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Coronavirus Live Updates: After Trump Criticizes the C.D.C.’s Guidelines for Reopening Schools, Pence Says They Will Be Changed 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 administration officials don’t want the guidance to be a reason 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 enacted 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, 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. Classroom attendance in New York City will be limited to 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 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.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 during 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, the governor 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.
As coronavirus cases surge across the country, hospitals, nursing homes and private medical practices are facing a problem many had hoped would be resolved by now: a dire shortage of respirator masks, isolation gowns and disposable gloves that protect front-line medical workers from infection. As cases surge across the country, hospitals, nursing homes and private medical practices are facing a problem many had hoped would be resolved by now: a dire shortage of respirator masks, isolation gowns and disposable gloves that protect front-line medical workers from infection.
Unlike the crisis that caught a handful of big city hospitals off guard in March and April, the soaring demand for protective gear is now affecting a broad range of medical facilities across the country, a problem public health experts and major medical associations say could have been avoided if the federal government had embraced a more aggressive approach toward procuring and distributing critical supplies in the early days of the pandemic.Unlike the crisis that caught a handful of big city hospitals off guard in March and April, the soaring demand for protective gear is now affecting a broad range of medical facilities across the country, a problem public health experts and major medical associations say could have been avoided if the federal government had embraced a more aggressive approach toward procuring and distributing critical supplies in the early days of the pandemic.
The inability to find personal protective equipment, known as P.P.E., is starting to impede other critical areas of medicine, too. Neurologists, cardiologists and cancer specialists around the country have been unable to reopen their offices in recent weeks, leaving many patients without care, according to the American Medical Association and other doctor groups.The inability to find personal protective equipment, known as P.P.E., is starting to impede other critical areas of medicine, too. Neurologists, cardiologists and cancer specialists around the country have been unable to reopen their offices in recent weeks, leaving many patients without care, according to the American Medical Association and other doctor groups.
“We have kids living with grapefruit-sized abscesses for over three months who can’t eat or drink and there’s nothing we can do for them because we can’t get P.P.E.,” said Kay Kennel, the chief officer of Lubbock Kids Dental, a clinic serving low-income families in Texas that has a list of 50 children awaiting emergency surgery. “It’s been just horrible, and given the growing number of infections here, I’m afraid things are going to get worse.”“We have kids living with grapefruit-sized abscesses for over three months who can’t eat or drink and there’s nothing we can do for them because we can’t get P.P.E.,” said Kay Kennel, the chief officer of Lubbock Kids Dental, a clinic serving low-income families in Texas that has a list of 50 children awaiting emergency surgery. “It’s been just horrible, and given the growing number of infections here, I’m afraid things are going to get worse.”
In a coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence played down the shortages, but said the government was preparing to issue new guidance on the preservation and reuse of protective gear. “P.P.E., we hear, remains very strong,” he said. In the virus briefing on Wednesday, Mr. Mike Pence played down the shortages, but said the government was preparing to issue new guidance on the preservation and reuse of protective gear. “P.P.E., we hear, remains very strong,” he said.
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. Gov. Wanda Vázquez of Puerto Rico 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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. 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.
GLOBAL ROUNDUPGLOBAL ROUNDUP
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.
U.S. ROUNDUPU.S. ROUNDUP
The mayor of Houston said Wednesday that he had ordered the cancellation of the Texas Republican Party’s convention, which had been scheduled to be held there next week as the city grapples with one of the nation’s worst outbreaks.The mayor of Houston said Wednesday that he had ordered the cancellation of the Texas Republican Party’s convention, which had been scheduled to be held there next week as the city grapples with one of the nation’s worst outbreaks.
The decision by the mayor, Sylvester Turner, came after weeks of debate over the gathering, which had been expected to attract thousands of party officials. The decision by Mayor Sylvester Turner came after weeks of debate over the gathering, which had been expected to attract thousands of party officials.
He acted after the city’s top public health official had sent a letter to Mr. Turner and to the city-run organization hosting the convention calling the gathering a “clear and present danger.”He acted after the city’s top public health official had sent a letter to Mr. Turner and to the city-run organization hosting the convention calling the gathering a “clear and present danger.”
Mr. Turner, speaking through a mask at a news conference, said that “as mayor I simply cannot ignore those words,” and described Houston as “a hot spot in a global pandemic.”Mr. Turner, speaking through a mask at a news conference, said that “as mayor I simply cannot ignore those words,” and described Houston as “a hot spot in a global pandemic.”
He said the city would welcome conventions in the future, once it is safe again to visit.He said the city would welcome conventions in the future, once it is safe again to visit.
Houston First Corporation, the city’s convention arm, held the contract with the state Republican Party. On Wednesday, the leaders of the corporation sent a letter to party officials informing them of the cancellation and citing the “force majeure” clause of the contract. “The term ‘force majeure’ is defined to include “epidemics in the city of Houston,” the letter said.Houston First Corporation, the city’s convention arm, held the contract with the state Republican Party. On Wednesday, the leaders of the corporation sent a letter to party officials informing them of the cancellation and citing the “force majeure” clause of the contract. “The term ‘force majeure’ is defined to include “epidemics in the city of Houston,” the letter said.
The decision by a Democratic mayor to cancel the state’s largest gathering of Republicans set the stage for rancorous finger-pointing. Even before the announcement, Republican Party officials suggested Mr. Turner, who appeared eager to find a way to cancel the event, did not have the authority to do so.The decision by a Democratic mayor to cancel the state’s largest gathering of Republicans set the stage for rancorous finger-pointing. Even before the announcement, Republican Party officials suggested Mr. Turner, who appeared eager to find a way to cancel the event, did not have the authority to do so.
