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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
A United States entry ban on most travelers from Brazil is scheduled take effect tonight.A United States entry ban on most travelers from Brazil is scheduled take effect tonight.
The New York Stock Exchange reopened its trading floor with fewer people and with safety measures like temperature checks.The New York Stock Exchange reopened its trading floor with fewer people and with safety measures like temperature checks.
The death of a young doctor who was refused treatment for Covid-19 at a hospital in Egypt has sparked public outrage.The death of a young doctor who was refused treatment for Covid-19 at a hospital in Egypt has sparked public outrage.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.Get the latest updates here, plus maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.
Pogo said it about litterers in 1971, but the comic-strip possum might have been reading the minds of many Americans of today. As the nation starts to reopen, what really worries them, perhaps as much as the coronavirus itself, is the threat they feel from other people’s irresponsible behavior.Pogo said it about litterers in 1971, but the comic-strip possum might have been reading the minds of many Americans of today. As the nation starts to reopen, what really worries them, perhaps as much as the coronavirus itself, is the threat they feel from other people’s irresponsible behavior.
When The Times and Siena College surveyed people in the New York area about when they might feel comfortable attending live events like concerts, plays and ballgames again, a majority said that they would probably wait until 2021. The No. 1 reason for hesitating: They did not trust that everyone in the audience would obey the rules, wear masks and keep a safe distance away.When The Times and Siena College surveyed people in the New York area about when they might feel comfortable attending live events like concerts, plays and ballgames again, a majority said that they would probably wait until 2021. The No. 1 reason for hesitating: They did not trust that everyone in the audience would obey the rules, wear masks and keep a safe distance away.
The holiday weekend provided plenty of fresh reason for feeling that way. Social media and TV reports showed people flocking heedlessly to beaches, parks and resorts around the country as if there were no such thing as a pandemic.The holiday weekend provided plenty of fresh reason for feeling that way. Social media and TV reports showed people flocking heedlessly to beaches, parks and resorts around the country as if there were no such thing as a pandemic.
Images of large crowds gathering at one popular spot, the Lake of the Ozarks, in defiance of social distancing guidelines prompted health officials in Kansas and Missouri to issue warnings that people who had been there should quarantine themselves for two weeks.Images of large crowds gathering at one popular spot, the Lake of the Ozarks, in defiance of social distancing guidelines prompted health officials in Kansas and Missouri to issue warnings that people who had been there should quarantine themselves for two weeks.
“This reckless behavior endangers countless people and risks setting us back substantially from the progress we have made in slowing the spread of Covid-19,” Dr. Sam Page, the St. Louis County executive, said in the statement.“This reckless behavior endangers countless people and risks setting us back substantially from the progress we have made in slowing the spread of Covid-19,” Dr. Sam Page, the St. Louis County executive, said in the statement.
Assault with infectious intent: By keeping people home, the pandemic has greatly reduced some kinds of crime, but it has given rise to an alarming new one: wielding the virus as a weapon. Police officers in Michigan reported being spit on by people claiming to have Covid-19 and at least one instance of a suspect’s licking a police-car window in hopes of spreading the virus.Assault with infectious intent: By keeping people home, the pandemic has greatly reduced some kinds of crime, but it has given rise to an alarming new one: wielding the virus as a weapon. Police officers in Michigan reported being spit on by people claiming to have Covid-19 and at least one instance of a suspect’s licking a police-car window in hopes of spreading the virus.
The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.
While the numbers of new cases and deaths reported each day in the United States as a whole are gradually declining, the trend is not the same everywhere. In about a dozen states, the figures are heading upward.While the numbers of new cases and deaths reported each day in the United States as a whole are gradually declining, the trend is not the same everywhere. In about a dozen states, the figures are heading upward.
Many of those states began reopening their economies on the early side — in April or the beginning of May — and have seen new cases jump in the weeks since then. They include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Others, like Arkansas, North Dakota and Oklahoma, never issued statewide stay-at-home orders and have begun lifting the narrower restrictions they did impose.Many of those states began reopening their economies on the early side — in April or the beginning of May — and have seen new cases jump in the weeks since then. They include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Others, like Arkansas, North Dakota and Oklahoma, never issued statewide stay-at-home orders and have begun lifting the narrower restrictions they did impose.
The data may reflect greater testing capacity in some places — in other words, more detection rather than more infection. But they may also be signs of a “second wave” of new cases: Many experts have warned that relaxing social distancing measures too soon could allow the virus to bounce back and start spreading rapidly again.The data may reflect greater testing capacity in some places — in other words, more detection rather than more infection. But they may also be signs of a “second wave” of new cases: Many experts have warned that relaxing social distancing measures too soon could allow the virus to bounce back and start spreading rapidly again.
Many experts have talked about the need for widespread or even universal testing to truly get hold of the coronavirus, but few governments have attempted such a huge undertaking. One that did — the city of Wuhan, China, where the global outbreak began — offers some lessons.Many experts have talked about the need for widespread or even universal testing to truly get hold of the coronavirus, but few governments have attempted such a huge undertaking. One that did — the city of Wuhan, China, where the global outbreak began — offers some lessons.
The city spent months under one if the most draconian lockdown regimes anywhere, but several new cases emerged afterward. So officials decided to have every resident tested as quickly as possible. Thousands of workers were dispatched to make house calls, and messages urging people to be tested were blared over loudspeakers. In less than two weeks, the city has already screened 6.5 million people.The city spent months under one if the most draconian lockdown regimes anywhere, but several new cases emerged afterward. So officials decided to have every resident tested as quickly as possible. Thousands of workers were dispatched to make house calls, and messages urging people to be tested were blared over loudspeakers. In less than two weeks, the city has already screened 6.5 million people.
