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Coronavirus Live Updates: A Dozen States Show Uptick in Cases, as National Picture Improves Coronavirus Live Updates: A Dozen States Show Uptick in Cases, as National Picture Improves
(32 minutes later)
About a dozen states are seeing an uptick in new coronavirus cases, even as all 50 states move to reopen in some way. States that reopened earlier — or never fully shut down — are among those showing signs of further spread. About a dozen states are seeing an uptick in new coronavirus 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 or early May.
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee are among the states that have had recent growth in newly reported new cases, several weeks after moving to reopen. Arkansas and North Dakota, two states that shut down businesses but did not issue formal stay-at-home orders, are also reporting an increase in cases. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee are among the states that have had recent growth in newly reported new cases, several weeks after moving to reopen. Arkansas, North Dakota and Oklahoma, which did not have statewide stay-at-home orders in place but began reopening businesses, are also reporting an uptick 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 approaches 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 approaches a planned reopening on Friday.
The new numbers could reflect increased testing capacity in some places, though it is 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. The new numbers could reflect increased testing capacity in some places, though it is 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 Monday that letting up on social distancing measures too soon could allow the virus to bounce back quickly and hit “a second peak” in many nations.
The latest figures come as the overall pace of new cases and deaths slows in the United States, and some Americans are relaxing social distancing, in crowds at pools and parties over Memorial Day weekend.The latest figures come as the overall pace of new cases and deaths slows in the United States, and some Americans are relaxing social distancing, in crowds at pools and parties over Memorial Day weekend.
Some of the hardest hit states, like New York and New Jersey, have reported steep downward trendlines. Other states, from Oregon to Pennsylvania, are also showing signs of progress.Some of the hardest hit states, like New York and New Jersey, have reported steep downward trendlines. Other states, from Oregon to Pennsylvania, are also showing signs of progress.
The stock trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange reopened on Tuesday, though at a reduced head count in order to allow space for social distancing measures to remain in force. The governor rang the opening bell to mark the start of trading at 9:30 a.m.The stock trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange reopened on Tuesday, though at a reduced head count in order to allow space for social distancing measures to remain in force. The governor rang the opening bell to mark the start of 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 in order to “make markets” in certain securities — will continue to operate remotely.Floor brokers and trading floor officials will be allowed back, while designated market makers — the specialist traders who buy and sell in order 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 six-foot social distance and avoid physical contact such as shaking hands.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 six-foot social distance and avoid physical contact such as shaking hands.
The ability to trade electronically muted the market impact of the more than two-month shuttering of the trading floor, one of the most significant disruptions to the floor operations of the exchange since 1914, when it was closed for about four months as the United States entered World War I.The ability to trade electronically muted the market impact of the more than two-month shuttering of the trading floor, one of the most significant disruptions to the floor operations of the exchange since 1914, when it was closed for about four months as the United States entered World War I.
The S&P 500 rose more than 2 percent in early trading, with shares of companies most likely to benefit from the lifting of restrictions on travel and commerce faring well. Shares of Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and other big carriers rose, as did Marriott International. Shares in Europe and Asia were also higher on Tuesday.The S&P 500 rose more than 2 percent in early trading, with shares of companies most likely to benefit from the lifting of restrictions on travel and commerce faring well. Shares of Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and other big carriers rose, as did Marriott International. Shares in Europe and Asia were also higher on Tuesday.
Oil prices, which have been climbing all month, continued their rebound as the restarting of factories and resumption of travel has raised expectations that demand will rise. West Texas intermediate crude rose 3 percent, and shares of companies in the energy industry, like Chevron and Halliburton, were also higher.Oil prices, which have been climbing all month, continued their rebound as the restarting of factories and resumption of travel has raised expectations that demand will rise. West Texas intermediate crude rose 3 percent, and shares of companies in the energy industry, like Chevron and Halliburton, were also higher.
