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Coronavirus Live Updates: C.D.C. to Revise Guidelines for Reopening Schools After Trump Attacks Its Recommendations Coronavirus Live Updates: After Trump Criticizes the C.D.C.’s Guidelines for Reopening Schools, Pence Says They Will Be Changed
(32 minutes later)
Hours after President Trump assailed guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for reopening schools, Vice President Mike Pence, appearing with the White House coronavirus task force, announced the agency would issue new recommendations next week, saying they don’t want the guidance to be a reason why schools don’t open. Hours after President Trump assailed guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for reopening schools, Vice President Mike Pence, appearing with the White House coronavirus task force, announced the agency would issue new recommendations next week, saying administration officials don’t want the guidance to be a reason schools don’t open.
“Well, the president said today, we just don’t want the guidance to be too tough,” Mr. Pence said. “That’s the reason why next week, the C.D.C. is going to be issuing a new set of tools, five different documents that will be giving even more clarity on the guidance going forward.”“Well, the president said today, we just don’t want the guidance to be too tough,” Mr. Pence said. “That’s the reason why next week, the C.D.C. is going to be issuing a new set of tools, five different documents that will be giving even more clarity on the guidance going forward.”
Mr. Trump openly rebuffed the C.D.C. on Twitter Wednesday morning, assailing current guidelines issued by the agency recommending a slew of preventive measures necessary to bring the nation’s children back to class. And he threatened to cut off federal aid to schools that refuse to fully reopen this fall.Mr. Trump openly rebuffed the C.D.C. on Twitter Wednesday morning, assailing current guidelines issued by the agency recommending a slew of preventive measures necessary to bring the nation’s children back to class. And he threatened to cut off federal aid to schools that refuse to fully reopen this fall.
“I disagree with@CDCgov on their very tough & expensive guidelines for opening schools. While they want them open, they are asking schools to do very impractical things. I will be meeting with them!!!” Mr. Trump wrote.“I disagree with@CDCgov on their very tough & expensive guidelines for opening schools. While they want them open, they are asking schools to do very impractical things. I will be meeting with them!!!” Mr. Trump wrote.
Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the C.D.C. director, said Wednesday that the agency’s guidance should not be used to justify keeping schools closed. It was the most clarifying statement the director has made in months as schools try to make sense of conflicting messaging on how they can safely welcome students back to class.Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the C.D.C. director, said Wednesday that the agency’s guidance should not be used to justify keeping schools closed. It was the most clarifying statement the director has made in months as schools try to make sense of conflicting messaging on how they can safely welcome students back to class.
Dr. Redfield said that the guidelines were not meant to be used “as a rationale to keep schools closed.”Dr. Redfield said that the guidelines were not meant to be used “as a rationale to keep schools closed.”
“We are prepared to work with each school, each jurisdiction to help them use the different strategies that we proposed that help do this safely so they come up with the optimal strategy for those schools,” he said.“We are prepared to work with each school, each jurisdiction to help them use the different strategies that we proposed that help do this safely so they come up with the optimal strategy for those schools,” he said.
Measures recommended by the C.D.C. include keeping classroom windows open, spacing desks at least six feet apart “when feasible” and not using cafeterias or playground equipment.Measures recommended by the C.D.C. include keeping classroom windows open, spacing desks at least six feet apart “when feasible” and not using cafeterias or playground equipment.
Mr. Trump’s threat comes as scientists grapple with rising concerns about transmission of the virus in indoor spaces. Most public schools are poorly ventilated and don’t have the funding to update their filtration systems. Mounting evidence suggests that in crowded indoor settings, like schools, tiny droplets expelled when an infected person breathes, talks or sings can linger and infect others when inhaled. Children under 12 are thought to have only a low risk of getting sick themselves, but they may still spread the virus to other students, or to teachers and parents.Mr. Trump’s threat comes as scientists grapple with rising concerns about transmission of the virus in indoor spaces. Most public schools are poorly ventilated and don’t have the funding to update their filtration systems. Mounting evidence suggests that in crowded indoor settings, like schools, tiny droplets expelled when an infected person breathes, talks or sings can linger and infect others when inhaled. Children under 12 are thought to have only a low risk of getting sick themselves, but they may still spread the virus to other students, or to teachers and parents.
