide independent oversight to help improve government operations in a transparent way. They are a vital component of our system of checks and balances, and I am grateful to have been part of that system.”
Mr. Fine made no mention of Mr. Trump in his statement or in an email to his staff. Mr. Trump tapped Sean O’Donnell, the sitting inspector general of the Environmental Protection Agency, as the acting Pentagon watchdog.Mr. Fine made no mention of Mr. Trump in his statement or in an email to his staff. Mr. Trump tapped Sean O’Donnell, the sitting inspector general of the Environmental Protection Agency, as the acting Pentagon watchdog.
“This is the revenge of the viruses,” said Dr. Peter Piot, the director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. “I’ve made their lives difficult. Now they’re trying to get me.”“This is the revenge of the viruses,” said Dr. Peter Piot, the director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. “I’ve made their lives difficult. Now they’re trying to get me.”
Dr. Piot, 71 years old, is a legend in the battles against Ebola and AIDS. But Covid-19 almost killed him. Looking back, ruefully, on being brought down by a virus after a life as a virus-hunter, Dr. Piot said he had misjudged his prey and had become the hunted.Dr. Piot, 71 years old, is a legend in the battles against Ebola and AIDS. But Covid-19 almost killed him. Looking back, ruefully, on being brought down by a virus after a life as a virus-hunter, Dr. Piot said he had misjudged his prey and had become the hunted.
“I underestimated this one — how fast it would spread,” he told Donald G. McNeil Jr., a science and health reporter specializing in plagues and pestilences.“I underestimated this one — how fast it would spread,” he told Donald G. McNeil Jr., a science and health reporter specializing in plagues and pestilences.
In 1976, as a graduate student, Dr. Piot was part of the international team that investigated a mysterious viral hemorrhagic fever in Yambuku, Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo. To avoid stigmatizing the town, the team named the virus “Ebola” after a nearby river. In the 1980s, he was one of the scientists who proved that the wasting disease known as “slim” in Africa was caused by the same virus that was killing young gay men elsewhere. From 1991 to 1994, he was president of the International AIDS Society, and then the first director of U.N.AIDS, the United Nations’ anti-H.I.V. program.In 1976, as a graduate student, Dr. Piot was part of the international team that investigated a mysterious viral hemorrhagic fever in Yambuku, Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo. To avoid stigmatizing the town, the team named the virus “Ebola” after a nearby river. In the 1980s, he was one of the scientists who proved that the wasting disease known as “slim” in Africa was caused by the same virus that was killing young gay men elsewhere. From 1991 to 1994, he was president of the International AIDS Society, and then the first director of U.N.AIDS, the United Nations’ anti-H.I.V. program.
That expertise made him keenly alert to the danger posed by the new coronavirus.That expertise made him keenly alert to the danger posed by the new coronavirus.
In late January, he went to a medical conference in Singapore, which had had its first case a week earlier. In early March, at an event in Boston, he was asked 100 questions about the virus. No. 79: “Should I be worried that I’m going to get Covid-19? How worried are you, Peter?”In late January, he went to a medical conference in Singapore, which had had its first case a week earlier. In early March, at an event in Boston, he was asked 100 questions about the virus. No. 79: “Should I be worried that I’m going to get Covid-19? How worried are you, Peter?”
He advised: “I would do everything I can to avoid becoming infected as you don’t know individual outcomes.”He advised: “I would do everything I can to avoid becoming infected as you don’t know individual outcomes.”
He became a living illustration of that.He became a living illustration of that.
Back home in London, he spoke to audiences of 30 to 250, attended a 50-person birthday party and had dinner or drinks in five restaurants in London or Cambridge.Back home in London, he spoke to audiences of 30 to 250, attended a 50-person birthday party and had dinner or drinks in five restaurants in London or Cambridge.
“My usual modus operandi,” he said. Aside from avoiding hand shakes, he took no particular precautions. “I really don’t know where I was infected.”“My usual modus operandi,” he said. Aside from avoiding hand shakes, he took no particular precautions. “I really don’t know where I was infected.”
