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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.
The U.S. economy officially entered a recession in February, the National Bureau of Economic Research announced today.The U.S. economy officially entered a recession in February, the National Bureau of Economic Research announced today.
The World Health Organization said the outbreak was worsening, a day after a record number of new cases was reported around the world.The World Health Organization said the outbreak was worsening, a day after a record number of new cases was reported around the world.
A mandatory 14-day quarantine period for all travelers arriving in Britain has gone into effect.A mandatory 14-day quarantine period for all travelers arriving in Britain has gone into effect.
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.
After three months of outbreak and hardship, New York City is beginning to take its first steps out of quarantine.After three months of outbreak and hardship, New York City is beginning to take its first steps out of quarantine.
Once the epicenter of the pandemic, the city has seen more than 210,000 people infected and nearly 22,000 die. In its darkest moments, the city was losing a resident every other minute to the virus, and the health care system nearly hit a breaking point.Once the epicenter of the pandemic, the city has seen more than 210,000 people infected and nearly 22,000 die. In its darkest moments, the city was losing a resident every other minute to the virus, and the health care system nearly hit a breaking point.
But the situation has been improving for some time. New infections are down to about 500 a day, around half as many as there were a few weeks ago, and the daily death toll has hovered around 30 for the last few days.But the situation has been improving for some time. New infections are down to about 500 a day, around half as many as there were a few weeks ago, and the daily death toll has hovered around 30 for the last few days.
As many as 400,000 workers are expected to return to their jobs in the first phase of reopening, which allows retail stores to open for pickup and resumes construction and manufacturing work.As many as 400,000 workers are expected to return to their jobs in the first phase of reopening, which allows retail stores to open for pickup and resumes construction and manufacturing work.
Our colleague Christina Goldbaum, who covers New York, said the streets were mostly empty, but the return of some routines of urban life — “grabbing a two dollar coffee from the local bodega, rushing onto trains during the morning commute, hearing the bangs from construction sites echo between buildings” — offered a sense of normalcy.Our colleague Christina Goldbaum, who covers New York, said the streets were mostly empty, but the return of some routines of urban life — “grabbing a two dollar coffee from the local bodega, rushing onto trains during the morning commute, hearing the bangs from construction sites echo between buildings” — offered a sense of normalcy.
The reopening has been complicated by massive protests for racial justice, which have led some business owners to adjust their plans because of looting or damage. Officials have asked protesters to get tested and have warned that residents should still be cautious as the virus continues to replicate throughout the city.The reopening has been complicated by massive protests for racial justice, which have led some business owners to adjust their plans because of looting or damage. Officials have asked protesters to get tested and have warned that residents should still be cautious as the virus continues to replicate throughout the city.
“We’re still in what I would say is a moderate transmission phase,” said Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the city’s health commissioner. “Meaning that there are still on a daily basis, hundreds of people that are newly diagnosed.”“We’re still in what I would say is a moderate transmission phase,” said Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the city’s health commissioner. “Meaning that there are still on a daily basis, hundreds of people that are newly diagnosed.”
A kiwi success story: After announcing that it had no new coronavirus cases, New Zealand lifted all restrictions on public life — allowing people to remove their masks, shelve social distancing rules and return to something like pre-pandemic normalcy. The country of five million appears to have eradicated the virus after a severe lockdown beginning in March and closing its border to almost all travelers.A kiwi success story: After announcing that it had no new coronavirus cases, New Zealand lifted all restrictions on public life — allowing people to remove their masks, shelve social distancing rules and return to something like pre-pandemic normalcy. The country of five million appears to have eradicated the virus after a severe lockdown beginning in March and closing its border to almost all travelers.
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.
The Times recently surveyed more than 500 epidemiologists and infectious disease specialists on when they expect to be comfortable doing 20 everyday activities again.The Times recently surveyed more than 500 epidemiologists and infectious disease specialists on when they expect to be comfortable doing 20 everyday activities again.
More than 40 percent said that, barring a vaccine or treatment for the virus, they would wait a year or more before attending a wedding or funeral, or meeting up with someone they didn’t know well. The activity they were most likely to forgo forever? Hugging or shaking hands with a friend. “I think the handshake is dead,” one scientist responded.More than 40 percent said that, barring a vaccine or treatment for the virus, they would wait a year or more before attending a wedding or funeral, or meeting up with someone they didn’t know well. The activity they were most likely to forgo forever? Hugging or shaking hands with a friend. “I think the handshake is dead,” one scientist responded.
