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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
A new outbreak in Beijing has prompted mass flight cancellations, school closings and sealed-off neighborhoods.A new outbreak in Beijing has prompted mass flight cancellations, school closings and sealed-off neighborhoods.
The president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, tested positive for the virus. He said his wife and two aides were also infected.The president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, tested positive for the virus. He said his wife and two aides were also infected.
Coins are in short supply at U.S. banks after the pandemic disrupted their circulation and production.Coins are in short supply at U.S. banks after the pandemic disrupted their circulation and production.
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.
In parts of the U.S. like New York City, where coronavirus cases are on a steady downward trend, the front lines of the crisis have shifted from emergency rooms and intensive-care units to recovery wards. But even after the worst is over for the severely ill, their comeback can be a long, difficult process.In parts of the U.S. like New York City, where coronavirus cases are on a steady downward trend, the front lines of the crisis have shifted from emergency rooms and intensive-care units to recovery wards. But even after the worst is over for the severely ill, their comeback can be a long, difficult process.
Covid-19 patients who were transferred to the I.C.U. generally remained there a long time — at least two weeks, one study found — leading to more muscle loss and to increased risk for other physical and cognitive issues.Covid-19 patients who were transferred to the I.C.U. generally remained there a long time — at least two weeks, one study found — leading to more muscle loss and to increased risk for other physical and cognitive issues.
After a long stint on a ventilator, they often wake up confused and may need to relearn how to eat without choking. Even if their lungs have mostly healed, they may still be debilitated after not moving for so long and receiving high doses of sedatives. Some must work with physical therapists and push walkers to be able to walk again.After a long stint on a ventilator, they often wake up confused and may need to relearn how to eat without choking. Even if their lungs have mostly healed, they may still be debilitated after not moving for so long and receiving high doses of sedatives. Some must work with physical therapists and push walkers to be able to walk again.
The psychological toll can also be immense. Some patients are traumatized, prompting nightmares and fears of being alone and sleeping. “A lot of people told me they felt lost,” Dr. Alka Gupta, the director of a recovery unit in Manhattan, said.The psychological toll can also be immense. Some patients are traumatized, prompting nightmares and fears of being alone and sleeping. “A lot of people told me they felt lost,” Dr. Alka Gupta, the director of a recovery unit in Manhattan, said.
Once patients are home, their recovery may still be far from over, with some requiring walking aids and visits from health care workers.Once patients are home, their recovery may still be far from over, with some requiring walking aids and visits from health care workers.
It’s not just the sickest: A growing number of young Covid-19 patients with “mild” cases have experienced recoveries lasting more than a month, Business Insider reports. Symptoms can come in waves and persist much longer than the two weeks suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.It’s not just the sickest: A growing number of young Covid-19 patients with “mild” cases have experienced recoveries lasting more than a month, Business Insider reports. Symptoms can come in waves and persist much longer than the two weeks suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain promoted it as a “world beating” operation: A contact tracing program that would allow the country to emerge from lockdown and to keep its eye on the spread of the virus.Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain promoted it as a “world beating” operation: A contact tracing program that would allow the country to emerge from lockdown and to keep its eye on the spread of the virus.
Instead, the program that promised so much has so far delivered very little.Instead, the program that promised so much has so far delivered very little.
In almost three weeks since the start of the operation, some contact tracers haven’t spoken to a single person, filling their days with internet exercise classes and bookshelf organizing. Others have mistakenly tried to send patients in England to testing sites in Northern Ireland.In almost three weeks since the start of the operation, some contact tracers haven’t spoken to a single person, filling their days with internet exercise classes and bookshelf organizing. Others have mistakenly tried to send patients in England to testing sites in Northern Ireland.
The rollout bears the hallmarks of Britain’s troubled response to the coronavirus: haphazard data; an emphasis on political theater; and a heavy dependence on the private sector, after public health departments were hollowed out by a decade of austerity.The rollout bears the hallmarks of Britain’s troubled response to the coronavirus: haphazard data; an emphasis on political theater; and a heavy dependence on the private sector, after public health departments were hollowed out by a decade of austerity.
The program’s failures have thrown into jeopardy the country’s ability to reopen, and have left public health officials trying to battle a virus they still cannot locate.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated 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.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.
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.)
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.
The program’s failures have thrown into jeopardy the country’s ability to reopen, and have left public health officials trying to battle a virus they still cannot locate.
New York City is “on track” to enter the next phase of reopening as soon as Monday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today. Outdoor dining and some in-store shopping would be allowed, and hair salons and some offices could resume business.New York City is “on track” to enter the next phase of reopening as soon as Monday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today. Outdoor dining and some in-store shopping would be allowed, and hair salons and some offices could resume business.
Washington, D.C., is scheduled to enter its second reopening phase next week, which would allow gatherings of up to 50 people and indoor dining at half capacity.Washington, D.C., is scheduled to enter its second reopening phase next week, which would allow gatherings of up to 50 people and indoor dining at half capacity.
In New Jersey, colleges and universities will be allowed to resume in-person clinical, laboratory and hands-on programming as soon as July 1.In New Jersey, colleges and universities will be allowed to resume in-person clinical, laboratory and hands-on programming as soon as July 1.
Premier League soccer has returned to England after a three-month hiatus.Premier League soccer has returned to England after a three-month hiatus.
Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.
The Trump administration stockpiled two malaria drugs that the president called a “game changer.” Now, after the F.D.A. revoked an emergency waiver for the drugs, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, officials don’t know what to do with the 66 million doses they have on hand.The Trump administration stockpiled two malaria drugs that the president called a “game changer.” Now, after the F.D.A. revoked an emergency waiver for the drugs, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, officials don’t know what to do with the 66 million doses they have on hand.
As the world reopens, fossil fuel emissions are rebounding more quickly than scientists anticipated.As the world reopens, fossil fuel emissions are rebounding more quickly than scientists anticipated.
Amid a growing backlog of U.S. citizenship applications, Republican and Democratic lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to allow the oath of allegiance to be taken remotely.Amid a growing backlog of U.S. citizenship applications, Republican and Democratic lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to allow the oath of allegiance to be taken remotely.
Online for-profit colleges have seen an opportunity to increase enrollment during the crisis, but few of the largest ones have track records to back their optimistic advertisements.Online for-profit colleges have seen an opportunity to increase enrollment during the crisis, but few of the largest ones have track records to back their optimistic advertisements.
No doubles in table tennis, no golf caddies, no sharing snorkels: These are some of the many health protocols shared with N.B.A. personnel as the league prepares to resume play.No doubles in table tennis, no golf caddies, no sharing snorkels: These are some of the many health protocols shared with N.B.A. personnel as the league prepares to resume play.
Eight renowned writers reflect on their funniest, strangest and most memorable meals out after losing the “theater of experience” that restaurants offer.Eight renowned writers reflect on their funniest, strangest and most memorable meals out after losing the “theater of experience” that restaurants offer.
I’m a student who got sent home from my university when the virus broke out. My friends from college and I started “Talk About the News Club” where we all meet on Zoom once a week to make sense of what’s happening in the world. Each week, we have a different discussion topic, and we always try to present perspectives from both sides of the political spectrum.I’m a student who got sent home from my university when the virus broke out. My friends from college and I started “Talk About the News Club” where we all meet on Zoom once a week to make sense of what’s happening in the world. Each week, we have a different discussion topic, and we always try to present perspectives from both sides of the political spectrum.
— Millie Vieira, Austin, Texas— Millie Vieira, Austin, Texas
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.
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