Mr. Trump also tweeted that he believed that schools’ hesitance to reopen was politically motivated, invoking European countries that have already reopened their schools. Experts say several countries, like Germany, reopened their schools after getting the spread of the virus under control. Most countries also implemented virus-control steps in the schools, including mask-wearing, reduced class sizes, and keeping children in small groups at recess and lunchtime. Mr. Trump also tweeted that he believed that schools’ hesitance to reopen was politically motivated, invoking European countries that have already reopened their schools. Experts say several countries, like Germany, reopened their schools after getting the spread of the virus under control. Most countries also enacted virus-control steps in the schools, including mask-wearing, reduced class sizes, and keeping children in small groups at recess and lunchtime.
In much of the United States, virus infections are soaring and patients are quickly filling up hospital beds. Some cities and areas, in response to surging cases, have slowed reopening or imposed new antivirus precautions.In much of the United States, virus infections are soaring and patients are quickly filling up hospital beds. Some cities and areas, in response to surging cases, have slowed reopening or imposed new antivirus precautions.
“In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families. May cut off funding if not open!” he wrote.“In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families. May cut off funding if not open!” he wrote.
Contrary to one claim in Mr. Trump’s tweet, there have been problems in some schools in Sweden, which never closed its schools or placed many restrictions on the rest of society. Sweden has seen the death of a teacher at one school and at least two staff members at other schools, though it’s not clear whether they were infected in school or elsewhere.Contrary to one claim in Mr. Trump’s tweet, there have been problems in some schools in Sweden, which never closed its schools or placed many restrictions on the rest of society. Sweden has seen the death of a teacher at one school and at least two staff members at other schools, though it’s not clear whether they were infected in school or elsewhere.
But Mr. Trump’s funding threat carries real weight. When it passed its $2 trillion stimulus law, Congress gave enormous latitude to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to decide how to parcel out tens of millions of dollars in relief to school districts. Ms. DeVos said Tuesday that only 1 percent of the $13.5 billion in stimulus funding allocated to K-12 school districts had been claimed. And the Education Department doles out billions to states for a range of programs funded in the federal budget, including those that serve low-income and special education students.But Mr. Trump’s funding threat carries real weight. When it passed its $2 trillion stimulus law, Congress gave enormous latitude to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to decide how to parcel out tens of millions of dollars in relief to school districts. Ms. DeVos said Tuesday that only 1 percent of the $13.5 billion in stimulus funding allocated to K-12 school districts had been claimed. And the Education Department doles out billions to states for a range of programs funded in the federal budget, including those that serve low-income and special education students.
Those districts are now desperate for funds as they try to find ways to open classrooms with far fewer students and staff in each, to maintain social distancing, to test students and staff for the virus, and to provide masks and other protective gear. Education groups have estimated that they need at least $200 billion in additional funding to reopen next school year.Those districts are now desperate for funds as they try to find ways to open classrooms with far fewer students and staff in each, to maintain social distancing, to test students and staff for the virus, and to provide masks and other protective gear. Education groups have estimated that they need at least $200 billion in additional funding to reopen next school year.
Other key education news today:Other key education news today:
Classroom attendance in New York City will be limited to only one to three days a week in an effort to continue to curb the virus, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday. Under the mayor’s plan, there will probably be no more than a dozen people in a classroom at a time, including teachers. The governor said that he would make a decision during the first week of August. Many school districts around the country are planning not to reopen fully, and to instead use a mix of in-person and remote learning indefinitely. Classroom attendance in New York City will be limited to only one to three days a week in an effort to continue to curb the virus, the mayor said Wednesday. Under the plan, there will probably be no more than a dozen people in a classroom at a time, including teachers. The governor said that he would make a decision about whether to physically reopen schools during the first week of August. Many school districts around the country are planning not to reopen fully, and to instead use a mix of in-person and remote learning indefinitely.
Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology sued the Trump administration in federal court on Wednesday, seeking to block a directive that would strip foreign college students of their visas if their coursework was entirely online.Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology sued the Trump administration in federal court on Wednesday, seeking to block a directive that would strip foreign college students of their visas if their coursework was entirely online.
Key data of the dayKey data of the day
Mr. Pence said Wednesday that federal officials were “seeing early indications” that the percentage of positive tests was flattening in the hard-hit states of Arizona, Florida and Texas.Mr. Pence said Wednesday that federal officials were “seeing early indications” that the percentage of positive tests was flattening in the hard-hit states of Arizona, Florida and Texas.
But to the extent that is true, they are flattening at alarmingly high levels.But to the extent that is true, they are flattening at alarmingly high levels.
