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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.
Containment won’t be enoughContainment won’t be enough
New York takes actionNew York takes action
The virus has the world economy sputteringThe virus has the world economy sputtering
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverageGet the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage
“Containment” — isolating the sick and quarantining their contacts — is vital in fighting the coronavirus outbreak. But in parts of the U.S. and other countries, the virus has now spread past the point where containment can stop it.“Containment” — isolating the sick and quarantining their contacts — is vital in fighting the coronavirus outbreak. But in parts of the U.S. and other countries, the virus has now spread past the point where containment can stop it.
So officials are pivoting to “mitigation” — sweeping measures to slow the spread of the virus and minimize the death toll.So officials are pivoting to “mitigation” — sweeping measures to slow the spread of the virus and minimize the death toll.
Italy has gone the furthest, locking down the whole country on Monday, banning public gatherings and restricting travel nationwide. American officials aren’t anywhere near there yet, though Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington is warning that mandatory measures, and not just recommendations, may be needed in his state to keep people apart.Italy has gone the furthest, locking down the whole country on Monday, banning public gatherings and restricting travel nationwide. American officials aren’t anywhere near there yet, though Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington is warning that mandatory measures, and not just recommendations, may be needed in his state to keep people apart.
The State Department posted a warning Sunday that all Americans should avoid traveling by cruise ship. More colleges and universities called off classes, large gatherings and campus tours. Companies are telling many employees to work from home, and houses of worship are limiting services.The State Department posted a warning Sunday that all Americans should avoid traveling by cruise ship. More colleges and universities called off classes, large gatherings and campus tours. Companies are telling many employees to work from home, and houses of worship are limiting services.
Israel imposed a 14-day quarantine on anyone arriving from abroad. Saudi Arabia closed off air and sea travel to nine countries and suspended pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina.Israel imposed a 14-day quarantine on anyone arriving from abroad. Saudi Arabia closed off air and sea travel to nine countries and suspended pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina.
New York jumped ahead of Washington and California on Monday with 142 confirmed cases. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced measures to fight the outbreak, including quarantines, selected school closings and plans for the state to manufacture its own supply of hand sanitizer.New York jumped ahead of Washington and California on Monday with 142 confirmed cases. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced measures to fight the outbreak, including quarantines, selected school closings and plans for the state to manufacture its own supply of hand sanitizer.
Among those testing positive: Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the region’s major airports, bus terminals, seaports, bridges and tunnels.Among those testing positive: Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the region’s major airports, bus terminals, seaports, bridges and tunnels.
We asked Jesse McKinley, our Albany bureau chief, about the state’s response.We asked Jesse McKinley, our Albany bureau chief, about the state’s response.
Why is New York doing so much now?Why is New York doing so much now?
It’s a state with a gigantic government and a $175 billion budget. The state health department is robust, they have a lot of people on staff and they are able to react forcefully, whereas other states might not have the resources.It’s a state with a gigantic government and a $175 billion budget. The state health department is robust, they have a lot of people on staff and they are able to react forcefully, whereas other states might not have the resources.
Also, keep in mind, New York is home to the nation’s largest city, with some of the best universities, scientists and hospitals in the world. It’s also a global travel hub that tends to be on the front lines of things like Ebola and SARS coming from overseas, so you need to have a robust medical infrastructure to handle these things.Also, keep in mind, New York is home to the nation’s largest city, with some of the best universities, scientists and hospitals in the world. It’s also a global travel hub that tends to be on the front lines of things like Ebola and SARS coming from overseas, so you need to have a robust medical infrastructure to handle these things.
Governor Cuomo is getting out ahead of the federal government’s response. Why is that?Governor Cuomo is getting out ahead of the federal government’s response. Why is that?
Well, there’s an old nickname for Cuomo around Albany: Governor Windbreaker. He loves jumping into a helicopter and flying to a hurricane disaster site, or stopping on the side of the road to pull someone out of a car that had flipped on an icy stretch of highway. He portrays himself as a very proactive dude, and that’s not without justification.Well, there’s an old nickname for Cuomo around Albany: Governor Windbreaker. He loves jumping into a helicopter and flying to a hurricane disaster site, or stopping on the side of the road to pull someone out of a car that had flipped on an icy stretch of highway. He portrays himself as a very proactive dude, and that’s not without justification.
