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Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Surpasses 4 Million Known Infections Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Surpasses 4 Million Known Infections
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Key Data of the DayKey Data of the Day
The number of people known to have been infected with the coronavirus in the United States passed four million on Thursday, another grim milestone in a pandemic full of them, according to a New York Times database.The number of people known to have been infected with the coronavirus in the United States passed four million on Thursday, another grim milestone in a pandemic full of them, according to a New York Times database.
And it’s not just cases that are rising. The numbers of hospitalizations and deaths reported in the U.S. each day have also been increasing.And it’s not just cases that are rising. The numbers of hospitalizations and deaths reported in the U.S. each day have also been increasing.
Public health experts have warned that the actual number of people infected is certainly far higher than the number of reported cases, and could be up to 13 times as high in some regions.Public health experts have warned that the actual number of people infected is certainly far higher than the number of reported cases, and could be up to 13 times as high in some regions.
Cases are trending upward in 39 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and are decreasing in only two. In the past week, cases have risen most quickly, relative to population, in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. Texas has added more than 10,000 cases each day, on average.Cases are trending upward in 39 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and are decreasing in only two. In the past week, cases have risen most quickly, relative to population, in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. Texas has added more than 10,000 cases each day, on average.
More than 143,000 people have died of the virus in the United States, and experts say that the trend in hospitalizations and deaths often lags weeks behind the trend in cases. Even so, the number of people hospitalized in the country on Wednesday very nearly exceeded the previous high of nearly 60,000, set on April 15 when the outbreak was largely concentrated in New York. Cases are now rising throughout the United States, and hospitals are feeling the strain.More than 143,000 people have died of the virus in the United States, and experts say that the trend in hospitalizations and deaths often lags weeks behind the trend in cases. Even so, the number of people hospitalized in the country on Wednesday very nearly exceeded the previous high of nearly 60,000, set on April 15 when the outbreak was largely concentrated in New York. Cases are now rising throughout the United States, and hospitals are feeling the strain.
The United States reported its millionth case on April 28, more than three months after the first reported case. The country passed two million cases 43 days later, on June 10, and passed three million on July 7.The United States reported its millionth case on April 28, more than three months after the first reported case. The country passed two million cases 43 days later, on June 10, and passed three million on July 7.
The White House and Senate Republicans neared agreement on Thursday on a new economic rescue proposal that includes another round of stimulus payments to individuals, additional aid to small businesses and a partial extension of enhanced unemployment benefits, according to a summary of the agreement that was circulating on Capitol Hill.The White House and Senate Republicans neared agreement on Thursday on a new economic rescue proposal that includes another round of stimulus payments to individuals, additional aid to small businesses and a partial extension of enhanced unemployment benefits, according to a summary of the agreement that was circulating on Capitol Hill.
The draft summary, which was obtained by The Times, reflects a significant retreat by the White House after days of infighting among Republicans. It does not include a payroll tax cut, a favorite idea of President Trump’s, which administration officials backed away from amid tepid support from Republicans in Congress. It includes $16 billion in funds for new testing that the administration had opposed, and conditions only a portion of education funding on schools reopening.The draft summary, which was obtained by The Times, reflects a significant retreat by the White House after days of infighting among Republicans. It does not include a payroll tax cut, a favorite idea of President Trump’s, which administration officials backed away from amid tepid support from Republicans in Congress. It includes $16 billion in funds for new testing that the administration had opposed, and conditions only a portion of education funding on schools reopening.
Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, who had hoped to roll out his bill early Thursday, instead spent the morning continuing to negotiate with top White House officials over its central elements.Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, who had hoped to roll out his bill early Thursday, instead spent the morning continuing to negotiate with top White House officials over its central elements.
“We’re just having a conversation with the leader, hopefully we’ll be able to resolve this,” Mark Meadows, the White House Chief of staff told reporters as he entered Mr. McConnell’s office Thursday morning.“We’re just having a conversation with the leader, hopefully we’ll be able to resolve this,” Mark Meadows, the White House Chief of staff told reporters as he entered Mr. McConnell’s office Thursday morning.
Among the final sticking points was the language surrounding the amount of additional benefits that the unemployed would continue to receive after a program providing $600 per week in extra aid expires at month’s end.Among the final sticking points was the language surrounding the amount of additional benefits that the unemployed would continue to receive after a program providing $600 per week in extra aid expires at month’s end.
