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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
(1 day later)
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.
President Trump says the United States will cut ties with the World Health Organization.President Trump says the United States will cut ties with the World Health Organization.
New York City is expected to start reopening on June 8, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.New York City is expected to start reopening on June 8, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
The Federal Reserve chair said the central bank crossed “red lines” to support growth.The Federal Reserve chair said the central bank crossed “red lines” to support growth.
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.
Corporate workers may barely recognize the offices they return to. Instead of open-floor layouts optimized for space, they are likely to see desks six feet apart, plastic barriers and common areas without seating.Corporate workers may barely recognize the offices they return to. Instead of open-floor layouts optimized for space, they are likely to see desks six feet apart, plastic barriers and common areas without seating.
Those precautions are among the sweeping new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on preventing the coronavirus from spreading in workplaces. The advice covers the basics, like daily temperature checks and face coverings, as well as issues like ventilation (more open windows) and communal snacks (not OK).Those precautions are among the sweeping new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on preventing the coronavirus from spreading in workplaces. The advice covers the basics, like daily temperature checks and face coverings, as well as issues like ventilation (more open windows) and communal snacks (not OK).
The agency also upended years of advice on commuting, urging people to drive to work alone, instead of taking public transit or car-pooling. To make this feasible for employees, the C.D.C. suggested companies offer reimbursement for parking or single-occupancy rides.The agency also upended years of advice on commuting, urging people to drive to work alone, instead of taking public transit or car-pooling. To make this feasible for employees, the C.D.C. suggested companies offer reimbursement for parking or single-occupancy rides.
But some of the recommendations may be difficult, if not impossible, to follow, such as social distancing in elevators. To avoid the cost and trouble of remaking their offices, many employers may decide it’s simply easier to continue work-from-home arrangements.But some of the recommendations may be difficult, if not impossible, to follow, such as social distancing in elevators. To avoid the cost and trouble of remaking their offices, many employers may decide it’s simply easier to continue work-from-home arrangements.
A transmission mystery: Scientists don’t yet know how much exposure to the coronavirus is needed for a person to become infected. But predictions have proved particularly tricky because it behaves so differently from other viruses.A transmission mystery: Scientists don’t yet know how much exposure to the coronavirus is needed for a person to become infected. But predictions have proved particularly tricky because it behaves so differently from other viruses.
With the flu and H.I.V., for example, high levels of pathogens usually correspond with more-severe symptoms and a higher likelihood of infecting others. But with the coronavirus, asymptomatic people seem to have viral loads as high as those who are seriously ill.With the flu and H.I.V., for example, high levels of pathogens usually correspond with more-severe symptoms and a higher likelihood of infecting others. But with the coronavirus, asymptomatic people seem to have viral loads as high as those who are seriously ill.
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.
Economists are mostly in agreement that the U.S. economy will soon begin to rebound as businesses reopen. But what will the shape of that recovery look like? Jeanna Smialek, who writes about the economy for The Times, surveyed the options.Economists are mostly in agreement that the U.S. economy will soon begin to rebound as businesses reopen. But what will the shape of that recovery look like? Jeanna Smialek, who writes about the economy for The Times, surveyed the options.
The “V”The “V”
The best possible scenario is a swift rebound in the second half of this year that would bounce us back to pre-coronavirus levels and create a “V”-shaped recovery. Unfortunately, economists say, this is mostly wishful thinking. Corporations and states have already cut their budgets, which will slow growth, and unemployment and economic output tend to drag for a while after a large shock.The best possible scenario is a swift rebound in the second half of this year that would bounce us back to pre-coronavirus levels and create a “V”-shaped recovery. Unfortunately, economists say, this is mostly wishful thinking. Corporations and states have already cut their budgets, which will slow growth, and unemployment and economic output tend to drag for a while after a large shock.
