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Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Will Suspend Travel From Europe; N.B.A. Is Pausing Season After Player Gets Virus Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Will Suspend Travel From Europe; N.B.A. Is Pausing Season After Player Gets Virus
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
President Trump announced on Wednesday night that he was taking “strong but necessary” actions to keep new cases of the coronavirus from entering the United States by suspending all travel from Europe for 30 days, beginning on Friday. The restrictions do not apply to Britain, he said.President Trump announced on Wednesday night that he was taking “strong but necessary” actions to keep new cases of the coronavirus from entering the United States by suspending all travel from Europe for 30 days, beginning on Friday. The restrictions do not apply to Britain, he said.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Mr. Trump called the coronavirus a “horrible infection” and said he was addressing the nation to talk about the “unprecedented response to the coronavirus outbreak.”Speaking from the Oval Office, Mr. Trump called the coronavirus a “horrible infection” and said he was addressing the nation to talk about the “unprecedented response to the coronavirus outbreak.”
The president also said health insurance companies had agreed to extend insurance coverage to cover coronavirus treatments as well as waive related co-payments.The president also said health insurance companies had agreed to extend insurance coverage to cover coronavirus treatments as well as waive related co-payments.
Mr. Trump added that he planned to soon announce emergency action to provide financial relief for workers who fall ill or need to be quarantined. He said he would ask Congress to take legislative action to extend that relief but did not detail what that would be. He said he would instruct the Treasury Department to “defer tax payments without interest or penalties for certain individuals and businesses negatively impacted.”Mr. Trump added that he planned to soon announce emergency action to provide financial relief for workers who fall ill or need to be quarantined. He said he would ask Congress to take legislative action to extend that relief but did not detail what that would be. He said he would instruct the Treasury Department to “defer tax payments without interest or penalties for certain individuals and businesses negatively impacted.”
The president, sitting behind the Resolute Desk with his arms crossed, finally appeared to be acknowledging the severity of the virus, calling it a “horrible infection” and acknowledging that Americans should cut back on travel that was not necessary.The president, sitting behind the Resolute Desk with his arms crossed, finally appeared to be acknowledging the severity of the virus, calling it a “horrible infection” and acknowledging that Americans should cut back on travel that was not necessary.
It signaled a break from the business-as-usual attitude he had been trying to project as recently as Tuesday, when he urged Americans to “stay calm” and said the virus would soon go away. But Mr. Trump continued to anticipate a fast end date to the spread of the coronavirus, even as medical experts have warned that the pandemic will worsen. “This is not a financial crisis,” he said. “This is just a temporary moment in time that we will overcome as a nation and a world.”It signaled a break from the business-as-usual attitude he had been trying to project as recently as Tuesday, when he urged Americans to “stay calm” and said the virus would soon go away. But Mr. Trump continued to anticipate a fast end date to the spread of the coronavirus, even as medical experts have warned that the pandemic will worsen. “This is not a financial crisis,” he said. “This is just a temporary moment in time that we will overcome as a nation and a world.”
The address capped a day when concerns about the threat of the virus seemed to reach a new pitch and measures to protect vulnerable populations began to upend regular life across the country. Many schools announced they would close indefinitely, some nursing homes banned visitors, and workplaces across the country urged their employees to work from home.The address capped a day when concerns about the threat of the virus seemed to reach a new pitch and measures to protect vulnerable populations began to upend regular life across the country. Many schools announced they would close indefinitely, some nursing homes banned visitors, and workplaces across the country urged their employees to work from home.
Mr. Trump has long resisted the formality of an Oval Office address and had used the setting only once before during his presidency, when he tried to pressure Congress last year to pay for his long-sought wall along the southwestern border during the partial government shutdown.Mr. Trump has long resisted the formality of an Oval Office address and had used the setting only once before during his presidency, when he tried to pressure Congress last year to pay for his long-sought wall along the southwestern border during the partial government shutdown.
The N.B.A. will suspend its season after a Utah Jazz player was found to have tested positive for the coronavirus, the league announced on Wednesday. The league said the suspension would take effect after the completion of Wednesday’s schedule.The N.B.A. will suspend its season after a Utah Jazz player was found to have tested positive for the coronavirus, the league announced on Wednesday. The league said the suspension would take effect after the completion of Wednesday’s schedule.
