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| Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today | Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today |
| (1 day later) | |
| 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. |
| New York pleads for more test kits | New York pleads for more test kits |
| A math expert explains the numbers | A math expert explains the numbers |
| How the ultra-wealthy are preparing | How the ultra-wealthy are preparing |
| Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage | Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage |
| New York City officials pleaded with the federal government to send more test kits for the new coronavirus, saying that the city’s limited capacity to test for the virus had “impeded our ability to beat back this epidemic.” | New York City officials pleaded with the federal government to send more test kits for the new coronavirus, saying that the city’s limited capacity to test for the virus had “impeded our ability to beat back this epidemic.” |
| The city has 2,700 people under “precautionary quarantine” but has tested less than 100 patients in the past month. Another 1,000 people in suburban Westchester County, just north of the Bronx, are also under self-quarantine, connected to a large cluster of cases there. | The city has 2,700 people under “precautionary quarantine” but has tested less than 100 patients in the past month. Another 1,000 people in suburban Westchester County, just north of the Bronx, are also under self-quarantine, connected to a large cluster of cases there. |
| Mark Levine, a New York City councilman who heads the body’s Health Committee, said that without more extensive testing, “it’s fair to say we have no idea” how many New Yorkers have been infected. | Mark Levine, a New York City councilman who heads the body’s Health Committee, said that without more extensive testing, “it’s fair to say we have no idea” how many New Yorkers have been infected. |
| Vice President Mike Pence, who previously vowed that “any American could be tested,” conceded on Thursday that “we don’t have enough tests today to meet what we anticipate will be the demand going forward.” The Atlantic called health departments in all 50 states and could only verify that 1,895 people have been tested for the coronavirus in the United States. About 10 percent of them tested positive. | Vice President Mike Pence, who previously vowed that “any American could be tested,” conceded on Thursday that “we don’t have enough tests today to meet what we anticipate will be the demand going forward.” The Atlantic called health departments in all 50 states and could only verify that 1,895 people have been tested for the coronavirus in the United States. About 10 percent of them tested positive. |
| The coronavirus outbreak can be tough to follow, especially the statistics. Adam Kucharski, who studies the math behind outbreaks for the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, recently talked to The Times about how people should consider the data. | The coronavirus outbreak can be tough to follow, especially the statistics. Adam Kucharski, who studies the math behind outbreaks for the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, recently talked to The Times about how people should consider the data. |
| One signal Mr. Kucharski looks for is when the first case in an area is a death: “That suggests you had a lot of community transmission already.” | One signal Mr. Kucharski looks for is when the first case in an area is a death: “That suggests you had a lot of community transmission already.” |
| “Suppose the fatality rate for cases is about 1 percent, which is plausible,” he said. “If you’ve got a death, then that person probably became ill about three weeks ago. That means you probably had about 100 cases three weeks ago, in reality. In that subsequent three weeks, that number could well have doubled, then doubled, then doubled again. So you’re currently looking at 500 cases, maybe a thousand cases.” | “Suppose the fatality rate for cases is about 1 percent, which is plausible,” he said. “If you’ve got a death, then that person probably became ill about three weeks ago. That means you probably had about 100 cases three weeks ago, in reality. In that subsequent three weeks, that number could well have doubled, then doubled, then doubled again. So you’re currently looking at 500 cases, maybe a thousand cases.” |
| When considering the fatality rate, Mr. Kucharski suggested people pay attention to the variable risk level for different age groups, particularly people in their 70s and 80s. | When considering the fatality rate, Mr. Kucharski suggested people pay attention to the variable risk level for different age groups, particularly people in their 70s and 80s. |
| “Over all we’re seeing maybe 1 percent of symptomatic cases are fatal across all ages,” he said. “What’s also important is that 1 percent isn’t evenly distributed. In younger groups, we’re talking perhaps 0.1 percent, which means that when you get into the older groups, you’re potentially talking about 5 percent, 10 percent of cases being fatal.” | “Over all we’re seeing maybe 1 percent of symptomatic cases are fatal across all ages,” he said. “What’s also important is that 1 percent isn’t evenly distributed. In younger groups, we’re talking perhaps 0.1 percent, which means that when you get into the older groups, you’re potentially talking about 5 percent, 10 percent of cases being fatal.” |
