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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.
Thousands are stuck on a cruise ship off CaliforniaThousands are stuck on a cruise ship off California
Nurses say they lack protective gearNurses say they lack protective gear
Calibrate your worry levelCalibrate your worry level
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverageGet the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage
The Grand Princess, a cruise liner returning from Hawaii with more than 2,000 people on board, is being held off the coast of San Francisco to check whether there are coronavirus cases on board.The Grand Princess, a cruise liner returning from Hawaii with more than 2,000 people on board, is being held off the coast of San Francisco to check whether there are coronavirus cases on board.
Two people who were on the ship’s previous voyage, to Mexico, were later found to be infected; one has died.Two people who were on the ship’s previous voyage, to Mexico, were later found to be infected; one has died.
Health officials flew test kits out to the ship by helicopter on Thursday to screen about 100 passengers and crew, including 21 with symptoms and 62 who stayed on from the Mexico voyage. Results probably won’t be announced until Friday, officials said. In the meantime, the operator, Princess Cruises, is telling those who are tested to stay in their cabins and order room service.Health officials flew test kits out to the ship by helicopter on Thursday to screen about 100 passengers and crew, including 21 with symptoms and 62 who stayed on from the Mexico voyage. Results probably won’t be announced until Friday, officials said. In the meantime, the operator, Princess Cruises, is telling those who are tested to stay in their cabins and order room service.
The same cruise line owns the Diamond Princess, which was ravaged by the virus while quarantined off Japan last month. Nearly 700 people on that ship tested positive.The same cruise line owns the Diamond Princess, which was ravaged by the virus while quarantined off Japan last month. Nearly 700 people on that ship tested positive.
Nurses dealing with the onslaught of coronavirus cases in California and Washington, two of the hardest-hit states, say they often lack the equipment and training they need to protect themselves and their patients.Nurses dealing with the onslaught of coronavirus cases in California and Washington, two of the hardest-hit states, say they often lack the equipment and training they need to protect themselves and their patients.
“If nurses aren’t safe, then really, our community isn’t safe,” said Jenny Managhebi, a clinical nurse at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where 24 nurses were asked to self-quarantine after a patient tested positive for the virus.“If nurses aren’t safe, then really, our community isn’t safe,” said Jenny Managhebi, a clinical nurse at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where 24 nurses were asked to self-quarantine after a patient tested positive for the virus.
Many registered nurses in the two states have told their unions that they’ve had to beg for N95 masks, which protect against the virus. Others say they are often ridiculed by managers when they raise concerns.Many registered nurses in the two states have told their unions that they’ve had to beg for N95 masks, which protect against the virus. Others say they are often ridiculed by managers when they raise concerns.
At least eight health care professionals in the two states have tested positive for the coronavirus so far.At least eight health care professionals in the two states have tested positive for the coronavirus so far.
Looking ahead: Karen Weise, a Times reporter who has been covering the virus from Washington State, said school closures could worsen the strains on nurses: “It’s hard to work, you end up with nurses who stay home with their kids, and then you might have a short-staffed medical facility.”Looking ahead: Karen Weise, a Times reporter who has been covering the virus from Washington State, said school closures could worsen the strains on nurses: “It’s hard to work, you end up with nurses who stay home with their kids, and then you might have a short-staffed medical facility.”
It’s the question on everyone’s minds, but a difficult one to answer, writes Max Fisher, one of our Interpreter columnists.It’s the question on everyone’s minds, but a difficult one to answer, writes Max Fisher, one of our Interpreter columnists.
First, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the coronavirus. Because many cases are mild and some are asymptomatic, it’s difficult to track its deadliness and the extent of its spread.First, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the coronavirus. Because many cases are mild and some are asymptomatic, it’s difficult to track its deadliness and the extent of its spread.
Second, the risk level largely depends on how prepared societies are to deal with the virus. This is thought to be a reason that the death rate in China, where the virus first emerged late last year, is around 4 times that of South Korea, which was able to prepare before the virus arrived.Second, the risk level largely depends on how prepared societies are to deal with the virus. This is thought to be a reason that the death rate in China, where the virus first emerged late last year, is around 4 times that of South Korea, which was able to prepare before the virus arrived.
In December, Mr. Fisher got pneumonia — an illness similar to the one caused by the virus — and that experience helped clarify how an outbreak could affect society as a whole. While he was sick, family and friends helped with personal obligations, and he was able to quickly see doctors and get prescriptions.In December, Mr. Fisher got pneumonia — an illness similar to the one caused by the virus — and that experience helped clarify how an outbreak could affect society as a whole. While he was sick, family and friends helped with personal obligations, and he was able to quickly see doctors and get prescriptions.
“If a big fraction of my neighborhood in West London had all fallen sick at once, it would’ve been a different story,” he said. His local health office might not have been able to see him as quickly. Friends and family could have other sick people to help, or could be sick themselves.“If a big fraction of my neighborhood in West London had all fallen sick at once, it would’ve been a different story,” he said. His local health office might not have been able to see him as quickly. Friends and family could have other sick people to help, or could be sick themselves.