In Oklahoma City, a game between the Thunder and the Jazz was seconds away from starting when the Thunder’s head medical staffer sprinted onto the court to talk to referees. Players from both teams then left for their locker rooms.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of Italy on Wednesday ordered almost all businesses nationwide to close as infections and deaths from the new coronavirus continued to soar, two days after he announced stringent travel restrictions.Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of Italy on Wednesday ordered almost all businesses nationwide to close as infections and deaths from the new coronavirus continued to soar, two days after he announced stringent travel restrictions.
Pharmacies, grocery stores, banks and public transit will be allowed to operate, but any other commercial enterprise that is not vital — restaurants, bars, most stores, cafes, beauty salons — must close to limit the contagion, Mr. Conte said in an evening address to the nation.Pharmacies, grocery stores, banks and public transit will be allowed to operate, but any other commercial enterprise that is not vital — restaurants, bars, most stores, cafes, beauty salons — must close to limit the contagion, Mr. Conte said in an evening address to the nation.
Italy had already imposed controls unlike anything seen in a modern democracy, banning public gatherings and telling a nation of 60 million people to halt travel except for work or emergencies. But in Italy and across Europe, the epidemic has spread at a speed that has left countries scrambling to come up with containment plans.Italy had already imposed controls unlike anything seen in a modern democracy, banning public gatherings and telling a nation of 60 million people to halt travel except for work or emergencies. But in Italy and across Europe, the epidemic has spread at a speed that has left countries scrambling to come up with containment plans.
Mr. Conte did not say when the new order would go into effect, but many businesses had already closed, either based on their own judgments or in expectation of a government decree.Mr. Conte did not say when the new order would go into effect, but many businesses had already closed, either based on their own judgments or in expectation of a government decree.
“If the numbers keep going up, which is not at all improbable,” Mr. Conte said, it would mean not that new measures were needed, but that Italians shock stick to those already imposed. “We must be lucid, measured, rigorous, responsible.” “If the numbers keep going up, which is not at all improbable,” Mr. Conte said, it would mean not that new measures were needed, but that Italians should stick to those already imposed. “We must be lucid, measured, rigorous, responsible.”
The benefits of Italy’s sacrifice will not be seen for weeks, he warned.The benefits of Italy’s sacrifice will not be seen for weeks, he warned.
Italy reported more than 2,300 new cases on Wednesday, driving its total to more than 12,000, with 827 deaths — the second-worst outbreak in the world, after China. Italy has more than half the cases in Europe.Italy reported more than 2,300 new cases on Wednesday, driving its total to more than 12,000, with 827 deaths — the second-worst outbreak in the world, after China. Italy has more than half the cases in Europe.
Across Europe, the number of confirmed infections jumped by almost a quarter from Tuesday to Wednesday, reaching more than 22,000.Across Europe, the number of confirmed infections jumped by almost a quarter from Tuesday to Wednesday, reaching more than 22,000.
France, with almost 2,300 infections, and Spain, with almost 2,200, each reported an increase of about 500 from Tuesday. Germany had about 1,600.France, with almost 2,300 infections, and Spain, with almost 2,200, each reported an increase of about 500 from Tuesday. Germany had about 1,600.
Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Switzerland each have more than 400 confirmed infections. Denmark and Belgium have both reported more than 300 cases.Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Switzerland each have more than 400 confirmed infections. Denmark and Belgium have both reported more than 300 cases.
Even the island nation of Iceland has not escaped, with more than 80 infections in a population of about 364,000, one of the highest number of cases per capita worldwide.Even the island nation of Iceland has not escaped, with more than 80 infections in a population of about 364,000, one of the highest number of cases per capita worldwide.
Financial markets tumbled again Wednesday as policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic appeared unwilling or unable to mount an aggressive response to the economic threat posed by the virus. The coronavirus outbreak ended one of the longest winning streaks in the financial markets’ history on Wednesday, as major stock indexes plunged and global policymakers grappled with the growing economic crisis.
The S&P 500 fell nearly 5 percent on Wednesday, erasing its gains on Tuesday. The index is now down 19 percent from its high on Feb. 19. The widely followed S&P 500 was off nearly 5 percent for the day, and the Dow Jones industrial average fell nearly 6 percent, putting it more than 20 percent below its peak in February — the threshold for a bear market.
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“If the Trump administration and Congress can’t get it together quickly and put together a sizable and responsible package, then a recession seems like a real possibility here,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Analytics. The full economic toll of the outbreak will not be clear for months. But there is mounting evidence that it will be severe.
The economic damage from the global pandemic is only beginning to emerge from disruptions in supply chains, travel and entertainment, worsened by a price war in the oil industry. Airlines are warning of empty planes and huge financial losses. A sharp drop in oil prices is threatening to put energy companies out of business and thousands of American drillers out of work. Supply-chain bottlenecks are forcing factories around the world to cut output, even as a slump in consumer confidence is raising doubts that there will be demand for their goods once production resumes.
