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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
The U.S. tries to ramp up testingThe U.S. tries to ramp up testing
Health care is under strain around the worldHealth care is under strain around the world
Paranoia and chaos in IranParanoia and chaos in Iran
Virus-fighting steps can do economic harmVirus-fighting steps can do economic harm
Get the latest updates here, with maps and full coverageGet the latest updates here, with maps and full coverage
American officials are scrambling to ramp up testing for the coronavirus, after weeks of setbacks and missteps that may have allowed the virus to gain a foothold.American officials are scrambling to ramp up testing for the coronavirus, after weeks of setbacks and missteps that may have allowed the virus to gain a foothold.
The Trump administration has promised a rapid expansion, saying as many as a million diagnostic tests could be available — though not necessarily administered — by the end of this week.The Trump administration has promised a rapid expansion, saying as many as a million diagnostic tests could be available — though not necessarily administered — by the end of this week.
Many scientists wonder if the moves came too late, and a surge of positive test results has raised critical questions: Why weren’t more Americans tested sooner? How many may be carrying the virus now?Many scientists wonder if the moves came too late, and a surge of positive test results has raised critical questions: Why weren’t more Americans tested sooner? How many may be carrying the virus now?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention botched its first attempt to mass-produce a diagnostic test kit. A replacement test took several weeks, and the C.D.C. imposed stringent, narrow criteria and still did not permit state and local laboratories to make final diagnoses. The result: A relatively tiny number of Americans have been tested, with consequences that are now becoming clear.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention botched its first attempt to mass-produce a diagnostic test kit. A replacement test took several weeks, and the C.D.C. imposed stringent, narrow criteria and still did not permit state and local laboratories to make final diagnoses. The result: A relatively tiny number of Americans have been tested, with consequences that are now becoming clear.
“There has been a silent epidemic of Covid-19 in the United States that is not going to be silent any longer,” said Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota.“There has been a silent epidemic of Covid-19 in the United States that is not going to be silent any longer,” said Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota.
The strains that the coronavirus is putting on the world’s health care systems are becoming increasingly evident.The strains that the coronavirus is putting on the world’s health care systems are becoming increasingly evident.
In China, home to the vast majority of coronavirus cases, some hospitals are turning away patients with other urgent medical needs, including children with cancer. One health expert told The Times it was likely that preventable deaths from other causes could ultimately outnumber the lives saved by treating coronavirus patients.In China, home to the vast majority of coronavirus cases, some hospitals are turning away patients with other urgent medical needs, including children with cancer. One health expert told The Times it was likely that preventable deaths from other causes could ultimately outnumber the lives saved by treating coronavirus patients.
Low-paid health workers in Britain, where there have been 51 cases so far, say they will show up to work even if they are ill, because they cannot afford the lost wages if they quarantine themselves. And in the United States, coronavirus cases in Oregon and New York have prompted the quarantine of dozens of doctors, nurses and other staff members.Low-paid health workers in Britain, where there have been 51 cases so far, say they will show up to work even if they are ill, because they cannot afford the lost wages if they quarantine themselves. And in the United States, coronavirus cases in Oregon and New York have prompted the quarantine of dozens of doctors, nurses and other staff members.
Greater disruptions may follow: Chinese factories that supply the raw ingredients for drugs have been hobbled, prompting India to ban exports of many generic drugs, most of them antibiotics, without explicit government permission.Greater disruptions may follow: Chinese factories that supply the raw ingredients for drugs have been hobbled, prompting India to ban exports of many generic drugs, most of them antibiotics, without explicit government permission.
Iranian officials said as recently as two weeks ago that the coronavirus would not touch their country, and mocked quarantines as “archaic.”Iranian officials said as recently as two weeks ago that the coronavirus would not touch their country, and mocked quarantines as “archaic.”
Now, nearly three dozen Iranian officials and lawmakers are sick, and the government is considering sending troops door to door to forcibly sanitize homes. After bragging about sending protective masks to China in February, the government is threatening to execute anyone who hoards masks or other supplies.Now, nearly three dozen Iranian officials and lawmakers are sick, and the government is considering sending troops door to door to forcibly sanitize homes. After bragging about sending protective masks to China in February, the government is threatening to execute anyone who hoards masks or other supplies.
