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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
The U.S. added more than 100,000 new cases over the weekend. Florida recorded 15,300 on Sunday alone — a new single-day record for U.S. states.The U.S. added more than 100,000 new cases over the weekend. Florida recorded 15,300 on Sunday alone — a new single-day record for U.S. states.
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said the state would roll back its reopening, shuttering bars and ending indoor operations for restaurants, wineries and movie theaters.Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said the state would roll back its reopening, shuttering bars and ending indoor operations for restaurants, wineries and movie theaters.
Seventeen states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration to block a rule that would revoke the visas of foreign students in online-only classes.Seventeen states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration to block a rule that would revoke the visas of foreign students in online-only classes.
Get the latest updates here, as well as maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.Get the latest updates here, as well as maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.
Los Angeles and San Diego Counties said schools would be online-only in the fall, citing a surge in infections that pose too much risk for students and teachers. The unified school districts, with around 825,000 students, are the largest so far in the U.S. to abandon plans for even a partial physical return.Los Angeles and San Diego Counties said schools would be online-only in the fall, citing a surge in infections that pose too much risk for students and teachers. The unified school districts, with around 825,000 students, are the largest so far in the U.S. to abandon plans for even a partial physical return.
“Those countries that have managed to safely reopen schools have done so with declining infection rates and on-demand testing available,” the counties said in a joint statement. “California has neither.”“Those countries that have managed to safely reopen schools have done so with declining infection rates and on-demand testing available,” the counties said in a joint statement. “California has neither.”
The move is at odds with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who spent the weekend pushing for the Trump administration’s case to quickly reopen public schools. She downplayed the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that called in-person classes the “highest risk” scenario for schools. Last week, President Trump threatened to cut off federal funding to schools that did not reopen fully.The move is at odds with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who spent the weekend pushing for the Trump administration’s case to quickly reopen public schools. She downplayed the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that called in-person classes the “highest risk” scenario for schools. Last week, President Trump threatened to cut off federal funding to schools that did not reopen fully.
The recommendations from the president and Ms. DeVos have been disputed by doctors and educators. Data from around the world suggests that children are far less likely to become seriously ill from the coronavirus than adults. But there are big unanswered questions, including how often children become infected and what role they play in transmitting the virus.The recommendations from the president and Ms. DeVos have been disputed by doctors and educators. Data from around the world suggests that children are far less likely to become seriously ill from the coronavirus than adults. But there are big unanswered questions, including how often children become infected and what role they play in transmitting the virus.
Many factors have contributed to the dire state of testing in the U.S., including surging case counts, overwhelmed labs and inadequate supplies. But there’s one bottleneck that is severely hampering the country’s response to the pandemic: an antiquated data collection system that relies on the humble fax machine.Many factors have contributed to the dire state of testing in the U.S., including surging case counts, overwhelmed labs and inadequate supplies. But there’s one bottleneck that is severely hampering the country’s response to the pandemic: an antiquated data collection system that relies on the humble fax machine.
Before the pandemic, nearly 90 percent of test results for diseases tracked by public health departments were sent digitally. But the high demand for coronavirus testing has brought many new clinics and companies into the world of public health — and not all of them have invested in the software that is required for secure electronic communication. Instead, they often turn to faxes, which are cheap and meet digital privacy standards.Before the pandemic, nearly 90 percent of test results for diseases tracked by public health departments were sent digitally. But the high demand for coronavirus testing has brought many new clinics and companies into the world of public health — and not all of them have invested in the software that is required for secure electronic communication. Instead, they often turn to faxes, which are cheap and meet digital privacy standards.
But the blurry printouts have set back case reporting and contact tracing throughout the country. Results are often sent in duplicates, lack critical information like patients’ phone numbers and require manual data entry, which increases the risk of errors. “The data is moving slower than the disease,” one doctor in Houston said.But the blurry printouts have set back case reporting and contact tracing throughout the country. Results are often sent in duplicates, lack critical information like patients’ phone numbers and require manual data entry, which increases the risk of errors. “The data is moving slower than the disease,” one doctor in Houston said.
By the numbers. An average of 667,000 people per day were tested for the virus over the past week in the U.S. — far below the 1.9 million daily tests considered necessary to tamp down the nation’s outbreak. Only 12 states currently meet their testing targets — see whether yours is doing enough.By the numbers. An average of 667,000 people per day were tested for the virus over the past week in the U.S. — far below the 1.9 million daily tests considered necessary to tamp down the nation’s outbreak. Only 12 states currently meet their testing targets — see whether yours is doing enough.
