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Coronavirus Live Updates: Governments Struggle to Cope as Anxiety Rises Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump Goes to Capitol Hill to Discuss Stimulus as Anxiety Rises
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Nursing homes and assisted living centers should take unprecedented action to curtail most social visits, and should even take steps to keep some employees away, to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, the industry said on Tuesday.Nursing homes and assisted living centers should take unprecedented action to curtail most social visits, and should even take steps to keep some employees away, to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, the industry said on Tuesday.
The recommendation follows an outbreak of the virus in the region around Seattle, where five long-term care facilities have been hit with cases, including a facility in Kirkland, Wash., where 18 residents have died. The recommendation follows an outbreak of the virus in the region around Seattle, where five long-term care facilities have been hit with cases, including a facility in Kirkland, Wash., where 18 residents have died. There have now been 794 cases of coronavirus in the United States, including 27 deaths.
“The mortality rate is shocking,” said Mark Parkinson, president and chief executive officer of the American Health Care Association. He said that the death rate might well exceed the 15 percent reported in China for people aged 80 and older who were infected.“The mortality rate is shocking,” said Mark Parkinson, president and chief executive officer of the American Health Care Association. He said that the death rate might well exceed the 15 percent reported in China for people aged 80 and older who were infected.
The challenge of the virus “is one of the most significant, if not the most significant” issues the industry has ever faced, he said.The challenge of the virus “is one of the most significant, if not the most significant” issues the industry has ever faced, he said.
Industry officials said they are recommending that nursing homes should allow people to enter only if it is essential.Industry officials said they are recommending that nursing homes should allow people to enter only if it is essential.
Staff members, contractors and government officials should be asked, “Do you need to be in-building to operate?” said Dr. David Gifford, the health care association’s chief medical officer.Staff members, contractors and government officials should be asked, “Do you need to be in-building to operate?” said Dr. David Gifford, the health care association’s chief medical officer.
As for family members, he said, “Our recommendation is they should not be visiting.”As for family members, he said, “Our recommendation is they should not be visiting.”
Anyone who does visit, he said, should be screened carefully at reception and anyone who has signs of illness should be turned away.Anyone who does visit, he said, should be screened carefully at reception and anyone who has signs of illness should be turned away.
With New Rochelle, a small city just north of New York City in Westchester County, emerging as the center of the state’s outbreak, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York on Tuesday announced a targeted containment strategy to halt the spread of the virus.
The state’s plan focuses on a “containment area” in New Rochelle with a one-mile radius centered around a synagogue believed to be at the center of the cluster, officials said.
Schools and other large gathering facilities like community centers and houses of worship within the area will be closed for two weeks beginning on Thursday, Mr. Cuomo said. Businesses such as grocery stores and delis would remain open. The state did not plan to close streets or implement travel restrictions, he said.
“You’re not containing people,” he said. “You’re containing facilities.”
The state also planned to deploy the National Guard to the containment area to clean the schools and deliver food to quarantined residents, Mr. Cuomo said.
The cluster in Westchester County first came to the authorities’ attention last week, when a lawyer who lives in New Rochelle and works in Manhattan, Lawrence Garbuz, became the second person in New York to be diagnosed with coronavirus last week.
With the first reported cases in Cyprus, the coronavirus is now present in every country in the European Union, health officials said on Tuesday, hours after Italy imposed sweeping travel restrictions across the whole country.With the first reported cases in Cyprus, the coronavirus is now present in every country in the European Union, health officials said on Tuesday, hours after Italy imposed sweeping travel restrictions across the whole country.
But the measures taken by the bloc’s member states to contain the virus varied widely from country to country, often with little relation to the actual size of the outbreaks, reflecting the lack of international coordination.But the measures taken by the bloc’s member states to contain the virus varied widely from country to country, often with little relation to the actual size of the outbreaks, reflecting the lack of international coordination.
Greece and the Czech Republic announced that all schools and universities would close, though each country’s caseload is in the dozens, far fewer than some of their neighbors.Greece and the Czech Republic announced that all schools and universities would close, though each country’s caseload is in the dozens, far fewer than some of their neighbors.
“We may decide on additional emergency measures later,” the Czech prime minister, Andrej Babis, said in a statement on Tuesday. “It is necessary to take active, exceptional measures at the start of an epidemic.”“We may decide on additional emergency measures later,” the Czech prime minister, Andrej Babis, said in a statement on Tuesday. “It is necessary to take active, exceptional measures at the start of an epidemic.”