The evening of March 19 he began feeling feverish and developed a headache.The evening of March 19 he began feeling feverish and developed a headache.
“It hit me like a bus,” he said.“It hit me like a bus,” he said.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused a request from the Trump administration to block a trial judge’s ruling that had ordered federal prison officials to take steps to protect more than 800 older or medically vulnerable inmates at Elkton Federal Correctional Institution in Ohio, where nine prisoners have died from the coronavirus. The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused a request from the Trump administration to block a trial judge’s ruling that had ordered federal prison officials to take steps to protect more than 800 older or medically vulnerable inmates at Elkton Federal Correctional Institution in Ohio, where nine prisoners have died from the virus.
The Supreme Court’s unsigned order turned in part on a procedural issue, and the majority said it might revisit the issue “if circumstances warrant.” Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Neil M. Gorsuch said they would have granted the administration’s request for a stay. The Supreme Court’s unsigned order turned in part on a procedural issue, and the majority said it might revisit the issue “if circumstances warrant.” Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Neil M. Gorsuch said they would have granted the administration’s request for a stay.
Four prisoners filed a lawsuit last month saying that conditions at the prison violated the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. In a Supreme Court brief on their behalf, lawyers with the American Civil Liberties Union wrote that the prisoners were unable to take the most rudimentary efforts to protect themselves.Four prisoners filed a lawsuit last month saying that conditions at the prison violated the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. In a Supreme Court brief on their behalf, lawyers with the American Civil Liberties Union wrote that the prisoners were unable to take the most rudimentary efforts to protect themselves.
Elkton is a low-security prison that houses about 2,400 inmates. More than 800 of them are over 65 years old or have health conditions making them especially vulnerable to the virus.Elkton is a low-security prison that houses about 2,400 inmates. More than 800 of them are over 65 years old or have health conditions making them especially vulnerable to the virus.
In a series of rulings, Judge James S. Gwin, of the Federal District Court in Cleveland, ordered officials to remove the most vulnerable inmates from the prison through compassionate release, home confinement, parole or transfer to another facility. After an appeals court turned down the officials’ request for a stay, the administration asked the Supreme Court to intercede, saying that Judge Gwin’s first order threatened public safety and amounted to unwarranted judicial interference with prison administration.In a series of rulings, Judge James S. Gwin, of the Federal District Court in Cleveland, ordered officials to remove the most vulnerable inmates from the prison through compassionate release, home confinement, parole or transfer to another facility. After an appeals court turned down the officials’ request for a stay, the administration asked the Supreme Court to intercede, saying that Judge Gwin’s first order threatened public safety and amounted to unwarranted judicial interference with prison administration.
The Trump administration appears to be backing off steps to prohibit colleges from granting emergency assistance to undocumented students, even those under federal protection, telling a court this week that it is not enforcing Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’s initial order.The Trump administration appears to be backing off steps to prohibit colleges from granting emergency assistance to undocumented students, even those under federal protection, telling a court this week that it is not enforcing Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’s initial order.
Responding to a lawsuit filed this month by the California community college system, Justice Department attorneys argued in a filing Monday that an emergency injunction to block the Department of Education from enforcing the secretary’s guidance was unnecessary because it was only “preliminary” and did not have the force of law. That guidance limited virus relief approved by Congress for college students to U.S. citizens.Responding to a lawsuit filed this month by the California community college system, Justice Department attorneys argued in a filing Monday that an emergency injunction to block the Department of Education from enforcing the secretary’s guidance was unnecessary because it was only “preliminary” and did not have the force of law. That guidance limited virus relief approved by Congress for college students to U.S. citizens.
In April, shortly after doling out billions of dollars to colleges to award cash grants to students for necessities like food and housing, the Education Department told schools that they should only provide relief funding to students who are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs. The guidance disqualified hundreds of thousands of students, including “Dreamers,” those under the Obama-era program Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which protects young immigrants brought to the country illegally as children.In April, shortly after doling out billions of dollars to colleges to award cash grants to students for necessities like food and housing, the Education Department told schools that they should only provide relief funding to students who are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs. The guidance disqualified hundreds of thousands of students, including “Dreamers,” those under the Obama-era program Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which protects young immigrants brought to the country illegally as children.