While the World Health Organization said in May that maintaining a positivity rate of less than 5 percent for at least two weeks — with comprehensive testing — would indicate that the virus was under control, all three states that the vice president cited are reporting far higher levels than that.While the World Health Organization said in May that maintaining a positivity rate of less than 5 percent for at least two weeks — with comprehensive testing — would indicate that the virus was under control, all three states that the vice president cited are reporting far higher levels than that.
The average positivity rate in Arizona has climbed to roughly 20 percent over the last seven days, according to a slide that Dr. Deborah L. Birx, who is coordinating the administration’s coronavirus response, showed at a briefing in Washington on Wednesday. The state’s own data shows that its positivity rate hit 25 percent on July 5. The fast-spreading outbreak is putting pressure on hospital capacity and is leading the state to record more deaths than ever in recent days.The average positivity rate in Arizona has climbed to roughly 20 percent over the last seven days, according to a slide that Dr. Deborah L. Birx, who is coordinating the administration’s coronavirus response, showed at a briefing in Washington on Wednesday. The state’s own data shows that its positivity rate hit 25 percent on July 5. The fast-spreading outbreak is putting pressure on hospital capacity and is leading the state to record more deaths than ever in recent days.
New cases in Arizona have been trending upward since the beginning of June and this week has been averaging more than 3,600 new cases a day, a record. The bulk of the new cases are in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix. The number of new cases around Yuma and Nogales are starting to slightly improve. New cases in Arizona have been trending upward since the beginning of June and this week the state has been averaging more than 3,600 new cases a day, a record. The bulk of the new cases are in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix. The number of new cases around Yuma and Nogales are starting to slightly improve.
The positivity rate can help determine how widespread an outbreak is, but it can vary depending on how much testing is being done and who is being tested. Early on in the pandemic, when testing in the U.S. was scarce and reserved for only the sickest patients or those who had come into contact with them, positivity rates were high. Ideally, the more testing that is done, the lower the rate would fall.The positivity rate can help determine how widespread an outbreak is, but it can vary depending on how much testing is being done and who is being tested. Early on in the pandemic, when testing in the U.S. was scarce and reserved for only the sickest patients or those who had come into contact with them, positivity rates were high. Ideally, the more testing that is done, the lower the rate would fall.
The average positivity rate in Florida, which has seen record numbers of cases in recent days, has climbed above 15 percent, according to a slide that Dr. Birx showed. The state announced that 16.27 percent of new cases were positive on July 6. On Wednesday, Florida reported more than 9,900 new cases, bringing the state’s total to 223,775 cases over the course of the outbreak. The average positivity rate in Florida, which has seen record numbers of cases in recent days, has climbed above 15 percent, according to a slide that Dr. Birx showed. The state announced that 16.27 percent of new cases were positive on July 6. On Wednesday, Florida reported more than 9,900 new cases, bringing the state’s total to 223,775 cases during the outbreak.
And in Texas, the positivity rate was hovering around 20 percent at the beginning of July, according to Dr. Birx’s slides, double what it was a month ago. The state’s own data currently show a far lower positivity rate, of 13.51 percent. On May 5, Gov. Greg Abbott said that a positivity rate of more than 10 percent would be “a warning flag.” The state reported its highest daily death toll, 90, on Tuesday.And in Texas, the positivity rate was hovering around 20 percent at the beginning of July, according to Dr. Birx’s slides, double what it was a month ago. The state’s own data currently show a far lower positivity rate, of 13.51 percent. On May 5, Gov. Greg Abbott said that a positivity rate of more than 10 percent would be “a warning flag.” The state reported its highest daily death toll, 90, on Tuesday.
At the briefing, Dr. Birx said in counties and states hit particularly hard by the virus, gatherings should be scaled back again to 10 people or fewer, as the White House had recommended back in March.At the briefing, Dr. Birx said in counties and states hit particularly hard by the virus, gatherings should be scaled back again to 10 people or fewer, as the White House had recommended back in March.
Puerto Rico’s governor, Wanda Vázquez, was the first in the United States to order businesses to close and people to stay home in response to the virus. Experts say her quick action helped stave off a potentially worse medical crisis on the island. Nonetheless, the pandemic has created Puerto Rico’s fifth dire emergency in three years, making the island one of the hardest-hit parts of the country.
Thanks largely to reconstruction after Hurricane Maria in 2017, Puerto Rico’s economy had been inching toward recovery after the devastating storm and the bankruptcy of the island’s government the same year. A civic uprising paralyzed the island last summer and led to the ouster of Ms. Vázquez’s predecessor. Then a series of earthquakes shook the south side of the island in January.