Spain, with one of the largest outbreaks, closed all education centers in the Madrid region, but not nationwide. In Poland, schools in Poznan, a city in the west of the country, were ordered closed after a single case of infection was discovered. Swimming pools and other public places were also to be shut for two weeks.Spain, with one of the largest outbreaks, closed all education centers in the Madrid region, but not nationwide. In Poland, schools in Poznan, a city in the west of the country, were ordered closed after a single case of infection was discovered. Swimming pools and other public places were also to be shut for two weeks.
Worldwide, schooling has been disrupted for more than 300 million students.Worldwide, schooling has been disrupted for more than 300 million students.
Across the Continent, countries also increased travel regulations and guidelines.Across the Continent, countries also increased travel regulations and guidelines.
Austria barred travelers from Italy without a health certificate, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said. Switzerland was considering a similar measure.Austria barred travelers from Italy without a health certificate, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said. Switzerland was considering a similar measure.
Serbia has temporarily barred travelers from the worst-affected places, including Italy, while Croatian officials said that people entering the country from “highly infected areas” would be put into a mandatory 14-day quarantine.Serbia has temporarily barred travelers from the worst-affected places, including Italy, while Croatian officials said that people entering the country from “highly infected areas” would be put into a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Italy, with the worst outbreak outside of China, had more than 9,000 infections and 463 deaths by Monday. France and Spain each reported on Tuesday that they had more than 1,600 cases; Germany, had almost 1,200 by Monday.Italy, with the worst outbreak outside of China, had more than 9,000 infections and 463 deaths by Monday. France and Spain each reported on Tuesday that they had more than 1,600 cases; Germany, had almost 1,200 by Monday.
The authorities in France, where 30 people have died, were resisting taking the kind of sweeping preventive measures seen in Italy or Japan.
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The authorities in France, where 30 people have died, were resisting taking the kind of sweeping preventive measures seen in Italy or Japan.
“We are only at the beginning of this epidemic,” President Emmanuel Macron of France said on Tuesday after visiting an emergency call center in Paris. “We have anticipated, we have prepared ourselves.”“We are only at the beginning of this epidemic,” President Emmanuel Macron of France said on Tuesday after visiting an emergency call center in Paris. “We have anticipated, we have prepared ourselves.”
Passengers aboard the Grand Princess, the cruise ship stranded for days off California and now docked at the Port of Oakland, were expected to step up the disembarking process on Tuesday.Passengers aboard the Grand Princess, the cruise ship stranded for days off California and now docked at the Port of Oakland, were expected to step up the disembarking process on Tuesday.
They will be met by workers in protective gear who have been preparing a large-scale quarantine operation for the 21 people infected with the coronavirus, along with the thousands of other passengers. The crew will remain onboard and the ship will head back to sea while they complete a 14-day quarantine.They will be met by workers in protective gear who have been preparing a large-scale quarantine operation for the 21 people infected with the coronavirus, along with the thousands of other passengers. The crew will remain onboard and the ship will head back to sea while they complete a 14-day quarantine.
The outbreak on the ship was just one of many fronts in the battle to slow the spread of virus across the United States.The outbreak on the ship was just one of many fronts in the battle to slow the spread of virus across the United States.
Schools were shut down, major universities have canceled in-person classes, and companies across the country were asking employees to work from home.Schools were shut down, major universities have canceled in-person classes, and companies across the country were asking employees to work from home.
Known cases of coronavirus in the United States surged past 740. Known cases of coronavirus in the United States surged to almost 800.
On Tuesday, the Fulton County school system, which covers the suburbs of Atlanta, became the largest U.S. school district to close after an employee tested positive for the virus. Schools in Snohomish County, near the center of the crisis in Washington State, were also closed after an employee in the transportation department tested positive.On Tuesday, the Fulton County school system, which covers the suburbs of Atlanta, became the largest U.S. school district to close after an employee tested positive for the virus. Schools in Snohomish County, near the center of the crisis in Washington State, were also closed after an employee in the transportation department tested positive.