It also blocked aid to foreign students attending school in the United States.It also blocked aid to foreign students attending school in the United States.
The California lawsuit argued that the April guidance was unconstitutional, and “likely excludes more than half of all students in the California community college system, including many identified as economically disadvantaged.”The California lawsuit argued that the April guidance was unconstitutional, and “likely excludes more than half of all students in the California community college system, including many identified as economically disadvantaged.”
Justice Department officials wrote that the Education Department was still reviewing the eligibility requirements, and an injunction would “irrevocably cut short the Department’s ongoing consideration of the interpretive issues.”Justice Department officials wrote that the Education Department was still reviewing the eligibility requirements, and an injunction would “irrevocably cut short the Department’s ongoing consideration of the interpretive issues.”
A hearing is scheduled for June 9.A hearing is scheduled for June 9.
Novavax, a Maryland-based biotech company, began injecting a coronavirus vaccine candidate in six people in Australia on Tuesday. It was the latest of about 10 experimental vaccines against the virus to move to human trials.Novavax, a Maryland-based biotech company, began injecting a coronavirus vaccine candidate in six people in Australia on Tuesday. It was the latest of about 10 experimental vaccines against the virus to move to human trials.
“Administering our vaccine in the first participants of this clinical trial is a significant achievement, bringing us one step closer toward addressing the fundamental need for a vaccine in the fight against the global Covid‑19 pandemic,” Stanley C. Erck, the president and chief executive officer of Novavax, said in a statement on Monday.“Administering our vaccine in the first participants of this clinical trial is a significant achievement, bringing us one step closer toward addressing the fundamental need for a vaccine in the fight against the global Covid‑19 pandemic,” Stanley C. Erck, the president and chief executive officer of Novavax, said in a statement on Monday.
Novavax has previously said that its vaccine candidate stimulated a powerful immune response in lab and animal experiments, producing antibodies that could fight off the virus. The company has worked on experimental vaccines for SARS and MERS, which are closely related to the new virus.Novavax has previously said that its vaccine candidate stimulated a powerful immune response in lab and animal experiments, producing antibodies that could fight off the virus. The company has worked on experimental vaccines for SARS and MERS, which are closely related to the new virus.
Mr. Erck said results from this portion of the trial, which involves around 130 subjects, were expected in July. Even if the trial goes well, a final product that would be widely available is still at least a year away.Mr. Erck said results from this portion of the trial, which involves around 130 subjects, were expected in July. Even if the trial goes well, a final product that would be widely available is still at least a year away.
The vaccine received $388 million from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, a Norway-based public-private partnership that works to identify promising research and then connect it to industry and government resources.The vaccine received $388 million from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, a Norway-based public-private partnership that works to identify promising research and then connect it to industry and government resources.
Almost all of New York State has reopened or is set to this week, except for New York City. On Tuesday morning, a seven-county region just north of the city started that process; Long Island is set to begin on Wednesday. Most of New York State has reopened or is set to this week — except for New York City. On Tuesday morning, a seven-county region just north of the city started that process; Long Island is set to begin on Wednesday.
The first phase of restarting the economy in each region allows residents to pick up retail purchases in stores or curbside and to commence work in manufacturing and construction.The first phase of restarting the economy in each region allows residents to pick up retail purchases in stores or curbside and to commence work in manufacturing and construction.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has said he is hopeful that New York City can begin reopening in the first half June. The city has yet to meet benchmarks set by the governor on available hospital beds and contact tracers.Mayor Bill de Blasio has said he is hopeful that New York City can begin reopening in the first half June. The city has yet to meet benchmarks set by the governor on available hospital beds and contact tracers.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Tuesday that the state would direct more resources to some low-income New York City neighborhoods that have been hit hardest. They include the ZIP codes covering Norwood in the Bronx and Far Rockaway and Corona in Queens, each of which has had more than 80 newly hospitalized virus patients in the last week.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Tuesday that the state would direct more resources to some low-income New York City neighborhoods that have been hit hardest. They include the ZIP codes covering Norwood in the Bronx and Far Rockaway and Corona in Queens, each of which has had more than 80 newly hospitalized virus patients in the last week.
