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Coronavirus Live Updates: Mask Battles Enter a New Phase Coronavirus Live Updates: 34 Health Experts Warn New Data Rules Left Hospitals ‘Scrambling’ and Could Mar Data Integrity
(32 minutes later)
Nearly three dozen current and former members of a federal health advisory committee — including some appointed or reappointed by Health Secretary Alex M. Azar — are warning that the Trump administration’s new coronavirus database is placing an undue burden on hospitals and will have “serious consequences on data integrity.”
The advisers, all current or former members of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee, issued their warning in a previously unpublished letter obtained by Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a Washington correspondent for The New York Times.
The administration last month ordered hospitals to send daily reports about virus cases to a central database in Washington — controlled by Mr. Azar’s department — instead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Such reports include information about current patients, the number of available beds and ventilators, and other information vital to tracking the pandemic. The order raised alarm that the data could be politicized or withheld from the public.
The transition left hospitals “scrambling to determine how to meet daily reporting requirements,” the authors of the letter wrote. They urged that the C.D.C.’s data experts “be allowed to continue their important and trusted work” of gathering, analyzing and disseminating the daily reports, which help the government track the pandemic and guide crucial health care decisions, including how to allocate scarce supplies and drugs like remdesivir, the only drug that has federal approval to treat Covid-19.
“The U.S. cannot lose their decades of expertise in interpreting and analyzing crucial data,” wrote the authors, who include current co-chairs of the panel reappointed by Mr. Azar, Dr. Lisa Maragkis of Johns Hopkins Hospital and Dr. Hilary Babcock of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
The 34 signatories are “the elite of the infection control personnel from hospitals all over the country,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Emory University who is not affiliated with the group.
The letter amounts to a sharp rebuke to Mr. Azar, and should be taken “very seriously,” said another expert, Michael T. Osterholm of the University of Minnesota.
Hospital officials around the country questioned the wisdom of switching systems in the middle of a pandemic, and said that the shift in reporting requirements has been time-consuming and difficult. And because the metrics are different, it is hard to compare current data to information collected earlier in the pandemic.
The C.D.C. referred questions to its parent agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, run by Mr. Azar.
A spokesman for Mr. Azar, Michael Caputo, said the C.D.C.’s health care network “was unable to keep up with the fast-paced data collection demands of the Covid-19 pandemic.” And while the C.D.C. no longer collects the data, Mr. Caputo said, the agency has “access to all the data it once had and more.”
The push-and-pull over policies on in-person learning between the governors’ offices and local authorities in Florida and New Jersey is emblematic of the confusing messages that parents across the nation are receiving as the new school year begins.
In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, and the education commissioner are demanding that one of the nation’s largest school districts reverse its plans for exclusive online learning and offer in-person classes.
In New Jersey, Gov. Philip D. Murphy, a Democrat, is giving districts the option to offer all-virtual classes when school resumes next month, relaxing his original requirement that teachers provide some form of in-person classroom instruction.
The tensions over who should call the shots also have echoes of debates in Florida and Texas between local and state officials over mandates to wear masks.
But for schools, teachers around the country have raised concerns about their own risks of contracting the virus if schools reopen, and teachers’ unions have threatened strikes and have pressured officials to steer away from mandating in-school classes.
School officials in Tampa, Fla., are bracing for a showdown with the state later this week after defying executive orders by voting to hold classes exclusively online for the first four weeks of school.
The Hillsborough County school board last week made the decision to start the school year on Aug. 24 with remote instruction, after hearing from a panel of health professionals. The board said that it would review the situation on Sept. 8 to decide what to do after that initial period.
Soon after the vote, the state’s education commissioner, Richard Corcoran, notified the district that the decision to remain closed contradicted a state mandate requiring schools to offer students the option of in-person classes. He said the district had until Friday to submit modifications or its state funding could be affected.
At a roundtable discussion on Monday when he appeared with Mr. DeSantis, Mr. Corcoran said that any district that fails to provide the option of in-person classroom instruction could suffer consequences. “If you go to a strictly virtual model, under the existing law, without the emergency order, then the funding is less.”
The district risks losing $23 million a month if it does not follow the state mandate, a number of Hillsborough District board members told the Tampa Bay Times.