In Europe, major indexes in Frankfurt, London and Paris fell, giving up early gains that had come after the Bank of England said it would cut interest rates to help British businesses. Shares in Asia also fell. Policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic appeared unwilling or unable to mount an aggressive response to the crisis. A rate cut by the Federal Reserve last week failed to calm financial markets. A similar move by the Bank of England on Wednesday was equally ineffectual.
Britain’s government promised nearly $39 billion in stimulus to its economy, including about $6.5 billion for the country’s frayed National Health Service and other public bodies. The government’s crisis committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss social distancing strategies for tackling the virus, which could mean more people working from home, school closures and restrictions on large-scale gatherings. Governments in Europe were struggling to manage their budgets even before the virus struck, limiting their ability to spend heavily to keep their economies afloat. The United States was on fairly firm economic footing before the virus hit, with low unemployment and strong consumer spending — but cracks were already showing. The trade war with China hurt manufacturers and farmers, leaving the economy even more dependent on consumer spending.
As recently as a week ago, few economists thought a recession was likely. Most thought that any damage from the virus would be brief, and that the economy would experience a sharp, “V-shaped” recovery. Forecasts have become significantly gloomier, however, as the virus has spread in the United States and as the effects around the world have become more pronounced.
Britain’s government promised nearly $39 billion in stimulus to its economy on Wednesday, including about $6.5 billion for the country’s frayed National Health Service and other public bodies. The government’s crisis committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss social distancing strategies for tackling the virus, which could mean more people working from home, school closures and restrictions on large-scale gatherings.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel announced about $2.8 billion in spending to counter the economic fallout. Israel has imposed a mandatory 14-day isolation of anyone entering the country, abruptly choking off tourism.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel announced about $2.8 billion in spending to counter the economic fallout. Israel has imposed a mandatory 14-day isolation of anyone entering the country, abruptly choking off tourism.
The spread of the coronavirus across more than 100 countries now qualifies as a global pandemic, World Health Organization officials said on Wednesday, confirming what many epidemiologists have been saying for weeks.The spread of the coronavirus across more than 100 countries now qualifies as a global pandemic, World Health Organization officials said on Wednesday, confirming what many epidemiologists have been saying for weeks.
Until now, the W.H.O. had avoided using the term, for fear that people would think the outbreak was unstoppable and countries would give up on trying to contain it.Until now, the W.H.O. had avoided using the term, for fear that people would think the outbreak was unstoppable and countries would give up on trying to contain it.
“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, chief of the W.H.O., said at a news conference in Geneva.“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, chief of the W.H.O., said at a news conference in Geneva.
“We cannot say this loudly enough or clearly enough or often enough,” he added. “All countries can still change the course of this pandemic.”“We cannot say this loudly enough or clearly enough or often enough,” he added. “All countries can still change the course of this pandemic.”
There is evidence on six continents of sustained transmission of the virus, which has infected more than 120,000 people and killed more than 4,300. The pandemic designation is largely symbolic, but public health officials know that the public will hear in the word elements of danger and risk.There is evidence on six continents of sustained transmission of the virus, which has infected more than 120,000 people and killed more than 4,300. The pandemic designation is largely symbolic, but public health officials know that the public will hear in the word elements of danger and risk.
According to the W.H.O., an epidemic is defined as a regional outbreak of an illness that spreads unexpectedly. In 2010, it defined a pandemic as “the worldwide spread of a new disease” that affects large numbers of people. The C.D.C. says it is “an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people.”According to the W.H.O., an epidemic is defined as a regional outbreak of an illness that spreads unexpectedly. In 2010, it defined a pandemic as “the worldwide spread of a new disease” that affects large numbers of people. The C.D.C. says it is “an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people.”
The last pandemic declared by the W.H.O. was in 2009, for a new strain of H1N1 influenza.The last pandemic declared by the W.H.O. was in 2009, for a new strain of H1N1 influenza.
In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine said a ban on large events was imminent. In San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors were set to play this week in an empty arena. And in Washington State, Gov. Jay Inslee said on Wednesday that people should no longer sit shoulder-to-shoulder in local bars — in the era of coronavirus, he said, such socializing has become “just totally unacceptable.”In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine said a ban on large events was imminent. In San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors were set to play this week in an empty arena. And in Washington State, Gov. Jay Inslee said on Wednesday that people should no longer sit shoulder-to-shoulder in local bars — in the era of coronavirus, he said, such socializing has become “just totally unacceptable.”