Harvard College became the latest major university to move to remote classes on Tuesday, in an announcement that urged students not to return to campus after spring break. Amherst College, a private liberal arts school in Massachusetts, took precautions even further, ordering all students to leave campus by next week, unless they receive special permission to stay.Harvard College became the latest major university to move to remote classes on Tuesday, in an announcement that urged students not to return to campus after spring break. Amherst College, a private liberal arts school in Massachusetts, took precautions even further, ordering all students to leave campus by next week, unless they receive special permission to stay.
The disruptions echo significant changes to American life taking place from coast to coast. In California, which is experiencing a significant outbreak, officials in Santa Clara County escalated their recommendations to limit mass gatherings and ordered a mandatory ban, starting Wednesday at midnight.The disruptions echo significant changes to American life taking place from coast to coast. In California, which is experiencing a significant outbreak, officials in Santa Clara County escalated their recommendations to limit mass gatherings and ordered a mandatory ban, starting Wednesday at midnight.
President Trump plans to brief Senate Republicans on Tuesday on his ideas for an economic stimulus package to respond to the coronavirus, including a payroll tax cut.
But the idea of a payroll tax reduction is running into bipartisan opposition on Capitol Hill, where Democrats are openly hostile to the idea and some Republicans are skeptical, including Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader.
Mr. Trump has suggested the tax cut as part of an array of measures to boost the economy, which some experts fear is headed into a recession.
But Mr. McConnell, of Kentucky, has privately discouraged discussion of the idea, according to people familiar with his thinking. Two other top Senate Republicans, John Cornyn of Texas and Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, have said they do not think a stimulus package is necessary at this point.
Mr. Trump is expected to discuss the coronavirus response with Senate Republicans at their policy luncheon on Tuesday, along with Steven Mnuchin, his treasury secretary, and Larry Kudlow, his top economic adviser.
Democrats insist that any government response be tailored narrowly to the needs of patients and workers directly affected by the virus. They want enhanced unemployment benefits for those who lose their jobs, paid sick leave for people who must miss work and affordable testing and treatment for those who get sick.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi dismissed suggestions that the House would decamp from Washington because of the coronavirus.
“We are the captains of the ship,” she said at a closed door Democratic meeting focused on addressing the growing health epidemic, according to two people present. “We are the last to leave.”
But she and her top lieutenants indicated they were unlikely to approve any additional emergency measures related to this week, before leaving town for a previously scheduled recess.
Organizers of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival are in talks to postpone next month’s event to avoid outright cancellation, according to a person briefed on the negotiations who was not authorized to speak about it.Organizers of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival are in talks to postpone next month’s event to avoid outright cancellation, according to a person briefed on the negotiations who was not authorized to speak about it.
The postponement is not certain and would require the festival’s top acts to agree to move their performances to October, from April 10-12 and April 17-19, this person said. This year’s lineup features Travis Scott, Frank Ocean and a reunion of Rage Against the Machine, along with dozens of other acts.The postponement is not certain and would require the festival’s top acts to agree to move their performances to October, from April 10-12 and April 17-19, this person said. This year’s lineup features Travis Scott, Frank Ocean and a reunion of Rage Against the Machine, along with dozens of other acts.
Even if rescheduled, the postponement of Coachella, the giant pop festival in the picturesque desert of Southern California, could disrupt the annual concert season. The event, founded in 1999, draws up to 125,000 people a day and is a bellwether for the multibillion-dollar touring business.Even if rescheduled, the postponement of Coachella, the giant pop festival in the picturesque desert of Southern California, could disrupt the annual concert season. The event, founded in 1999, draws up to 125,000 people a day and is a bellwether for the multibillion-dollar touring business.
Coachella joins a long list of cultural events that have been postponed or canceled over coronavirus fears, including the South By Southwest festival, which was set to begin on Friday. On Monday, Pearl Jam announced the postponement of its North American tour, and Neil Young said he was considering postponing his own tour.Coachella joins a long list of cultural events that have been postponed or canceled over coronavirus fears, including the South By Southwest festival, which was set to begin on Friday. On Monday, Pearl Jam announced the postponement of its North American tour, and Neil Young said he was considering postponing his own tour.
Pearl Jam wrote on its website that it had searched for other options, “but the levels of risk to our audience and their communities is simply too high for our comfort level.”Pearl Jam wrote on its website that it had searched for other options, “but the levels of risk to our audience and their communities is simply too high for our comfort level.”