In New Jersey, Mr. Murphy released a 104-page plan in June that required schools to offer some form of in-person instruction. To go virtual, he said Wednesday that a district would need to document why it is using all-remote instruction and set a date for a return to in-person classes.
It took a while, but public health officials now agree that wearing a face covering in public is crucial to slowing the spread of the coronavirus. In the United States, many localities that initially resisted imposing mask mandates changed course after virus cases started to soar over the summer, and now require them.It took a while, but public health officials now agree that wearing a face covering in public is crucial to slowing the spread of the coronavirus. In the United States, many localities that initially resisted imposing mask mandates changed course after virus cases started to soar over the summer, and now require them.
Even so, there remain deep divisions over mask-wearing, often rooted in partisan politics. Some people resent being told to wear them, and others resent their refusal; the arguments at times have turned violent.Even so, there remain deep divisions over mask-wearing, often rooted in partisan politics. Some people resent being told to wear them, and others resent their refusal; the arguments at times have turned violent.
So officials in some parts of the country are putting their foot down.So officials in some parts of the country are putting their foot down.
In Miami, officials have issued more than $14,000 in fines to people who refuse to wear masks, though most of that has not been collected, The Miami Herald reported on Tuesday. Fines under the mask rule, which took effect last month, start at $50 per infraction but can reach $500 if left unpaid.In Miami, officials have issued more than $14,000 in fines to people who refuse to wear masks, though most of that has not been collected, The Miami Herald reported on Tuesday. Fines under the mask rule, which took effect last month, start at $50 per infraction but can reach $500 if left unpaid.
And the state of Illinois, where coronavirus cases have been rising, enacted a measure on Friday making it a felony to assault a retail worker who is enforcing a mask-wearing policy.And the state of Illinois, where coronavirus cases have been rising, enacted a measure on Friday making it a felony to assault a retail worker who is enforcing a mask-wearing policy.
But the sheriff of Marion County, Fla., which includes Ocala, has come down hard on the opposite side. Sheriff Billy Woods has ordered his deputies not to wear masks on duty, except in limited situations, and has banned visitors to sheriff’s offices from wearing them.But the sheriff of Marion County, Fla., which includes Ocala, has come down hard on the opposite side. Sheriff Billy Woods has ordered his deputies not to wear masks on duty, except in limited situations, and has banned visitors to sheriff’s offices from wearing them.
Sheriff Woods said the purpose of his order, which was first reported by The Ocala Star-Banner, was to improve communication, because officers’ voices can be muffled behind a mask. He made exceptions for officers at the county courthouse, in jails and in public schools — but he made clear that he wasn’t convinced they were necessary.Sheriff Woods said the purpose of his order, which was first reported by The Ocala Star-Banner, was to improve communication, because officers’ voices can be muffled behind a mask. He made exceptions for officers at the county courthouse, in jails and in public schools — but he made clear that he wasn’t convinced they were necessary.
“We can debate and argue all day of why and why not,” the sheriff said about mask-wearing in an email announcing the policy. “The fact is, the amount of professionals that give the reason why we should, I can find the exact same amount of professionals that say why we shouldn’t.”“We can debate and argue all day of why and why not,” the sheriff said about mask-wearing in an email announcing the policy. “The fact is, the amount of professionals that give the reason why we should, I can find the exact same amount of professionals that say why we shouldn’t.”
The sight of thousands of unmasked faces at a motorcycle rally last week in Sturgis, S.D., prompted Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire to change his mind, and issue an order requiring masks at gatherings of more than 100 people in his state. The order would apply to the Laconia Motorcycle Rally in Laconia, N.H., now scheduled for Aug. 22 after being postponed by the pandemic.The sight of thousands of unmasked faces at a motorcycle rally last week in Sturgis, S.D., prompted Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire to change his mind, and issue an order requiring masks at gatherings of more than 100 people in his state. The order would apply to the Laconia Motorcycle Rally in Laconia, N.H., now scheduled for Aug. 22 after being postponed by the pandemic.
Governor Sununu, a Republican, had resisted issuing a statewide order. But “Sturgis was a clear warning sign to us,” he said at a news conference Tuesday. “I don’t think anyone saw the photos out of Sturgis and thought, ‘That looks safe.’”Governor Sununu, a Republican, had resisted issuing a statewide order. But “Sturgis was a clear warning sign to us,” he said at a news conference Tuesday. “I don’t think anyone saw the photos out of Sturgis and thought, ‘That looks safe.’”