Governments around the country were rapidly embarking on new containment efforts on Wednesday as the number of known U.S. cases of coronavirus infection rose to more than 1,200, a day after jumping by more than one-third. People in 40 states and the District of Columbia have now tested positive for the virus, and there have been at least 31 related deaths.Governments around the country were rapidly embarking on new containment efforts on Wednesday as the number of known U.S. cases of coronavirus infection rose to more than 1,200, a day after jumping by more than one-third. People in 40 states and the District of Columbia have now tested positive for the virus, and there have been at least 31 related deaths.
Nowhere have the moves become more drastic and more urgent than in the Seattle area, where the state banned public gatherings of 250 people or more in three counties. Within hours, several local school districts with a combined enrollment of about 100,000 students said they would close for at least two weeks; a Patti Smith concert was postponed; and churches began making plans to cancel their Sunday services.Nowhere have the moves become more drastic and more urgent than in the Seattle area, where the state banned public gatherings of 250 people or more in three counties. Within hours, several local school districts with a combined enrollment of about 100,000 students said they would close for at least two weeks; a Patti Smith concert was postponed; and churches began making plans to cancel their Sunday services.
In San Francisco, where Mayor London N. Breed announced a ban on large group events of more than 1,000 people, the San Francisco Giants announced that their exhibition game against the Oakland Athletics scheduled for May 24 would not take place at Oracle Park. Ohio’s governor said he would impose a similar ban after new evidence concluded that the virus was spreading through community transmission in the state.In San Francisco, where Mayor London N. Breed announced a ban on large group events of more than 1,000 people, the San Francisco Giants announced that their exhibition game against the Oakland Athletics scheduled for May 24 would not take place at Oracle Park. Ohio’s governor said he would impose a similar ban after new evidence concluded that the virus was spreading through community transmission in the state.
“People are going to say, ‘Oh my God, really, you’re doing that?’” Governor DeWine told reporters. “You’re going to look back on it in a week and say, ‘That wasn’t a difficult decision.’”“People are going to say, ‘Oh my God, really, you’re doing that?’” Governor DeWine told reporters. “You’re going to look back on it in a week and say, ‘That wasn’t a difficult decision.’”
At the forefront of the nation’s outbreak, Washington State has accounted for 24 of the nation’s 32 coronavirus deaths. Much of that toll has come from a single nursing home that has become a dire illustration of how deadly coronavirus can be if it reaches vulnerable populations.At the forefront of the nation’s outbreak, Washington State has accounted for 24 of the nation’s 32 coronavirus deaths. Much of that toll has come from a single nursing home that has become a dire illustration of how deadly coronavirus can be if it reaches vulnerable populations.
In New York, the state and city universities and colleges, with about 700,000 students in all, will shift primarily to online classes starting on March 19, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday. Many other colleges have canceled in-person classes, and some have told students not to return after their spring breaks.In New York, the state and city universities and colleges, with about 700,000 students in all, will shift primarily to online classes starting on March 19, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday. Many other colleges have canceled in-person classes, and some have told students not to return after their spring breaks.
Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky urged churches to cancel worship services this weekend, a significant measure in a state with high levels of religious observance.Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky urged churches to cancel worship services this weekend, a significant measure in a state with high levels of religious observance.
The Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks announced on Wednesday night that he and his wife, Rita Wilson, had tested positive for the coronavirus. Mr. Hanks, 63, is one of the most famous celebrities to contract the virus that has spread throughout the globe.The Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks announced on Wednesday night that he and his wife, Rita Wilson, had tested positive for the coronavirus. Mr. Hanks, 63, is one of the most famous celebrities to contract the virus that has spread throughout the globe.
Mr. Hanks, who is in Australia to film a movie about the life of Elvis Presley, wrote that he and Ms. Wilson, also an actor, had gotten tested after feeling tired with body aches and feverish temperatures. The couple will remain isolated for as long as public health requires, Mr. Hanks wrote.Mr. Hanks, who is in Australia to film a movie about the life of Elvis Presley, wrote that he and Ms. Wilson, also an actor, had gotten tested after feeling tired with body aches and feverish temperatures. The couple will remain isolated for as long as public health requires, Mr. Hanks wrote.
“Not much more to it than a one-day-at-a-time approach, no?” Mr. Hanks wrote in the statement, which was accompanied by a lone medical glove in a hazardous waste container. “Not much more to it than a one-day-at-a-time approach, no?” Mr. Hanks wrote in the statement, which was accompanied by a photograph of a lone medical glove in a hazardous waste container.