On Friday, the South by Southwest festival was canceled just a week before it was set to start. Festival organizers have since said that they would be laying off one-third of their full-time staff.On Friday, the South by Southwest festival was canceled just a week before it was set to start. Festival organizers have since said that they would be laying off one-third of their full-time staff.
Executives at the major promotion companies and talent agencies — among them Live Nation, AEG, WME, Creative Artists Agency and Paradigm — have formed a task force to share information and establish practices for dealing with virus-related problems and delays.Executives at the major promotion companies and talent agencies — among them Live Nation, AEG, WME, Creative Artists Agency and Paradigm — have formed a task force to share information and establish practices for dealing with virus-related problems and delays.
The border police commander rose quickly to meet the visitors who entered his office on the Iraq-Iran border recently, among them a fellow officer and a friend. Like many millions of Iraqi men, he usually hugs male friends and family, or kisses them at least once on both cheeks when they meet — a sign of friendship, of a bond between them.The border police commander rose quickly to meet the visitors who entered his office on the Iraq-Iran border recently, among them a fellow officer and a friend. Like many millions of Iraqi men, he usually hugs male friends and family, or kisses them at least once on both cheeks when they meet — a sign of friendship, of a bond between them.
But the commander, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Juma Abid, stopped short, and held his hands twisted together behind his back, looking down awkwardly.But the commander, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Juma Abid, stopped short, and held his hands twisted together behind his back, looking down awkwardly.
“I am sorry,” he said, as if he were ashamed. “You know, corona.”“I am sorry,” he said, as if he were ashamed. “You know, corona.”
Instead of shaking the visitor’s hand, he reached out and squeezed his heavily clad arm, but kept him at arm’s length. General Abid, who runs a busy crossing with Iran — where the government has reported 8,042 cases and 291 deaths since the outbreak began — said he felt a responsibility to ensure the virus did not spread widely in Iraq.Instead of shaking the visitor’s hand, he reached out and squeezed his heavily clad arm, but kept him at arm’s length. General Abid, who runs a busy crossing with Iran — where the government has reported 8,042 cases and 291 deaths since the outbreak began — said he felt a responsibility to ensure the virus did not spread widely in Iraq.
“Frankly, our tradition is to embrace, kiss and shake hands,” he said. “But now, I say no,”“Frankly, our tradition is to embrace, kiss and shake hands,” he said. “But now, I say no,”
The lack of physical contact is not such an issue between women and men because typically the two sexes do not touch in public. Even shaking hands with the opposite gender is seen as slightly odd, or as a Western convention.The lack of physical contact is not such an issue between women and men because typically the two sexes do not touch in public. Even shaking hands with the opposite gender is seen as slightly odd, or as a Western convention.
But for men, there is a sense of having to choose between safety from the virus, which is transmitted through touch, and rudeness.But for men, there is a sense of having to choose between safety from the virus, which is transmitted through touch, and rudeness.
It almost makes a person feel a little lonely, one tribal sheikh said. Another described the awkwardness of introducing physical distancing among his tribesmen.It almost makes a person feel a little lonely, one tribal sheikh said. Another described the awkwardness of introducing physical distancing among his tribesmen.
Some buyers moved back into the markets on Tuesday, a day after the coronavirus and a battle among the world’s biggest oil producers shook the global financial scene and caused the steepest one-day decline in U.S. stock prices in more than a decade.Some buyers moved back into the markets on Tuesday, a day after the coronavirus and a battle among the world’s biggest oil producers shook the global financial scene and caused the steepest one-day decline in U.S. stock prices in more than a decade.
On Wall Street, the S&P 500 rose more than 3 percent in early trading on Tuesday, but then slipped back, little changed at midday from Monday’s closed., rebounding from its steepest decline in more than a decade. European stocks also climbed, with many indexes more than 2 percent higher, and Asian markets rose as well. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 rose more than 3 percent in early trading on Tuesday, but then slipped back, little changed at midday from Monday’s closed. European stocks were flat, while Asian markets rose.
Stocks were somewhat buoyed after President Trump on Monday night said he would work with Congress on measures to help the economy amid signs of a worsening outbreak in the United States. But the gains did not come close to making up for the global plunge on Monday.Stocks were somewhat buoyed after President Trump on Monday night said he would work with Congress on measures to help the economy amid signs of a worsening outbreak in the United States. But the gains did not come close to making up for the global plunge on Monday.