The official death toll there rose to 77, with more than 2,300 total cases, but some experts say those numbers could be a vast understatement.The official death toll there rose to 77, with more than 2,300 total cases, but some experts say those numbers could be a vast understatement.
A prominent pathologist in Tehran said patients and health care workers are threatened if they tell the truth about the outbreak — a lesson in what happens when a secretive state with limited resources tries to play down a crisis.A prominent pathologist in Tehran said patients and health care workers are threatened if they tell the truth about the outbreak — a lesson in what happens when a secretive state with limited resources tries to play down a crisis.
Here’s a conundrum: The spread of the coronavirus is a fundamental threat to the world economy, but measures to slow the virus will also inflict economic damage.Here’s a conundrum: The spread of the coronavirus is a fundamental threat to the world economy, but measures to slow the virus will also inflict economic damage.
Peter S. Goodman, our economics correspondent based in London, calls it a “nasty feedback loop.” And there may not be much that policymakers can do about it.Peter S. Goodman, our economics correspondent based in London, calls it a “nasty feedback loop.” And there may not be much that policymakers can do about it.
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a point on Tuesday, hoping to boost confidence. But it may have raised worries instead about what the Fed might see coming. The stock market, which usually likes interest-rate cuts, slumped after the announcement.The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a point on Tuesday, hoping to boost confidence. But it may have raised worries instead about what the Fed might see coming. The stock market, which usually likes interest-rate cuts, slumped after the announcement.
Economists say a pandemic could throw the United States into a recession, and not just a slowdown. The real sign of trouble, said Tara Sinclair, an economist at George Washington University, will be when companies that are not in directly affected sectors like travel or manufacturing start reporting a slump.Economists say a pandemic could throw the United States into a recession, and not just a slowdown. The real sign of trouble, said Tara Sinclair, an economist at George Washington University, will be when companies that are not in directly affected sectors like travel or manufacturing start reporting a slump.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
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.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
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.
Italy’s death toll jumped to 79 on Tuesday, an increase of 27 in one day, officials said. Most of the 2,502 infections confirmed so far have been concentrated in the northern part of the country.Italy’s death toll jumped to 79 on Tuesday, an increase of 27 in one day, officials said. Most of the 2,502 infections confirmed so far have been concentrated in the northern part of the country.
France, home to the second most cases in Europe, announced 21 new infections, raising its total to 212, and reported one new death.France, home to the second most cases in Europe, announced 21 new infections, raising its total to 212, and reported one new death.
In the U.S., two people who died in the Seattle area on Feb. 26 had undetected coronavirus infections, officials said, suggesting that the virus had spread there earlier than previously known. The news brought the country’s death toll to nine people, all in Washington State, including seven residents of a nursing home in Kirkland.In the U.S., two people who died in the Seattle area on Feb. 26 had undetected coronavirus infections, officials said, suggesting that the virus had spread there earlier than previously known. The news brought the country’s death toll to nine people, all in Washington State, including seven residents of a nursing home in Kirkland.
We caught up with Donald G. McNeil Jr., our infectious-diseases reporter, to ask him what it’s actually like to contract the coronavirus, based on what we’ve learned so far from China, which has the vast majority of cases.We caught up with Donald G. McNeil Jr., our infectious-diseases reporter, to ask him what it’s actually like to contract the coronavirus, based on what we’ve learned so far from China, which has the vast majority of cases.
What does this illness look like? I’ve heard some people compare it to the flu.What does this illness look like? I’ve heard some people compare it to the flu.
No, it’s different from flu. It’s a lung disease, not a stuffy nose disease. Ninety percent of people get a fever, 80 percent get a dry cough, and then it drops down to 30 percent get shortness of breath and malaise — you know, being tired.No, it’s different from flu. It’s a lung disease, not a stuffy nose disease. Ninety percent of people get a fever, 80 percent get a dry cough, and then it drops down to 30 percent get shortness of breath and malaise — you know, being tired.
A runny nose shows up in only 4 percent, and that may be people who also happen to have a cold or flu, too.A runny nose shows up in only 4 percent, and that may be people who also happen to have a cold or flu, too.