Across the United States this summer, restaurants and bars, reeling from mandatory lockdowns and steep financial declines, opened their doors to customers — but the short-term gains have led to broader losses.Across the United States this summer, restaurants and bars, reeling from mandatory lockdowns and steep financial declines, opened their doors to customers — but the short-term gains have led to broader losses.
Data from states and cities show that many community outbreaks of the coronavirus this summer have centered on restaurants and bars, often the largest settings to infect Americans.Data from states and cities show that many community outbreaks of the coronavirus this summer have centered on restaurants and bars, often the largest settings to infect Americans.
In Louisiana, roughly a quarter of the state’s 2,360 cases since March that were outside of places like nursing homes and prisons have stemmed from bars and restaurants, according to state data. In Maryland, 12 percent of new cases last month were traced to restaurants, contact tracers there found, and in Colorado, 9 percent of overall cases have been traced to bars and restaurants.In Louisiana, roughly a quarter of the state’s 2,360 cases since March that were outside of places like nursing homes and prisons have stemmed from bars and restaurants, according to state data. In Maryland, 12 percent of new cases last month were traced to restaurants, contact tracers there found, and in Colorado, 9 percent of overall cases have been traced to bars and restaurants.
It is unclear what percentage of workers transmitted the virus among themselves or to patrons, or whether customers brought in the virus. But the clusters are worrisome to health officials because many restaurant and bar employees across the country are in their 20s and can carry the virus home and possibly seed household transmissions, which have soared in recent weeks through the Sun Belt and the West.It is unclear what percentage of workers transmitted the virus among themselves or to patrons, or whether customers brought in the virus. But the clusters are worrisome to health officials because many restaurant and bar employees across the country are in their 20s and can carry the virus home and possibly seed household transmissions, which have soared in recent weeks through the Sun Belt and the West.
Since late June, scores of popular restaurants throughout the country, including in Nashville, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Milwaukee, had to close temporarily because of cases among employees. Texas and Florida also had to close bars this summer after a surge of new cases hobbled those states. In a recent week in San Diego, 15 of the 39 new cases in community settings stemmed from restaurants. And in Washington, D.C., the number of cases has begun to climb since the city reopened indoor dining.Since late June, scores of popular restaurants throughout the country, including in Nashville, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Milwaukee, had to close temporarily because of cases among employees. Texas and Florida also had to close bars this summer after a surge of new cases hobbled those states. In a recent week in San Diego, 15 of the 39 new cases in community settings stemmed from restaurants. And in Washington, D.C., the number of cases has begun to climb since the city reopened indoor dining.
In New York City and many other places, indoor dining, which has proved far more dangerous than outdoor eating, remains banned. Epidemiologists roundly agree that indoor dining, especially in bars, is far more likely to spawn outbreaks than outdoor settings.In New York City and many other places, indoor dining, which has proved far more dangerous than outdoor eating, remains banned. Epidemiologists roundly agree that indoor dining, especially in bars, is far more likely to spawn outbreaks than outdoor settings.
Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey is giving districts the option to offer all-virtual classes when school resumes next month, relaxing his original requirement that teachers provide some form of in-person classroom instruction.
The policy shift comes as the state’s powerful teachers union called publicly for the first time for an all-virtual start to the school year.
It also follows decisions by two of New Jersey’s largest urban districts, Jersey City and Elizabeth, to offer only virtual instruction — plans that were in direct conflict with the governor’s original position and would have required approval from the state.
The teachers union, the New Jersey Education Association, a close ally of Mr. Murphy, had raised concerns about the safety of holding in-person classes, but had only tiptoed to the edge of publicly calling for all-virtual instruction.
But late Tuesday, in a joint statement with groups representing principals and administrators, the union criticized the state’s lack of uniform school safety guidelines and called for all-remote instruction to protect its members and students.