Statewide, another 73 people had died of the virus, the third day in the last four with under 100 deaths, the governor said. “In this absurd new reality, that is good news,” he added.Statewide, another 73 people had died of the virus, the third day in the last four with under 100 deaths, the governor said. “In this absurd new reality, that is good news,” he added.
Mr. Cuomo also announced that he would meet with Mr. Trump on Wednesday to talk about infrastructure, among other things. The governor said he planned to urge the president to help advance several projects that required federal approval, including a new AirTrain to La Guardia Airport and a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River to replace the deteriorating ones in use.Mr. Cuomo also announced that he would meet with Mr. Trump on Wednesday to talk about infrastructure, among other things. The governor said he planned to urge the president to help advance several projects that required federal approval, including a new AirTrain to La Guardia Airport and a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River to replace the deteriorating ones in use.
In New Jersey, schools will be allowed to hold outdoor graduation ceremonies in July, the governor said. The announcement came after several restrictions were loosened before Memorial Day weekend, including allowing outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people.In New Jersey, schools will be allowed to hold outdoor graduation ceremonies in July, the governor said. The announcement came after several restrictions were loosened before Memorial Day weekend, including allowing outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people.
After large crowds gathered at the Lake of the Ozarks over Memorial Day weekend in defiance of Missouri’s social-distancing guidelines, officials in two states urged those visitors to quarantine for two weeks or until they tested negative.After large crowds gathered at the Lake of the Ozarks over Memorial Day weekend in defiance of Missouri’s social-distancing guidelines, officials in two states urged those visitors to quarantine for two weeks or until they tested negative.
The visitors “showed no efforts to follow social-distancing practices,” the St. Louis County Department of Health said in a statement on Monday, issuing a travel advisory for people who had been to the popular destination.The visitors “showed no efforts to follow social-distancing practices,” the St. Louis County Department of Health said in a statement on Monday, issuing a travel advisory for people who had been to the popular destination.
Video from one gathering showed a large crowd of people, most of them in bathing suits and without face masks, at a pool with music blaring overhead and yachts docked at a marina behind them. The videos spread widely on social media over the weekend.Video from one gathering showed a large crowd of people, most of them in bathing suits and without face masks, at a pool with music blaring overhead and yachts docked at a marina behind them. The videos spread widely on social media over the weekend.
The Lake of the Ozarks, in central Missouri, is a tourist destination popular with residents of St. Louis, which is about 150 miles to the east.The Lake of the Ozarks, in central Missouri, is a tourist destination popular with residents of St. Louis, which is about 150 miles to the east.
“It’s irresponsible and dangerous to engage in such high-risk behavior just to have some fun over the extended holiday weekend,” Mayor Lyda Krewson of St. Louis said on Tuesday.“It’s irresponsible and dangerous to engage in such high-risk behavior just to have some fun over the extended holiday weekend,” Mayor Lyda Krewson of St. Louis said on Tuesday.
“Now, these folks will be going home to St. Louis and counties across Missouri and the Midwest, raising concerns about the potential of more positive cases, hospitalizations and tragically, deaths,” she said. “It’s just deeply disturbing and threatens the progress we’ve all made together to flatten the curve.”“Now, these folks will be going home to St. Louis and counties across Missouri and the Midwest, raising concerns about the potential of more positive cases, hospitalizations and tragically, deaths,” she said. “It’s just deeply disturbing and threatens the progress we’ve all made together to flatten the curve.”