The “L”The “L”
Pessimists will tell you that our current economic situation will drag on for months, creating an “L”-shaped recovery — that is, very little progress at all. This is unlikely, though, because the economy is already showing signs of recovering. Consumer confidence is up slightly, unemployment claims are slowing, and data collected by Google shows an uptick in the number of people moving around, which may translate to more economic activity.Pessimists will tell you that our current economic situation will drag on for months, creating an “L”-shaped recovery — that is, very little progress at all. This is unlikely, though, because the economy is already showing signs of recovering. Consumer confidence is up slightly, unemployment claims are slowing, and data collected by Google shows an uptick in the number of people moving around, which may translate to more economic activity.
The checkmark, the swoosh or the waveThe checkmark, the swoosh or the wave
The Congressional Budget Office predicts a checkmark-shaped recovery, in which growth begins to rebound in July and stretches through September. The slope of the checkmark could change based on a number of variables, like a vaccine breakthrough or more government support for the economy. If the recovery happens more quickly, it would look like a Nike swoosh. Without a vaccine, states could reopen and pull back with new outbreaks, lending a wave shape to the recovery.The Congressional Budget Office predicts a checkmark-shaped recovery, in which growth begins to rebound in July and stretches through September. The slope of the checkmark could change based on a number of variables, like a vaccine breakthrough or more government support for the economy. If the recovery happens more quickly, it would look like a Nike swoosh. Without a vaccine, states could reopen and pull back with new outbreaks, lending a wave shape to the recovery.
As states and countries figure out how to resume public life, professional sports leagues are also beginning to announce their returns.As states and countries figure out how to resume public life, professional sports leagues are also beginning to announce their returns.
Baseball: There was hope earlier this month that Major League Baseball could return this summer for a half-season, but a bitter dispute over pay is threatening to derail the whole thing. (In the meantime, get your fix with the South Korean league.)Baseball: There was hope earlier this month that Major League Baseball could return this summer for a half-season, but a bitter dispute over pay is threatening to derail the whole thing. (In the meantime, get your fix with the South Korean league.)
Football: The N.F.L. has released a full schedule of games starting Sept. 10. The league is pressing ahead with the reopening of training facilities, and some teams are preparing to play in partly empty stadiums.Football: The N.F.L. has released a full schedule of games starting Sept. 10. The league is pressing ahead with the reopening of training facilities, and some teams are preparing to play in partly empty stadiums.
Basketball: The N.B.A. is in talks to restart its season in late July at Walt Disney World in Florida, which would act as a single site for games, practice and housing. But much remains undecided, including what format the season would take.Basketball: The N.B.A. is in talks to restart its season in late July at Walt Disney World in Florida, which would act as a single site for games, practice and housing. But much remains undecided, including what format the season would take.
Hockey: The N.H.L. announced plans to play a 24-team playoff tournament as soon as July, hosted in empty arenas in two cities.Hockey: The N.H.L. announced plans to play a 24-team playoff tournament as soon as July, hosted in empty arenas in two cities.
Updated May 28, 2020
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.
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.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
There is an uptick in people reporting symptoms of chilblains, which are painful red or purple lesions that typically appear in the winter on fingers or toes. The lesions are emerging as yet another symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. Chilblains are caused by inflammation in small blood vessels in reaction to cold or damp conditions, but they are usually common in the coldest winter months. Federal health officials do not include toe lesions in the list of coronavirus symptoms, but some dermatologists are pushing for a change, saying so-called Covid toe should be sufficient grounds for testing.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
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.
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.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
Soccer: Germany’s Bundesliga has returned, minus the fans, and the English Premier League plans to do the same on June 17. In the U.S., the National Women’s Soccer League is planning an ambitious 30-day tournament starting in late June.Soccer: Germany’s Bundesliga has returned, minus the fans, and the English Premier League plans to do the same on June 17. In the U.S., the National Women’s Soccer League is planning an ambitious 30-day tournament starting in late June.