In a panel discussion, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infections disease expert, criticized Russia’s rushed clearance of a coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine, called Sputnik V, was approved without evidence that Phase 3 clinical trials had been completed, an essential part of the development pipeline to prove a product is safe and effective in people.In a panel discussion, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infections disease expert, criticized Russia’s rushed clearance of a coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine, called Sputnik V, was approved without evidence that Phase 3 clinical trials had been completed, an essential part of the development pipeline to prove a product is safe and effective in people.
“Having a vaccine, Deborah, and proving that a vaccine is safe and effective are two different things,” Dr. Fauci said to Deborah Roberts, an ABC News journalist who moderated the panel on Tuesday that is set to air in full on Thursday.“Having a vaccine, Deborah, and proving that a vaccine is safe and effective are two different things,” Dr. Fauci said to Deborah Roberts, an ABC News journalist who moderated the panel on Tuesday that is set to air in full on Thursday.
Dr. Fauci called attention to the many other coronavirus vaccines vying for eventual clearance, including several that are in Phase 3 trials in the United States. The process for testing vaccines can last months and usually involves thousands of people.Dr. Fauci called attention to the many other coronavirus vaccines vying for eventual clearance, including several that are in Phase 3 trials in the United States. The process for testing vaccines can last months and usually involves thousands of people.
“So if we wanted to take the chance of hurting a lot of people or giving them something that doesn’t work, we could start doing this, you know, next week if we wanted to,” Dr. Fauci said. “But that’s not the way this works.”“So if we wanted to take the chance of hurting a lot of people or giving them something that doesn’t work, we could start doing this, you know, next week if we wanted to,” Dr. Fauci said. “But that’s not the way this works.”
The timing of Russia’s announcement makes it “very unlikely that they have sufficient data about the efficacy of the product,” said Natalie Dean, an infectious disease expert at the University of Florida who has warned against rushing the vaccine-approval process. Dr. Dean noted that even vaccines that have produced promising data from early trials in humans have flopped at later stages.The timing of Russia’s announcement makes it “very unlikely that they have sufficient data about the efficacy of the product,” said Natalie Dean, an infectious disease expert at the University of Florida who has warned against rushing the vaccine-approval process. Dr. Dean noted that even vaccines that have produced promising data from early trials in humans have flopped at later stages.
On Tuesday, President Vladimir V. Putin had announced that the vaccine “works effectively enough.”On Tuesday, President Vladimir V. Putin had announced that the vaccine “works effectively enough.”
Experts — including Dr. Fauci — were quick to temper the excitement with criticism and warnings about taking Mr. Putin at his word.Experts — including Dr. Fauci — were quick to temper the excitement with criticism and warnings about taking Mr. Putin at his word.
“I hope that the Russians have actually definitively proven that the vaccine is safe and effective,” Dr. Fauci said. “I seriously doubt they’ve done that.”“I hope that the Russians have actually definitively proven that the vaccine is safe and effective,” Dr. Fauci said. “I seriously doubt they’ve done that.”
The British economy sunk into its deepest recession on record in the second quarter, taking it back to the size it was in 2003. Official statistics showed gross domestic product dropped by 20.4 percent between April and June, compared with the previous quarter.The British economy sunk into its deepest recession on record in the second quarter, taking it back to the size it was in 2003. Official statistics showed gross domestic product dropped by 20.4 percent between April and June, compared with the previous quarter.
The pandemic-induced collapse was harsher in Britain than other large economies in Europe and North America. The second-quarter fall in economic output was twice as deep in Britain as in the United States.The pandemic-induced collapse was harsher in Britain than other large economies in Europe and North America. The second-quarter fall in economic output was twice as deep in Britain as in the United States.
Britain has the challenge of getting out of a much deeper hole because of the length of the lockdown imposed to restrict the spread of the coronavirus. The Office for National Statistics said lockdown measures were in place in Britain for a larger part of this three-month period than they were for other economies. Britain was relatively slow in introducing a national lockdown compared with most of its European neighbors. It started in earnest in late March and the government didn’t begin lifting the broadest restrictions until mid-June. Its lockdowns also affected a greater share of the population for a longer period of time than the state-by-state shutdowns in the United States.Britain has the challenge of getting out of a much deeper hole because of the length of the lockdown imposed to restrict the spread of the coronavirus. The Office for National Statistics said lockdown measures were in place in Britain for a larger part of this three-month period than they were for other economies. Britain was relatively slow in introducing a national lockdown compared with most of its European neighbors. It started in earnest in late March and the government didn’t begin lifting the broadest restrictions until mid-June. Its lockdowns also affected a greater share of the population for a longer period of time than the state-by-state shutdowns in the United States.