What are we learning about asymptomatic cases?What are we learning about asymptomatic cases?
The good news is that a large study from China suggests that less than 1 percent of cases are asymptomatic. Almost all people get sick.The good news is that a large study from China suggests that less than 1 percent of cases are asymptomatic. Almost all people get sick.
But that means that the real fatality rate is something like the fatality rate you see outside of Hubei Province, which is between 1 and 2 percent. That’s definitely not good news.But that means that the real fatality rate is something like the fatality rate you see outside of Hubei Province, which is between 1 and 2 percent. That’s definitely not good news.
The basics: Keep your hands clean, washing them thoroughly with soap and water, or using a hand sanitizer that’s at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth. Clean surfaces using a simple disinfectant, which is enough to kill the virus.The basics: Keep your hands clean, washing them thoroughly with soap and water, or using a hand sanitizer that’s at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth. Clean surfaces using a simple disinfectant, which is enough to kill the virus.
Know the symptoms, which include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.Know the symptoms, which include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
If you feel sick, stay home and call your doctor’s office so it can prepare for your visit. When you go, wear a mask to prevent transmission. Follow the same guidance if someone in your family gets sick.If you feel sick, stay home and call your doctor’s office so it can prepare for your visit. When you go, wear a mask to prevent transmission. Follow the same guidance if someone in your family gets sick.
Is there a cure? There is no approved antiviral drug for the coronavirus, though several are being tested. Doctors recommend medicine to reduce pain and fever, and fluids to avoid dehydration.Is there a cure? There is no approved antiviral drug for the coronavirus, though several are being tested. Doctors recommend medicine to reduce pain and fever, and fluids to avoid dehydration.
What about a vaccine? An experimental vaccine may be ready for human testing in a few months, but it will be much longer, at least a year or two, before the vaccine is available for widespread use.What about a vaccine? An experimental vaccine may be ready for human testing in a few months, but it will be much longer, at least a year or two, before the vaccine is available for widespread use.
If you are flying, there are steps you can take to disinfect your seat on the plane.If you are flying, there are steps you can take to disinfect your seat on the plane.
WhatsApp has become a major vector of coronavirus misinformation as users around the world spread conspiracy theories, The Washington Post reports.WhatsApp has become a major vector of coronavirus misinformation as users around the world spread conspiracy theories, The Washington Post reports.
N.B.A. players will be giving fans fist-bumps instead of high-fives after the league sent its recommendations for handling the virus.N.B.A. players will be giving fans fist-bumps instead of high-fives after the league sent its recommendations for handling the virus.
How do you get the public’s attention? Vietnam found a new way with its coronavirus hand-washing song, which has inspired a TikTok dance challenge. (But don’t expect Weird Al Yankovic to chime in with a virus-inspired “My Corona” parody.)How do you get the public’s attention? Vietnam found a new way with its coronavirus hand-washing song, which has inspired a TikTok dance challenge. (But don’t expect Weird Al Yankovic to chime in with a virus-inspired “My Corona” parody.)
Makers of household cleaners like Purell, Clorox and Lysol are cranking up production to meet consumer demand, according to The Wall Street Journal.Makers of household cleaners like Purell, Clorox and Lysol are cranking up production to meet consumer demand, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Religious leaders have asked congregants to forgo certain rituals — using a communal cup, holding hands during prayer, greeting with handshakes — to prevent the virus’s spread.Religious leaders have asked congregants to forgo certain rituals — using a communal cup, holding hands during prayer, greeting with handshakes — to prevent the virus’s spread.
Comparisons to the 1918 pandemic are everywhere, but one expert writes in The Atlantic that in many ways the coronavirus won’t resemble the Spanish flu.Comparisons to the 1918 pandemic are everywhere, but one expert writes in The Atlantic that in many ways the coronavirus won’t resemble the Spanish flu.
A novelist who was in China during the 2009 swine flu pandemic relays how she got through a 10-day quarantine (Coke and Pringles helped).A novelist who was in China during the 2009 swine flu pandemic relays how she got through a 10-day quarantine (Coke and Pringles helped).
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, Adam Pasick, Lara Takenega and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to this briefing.Melina Delkic, Adam Pasick, Lara Takenega and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to this briefing.
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