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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.
It’s official: The coronavirus is a pandemicIt’s official: The coronavirus is a pandemic
Government bureaucracy allowed it to spread undetectedGovernment bureaucracy allowed it to spread undetected
Congress scrambles to respondCongress scrambles to respond
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverageGet the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage
The coronavirus outbreak is not just an epidemic, it’s also a global pandemic, the World Health Organization declared on Wednesday.The coronavirus outbreak is not just an epidemic, it’s also a global pandemic, the World Health Organization declared on Wednesday.
The W.H.O. resisted using that term until now, for fear that people would take it to mean the virus was unstoppable and would give up trying to contain it. But the head of the W.H.O. said in Geneva that “all countries can still change the course of this pandemic,” so it’s vital to keep fighting its spread.The W.H.O. resisted using that term until now, for fear that people would take it to mean the virus was unstoppable and would give up trying to contain it. But the head of the W.H.O. said in Geneva that “all countries can still change the course of this pandemic,” so it’s vital to keep fighting its spread.
You can see why in a chart that has quickly become a defining image of the crisis. It shows two curves for the number of cases over time: A swift, steep peak if no protective measures are taken, and a flatter, more manageable slope if people wash their hands, limit travel and practice “social distancing.”You can see why in a chart that has quickly become a defining image of the crisis. It shows two curves for the number of cases over time: A swift, steep peak if no protective measures are taken, and a flatter, more manageable slope if people wash their hands, limit travel and practice “social distancing.”
“This graph is changing minds, and by changing minds, it is saving lives,” tweeted Carl Bergstrom, a professor of biology at the University of Washington.“This graph is changing minds, and by changing minds, it is saving lives,” tweeted Carl Bergstrom, a professor of biology at the University of Washington.
Flattening the curve with mitigation “reduces the number of cases that are active at any given time, which in turn gives doctors, hospitals, police, schools and vaccine manufacturers time to prepare and respond, without becoming overwhelmed,” Drew Harris, a population health analyst at Thomas Jefferson University, told our colleague Siobhan Roberts.Flattening the curve with mitigation “reduces the number of cases that are active at any given time, which in turn gives doctors, hospitals, police, schools and vaccine manufacturers time to prepare and respond, without becoming overwhelmed,” Drew Harris, a population health analyst at Thomas Jefferson University, told our colleague Siobhan Roberts.
Dr. Harris added: “Some commentators have argued for getting the outbreak over with quickly. That is a recipe for panic, unnecessary suffering and death. Slowing and spreading out the tidal wave of cases will save lives. Flattening the curve keeps society going.”Dr. Harris added: “Some commentators have argued for getting the outbreak over with quickly. That is a recipe for panic, unnecessary suffering and death. Slowing and spreading out the tidal wave of cases will save lives. Flattening the curve keeps society going.”
The government squandered a chance for early warning of the coronavirus’s spread in the Seattle area after the first U.S. case surfaced in January, our correspondents Sheri Fink and Mike Baker report.The government squandered a chance for early warning of the coronavirus’s spread in the Seattle area after the first U.S. case surfaced in January, our correspondents Sheri Fink and Mike Baker report.
Researchers tracking the flu in the region had collected samples from thousands of people with symptoms — samples that could be screened for the coronavirus as well. But to do that, the researchers needed federal permission, and officials repeatedly turned them down.Researchers tracking the flu in the region had collected samples from thousands of people with symptoms — samples that could be screened for the coronavirus as well. But to do that, the researchers needed federal permission, and officials repeatedly turned them down.
After weeks of frustration, the researchers started testing the samples anyway in late February — and one swiftly came back positive. That case — a local teenager with no recent travel history — showed that the virus had already established itself on American soil without anybody knowing it.After weeks of frustration, the researchers started testing the samples anyway in late February — and one swiftly came back positive. That case — a local teenager with no recent travel history — showed that the virus had already established itself on American soil without anybody knowing it.