A monthly breakdown showed the British economy did pick up in June, climbing 8.7 percent from May as construction activity resumed and consumer spending rebounded. Still, the Bank of England said last week it didn’t expect the recovery to be complete until the end of 2021.A monthly breakdown showed the British economy did pick up in June, climbing 8.7 percent from May as construction activity resumed and consumer spending rebounded. Still, the Bank of England said last week it didn’t expect the recovery to be complete until the end of 2021.
In an effort to keep the recovery from stalling, the government is encouraging people to return to work in offices and it is planning for schools to reopen next month. The Treasury also spent more than 53 million pounds ($69 million) last week as part of a stimulus plan paying for discounts for meals eaten in restaurants and pubs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.In an effort to keep the recovery from stalling, the government is encouraging people to return to work in offices and it is planning for schools to reopen next month. The Treasury also spent more than 53 million pounds ($69 million) last week as part of a stimulus plan paying for discounts for meals eaten in restaurants and pubs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday there has been no progress this week in negotiations with Congress over another economic stimulus package and accused Democrats of being intransigent for political reasons.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday there has been no progress this week in negotiations with Congress over another economic stimulus package and accused Democrats of being intransigent for political reasons.
The talks collapsed last Friday, spurring President Trump to roll out several executive actions intended to extend additional unemployment insurance benefits and deter evictions. The move prompted confusion, criticism from some governors and questions about the president’s authority.The talks collapsed last Friday, spurring President Trump to roll out several executive actions intended to extend additional unemployment insurance benefits and deter evictions. The move prompted confusion, criticism from some governors and questions about the president’s authority.
Since then, the lines of communication between Republicans and Democrats have fallen silent.Since then, the lines of communication between Republicans and Democrats have fallen silent.
“Perhaps they think that any deal is good for the president and that’s why they don’t want to do it,” Mr. Mnuchin said in an interview on the Fox Business Network.“Perhaps they think that any deal is good for the president and that’s why they don’t want to do it,” Mr. Mnuchin said in an interview on the Fox Business Network.
Mr. Mnuchin highlighted federal funding for state and local governments as the most significant area of disagreement. He said the White House is willing to provide an additional $150 billion to states to deal with virus-related costs, while Democrats want to give states approximately $1 trillion.Mr. Mnuchin highlighted federal funding for state and local governments as the most significant area of disagreement. He said the White House is willing to provide an additional $150 billion to states to deal with virus-related costs, while Democrats want to give states approximately $1 trillion.
Democrats have argued that state economies will not be able to fully reopen in the next two years and that they want federal money to fill budget shortfalls that states were facing before the pandemic. Mr. Mnuchin said that most states have not exhausted the $150 billion that was allocated in the previous relief legislation that passed in March.Democrats have argued that state economies will not be able to fully reopen in the next two years and that they want federal money to fill budget shortfalls that states were facing before the pandemic. Mr. Mnuchin said that most states have not exhausted the $150 billion that was allocated in the previous relief legislation that passed in March.
While Democrats are holding out for a larger package, Mr. Mnuchin on Wednesday urged them to consider narrowing the deal to items that they agree on and suggested that Republicans are willing to spend “a little over $1 trillion.”While Democrats are holding out for a larger package, Mr. Mnuchin on Wednesday urged them to consider narrowing the deal to items that they agree on and suggested that Republicans are willing to spend “a little over $1 trillion.”
“We don’t have to do everything at once,” he said.“We don’t have to do everything at once,” he said.
Technically, both chambers of Congress were present in Washington on Tuesday. The House was gaveled in for two minutes, and the Senate stayed in session for just shy of 90 minutes.Technically, both chambers of Congress were present in Washington on Tuesday. The House was gaveled in for two minutes, and the Senate stayed in session for just shy of 90 minutes.
