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Coronavirus Live Updates: Known Cases in Africa Doubled in 18 Days Coronavirus Live Updates: Known Cases in Africa Doubled in 18 Days
(32 minutes later)
The pandemic took 98 days to reach 100,000 cases in Africa — but only 18 days to double from that figure, the World Health Organization announced on Thursday. The virus took 98 days to reach 100,000 cases in Africa — but only 18 days to double from that figure, the World Health Organization announced on Thursday.
While the numbers may have risen so significantly in part because of increased testing, the agency said in a statement that more than half of the 54 countries on the continent are experiencing community transmission. Ten countries are driving the rise in numbers, and account for nearly 80 percent of all cases, it said. South Africa accounts for about a quarter of total cases. While the numbers may have risen so significantly in part because of increased testing, the agency said in a statement that more than half of the 54 countries on the continent were experiencing community transmission. Ten countries were driving the rise in numbers and accounted for nearly 80 percent of all cases, it said. South Africa has a quarter of the total cases.
Of the 5,600 deaths recorded, the majority were in just five countries: Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Sudan. Of the 5,600 deaths recorded, a majority were in just five countries: Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Sudan.
“For now, Africa still only accounts for a small fraction of cases worldwide,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the agency’s regional director for Africa. “But the pace of the spread is quickening. Swift and early action by African countries has helped to keep numbers low, but constant vigilance is needed to stop Covid-19 from overwhelming health facilities.” “For now, Africa still only accounts for a small fraction of cases worldwide,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the agency’s regional director for the continent. “But the pace of the spread is quickening. Swift and early action by African countries has helped to keep numbers low, but constant vigilance is needed to stop Covid-19 from overwhelming health facilities.”
The statement noted the “considerable socioeconomic cost” of lockdowns implemented to halt the spread of the virus, particularly on poor and marginalized communities. Many developing countries have begun to relax such measures even as infections surge. The statement noted the “considerable socioeconomic cost” of lockdowns that were put in place to slow the spread of the virus, particularly on poor and marginalized communities. Many developing countries have begun to relax such measures even as infections surge.
“The need to balance between saving lives and protecting livelihoods is a key consideration in this response, particularly in Africa,” Dr. Moeti said.“The need to balance between saving lives and protecting livelihoods is a key consideration in this response, particularly in Africa,” Dr. Moeti said.
But the agency warned that the easing of restrictions must be coupled with widespread testing and vigilance until a vaccine or treatment is widely available. Dr. Michael Ryan, the executive director of the W.H.O., told reporters on Wednesday that the fatality rate in Africa is about one percent, which is lower than most continents, but he said experts are not certain if that trend will hold. But the agency warned that the easing of restrictions must be coupled with widespread testing and vigilance until a vaccine or treatment is widely available. Dr. Michael Ryan, the executive director of the W.H.O., told reporters on Wednesday that the fatality rate in Africa was about 1 percent, which is lower than in most continents, but he said that experts were not certain that trend would hold.
Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa said his country’s lockdown — which has now been relaxed, with most people back at work — had achieved the goal of giving hospitals time to prepare. That assertion may be tested in the coming days. On Thursday, South Africa’s Eyewitness News reported that at least 20 schools in the Western Cape that had reopened were forced to close again, after 98 teachers tested positive for the virus. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa said this week that his country’s lockdown — which has now been relaxed, with most people back at work — had achieved the goal of giving hospitals time to prepare. That assertion may be tested in the coming days. Eyewitness News reported on Thursday that at least 20 schools in the Western Cape that had reopened were forced to close again, after 98 teachers tested positive for the virus.
Amusement parks, salons, real estate agents and gyms around the country have begun requiring customers and workers to sign liability waivers pledging not to sue if they become infected. And states like Alabama, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Utah have put in place new rules to protect companies from lawsuits if their workers or customers contract the virus at their businesses.Amusement parks, salons, real estate agents and gyms around the country have begun requiring customers and workers to sign liability waivers pledging not to sue if they become infected. And states like Alabama, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Utah have put in place new rules to protect companies from lawsuits if their workers or customers contract the virus at their businesses.
Whether companies would be liable for virus transmissions has become a key question as businesses seek to reopen around the country. Companies, universities and the groups that represent them are pushing Congress for temporary legal protections that they say will help get the economy running again. Small business owners are particularly concerned about liability as they weigh reopening.Whether companies would be liable for virus transmissions has become a key question as businesses seek to reopen around the country. Companies, universities and the groups that represent them are pushing Congress for temporary legal protections that they say will help get the economy running again. Small business owners are particularly concerned about liability as they weigh reopening.
