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W.H.O. Warns of ‘Dangerous Phase’ of Pandemic as Outbreaks Widen W.H.O. Warns of ‘Dangerous Phase’ of Pandemic as Outbreaks Widen
(about 20 hours later)
CHICAGO — The world has entered a “new and dangerous phase” of the coronavirus pandemic, a top official from the World Health Organization said on Friday, a stark warning that came as the United States struggled to control spiraling outbreaks and as business leaders signaled growing unease with the country’s ability to effectively contend with the virus.CHICAGO — The world has entered a “new and dangerous phase” of the coronavirus pandemic, a top official from the World Health Organization said on Friday, a stark warning that came as the United States struggled to control spiraling outbreaks and as business leaders signaled growing unease with the country’s ability to effectively contend with the virus.
Coronavirus cases spiked sharply across the American South and West, particularly in states that loosened restrictions on businesses several weeks ago.Coronavirus cases spiked sharply across the American South and West, particularly in states that loosened restrictions on businesses several weeks ago.
In Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Arizona, daily counts of new coronavirus cases reached their highest levels of the pandemic this week. Texas, which has seen known cases double in the past month, became the sixth state to surpass 100,000 cases, according to a New York Times database of cases in the United States.In Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Arizona, daily counts of new coronavirus cases reached their highest levels of the pandemic this week. Texas, which has seen known cases double in the past month, became the sixth state to surpass 100,000 cases, according to a New York Times database of cases in the United States.
Around the country, there were indications that major companies and sports teams were changing their own plans as the new surges emerged.Around the country, there were indications that major companies and sports teams were changing their own plans as the new surges emerged.
Apple said it was temporarily closing 11 retail stores across four states amid an uptick in cases. AMC Entertainment reversed course on its mask policy on Friday, saying it will now require patrons to wear face coverings when movie theaters reopen next month.Apple said it was temporarily closing 11 retail stores across four states amid an uptick in cases. AMC Entertainment reversed course on its mask policy on Friday, saying it will now require patrons to wear face coverings when movie theaters reopen next month.
Two Major League Baseball clubs, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays, and a professional hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, abruptly shut down training facilities in Florida over concerns that the virus was threatening players’ safety.Two Major League Baseball clubs, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays, and a professional hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, abruptly shut down training facilities in Florida over concerns that the virus was threatening players’ safety.
Across the globe, the outlook for containing the coronavirus worsened. A pandemic that had been defined early on by a series of shifting epicenters — including Wuhan, China; Iran; northern Italy; Spain; and New York — was now distinguished by a wide and expanding scope. Eighty-one nations have seen a growth in new cases over the past two weeks. Only 36 have seen declines.Across the globe, the outlook for containing the coronavirus worsened. A pandemic that had been defined early on by a series of shifting epicenters — including Wuhan, China; Iran; northern Italy; Spain; and New York — was now distinguished by a wide and expanding scope. Eighty-one nations have seen a growth in new cases over the past two weeks. Only 36 have seen declines.
“Many people are understandably fed up with being at home,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the W.H.O., said in a news conference in which he described the new phase of the virus. “Countries are understandably eager to open up their societies and their economies. But the virus is still spreading fast. It is still deadly and most people are still susceptible.”“Many people are understandably fed up with being at home,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the W.H.O., said in a news conference in which he described the new phase of the virus. “Countries are understandably eager to open up their societies and their economies. But the virus is still spreading fast. It is still deadly and most people are still susceptible.”
A sobering lesson in the virus’s tenacity came in China, where officials had recently proclaimed that they had vanquished the virus — only to see it surge back in Beijing, the capital. That metropolis, of 21 million people, is facing new restrictions on travel and renewed school closures. Seoul, South Korea, also reported a new surge in cases on Friday.A sobering lesson in the virus’s tenacity came in China, where officials had recently proclaimed that they had vanquished the virus — only to see it surge back in Beijing, the capital. That metropolis, of 21 million people, is facing new restrictions on travel and renewed school closures. Seoul, South Korea, also reported a new surge in cases on Friday.
For weeks, the United States has been slowly but determinedly returning to its pre-pandemic existence amid economic turmoil. Businesses reopened, summer camps started and retail workers returned to stores.For weeks, the United States has been slowly but determinedly returning to its pre-pandemic existence amid economic turmoil. Businesses reopened, summer camps started and retail workers returned to stores.
But efforts to boost the economy by bringing more people back to work may be happening too soon, experts said, warning that the economic outlook in the United States remains wildly uncertain.But efforts to boost the economy by bringing more people back to work may be happening too soon, experts said, warning that the economic outlook in the United States remains wildly uncertain.
Eric Rosengren, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and an influential policy maker within the central bank system, cited rising caseloads in South Carolina and Florida as he cautioned of the economic impact of states reopening before the virus was under control. The tension between a tumbling economy and a global pandemic remained stark.Eric Rosengren, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and an influential policy maker within the central bank system, cited rising caseloads in South Carolina and Florida as he cautioned of the economic impact of states reopening before the virus was under control. The tension between a tumbling economy and a global pandemic remained stark.