| United States: Cases jumped to more than 250, concentrated in California and Washington State, where the University of Washington became the country’s first major university to cancel in-person classes. Twenty-one people tested positive on a cruise ship being held off the California coast, and the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, was canceled. | United States: Cases jumped to more than 250, concentrated in California and Washington State, where the University of Washington became the country’s first major university to cancel in-person classes. Twenty-one people tested positive on a cruise ship being held off the California coast, and the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, was canceled. |
| China: Hubei, the province where the coronavirus first emerged, reached a big milestone today — it reported no new infections outside its capital, Wuhan, for the first time since the country began aggressively fighting the disease in January. | China: Hubei, the province where the coronavirus first emerged, reached a big milestone today — it reported no new infections outside its capital, Wuhan, for the first time since the country began aggressively fighting the disease in January. |
| Iran: Officials limited travel among major cities and urged people to avoid using paper money to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 4,700 people and killed more than 120. | Iran: Officials limited travel among major cities and urged people to avoid using paper money to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 4,700 people and killed more than 120. |
| Russia: Despite reporting only 10 confirmed cases in the country, Moscow announced strict immigration and quarantine controls. | Russia: Despite reporting only 10 confirmed cases in the country, Moscow announced strict immigration and quarantine controls. |
| France: The number of cases approached 600, and an infected lawmaker ended up in intensive care, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to urge citizens to avoid visiting older people, who are among the most vulnerable to the disease. | France: The number of cases approached 600, and an infected lawmaker ended up in intensive care, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to urge citizens to avoid visiting older people, who are among the most vulnerable to the disease. |
| Vatican City: The city-state’s first coronavirus patient led the Vatican to sanitize its medical facilities. Pope Francis has had a cold for more than a week, and a spokesman said that the pontiff’s illness was “running its due course.” | Vatican City: The city-state’s first coronavirus patient led the Vatican to sanitize its medical facilities. Pope Francis has had a cold for more than a week, and a spokesman said that the pontiff’s illness was “running its due course.” |
| Italy: The nation, which has the worst outbreak outside of Asia, saw its caseload rise on Friday to more than 4,600 cases, 197 of them fatal. | Italy: The nation, which has the worst outbreak outside of Asia, saw its caseload rise on Friday to more than 4,600 cases, 197 of them fatal. |
| Concierge doctors, chartered jets and germ-free hideaways: The wealthy are sparing no expense as they prepare for the coronavirus. | Concierge doctors, chartered jets and germ-free hideaways: The wealthy are sparing no expense as they prepare for the coronavirus. |
| Amid face-mask hysteria, Gwyneth Paltrow donned a sold-out Swedish model that retails for up to $99. Business executives have chartered flights to avoid the germ-tainted first-class lounge, while other rich travelers have opted for remote yachts. | Amid face-mask hysteria, Gwyneth Paltrow donned a sold-out Swedish model that retails for up to $99. Business executives have chartered flights to avoid the germ-tainted first-class lounge, while other rich travelers have opted for remote yachts. |
| Updated June 2, 2020 | |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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.) |
| More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said. | More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said. |
| 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. |
| Worried about the need for potential care, the wealthy have sought pricey memberships for concierge medical services. Silicon Valley survivalists and at least one heiress have stocked fancy home bunkers with food and medical supplies. | Worried about the need for potential care, the wealthy have sought pricey memberships for concierge medical services. Silicon Valley survivalists and at least one heiress have stocked fancy home bunkers with food and medical supplies. |