But that idea has engendered stiff opposition among congressional Democrats and labor unions, who say that such a liability shield would encourage reckless behavior and would effectively help companies that fail to take adequate steps to ensure the safety of their workers and customers.But that idea has engendered stiff opposition among congressional Democrats and labor unions, who say that such a liability shield would encourage reckless behavior and would effectively help companies that fail to take adequate steps to ensure the safety of their workers and customers.
The debate is coming to a head in Washington, as Congress considers its next round of coronavirus legislation. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, has singled out liability protection as the top Republican priority, with White House officials echoing that sentiment. Lawmakers expect some version of virus relief to pass through both chambers before the end of the summer.The debate is coming to a head in Washington, as Congress considers its next round of coronavirus legislation. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, has singled out liability protection as the top Republican priority, with White House officials echoing that sentiment. Lawmakers expect some version of virus relief to pass through both chambers before the end of the summer.
But trial lawyers — as well as some legal experts — say the risk of such lawsuits is overstated and that legal protections may backfire.But trial lawyers — as well as some legal experts — say the risk of such lawsuits is overstated and that legal protections may backfire.
“Immunity signals to workers and consumers that they go back to work or they go to the grocery store at their peril,” said David C. Vladeck, a professor at the Georgetown University Law Center.“Immunity signals to workers and consumers that they go back to work or they go to the grocery store at their peril,” said David C. Vladeck, a professor at the Georgetown University Law Center.
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, on Thursday unveiled an eight-part plan for reopening the economy and faulted Mr. Trump for his handling of the matter.Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, on Thursday unveiled an eight-part plan for reopening the economy and faulted Mr. Trump for his handling of the matter.
“Trump has basically had a one-point plan: Open businesses, just open,” Mr. Biden said at a round table event in Philadelphia. “But it does nothing to keep workers safe and keep businesses able to stay open. And secondly, it has done very little to generate consumer confidence.”“Trump has basically had a one-point plan: Open businesses, just open,” Mr. Biden said at a round table event in Philadelphia. “But it does nothing to keep workers safe and keep businesses able to stay open. And secondly, it has done very little to generate consumer confidence.”
Mr. Biden’s plan calls for the federal government to provide regular testing for everyone who returns to work, and would ensure the availability of personal protective equipment for workers.Mr. Biden’s plan calls for the federal government to provide regular testing for everyone who returns to work, and would ensure the availability of personal protective equipment for workers.
It would guarantee paid sick leave for all workers who get sick with Covid-19, and it calls on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to set up and enforce a temporary standard for protecting workers.It would guarantee paid sick leave for all workers who get sick with Covid-19, and it calls on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to set up and enforce a temporary standard for protecting workers.
The plan also addresses issues like contact tracing, protecting people who are most susceptible to the virus, supporting small businesses and reopening schools.The plan also addresses issues like contact tracing, protecting people who are most susceptible to the virus, supporting small businesses and reopening schools.
Arizona is among the emerging hot spots in the country as health care workers in the state grapple with an increase in cases. As of Tuesday, Arizona had 28,296 confirmed cases and 1,070 known deaths.Arizona is among the emerging hot spots in the country as health care workers in the state grapple with an increase in cases. As of Tuesday, Arizona had 28,296 confirmed cases and 1,070 known deaths.
A jump in cases this month is fueling concerns of a potential increase in community spread, as Arizona has experienced several days in June with more than 1,000 newly reported cases, up from daily increases in the several hundreds.A jump in cases this month is fueling concerns of a potential increase in community spread, as Arizona has experienced several days in June with more than 1,000 newly reported cases, up from daily increases in the several hundreds.
While state officials in Arizona have contended that the rising case numbers were expected and reflect expanded testing, epidemiologists and some local health departments say that the state is undoubtedly experiencing increasing local transmission of the virus.While state officials in Arizona have contended that the rising case numbers were expected and reflect expanded testing, epidemiologists and some local health departments say that the state is undoubtedly experiencing increasing local transmission of the virus.
Authorities are bracing for what comes next. Dr. Marjorie Bessel, the chief clinical officer at Banner Health, the state’s largest hospital system, said that the hospital network’s I.C.U. units treating Covid-19 patients were growing so busy that Banner would soon need to exercise a “surge plan” to expand I.C.U. capacity. (About 50 percent of patients hospitalized with Covid-19 in Arizona are in Banner Health facilities.)Authorities are bracing for what comes next. Dr. Marjorie Bessel, the chief clinical officer at Banner Health, the state’s largest hospital system, said that the hospital network’s I.C.U. units treating Covid-19 patients were growing so busy that Banner would soon need to exercise a “surge plan” to expand I.C.U. capacity. (About 50 percent of patients hospitalized with Covid-19 in Arizona are in Banner Health facilities.)