But not all normalcy is lost: More than half of the epidemiologists said they might be willing to dine at a restaurant within three months to a year. And there are a few things they would considering doing now, including visiting the doctor, getting a haircut and taking an overnight vacation.But not all normalcy is lost: More than half of the epidemiologists said they might be willing to dine at a restaurant within three months to a year. And there are a few things they would considering doing now, including visiting the doctor, getting a haircut and taking an overnight vacation.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
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.
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.
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.
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.
National unease: Even as states lift restrictions, many Americans aren’t ready to return to their pre-pandemic lives. Two-thirds of voters would be uncomfortable getting on a plane or attending a large gathering, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll. And 63 percent say they now always wear a mask when interacting with others in public.National unease: Even as states lift restrictions, many Americans aren’t ready to return to their pre-pandemic lives. Two-thirds of voters would be uncomfortable getting on a plane or attending a large gathering, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll. And 63 percent say they now always wear a mask when interacting with others in public.
Casinos in Las Vegas have reopened, with dealers behind Plexiglas, frequently sanitized dice and temperature checks. But the city faces extreme contact-tracing challenges.Casinos in Las Vegas have reopened, with dealers behind Plexiglas, frequently sanitized dice and temperature checks. But the city faces extreme contact-tracing challenges.
Boston is one of the few places in the U.S. where some hospitals have allowed priests to perform the Catholic practice known as last rites, after they were trained to safely anoint Covid-19 patients.Boston is one of the few places in the U.S. where some hospitals have allowed priests to perform the Catholic practice known as last rites, after they were trained to safely anoint Covid-19 patients.
Canada reopened its border with the U.S. to allow in immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.Canada reopened its border with the U.S. to allow in immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.
Officials at the World Health Organization said patients without symptoms aren’t driving the spread of the virus, calling asymptomatic spread “very rare,” CNBC reports.Officials at the World Health Organization said patients without symptoms aren’t driving the spread of the virus, calling asymptomatic spread “very rare,” CNBC reports.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended sweeping changes to American offices. In some cases, the rules will transform workaday offices into fortified sites resembling biohazard labs.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended sweeping changes to American offices. In some cases, the rules will transform workaday offices into fortified sites resembling biohazard labs.
A new study found that shutdown orders prevented 60 million infections in the U.S. and about 285 million in China, according to The Washington Post.A new study found that shutdown orders prevented 60 million infections in the U.S. and about 285 million in China, according to The Washington Post.
The virus has found fertile ground in large rural families. Some crowded households in remote areas are more deadly than city blocks, The Wall Street Journal reports.The virus has found fertile ground in large rural families. Some crowded households in remote areas are more deadly than city blocks, The Wall Street Journal reports.
How do you provide food aid during a pandemic? Just look to the Sikhs, who have long provided free meals on a mass scale as an essential part of their faith.How do you provide food aid during a pandemic? Just look to the Sikhs, who have long provided free meals on a mass scale as an essential part of their faith.
Health officials said a dozen new cases in Pennsylvania can be traced to a recent “beach house gathering” on the Jersey Shore, The New York Post reports.Health officials said a dozen new cases in Pennsylvania can be traced to a recent “beach house gathering” on the Jersey Shore, The New York Post reports.
Greta Thunberg, the 17-year-old climate activist, is calling on other climate activists to avoid large protests and move their organizing online amid the outbreak, reports The Verge.Greta Thunberg, the 17-year-old climate activist, is calling on other climate activists to avoid large protests and move their organizing online amid the outbreak, reports The Verge.
My daughter and I are on opposite coasts. I screenshot The Times mini crossword puzzle of the day from my email and send it to her. She emails it back completed, commenting on the difficulty level. This daily ritual helps us both feel connected when we can’t visit in person as often as we normally would’ve.My daughter and I are on opposite coasts. I screenshot The Times mini crossword puzzle of the day from my email and send it to her. She emails it back completed, commenting on the difficulty level. This daily ritual helps us both feel connected when we can’t visit in person as often as we normally would’ve.
— Jeff Dickerson, Mount Tabor, N.J.— Jeff Dickerson, Mount Tabor, N.J.
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