Republicans agree that they want to slash the jobless payments, which they argue discourage people from returning to work. But while Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a television interview that they would seek to limit the new payments to 70 percent of a worker’s wages, the outline suggests the level could rise to 100 percent.Republicans agree that they want to slash the jobless payments, which they argue discourage people from returning to work. But while Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a television interview that they would seek to limit the new payments to 70 percent of a worker’s wages, the outline suggests the level could rise to 100 percent.
The summary also includes $26 billion for vaccine development and deployment, $20 billion in direct payments to farmers and a total of $105 billion for education, $30 billion of which would be reserved for institutions that reopen. There is no new money for state and local governments to plug budget holes and avert layoffs, but the outline notes that such funds are expected to be added in negotiations with Democrats, who have insisted on hundreds of billions of dollars.The summary also includes $26 billion for vaccine development and deployment, $20 billion in direct payments to farmers and a total of $105 billion for education, $30 billion of which would be reserved for institutions that reopen. There is no new money for state and local governments to plug budget holes and avert layoffs, but the outline notes that such funds are expected to be added in negotiations with Democrats, who have insisted on hundreds of billions of dollars.
The document did not specify who would receive the direct payments or how much the checks would be.The document did not specify who would receive the direct payments or how much the checks would be.
It includes a substantial expansion of a program to aid small businesses, relaxing the terms of a loan program designed to help them maintain their payrolls and creating a new “working capital” loan to cover operating expenses. The proposal would also more heavily restrict the number of businesses who were eligible, including by requiring evidence of steep revenue losses during the recession.It includes a substantial expansion of a program to aid small businesses, relaxing the terms of a loan program designed to help them maintain their payrolls and creating a new “working capital” loan to cover operating expenses. The proposal would also more heavily restrict the number of businesses who were eligible, including by requiring evidence of steep revenue losses during the recession.
Labs across the country are facing backlogs in coronavirus testing, leaving anxious patients and their doctors waiting days and sometimes weeks for results, thanks in part to a shortage of tiny pieces of tapered plastic.Labs across the country are facing backlogs in coronavirus testing, leaving anxious patients and their doctors waiting days and sometimes weeks for results, thanks in part to a shortage of tiny pieces of tapered plastic.
These little disposables, called pipette tips, are needed to quickly and precisely move liquid between vials to process the tests. Pipette tips, which are fed into automated devices, can help researchers blaze through hundreds of coronavirus tests in a matter of hours, sparing them grueling manual labor. These little disposables, called pipette tips, are needed to quickly and precisely move liquid between vials to process the tests. Pipette tips, which are fed into automated devices, can help researchers blaze through hundreds of tests in a matter of hours, sparing them grueling manual labor.
The recent shortages of pipette tips and other lab supplies are once again stymieing efforts to track and curb the spread of disease at a time when the number of known coronavirus cases in the United States has topped four million. The recent shortages of pipette tips and other lab supplies are once again stymieing efforts to track and curb the spread of disease at a time when the number of known cases in the United States has topped four million.
The crisis is an eerie echo of the early days of the pandemic, when researchers scrambled to find the swabs and liquids needed to collect and store samples en route to laboratories. And the delays in producing test results hurts the effectiveness of contact tracing.The crisis is an eerie echo of the early days of the pandemic, when researchers scrambled to find the swabs and liquids needed to collect and store samples en route to laboratories. And the delays in producing test results hurts the effectiveness of contact tracing.
This is already happening in New York City where, on more than 2,000 occasions in the first seven weeks of the program, contacts were already symptomatic by the time the tracers managed to reach them, officials with the contact-tracing program have said.This is already happening in New York City where, on more than 2,000 occasions in the first seven weeks of the program, contacts were already symptomatic by the time the tracers managed to reach them, officials with the contact-tracing program have said.
Companies that produce the pipette tips needed for processing test results are slammed with orders. And they are not the only laboratory items in short supply. Dwindling stocks of machines, containers and chemicals needed to extract or amplify the coronavirus’s genetic material have clogged almost every point along the testing workflow.Companies that produce the pipette tips needed for processing test results are slammed with orders. And they are not the only laboratory items in short supply. Dwindling stocks of machines, containers and chemicals needed to extract or amplify the coronavirus’s genetic material have clogged almost every point along the testing workflow.
Many laboratories are now having to prioritize testing for the sickest patients, a trend that has troubled many as evidence mounts of the virus’s ability to spread from infected people before symptoms appear, if they do at all.Many laboratories are now having to prioritize testing for the sickest patients, a trend that has troubled many as evidence mounts of the virus’s ability to spread from infected people before symptoms appear, if they do at all.