After Dr. Bessel issued her warning, Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, sent a letter to hospitals in the state urging them to “fully activate” emergency plans.After Dr. Bessel issued her warning, Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, sent a letter to hospitals in the state urging them to “fully activate” emergency plans.
As cases continue to grow, hospital beds across the state are at a premium, with only 17 percent available as of Monday, according to data from the state. On Wednesday, test results showed a 20 percent positive test rate, the state reported.As cases continue to grow, hospital beds across the state are at a premium, with only 17 percent available as of Monday, according to data from the state. On Wednesday, test results showed a 20 percent positive test rate, the state reported.
Still, Arizona health officials seem to be sending different messages to people in the state. Jessica Rigler, the state health department’s assistant director, told the Arizona Republic this week, “We don’t want people to be in crisis mode, thinking that everything is all bad in Arizona with the cases.”Still, Arizona health officials seem to be sending different messages to people in the state. Jessica Rigler, the state health department’s assistant director, told the Arizona Republic this week, “We don’t want people to be in crisis mode, thinking that everything is all bad in Arizona with the cases.”
Arizona’s handling of the pandemic has vexed some epidemiologists and public health officials in the state. Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, moved energetically to reopen the state in May — one of the earlier in the nation to do so.Arizona’s handling of the pandemic has vexed some epidemiologists and public health officials in the state. Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, moved energetically to reopen the state in May — one of the earlier in the nation to do so.
Everything from swimming pools to gyms and Little League fields have opened in recent weeks, and relatively few people in Arizona are wearing masks compared with other parts of the country.Everything from swimming pools to gyms and Little League fields have opened in recent weeks, and relatively few people in Arizona are wearing masks compared with other parts of the country.
ECONOMIC ROUNDUPECONOMIC ROUNDUP
As another 1.5 million U.S. workers filed state unemployment claims last week, according to a Labor Department report issued Thursday, as Republicans and Democrats in Congress remained at odds over whether to extend federal jobless benefits that are set to expire July 31. Another 1.5 million U.S. workers filed state unemployment claims last week, according to a Labor Department report issued Thursday, as Republicans and Democrats in Congress remained at odds over whether to extend federal jobless benefits that are set to expire July 31.
Lawmakers in both parties and administration officials appear to agree that Congress should consider some form of assistance to workers as part of another round of virus aid that is likely to be debated in the coming weeks. Democrats want to extend federal weekly payments of $600 beyond July to supplement state unemployment benefits. But Republicans and the White House are resisting, citing a recent unexpected improvement in jobs numbers and arguing that extending the payments could discourage people from returning to work because, in some cases, they were higher than what people were earning. Lawmakers in both parties and administration officials appear to agree that Congress should consider some form of assistance to workers as part of another round of virus aid that is likely to be debated in the coming weeks.
The debate reflects a broader divide between Democrats, who favor enacting another round of stimulus aimed at helping individuals suffering financially because of the pandemic, and Republicans, who are eyeing a narrower package that seeks to incentivize reopening the country as the key ingredient in any recovery. Some lawmakers in both parties are trying to find a middle ground, proposing a back-to-work bonus that would reward people who returned to the work force. Here’s a look at what is going on with the economy: Democrats want to extend federal weekly payments of $600 beyond July to supplement state unemployment benefits. But Republicans and the White House are resisting, citing a recent unexpected improvement in jobs numbers and arguing that extending the payments could discourage people from returning to work because, in some cases, the checks were more than what people were earning.
The 1.5 million new state unemployment claims filed last week were the fewest since the crisis began, but still far above normal levels. A further 700,000 workers who were self-employed or otherwise ineligible for state jobless benefits filed new claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, a federal aid program. The government reported that jobs rebounded last month and that the unemployment rate fell unexpectedly to 13.3 percent, but later added a note to the report saying that the actual rate could be closer to 16.4 percent — still lower than in April, but higher than at any other point since the Great Depression. The debate reflects a broader divide between Democrats, who favor enacting another round of stimulus aimed at helping individuals suffering financially because of the pandemic, and Republicans, who are eyeing a narrower package that seeks to incentivize reopening the country as the key component in any recovery. Some lawmakers in both parties are trying to find a middle ground, proposing a back-to-work bonus that would reward people who returned to the work force.