The S&P 500 fell nearly 8 percent on Monday, its sharpest daily decline since December 2008. In Asia and Europe on Monday, some of the biggest financial exchanges flirted with, or crossed into, bear market territory.The S&P 500 fell nearly 8 percent on Monday, its sharpest daily decline since December 2008. In Asia and Europe on Monday, some of the biggest financial exchanges flirted with, or crossed into, bear market territory.
Investors still showed plenty of signs of nervousness on Tuesday. Yields on U.S. government debt rose slightly but remained close to record lows.Investors still showed plenty of signs of nervousness on Tuesday. Yields on U.S. government debt rose slightly but remained close to record lows.
The price of oil, which had slumped by a quarter on Monday, rose more than 7 percent on Tuesday, with futures tracking the price of Brent crude trading at about $36.85 a barrel.The price of oil, which had slumped by a quarter on Monday, rose more than 7 percent on Tuesday, with futures tracking the price of Brent crude trading at about $36.85 a barrel.
The grand piazzas are empty. The traffic circles are quiet. And people who would normally be sipping their morning espresso in cafes from Milan to Rome are notably absent.The grand piazzas are empty. The traffic circles are quiet. And people who would normally be sipping their morning espresso in cafes from Milan to Rome are notably absent.
Late Monday, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte ordered the most severe nationwide limits on travel in Europe, adopting the playbook used by China to contain the virus.Late Monday, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte ordered the most severe nationwide limits on travel in Europe, adopting the playbook used by China to contain the virus.
Such draconian measures will undoubtedly prove complicated in a society that prizes individual freedom. But with more than 9,000 cases of infection and nearly 500 deaths, drastic action was needed, Mr. Conte said.Such draconian measures will undoubtedly prove complicated in a society that prizes individual freedom. But with more than 9,000 cases of infection and nearly 500 deaths, drastic action was needed, Mr. Conte said.
Travel was allowed for work, for health reasons and for trips to buy food and other supplies. But the police can impose penalties if the rules are broken.Travel was allowed for work, for health reasons and for trips to buy food and other supplies. But the police can impose penalties if the rules are broken.
The Italian news agency ANSA reported on lines of up to an hour to enter supermarkets in Naples on Tuesday morning, with problems exacerbated by the mandate that people stand about three feet apart.The Italian news agency ANSA reported on lines of up to an hour to enter supermarkets in Naples on Tuesday morning, with problems exacerbated by the mandate that people stand about three feet apart.
The Italian national health system geared for an upsurge in critical cases, and the national procurement agency moved to buy equipment for thousands of new intensive-care beds.The Italian national health system geared for an upsurge in critical cases, and the national procurement agency moved to buy equipment for thousands of new intensive-care beds.
Laura Castelli, deputy economy minister, told a radio program that payments on mortgages “for individuals and households” would be suspended throughout Italy. The measure is likely to be part of a fiscal package to bolster the economy that the government is expected to discuss further on Wednesday.Laura Castelli, deputy economy minister, told a radio program that payments on mortgages “for individuals and households” would be suspended throughout Italy. The measure is likely to be part of a fiscal package to bolster the economy that the government is expected to discuss further on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain has so far resisted imposing the sort of draconian restrictions on travel, school openings or mass gatherings that other European countries have introduced as the coronavirus has taken hold.Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain has so far resisted imposing the sort of draconian restrictions on travel, school openings or mass gatherings that other European countries have introduced as the coronavirus has taken hold.
Mr. Johnson and his advisers argue that putting in place “social distancing measures” while the outbreak is still in its early stages could have downsides.Mr. Johnson and his advisers argue that putting in place “social distancing measures” while the outbreak is still in its early stages could have downsides.
“There is a risk if we go too early, people will understandably get fatigued and it will be difficult to sustain this over time,” Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, said.“There is a risk if we go too early, people will understandably get fatigued and it will be difficult to sustain this over time,” Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, said.
Many experts agree that some measures shunned by Britain, like screening airport travelers for a fever, are of limited use: Hand-held thermometers are unreliable, sick travelers can take temperature-reducing drugs and checks do not catch people still in the incubation phase.Many experts agree that some measures shunned by Britain, like screening airport travelers for a fever, are of limited use: Hand-held thermometers are unreliable, sick travelers can take temperature-reducing drugs and checks do not catch people still in the incubation phase.