“I expect the economic rebound in the second half of the year to be less than was hoped for at the outset of the pandemic,” Mr. Rosengren said, citing the virus’s continuing spread and the acceleration of new cases in many states.“I expect the economic rebound in the second half of the year to be less than was hoped for at the outset of the pandemic,” Mr. Rosengren said, citing the virus’s continuing spread and the acceleration of new cases in many states.
Around the world, risks are multiplying as nations reopen their economies.Around the world, risks are multiplying as nations reopen their economies.
In India, which placed all 1.3 billion of its citizens under a lockdown — then moved to reopen even with its strained public health system near the breaking point — officials reported a record number of new cases this week. And the virus is now spreading rapidly in Pakistan and Bangladesh.In India, which placed all 1.3 billion of its citizens under a lockdown — then moved to reopen even with its strained public health system near the breaking point — officials reported a record number of new cases this week. And the virus is now spreading rapidly in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Some countries where caseloads had appeared to taper — including Israel, Sweden and Costa Rica — are now watching them rise.Some countries where caseloads had appeared to taper — including Israel, Sweden and Costa Rica — are now watching them rise.
Cases have continued to surge across much of the United States, with new single-day infection records reported in nine states. More widespread testing is no doubt playing some role in the increase in the number of known cases. But growing hospitalizations and rising rates of positive tests compared with total tests in many of those states make clear that the virus is raging uncontrolled across much of the Sun Belt.Cases have continued to surge across much of the United States, with new single-day infection records reported in nine states. More widespread testing is no doubt playing some role in the increase in the number of known cases. But growing hospitalizations and rising rates of positive tests compared with total tests in many of those states make clear that the virus is raging uncontrolled across much of the Sun Belt.
In Arizona and Texas, more people with the coronavirus are hospitalized now than at any previous point in the pandemic. In Utah, the percent of positive tests compared with total tests reached the highest levels yet this month. In Nevada, the percent of positive tests recently began increasing again after more than a month of sustained declines.In Arizona and Texas, more people with the coronavirus are hospitalized now than at any previous point in the pandemic. In Utah, the percent of positive tests compared with total tests reached the highest levels yet this month. In Nevada, the percent of positive tests recently began increasing again after more than a month of sustained declines.
Dr. Jeff Duchin, the health officer for Seattle and King County, Wash., said in a statement on Friday that the area had seen a spike in cases in the last week, as it proceeded to loosen restrictions. “As we move into Phase 2 and for the foreseeable future, our risk will be increasing, not decreasing,” Dr. Duchin said. “Covid-19 has not gone away and we must take the ongoing risk very seriously.”Dr. Jeff Duchin, the health officer for Seattle and King County, Wash., said in a statement on Friday that the area had seen a spike in cases in the last week, as it proceeded to loosen restrictions. “As we move into Phase 2 and for the foreseeable future, our risk will be increasing, not decreasing,” Dr. Duchin said. “Covid-19 has not gone away and we must take the ongoing risk very seriously.”
Movie theaters, shuttered for months because of the coronavirus, have struggled to find a balance between making money and ensuring public safety in the midst of a pandemic. Some companies have followed the guidance of scientists and required patrons to wear masks or face coverings for entry, but they have encountered resistance from customers who see mask-wearing as an infringement of personal liberty.Movie theaters, shuttered for months because of the coronavirus, have struggled to find a balance between making money and ensuring public safety in the midst of a pandemic. Some companies have followed the guidance of scientists and required patrons to wear masks or face coverings for entry, but they have encountered resistance from customers who see mask-wearing as an infringement of personal liberty.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a company with 41 theaters in 10 states, said on Friday that it would require face masks in its theaters “except when eating or drinking,” saying the safety of patrons and workers could not be compromised. “This is not political,” the theater chain said in a tweet.
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.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a company with 41 theaters in 10 states, said on Friday that it would require face masks in its theaters “except when eating or drinking,” saying the safety of patrons and workers could not be compromised. “This is not political,” the theater chain said in a tweet.
Regal Cinemas joined AMC and Alamo on Friday afternoon in stating that all movie theater employees and patrons would be required to wear masks. The chain, which had previously said it would require masks only in cities that mandated them, said that disposable masks would be made available to customers who needed them.Regal Cinemas joined AMC and Alamo on Friday afternoon in stating that all movie theater employees and patrons would be required to wear masks. The chain, which had previously said it would require masks only in cities that mandated them, said that disposable masks would be made available to customers who needed them.