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Tuesday echoed that statement and urged residents who had been to Lake of the Ozarks and did not observe social-distancing practices to voluntarily self-quarantine for two weeks.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Tuesday echoed that statement and urged residents who had been to Lake of the Ozarks and did not observe social-distancing practices to voluntarily self-quarantine for two weeks.
Crime, say those who study it and those who fight it day to day, requires three things: a perpetrator, a victim and an opportunity. More than two and a half months after shutting down because of the virus, the National Hockey League became the largest North American professional sports league to announce definitive plans for a return.
With tens of millions of Americans off the streets, would-be victims and opportunities for crimes have vanished, causing a drop in the number of perpetrators committing infractions in most American cities. Gary Bettman, the N.H.L. commissioner, announced on Tuesday that 24 teams — the top 12 in the standings for each conference — would return to contest the playoffs when medically cleared. Official training camps would resume no earlier than July 1. The regular season was officially declared complete.
The dip in crime is compounded by the fact that some police departments have been hampered by quarantines or have made fewer arrests to limit interactions or to avoid filling jails. The N.H.L. issued a memo on Monday that detailed testing and safety protocols for all personnel returning to team facilities for voluntary practices, beginning in early June, pending the lifting of local shutdown ordinances.
Arrests in Chicago, where the Cook County jail became one of the nation’s largest-known virus hot spots, were down more than 73 percent during roughly the initial month of the lockdown, said Deputy Chief Thomas Lemmer of the Chicago Police Department. After that, Bettman outlined what the league was calling Phase 3, a conference-based round-robin playoff, hosted in two hub cities. The cities will be chosen from a list that includes Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Edmonton, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Pittsburgh and Toronto.
Crime did not entirely disappear, of course. Homicides in numerous cities remained flat or even rose. The N.H.L. did not say whether fans would be allowed in the stadiums.
Chicago experienced its worst Memorial Day weekend in five years, with 10 people killed and 39 wounded, said Sally Bown, a spokeswoman for the Police Department. Burglaries of commercial properties and auto thefts have multiplied in many cities, as criminals exploited shuttered stores and unattended cars.
But crime dropped, or changed, in many places.
In Las Vegas, where the police said that crime fell more than 22 percent during the initial two months of the shutdown, the Strip, with its crowded nightclubs and bars, had traditionally been the locus of crime. Since it was largely devoid of tourists, crime migrated to some residential streets.
For the month ending May 17, most major crimes in New York City were down 21 percent from the same period last year, according to Police Department statistics, although murders were unchanged, burglaries were up, and car thefts jumped almost 68 percent.
But some experts are wary of such statistics, suggesting the data is too raw. Desperate shopkeepers may report their stores burglarized to collect insurance, said Christopher Herrmann, a professor of law and police science at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. But it will be months before insurance inspectors start working again to confirm such thefts.
One drop in crime statistics may be worrisome: Some cities indicated a decrease in both domestic abuse and child abuse calls. The police in those cities said they suspected that abuse was actually more prevalent, given that most people were stuck at home.
But with no teachers to spot bruises in the classroom and nowhere for people to escape their abusers, such crimes were less visible, the police said.
For Muslims, the pandemic has transformed Ramadan, one of the most important holidays of the year, from a joyful occasion into a somber and solitary month shadowed by sickness, death and joblessness.For Muslims, the pandemic has transformed Ramadan, one of the most important holidays of the year, from a joyful occasion into a somber and solitary month shadowed by sickness, death and joblessness.
The holiday is celebrated from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next, with daytime fasting and nighttime merrymaking that culminates in Eid al-Fitr, which this year fell on Sunday.The holiday is celebrated from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next, with daytime fasting and nighttime merrymaking that culminates in Eid al-Fitr, which this year fell on Sunday.
But with a need to maintain public health, Zoom calls and socially distant food drives have replaced family gatherings and community prayers.But with a need to maintain public health, Zoom calls and socially distant food drives have replaced family gatherings and community prayers.