“It must have been here this entire time,” Dr. Helen Y. Chu, an infectious disease expert in Seattle, recalled thinking. “It’s just everywhere already.”“It must have been here this entire time,” Dr. Helen Y. Chu, an infectious disease expert in Seattle, recalled thinking. “It’s just everywhere already.”
Federal officials had said no because the researchers’ lab was not certified for clinical work and the test subjects had not given permission, among other reasons. On Monday night, they ordered the researchers to stop testing their samples.Federal officials had said no because the researchers’ lab was not certified for clinical work and the test subjects had not given permission, among other reasons. On Monday night, they ordered the researchers to stop testing their samples.
Hear more: Ms. Fink, who covers global public health for The Times, discusses the story, and the wider consequences of lags and lapses in testing in the U.S., on today’s episode of “The Daily” podcast.Hear more: Ms. Fink, who covers global public health for The Times, discusses the story, and the wider consequences of lags and lapses in testing in the U.S., on today’s episode of “The Daily” podcast.
“We have got to assume it is going to get worse and worse and worse.”“We have got to assume it is going to get worse and worse and worse.”
That was Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warning Congress that the coronavirus would keep spreading rapidly in the United States, which crossed the 1,000-case threshold overnight.That was Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warning Congress that the coronavirus would keep spreading rapidly in the United States, which crossed the 1,000-case threshold overnight.
President Trump said he would address the nation on the coronavirus crisis at 9 p.m. Eastern.President Trump said he would address the nation on the coronavirus crisis at 9 p.m. Eastern.
Senate and House leaders were racing on Wednesday to put together a bipartisan short-term bill that could be sent to Mr. Trump this week. It would most likely focus on paid leave, enhanced unemployment insurance, food assistance and help for small businesses affected by the outbreak.Senate and House leaders were racing on Wednesday to put together a bipartisan short-term bill that could be sent to Mr. Trump this week. It would most likely focus on paid leave, enhanced unemployment insurance, food assistance and help for small businesses affected by the outbreak.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
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.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Worried about your taxes? The Internal Revenue Service said it was thinking about extending the April 15 deadline for most people to pay their 2019 income tax. (Filing extensions are easy to get, but you usually still have to pay on time, even if you file late.)Worried about your taxes? The Internal Revenue Service said it was thinking about extending the April 15 deadline for most people to pay their 2019 income tax. (Filing extensions are easy to get, but you usually still have to pay on time, even if you file late.)
Basketball will go on, but the crowds will not. The N.C.A.A. said its annual tournaments, set to begin next week, would be played without fans in the stands. And the Golden State Warriors of the N.B.A. will host the Brooklyn Nets in an empty arena on Thursday.Basketball will go on, but the crowds will not. The N.C.A.A. said its annual tournaments, set to begin next week, would be played without fans in the stands. And the Golden State Warriors of the N.B.A. will host the Brooklyn Nets in an empty arena on Thursday.
The governor of Kentucky, a state with high levels of religious observance, urged churches and houses of worship across the state to cancel services this weekend.The governor of Kentucky, a state with high levels of religious observance, urged churches and houses of worship across the state to cancel services this weekend.
Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany warned her country that about two-thirds of the population would probably get the virus before the epidemic is over. The country has about 1,600 cases now.Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany warned her country that about two-thirds of the population would probably get the virus before the epidemic is over. The country has about 1,600 cases now.
Italy tightened its lockdown, ordering all businesses closed except pharmacies, grocery stores, banks and public transit. The country reported more than 2,300 new cases on Wednesday, for a total of more than 12,000, with 827 deaths over all.Italy tightened its lockdown, ordering all businesses closed except pharmacies, grocery stores, banks and public transit. The country reported more than 2,300 new cases on Wednesday, for a total of more than 12,000, with 827 deaths over all.
Case numbers are mounting all over Europe: France and Spain each have well over 2,000 confirmed cases; Britain, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland have at least 400; and Denmark and Belgium more than 300. Belgium and Ireland reported their first deaths on Wednesday.Case numbers are mounting all over Europe: France and Spain each have well over 2,000 confirmed cases; Britain, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland have at least 400; and Denmark and Belgium more than 300. Belgium and Ireland reported their first deaths on Wednesday.