Updated July 7, 2020 Updated July 15, 2020
The coronavirus can stay aloft for hours in tiny droplets in stagnant air, infecting people as they inhale, mounting scientific evidence suggests. This risk is highest in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, and may help explain super-spreading events reported in meatpacking plants, churches and restaurants. It’s unclear how often the virus is spread via these tiny droplets, or aerosols, compared with larger droplets that are expelled when a sick person coughs or sneezes, or transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, said Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech. Aerosols are released even when a person without symptoms exhales, talks or sings, according to Dr. Marr and more than 200 other experts, who have outlined the evidence in an open letter to the World Health Organization.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
Hong Kong Disneyland was shut down again after a surge of new cases in the Chinese territory.Hong Kong Disneyland was shut down again after a surge of new cases in the Chinese territory.
Oregon, once one of the most successful states in managing the coronavirus outbreak, is now seeing a surge of cases in rural areas. It added a record 389 new infections on Thursday.Oregon, once one of the most successful states in managing the coronavirus outbreak, is now seeing a surge of cases in rural areas. It added a record 389 new infections on Thursday.
U.S. military bases in Okinawa in Japan reported 94 cases, alarming the island’s local population, which has at times been at odds with the Americans stationed there, and has otherwise been successful at limiting virus transmission.U.S. military bases in Okinawa in Japan reported 94 cases, alarming the island’s local population, which has at times been at odds with the Americans stationed there, and has otherwise been successful at limiting virus transmission.
After a surge in cases and as it enters its coldest month, South Africa reinstated a ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol and reintroduced an overnight curfew.After a surge in cases and as it enters its coldest month, South Africa reinstated a ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol and reintroduced an overnight curfew.
The governor of Louisiana on Saturday ordered bars to close and most residents to wear masks outside after a spike in cases and hospitalizations.The governor of Louisiana on Saturday ordered bars to close and most residents to wear masks outside after a spike in cases and hospitalizations.
Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.
President Trump’s advisers undercut Dr. Anthony S. Fauci over the weekend, anonymously providing details to various news outlets about statements that he had made early in the outbreak that they said were inaccurate.President Trump’s advisers undercut Dr. Anthony S. Fauci over the weekend, anonymously providing details to various news outlets about statements that he had made early in the outbreak that they said were inaccurate.
“It’s a risk you have to take”: Members of the Republican National Committee are still planning to attend the party’s convention next month in Florida, despite the surge in cases.“It’s a risk you have to take”: Members of the Republican National Committee are still planning to attend the party’s convention next month in Florida, despite the surge in cases.
The resurgence of the virus has forced many small businesses to close a second time, but this time, many of those businesses are shutting their doors permanently.The resurgence of the virus has forced many small businesses to close a second time, but this time, many of those businesses are shutting their doors permanently.
Medical supply companies are scrambling to produce the billions of glass vials and syringes that will be needed once a vaccine is available, The Washington Post reports.Medical supply companies are scrambling to produce the billions of glass vials and syringes that will be needed once a vaccine is available, The Washington Post reports.
A clothing company in Los Angeles that made masks was forced to shutter after more than 300 workers became infected and four died from the virus.A clothing company in Los Angeles that made masks was forced to shutter after more than 300 workers became infected and four died from the virus.
Previous pandemics have changed the way people think and ushered in periods of great change, like the Renaissance. The New Yorker explores whether the coronavirus could do the same.Previous pandemics have changed the way people think and ushered in periods of great change, like the Renaissance. The New Yorker explores whether the coronavirus could do the same.
Mealtime will be vastly different on college campuses this year, as schools try out ordering apps, delivery robots and insulated bags with multiple to-go meals.Mealtime will be vastly different on college campuses this year, as schools try out ordering apps, delivery robots and insulated bags with multiple to-go meals.
How do you shoot scenes of physical intimacy amid a pandemic? TV producers are relying on aggressive testing, camera wizardry — and even mannequin stand-ins.How do you shoot scenes of physical intimacy amid a pandemic? TV producers are relying on aggressive testing, camera wizardry — and even mannequin stand-ins.
My extended family is scattered throughout the U.S. and the U.K. At the beginning of the pandemic, we began a group chat via text as a way to keep in touch. Lately, we have been posting family photos, and are currently playing a game called “name that cousin.” One of us posts a baby picture of a family member and we all have to guess who it is. This is followed by more current pictures of the same person and a great deal of hilarity.My extended family is scattered throughout the U.S. and the U.K. At the beginning of the pandemic, we began a group chat via text as a way to keep in touch. Lately, we have been posting family photos, and are currently playing a game called “name that cousin.” One of us posts a baby picture of a family member and we all have to guess who it is. This is followed by more current pictures of the same person and a great deal of hilarity.
— Deborah Fetterhoff, Newport Beach, Calif.— Deborah Fetterhoff, Newport Beach, Calif.
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