California recorded new highs in both coronavirus deaths and total number of cases on Wednesday, as troubling data emerged across the United States and more than 1,100 deaths were reported for the second consecutive day.California recorded new highs in both coronavirus deaths and total number of cases on Wednesday, as troubling data emerged across the United States and more than 1,100 deaths were reported for the second consecutive day.
Missouri, North Dakota and West Virginia recorded their highest daily case numbers on Wednesday, while Alabama, Idaho and Texas reported daily death records, according to a Times database.Missouri, North Dakota and West Virginia recorded their highest daily case numbers on Wednesday, while Alabama, Idaho and Texas reported daily death records, according to a Times database.
Nationwide, 69,707 new virus cases were reported on Wednesday. Total confirmed cases in the United States passed four million on Thursday.Nationwide, 69,707 new virus cases were reported on Wednesday. Total confirmed cases in the United States passed four million on Thursday.
And 59,628 people were being treated at hospitals on Wednesday, according to the Covid Tracking Project. That is near the peak of 59,940 on April 15, when the center of the outbreak was New York. Experts have warned that the data likely undercounts both cases and deaths.And 59,628 people were being treated at hospitals on Wednesday, according to the Covid Tracking Project. That is near the peak of 59,940 on April 15, when the center of the outbreak was New York. Experts have warned that the data likely undercounts both cases and deaths.
Some, including President Trump, have said that more testing explains the increase in the number of cases, but The Times has found that the recent rise in cases far outpaces a rise in testing.Some, including President Trump, have said that more testing explains the increase in the number of cases, but The Times has found that the recent rise in cases far outpaces a rise in testing.
After warning on Tuesday the virus would get “worse before it gets better,” Mr. Trump shifted back on Wednesday to saying that virus testing was “overrated” and “makes us look bad.” He accused Democrats of sounding the alarm over the virus for political reasons.After warning on Tuesday the virus would get “worse before it gets better,” Mr. Trump shifted back on Wednesday to saying that virus testing was “overrated” and “makes us look bad.” He accused Democrats of sounding the alarm over the virus for political reasons.
“Watch,” Mr. Trump said, “on Nov. 4, everything will open up.”“Watch,” Mr. Trump said, “on Nov. 4, everything will open up.”
The 1,130 deaths announced on Wednesday across the United States were the highest single-day death total since May 29, with the exception of two anomalous days in June when large numbers of deaths from unknown dates were reported.The 1,130 deaths announced on Wednesday across the United States were the highest single-day death total since May 29, with the exception of two anomalous days in June when large numbers of deaths from unknown dates were reported.
In Texas, which recorded 201 deaths on Wednesday, a steady climb in daily death tolls has matched a similar increase in reported cases.In Texas, which recorded 201 deaths on Wednesday, a steady climb in daily death tolls has matched a similar increase in reported cases.
California recorded at least 155 deaths and 12,162 cases on Wednesday, both records. With more than 422,000 cases, the state has now reported more cases than New York, the early center of the pandemic in the United States.California recorded at least 155 deaths and 12,162 cases on Wednesday, both records. With more than 422,000 cases, the state has now reported more cases than New York, the early center of the pandemic in the United States.
Louisiana, which is in the middle of its second case surge of the pandemic, surpassed New York as the state with the most known cases per capita in the country, though testing was scarce when cases peaked in New York this spring.Louisiana, which is in the middle of its second case surge of the pandemic, surpassed New York as the state with the most known cases per capita in the country, though testing was scarce when cases peaked in New York this spring.
On Thursday, Florida reported 173 deaths, setting its single-day record for coronavirus deaths. The state also recorded more than 10,240 cases.On Thursday, Florida reported 173 deaths, setting its single-day record for coronavirus deaths. The state also recorded more than 10,240 cases.
The school attended by President Trump’s son will not fully reopen in September out of concern about the coronavirus, despite the president’s demand that all students be brought back to American classrooms in the fall.The school attended by President Trump’s son will not fully reopen in September out of concern about the coronavirus, despite the president’s demand that all students be brought back to American classrooms in the fall.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, a private academy in suburban Maryland, said in a letter to parents that it was still weighing whether to adopt a hybrid model for the fall that would allow limited in-person education, or to continue to hold all classes online, as was done in the spring. The school said it would decide early next month.St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, a private academy in suburban Maryland, said in a letter to parents that it was still weighing whether to adopt a hybrid model for the fall that would allow limited in-person education, or to continue to hold all classes online, as was done in the spring. The school said it would decide early next month.