New York City is expected to begin loosening restrictions on June 8. Under the first phase, nonessential stores could open for curbside pickup, and nonessential construction and manufacturing could resume.New York City is expected to begin loosening restrictions on June 8. Under the first phase, nonessential stores could open for curbside pickup, and nonessential construction and manufacturing could resume.
In Italy, many older people have centered their anxieties — unfairly, some experts say — on the public gatherings of teenagers and young adults, fearing they could cause a second wave of infections.In Italy, many older people have centered their anxieties — unfairly, some experts say — on the public gatherings of teenagers and young adults, fearing they could cause a second wave of infections.
Worried about its economy, India is loosening tough restrictions and may eliminate them entirely this weekend — even as its infection rate soars.Worried about its economy, India is loosening tough restrictions and may eliminate them entirely this weekend — even as its infection rate soars.
Illinois is expected to enter its third phase of reopening in the coming days, bringing back barbershops, salons, retail stores and other businesses with some limitations, even as new cases continue to rise.Illinois is expected to enter its third phase of reopening in the coming days, bringing back barbershops, salons, retail stores and other businesses with some limitations, even as new cases continue to rise.
Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.
Get financial guidance. Listening to these podcasts about money can help you weather the storm created by the virus. Get timely advice from experts, hear other people’s struggles, and learn new approaches for things like budgeting.Get financial guidance. Listening to these podcasts about money can help you weather the storm created by the virus. Get timely advice from experts, hear other people’s struggles, and learn new approaches for things like budgeting.
Stream something new. The Times’s chief movie critics rounded up their picks for the best films of the year (so far) — and all of them can be watched online.Stream something new. The Times’s chief movie critics rounded up their picks for the best films of the year (so far) — and all of them can be watched online.
Grow a butterfly. Demand for caterpillar kits has surged during the pandemic. Watch how the insects transform over several weeks, and then release the butterflies, which are good for the environment.Grow a butterfly. Demand for caterpillar kits has surged during the pandemic. Watch how the insects transform over several weeks, and then release the butterflies, which are good for the environment.
Japan has bucked the conventional wisdom around the virus: It has reported fewer deaths than other major nations and ended a state of emergency while conducting relatively few tests.Japan has bucked the conventional wisdom around the virus: It has reported fewer deaths than other major nations and ended a state of emergency while conducting relatively few tests.
After an influential study was published last week on the possible dangers of hydroxychloroquine, the World Health Organization halted research on the drug. But more than 100 scientists have questioned the validity of that study.After an influential study was published last week on the possible dangers of hydroxychloroquine, the World Health Organization halted research on the drug. But more than 100 scientists have questioned the validity of that study.
As China, the U.S. and Europe restart their economies, The Times examined what their recovery plans mean for climate change.As China, the U.S. and Europe restart their economies, The Times examined what their recovery plans mean for climate change.
Spain is giving 850,000 households a minimum income guarantee of about $515 to $1,130 per month.Spain is giving 850,000 households a minimum income guarantee of about $515 to $1,130 per month.
House Democratic leaders said they plan to substantially scale back the summer schedule because of the pandemic.House Democratic leaders said they plan to substantially scale back the summer schedule because of the pandemic.
My husband, Ed, came up with a weekly bingo game to complete various challenges, such as going for a hike, trying a new recipe, playing a game outside and many other fun items. He invited his brothers, their wives, their kids and grandkids, and created a Google photo album to put pictures of ourselves doing the challenges. It has become so fun to wake up each morning and see what new pictures and videos have been added.My husband, Ed, came up with a weekly bingo game to complete various challenges, such as going for a hike, trying a new recipe, playing a game outside and many other fun items. He invited his brothers, their wives, their kids and grandkids, and created a Google photo album to put pictures of ourselves doing the challenges. It has become so fun to wake up each morning and see what new pictures and videos have been added.
— Joni Caverly, Parker, Colo.— Joni Caverly, Parker, Colo.
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
Sign up here to get the briefing by email.Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s newsletter.Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s newsletter.