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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
(32 minutes later)
The U.S. recorded four more deaths as the outbreak picked up speedThe U.S. recorded four more deaths as the outbreak picked up speed
Officials are racing to cope with a cluster of infections near SeattleOfficials are racing to cope with a cluster of infections near Seattle
A top Iranian official died after contracting the virusA top Iranian official died after contracting the virus
What we know about the virus, and what you can doWhat we know about the virus, and what you can do
Read the latest news, plus maps and full coverageRead the latest news, plus maps and full coverage
Welcome to the Coronavirus Briefing, a new newsletter from The New York Times. Sign up to get it by email here.Welcome to the Coronavirus Briefing, a new newsletter from The New York Times. Sign up to get it by email here.
Every weekday, we’ll fill you in on the most important coronavirus developments, put it all in context, and point you to the most useful ways to be prepared.Every weekday, we’ll fill you in on the most important coronavirus developments, put it all in context, and point you to the most useful ways to be prepared.
In this inaugural edition, we’ll also catch you up on the story so far and the things you can do to help keep yourself and your community safe.In this inaugural edition, we’ll also catch you up on the story so far and the things you can do to help keep yourself and your community safe.
For weeks, as the virus spread in China and then beyond, U.S. officials kept a tight rein on screening: Only people who showed symptoms and had traveled to China or had a known exposure to another patient would be tested, and for the most part only by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.For weeks, as the virus spread in China and then beyond, U.S. officials kept a tight rein on screening: Only people who showed symptoms and had traveled to China or had a known exposure to another patient would be tested, and for the most part only by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That led to a low level of overall testing, and some epidemiologists suspected that the virus could be spreading undetected.That led to a low level of overall testing, and some epidemiologists suspected that the virus could be spreading undetected.
Those federal rules were relaxed over the weekend, and as testing expanded, new cases swiftly emerged in states including New York, Florida and Rhode Island — five cases on Saturday, 18 on Sunday, and 12 more on Monday. Some had no obvious source of infection. Officials expect more to follow.Those federal rules were relaxed over the weekend, and as testing expanded, new cases swiftly emerged in states including New York, Florida and Rhode Island — five cases on Saturday, 18 on Sunday, and 12 more on Monday. Some had no obvious source of infection. Officials expect more to follow.
“Community spread is going to be real,” said Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York. “That is inevitable.”“Community spread is going to be real,” said Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York. “That is inevitable.”
At this writing, there have been a total of 100 cases in the United States, according to a database maintained by The New York Times. Six people have died. Here is a rundown of what we know about the American cases.At this writing, there have been a total of 100 cases in the United States, according to a database maintained by The New York Times. Six people have died. Here is a rundown of what we know about the American cases.
Globally, there have been just over 90,000 confirmed coronavirus cases so far; about 80,000 of them have been in China. About 3,000 people have died, a vast majority of them in China.Globally, there have been just over 90,000 confirmed coronavirus cases so far; about 80,000 of them have been in China. About 3,000 people have died, a vast majority of them in China.
A cluster of coronavirus cases in Kirkland, Wash., a suburb of Seattle, has thrown the region into turmoil. All six deaths in the U.S. so far have occurred in that area in the last few days.A cluster of coronavirus cases in Kirkland, Wash., a suburb of Seattle, has thrown the region into turmoil. All six deaths in the U.S. so far have occurred in that area in the last few days.
The outbreak is centered on a nursing facility, Life Care Center of Kirkland, where eight residents and one employee have tested positive since Friday. Four residents have died, and many more are ill.The outbreak is centered on a nursing facility, Life Care Center of Kirkland, where eight residents and one employee have tested positive since Friday. Four residents have died, and many more are ill.
King County officials have been scrambling to cope with the outbreak. A quarter of Kirkland’s firefighters are in quarantine. A local college had to disinfect its campus because students had been to the nursing home. One school district canceled classes for Tuesday so that its staff could learn how to educate students remotely if the outbreak worsens.King County officials have been scrambling to cope with the outbreak. A quarter of Kirkland’s firefighters are in quarantine. A local college had to disinfect its campus because students had been to the nursing home. One school district canceled classes for Tuesday so that its staff could learn how to educate students remotely if the outbreak worsens.
A genetic analysis of two cases from Washington State found signs that the virus may have been circulating there unrecognized for as long as six weeks, suggesting that hundreds of people may be passing the virus along without knowing it.A genetic analysis of two cases from Washington State found signs that the virus may have been circulating there unrecognized for as long as six weeks, suggesting that hundreds of people may be passing the virus along without knowing it.
Mike Baker, our Seattle-based correspondent covering the outbreak, said that wariness seemed to be everywhere on Monday. “I met with the state health officer, and she wouldn’t shake hands with me,” he said. “We bumped elbows instead.”