Hanks is playing the role of Colonel Tom Parker, Presley’s eccentric manager, who groomed the famous singer to stardom in the 1950s. Production on the film, which is being directed by Baz Luhrmann, is set to begin filming on Monday.Hanks is playing the role of Colonel Tom Parker, Presley’s eccentric manager, who groomed the famous singer to stardom in the 1950s. Production on the film, which is being directed by Baz Luhrmann, is set to begin filming on Monday.
Australia has had more than 120 cases confirmed cases of coronavirus as of Wednesday.Australia has had more than 120 cases confirmed cases of coronavirus as of Wednesday.
The Times is answering some of the most common questions that readers are asking about how they can prepare for the coronavirus, how they can boost their immune systems and how they should react to the market. (Don’t, probably.)The Times is answering some of the most common questions that readers are asking about how they can prepare for the coronavirus, how they can boost their immune systems and how they should react to the market. (Don’t, probably.)
A top federal health official gave lawmakers a stark warning on Wednesday that the coronavirus would continue to spread in the United States, and said that fans should be barred from big gatherings like National Basketball Association games.A top federal health official gave lawmakers a stark warning on Wednesday that the coronavirus would continue to spread in the United States, and said that fans should be barred from big gatherings like National Basketball Association games.
“The bottom line: It is going to get worse,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the House Oversight Committee.“The bottom line: It is going to get worse,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the House Oversight Committee.
“We would recommend that there not be large crowds,” he added. “If that means not having any people in the audience as the N.B.A. plays, so be it.”“We would recommend that there not be large crowds,” he added. “If that means not having any people in the audience as the N.B.A. plays, so be it.”
Dr. Fauci sought to rebut the claim — repeated often by President Trump — that the coronavirus was no worse than the flu.Dr. Fauci sought to rebut the claim — repeated often by President Trump — that the coronavirus was no worse than the flu.
“People always say, ‘Well, the flu does this, the flu does that.’ The flu has a mortality of 0.1 percent. This has a mortality of 10 times that,” Dr. Fauci said.“People always say, ‘Well, the flu does this, the flu does that.’ The flu has a mortality of 0.1 percent. This has a mortality of 10 times that,” Dr. Fauci said.
The committee hearing quickly devolved into a partisan fight over the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, with Democrats ripping into top health officials and Republicans defending President Trump. The tone was sharp in part because two members of the committee — Representatives Mark Meadows, a North Carolina Republican who was recently named acting White House chief of staff, and Paul Gosar, Republican of Arizona — were in self-quarantine after possible contact with a person infected by the virus at a conservative political conference.The committee hearing quickly devolved into a partisan fight over the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, with Democrats ripping into top health officials and Republicans defending President Trump. The tone was sharp in part because two members of the committee — Representatives Mark Meadows, a North Carolina Republican who was recently named acting White House chief of staff, and Paul Gosar, Republican of Arizona — were in self-quarantine after possible contact with a person infected by the virus at a conservative political conference.
Leaders in the Justice Department’s office of immigration told employees on Wednesday that one of their colleagues had a “presumptive case” of coronavirus, and that they had the option to work from home, according to interdepartmental emails reviewed by The New York Times.Leaders in the Justice Department’s office of immigration told employees on Wednesday that one of their colleagues had a “presumptive case” of coronavirus, and that they had the option to work from home, according to interdepartmental emails reviewed by The New York Times.
Managers said that the employee would not be tested because her doctor did not think she was a high-risk patient, but that they presumed she had the virus because of her symptoms and her recent travel. The woman returned to Washington on Thursday after a business trip to San Francisco, and began to show symptoms after leaving work on Monday, they said, adding that she was now in two weeks of self-quarantine.Managers said that the employee would not be tested because her doctor did not think she was a high-risk patient, but that they presumed she had the virus because of her symptoms and her recent travel. The woman returned to Washington on Thursday after a business trip to San Francisco, and began to show symptoms after leaving work on Monday, they said, adding that she was now in two weeks of self-quarantine.
A Justice Department representative did not respond to a request for comment about whether the department would have all lawyers in the section or in the building to work remotely and self-quarantine.A Justice Department representative did not respond to a request for comment about whether the department would have all lawyers in the section or in the building to work remotely and self-quarantine.
The coronavirus outbreak has now had an impact even on a large climate research expedition in the frozen Arctic Ocean.The coronavirus outbreak has now had an impact even on a large climate research expedition in the frozen Arctic Ocean.
