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Coronavirus Live Updates: Senate Approves Relief Package to Provide Paid Sick Leave and Other Benefits Coronavirus Live Updates: Relief Package Passed by Senate; Markets Slump Again
(30 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
The Senate approved a relief package Wednesday to provide sick leave, unemployment benefits, free coronavirus testing, and food and medical aid to people impacted by the pandemic, sending it to President Trump, who is expected to sign it. The Senate approved a relief package Wednesday to provide sick leave, unemployment benefits, free coronavirus testing, and food and medical aid to people affected by the pandemic, sending it to President Trump, who is expected to sign it. The House passed it. last week.
The package passed by a vote of 90 to 8 after the majority leader, Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, urged conservatives who disapproved of it to “gag and vote for it anyway.” The Senate vote was 90 to 8, after the majority leader, Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, urged conservatives who dislikedthe bill to “gag and vote for it anyway.”
“This is a time for urgent bipartisan action, and in this case, I do not believe we should let perfection be the enemy of something that will help even a subset of workers,” Mr. McConnell said on the Senate floor Wednesday morning, adding that he would vote for the legislation. “This is a time for urgent bipartisan action, and in this case, I do not believe we should let perfection be the enemy of something that will help even a subset of workers,” Mr. McConnell said on the Senate floor Wednesday morning.
Lawmakers and the White House are already drafting another, $1 trillion economic stabilization package, to send direct payments to taxpayers and loans to businesses. Mr. McConnell instructed senators to “stay around, close.” Lawmakers and the White House are already drafting another economic stabilization package that would send direct payments to taxpayers and loans to businesses. Mr. McConnell instructed senators to “stay around, close.”
“Just how long it will take to get through these steps is unclear, but as everyone knows we are moving rapidly because the situation demands it,” he said.“Just how long it will take to get through these steps is unclear, but as everyone knows we are moving rapidly because the situation demands it,” he said.
The outline, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times, calls for a total of $1 trillion in spending for those programs, which would also include $50 billion for secured loans for the airline industry, and another $150 billion for secured loans or loan guarantees for other parts of the economy hard hit by the unfolding financial crisis. An outline of the new bill, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times, calls for a total of $1 trillion in spending for those programs, which would also include $50 billion for secured loans for the airline industry, and another $150 billion for secured loans or loan guarantees for other parts of the economy hard hit by the unfolding financial crisis.
It would allow for the use of the Exchange Stabilization Fund, an emergency reserve account that is usually used for intervening in currency markets, to cover those costs, and also temporarily allow it to guarantee money market mutual funds. Lawmakers were moving swiftly on Wednesday to try to incorporate the proposal and others from senators into legislation that could be put up for a vote in the coming days. But the details remained far from complete.It would allow for the use of the Exchange Stabilization Fund, an emergency reserve account that is usually used for intervening in currency markets, to cover those costs, and also temporarily allow it to guarantee money market mutual funds. Lawmakers were moving swiftly on Wednesday to try to incorporate the proposal and others from senators into legislation that could be put up for a vote in the coming days. But the details remained far from complete.
The Treasury Department proposal calls for the authority to send two $250 billion rounds of checks directly to American taxpayers, the first on April 6 and the second May 18. Payments would be fixed, and their size dependent on income and family size, the summary said.The Treasury Department proposal calls for the authority to send two $250 billion rounds of checks directly to American taxpayers, the first on April 6 and the second May 18. Payments would be fixed, and their size dependent on income and family size, the summary said.
The proposed program to increase loans to small businesses would allow any employer with 500 employees or fewer to receive loans equaling six weeks of their payroll up to $1,540 per employee under the condition that companies must keep paying their employees for eight weeks after receiving the loan.The proposed program to increase loans to small businesses would allow any employer with 500 employees or fewer to receive loans equaling six weeks of their payroll up to $1,540 per employee under the condition that companies must keep paying their employees for eight weeks after receiving the loan.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin broadly outlined the White House’s proposal to Republican senators on Wednesday, but the document shared with congressional offices and others added significant new detail, some of which is likely to be revised by Republican and Democratic lawmakers.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin broadly outlined the White House’s proposal to Republican senators on Wednesday, but the document shared with congressional offices and others added significant new detail, some of which is likely to be revised by Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
Life in the United States continued to look more and more different than it did just days ago.