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
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.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 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.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.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.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.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.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
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.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.
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 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.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.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Mike Baker, our Seattle-based correspondent covering the outbreak, said that wariness seemed to be everywhere on Monday. “I met with the state health officer, and she wouldn’t shake hands with me,” he said. “We bumped elbows instead.”
An adviser to Iran’s supreme leader is among at least 66 people in the country who have died from the coronavirus, state media reported on Monday.An adviser to Iran’s supreme leader is among at least 66 people in the country who have died from the coronavirus, state media reported on Monday.
It was unclear whether the adviser, Mohammad Mirmohammadi, 71, had come into contact recently with the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 80. The government has confirmed at least 1,501 infections, but public health experts expressed concern that the official numbers were unreliable.It was unclear whether the adviser, Mohammad Mirmohammadi, 71, had come into contact recently with the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 80. The government has confirmed at least 1,501 infections, but public health experts expressed concern that the official numbers were unreliable.
At least seven other prominent Iranian officials and five members of Parliament have also contracted the virus, including one who recently sat near President Hassan Rouhani at a cabinet meeting.At least seven other prominent Iranian officials and five members of Parliament have also contracted the virus, including one who recently sat near President Hassan Rouhani at a cabinet meeting.
“There is a real sense of panic and anxiety,” says Farnaz Fassihi, a Times reporter who has been covering Iran. “People are barricading themselves in their homes. The feeling of uncertainty is exacerbated by the public’s lack of trust in the information provided by the government. From what we hear, it’s a catastrophe unfolding.”“There is a real sense of panic and anxiety,” says Farnaz Fassihi, a Times reporter who has been covering Iran. “People are barricading themselves in their homes. The feeling of uncertainty is exacerbated by the public’s lack of trust in the information provided by the government. From what we hear, it’s a catastrophe unfolding.”
China: The virus was first detected in December in Wuhan, a sprawling city of 11 million people, and officials responded with draconian measures that put at least 760 million people on varying degrees of lockdown. The aggressive measures appear to have slowed the disease’s spread there.China: The virus was first detected in December in Wuhan, a sprawling city of 11 million people, and officials responded with draconian measures that put at least 760 million people on varying degrees of lockdown. The aggressive measures appear to have slowed the disease’s spread there.
Italy: The number of infections jumped on Monday to 2,036, more than double the number on Friday, making the country the epicenter of the virus in Europe. The outbreak took root in the northern Lombardy region, and people traveling from Italy led to new cases in Nigeria, Mexico, Northern Ireland and Brazil.Italy: The number of infections jumped on Monday to 2,036, more than double the number on Friday, making the country the epicenter of the virus in Europe. The outbreak took root in the northern Lombardy region, and people traveling from Italy led to new cases in Nigeria, Mexico, Northern Ireland and Brazil.
South Korea: With over 4,300 cases, South Korea has the second largest outbreak in the world. More than half have been linked to the secretive Shincheonji Church of Jesus, whose leader has been accused of thwarting the government’s containment efforts.South Korea: With over 4,300 cases, South Korea has the second largest outbreak in the world. More than half have been linked to the secretive Shincheonji Church of Jesus, whose leader has been accused of thwarting the government’s containment efforts.
While the outbreak is a serious public health concern, a vast majority of people who contract the coronavirus do not become seriously ill, and only a small percentage require intensive medical care.While the outbreak is a serious public health concern, a vast majority of people who contract the coronavirus do not become seriously ill, and only a small percentage require intensive medical care.
The coronavirus doesn’t live long on surfaces. Using a simple disinfectant is nearly guaranteed to break the delicate envelope that surrounds the tiny microorganism, rendering it harmless. Here’s more on how the virus does and doesn’t spread.The coronavirus doesn’t live long on surfaces. Using a simple disinfectant is nearly guaranteed to break the delicate envelope that surrounds the tiny microorganism, rendering it harmless. Here’s more on how the virus does and doesn’t spread.
It’s worth repeating, over and over: Wash your hands with clean running water and soap. Don’t miss the backs of your hands, thumbs, between your fingers or under your nails, and make sure to scrub for at least 20 seconds. And keep your hands away from your face.It’s worth repeating, over and over: Wash your hands with clean running water and soap. Don’t miss the backs of your hands, thumbs, between your fingers or under your nails, and make sure to scrub for at least 20 seconds. And keep your hands away from your face.
Hand sanitizers that are at least 60 percent alcohol should be rubbed in for about 20 seconds. Do not rinse or wipe off the sanitizer before it dries.Hand sanitizers that are at least 60 percent alcohol should be rubbed in for about 20 seconds. Do not rinse or wipe off the sanitizer before it dries.