After five days after negotiations over a relief package between the White House and Democratic leaders crumbled in the Capitol suite of Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, leaving unresolved an issue of overriding importance to Americans, the gulf was especially stark between the Washington’s rhythms and state of the nation, where tens of millions of out-of-work Americans are waiting to find out whether their enhanced unemployment benefits will be restored.After five days after negotiations over a relief package between the White House and Democratic leaders crumbled in the Capitol suite of Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, leaving unresolved an issue of overriding importance to Americans, the gulf was especially stark between the Washington’s rhythms and state of the nation, where tens of millions of out-of-work Americans are waiting to find out whether their enhanced unemployment benefits will be restored.
White House officials have also explored whether Mr. Trump has the power to sidestep Congress and unilaterally cut a broad swath of taxes as he looks for ways to inject fuel into a slumping economy, according to a senior administration official. The legality of such a move is dubious, but Mr. Trump has not been shy about pushing the boundaries of his authority.White House officials have also explored whether Mr. Trump has the power to sidestep Congress and unilaterally cut a broad swath of taxes as he looks for ways to inject fuel into a slumping economy, according to a senior administration official. The legality of such a move is dubious, but Mr. Trump has not been shy about pushing the boundaries of his authority.
In some states, the school year is underway without the promise of federal dollars to ease the challenge of keeping children safe during a pandemic. And clusters of cases are continuing to emerge across the country, underscoring the severity of a crisis that will not end soon.In some states, the school year is underway without the promise of federal dollars to ease the challenge of keeping children safe during a pandemic. And clusters of cases are continuing to emerge across the country, underscoring the severity of a crisis that will not end soon.
GLOBAL ROUNDUPGLOBAL ROUNDUP
Parts of New Zealand were back under a partial lockdown on Wednesday, a day after officials confirmed the country’s first locally transmitted cases of the coronavirus in months.Parts of New Zealand were back under a partial lockdown on Wednesday, a day after officials confirmed the country’s first locally transmitted cases of the coronavirus in months.
Four people from the same family were found to be infected from an unknown source, Dr. Ashley Bloomfield, the country’s top health official, said on Tuesday. The first case in the new cluster was a person living in South Auckland who had no history of traveling abroad, he said. New Zealand officials identified another confirmed case and four probable ones on Wednesday. Dr. Bloomfield said the country’s total number of active cases was now 22.Four people from the same family were found to be infected from an unknown source, Dr. Ashley Bloomfield, the country’s top health official, said on Tuesday. The first case in the new cluster was a person living in South Auckland who had no history of traveling abroad, he said. New Zealand officials identified another confirmed case and four probable ones on Wednesday. Dr. Bloomfield said the country’s total number of active cases was now 22.
Officials were looking into the possibility that the virus had been imported by freight. Dr. Bloomfield told reporters that surfaces were being testing at a storage facility in Auckland where a man from the infected family worked.Officials were looking into the possibility that the virus had been imported by freight. Dr. Bloomfield told reporters that surfaces were being testing at a storage facility in Auckland where a man from the infected family worked.
“We know the virus can survive within refrigerated environments for quite some time,” Dr. Bloomfield said.“We know the virus can survive within refrigerated environments for quite some time,” Dr. Bloomfield said.
The new cases immediately triggered Level 3 restrictions in Auckland for three days, which means residents were instructed to stay home other than for essential personal movements, while the rest of the country would follow social-distancing measures. The authorities set up checkpoints on the main highway out of Auckland to prevent people from leaving the city.The new cases immediately triggered Level 3 restrictions in Auckland for three days, which means residents were instructed to stay home other than for essential personal movements, while the rest of the country would follow social-distancing measures. The authorities set up checkpoints on the main highway out of Auckland to prevent people from leaving the city.
All of the country’s nursing homes have also been placed under a Level 4 lockdown, meaning that no visitors are allowed, the broadcaster Radio New Zealand reported on Wednesday.All of the country’s nursing homes have also been placed under a Level 4 lockdown, meaning that no visitors are allowed, the broadcaster Radio New Zealand reported on Wednesday.
“I realize how incredibly difficult this will be for those who have loved ones in these facilities, but it’s the strongest way we can protect and look after them,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. She added that the authorities were releasing five million masks from a central supply, even though masks are not mandatory in Auckland.“I realize how incredibly difficult this will be for those who have loved ones in these facilities, but it’s the strongest way we can protect and look after them,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. She added that the authorities were releasing five million masks from a central supply, even though masks are not mandatory in Auckland.