No doubt about it now: The coronavirus outbreak, and the escalating efforts to fight it, are badly undercutting economies around the world.No doubt about it now: The coronavirus outbreak, and the escalating efforts to fight it, are badly undercutting economies around the world.
The latest and strongest trouble sign: the oil price war that broke out over the weekend. Russia had refused to join Saudi Arabia in cutting production of oil as the virus slowed demand around the globe; in retaliation, Saudi Arabia slashed its export oil prices.The latest and strongest trouble sign: the oil price war that broke out over the weekend. Russia had refused to join Saudi Arabia in cutting production of oil as the virus slowed demand around the globe; in retaliation, Saudi Arabia slashed its export oil prices.
That sent the already jittery financial markets stampeding downward. It got so bad at one point that a rarely used “circuit breaker” in the U.S. markets was tripped, halting trading for 15 minutes. By the end of the day, the S&P 500 had fallen 7 percent, its worst day in more than a decade.That sent the already jittery financial markets stampeding downward. It got so bad at one point that a rarely used “circuit breaker” in the U.S. markets was tripped, halting trading for 15 minutes. By the end of the day, the S&P 500 had fallen 7 percent, its worst day in more than a decade.
Europe is probably already in a recession, experts say, and the United States now seems headed there, too. The virus isn’t the only reason, but without it, the slowdown might have been much more gradual. France called on Monday for a “strong, massive and coordinated” European economic stimulus package, and President Trump’s advisers are drawing up lists of stimulus options for the U.S.Europe is probably already in a recession, experts say, and the United States now seems headed there, too. The virus isn’t the only reason, but without it, the slowdown might have been much more gradual. France called on Monday for a “strong, massive and coordinated” European economic stimulus package, and President Trump’s advisers are drawing up lists of stimulus options for the U.S.
A word of advice: If you have money invested for long-term goals, like retirement, our personal finance columnist says to sit tight. “Stocks have delivered decent gains over long periods of time to people who persist,” he said.A word of advice: If you have money invested for long-term goals, like retirement, our personal finance columnist says to sit tight. “Stocks have delivered decent gains over long periods of time to people who persist,” he said.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
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.
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.
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 cruise ship Grand Princess docked in Oakland, Calif., on Monday. Disembarking and checking the 3,500 people on board will take several days. American passengers will be quarantined on military bases. Forty-five people on the ship were tested last week; 21 tested positive, mostly crew members.The cruise ship Grand Princess docked in Oakland, Calif., on Monday. Disembarking and checking the 3,500 people on board will take several days. American passengers will be quarantined on military bases. Forty-five people on the ship were tested last week; 21 tested positive, mostly crew members.
Several Republican congressmen, including Doug Collins and Matt Gaetz, quarantined themselves on Monday after reporting contact with someone who tested positive. Both have had significant recent contact with President Trump.Several Republican congressmen, including Doug Collins and Matt Gaetz, quarantined themselves on Monday after reporting contact with someone who tested positive. Both have had significant recent contact with President Trump.
The number of cases in Italy has more than doubled in the past three days, to more than 9,100.The number of cases in Italy has more than doubled in the past three days, to more than 9,100.
Britain confirmed 48 more cases, raising its tally to more than 300.Britain confirmed 48 more cases, raising its tally to more than 300.
Ireland called off all St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country.Ireland called off all St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country.
Egypt, where scores of cases have been linked to a Nile tourist boat, restricted access to one of its most famous tourist sites, the temples at Luxor.Egypt, where scores of cases have been linked to a Nile tourist boat, restricted access to one of its most famous tourist sites, the temples at Luxor.
How to self-quarantine: If you’re forced to be at home because of a possible coronavirus infection, the bottom line is to stay put unless you have to see a doctor. Separate yourself from others in your home, wash your hands every time you sneeze or cough and don’t share dishes, towels or bedding.How to self-quarantine: If you’re forced to be at home because of a possible coronavirus infection, the bottom line is to stay put unless you have to see a doctor. Separate yourself from others in your home, wash your hands every time you sneeze or cough and don’t share dishes, towels or bedding.