Now, despite federal guidance that people should wash their hands frequently during the pandemic, the governor has announced that because of a severe drought, parts of the island will have running water only every other day for the foreseeable future.
At least 300,000 Puerto Ricans — out of a civilian labor force of 1.05 million — have filed unemployment claims linked to the pandemic, and many others are ineligible for aid because they are part of the island’s large informal economy. In mid-June, the island had the highest insured unemployment rate in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
As in much of the South and West, Tennessee is awash in confirmed cases, and testing has proved no match for the virus once it overwhelms local governments’ ability to trace an infected person’s contacts and forces those who were exposed to self-quarantine.As in much of the South and West, Tennessee is awash in confirmed cases, and testing has proved no match for the virus once it overwhelms local governments’ ability to trace an infected person’s contacts and forces those who were exposed to self-quarantine.
Tennessee is far from the only state to discover that despite Mr. Trump’s claims — “Our great testing program continues to lead the World, by FAR!” he boasted on Twitter — testing is not a miracle path to a safe reopening.Tennessee is far from the only state to discover that despite Mr. Trump’s claims — “Our great testing program continues to lead the World, by FAR!” he boasted on Twitter — testing is not a miracle path to a safe reopening.
In a state where 132 of every 1,000 people have been tested, daily confirmed infections nearly quadrupled from early June to early July, though they have dropped somewhat in recent days. The positivity rate shot up to nearly 8 percent from 5 percent. Last week, the mayor of Nashville, Tennessee’s largest city, rolled back its reopening.In a state where 132 of every 1,000 people have been tested, daily confirmed infections nearly quadrupled from early June to early July, though they have dropped somewhat in recent days. The positivity rate shot up to nearly 8 percent from 5 percent. Last week, the mayor of Nashville, Tennessee’s largest city, rolled back its reopening.
There are some obvious explanations for Tennessee’s travails, writes our Washington correspondent Sheryl Gay Stolberg. The state was among the first to reopen its economy, and many people abandoned social distancing and masks. A country music star, Chase Rice, performed in late June in front of 1,000 people — most not wearing masks — at an outdoor venue in eastern Tennessee and was eventually shamed into delivering what critics called a non-apology. There are some obvious explanations for Tennessee’s travails, our Washington correspondent Sheryl Gay Stolberg writes. The state was among the first to reopen its economy, and many people abandoned social distancing and masks. A country music star, Chase Rice, performed in late June in front of 1,000 people — most not wearing masks — at an outdoor venue in eastern Tennessee and was eventually shamed into delivering what critics called a non-apology.
Young people jammed into Nashville’s famed honky-tonks and bars, and Dr. Alex Jahangir, the chairman of Nashville’s Board of Health and the leader of the city’s virus task force, said the biggest growth in cases in the city had been among people ages 25 to 34. In a city whose economy thrives on music and drinking, tensions have erupted between businesspeople and public health officials.Young people jammed into Nashville’s famed honky-tonks and bars, and Dr. Alex Jahangir, the chairman of Nashville’s Board of Health and the leader of the city’s virus task force, said the biggest growth in cases in the city had been among people ages 25 to 34. In a city whose economy thrives on music and drinking, tensions have erupted between businesspeople and public health officials.
Experts acknowledge that testing is not a panacea. Adm. Brett P. Giroir, the assistant secretary of health, sounded a note of caution on Tuesday, warning that testing without other public health interventions would be of little use.Experts acknowledge that testing is not a panacea. Adm. Brett P. Giroir, the assistant secretary of health, sounded a note of caution on Tuesday, warning that testing without other public health interventions would be of little use.
“We cannot test our way out of this,” he told reporters, adding, “testing alone is almost never the answer.”“We cannot test our way out of this,” he told reporters, adding, “testing alone is almost never the answer.”
On Wednesday, Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the White House’s virus response coordinator, said at the task force briefing that gatherings in counties and states particularly hard hit by the virus should be scaled back to ten people or fewer. Puerto Rico’s governor, Wanda Vázquez, was the first in the United States to order businesses to close and people to stay home in response to the virus. Experts say her quick action helped stave off a potentially worse medical crisis on the island. Nonetheless, the pandemic has created Puerto Rico’s fifth dire emergency in three years, making the island one of the hardest-hit parts of the country.