Here’s a look at what is going on with the U.S. economy:
The 1.5 million new state unemployment claims filed last week were the fewest since the crisis began, but still far above normal levels. A further 700,000 workers who were self-employed or otherwise ineligible for state jobless benefits filed new claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, a federal aid program. The government reported that jobs rebounded last month and that the unemployment rate fell unexpectedly to 13.3 percent. But it later added a note to the report saying that the actual rate could be closer to 16.4 percent — still lower than in April, but higher than at any other point since the Great Depression.
Stocks on Wall Street were heading for their sharpest daily drop since early April, retreating after a heady rally as investors considered grim economic forecasts and a worrisome uptick in new cases in parts of the United States. The S&P 500 fell as much as 4 percent.Stocks on Wall Street were heading for their sharpest daily drop since early April, retreating after a heady rally as investors considered grim economic forecasts and a worrisome uptick in new cases in parts of the United States. The S&P 500 fell as much as 4 percent.
The Federal Reserve and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development both issued grim economic projections on Wednesday, and on Thursday. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, warned that the first wave of virus cases was not yet over. “It’s not a second wave,” Dr. Gottlieb said in an interview with The New York Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” “They never really got rid of the first wave.” The Federal Reserve and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development both issued grim economic projections on Wednesday and Thursday. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, warned that the first wave of virus cases was not yet over. “It’s not a second wave,” Dr. Gottlieb said in an interview with The New York Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin on the CNBC program “Squawk Box.” “They never really got rid of the first wave.”
NEW YORK ROUNDUPNEW YORK ROUNDUP
With masks becoming a staple for the vast majority of New Yorkers, their widespread absence on the police in New York City is striking, and to the mayor and the governor, troubling.With masks becoming a staple for the vast majority of New Yorkers, their widespread absence on the police in New York City is striking, and to the mayor and the governor, troubling.
The official New York Police Department policy is that officers should wear masks when interacting with the public. While officers may forgo masks for different reasons, the images have fueled a perception of the police as arrogant and dismissive of protesters’ health.The official New York Police Department policy is that officers should wear masks when interacting with the public. While officers may forgo masks for different reasons, the images have fueled a perception of the police as arrogant and dismissive of protesters’ health.
“If you’re out here to protect the public, it starts with you,” said Chaka McKell, a carpenter who recently attended a protest.“If you’re out here to protect the public, it starts with you,” said Chaka McKell, a carpenter who recently attended a protest.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Police Department dismissed the criticism about the lack of masks as petty.In a statement on Wednesday, the Police Department dismissed the criticism about the lack of masks as petty.
“Perhaps it was the heat,” Sgt. Jessica McRorie of the department’s press office said in a statement. “Perhaps it was the 15 hour tours, wearing bullet resistant vests in the sun. Perhaps it was the helmets. With everything New York City has been through in the past two weeks and everything we are working toward together, we can put our energy to a better use.”“Perhaps it was the heat,” Sgt. Jessica McRorie of the department’s press office said in a statement. “Perhaps it was the 15 hour tours, wearing bullet resistant vests in the sun. Perhaps it was the helmets. With everything New York City has been through in the past two weeks and everything we are working toward together, we can put our energy to a better use.”
On Thursday, Mr. de Blasio said that while there may be some legitimate reasons for officers to remove their masks, such as to take a drink of water, the city remains “in the middle of a pandemic.”On Thursday, Mr. de Blasio said that while there may be some legitimate reasons for officers to remove their masks, such as to take a drink of water, the city remains “in the middle of a pandemic.”
“It is so important that the people of the city see the people they look to to enforce the law actually abiding by the same rules as the rest of us,” the mayor said. “That has to happen to the absolute maximum extent possible among our police officers.”“It is so important that the people of the city see the people they look to to enforce the law actually abiding by the same rules as the rest of us,” the mayor said. “That has to happen to the absolute maximum extent possible among our police officers.”
The city is still reporting hundreds of new cases each week. As of May 29, 901 uniformed members — about 2.5 percent — were out sick, down from 19.8 percent at its peak in April. As of that same date, 5,627 members of the Department had returned to work after testing positive.The city is still reporting hundreds of new cases each week. As of May 29, 901 uniformed members — about 2.5 percent — were out sick, down from 19.8 percent at its peak in April. As of that same date, 5,627 members of the Department had returned to work after testing positive.