Stay at least six feet away from obviously sick people, to avoid cough and sneeze droplets. If that’s not possible — or you can’t tell who’s sick — even a little distance is helpful.Stay at least six feet away from obviously sick people, to avoid cough and sneeze droplets. If that’s not possible — or you can’t tell who’s sick — even a little distance is helpful.
Don’t touch your face. Respiratory viruses infect through the eyes, nose and mouth. But it’s admittedly a tough habit to break — one study found people touch their faces an average of 23 times an hour.Don’t touch your face. Respiratory viruses infect through the eyes, nose and mouth. But it’s admittedly a tough habit to break — one study found people touch their faces an average of 23 times an hour.
Feel a sneeze or cough coming? Direct it into the crook of your elbow, to avoid putting germs on your hands. You can also use the “Ebola handshake,” greeting others with an elbow bump.Feel a sneeze or cough coming? Direct it into the crook of your elbow, to avoid putting germs on your hands. You can also use the “Ebola handshake,” greeting others with an elbow bump.
Coronavirus cases have been much rarer in children than in adults; it’s not clear why.Coronavirus cases have been much rarer in children than in adults; it’s not clear why.
Use the same kinds of precautions as when the flu is going around: Keep healthy children away from sick ones, keep sick children home and make sure everyone keeps their hands clean. Read more guidance for parents here, including those with tweens and teenagers.Use the same kinds of precautions as when the flu is going around: Keep healthy children away from sick ones, keep sick children home and make sure everyone keeps their hands clean. Read more guidance for parents here, including those with tweens and teenagers.
In the event of a severe pandemic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security suggests keeping a two-week supply of nonperishable food on hand. This will minimize risky trips to the grocery store if the outbreak becomes more widespread.In the event of a severe pandemic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security suggests keeping a two-week supply of nonperishable food on hand. This will minimize risky trips to the grocery store if the outbreak becomes more widespread.
Experts suggest stocking at least a 30-day supply of prescription medication. Consider doing the same for household items like laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.Experts suggest stocking at least a 30-day supply of prescription medication. Consider doing the same for household items like laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
If you have older parents or relatives, or family members with any special health concerns, make sure you have a plan for caring for them if they get sick.If you have older parents or relatives, or family members with any special health concerns, make sure you have a plan for caring for them if they get sick.
“Instead of freaking ourselves out with unimaginably dark scenarios, we need to plan for a difficult future every day,” the Op-Ed contributor Annalee Newitz writes. “Normalizing survival is the opposite of normalizing disaster.”“Instead of freaking ourselves out with unimaginably dark scenarios, we need to plan for a difficult future every day,” the Op-Ed contributor Annalee Newitz writes. “Normalizing survival is the opposite of normalizing disaster.”
Zuoling, a suburb of Wuhan, offers a somber lesson in how government efforts to contain the virus can leave some communities acutely vulnerable.Zuoling, a suburb of Wuhan, offers a somber lesson in how government efforts to contain the virus can leave some communities acutely vulnerable.
China requires citizens to use an app that decides whether they’re an infection risk — and appears to send personal data to the police.China requires citizens to use an app that decides whether they’re an infection risk — and appears to send personal data to the police.
In the event of a wider outbreak, many workers cannot afford to take sick days or work from home.In the event of a wider outbreak, many workers cannot afford to take sick days or work from home.
From Bloomberg: Can We Get a Vaccine Early? How the Rich Are Preparing for CoronavirusFrom Bloomberg: Can We Get a Vaccine Early? How the Rich Are Preparing for Coronavirus
An illustrator in Beijing, Krish Raghav, is coping with the anxieties of life under quarantine by cooking — and by drawing about it very engagingly for The New Yorker.An illustrator in Beijing, Krish Raghav, is coping with the anxieties of life under quarantine by cooking — and by drawing about it very engagingly for The New Yorker.
The American military faces special challenges in dealing with the virus: tens of thousands of troops stationed in hot-spot countries, and a mission that won’t wait.The American military faces special challenges in dealing with the virus: tens of thousands of troops stationed in hot-spot countries, and a mission that won’t wait.
How are you preparing for a possible outbreak of the coronavirus in your community? Please tell us here. We may feature your submission in a coming newsletter.How are you preparing for a possible outbreak of the coronavirus in your community? Please tell us here. We may feature your submission in a coming newsletter.
Melina Delkic, Andrea Kannapell, Adam Pasick, Lara Takenaga and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to this newsletter.Melina Delkic, Andrea Kannapell, Adam Pasick, Lara Takenaga and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to this newsletter.
Email your thoughts to briefing@nytimes.com. Did a friend forward you the briefing? Sign up here.Email your thoughts to briefing@nytimes.com. Did a friend forward you the briefing? Sign up here.