But a rival chain, Cinemark, began reopening some theaters in Texas on Friday without requiring face masks. “It’s a big country out there,” Mark Zoradi, Cinemark’s chief executive, told the entertainment news site Deadline on Wednesday. “There are places that may require it. California may be one. If it’s required in California, we’ll abide by it. There are other places like Texas where it’s not required. In those cases, we’ll highly recommend, but not require it.”But a rival chain, Cinemark, began reopening some theaters in Texas on Friday without requiring face masks. “It’s a big country out there,” Mark Zoradi, Cinemark’s chief executive, told the entertainment news site Deadline on Wednesday. “There are places that may require it. California may be one. If it’s required in California, we’ll abide by it. There are other places like Texas where it’s not required. In those cases, we’ll highly recommend, but not require it.”
All over, businesses were grappling with those sorts of decisions, as state rules have loosened and cases have risen. The possibility of repeated openings and closings was emerging.All over, businesses were grappling with those sorts of decisions, as state rules have loosened and cases have risen. The possibility of repeated openings and closings was emerging.
In Arizona, Gila River Hotels and Casinos shut its doors again this week after reopening in mid-May with new safety procedures in place. The company said it would close for two weeks “to see whether the recent rise in Arizona Covid cases subsides and to re-examine every aspect of its operation.”In Arizona, Gila River Hotels and Casinos shut its doors again this week after reopening in mid-May with new safety procedures in place. The company said it would close for two weeks “to see whether the recent rise in Arizona Covid cases subsides and to re-examine every aspect of its operation.”
Even as coronavirus cases increase in many states, there was reason for some optimism about the national picture over all. Coronavirus deaths in the United States have fallen to roughly 700 a day from a peak of more than 2,000 a day, and some of the country’s hardest-hit regions have showed sustained improvement. New case reports continue to plummet across most of the Northeast and much of the Midwest. The Chicago, Boston, Milwaukee, Detroit and New York areas all continue to improve.Even as coronavirus cases increase in many states, there was reason for some optimism about the national picture over all. Coronavirus deaths in the United States have fallen to roughly 700 a day from a peak of more than 2,000 a day, and some of the country’s hardest-hit regions have showed sustained improvement. New case reports continue to plummet across most of the Northeast and much of the Midwest. The Chicago, Boston, Milwaukee, Detroit and New York areas all continue to improve.
But there were also worrisome signs in those same regions. Case numbers have started trending upward again in Kansas after weeks of falling. The La Crosse, Wis., area is experiencing a period of explosive case growth. And new trouble spots have cropped up in parts of Missouri, Iowa and Pennsylvania.But there were also worrisome signs in those same regions. Case numbers have started trending upward again in Kansas after weeks of falling. The La Crosse, Wis., area is experiencing a period of explosive case growth. And new trouble spots have cropped up in parts of Missouri, Iowa and Pennsylvania.
As more Americans return to ordinary routines, clusters are emerging in places that had been largely closed. More than 230 cases were tied to a Pentecostal church in Oregon, and far smaller clusters were reported recently at churches in Alabama, Wisconsin and West Virginia. Outbreaks have also been reported recently at a Panda Express restaurant in California, an Advance Auto Parts store in Colorado and among athletes at Kansas State University and the University of Texas.As more Americans return to ordinary routines, clusters are emerging in places that had been largely closed. More than 230 cases were tied to a Pentecostal church in Oregon, and far smaller clusters were reported recently at churches in Alabama, Wisconsin and West Virginia. Outbreaks have also been reported recently at a Panda Express restaurant in California, an Advance Auto Parts store in Colorado and among athletes at Kansas State University and the University of Texas.
South Carolina’s state epidemiologist pleaded with residents to wear masks and practice social distancing as that state identified more than 990 new cases of the virus on Thursday. It was the sixth time in 10 days that the state broke its single-day case record.South Carolina’s state epidemiologist pleaded with residents to wear masks and practice social distancing as that state identified more than 990 new cases of the virus on Thursday. It was the sixth time in 10 days that the state broke its single-day case record.
“We understand that what we’re continuing to ask of everyone is not easy and that many are tired of hearing the same warnings and of taking the same daily precautions,” Dr. Linda Bell, the epidemiologist, said in a statement. “Every day that we don’t all do our part, we are extending the duration of illnesses, missed work, hospitalizations and deaths in our state.”“We understand that what we’re continuing to ask of everyone is not easy and that many are tired of hearing the same warnings and of taking the same daily precautions,” Dr. Linda Bell, the epidemiologist, said in a statement. “Every day that we don’t all do our part, we are extending the duration of illnesses, missed work, hospitalizations and deaths in our state.”
Reporting was contributed by Rick Gladstone from Eastham, Mass.; David Gelles from Putnam Valley, N.Y.; Gillian Friedman from Salt Lake City; Gillian R. Brassil from Andover, Mass.; Jeanna Smialek from Washington; Mitch Smith from Chicago; and David Waldstein from New York.Reporting was contributed by Rick Gladstone from Eastham, Mass.; David Gelles from Putnam Valley, N.Y.; Gillian Friedman from Salt Lake City; Gillian R. Brassil from Andover, Mass.; Jeanna Smialek from Washington; Mitch Smith from Chicago; and David Waldstein from New York.