The city has found only about 200 new coronavirus cases so far, mostly in people with no symptoms — a confirmation of its success in taming its outbreak.The city has found only about 200 new coronavirus cases so far, mostly in people with no symptoms — a confirmation of its success in taming its outbreak.
But some Chinese medical experts have disputed the need for Wuhan’s comprehensive approach, given that the city now has only a tiny handful of symptomatic cases. One virologist argued that a city of that size would need to test a sample of only about 100,000 people to accurately assess its outbreak.But some Chinese medical experts have disputed the need for Wuhan’s comprehensive approach, given that the city now has only a tiny handful of symptomatic cases. One virologist argued that a city of that size would need to test a sample of only about 100,000 people to accurately assess its outbreak.
Chopstick changes? The Chinese government has called for the use of serving utensils instead of personal chopsticks to share food. But many citizens have resisted, unwilling to abandon an important expression of communal culture.Chopstick changes? The Chinese government has called for the use of serving utensils instead of personal chopsticks to share food. But many citizens have resisted, unwilling to abandon an important expression of communal culture.
As the virus death toll in the United States nears 100,000, The Times gathered names of the dead and memories of their lives from obituaries in local newspapers across the country.As the virus death toll in the United States nears 100,000, The Times gathered names of the dead and memories of their lives from obituaries in local newspapers across the country.
“A number is an imperfect measure when applied to the human condition,” Dan Barry writes in an accompanying essay. “A number provides an answer to how many, but it can never convey the individual arcs of life, the 100,000 ways of greeting the morning and saying good night.”“A number is an imperfect measure when applied to the human condition,” Dan Barry writes in an accompanying essay. “A number provides an answer to how many, but it can never convey the individual arcs of life, the 100,000 ways of greeting the morning and saying good night.”
Las Vegas is planning to allow casinos and resorts to reopen in early June; many will have new rules, like not allowing players to touch cards, and will spread out slot machines and mark tables with tape to keep players apart.Las Vegas is planning to allow casinos and resorts to reopen in early June; many will have new rules, like not allowing players to touch cards, and will spread out slot machines and mark tables with tape to keep players apart.
Almost all of New York State has begun reopening or is set to do so this week — except for New York City.Almost all of New York State has begun reopening or is set to do so this week — except for New York City.
Dozens of U.S. meatpacking plants that closed because of outbreaks have begun reopening, but it is hard to tell whether the outbreaks have been contained, because the companies and local officials are releasing little or no data.Dozens of U.S. meatpacking plants that closed because of outbreaks have begun reopening, but it is hard to tell whether the outbreaks have been contained, because the companies and local officials are releasing little or no data.
Here’s a roundup of reopenings and remaining restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of reopenings and remaining restrictions in all 50 states.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
When can you return to exercise? If you had Covid-19, experts advise waiting at least a week after your symptoms disappear.When can you return to exercise? If you had Covid-19, experts advise waiting at least a week after your symptoms disappear.
Share safely. Give food to friends and family while reducing your risk of transmitting or getting the virus. Here’s one way: When delivering, wear a mask, place the food six feet from the door, and then back away so those inside can retrieve it.Share safely. Give food to friends and family while reducing your risk of transmitting or getting the virus. Here’s one way: When delivering, wear a mask, place the food six feet from the door, and then back away so those inside can retrieve it.
Avoid burnout. Working from home can make it feel as though you’re always on the clock. Restore some balance by building some flexibility into your schedule, perhaps with a break to run errands or take a walk when work is slow.Avoid burnout. Working from home can make it feel as though you’re always on the clock. Restore some balance by building some flexibility into your schedule, perhaps with a break to run errands or take a walk when work is slow.
Dr. Peter Piot, a virus hunter known for his research on AIDS and Ebola, underestimated Covid-19 — and then caught it. More than two months later, he’s still fighting the disease.Dr. Peter Piot, a virus hunter known for his research on AIDS and Ebola, underestimated Covid-19 — and then caught it. More than two months later, he’s still fighting the disease.
As child hunger soars, an emergency program Congress created two months ago has reached only about 15 percent of the 30 million children it was intended to help.As child hunger soars, an emergency program Congress created two months ago has reached only about 15 percent of the 30 million children it was intended to help.
Do as I say, not as I do: Many leaders across the world are facing scrutiny for not following the social distancing guidelines they impose.Do as I say, not as I do: Many leaders across the world are facing scrutiny for not following the social distancing guidelines they impose.
If you analyze the economic effects of shutdowns and stay-at-home orders the way the government usually assesses regulations, the restrictions actually did much more long-term good than short-term harm, Todd C. Frankel writes in The Washington Post.If you analyze the economic effects of shutdowns and stay-at-home orders the way the government usually assesses regulations, the restrictions actually did much more long-term good than short-term harm, Todd C. Frankel writes in The Washington Post.
Hoping to ease the burdens of virus restrictions on young readers, J.K. Rowling began publishing installments of a fairy tale called “The Ickabog.”Hoping to ease the burdens of virus restrictions on young readers, J.K. Rowling began publishing installments of a fairy tale called “The Ickabog.”
I am building a Corona Cairn in my front yard — one rock for each day in isolation. As I live near a beach, I bring rocks back on my daily walk. After an initial unsteady start, the cairn is now about 30 inches high and has about 70 rocks in it. I’ll continue building it until the pandemic is declared over.I am building a Corona Cairn in my front yard — one rock for each day in isolation. As I live near a beach, I bring rocks back on my daily walk. After an initial unsteady start, the cairn is now about 30 inches high and has about 70 rocks in it. I’ll continue building it until the pandemic is declared over.
— Ann Salpeter, Nanaimo, British Columbia— Ann Salpeter, Nanaimo, British Columbia
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Lara Takenaga, Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga, Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti helped write today’s newsletter.