Thanks largely to reconstruction after Hurricane Maria in 2017, Puerto Rico’s economy had been inching toward recovery after the devastating storm and the bankruptcy of the island’s government the same year. A civic uprising paralyzed the island last summer and led to the ouster of Ms. Vázquez’s predecessor. Then a series of earthquakes shook the south side of the island in January.
Now, despite federal guidance that people should wash their hands frequently during the pandemic, the governor has announced that because of a severe drought, parts of the island will have running water only every other day for the foreseeable future.
At least 300,000 Puerto Ricans — out of a civilian labor force of 1.05 million — have filed unemployment claims linked to the pandemic, and many others are ineligible for aid because they are part of the island’s large informal economy. In mid-June, the island had the highest insured unemployment rate in the country, according to the U.S. Labor Department.
More than 6,400 residents have died in New York’s nursing homes and long-term care facilities, more than one-tenth of the reported deaths in such facilities across the country.
What went wrong? Reporters for The New York Times explored the issues and explained what they know about New York’s nursing home death toll.
The effort to answer that question has become politically charged, with Republicans pointing to the deaths to criticize Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, a Democrat, who has largely been praised for helping New York rein in the outbreak.
At issue is a directive that Mr. Cuomo delivered in late March, effectively ordering nursing homes to accept virus patients from hospitals.
The goal was to free up hospitals’ beds at a time when those facilities were being overwhelmed by fresh waves of virus patients. But family members and nursing home staff feared that sending those patients to nursing homes may have created a dangerous environment that allowed the virus to quickly spread.
That possibility has fueled calls by lawmakers from Washington to Albany for hearings and investigations to determine if the state’s actions played a role in the high death toll.
On Monday, the Cuomo administration fired back: The State Department of Health issued a 33-page report meant to dispel the notion that its March directive fueled the spread. The report found that infected nursing home workers had transmitted the virus to residents.
business roundupbusiness roundup
United Airlines said on Wednesday that it could furlough as many as 36,000 workers, or nearly 40 percent of its staff, starting Oct. 1 if travel remained weak and if too few employees accept buyout or early retirement packages.United Airlines said on Wednesday that it could furlough as many as 36,000 workers, or nearly 40 percent of its staff, starting Oct. 1 if travel remained weak and if too few employees accept buyout or early retirement packages.
Airlines have been warning workers for months that there could be significant cuts after federal stimulus funds expire. United received about one-fifth of the $25 billion that Congress authorized in March to help airlines pay employees. The money came with the condition that the companies not make significant cuts through Sept. 30.Airlines have been warning workers for months that there could be significant cuts after federal stimulus funds expire. United received about one-fifth of the $25 billion that Congress authorized in March to help airlines pay employees. The money came with the condition that the companies not make significant cuts through Sept. 30.
The Oct. 1 furloughs at United would include about 15,000 flight attendants, 11,000 customer service and gate agents, 5,500 maintenance employees, and 2,250 pilots, among others. Those numbers could be smaller if ticket sales pick up significantly, or if many thousands of workers apply for reduced work hours or leave the company voluntarily before a mid-July deadline, the airline said in a memo to its employees. United is also cutting almost one-third of its management and administrative employees.The Oct. 1 furloughs at United would include about 15,000 flight attendants, 11,000 customer service and gate agents, 5,500 maintenance employees, and 2,250 pilots, among others. Those numbers could be smaller if ticket sales pick up significantly, or if many thousands of workers apply for reduced work hours or leave the company voluntarily before a mid-July deadline, the airline said in a memo to its employees. United is also cutting almost one-third of its management and administrative employees.
Most workers will know whether they are being furloughed by the end of August and would be eligible to return to their jobs, in most cases, when business picks up, the company said.Most workers will know whether they are being furloughed by the end of August and would be eligible to return to their jobs, in most cases, when business picks up, the company said.
In other business news:In other business news:
Brooks Brothers, the oldest apparel brand in continuous operation in the United States, has filed for bankruptcy.Brooks Brothers, the oldest apparel brand in continuous operation in the United States, has filed for bankruptcy.
Wall Street was unsteady for a second day, as investors considered the latest fiscal efforts to support economies and new friction between the United States and China.Wall Street was unsteady for a second day, as investors considered the latest fiscal efforts to support economies and new friction between the United States and China.