Heading to the gym? You can’t get the coronavirus through sweat, but avoid frequently touched equipment and machines where it may linger. Consider carrying your own hospital-grade wipes to ensure they are strong enough to be effective.Heading to the gym? You can’t get the coronavirus through sweat, but avoid frequently touched equipment and machines where it may linger. Consider carrying your own hospital-grade wipes to ensure they are strong enough to be effective.
Protect your hands: Frequent scrubbing can dry out your skin. Keep the outer layer, which protects against dirt and bacteria, moisturized with ointments like Vaseline at night and hand creams during the day.Protect your hands: Frequent scrubbing can dry out your skin. Keep the outer layer, which protects against dirt and bacteria, moisturized with ointments like Vaseline at night and hand creams during the day.
Watch out for scams: The F.D.A. warned seven companies to stop selling products like teas, tinctures, essential oils and colloidal silver with false claims that they cure or prevent coronavirus infections.Watch out for scams: The F.D.A. warned seven companies to stop selling products like teas, tinctures, essential oils and colloidal silver with false claims that they cure or prevent coronavirus infections.
Are public places safe for kids? It depends. If you live in a community where the virus is actively spreading, you may want to stay home and avoid large gatherings of people. In places with no reports of community transmission, you can still take your child to the playground, the movies, museums and sporting events.Are public places safe for kids? It depends. If you live in a community where the virus is actively spreading, you may want to stay home and avoid large gatherings of people. In places with no reports of community transmission, you can still take your child to the playground, the movies, museums and sporting events.
A New York filmmaker returned home to China for Lunar New Year and ended up stuck inside with his parents. Watch what they did in his Op-Doc.A New York filmmaker returned home to China for Lunar New Year and ended up stuck inside with his parents. Watch what they did in his Op-Doc.
Inspired by Vietnam’s coronavirus song, three colleagues at Stanford Medicine filmed a dance video to demonstrate the C.D.C.’s hand-washing tips.Inspired by Vietnam’s coronavirus song, three colleagues at Stanford Medicine filmed a dance video to demonstrate the C.D.C.’s hand-washing tips.
President Trump wanted a Covid-19 vaccine to be delivered within months. But even doing it in a year “would be an unprecedented, remarkable, even revolutionary achievement,” The New Yorker reports.President Trump wanted a Covid-19 vaccine to be delivered within months. But even doing it in a year “would be an unprecedented, remarkable, even revolutionary achievement,” The New Yorker reports.
The N.B.A. has considered holding games without fans present, but don’t expect LeBron James to play for an empty arena.The N.B.A. has considered holding games without fans present, but don’t expect LeBron James to play for an empty arena.
See how Angkor Wat, Tiananmen Square and other popular tourist sites in Asia have become virtual ghost towns in before-and-after photos collected by The Guardian.See how Angkor Wat, Tiananmen Square and other popular tourist sites in Asia have become virtual ghost towns in before-and-after photos collected by The Guardian.
Seven Wall Street traders and investors told us what the market mayhem has been like through two of the most volatile weeks in recent history.Seven Wall Street traders and investors told us what the market mayhem has been like through two of the most volatile weeks in recent history.
The Wall Street Journal gathered some advice for working from home.The Wall Street Journal gathered some advice for working from home.
European social programs like universal health care and paid sick leave, sometimes criticized as overly generous, may protect the continent from a deep recession.European social programs like universal health care and paid sick leave, sometimes criticized as overly generous, may protect the continent from a deep recession.
We are practicing greeting people with the lovely namaste greeting, hands in prayer position with a slight nod of the head. It’s honoring, it allows you to slow down and notice each other for a moment, and there’s no contact necessary.We are practicing greeting people with the lovely namaste greeting, hands in prayer position with a slight nod of the head. It’s honoring, it allows you to slow down and notice each other for a moment, and there’s no contact necessary.
— Deborah Shouse, Kansas City, Mo.— Deborah Shouse, Kansas City, Mo.
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
Sign up here to get the briefing by email.Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
Adam Pasick, Lara Takenaga, Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s newsletter.Adam Pasick, Lara Takenaga, Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s newsletter.