“We are hopeful that public health conditions will support our implementation of the hybrid model in the fall,” said the letter signed by Robert Kosasky, the head of the school, and David Brown, the assistant head.“We are hopeful that public health conditions will support our implementation of the hybrid model in the fall,” said the letter signed by Robert Kosasky, the head of the school, and David Brown, the assistant head.
“As we prepare to make a decision the week of August 10 about how to best begin the school year,” they added, “we will continue to follow guidance of appropriate health officials and refine both our hybrid and distance learning plans.”“As we prepare to make a decision the week of August 10 about how to best begin the school year,” they added, “we will continue to follow guidance of appropriate health officials and refine both our hybrid and distance learning plans.”
If the school does opt for the hybrid model, students in grades 7 through 12 will rotate between on-campus and distance learning, with half of the students learning remotely each week.If the school does opt for the hybrid model, students in grades 7 through 12 will rotate between on-campus and distance learning, with half of the students learning remotely each week.
Barron, 14, has spent the last three years at St. Andrews. At a coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, Mr. Trump expressed no unease over Barron or his school-aged grandchildren returning to class. “I am comfortable with that,” he said.Barron, 14, has spent the last three years at St. Andrews. At a coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, Mr. Trump expressed no unease over Barron or his school-aged grandchildren returning to class. “I am comfortable with that,” he said.
U.S. ROUNDUPU.S. ROUNDUP
About as many people are now known to be hospitalized with the virus in the United States as during any other time in the pandemic, matching the previous peak in April.About as many people are now known to be hospitalized with the virus in the United States as during any other time in the pandemic, matching the previous peak in April.
Public health experts say detailed local data on where people are hospitalized — a real-time measure that does not depend on levels of testing — is crucial to understanding the epidemic, but federal officials have not made this data public. The Times gathered data for nearly 50 metropolitan areas, including 15 of the 20 largest cities in the country, from state and local health departments to provide the first detailed national look at where people are falling seriously ill.Public health experts say detailed local data on where people are hospitalized — a real-time measure that does not depend on levels of testing — is crucial to understanding the epidemic, but federal officials have not made this data public. The Times gathered data for nearly 50 metropolitan areas, including 15 of the 20 largest cities in the country, from state and local health departments to provide the first detailed national look at where people are falling seriously ill.
The data, as well as interviews across the country, show a far-reaching crisis. The worst-hit areas in Texas and Florida have approached the peak rates of hospitalization that New York, New Orleans, Chicago and other cities hit in the spring. A wide and growing expanse of hot spots around the country — including Las Vegas, Nashville and Tulsa, Okla. — have worsened over the past two weeks.The data, as well as interviews across the country, show a far-reaching crisis. The worst-hit areas in Texas and Florida have approached the peak rates of hospitalization that New York, New Orleans, Chicago and other cities hit in the spring. A wide and growing expanse of hot spots around the country — including Las Vegas, Nashville and Tulsa, Okla. — have worsened over the past two weeks.
Not every hospital system is overwhelmed, and new treatments have improved the chances of survival for seriously ill people. But experts say a small but significant proportion of those currently hospitalized will die, and those who survive may face serious long-term health issues.Not every hospital system is overwhelmed, and new treatments have improved the chances of survival for seriously ill people. But experts say a small but significant proportion of those currently hospitalized will die, and those who survive may face serious long-term health issues.
Months ago, the urgency of the virus outbreak was concentrated in the New York City area. Now, the scale of the crisis is dispersed and harder to grasp.Months ago, the urgency of the virus outbreak was concentrated in the New York City area. Now, the scale of the crisis is dispersed and harder to grasp.
“There’s this pandemic fatigue,” said Thomas Tsai, an assistant professor of health policy at Harvard University. “All eyes were on New York. Houston is New York now. Miami is New York now. Phoenix is New York now. We need that shared collective urgency.”“There’s this pandemic fatigue,” said Thomas Tsai, an assistant professor of health policy at Harvard University. “All eyes were on New York. Houston is New York now. Miami is New York now. Phoenix is New York now. We need that shared collective urgency.”