It’s been a turbulent period for stocks, with the S&P 500 swinging from gains to losses and back each day last week, as expectations for an eventual recovery from the pandemic have squared off against the reality that the damage is still severe and likely to continue for some time.It’s been a turbulent period for stocks, with the S&P 500 swinging from gains to losses and back each day last week, as expectations for an eventual recovery from the pandemic have squared off against the reality that the damage is still severe and likely to continue for some time.
News of progress on vaccine development — albeit in early stages and on a small scale — has been one factor fueling the gains, and the reopening of businesses has been another.News of progress on vaccine development — albeit in early stages and on a small scale — has been one factor fueling the gains, and the reopening of businesses has been another.
Larry Kudlow, the director of the National Economic Council, expressed optimism Tuesday that the economy would recover later in the year despite what he called a “very bad, very difficult” employment situation in the wake of the country’s months-long shutdown.
“I think there’s grounds for optimism. Hope and prayer plays a role,” Mr. Kudlow told reporters at the White House. “We’ve been through bloody hell on this, we know that. There’s been a lot of hardship and heartbreak.”
But Mr. Kudlow said there are positive signs of a recovery, noting increases in consumer confidence and recent gains in the stock market. He said both indicate a belief that the country will reopen successfully.
President Trump has threatened to pull the Republican 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 remains 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.
With some important indicators, like the trajectory of hospitalizations, leveling off, Mr. Cooper let the state move to a “Phase 2” response Friday 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.
On Saturday, 1,107 new cases were reported in the state, its largest number so far.
Mecklenburg County, home to Charlotte and the state’s second-most populous, is also struggling, reporting 3,261 cases diagnosed and 74 related deaths as of Friday. The city and county issued a joint statement Monday saying they would “continue to plan for the RNC 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.”
Republicans are hoping to attract 50,000 attendees to the four-day convention, which is scheduled to begin August 24. Ms. Weiner noted that Charlotte’s professional football and basketball teams are also in the dark about when their arenas might again be packed with fans.
The Smithfield Foods plant in Tar Heel, N.C., is one of the world’s largest pork processing facilities, employing about 4,500 people and slaughtering roughly 30,000 pigs a day at its peak. And like more than 100 other meat plants across the United States, the facility has seen a substantial number of cases.The Smithfield Foods plant in Tar Heel, N.C., is one of the world’s largest pork processing facilities, employing about 4,500 people and slaughtering roughly 30,000 pigs a day at its peak. And like more than 100 other meat plants across the United States, the facility has seen a substantial number of cases.
But the exact number is anyone’s guess.But the exact number is anyone’s guess.
Smithfield would not provide any data when asked about the number of illnesses at the plant. Neither would state or local health officials.Smithfield would not provide any data when asked about the number of illnesses at the plant. Neither would state or local health officials.
Along with nursing homes and prisons, meatpacking facilities have proven to be places where the virus spreads rapidly.Along with nursing homes and prisons, meatpacking facilities have proven to be places where the virus spreads rapidly.
But as dozens of plants that closed because of outbreaks begin reopening, meat companies’ reluctance to disclose detailed case counts makes it difficult to determine whether the contagion is contained or new cases are emerging even with new safety measures in place, report Michael Corkery, David Yaffe-Bellany and Derek Kravitz.But as dozens of plants that closed because of outbreaks begin reopening, meat companies’ reluctance to disclose detailed case counts makes it difficult to determine whether the contagion is contained or new cases are emerging even with new safety measures in place, report Michael Corkery, David Yaffe-Bellany and Derek Kravitz.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were nearly 5,000 meatpacking workers infected with the virus at the end of last month. But the nonprofit group Food & Environment Reporting Network estimated last week that the number had climbed to more than 17,000, with 66 meatpacking deaths.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were nearly 5,000 meatpacking workers infected with the virus at the end of last month. But the nonprofit group Food & Environment Reporting Network estimated last week that the number had climbed to more than 17,000, with 66 meatpacking deaths.
And the outbreaks may be even more extensive.And the outbreaks may be even more extensive.