The nation of five million declared itself free from the coronavirus in June after strict lockdown measures, and had been hailed as a model of successfully fighting the virus. But imported cases were later confirmed.The nation of five million declared itself free from the coronavirus in June after strict lockdown measures, and had been hailed as a model of successfully fighting the virus. But imported cases were later confirmed.
In other news from around the world:In other news from around the world:
The state of Victoria, which is experiencing Australia’s worst outbreak, reported a daily record of 21 deaths on Wednesday, with 16 of them linked to outbreaks in nursing homes. Victoria also reported 410 new cases, and its capital, Melbourne, remained under a strict lockdown. Victoria’s premier, Daniel Andrews, said he worried that the outbreak might spread to other parts of the state. “This is really an endurance test,” he said. “We need to stay the course.”The state of Victoria, which is experiencing Australia’s worst outbreak, reported a daily record of 21 deaths on Wednesday, with 16 of them linked to outbreaks in nursing homes. Victoria also reported 410 new cases, and its capital, Melbourne, remained under a strict lockdown. Victoria’s premier, Daniel Andrews, said he worried that the outbreak might spread to other parts of the state. “This is really an endurance test,” he said. “We need to stay the course.”
Pranab Mukherjee, 84, a former president of India who tested positive for the coronavirus this week during a hospital visit for brain surgery, was put on a ventilator on Tuesday after his health deteriorated, The Hindustan Times reported. As of Wednesday morning, India had 45,257 deaths and more than 2.2 million cases, according to a New York Times database.Pranab Mukherjee, 84, a former president of India who tested positive for the coronavirus this week during a hospital visit for brain surgery, was put on a ventilator on Tuesday after his health deteriorated, The Hindustan Times reported. As of Wednesday morning, India had 45,257 deaths and more than 2.2 million cases, according to a New York Times database.
Singapore said on Tuesday that most migrant workers in the city-state could return to work — but also that there had been new infections in cleared migrant dorms. Migrant workers have accounted for the vast majority of Singapore’s 55,353 cases, and a recent spate of suicides and attempted suicides in their dorms has heightened concerns about their mental health during the pandemic.Singapore said on Tuesday that most migrant workers in the city-state could return to work — but also that there had been new infections in cleared migrant dorms. Migrant workers have accounted for the vast majority of Singapore’s 55,353 cases, and a recent spate of suicides and attempted suicides in their dorms has heightened concerns about their mental health during the pandemic.
Alex M. Azar II, the top U.S. health official, used a high-profile trip to Taiwan this week to contrast the island’s response to the pandemic with that of China. Mr. Azar, the top U.S. health official, used a high-profile trip to Taiwan this week to contrast the island’s response to the pandemic with that of China.
The Paris marathon has been canceled, its organizers said on Wednesday, as France faces an uptick in virus cases and the authorities have announced that restrictions on public gatherings would be maintained through most of the fall.The Paris marathon has been canceled, its organizers said on Wednesday, as France faces an uptick in virus cases and the authorities have announced that restrictions on public gatherings would be maintained through most of the fall.
The race, which usually takes place in April, had been rescheduled twice, first to October and later to Nov. 15. “After having tried everything to maintain the event, we, alongside the City of Paris, felt obliged to cancel the 2020 edition,” the marathon’s organizers said in a statement.The race, which usually takes place in April, had been rescheduled twice, first to October and later to Nov. 15. “After having tried everything to maintain the event, we, alongside the City of Paris, felt obliged to cancel the 2020 edition,” the marathon’s organizers said in a statement.
About 60,000 runners register for the Paris marathon every year, hoping to finish a race that starts on the Champs-Élysées and passes in front of the Eiffel Tower, the Bastille Opera and the Notre-Dame cathedral, among other landmarks.About 60,000 runners register for the Paris marathon every year, hoping to finish a race that starts on the Champs-Élysées and passes in front of the Eiffel Tower, the Bastille Opera and the Notre-Dame cathedral, among other landmarks.
French authorities announced on Tuesday that bans on gatherings of more than 5,000 people would be extended until Oct. 30 at the earliest, making the marathon under its current format nearly impossible to organize.French authorities announced on Tuesday that bans on gatherings of more than 5,000 people would be extended until Oct. 30 at the earliest, making the marathon under its current format nearly impossible to organize.