Elsewhere in the U.S.:Elsewhere in the U.S.:
Two cafeterias used by White House staff members were closed, and contact tracing was conducted, after an employee tested positive, a Trump administration official said on Wednesday.Two cafeterias used by White House staff members were closed, and contact tracing was conducted, after an employee tested positive, a Trump administration official said on Wednesday.
The virus has heightened long-simmering friction in Texas, the largest Republican-led state in the country, with the governor under attack from within his own party, especially over a mask mandate.The virus has heightened long-simmering friction in Texas, the largest Republican-led state in the country, with the governor under attack from within his own party, especially over a mask mandate.
They worked and lived together at a Michigan convent, some for more than a half century. In the end, 13 Catholic nuns, ranging in age from 69 to 99, would die the same way, of Covid-19 and its effects — 12 of them within a month of one another, according to their order.They worked and lived together at a Michigan convent, some for more than a half century. In the end, 13 Catholic nuns, ranging in age from 69 to 99, would die the same way, of Covid-19 and its effects — 12 of them within a month of one another, according to their order.
After more than three months of slow declines, the number of people filing new claims for state unemployment benefits in the United States rose last week. The Labor Department reported Thursday another 1.4 million new state applications.After more than three months of slow declines, the number of people filing new claims for state unemployment benefits in the United States rose last week. The Labor Department reported Thursday another 1.4 million new state applications.
The spike comes just days before an extra $600-a-week jobless benefit is set to expire.The spike comes just days before an extra $600-a-week jobless benefit is set to expire.
An additional 975,000 claims were filed by freelancers, part-time workers and others who do not qualify for regular state jobless aid but are eligible for benefits under an emergency federal program, the Labor Department announced. Unlike the state figures, that number is not seasonally adjusted.An additional 975,000 claims were filed by freelancers, part-time workers and others who do not qualify for regular state jobless aid but are eligible for benefits under an emergency federal program, the Labor Department announced. Unlike the state figures, that number is not seasonally adjusted.
The stubbornly high rate of new weekly claims more than four months into the pandemic “suggests that the nature of the downturn has changed from early on,” said Ernie Tedeschi, a policy economist at Evercore ISI. It may mean that businesses are shutting down again as cases surge in some places, or that funds from emergency small business loans through the Paycheck Protection Program are running out, he said — or worse, something more fundamental.The stubbornly high rate of new weekly claims more than four months into the pandemic “suggests that the nature of the downturn has changed from early on,” said Ernie Tedeschi, a policy economist at Evercore ISI. It may mean that businesses are shutting down again as cases surge in some places, or that funds from emergency small business loans through the Paycheck Protection Program are running out, he said — or worse, something more fundamental.
“It might be that businesses are running through their first line of credit,” he said, “and now they’re facing the music of an economy that has recovered a little bit but not nearly enough.”“It might be that businesses are running through their first line of credit,” he said, “and now they’re facing the music of an economy that has recovered a little bit but not nearly enough.”
During the worst of the Great Recession in 2008-9, the weekly number of claims never exceeded 700,000. Since mid-March, new state unemployment applications have yet to fall below a million.During the worst of the Great Recession in 2008-9, the weekly number of claims never exceeded 700,000. Since mid-March, new state unemployment applications have yet to fall below a million.
Congressional lawmakers and the White House are negotiating a roughly $1 trillion coronavirus relief package that would include extending some benefits for unemployed workers.Congressional lawmakers and the White House are negotiating a roughly $1 trillion coronavirus relief package that would include extending some benefits for unemployed workers.
GLOBAL ROUNDUPGLOBAL ROUNDUP
Belgium’s prime minister issued broad new mask-wearing requirements on Thursday, including for pedestrians outdoors, and warned of even stricter measures if coronavirus infections continued to rise in the country.Belgium’s prime minister issued broad new mask-wearing requirements on Thursday, including for pedestrians outdoors, and warned of even stricter measures if coronavirus infections continued to rise in the country.
The policy change reflects growing European fears of a second wave. As infections declined on the Continent and attention turned to the out-of-control spread in parts of the United States, many Europeans grew more complacent about socializing.The policy change reflects growing European fears of a second wave. As infections declined on the Continent and attention turned to the out-of-control spread in parts of the United States, many Europeans grew more complacent about socializing.
Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès said that visitors to outdoor markets and pedestrians on commercial streets must wear masks. Masks were already mandatory in indoor public spaces. Ms. Wilmès also required restaurants, bars and hotels to collect phone numbers from all customers to help contact-tracing efforts.Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès said that visitors to outdoor markets and pedestrians on commercial streets must wear masks. Masks were already mandatory in indoor public spaces. Ms. Wilmès also required restaurants, bars and hotels to collect phone numbers from all customers to help contact-tracing efforts.