For weeks, local officials received conflicting signals from state leaders and meatpacking companies about how much information to release, according to internal emails from government health agencies obtained through public records requests by Columbia University’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation and provided to The New York Times.For weeks, local officials received conflicting signals from state leaders and meatpacking companies about how much information to release, according to internal emails from government health agencies obtained through public records requests by Columbia University’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation and provided to The New York Times.
The mixed messages have left many workers and their communities in the dark about the extent of the spread in parts of Iowa, Nebraska and Colorado.The mixed messages have left many workers and their communities in the dark about the extent of the spread in parts of Iowa, Nebraska and Colorado.
Crime, say those who study it and those who fight it day to day, requires three things: a perpetrator, a victim and an opportunity.Crime, say those who study it and those who fight it day to day, requires three things: a perpetrator, a victim and an opportunity.
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.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.
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 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.
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.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.
Crime did not entirely disappear, of course. Homicides in numerous cities remained flat or even rose. Burglaries of commercial properties and auto thefts have often multiplied, as criminals exploited closed stores and unattended cars.Crime did not entirely disappear, of course. Homicides in numerous cities remained flat or even rose. Burglaries of commercial properties and auto thefts have often multiplied, as criminals exploited closed stores and unattended cars.
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.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.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.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.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.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.
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 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.
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.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.
Almost all of New York State except for New York City has reopened or is set to this week. On Tuesday morning, a seven-county region just north of New York City started that process and Long Island is set to begin on Wednesday.Almost all of New York State except for New York City has reopened or is set to this week. On Tuesday morning, a seven-county region just north of New York City started that process and 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 at curbside, and 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 at curbside, and commence work in manufacturing and construction.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has said he is hopeful New York can begin reopening in the first half June. Mayor Bill de Blasio has said he is hopeful 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 people newly hospitalized for the virus in the past 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 people newly hospitalized for the virus in the past week.
Statewide, another 73 people had died of the virus, the third day in the last four with under 100 deaths, Mr. Cuomo said. “In this absurd new reality, that is good news,” he said. Statewide, another 73 people had died of the virus, the third day in the last four with under 100 deaths, he said. “In this absurd new reality, that is good news,” he said.
The governor also announced he will meet with Mr. Trump on Wednesday to talk about infrastructure, among other things. Mr. Cuomo said he plans to urge the president to help advance several projects that require federal approval, including a new AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport and a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River to replace the deteriorating ones in use.The governor also announced he will meet with Mr. Trump on Wednesday to talk about infrastructure, among other things. Mr. Cuomo said he plans to urge the president to help advance several projects that require federal approval, including a new AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport and a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River to replace the deteriorating ones in use.
“There is no better time to build than right now,” he said.“There is no better time to build than right now,” he said.
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 ahead of the 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 ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, including allowing outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people.
After large crowds gathered at the Lake of the Ozarks over the 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 for the coronavirus. After large crowds gathered at the Lake of the Ozarks over the 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 spot.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 spot.
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 there 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 there and did not observe social distancing practices to voluntarily self-quarantine for two weeks.
On a three-day weekend in a stay-at-home era, when gatherings posed risks and remembrances of the war dead vied with mourning for the nearly 100,000 Americans who had died of the virus, the politics of the pandemic burst into fresh view.On a three-day weekend in a stay-at-home era, when gatherings posed risks and remembrances of the war dead vied with mourning for the nearly 100,000 Americans who had died of the virus, the politics of the pandemic burst into fresh view.
President Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery on Monday for a wreath-laying ceremony, then traveled to Fort McHenry in Baltimore, where he spoke of the sacrifice of soldiers and described current service members as being “on the front lines of our war against this terrible virus.” Mr. Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery on Monday for a wreath-laying ceremony, then traveled to Fort McHenry in Baltimore, where he spoke of the sacrifice of soldiers and described current service members as being “on the front lines of our war against this terrible virus.”
Mr. Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump, did not wear masks, though the C.D.C. has urged all Americans to wear them. A stay-at-home order is still in effect in Baltimore, where Mayor Bernard C. Young had urged the president to cancel the visit.Mr. Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump, did not wear masks, though the C.D.C. has urged all Americans to wear them. A stay-at-home order is still in effect in Baltimore, where Mayor Bernard C. Young had urged the president to cancel the visit.