In Britain, the chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced further steps to support businesses, homeowners and young workers, including proposals for a fund to create six-month work placements for people ages 16 to 24 who are at risk of long-term unemployment.In Britain, the chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced further steps to support businesses, homeowners and young workers, including proposals for a fund to create six-month work placements for people ages 16 to 24 who are at risk of long-term unemployment.
Walt Disney World in Orlando will welcome back visitors on Saturday, even as virus cases in Florida remain high. In doing so, Disney is stepping into a politicized debate surrounding the pandemic and efforts to keep people safe.Walt Disney World in Orlando will welcome back visitors on Saturday, even as virus cases in Florida remain high. In doing so, Disney is stepping into a politicized debate surrounding the pandemic and efforts to keep people safe.
U.S. ROUNDUPU.S. ROUNDUP
With temperatures and virus cases rising simultaneously this week, cities in the Midwest were trying to reduce the potential for overheating without putting people at risk of catching the virus while indoors.With temperatures and virus cases rising simultaneously this week, cities in the Midwest were trying to reduce the potential for overheating without putting people at risk of catching the virus while indoors.
In Chicago, where temperatures were hovering around 90 degrees, splash pads were temporarily reopened in parks, but with employees on hand to make sure people kept their distance. In Fort Wayne, Ind., a cooling site at a botanical conservatory was limited to five people because of social distancing needs. In Detroit, recreation centers were opened for residents to cool off, but with occupancy limits lowered and temperature screenings instituted. And in nearby Washtenaw County, Mich., officials opened two centers on Monday as temperatures surged into the 90s.In Chicago, where temperatures were hovering around 90 degrees, splash pads were temporarily reopened in parks, but with employees on hand to make sure people kept their distance. In Fort Wayne, Ind., a cooling site at a botanical conservatory was limited to five people because of social distancing needs. In Detroit, recreation centers were opened for residents to cool off, but with occupancy limits lowered and temperature screenings instituted. And in nearby Washtenaw County, Mich., officials opened two centers on Monday as temperatures surged into the 90s.
“We know that Covid-19 has significantly reduced the number of public buildings available to people seeking relief from the heat this summer, “ said Gregory Dill, the county administrator in Washtenaw County, Mich. “Public libraries, churches, community centers and other places that usually address this need aren’t open to the public due to the virus.”“We know that Covid-19 has significantly reduced the number of public buildings available to people seeking relief from the heat this summer, “ said Gregory Dill, the county administrator in Washtenaw County, Mich. “Public libraries, churches, community centers and other places that usually address this need aren’t open to the public due to the virus.”
In Aurora, Ill., many of the usual cooling stations remain closed because of the pandemic. Officials opened a transit center — with social distancing and masks — as another option for residents to get out of the heat.In Aurora, Ill., many of the usual cooling stations remain closed because of the pandemic. Officials opened a transit center — with social distancing and masks — as another option for residents to get out of the heat.
“We certainly have learned how to pivot quickly during these challenging times,” said the city’s mayor, Richard C. Irvin.“We certainly have learned how to pivot quickly during these challenging times,” said the city’s mayor, Richard C. Irvin.
Elsewhere in the U.S.:Elsewhere in the U.S.:
New York will now allow malls to reopen in Phase 4, the governor said Wednesday, a stage of reopening that the entire state except for New York City has entered. Malls must put in enhanced air filtration systems and those that meet requirements can reopen as soon as Friday. The reopening of movie theaters and fitness centers had been delayed over air conditioning concerns, as well, but it has not yet been announced when they would reopen.New York will now allow malls to reopen in Phase 4, the governor said Wednesday, a stage of reopening that the entire state except for New York City has entered. Malls must put in enhanced air filtration systems and those that meet requirements can reopen as soon as Friday. The reopening of movie theaters and fitness centers had been delayed over air conditioning concerns, as well, but it has not yet been announced when they would reopen.
New Jersey’s governor said on MSNBC on Wednesday that he would sign an executive order requiring face coverings outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Since early April, masks have been required indoors at businesses. When asked if people would receive tickets for disobeying the rules on a Jersey Shore boardwalk, he said it was not likely.New Jersey’s governor said on MSNBC on Wednesday that he would sign an executive order requiring face coverings outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Since early April, masks have been required indoors at businesses. When asked if people would receive tickets for disobeying the rules on a Jersey Shore boardwalk, he said it was not likely.