“The future will depend on the behavior of everyone,” Ms. Wilmès said at a news conference. “These are not suggestions, but orders.”“The future will depend on the behavior of everyone,” Ms. Wilmès said at a news conference. “These are not suggestions, but orders.”
Other European countries have also reinstituted some restrictions, including Slovenia and Spain, where regional health officials have urged millions of people in and around Barcelona to stay home.Other European countries have also reinstituted some restrictions, including Slovenia and Spain, where regional health officials have urged millions of people in and around Barcelona to stay home.
Belgium has had one of the world’s highest death tolls in proportion to its population, largely because of outbreaks in nursing homes. A strict lockdown appeared to bring the spread of the virus under control, but after a phased reopening, new cases have begun rising sharply again, with most infections linked to social settings like parties.Belgium has had one of the world’s highest death tolls in proportion to its population, largely because of outbreaks in nursing homes. A strict lockdown appeared to bring the spread of the virus under control, but after a phased reopening, new cases have begun rising sharply again, with most infections linked to social settings like parties.
“The second wave has started,” Marc Van Ranst, a virologist and government adviser, said last week.“The second wave has started,” Marc Van Ranst, a virologist and government adviser, said last week.
Elsewhere in the world:Elsewhere in the world:
The surge of cases could be slowed if the world’s poorest people receive a temporary basic income, enabling them to stay at home, according to a United Nations report released on Thursday. It would cost at least $199 billion a month to provide fixed-term basic income to 2.7 billion people in 132 developing countries, the report said, allowing these people to pay for their food, and health and education expenses.The surge of cases could be slowed if the world’s poorest people receive a temporary basic income, enabling them to stay at home, according to a United Nations report released on Thursday. It would cost at least $199 billion a month to provide fixed-term basic income to 2.7 billion people in 132 developing countries, the report said, allowing these people to pay for their food, and health and education expenses.
China’s National Health Commission issued new safety guidelines on Thursday for the country’s meat processors, citing outbreaks at plants in the United States, Germany and Britain, and the high risks of transmission in crowded processing plants.China’s National Health Commission issued new safety guidelines on Thursday for the country’s meat processors, citing outbreaks at plants in the United States, Germany and Britain, and the high risks of transmission in crowded processing plants.
The Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, passed a law early Thursday that expands the government’s powers in imposing virus restrictions and lessens parliamentary oversight of them. The legislation, which was ratified in a 48-35 vote, was criticized by opposition lawmakers: “Tonight, Israel’s government gave up on its most important partner in dealing with the coronavirus crisis — the Knesset,” Yair Lapid, the head of the opposition, wrote on Twitter.The Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, passed a law early Thursday that expands the government’s powers in imposing virus restrictions and lessens parliamentary oversight of them. The legislation, which was ratified in a 48-35 vote, was criticized by opposition lawmakers: “Tonight, Israel’s government gave up on its most important partner in dealing with the coronavirus crisis — the Knesset,” Yair Lapid, the head of the opposition, wrote on Twitter.
New cases are on the rise in Romania, which on Wednesday reported over 1,000 — the first time the country passed that daily milestone since the pandemic began. And on Thursday, that number rose further, to 1,112 new cases and 25 deaths, bringing the country’s total case count to 41,275 with 2,126 deaths. The surge has put many on edge. The prime minister said this week that he would order local lockdowns if daily cases rose above 1,200.New cases are on the rise in Romania, which on Wednesday reported over 1,000 — the first time the country passed that daily milestone since the pandemic began. And on Thursday, that number rose further, to 1,112 new cases and 25 deaths, bringing the country’s total case count to 41,275 with 2,126 deaths. The surge has put many on edge. The prime minister said this week that he would order local lockdowns if daily cases rose above 1,200.
NEW YORK ROUNDUPNEW YORK ROUNDUP
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York again warned on Thursday of rising cases among younger people. Though the majority of the state’s cases were being diagnosed in older residents, the share of those found in 21- to 30-year-olds increased from 9.9 to 13.2 percent over the last two weeks, he said. The U.S. outbreak has more recently seen an increase in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s who are testing positive. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York again warned on Thursday of rising cases among younger people. Though most of the state’s cases were being diagnosed in older residents, the share of those found in 21- to 30-year-olds increased to 13.2 percent from 9.9 percent over the last two weeks, he said. The U.S. outbreak has more recently seen an increase in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s who are testing positive.