After drifting with the ice since October, a German research ship is near the North Pole. The scientists and crew who are now aboard are fine, but one member of a team scheduled to fly research missions as part of the expedition has tested positive for the virus in Germany.After drifting with the ice since October, a German research ship is near the North Pole. The scientists and crew who are now aboard are fine, but one member of a team scheduled to fly research missions as part of the expedition has tested positive for the virus in Germany.
As a result, the flights, which were set to begin from Longyearbyen in northern Norway this month, have been delayed, said Matthew Shupe, a research scientist at the University of Colorado who is a co-coordinator of the expedition, known as Mosaic.As a result, the flights, which were set to begin from Longyearbyen in northern Norway this month, have been delayed, said Matthew Shupe, a research scientist at the University of Colorado who is a co-coordinator of the expedition, known as Mosaic.
“There was one person who tested positive” from a team of about 20 people, Dr. Shupe said, and that person had been interacting with the others. “Those people are all being quarantined to see how that evolves.”“There was one person who tested positive” from a team of about 20 people, Dr. Shupe said, and that person had been interacting with the others. “Those people are all being quarantined to see how that evolves.”
The grandest annual exhibition in U.S. college sports — the N.C.A.A. men’s and women’s basketball tournaments — will be played with “only essential staff and limited family attendance,” the organization announced on Wednesday.The grandest annual exhibition in U.S. college sports — the N.C.A.A. men’s and women’s basketball tournaments — will be played with “only essential staff and limited family attendance,” the organization announced on Wednesday.
“While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how Covid-19 is progressing in the United States,” Mark Emmert, the N.C.A.A. president, said in a statement.“While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how Covid-19 is progressing in the United States,” Mark Emmert, the N.C.A.A. president, said in a statement.
The move will allow the games to go on for the benefit of television audiences, but in a dramatically different playing atmosphere that is certain to change the tenor of the tournaments.The move will allow the games to go on for the benefit of television audiences, but in a dramatically different playing atmosphere that is certain to change the tenor of the tournaments.
On Tuesday, the Ivy League canceled its basketball tournaments, and the Big West and Mid-American Conferences both closed their tournaments to the public.On Tuesday, the Ivy League canceled its basketball tournaments, and the Big West and Mid-American Conferences both closed their tournaments to the public.
This season’s N.C.A.A. men’s tournament was scheduled to take place in 14 cities, including Atlanta, Indianapolis, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Omaha and Spokane, Wash. The women’s tournament, was more complicated, because the venues for its first- and second-round games are not set until the top 16 seeds are selected.This season’s N.C.A.A. men’s tournament was scheduled to take place in 14 cities, including Atlanta, Indianapolis, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Omaha and Spokane, Wash. The women’s tournament, was more complicated, because the venues for its first- and second-round games are not set until the top 16 seeds are selected.
A supply shortage is looming that could keep laboratories around the United States from meeting the ballooning demand for coronavirus testing.A supply shortage is looming that could keep laboratories around the United States from meeting the ballooning demand for coronavirus testing.
For weeks, doctors and labs have complained that there weren’t nearly enough test kits to take samples from all the patients who showed signs of infection. That shortfall is easing after a botched rollout, but is not over.For weeks, doctors and labs have complained that there weren’t nearly enough test kits to take samples from all the patients who showed signs of infection. That shortfall is easing after a botched rollout, but is not over.
Laboratories warn that they are running low on supplies used to extract viral RNA from nasal swabs — supplies that are not included in the kits.Laboratories warn that they are running low on supplies used to extract viral RNA from nasal swabs — supplies that are not included in the kits.
Some lab directors have also had trouble getting the virus samples needed to validate their tests. And many are worried about a possible shortage of reagents, the chemicals used in the tests.Some lab directors have also had trouble getting the virus samples needed to validate their tests. And many are worried about a possible shortage of reagents, the chemicals used in the tests.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week that labs could test one swab per patient, rather than two, cutting the chemical demand in half.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week that labs could test one swab per patient, rather than two, cutting the chemical demand in half.
Qiagen, a major manufacturer of the RNA extraction kits, said in a statement this week that t it was increasing production in sites in Germany, Spain and Maryland.Qiagen, a major manufacturer of the RNA extraction kits, said in a statement this week that t it was increasing production in sites in Germany, Spain and Maryland.