Here are some other important developments in New York:Here are some other important developments in New York:
Five regions of upstate and central New York can move into Phase 3 of reopening on Friday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said. That allows indoor restaurant dining to resume and nail salons and massage parlors to operate, all with limits.Five regions of upstate and central New York can move into Phase 3 of reopening on Friday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said. That allows indoor restaurant dining to resume and nail salons and massage parlors to operate, all with limits.
The governor also said the state would allow local municipalities to open public pools and playgrounds if officials judge it is safe to do so and continue to follow best practices.The governor also said the state would allow local municipalities to open public pools and playgrounds if officials judge it is safe to do so and continue to follow best practices.
Roughly 851,000 people rode the subway on Wednesday, up slightly from Monday and Tuesday, New York City Transit’s interim president said. Bus ridership was also ticking up, and 92 percent of riders have worn masks. “People are sort of taking their time, but approaching the system with confidence,” she said. “They’re ready to come back.”Roughly 851,000 people rode the subway on Wednesday, up slightly from Monday and Tuesday, New York City Transit’s interim president said. Bus ridership was also ticking up, and 92 percent of riders have worn masks. “People are sort of taking their time, but approaching the system with confidence,” she said. “They’re ready to come back.”
The city’s first lady announced that the city would invest $3 million into a restaurant revitalization program meant to provide support to unemployed and underemployed workers.The city’s first lady announced that the city would invest $3 million into a restaurant revitalization program meant to provide support to unemployed and underemployed workers.
Statewide, there were an additional 36 virus-related deaths, Mr. Cuomo said Thursday. In New Jersey, there were 70 more deaths, Gov. Philip D. Murphy said.Statewide, there were an additional 36 virus-related deaths, Mr. Cuomo said Thursday. In New Jersey, there were 70 more deaths, Gov. Philip D. Murphy said.
A number of public health agencies have offered tips for dating and sex during the pandemic, but the New York City health department has recently updated its Safer Sex and Covid-19 fact sheet with more detailed and descriptive advice for those without an exclusive sex partner at home. That includes wearing a mask and avoiding kissing.A number of public health agencies have offered tips for dating and sex during the pandemic, but the New York City health department has recently updated its Safer Sex and Covid-19 fact sheet with more detailed and descriptive advice for those without an exclusive sex partner at home. That includes wearing a mask and avoiding kissing.
The Senate’s top Democrat on Thursday accused Mr. Trump of being “too quick to sideline” his coronavirus task force, as infections spike around the country.The Senate’s top Democrat on Thursday accused Mr. Trump of being “too quick to sideline” his coronavirus task force, as infections spike around the country.
Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, called for the White House to allow Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, and other members of the task force to brief Democrats next week on the state of the pandemic.Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, called for the White House to allow Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, and other members of the task force to brief Democrats next week on the state of the pandemic.
“The president was too quick to sideline the coronavirus task force, too eager to pretend that everything was back to normal and better than ever,” Mr. Schumer, said in a speech on the Senate floor.“The president was too quick to sideline the coronavirus task force, too eager to pretend that everything was back to normal and better than ever,” Mr. Schumer, said in a speech on the Senate floor.
Though coronavirus infections are up in more than 20 states, Washington appears to have moved on to focus on other issues. Mr. Trump abandoned his daily coronavirus briefings more than a month ago, and Dr. Fauci — once a steady presence on Americans’ television sets and mobile devices — is rarely seen. Mr. Schumer also called for Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the president’s coronavirus response coordinator, to join Dr. Fauci in a briefing. Whether Mr. Trump will allow them to speak to Senate Democrats is unclear.Though coronavirus infections are up in more than 20 states, Washington appears to have moved on to focus on other issues. Mr. Trump abandoned his daily coronavirus briefings more than a month ago, and Dr. Fauci — once a steady presence on Americans’ television sets and mobile devices — is rarely seen. Mr. Schumer also called for Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the president’s coronavirus response coordinator, to join Dr. Fauci in a briefing. Whether Mr. Trump will allow them to speak to Senate Democrats is unclear.
“We need to understand why these spikes are happening and how to adapt our national response,” Mr. Schumer said.“We need to understand why these spikes are happening and how to adapt our national response,” Mr. Schumer said.
Across the United States, school leaders are beginning to roll out plans to welcome more than 50 million students back in the fall, including procuring millions of masks; flooding schools with nurses, aides and counselors; and staggering schedules to minimize class size.Across the United States, school leaders are beginning to roll out plans to welcome more than 50 million students back in the fall, including procuring millions of masks; flooding schools with nurses, aides and counselors; and staggering schedules to minimize class size.