“I think that’s a bit of a red herring,” said Jonathan Ball, a professor of virology at the University of Nottingham, referring to such tests. “You either stop flights, or you acknowledge the fact that someone coming into the country could be infected.”“I think that’s a bit of a red herring,” said Jonathan Ball, a professor of virology at the University of Nottingham, referring to such tests. “You either stop flights, or you acknowledge the fact that someone coming into the country could be infected.”
But measures like school shutdowns and work-from-home policies do seem to be limiting the spread in parts of Asia, leading some public health experts to question why countries like Britain and the United States were not adopting them sooner.But measures like school shutdowns and work-from-home policies do seem to be limiting the spread in parts of Asia, leading some public health experts to question why countries like Britain and the United States were not adopting them sooner.
In Hong Kong, for example, which has discouraged large gatherings and has shut museums and sports facilities, the winter flu season ended early, a sign that the same measures could slow the spread of the coronavirus, too, experts have said. The more extreme lockdowns and surveillance efforts undertaken in China have also driven down the number of new cases, international health experts said.In Hong Kong, for example, which has discouraged large gatherings and has shut museums and sports facilities, the winter flu season ended early, a sign that the same measures could slow the spread of the coronavirus, too, experts have said. The more extreme lockdowns and surveillance efforts undertaken in China have also driven down the number of new cases, international health experts said.
How the tactics of an authoritarian government can be translated to other countries, like Italy, is not clear. And some experts say they suspect that the memory of the SARS outbreak in places like Hong Kong has helped make people there more receptive to adopting personal hygiene practices like hand-washing and wearing face masks.How the tactics of an authoritarian government can be translated to other countries, like Italy, is not clear. And some experts say they suspect that the memory of the SARS outbreak in places like Hong Kong has helped make people there more receptive to adopting personal hygiene practices like hand-washing and wearing face masks.
But while “social distancing” may help, travel restrictions appear less effective. Researchers have found that even strong curbs on travelers from China “only modestly affect the epidemic trajectory” unless they are combined with public health measures and behavioral changes that significantly reduce person-to-person transmission in a country.But while “social distancing” may help, travel restrictions appear less effective. Researchers have found that even strong curbs on travelers from China “only modestly affect the epidemic trajectory” unless they are combined with public health measures and behavioral changes that significantly reduce person-to-person transmission in a country.
Wealthy nations, international institutions, companies and foundations have committed little more than $1 per person on Earth to help fight the coronavirus epidemic in countries with fewer resources, according to a study released on Tuesday.Wealthy nations, international institutions, companies and foundations have committed little more than $1 per person on Earth to help fight the coronavirus epidemic in countries with fewer resources, according to a study released on Tuesday.
Those donors have pledged $8.3 billion as of Monday, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a health policy research group, and the bulk of that, $6 billion, is from the World Bank.Those donors have pledged $8.3 billion as of Monday, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a health policy research group, and the bulk of that, $6 billion, is from the World Bank.
The second-largest commitment is $1.285 billion from the United States government, but other governmental contributions lag far behind; the next-biggest are $140 million from the European Union and $55 million from Germany.The second-largest commitment is $1.285 billion from the United States government, but other governmental contributions lag far behind; the next-biggest are $140 million from the European Union and $55 million from Germany.
Far more money has been committed to counteract the economic effects of the epidemic, including $50 billion from the International Monetary Fund.Far more money has been committed to counteract the economic effects of the epidemic, including $50 billion from the International Monetary Fund.
Much of the money contributed to contain the disease, itself, is going to the World Health Organization, Red Cross groups and local agencies in low- and middle-wealth countries, primarily China, which has had the bulk of the cases. Infections have been recorded in more than 100 countries.Much of the money contributed to contain the disease, itself, is going to the World Health Organization, Red Cross groups and local agencies in low- and middle-wealth countries, primarily China, which has had the bulk of the cases. Infections have been recorded in more than 100 countries.
Even a country with a highly advanced health care system like Italy can find itself struggling to deal with the new illness, raising concerns about how less-developed countries will respond.Even a country with a highly advanced health care system like Italy can find itself struggling to deal with the new illness, raising concerns about how less-developed countries will respond.