India shut its doors, suspending all visas to travel to the country until April 15, with a few official, diplomatic and employment-related exceptions. The suspension even applies to three million people in the Indian diaspora who have lifetime visasIndia shut its doors, suspending all visas to travel to the country until April 15, with a few official, diplomatic and employment-related exceptions. The suspension even applies to three million people in the Indian diaspora who have lifetime visas
Teenagers may be particularly anxious. Explain that anxiety alerts us to potential threats and helps us move toward safety. “Feeling some anxiety,” you might say, “makes sense right now. You’re having the right reaction to the emerging news about the coronavirus.”Teenagers may be particularly anxious. Explain that anxiety alerts us to potential threats and helps us move toward safety. “Feeling some anxiety,” you might say, “makes sense right now. You’re having the right reaction to the emerging news about the coronavirus.”
Learning doesn’t have to stop when kids are home. Some tips from a school administrator: Stick to their daily routine, including wake-up times; let them pursue topics that interest them; and get outside when you can.Learning doesn’t have to stop when kids are home. Some tips from a school administrator: Stick to their daily routine, including wake-up times; let them pursue topics that interest them; and get outside when you can.
You should know the drill by now. But let’s run it again: Wet your hands. Lather them with soap. Scrub for 20 seconds. Rinse off. Dry with a clean towel. It really is the best way to keep safe, because soap is molecular Kryptonite for viruses.You should know the drill by now. But let’s run it again: Wet your hands. Lather them with soap. Scrub for 20 seconds. Rinse off. Dry with a clean towel. It really is the best way to keep safe, because soap is molecular Kryptonite for viruses.
In locked-down Italy, life has become a grim game of chance, with everyone trying to size up the odds of catching the virus — especially in Pavia, the hometown of the Renaissance mathematician who wrote the book on probability.In locked-down Italy, life has become a grim game of chance, with everyone trying to size up the odds of catching the virus — especially in Pavia, the hometown of the Renaissance mathematician who wrote the book on probability.
Industry leaders on Broadway, hoping to keep shows running while protecting public health, have advised actors to stop greeting fans at the stage door.Industry leaders on Broadway, hoping to keep shows running while protecting public health, have advised actors to stop greeting fans at the stage door.
The makeup industry revolves around touching your face, so cosmetics companies are getting creative.The makeup industry revolves around touching your face, so cosmetics companies are getting creative.
Times journalists traveling through airports have not seen outright panic, but something more subtle — a largely unspoken angst over an invisible enemy.Times journalists traveling through airports have not seen outright panic, but something more subtle — a largely unspoken angst over an invisible enemy.
A coronavirus conference was canceled because of the coronavirus, Bloomberg News reports.A coronavirus conference was canceled because of the coronavirus, Bloomberg News reports.
The eye of the storm: Here is “the new normal” inside the besieged suburban hospital in Kirkland, Wash., that has treated more patients and seen more deaths linked to the virus than any other in the U.S.The eye of the storm: Here is “the new normal” inside the besieged suburban hospital in Kirkland, Wash., that has treated more patients and seen more deaths linked to the virus than any other in the U.S.
Per the recommendations of the C.D.C., I’m being more diligent than usual about washing my hands. Another measure that I’ve taken is to carry a stylus that I use for all touch-screen transactions outside my home. When using A.T.M.s, vending machines, and tablets at retailers and coffee shops, I use a stylus instead of my finger.Per the recommendations of the C.D.C., I’m being more diligent than usual about washing my hands. Another measure that I’ve taken is to carry a stylus that I use for all touch-screen transactions outside my home. When using A.T.M.s, vending machines, and tablets at retailers and coffee shops, I use a stylus instead of my finger.
— Eric Walton, Manhattan— Eric Walton, Manhattan
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.
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Adam Pasick and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s newsletter.Adam Pasick and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s newsletter.