The governor attributed the state’s spike in part to the number of younger people gathering to socialize, including attending parties and drinking at restaurants and bars. On Tuesday, the state’s liquor authority issued new guidance requiring bars and restaurants to serve “a substantial item” with alcohol — not a bag of chips or pretzels, as some establishments had been doing.The governor attributed the state’s spike in part to the number of younger people gathering to socialize, including attending parties and drinking at restaurants and bars. On Tuesday, the state’s liquor authority issued new guidance requiring bars and restaurants to serve “a substantial item” with alcohol — not a bag of chips or pretzels, as some establishments had been doing.
“This is not the time to fight for your right to party,” Mr. Cuomo said.“This is not the time to fight for your right to party,” Mr. Cuomo said.
Elsewhere in New York:Elsewhere in New York:
In New York City, the mayor said Thursday that eight public swimming pools are scheduled to open Friday, with seven more next week. There will be social distancing measures to prevent overcrowding in locker rooms and to ensure visitors are wearing face coverings when not inside the pool.In New York City, the mayor said Thursday that eight public swimming pools are scheduled to open Friday, with seven more next week. There will be social distancing measures to prevent overcrowding in locker rooms and to ensure visitors are wearing face coverings when not inside the pool.
More than 6,000 people have died of the virus in nursing homes and other long-term facilities across the state. That death toll surpasses the number of fatalities in several states, and the governor has faced heated attacks from Republicans in Washington and elsewhere over his response to the crisis. The tension and pain surrounding the issue have bled into the debate over a related bill that is expected to be passed on Thursday by the Legislature.More than 6,000 people have died of the virus in nursing homes and other long-term facilities across the state. That death toll surpasses the number of fatalities in several states, and the governor has faced heated attacks from Republicans in Washington and elsewhere over his response to the crisis. The tension and pain surrounding the issue have bled into the debate over a related bill that is expected to be passed on Thursday by the Legislature.
As the number of U.S. cases has grown, another disturbing trend has emerged: landlords commencing eviction proceedings even though the federal CARES Act still protects millions of tenants.As the number of U.S. cases has grown, another disturbing trend has emerged: landlords commencing eviction proceedings even though the federal CARES Act still protects millions of tenants.
The four-month pause in eviction cases imposed by the act is not set to expire until the end of this week. But landlords in Tucson, Ariz., filed dozens of eviction cases last month without waiting for the federal moratorium to end. And advocacy groups say the same thing has happened in other states.The four-month pause in eviction cases imposed by the act is not set to expire until the end of this week. But landlords in Tucson, Ariz., filed dozens of eviction cases last month without waiting for the federal moratorium to end. And advocacy groups say the same thing has happened in other states.
Some state and local governments have also imposed eviction moratoriums, but the CARES Act’s moratorium is the widest, covering as many as 12.3 million renters who live in apartment complexes or in houses financed with a federally backed mortgage. However, the CARES Act does not penalize landlords who violate the moratorium.Some state and local governments have also imposed eviction moratoriums, but the CARES Act’s moratorium is the widest, covering as many as 12.3 million renters who live in apartment complexes or in houses financed with a federally backed mortgage. However, the CARES Act does not penalize landlords who violate the moratorium.
The Private Equity Stakeholder Project, a consumer advocacy group, said it had found more than 100 eviction filings in apparent violation of the CARES Act in Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts and Texas.The Private Equity Stakeholder Project, a consumer advocacy group, said it had found more than 100 eviction filings in apparent violation of the CARES Act in Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts and Texas.
And in a survey of 100 Legal Aid lawyers in 38 states, all but nine said they knew of illegal eviction attempts in their cities.And in a survey of 100 Legal Aid lawyers in 38 states, all but nine said they knew of illegal eviction attempts in their cities.
The owner of Ann Taylor and Lane Bryant, which just a few years ago was one of the country’s largest clothing retailers for women and girls, filed for bankruptcy on Thursday, after declining sales and high debt were made worse by coronavirus shutdowns.The owner of Ann Taylor and Lane Bryant, which just a few years ago was one of the country’s largest clothing retailers for women and girls, filed for bankruptcy on Thursday, after declining sales and high debt were made worse by coronavirus shutdowns.