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.
“The risk from the virus’s impact on you individually is probably low,” he concluded. But its impact on society could be profound.“The risk from the virus’s impact on you individually is probably low,” he concluded. But its impact on society could be profound.
Italy, the hardest-hit country in Europe, reported 41 new coronavirus deaths on Thursday, a big jump in the toll there (now 148 overall). Britain, Germany, France and the Netherlands all reported sharp increases in confirmed cases.Italy, the hardest-hit country in Europe, reported 41 new coronavirus deaths on Thursday, a big jump in the toll there (now 148 overall). Britain, Germany, France and the Netherlands all reported sharp increases in confirmed cases.
The New York cluster doubled in a day: two new cases in New York City, eight more in the Westchester suburbs, one on Long Island and one in Ft. Lee, N.J. Some were found by tracing the contacts of a patient from New Rochelle, N.Y., but others had no link to that case.The New York cluster doubled in a day: two new cases in New York City, eight more in the Westchester suburbs, one on Long Island and one in Ft. Lee, N.J. Some were found by tracing the contacts of a patient from New Rochelle, N.Y., but others had no link to that case.
India said it would not let in any travelers from South Korea or Italy unless they’ve tested negative. Primary schools in New Delhi were closed.India said it would not let in any travelers from South Korea or Italy unless they’ve tested negative. Primary schools in New Delhi were closed.
In Japan, public anger is mounting over the halting, opaque handling of the outbreak by the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.In Japan, public anger is mounting over the halting, opaque handling of the outbreak by the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Stop touching your face: It’s one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection, but it’s easier said than done. Tips for cutting back: Notice when and why you do it; use a tissue when you have to; keep your hands busy with other things.Stop touching your face: It’s one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection, but it’s easier said than done. Tips for cutting back: Notice when and why you do it; use a tissue when you have to; keep your hands busy with other things.
Don’t believe the myths: Vitamin C isn’t an effective way to boost your immunity. Wearing gloves to touch surfaces probably won’t prevent infection. Flu shots don’t protect against the coronavirus (but you should still get one).Don’t believe the myths: Vitamin C isn’t an effective way to boost your immunity. Wearing gloves to touch surfaces probably won’t prevent infection. Flu shots don’t protect against the coronavirus (but you should still get one).
Should you cancel your vacation? It depends on the destination, especially if it’s outside the United States. If you go, consider travel insurance, monitor the C.D.C.’s website for alerts, and take precautions when flying, like bringing alcohol wipes to clean surfaces.Should you cancel your vacation? It depends on the destination, especially if it’s outside the United States. If you go, consider travel insurance, monitor the C.D.C.’s website for alerts, and take precautions when flying, like bringing alcohol wipes to clean surfaces.
Your daily reminder: The experts’ top recommendation is to wash your hands a lot. Be sure to do it the right way.Your daily reminder: The experts’ top recommendation is to wash your hands a lot. Be sure to do it the right way.
Mike Baker, our Pacific Northwest correspondent, talked to a woman whose mother is under lockdown in a Seattle-area nursing home on today’s episode of “The Daily.”Mike Baker, our Pacific Northwest correspondent, talked to a woman whose mother is under lockdown in a Seattle-area nursing home on today’s episode of “The Daily.”
“A living hell”: That’s how a resident of Wuhan, China, described the epicenter of the outbreak in a personal essay for NPR.“A living hell”: That’s how a resident of Wuhan, China, described the epicenter of the outbreak in a personal essay for NPR.
The global outbreak is fueling a backlash against globalization.The global outbreak is fueling a backlash against globalization.
Carl Hulse, our chief Washington correspondent, explored the ways the coronavirus outbreak is being used for partisan political advantage.Carl Hulse, our chief Washington correspondent, explored the ways the coronavirus outbreak is being used for partisan political advantage.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka warned customers that its products were not strong enough for homemade sanitizer (you need 120 proof or higher).Tito’s Handmade Vodka warned customers that its products were not strong enough for homemade sanitizer (you need 120 proof or higher).
The impact of the outbreak can be seen from space.The impact of the outbreak can be seen from space.
If the virus spreads by touching your hands to your own face, and everyone seems to do this constantly, why not paint fingernails red as a reminder?If the virus spreads by touching your hands to your own face, and everyone seems to do this constantly, why not paint fingernails red as a reminder?
— Jeanne Kinney, San Luis Obispo, Calif.— Jeanne Kinney, San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Let us know how you’re preparing. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re preparing. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
Melina Delkic, Adeel Hassan, Adam Pasick, Lara Takenaga and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s newsletter.Melina Delkic, Adeel Hassan, Adam Pasick, Lara Takenaga and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s 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.