But the expensive demands to meet public health guidelines and increasing pressure to make up for setbacks that have disproportionately affected low-income students, students of color and those with disabilities could cripple some schools’ budgets.But the expensive demands to meet public health guidelines and increasing pressure to make up for setbacks that have disproportionately affected low-income students, students of color and those with disabilities could cripple some schools’ budgets.
On Wednesday, educators told a Senate panel that without a large federal investment in public schools, districts hit hard by the virus will struggle to meet the needs of their pupils this fall as they try to reopen. “We must double down for those who have been most impacted by the Covid crisis if we are to deliver on the promise of education to create a more equitable society,” said the superintendent of Denver Public Schools.On Wednesday, educators told a Senate panel that without a large federal investment in public schools, districts hit hard by the virus will struggle to meet the needs of their pupils this fall as they try to reopen. “We must double down for those who have been most impacted by the Covid crisis if we are to deliver on the promise of education to create a more equitable society,” said the superintendent of Denver Public Schools.
This week Britain abandoned plans to have primary school pupils return before the summer holidays. Unlike many U.S. schools, British schools had remained open for vulnerable students and those whose parents are essential workers.This week Britain abandoned plans to have primary school pupils return before the summer holidays. Unlike many U.S. schools, British schools had remained open for vulnerable students and those whose parents are essential workers.
In the Netherlands, all elementary schools opened on Monday. Social distancing and masks are not required for children in day care and elementary schools, but they must wash their hands often. At Dutch high schools, which opened last week, social distancing is required. Some schools in Spain, which was among the hardest-hit European countries, opened late last month.In the Netherlands, all elementary schools opened on Monday. Social distancing and masks are not required for children in day care and elementary schools, but they must wash their hands often. At Dutch high schools, which opened last week, social distancing is required. Some schools in Spain, which was among the hardest-hit European countries, opened late last month.
Hong Kong schools began to reopen on May 27 for half-day classes after being closed since February. Students, teachers and visitors are required to wear masks, sanitize their hands and have their temperature checked upon arrival.Hong Kong schools began to reopen on May 27 for half-day classes after being closed since February. Students, teachers and visitors are required to wear masks, sanitize their hands and have their temperature checked upon arrival.
It is impossible to know what the time away from school will mean for children, but some studies paint a bleak picture. As our reporter Dana Goldstein wrote last week, new research suggests that by September, most U.S. students will have fallen behind where they would have been if they had stayed in classrooms, with some losing the equivalent of a full school year’s worth of academic gains.It is impossible to know what the time away from school will mean for children, but some studies paint a bleak picture. As our reporter Dana Goldstein wrote last week, new research suggests that by September, most U.S. students will have fallen behind where they would have been if they had stayed in classrooms, with some losing the equivalent of a full school year’s worth of academic gains.
The drugmaker Regeneron said on Thursday that it was beginning a clinical trial of an antibody cocktail that it has developed to prevent and treat Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.The drugmaker Regeneron said on Thursday that it was beginning a clinical trial of an antibody cocktail that it has developed to prevent and treat Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Regeneron, which is based in Tarrytown, N.Y., is one of a handful of companies trying to develop treatments that work similarly to the antibodies that people develop naturally when they contract the virus. If the treatments work, they might provide a bridge to a vaccine, and possibly a temporary protection to people like health care workers who are at high risk of becoming infected.Regeneron, which is based in Tarrytown, N.Y., is one of a handful of companies trying to develop treatments that work similarly to the antibodies that people develop naturally when they contract the virus. If the treatments work, they might provide a bridge to a vaccine, and possibly a temporary protection to people like health care workers who are at high risk of becoming infected.
The company said it would begin testing its product in four groups: patients who are hospitalized with Covid-19; those who are infected and have symptoms but are not hospitalized; groups that are at high risk of being infected, like health care workers; and people who have been exposed to someone with Covid-19.The company said it would begin testing its product in four groups: patients who are hospitalized with Covid-19; those who are infected and have symptoms but are not hospitalized; groups that are at high risk of being infected, like health care workers; and people who have been exposed to someone with Covid-19.
Regeneron developed the antibody treatment using specially designed mice that have human immune systems, as well as by isolating antibodies from people who have recovered from Covid-19. The researchers selected two of the most potent antibodies and then scaled them up for testing. A similar approach was used by Regeneron in an antibody treatment that was shown to work with Ebola patients.Regeneron developed the antibody treatment using specially designed mice that have human immune systems, as well as by isolating antibodies from people who have recovered from Covid-19. The researchers selected two of the most potent antibodies and then scaled them up for testing. A similar approach was used by Regeneron in an antibody treatment that was shown to work with Ebola patients.