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, did wear a mask on Monday during his first public appearance since mid-March, when he began campaigning from home.Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, did wear a mask on Monday during his first public appearance since mid-March, when he began campaigning from home.
He and his wife, Jill Biden, both in black masks, laid a wreath at a veterans memorial in Delaware in an unannounced visit. “Thanks for your service,” Mr. Biden said, saluting a small group of veterans and other onlookers from a distance.He and his wife, Jill Biden, both in black masks, laid a wreath at a veterans memorial in Delaware in an unannounced visit. “Thanks for your service,” Mr. Biden said, saluting a small group of veterans and other onlookers from a distance.
Mr. Biden, 77, and his campaign advisers have said that they intend to abide by the public safety recommendations that have so far made rallies and other campaign events impossible. They have indicated that they want to serve as role models who respect the science behind the guidance. To some Biden allies, it offers a chance for an implicit contrast with Mr. Trump, 73, who has pushed for quick reopenings of states, businesses and houses of worship and has resisted wearing masks.Mr. Biden, 77, and his campaign advisers have said that they intend to abide by the public safety recommendations that have so far made rallies and other campaign events impossible. They have indicated that they want to serve as role models who respect the science behind the guidance. To some Biden allies, it offers a chance for an implicit contrast with Mr. Trump, 73, who has pushed for quick reopenings of states, businesses and houses of worship and has resisted wearing masks.
On Monday evening, Mr. Trump retweeted a post by Brit Hume of Fox News that showed a photograph of Mr. Biden with his face covering and said, “This might help explain why Trump doesn’t like to wear a mask in public.”On Monday evening, Mr. Trump retweeted a post by Brit Hume of Fox News that showed a photograph of Mr. Biden with his face covering and said, “This might help explain why Trump doesn’t like to wear a mask in public.”
Mr. Trump began Memorial Day with a threat to yank the Republican National Convention from Charlotte, N.C., where it is scheduled to be held in August. He accused Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, of being in a “shutdown mood.”Mr. Trump began Memorial Day with a threat to yank the Republican National Convention from Charlotte, N.C., where it is scheduled to be held in August. He accused Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, of being in a “shutdown mood.”
The president tweeted that he had “LOVE” for the people of North Carolina, a swing state that he won in 2016, but he added that without a “guarantee” from the governor, “we would be spending millions of dollars building the Arena to a very high standard without even knowing if the Democrat Governor would allow the Republican Party to fully occupy the space.”The president tweeted that he had “LOVE” for the people of North Carolina, a swing state that he won in 2016, but he added that without a “guarantee” from the governor, “we would be spending millions of dollars building the Arena to a very high standard without even knowing if the Democrat Governor would allow the Republican Party to fully occupy the space.”
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.
“For a lot of people, it has been very tough on them mentally and emotionally,” said Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan, the chairman of the Hillside Islamic Center on Long Island. “Some of the Islamic centers were able to go online to do programs, but people living in more distressed communities don’t have access.”“For a lot of people, it has been very tough on them mentally and emotionally,” said Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan, the chairman of the Hillside Islamic Center on Long Island. “Some of the Islamic centers were able to go online to do programs, but people living in more distressed communities don’t have access.”
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.
Data released by the city has shown the hardest-hit areas in New York are also those most popular among Bangladeshi immigrants, including the Queens neighborhoods of Jamaica, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights.Data released by the city has shown the hardest-hit areas in New York are also those most popular among Bangladeshi immigrants, including the Queens neighborhoods of Jamaica, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights.
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.
“A lot of them work as taxi drivers, so they see a lot of people,” Mr. Abdulhaq said. “And a lot of them work in restaurants or do jobs in that industry, like food carts.”“A lot of them work as taxi drivers, so they see a lot of people,” Mr. Abdulhaq said. “And a lot of them work in restaurants or do jobs in that industry, like food carts.”