The company, Ascena Retail Group, will close “a select number” of Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant, LOFT and Lou & Grey stores as well as all of its Catherines locations, the company said in a Chapter 11 filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Virginia.The company, Ascena Retail Group, will close “a select number” of Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant, LOFT and Lou & Grey stores as well as all of its Catherines locations, the company said in a Chapter 11 filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Virginia.
The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on retailers, especially apparel sellers and other mall-based chains. Ascena, based in Mahwah, N.J., is at least the ninth prominent retailer to file for bankruptcy since early May, following Brooks Brothers, Sur La Table, J. Crew, Neiman Marcus Group, J.C. Penney, Lucky Brand, Stage Stores and GNC.The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on retailers, especially apparel sellers and other mall-based chains. Ascena, based in Mahwah, N.J., is at least the ninth prominent retailer to file for bankruptcy since early May, following Brooks Brothers, Sur La Table, J. Crew, Neiman Marcus Group, J.C. Penney, Lucky Brand, Stage Stores and GNC.
Major League Baseball begins a shortened season on Thursday, and the Times columnist Tyler Kepner writes that the only certainty is lots of uncertainty:Major League Baseball begins a shortened season on Thursday, and the Times columnist Tyler Kepner writes that the only certainty is lots of uncertainty:
Baseball makes you wait. That is part of its old-world charm. The story takes time to reveal itself, pitch by pitch, inning by inning, game by game by game by … well, you get the idea. Players weather a rigorous six-month schedule, with few days off. No other professional athletes spend as many days performing.Baseball makes you wait. That is part of its old-world charm. The story takes time to reveal itself, pitch by pitch, inning by inning, game by game by game by … well, you get the idea. Players weather a rigorous six-month schedule, with few days off. No other professional athletes spend as many days performing.
So what will it look like now, after more than four months in hibernation since the coronavirus pandemic shut down spring training in mid-March? We will find out Thursday, when Major League Baseball begins its 60-game schedule with two games: the Yankees at the Nationals in Washington, and the Giants at the Dodgers in Los Angeles.So what will it look like now, after more than four months in hibernation since the coronavirus pandemic shut down spring training in mid-March? We will find out Thursday, when Major League Baseball begins its 60-game schedule with two games: the Yankees at the Nationals in Washington, and the Giants at the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
Get ready for rule changes, extensive safety protocols and a whole lot of unknowns.Get ready for rule changes, extensive safety protocols and a whole lot of unknowns.
“It’s hard for those of us in baseball because we want to be knowledgeable about what’s going on,” said the longtime broadcaster Jim Kaat, 81, who pitched for 25 seasons in the majors, “and sometimes the toughest thing to say is, ‘I don’t know.’”“It’s hard for those of us in baseball because we want to be knowledgeable about what’s going on,” said the longtime broadcaster Jim Kaat, 81, who pitched for 25 seasons in the majors, “and sometimes the toughest thing to say is, ‘I don’t know.’”
Reporting was contributed by Peter Baker, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Julia Calderone, Emily Cochrane, Patricia Cohen, Keith Collins, Matthew Conlen, Michael Cooper, Julia Echikson, Nicholas Fandos, Manny Fernandez, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Gillian Friedman, Lazaro Gamio, Kit Gillet, Michael Gold, Joseph Goldstein, Matthew Goldstein, J. David Goodman, Maggie Haberman, Christine Hauser, Juliana Kim, Tyler Kepner, Iliana Magra, Sapna Maheshwari, Jesse McKinley, Sarah Mervosh, Katie Rogers, Eileen Sullivan, Jim Tankersley, Daniel Victor, Neil Vigdor, Allyson Waller, Katherine J. Wu and Elaine Yu.Reporting was contributed by Peter Baker, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Julia Calderone, Emily Cochrane, Patricia Cohen, Keith Collins, Matthew Conlen, Michael Cooper, Julia Echikson, Nicholas Fandos, Manny Fernandez, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Gillian Friedman, Lazaro Gamio, Kit Gillet, Michael Gold, Joseph Goldstein, Matthew Goldstein, J. David Goodman, Maggie Haberman, Christine Hauser, Juliana Kim, Tyler Kepner, Iliana Magra, Sapna Maheshwari, Jesse McKinley, Sarah Mervosh, Katie Rogers, Eileen Sullivan, Jim Tankersley, Daniel Victor, Neil Vigdor, Allyson Waller, Katherine J. Wu and Elaine Yu.