“We hope to see similar success with this program and help improve outcomes against this terrible disease,” Christos Kyratsous, a vice president at Regeneron, said in a statement.“We hope to see similar success with this program and help improve outcomes against this terrible disease,” Christos Kyratsous, a vice president at Regeneron, said in a statement.
Drug trials are highly unpredictable, even if they have shown early promise in the lab. Still, the company has said that if the cocktail is successful, it could be ready to produce thousands of doses for preventive use by the end of the summer, before vaccines are available.Drug trials are highly unpredictable, even if they have shown early promise in the lab. Still, the company has said that if the cocktail is successful, it could be ready to produce thousands of doses for preventive use by the end of the summer, before vaccines are available.
Other companies working on antibody treatments include Eli Lilly, which recently began early-stage trials of its treatment, and Vir Biotechnology, which is working in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline.Other companies working on antibody treatments include Eli Lilly, which recently began early-stage trials of its treatment, and Vir Biotechnology, which is working in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline.
A young woman whose lungs were destroyed by the coronavirus received a double lung transplant last week at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, the hospital reported on Thursday, the first known lung transplant in the United States for Covid-19.A young woman whose lungs were destroyed by the coronavirus received a double lung transplant last week at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, the hospital reported on Thursday, the first known lung transplant in the United States for Covid-19.
The 10-hour surgery was more difficult and took several hours longer than most lung transplants because inflammation from the disease had left the woman’s lungs “completely plastered to tissue around them, the heart, the chest wall and diaphragm,” said Dr. Ankit Bharat, the chief of thoracic surgery and surgical director of the lung transplant program at Northwestern Medicine, which includes Northwestern Memorial Hospital, in an interview.The 10-hour surgery was more difficult and took several hours longer than most lung transplants because inflammation from the disease had left the woman’s lungs “completely plastered to tissue around them, the heart, the chest wall and diaphragm,” said Dr. Ankit Bharat, the chief of thoracic surgery and surgical director of the lung transplant program at Northwestern Medicine, which includes Northwestern Memorial Hospital, in an interview.
He said the patient, a woman in her 20s who had no serious underlying medical conditions, was recovering well: “She’s awake, she’s smiling, she FaceTimed with her family.”He said the patient, a woman in her 20s who had no serious underlying medical conditions, was recovering well: “She’s awake, she’s smiling, she FaceTimed with her family.”
But she has a long way to go. She is still on a ventilator because even though the transplanted lungs are healthy, her long illness has left her chest muscles too weak for breathing, and it will take time for her strength to return.But she has a long way to go. She is still on a ventilator because even though the transplanted lungs are healthy, her long illness has left her chest muscles too weak for breathing, and it will take time for her strength to return.
The transplant was her only chance for survival, Dr. Bharat said. His team wanted other transplant centers to know that the operation could save some desperately ill Covid-19 patients.The transplant was her only chance for survival, Dr. Bharat said. His team wanted other transplant centers to know that the operation could save some desperately ill Covid-19 patients.
He said that other medical centers had been calling to find out about the operation and that some wanted to send Covid-19 patients to Northwestern for lung transplants.He said that other medical centers had been calling to find out about the operation and that some wanted to send Covid-19 patients to Northwestern for lung transplants.
“I want to emphasize that this is not for every Covid patient,” Dr. Bharat said. “We are talking about patients who are relatively young, very functional, with minimal to no comorbid conditions, with permanent lung damage who can’t get off the ventilator.”“I want to emphasize that this is not for every Covid patient,” Dr. Bharat said. “We are talking about patients who are relatively young, very functional, with minimal to no comorbid conditions, with permanent lung damage who can’t get off the ventilator.”
For such patients, he said, the news of a successful transplant “absolutely could start something.”For such patients, he said, the news of a successful transplant “absolutely could start something.”
GLOBAL ROUNDUPGLOBAL ROUNDUP
Xie Yiyi, who is American-educated, lost her job last Friday, making the 22-year-old Beijing resident one of millions of young people in China left unmoored and shaken by the coronavirus. So that same day, heeding the advice of one of China’s top leaders, she decided to open a barbecue stall.Xie Yiyi, who is American-educated, lost her job last Friday, making the 22-year-old Beijing resident one of millions of young people in China left unmoored and shaken by the coronavirus. So that same day, heeding the advice of one of China’s top leaders, she decided to open a barbecue stall.