The economic effect of the virus has battered New York’s Muslim community, resulting in widespread joblessness and casting mosque finances into an uncertain future.The economic effect of the virus has battered New York’s Muslim community, resulting in widespread joblessness and casting mosque finances into an uncertain future.
Donations collected during Ramadan help finance as much as 80 percent of the annual budget of many mosques, Mr. Bhuiyan said. But few of them had online donation systems set up when the pandemic hit.Donations collected during Ramadan help finance as much as 80 percent of the annual budget of many mosques, Mr. Bhuiyan said. But few of them had online donation systems set up when the pandemic hit.
Mosques were playing catch up now, he said, but trouble still looms.Mosques were playing catch up now, he said, but trouble still looms.
The routine has been the same for six years: On Saturday mornings, Jason Atlas heads to his basement gym for a workout with his personal trainer, Matt Sulam. But that has changed in the last two months.
Their sessions are now virtual, via Google Hangouts — just one example in a field that is figuring out what the socially distanced future holds for an industry that involves close contact with clients.
Like many other fitness professionals, Mr. Sulam saw his business lurch to a halt when people began to shelter in place.
So in the course of a few days, Mr. Sulam reinvented the delivery structure for his service: He took a Google Hangouts tutorial online and purchased an adjustable cellphone holder that allowed him to give his clients a better vantage point during demonstrations. He also upgraded his Android phone to the model with the largest and highest-resolution screen.
He then called his clients. “I told them, ‘This is going to be a seamless, productive new avenue to continue your training, without me coming to the house or without you leaving,” Mr. Sulam said.
Some fitness pros are going low-tech and taking advantage of improving weather. Bob Phillips has been offering outdoor exercise sessions to two to three clients at a time. Meeting in local parks, Mr. Phillips brings equipment and puts clients through a 60-minute, socially distanced, circuit workout.
While he respects what his friend Mr. Sulam has done virtually, Mr. Phillips said: “It’s not in my nature. To me personal training is still hands-on, face to face.”
Children and college students aren’t the only ones turning to online education. Millions of adults have signed up for online classes in the last two months, too — a jolt that could signal a renaissance for big online learning networks that had struggled for years.Children and college students aren’t the only ones turning to online education. Millions of adults have signed up for online classes in the last two months, too — a jolt that could signal a renaissance for big online learning networks that had struggled for years.
Coursera, a leading education site, added 10 million new users from mid-March to mid-May, seven times the pace of new sign-ups in the previous year. Enrollments at edX and Udacity, two smaller sites, have jumped by similar multiples.Coursera, a leading education site, added 10 million new users from mid-March to mid-May, seven times the pace of new sign-ups in the previous year. Enrollments at edX and Udacity, two smaller sites, have jumped by similar multiples.
“Crises lead to accelerations, and this is best chance ever for online learning,” said Sebastian Thrun, a co-founder and chairman of Udacity.“Crises lead to accelerations, and this is best chance ever for online learning,” said Sebastian Thrun, a co-founder and chairman of Udacity.
Coursera, Udacity and edX sprang up nearly a decade ago as high-profile university experiments known as MOOCs, for massive open online courses. They were portrayed as tech-fueled insurgents destined to disrupt the antiquated ways of traditional higher education. But few people completed courses, grappling with the same challenges now facing students forced into distance learning because of the pandemic. Screen fatigue sets in, and attention strays.Coursera, Udacity and edX sprang up nearly a decade ago as high-profile university experiments known as MOOCs, for massive open online courses. They were portrayed as tech-fueled insurgents destined to disrupt the antiquated ways of traditional higher education. But few people completed courses, grappling with the same challenges now facing students forced into distance learning because of the pandemic. Screen fatigue sets in, and attention strays.
The sites even became a punchline among academics: “Remember the MOOCs?”The sites even became a punchline among academics: “Remember the MOOCs?”