The C.D.C. and the Food and Drug Administration have said they are aware of potential shortages and are monitoring supplies, but it is not clear what they might do to address the problems.The C.D.C. and the Food and Drug Administration have said they are aware of potential shortages and are monitoring supplies, but it is not clear what they might do to address the problems.
The coronavirus scourge has reached deeper into Iran’s hierarchy, the Fars News Agency reported Wednesday. First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri and at least two other Cabinet ministers are infected, the agency said; so is the chief accountant for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader.The coronavirus scourge has reached deeper into Iran’s hierarchy, the Fars News Agency reported Wednesday. First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri and at least two other Cabinet ministers are infected, the agency said; so is the chief accountant for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader.
Mr. Jahangiri is the most senior official to be sickened so far in the country with the biggest outbreak in the Middle East. Fars said he is in quarantine, and other news services said he had not attended Cabinet sessions in the last few days.Mr. Jahangiri is the most senior official to be sickened so far in the country with the biggest outbreak in the Middle East. Fars said he is in quarantine, and other news services said he had not attended Cabinet sessions in the last few days.
Mr. Khamenei’s chief accountant, Mohamad Javad Irvani, who works in the supreme leader’s office, is in quarantine as well, Fars said. He would be the first person in Mr. Khamenei’s tight circle of aides known to be infected.Mr. Khamenei’s chief accountant, Mohamad Javad Irvani, who works in the supreme leader’s office, is in quarantine as well, Fars said. He would be the first person in Mr. Khamenei’s tight circle of aides known to be infected.
Two other Cabinet members, Ali Asghar Mounes, minister of tourism and cultural craft, and Reza Rahmani, minister of industries, have also been infected, Iranian news media reported on Wednesday.Two other Cabinet members, Ali Asghar Mounes, minister of tourism and cultural craft, and Reza Rahmani, minister of industries, have also been infected, Iranian news media reported on Wednesday.
The first Cabinet minister known to have been infected was Vice President Masoumeh Ebtekar, President Hassan Rouhani’s deputy for women’s affairs and the highest-ranking woman in the government. Her case was officially acknowledged a few weeks ago, after she had been shown sitting just a few yards from Mr. Rouhani during a Cabinet meeting.The first Cabinet minister known to have been infected was Vice President Masoumeh Ebtekar, President Hassan Rouhani’s deputy for women’s affairs and the highest-ranking woman in the government. Her case was officially acknowledged a few weeks ago, after she had been shown sitting just a few yards from Mr. Rouhani during a Cabinet meeting.
The health authorities in Iran reported 63 coronavirus deaths on Wednesday, the highest single-day tally since the country acknowledged the first fatalities three weeks ago, bringing the official total to 354. The authorities also reported 958 new cases, bringing the official total of infections to 9,000.The health authorities in Iran reported 63 coronavirus deaths on Wednesday, the highest single-day tally since the country acknowledged the first fatalities three weeks ago, bringing the official total to 354. The authorities also reported 958 new cases, bringing the official total of infections to 9,000.
Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said that the coronavirus was likely to infect about two-thirds of the German population.Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said that the coronavirus was likely to infect about two-thirds of the German population.
But her top medical adviser, Dr. Lothar Weiler, who appeared with her, added that, “we don’t know how fast that will happen.” One of the country’s top virologists recently said that it could take a year or two, or even longer, for that many people to become infected.But her top medical adviser, Dr. Lothar Weiler, who appeared with her, added that, “we don’t know how fast that will happen.” One of the country’s top virologists recently said that it could take a year or two, or even longer, for that many people to become infected.
At a news conference, Ms. Merkel said: “Given a virus for which there is no immunity and no immunization, we have to understand that many people will be infected. The consensus among experts is that 60 to 70 percent of the population will be infected.”At a news conference, Ms. Merkel said: “Given a virus for which there is no immunity and no immunization, we have to understand that many people will be infected. The consensus among experts is that 60 to 70 percent of the population will be infected.”
The heart of her message was that Germans should take precautions to ensure that the health system can handle the high number of people who could fall seriously ill. She urged people to stay at home as much as possible.The heart of her message was that Germans should take precautions to ensure that the health system can handle the high number of people who could fall seriously ill. She urged people to stay at home as much as possible.
“How we respond matters,” Ms. Merkel said. “We are playing for time.”“How we respond matters,” Ms. Merkel said. “We are playing for time.”
“We are at the start of a development that we cannot yet see the end of,” she told reporters in her first public appearance to address the epidemic, which has already infected more than 1,600 people in Germany. “But we as a country will do whatever is necessary to do, working within the European bloc.”“We are at the start of a development that we cannot yet see the end of,” she told reporters in her first public appearance to address the epidemic, which has already infected more than 1,600 people in Germany. “But we as a country will do whatever is necessary to do, working within the European bloc.”