In Northern California nearly nine million people were under orders to “shelter in place” or stay home as much as possible on Wednesday, an ambitious and restrictive effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The New York Stock Exchange said that it would close its trading floor temporarily Monday, and move to fully electronic trading. In Albany, New York state lawmakers were voting all by themselves, or in small groups, in their nearly-empty ornate, Gilded Age-era chambers. And in Washington, some bus fares were eliminated so passengers could keep apart by boarding through both the front and back doors.
Across the nation children were logging on to their first online classes, while their parents worked from home via videoconferences, and sometimes unwound after work with virtual happy hours with their friends.
The virus on Wednesday continued to touch on all aspects of American life.
Gov. Wanda Vázquez of Puerto Rico asked the Federal Aviation Administration for permission to suspend international and domestic travel to the island for two weeks to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Around the country, naturalization ceremonies, asylum interviews and other visa processing were paused on Wednesday until at least April 1. And Mr. Trump announced that the border with Canada was being closed to all but essential traffic.
Even natural disasters, like a 5.7 magnitude earthquake in Utah that interrupted the state’s coronavirus hotline, and water main breaks, which left residents unable to wash their hands in Georgia, were made worse by the ongoing pandemic.
President Trump moved Wednesday to send military hospital ships to areas hard-hit by the coronavirus and to invoke a law allowing the federal government to order American industry to produce critically-needed medical equipment, like ventilators, respirators and other protective gear for health care workers.President Trump moved Wednesday to send military hospital ships to areas hard-hit by the coronavirus and to invoke a law allowing the federal government to order American industry to produce critically-needed medical equipment, like ventilators, respirators and other protective gear for health care workers.
The actions follow the Trump administration’s slow initial response to the global crisis that left the United States facing shortages of tests, hospital beds and equipment. At a White House briefing, the president said that he would invoke the Defense Production Act, a Korean War-era law that authorizes presidents to take extraordinary action to force American industry to ramp up production of equipment needed for national security “just in case we need it.”The actions follow the Trump administration’s slow initial response to the global crisis that left the United States facing shortages of tests, hospital beds and equipment. At a White House briefing, the president said that he would invoke the Defense Production Act, a Korean War-era law that authorizes presidents to take extraordinary action to force American industry to ramp up production of equipment needed for national security “just in case we need it.”
The briefing came as stocks plunged again, triggering another automatic 15-minute halt in trading after the S & P fell about 7 percent. Ford Motor and General Motors said that they would temporarily close their plants in the United States. And the Trump administration is pushing for a broader $1 trillion stimulus bill, half of which would go toward two rounds of direct payments to Americans in April and May, according to a summary obtained by The New York Times.The briefing came as stocks plunged again, triggering another automatic 15-minute halt in trading after the S & P fell about 7 percent. Ford Motor and General Motors said that they would temporarily close their plants in the United States. And the Trump administration is pushing for a broader $1 trillion stimulus bill, half of which would go toward two rounds of direct payments to Americans in April and May, according to a summary obtained by The New York Times.
The president said he had dispatched two military hospitals ships to help with the crisis — one to New York, the other to the West Coast — but officials later said it would be weeks before the New York-bound one would arrive.The president said he had dispatched two military hospitals ships to help with the crisis — one to New York, the other to the West Coast — but officials later said it would be weeks before the New York-bound one would arrive.