But the online ventures adapted through trial and error, gathering lessons that could provide a road map for schools districts and universities pushed online. The instructional ingredients of success, the sites found, include short videos of six minutes or less, interspersed with interactive drills and tests; online forums where students share problems and suggestions; and online mentoring and tutoring.But the online ventures adapted through trial and error, gathering lessons that could provide a road map for schools districts and universities pushed online. The instructional ingredients of success, the sites found, include short videos of six minutes or less, interspersed with interactive drills and tests; online forums where students share problems and suggestions; and online mentoring and tutoring.
“Active learning works, and social learning works,” said Anant Agarwal, founder and chief executive of edX. “And you have to understand that teaching online and learning online are skills of their own.”“Active learning works, and social learning works,” said Anant Agarwal, founder and chief executive of edX. “And you have to understand that teaching online and learning online are skills of their own.”
The tradition of the summer share, in which beach-seeking New Yorkers pool their resources to rent oceanside escapes on Long Island and in New Jersey’s shore towns, has long been a mainstay, immortalized by the MTV show “Jersey Shore.”
But with the virus still dictating nearly every aspect of life in the New York region, the notion of the summer share house is all but finished this year.
On the list of negative effects of this crisis, the end of the summer share is perhaps among the most trivial and least upsetting in a world where people have lost jobs and fallen ill.
But for those in the rarefied segment of affording such experiences, summer by the sea was a balm they looked forward to, particularly now. Social-distancing protocols are still in place. Many beaches are restricting access to outsiders.
“It’s really depressing,” said Cher Landman, 36. “I was recently single, and thought, ‘Maybe I’ll meet someone through this, that could be a good idea.’”
A Type 1 diabetic, Ms. Landman is at higher risk for serious illness were she to contract the virus. “When you are in a share house you can’t control all the people, and God knows what they’ve been doing,” she said.
The seasonal real estate market is not suffering, however: Brokers say that wealthy families eager to flee New York City created an early spring frenzy, a 30 percent increase over last year, according to Cody Vichinsky, a founder of Bespoke Real Estate.
But most, Mr. Vichinsky said, are individuals snapping up long-term rentals as a refuge from the virus’s hot spot, New York City. For those who sublease houses — often illegally — to dozens of renters, the market has largely dried up.
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 World Health Organization halted trials of hydroxychloroquine, citing safety concerns.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 World Health Organization halted trials of hydroxychloroquine, citing safety concerns.
And the government in Wuhan, China, is close to completing its citywide testing drive of all 11 million people. Thousands of medical and other workers were mobilized in a feat that some health experts and residents questioned.And the government in Wuhan, China, is close to completing its citywide testing drive of all 11 million people. Thousands of medical and other workers were mobilized in a feat that some health experts and residents questioned.
Reporting was contributed by Tim Arango, Alan Blinder, Niraj Chokshi, Michael Corkery, Jill Cowan, Charlotte Cowles, Jason DeParle, Johnny Diaz, Jacey Fortin, Thomas Fuller, Katie Glueck, Maggie Haberman, John Hanc, Serge F. Kovaleski, Derek Kravitz, Steve Lohr, Neil MacFarquhar, Dana Rubinstein, Maria Cramer, Victor Mather, Sarah Maslin Nir, Adam Popescu, David C. Roberts, Anna Schaverien, Kaly Soto, Liam Stack, Chris Stanford, Eileen Sullivan, Michael Wines, and David Yaffe-Bellany. Reporting was contributed by Tim Arango, Alan Blinder, Niraj Chokshi, Michael Corkery, Jill Cowan, Richard Fausset, Charlotte Cowles, Jason DeParle, Johnny Diaz, Jacey Fortin, Thomas Fuller, Katie Glueck, Maggie Haberman, Dagny Salas, John Hanc, Serge F. Kovaleski, Derek Kravitz, Steve Lohr, Neil MacFarquhar, Dana Rubinstein, Maria Cramer, Victor Mather, Sarah Maslin Nir, Adam Popescu, David C. Roberts, Anna Schaverien, Kaly Soto, Liam Stack, Chris Stanford, Eileen Sullivan, Michael Wines, and David Yaffe-Bellany.