That readiness includes flexibility on spending, especially to help the small and midsize enterprises that are losing business, she said.That readiness includes flexibility on spending, especially to help the small and midsize enterprises that are losing business, she said.
“We won’t ask every day, ‘What does this mean for our deficit?’” said Ms. Merkel.“We won’t ask every day, ‘What does this mean for our deficit?’” said Ms. Merkel.
Major events, including all large cultural performances in Berlin, Munich and elsewhere, have either been canceled or will take place without spectators.Major events, including all large cultural performances in Berlin, Munich and elsewhere, have either been canceled or will take place without spectators.
In late January, the first confirmed American case of coronavirus had been reported in the Seattle area. Had the man infected anyone else? Was the virus already spreading?In late January, the first confirmed American case of coronavirus had been reported in the Seattle area. Had the man infected anyone else? Was the virus already spreading?
Dr. Helen Y. Chu, an infectious disease expert in Seattle, had a way to monitor the region. As part of a research project into the flu, she and a team of researchers had been collecting nasal swabs for months from residents experiencing symptoms.Dr. Helen Y. Chu, an infectious disease expert in Seattle, had a way to monitor the region. As part of a research project into the flu, she and a team of researchers had been collecting nasal swabs for months from residents experiencing symptoms.
Repurposing the samples for coronavirus testing required the support of state and federal officials — who, interviews and emails show, would not give it. Weeks crawled by and outbreaks emerged outside of China.Repurposing the samples for coronavirus testing required the support of state and federal officials — who, interviews and emails show, would not give it. Weeks crawled by and outbreaks emerged outside of China.
By Feb. 25, Dr. Chu and her colleagues began performing tests without government approval. What came back confirmed the worst: a teenager with no recent travel history was infected.By Feb. 25, Dr. Chu and her colleagues began performing tests without government approval. What came back confirmed the worst: a teenager with no recent travel history was infected.
In fact, officials would later discover that the virus had already contributed to the deaths of two people. It would kill 20 more in the Seattle region over the following days.In fact, officials would later discover that the virus had already contributed to the deaths of two people. It would kill 20 more in the Seattle region over the following days.
The failure to tap into the flu study was just one in a series of missed chances by the federal government to ensure more testing during the early days of the outbreak.The failure to tap into the flu study was just one in a series of missed chances by the federal government to ensure more testing during the early days of the outbreak.
Even now, after weeks of mounting frustration with federal agencies over flawed test kits and burdensome rules, states are struggling to test widely for the coronavirus. The continued delays have made it impossible for officials to get a true picture of the scale of the growing outbreak.Even now, after weeks of mounting frustration with federal agencies over flawed test kits and burdensome rules, states are struggling to test widely for the coronavirus. The continued delays have made it impossible for officials to get a true picture of the scale of the growing outbreak.
Reporting was contributed by Stephen Castle, Rick Gladstone, Farnaz Fassihi, Elisabetta Povoledo, Steven Erlanger, Henry Fountain, Alissa J. Rubin, Andrew Kramer, Joanna Berendt, Annie Karni, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Vindu Goel, Kirk Semple, Iliana Magra, Elian Peltier, Jason Horowitz, Emma Bubola, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Ivan Nechepurenko, Jorge Arangure, Elaine Yu, Amy Qin, Alan Rappeport, Emily Cochrane, Sheri Fink, Mike Baker, Monika Pronczuk, Joanna Berendt, Benjamin Novak, Benjamin Mueller, Melissa Eddy, Roni Caryn Rabin, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Andrew Keh, Isabel Kershner and Katie Thomas.Reporting was contributed by Stephen Castle, Rick Gladstone, Farnaz Fassihi, Elisabetta Povoledo, Steven Erlanger, Henry Fountain, Alissa J. Rubin, Andrew Kramer, Joanna Berendt, Annie Karni, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Vindu Goel, Kirk Semple, Iliana Magra, Elian Peltier, Jason Horowitz, Emma Bubola, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Ivan Nechepurenko, Jorge Arangure, Elaine Yu, Amy Qin, Alan Rappeport, Emily Cochrane, Sheri Fink, Mike Baker, Monika Pronczuk, Joanna Berendt, Benjamin Novak, Benjamin Mueller, Melissa Eddy, Roni Caryn Rabin, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Andrew Keh, Isabel Kershner and Katie Thomas.