The weight of the pandemic has fallen disproportionately on immigrant and minority populations with high poverty levels. Muslim leaders say the Bangladeshi community in New York, one of the city’s fastest growing immigrant groups, has been devastated by the virus.The weight of the pandemic has fallen disproportionately on immigrant and minority populations with high poverty levels. Muslim leaders say the Bangladeshi community in New York, one of the city’s fastest growing immigrant groups, has been devastated by the virus.
At the end of April, Muslim funeral homes were burying “on average about 100 people a day and about 70 percent of them were Bengalis, either from Bangladesh or of Bengali origin,” said Raja Abdulhaq, the executive director of the Islamic Leadership Council of New York.At the end of April, Muslim funeral homes were burying “on average about 100 people a day and about 70 percent of them were Bengalis, either from Bangladesh or of Bengali origin,” said Raja Abdulhaq, the executive director of the Islamic Leadership Council of New York.
Many Bangladeshi immigrants have public-facing, low-wage jobs and then return to small apartments where they live with large families or several roommates, which had left many “very exposed” to the virus, he said.Many Bangladeshi immigrants have public-facing, low-wage jobs and then return to small apartments where they live with large families or several roommates, which had left many “very exposed” to the virus, he said.
How dangerous is it to live in New York City during this pandemic? How much safer is it in other places? Is the risk of dying from Covid-19 comparable to driving to work every day, skydiving or being a soldier in a war? We are awash in statistics, but what does this all mean in terms of personal risk? Here are some tools for assessing risk that can help us put the daily torrent of numbers in perspective.How dangerous is it to live in New York City during this pandemic? How much safer is it in other places? Is the risk of dying from Covid-19 comparable to driving to work every day, skydiving or being a soldier in a war? We are awash in statistics, but what does this all mean in terms of personal risk? Here are some tools for assessing risk that can help us put the daily torrent of numbers in perspective.
A top adviser to Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain fended off calls to resign after traveling in violation of the government’s rules. The government in Wuhan, China, is close to completing its citywide testing drive of all 11 million people.A top adviser to Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain fended off calls to resign after traveling in violation of the government’s rules. The government in Wuhan, China, is close to completing its citywide testing drive of all 11 million people.
Reporting was contributed by Tim Arango, Alan Blinder, Kevin Carey, Niraj Chokshi, Michael Cooper, Michael Corkery, Jill Cowan, Charlotte Cowles, Maria Cramer, Jason DeParle, Johnny Diaz, Nicholas Fandos, Richard Fausset, Jacey Fortin, Thomas Fuller, Katie Glueck, Erica L. Green, Jenny Gross, Maggie Haberman, John Hanc, Serge F. Kovaleski, Derek Kravitz, Adam Liptak, Steve Lohr, Neil MacFarquhar, Victor Mather, Sarah Mervosh, Heather Murphy, Sarah Maslin Nir, Adam Popescu, David C. Roberts, Dana Rubinstein, Charlie Savage, Anna Schaverien, Michael S. Schmidt, Eric Schmitt, Kaly Soto, Liam Stack, Chris Stanford, Eileen Sullivan, Michael Wines, and David Yaffe-Bellany. Reporting was contributed by Tim Arango, Alan Blinder, Kevin Carey, Niraj Chokshi, Michael Cooper, Michael Corkery, Jill Cowan, Charlotte Cowles, Maria Cramer, Jason DeParle, Johnny Diaz, Nicholas Fandos, Richard Fausset, Jacey Fortin, Thomas Fuller, Katie Glueck, Erica L. Green, Jenny Gross, Maggie Haberman, John Hanc, Serge F. Kovaleski, Derek Kravitz, Adam Liptak, Steve Lohr, Neil MacFarquhar, Victor Mather, Sarah Mervosh, Heather Murphy, Sarah Maslin Nir, Adam Popescu, David C. Roberts, Dana Rubinstein, Charlie Savage, Anna Schaverien, Michael S. Schmidt, Eric Schmitt, Kaly Soto, Liam Stack, Chris Stanford, Eileen Sullivan, David Waldstein, Michael Wines, and David Yaffe-Bellany.