“At this point in the world, we are as strong as the country least prepared to respond because viruses don’t respect borders. They want to travel the world,” said Jen Kates, senior vice president for global health at the Kaiser Family Foundation. “It is requiring a global response and we don’t know if it’s enough. Time will tell.”“At this point in the world, we are as strong as the country least prepared to respond because viruses don’t respect borders. They want to travel the world,” said Jen Kates, senior vice president for global health at the Kaiser Family Foundation. “It is requiring a global response and we don’t know if it’s enough. Time will tell.”
Foundations, businesses and charities accounted for 9 percent of the pledges and donations, led by Tencent, the Chinese internet giant whose messaging app WeChat has over a billion monthly users, at $214.7 million, followed by the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba at $144 million, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with $100 million.Foundations, businesses and charities accounted for 9 percent of the pledges and donations, led by Tencent, the Chinese internet giant whose messaging app WeChat has over a billion monthly users, at $214.7 million, followed by the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba at $144 million, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with $100 million.
Medical researchers say the 550,000 people currently homeless across the United States are more susceptible to contracting the disease caused by the coronavirus because of the cramped quarters in shelters, the sharing of utensils and the lack of hand-washing stations on the streets.Medical researchers say the 550,000 people currently homeless across the United States are more susceptible to contracting the disease caused by the coronavirus because of the cramped quarters in shelters, the sharing of utensils and the lack of hand-washing stations on the streets.
Chronically homeless people often have underlying medical conditions and lack reliable health care, meaning that, once infected, they are far more likely to get very sick or die. One study last year found that 30 percent of homeless people had chronic lung disease.Chronically homeless people often have underlying medical conditions and lack reliable health care, meaning that, once infected, they are far more likely to get very sick or die. One study last year found that 30 percent of homeless people had chronic lung disease.
“We should be very worried,” said Dr. Helen Chu, an infectious disease specialist in Seattle, which has high rates of homelessness. So far, none of the more than 100 confirmed cases in Washington State have been among the homeless population.“We should be very worried,” said Dr. Helen Chu, an infectious disease specialist in Seattle, which has high rates of homelessness. So far, none of the more than 100 confirmed cases in Washington State have been among the homeless population.
Several cities in California have large homeless populations that are vulnerable to an outbreak, as do Austin, Texas; Phoenix; Portland, Ore.; and Washington D.C. Officials in New York City, which has the largest homeless population in the country, issued an 11-page document instructing shelters to screen people for symptoms and to quickly identify and isolate those who had contracted the virus “as much as possible.”Several cities in California have large homeless populations that are vulnerable to an outbreak, as do Austin, Texas; Phoenix; Portland, Ore.; and Washington D.C. Officials in New York City, which has the largest homeless population in the country, issued an 11-page document instructing shelters to screen people for symptoms and to quickly identify and isolate those who had contracted the virus “as much as possible.”
Under a single tent in downtown San Diego, one shelter sleeps more than 300 people, a majority of them older than 50. Numbered bunk beds are spaced just two feet apart.Under a single tent in downtown San Diego, one shelter sleeps more than 300 people, a majority of them older than 50. Numbered bunk beds are spaced just two feet apart.
“We’re just saying our prayers,” said Bob McElroy, the head of the shelter. “If it gets in here, it would be a disaster.”“We’re just saying our prayers,” said Bob McElroy, the head of the shelter. “If it gets in here, it would be a disaster.”
Reporting and research was contributed by Alissa J. Rubin, Elisabetta Povoledo, Vanessa Swales, Iliana Magra, Raphael Minder, Constant Méheut, Joanna Berendt, Jason M. Bailey, Marc Santora, Jason Horowitz, Jorge Arangure, Jan Hoffman, Peter S. Goodman, Clifford Krauss, Claire Fu, Ben Sisario, Annie Karni, Elsie Chen, Choe Sang-Hun, Maria Abi-Habib, Amber Wang, Nicholas Kulish and Zoe Mou. Reporting and research was contributed by Alissa J. Rubin, Elisabetta Povoledo, Vanessa Swales, Iliana Magra, Raphael Minder, Constant Méheut, Joanna Berendt, Jason M. Bailey, Marc Santora, Jason Horowitz, Jorge Arangure, Jan Hoffman, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Peter S. Goodman, Clifford Krauss, Claire Fu, Ben Sisario, Annie Karni, Elsie Chen, Choe Sang-Hun, Maria Abi-Habib, Amber Wang, Nicholas Kulish and Zoe Mou.