Street vendors are seen by many Chinese people as embarrassing eyesores from the country’s past, when it was still emerging from extreme poverty. In many Chinese cities, uniformed neighborhood rule enforcers called chengguan regularly evict and assault sidewalk sellers of fake jewelry, cheap clothes and spicy snacks.Street vendors are seen by many Chinese people as embarrassing eyesores from the country’s past, when it was still emerging from extreme poverty. In many Chinese cities, uniformed neighborhood rule enforcers called chengguan regularly evict and assault sidewalk sellers of fake jewelry, cheap clothes and spicy snacks.
But Li Keqiang, China’s premier, has publicly called for the country’s jobless to ignite a “stall economy” to get the country’s derailed economy back on track. In the process, he laid bare China’s diverging narratives after the coronavirus epidemic. Is China an increasingly middle-class country, represented by the skyscrapers and tech campuses in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen? Or is much of it still poor and backward, a country of roadside stalls in back alleys?But Li Keqiang, China’s premier, has publicly called for the country’s jobless to ignite a “stall economy” to get the country’s derailed economy back on track. In the process, he laid bare China’s diverging narratives after the coronavirus epidemic. Is China an increasingly middle-class country, represented by the skyscrapers and tech campuses in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen? Or is much of it still poor and backward, a country of roadside stalls in back alleys?
Here are some other developments from around the world.Here are some other developments from around the world.
Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most-populous country, is experiencing a sustained spike in coronavirus cases, roughly three weeks after millions of people began crisscrossing the country at the end of Ramadan. This week, Indonesia has recorded three consecutive days of about 1,000 new infections each day, with a total of 35,295 cases and 2,000 deaths as of Thursday afternoon.Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most-populous country, is experiencing a sustained spike in coronavirus cases, roughly three weeks after millions of people began crisscrossing the country at the end of Ramadan. This week, Indonesia has recorded three consecutive days of about 1,000 new infections each day, with a total of 35,295 cases and 2,000 deaths as of Thursday afternoon.
Concerned about the economic impact on tourism and universities, the European Union is recommending that all member countries in the bloc open their borders to one another by Monday. The European Commission, the executive branch of the bloc, is recommending a gradual opening to outsiders starting in July.Concerned about the economic impact on tourism and universities, the European Union is recommending that all member countries in the bloc open their borders to one another by Monday. The European Commission, the executive branch of the bloc, is recommending a gradual opening to outsiders starting in July.
In Canada, commentary on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s unruly mane has become a national sport. With barber shops and salons set to reopen in Ottawa on Friday, the question is: Will he get a haircut, or will he refrain in solidarity with Canadians in areas still under lockdown?In Canada, commentary on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s unruly mane has become a national sport. With barber shops and salons set to reopen in Ottawa on Friday, the question is: Will he get a haircut, or will he refrain in solidarity with Canadians in areas still under lockdown?
Local authorities in Beijing confirmed what appeared to be the first locally transmitted case in weeks, Chinese state media reported on Thursday. The broadcaster CGTN reported that the patient, a 52-year-old man, said that he had not left the city for the past two weeks and had no contact with people from outside the city.Local authorities in Beijing confirmed what appeared to be the first locally transmitted case in weeks, Chinese state media reported on Thursday. The broadcaster CGTN reported that the patient, a 52-year-old man, said that he had not left the city for the past two weeks and had no contact with people from outside the city.
Reporting was contributed by Hannah Beech, Nick Corasaniti, Jacey Fortin, Rick Gladstone, Michael Gold, Dana Goldstein, Denise Grady, Erica L. Green, Tiffany Hsu, Thomas Kaplan, Patrick Kingsley, Raphael Minder, Claire Moses, Tara Parker-Pope, Monika Pronczuk, Alan Rappeport, Simon Romero, Kaly Soto, Matt Stevens, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Ana Swanson, Eileen Sullivan, Katie Thomas, Laetitia Vancon, Daniel Victor, David Waldstein, Michael Wilson, Michael Wines, Li Yuan and Karen Zraick. Reporting was contributed by Hannah Beech, Michael Cooper, Nick Corasaniti, Jacey Fortin, Rick Gladstone, Michael Gold, Dana Goldstein, Denise Grady, Erica L. Green, Tiffany Hsu, Thomas Kaplan, Patrick Kingsley, Raphael Minder, Claire Moses, Tara Parker-Pope, Monika Pronczuk, Alan Rappeport, Simon Romero, Kaly Soto, Matt Stevens, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Ana Swanson, Eileen Sullivan, Katie Thomas, Laetitia Vancon, Daniel Victor, David Waldstein, Michael Wilson, Michael Wines, Li Yuan and Karen Zraick.