| The bigger picture: The availability of luxury goods and services in a health crisis serves to highlight American class inequities, writes Charlie Warzel, an Opinion writer at large. In some ways, ubiquitous delivery services are perfect for a quarantined society — but they are heavily underwritten by a “vast digital underclass.” | The bigger picture: The availability of luxury goods and services in a health crisis serves to highlight American class inequities, writes Charlie Warzel, an Opinion writer at large. In some ways, ubiquitous delivery services are perfect for a quarantined society — but they are heavily underwritten by a “vast digital underclass.” |
| If you have loved ones at a nursing home: Older adults are among the most vulnerable to respiratory illnesses. You can help protect them from the coronavirus with these tips: Research the facility; monitor their health and the home’s safety protocols; have a plan if an outbreak occurs; and know when to move them. | If you have loved ones at a nursing home: Older adults are among the most vulnerable to respiratory illnesses. You can help protect them from the coronavirus with these tips: Research the facility; monitor their health and the home’s safety protocols; have a plan if an outbreak occurs; and know when to move them. |
| Doesn’t the flu kill more people? To many public health officials, that argument misses the point. Yes, the flu is terrible — that’s exactly why scientists don’t want another contagious respiratory disease to take root. If they could stop the seasonal flu, they would. But there may yet be a chance to stop the coronavirus. | Doesn’t the flu kill more people? To many public health officials, that argument misses the point. Yes, the flu is terrible — that’s exactly why scientists don’t want another contagious respiratory disease to take root. If they could stop the seasonal flu, they would. But there may yet be a chance to stop the coronavirus. |
| The best advice for staying healthy is the simplest: Wash your hands, and don’t touch your face. You can also use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, and stay at least six feet away from anyone who is visibly sick. | The best advice for staying healthy is the simplest: Wash your hands, and don’t touch your face. You can also use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, and stay at least six feet away from anyone who is visibly sick. |
| What about masks? You may be seeing more of them around, but unless you’re already infected, they won’t help. | What about masks? You may be seeing more of them around, but unless you’re already infected, they won’t help. |
| Keep it clean: Use a disinfectant to wipe down high-touch surfaces, including counters, tabletops, doorknobs, keyboards and phones. | Keep it clean: Use a disinfectant to wipe down high-touch surfaces, including counters, tabletops, doorknobs, keyboards and phones. |
| As more people opt out of handshakes, hugs and hookups, some have found creative ways to be social. | As more people opt out of handshakes, hugs and hookups, some have found creative ways to be social. |
| After watching what has happened in Europe and Asia, museums, theaters and concert halls in the United States are bracing themselves for the worst. | After watching what has happened in Europe and Asia, museums, theaters and concert halls in the United States are bracing themselves for the worst. |
| As the virus arrives at major American companies, employees are anxious and offices are scrambling for work-from-home solutions. | As the virus arrives at major American companies, employees are anxious and offices are scrambling for work-from-home solutions. |
| An Australian newspaper is printing empty pages to alleviate a nationwide toilet paper shortage. | An Australian newspaper is printing empty pages to alleviate a nationwide toilet paper shortage. |
| If you have to fly, what’s the safest seat? Researchers found that sitting next to a window and staying put lowered passengers’ risk of contracting an infectious disease, National Geographic reported. We also have a special guide to cleaning your space on an airplane. | If you have to fly, what’s the safest seat? Researchers found that sitting next to a window and staying put lowered passengers’ risk of contracting an infectious disease, National Geographic reported. We also have a special guide to cleaning your space on an airplane. |
| We live in Kansas, which has no known cases of coronavirus. However, we are elderly and vulnerable. We now live in a condo and need to push elevator buttons to navigate. I have equipped my husband and myself with wine corks that we use to push the elevator button. A small thing but perhaps helpful. Tomorrow I will think about how to handle banisters. Stay tuned! | We live in Kansas, which has no known cases of coronavirus. However, we are elderly and vulnerable. We now live in a condo and need to push elevator buttons to navigate. I have equipped my husband and myself with wine corks that we use to push the elevator button. A small thing but perhaps helpful. Tomorrow I will think about how to handle banisters. Stay tuned! |
| — Louise Hanson, Lawrence, Kan. | — Louise Hanson, Lawrence, Kan. |
| 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. |
| Tonight’s briefing was written by Lara Takenaga, Adam Pasick and Tom Wright-Piersanti. | Tonight’s briefing was written by Lara Takenaga, Adam Pasick and Tom Wright-Piersanti. |
| 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. |