After previously limiting restaurant dining to outdoors only, the governor said Wednesday restaurants with seating areas under fixed roofs can reopen those spaces to diners as long as there are two open sides and there is only 50 percent wall space.After previously limiting restaurant dining to outdoors only, the governor said Wednesday restaurants with seating areas under fixed roofs can reopen those spaces to diners as long as there are two open sides and there is only 50 percent wall space.
A 35-year-old California woman has sued her former employer, Hub International, a global insurance brokerage firm, saying that she was fired because her young children were making noise during business calls while she was working from home. She is accusing the company of gender discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination.A 35-year-old California woman has sued her former employer, Hub International, a global insurance brokerage firm, saying that she was fired because her young children were making noise during business calls while she was working from home. She is accusing the company of gender discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination.
Young people in the U.S. are more likely to pack their bags because of the pandemic than members of other age groups, according to a Pew Research Center study. Family was a major factor in people’s decisions; most of those who relocated said they had moved in with relatives. The data also highlighted racial differences in relocation trends.Young people in the U.S. are more likely to pack their bags because of the pandemic than members of other age groups, according to a Pew Research Center study. Family was a major factor in people’s decisions; most of those who relocated said they had moved in with relatives. The data also highlighted racial differences in relocation trends.
In May, Mr. Trump declared places of worship part of an “essential service” and threatened, though it was uncertain he had the power to do so, to override any governor’s orders keeping them closed. Now new outbreaks are spreading through churches where services have resumed.In May, Mr. Trump declared places of worship part of an “essential service” and threatened, though it was uncertain he had the power to do so, to override any governor’s orders keeping them closed. Now new outbreaks are spreading through churches where services have resumed.
More than 650 cases have been linked to nearly 40 churches and religious events across the United States since the beginning of the pandemic, with many of them erupting over the past month as restrictions were eased across the nation.More than 650 cases have been linked to nearly 40 churches and religious events across the United States since the beginning of the pandemic, with many of them erupting over the past month as restrictions were eased across the nation.
The virus has struck churches that reopened cautiously with face masks and social distancing in the pews, as well as some that defied lockdowns and refused to heed new limits on numbers of worshipers.The virus has struck churches that reopened cautiously with face masks and social distancing in the pews, as well as some that defied lockdowns and refused to heed new limits on numbers of worshipers.
In Texas, about 50 people contracted the virus after a pastor told congregants they could once again hug one another. In Florida, a teenage girl died last month after attending a party at her church.In Texas, about 50 people contracted the virus after a pastor told congregants they could once again hug one another. In Florida, a teenage girl died last month after attending a party at her church.
Though thousands of churches, synagogues and mosques across the country have been meeting virtually or outside, the right to hold services within houses of worship has become a political battleground.Though thousands of churches, synagogues and mosques across the country have been meeting virtually or outside, the right to hold services within houses of worship has become a political battleground.
But as the virus rages through Texas, Arizona and other evangelical bastions in the South and the West, some churches that fought to reopen are closing again and grappling with whether it is even possible to worship together safely.But as the virus rages through Texas, Arizona and other evangelical bastions in the South and the West, some churches that fought to reopen are closing again and grappling with whether it is even possible to worship together safely.
“Our churches have followed protocols — masks, go in one door and out the other, social distancing,” said Cynthia Fierro Harvey, a bishop with the United Methodist Church in Louisiana, where three churches closed again over the past week. “And still people have tested positive.”“Our churches have followed protocols — masks, go in one door and out the other, social distancing,” said Cynthia Fierro Harvey, a bishop with the United Methodist Church in Louisiana, where three churches closed again over the past week. “And still people have tested positive.”
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A hospital group in the Netherlands has pressed charges against a patient’s relative, accusing the visitor of exposing medical workers to the virus.A hospital group in the Netherlands has pressed charges against a patient’s relative, accusing the visitor of exposing medical workers to the virus.
The group, Alrijne Ziekenhuis, said the visitor took off protective gear and insulted the workers after a disagreement about a treatment, and four nurses later tested positive for the virus.The group, Alrijne Ziekenhuis, said the visitor took off protective gear and insulted the workers after a disagreement about a treatment, and four nurses later tested positive for the virus.
The visitor, who was known to be infected, went to the hospital on June 6 and was escorted out by security guards after the incident, the newspaper De Volkskrant reported. The hospital filed charges of attempted aggravated assault.The visitor, who was known to be infected, went to the hospital on June 6 and was escorted out by security guards after the incident, the newspaper De Volkskrant reported. The hospital filed charges of attempted aggravated assault.