Countless marathons and major sporting events have been canceled or postponed this year because of the pandemic, including the Olympic Games in Tokyo and soccer’s European Championship. The Paris marathon joins an already long list of races that were canceled, including marathons in New York, Boston and Berlin. The London marathon is scheduled for October but will be accessible to elite runners only, and run on a closed circuit. The marathon of Valencia, in Spain, scheduled for Dec. 6, is one of the few races that is set to be run in its usual form.Countless marathons and major sporting events have been canceled or postponed this year because of the pandemic, including the Olympic Games in Tokyo and soccer’s European Championship. The Paris marathon joins an already long list of races that were canceled, including marathons in New York, Boston and Berlin. The London marathon is scheduled for October but will be accessible to elite runners only, and run on a closed circuit. The marathon of Valencia, in Spain, scheduled for Dec. 6, is one of the few races that is set to be run in its usual form.
In other sports news, FIFA, global soccer’s governing body, and the Asian Football Confederation said on Wednesday that qualifying matches in Asia for the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup — which had been scheduled to take place in October and November — would be rescheduled to next year.In other sports news, FIFA, global soccer’s governing body, and the Asian Football Confederation said on Wednesday that qualifying matches in Asia for the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup — which had been scheduled to take place in October and November — would be rescheduled to next year.
President Vladimir V. Putin’s announcement on Tuesday that Russia had approved a coronavirus vaccine — with no evidence from large-scale clinical trials — was worrying to vaccine experts. Early in the pandemic, Dr. Fauci said that handshakes should become a thing of the past.
“This is all beyond stupid,” said John Moore, a virologist at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. “Putin doesn’t have a vaccine, he’s just making a political statement.”
Carl Zimmer, a science reporter for The New York Times, spoke to experts who said that Russia is taking a dangerous step by jumping ahead of so-called Phase 3 trials, which can determine that the vaccine works better than a placebo and doesn’t cause harm to some people who get it.
The timing of Russia’s announcement makes it “very unlikely that they have sufficient data about the efficacy of the product,” said Natalie Dean, a biostatistician and infectious disease expert at the University of Florida who has warned against rushing the vaccine-approval process. Dr. Dean noted that even vaccines that have produced promising data from early trials in humans have flopped at later stages.
Russia’s minister of health, Mikhail Murashko, said on Wednesday that allegations that the country’s vaccine was unsafe were groundless and driven by competition, the Interfax news agency reported.
Dr. Nicole Lurie, a former assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and currently an adviser at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, said the lesson that the U.S. government should draw from Mr. Putin’s announcement was clear.
“This is exactly the situation that Americans expect our government to avoid,” she said.
Early in the pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the United States, said that handshakes should become a thing of the past.
It sounded far-fetched.It sounded far-fetched.
But as the outbreak drags on, “some of the changes we made are likely to be really durable,” said Malia Jones, who researches social environments and infectious disease exposure at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.But as the outbreak drags on, “some of the changes we made are likely to be really durable,” said Malia Jones, who researches social environments and infectious disease exposure at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Whether it’s blowing out the candles on a birthday cake, passing a microphone at karaoke night, or letting your kids jump into a ball pit, we examined some of the activities that you might not do the same way in the wake of the pandemic.Whether it’s blowing out the candles on a birthday cake, passing a microphone at karaoke night, or letting your kids jump into a ball pit, we examined some of the activities that you might not do the same way in the wake of the pandemic.
Reporting was contributed by Damien Cave, Emily Cochrane, Isabella Kwai, Eshe Nelson, Elian Peltier, Bryan Pietsch, Amy Qin, Alan Rappeport, Karan Deep Singh, Jennifer Steinhauer, Eileen Sullivan, Tracey Tulley, Elaine Yu and Carl Zimmer. Reporting was contributed by Damien Cave, Emily Cochrane, Troy Closson, Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura, Isabella Kwai, Eshe Nelson, Elian Peltier, Bryan Pietsch, Amy Qin, Alan Rappeport, Karan Deep Singh, Jennifer Steinhauer, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Tracey Tulley, Elaine Yu and Carl Zimmer.