Last week, the state party’s executive board voted to go ahead with the event rather than hold it virtually, as the state’s Democratic Party planned to do.Last week, the state party’s executive board voted to go ahead with the event rather than hold it virtually, as the state’s Democratic Party planned to do.
Their decision, in a vote of 40 to 20, came hours after Mr. Abbott reversed course and ordered all Texans to wear masks, with few exceptions, when in public. Some older Republicans had expressed fears of being exposed to the virus but others insisted that forging ahead with the Houston meeting reaffirmed the party’s embrace of courage and individual freedoms. Elsewhere in the U.S.: Their decision, in a vote of 40 to 20, came hours after the governor reversed course and ordered the vast majority of Texans to wear masks, with few exceptions, when in public. Some older Republicans had expressed fears of being exposed to the virus but others insisted that forging ahead with the Houston meeting reaffirmed the party’s embrace of courage and individual freedoms. 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 is 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.New Jersey’s governor is 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.
More than 680 cases were announced Wednesday in Utah, a single-day record.More than 680 cases were announced Wednesday in Utah, a single-day record.
Officials in Tennessee reported more than 2,100 new cases and 21 new deaths on Wednesday, single-day records in both categories.Officials in Tennessee reported more than 2,100 new cases and 21 new deaths on Wednesday, single-day records in both categories.
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.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.
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.
A network of more than 100 clinical trial sites has been set up to test coronavirus vaccines in people in the United States and abroad, with the first large study to begin this summer, the federal government announced on Wednesday.A network of more than 100 clinical trial sites has been set up to test coronavirus vaccines in people in the United States and abroad, with the first large study to begin this summer, the federal government announced on Wednesday.
People interested in volunteering must fill out a survey online, which asks for personal information including height; weight; age; race; living and working conditions; and whether they have health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. Researchers will contact people who seem like good candidates.People interested in volunteering must fill out a survey online, which asks for personal information including height; weight; age; race; living and working conditions; and whether they have health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. Researchers will contact people who seem like good candidates.
Each study is expected to enroll 10,000 to 30,000 people. Different studies are expected to follow the same protocol so that the results and the vaccines can be compared to one another.Each study is expected to enroll 10,000 to 30,000 people. Different studies are expected to follow the same protocol so that the results and the vaccines can be compared to one another.
The collection of trial sites, called the Covid-19 Prevention Network, is being paid for by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health. Sites in South Africa and several countries in South America are being considered for inclusion in the network.The collection of trial sites, called the Covid-19 Prevention Network, is being paid for by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health. Sites in South Africa and several countries in South America are being considered for inclusion in the network.
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, which has long experience in testing H.I.V. vaccines, is overseeing the network.The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, which has long experience in testing H.I.V. vaccines, is overseeing the network.
Black and Hispanic people have high rates of infection and severe illness from Covid, and a statement from the Hutchinson center said that it would work with “communities that, due to their socio-economic status, racial identity and age, are facing the highest risk of severe infection and death.”Black and Hispanic people have high rates of infection and severe illness from Covid, and a statement from the Hutchinson center said that it would work with “communities that, due to their socio-economic status, racial identity and age, are facing the highest risk of severe infection and death.”
Dr. Larry Corey, a virologist at the Hutchinson center and a co-leader of the testing, said he was optimistic that the network would be able to enroll enough volunteers to conduct the studies. He said that within an hour after the website appeared online, about 1000 people had consulted it. And earlier Phase 1 studies of coronavirus vaccines “had thousands of volunteers stepping up to enroll for 30 or 40 slots,” he said.Dr. Larry Corey, a virologist at the Hutchinson center and a co-leader of the testing, said he was optimistic that the network would be able to enroll enough volunteers to conduct the studies. He said that within an hour after the website appeared online, about 1000 people had consulted it. And earlier Phase 1 studies of coronavirus vaccines “had thousands of volunteers stepping up to enroll for 30 or 40 slots,” he said.
The first study, planned for later this month, is expected to involve the vaccine candidate developed by researchers at the infectious diseases institute and produced by the biotechnology company Moderna. Dr. Corey said a trial of the potential vaccine made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University was planned to begin in August, and tests of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine candidate were expected in September.The first study, planned for later this month, is expected to involve the vaccine candidate developed by researchers at the infectious diseases institute and produced by the biotechnology company Moderna. Dr. Corey said a trial of the potential vaccine made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University was planned to begin in August, and tests of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine candidate were expected in September.
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 may 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.
Technology stocks led Wall Street higher on Wednesday, but trading was unsteady as investors considered the spreading coronavirus outbreak and new friction between the United States and China. The S&P 500 rose less than 1 percent. The technology heavy Nasdaq composite fared better, rising nearly 1.5 percent.Technology stocks led Wall Street higher on Wednesday, but trading was unsteady as investors considered the spreading coronavirus outbreak and new friction between the United States and China. The S&P 500 rose less than 1 percent. The technology heavy Nasdaq composite fared better, rising nearly 1.5 percent.
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.
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. 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, J. David Goodman, Peter S. Goodman, Abby Goodnough, Denise Grady, Erica L. Green, Amy Julia Harris, Anemona Hartocollis, Jack Healy, Mike Ives, Andrew Jacobs, 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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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, J. David Goodman, Peter S. Goodman, Abby Goodnough, Erica L. Green, Amy Julia Harris, Anemona Hartocollis, Jack Healy, Mike Ives, Andrew Jacobs, 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.