While it is impossible to prove that the nurses were infected by the visitor, the hospital said in a statement that it believed there was reason to press charges, calling it a “shocking” event for the staff members. The group did not specify at which of its locations in the province of South-Holland the incident took place.While it is impossible to prove that the nurses were infected by the visitor, the hospital said in a statement that it believed there was reason to press charges, calling it a “shocking” event for the staff members. The group did not specify at which of its locations in the province of South-Holland the incident took place.
“It’s understandable that emotions can run high when it concerns the health of loved ones,” the hospital said in a statement, “but with this act a line was crossed.”“It’s understandable that emotions can run high when it concerns the health of loved ones,” the hospital said in a statement, “but with this act a line was crossed.”
In other news around the world:In other news around the world:
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that the United States and the European Union have made “real progress” toward reopening travel between the two allied regions, including developing a monitoring system that would protect travelers’ health while jump-starting trans-Atlantic economies.Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that the United States and the European Union have made “real progress” toward reopening travel between the two allied regions, including developing a monitoring system that would protect travelers’ health while jump-starting trans-Atlantic economies.
Hong Kong has entered what one health official described as “a third wave” of infections, a setback for a city where the Covid-19 death toll remains in the single digits. The health authorities reported 38 new cases on Tuesday and Wednesday, after months in which few or no new daily infections were detected. Most traceable clusters are linked to a nursing home and two restaurants.Hong Kong has entered what one health official described as “a third wave” of infections, a setback for a city where the Covid-19 death toll remains in the single digits. The health authorities reported 38 new cases on Tuesday and Wednesday, after months in which few or no new daily infections were detected. Most traceable clusters are linked to a nursing home and two restaurants.
A New Zealand man who tested positive will face criminal charges after he sneaked out of a hotel quarantine site, the public broadcaster RNZ reported. He ventured out into central Auckland on Tuesday night for a little over an hour and visited a supermarket. RNZ called the escapade a “Covid-19 escape.”A New Zealand man who tested positive will face criminal charges after he sneaked out of a hotel quarantine site, the public broadcaster RNZ reported. He ventured out into central Auckland on Tuesday night for a little over an hour and visited a supermarket. RNZ called the escapade a “Covid-19 escape.”
Italy on Wednesday blocked 135 Bangladeshis who flew into Rome from Pakistan via Qatar from disembarking at the airport, and the Italian health minister asked the European Union to help coordinate safety measures for arrivals from outside of Europe. In a letter to the bloc, the health minister said that Italy had banned flights from Bangladesh for a week after a number of passengers on a flight from Dhaka tested positive on Monday.Italy on Wednesday blocked 135 Bangladeshis who flew into Rome from Pakistan via Qatar from disembarking at the airport, and the Italian health minister asked the European Union to help coordinate safety measures for arrivals from outside of Europe. In a letter to the bloc, the health minister said that Italy had banned flights from Bangladesh for a week after a number of passengers on a flight from Dhaka tested positive on Monday.
Reporting was contributed by Peter Baker, Brooks Barnes, Pam Belluck, William J. Broad, Maria Cramer, Niraj Chokshi, Kate Conger, Michael Cooper, Jacey Fortin, Michael Gold, Peter S. Goodman, Abby Goodnough, Erica L. Green, Anemona Hartocollis, Jack Healy, Mike Ives, Iliana Magra, Sapna Maheshwari, Apoorva Mandavilli, Tiffany May, Claire Moses, Andy Parsons, Elisabetta Povoledo, Adam Rasgon, Frances Robles, Alejandra Rosa, Eliza Shapiro, Natasha Singer, Mitch Smith, Megan Specia, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Lucy Tompkins, Allyson Waller, Noah Weiland and Karen Zraick. Reporting was contributed by Peter Baker, Brooks Barnes, Pam Belluck, William J. Broad, Maria Cramer, Niraj Chokshi, Kate Conger, Michael Cooper, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Jacey Fortin, Michael Gold, Peter S. Goodman, Abby Goodnough, Erica L. Green, Amy Julia Harris, Anemona Hartocollis, Jack Healy, Mike Ives, Iliana Magra, Sapna Maheshwari, Apoorva Mandavilli, Tiffany May, Claire Moses, Andy Parsons, Elisabetta Povoledo, Adam Rasgon, Frances Robles, Alejandra Rosa, Eliza Shapiro, Natasha Singer, Mitch Smith, Megan Specia, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Lucy Tompkins, Allyson Waller, Noah Weiland and Karen Zraick.