A federal plan to combat the coronavirus, which was shared with The New York Times, warned that shortages of medical supplies like protective gear and pharmaceuticals could occur, “impacting health care, emergency services, and other elements of critical infrastructure.” Hospitals around the country are warning of critical shortages of supplies.A federal plan to combat the coronavirus, which was shared with The New York Times, warned that shortages of medical supplies like protective gear and pharmaceuticals could occur, “impacting health care, emergency services, and other elements of critical infrastructure.” Hospitals around the country are warning of critical shortages of supplies.
Members of Congress have been calling for the president to invoke the act for weeks, but some business leaders have argued against it, saying that factories already stand ready to help the government, and that the move could impose red tape on companies precisely when they need flexibility to respond dramatically and quickly to production challenges.Members of Congress have been calling for the president to invoke the act for weeks, but some business leaders have argued against it, saying that factories already stand ready to help the government, and that the move could impose red tape on companies precisely when they need flexibility to respond dramatically and quickly to production challenges.
The president also said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had been activated at the highest level, which activates broader staffing and emergency support, and that he had directed the Department of Housing and Urban Development to put a temporary moratorium on evictions as the outbreak upends the economy. The president also said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had been activated at the highest level, which activates broader staffing and emergency support, and that he had directed the Department of Housing and Urban Development to put a temporary moratorium on evictions as the outbreak upends the economy.
Vice President Mike Pence said that tests are increasing “by the thousands” every day and reiterated the administration’s stance that “people without symptoms should not get tested.” Other officials urged Americans to “seriously consider” delaying elective procedures and encouraged younger people to heed the government’s guidelines to avoid large groups of people.Vice President Mike Pence said that tests are increasing “by the thousands” every day and reiterated the administration’s stance that “people without symptoms should not get tested.” Other officials urged Americans to “seriously consider” delaying elective procedures and encouraged younger people to heed the government’s guidelines to avoid large groups of people.
Mr. Trump also confirmed on Wednesday that his administration will use legal authority granted to the U.S. surgeon general to immediately return migrants who cross the southwest border illegally without giving them due process. The rule is likely to be met with legal challenges.Mr. Trump also confirmed on Wednesday that his administration will use legal authority granted to the U.S. surgeon general to immediately return migrants who cross the southwest border illegally without giving them due process. The rule is likely to be met with legal challenges.
The president continued to refer to the novel coronavirus as “the Chinese virus,” and brushed aside criticisms that the term was racist, or could fuel bias attacks against Asian-Americans. “It’s not racist at all,” he insisted.The president continued to refer to the novel coronavirus as “the Chinese virus,” and brushed aside criticisms that the term was racist, or could fuel bias attacks against Asian-Americans. “It’s not racist at all,” he insisted.
Later Wednesday, a group of Democratic senators called on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to help Americans stranded in Honduras, Morocco, Peru, and Tunisia who have been unable to return home due to the coronavirus pandemic.Later Wednesday, a group of Democratic senators called on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to help Americans stranded in Honduras, Morocco, Peru, and Tunisia who have been unable to return home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a letter to Mr. Pompeo, led by Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, they said the Americans had in some cases been unable “to establish contact with, or receive even basic information from, U.S. Embassy personnel,” to arrange commercial flights home.In a letter to Mr. Pompeo, led by Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, they said the Americans had in some cases been unable “to establish contact with, or receive even basic information from, U.S. Embassy personnel,” to arrange commercial flights home.
Financial markets reeled again on Wednesday, as the coronavirus continued its relentless spread, governments ramped up efforts to contain it and investors continued to wait for lawmakers in Washington to take action on proposals to bolster the American economy.Financial markets reeled again on Wednesday, as the coronavirus continued its relentless spread, governments ramped up efforts to contain it and investors continued to wait for lawmakers in Washington to take action on proposals to bolster the American economy.
The selling on Wednesday reflected another extreme swing in sentiment on Wall Street. Stocks jumped on Tuesday as the White House called for urgent action to pump $1 trillion into the economy. Stocks did recoup some losses late in the day, as the Senate approved a bill to provide sick leave, jobless benefits, free coronavirus testing and other aid. Mr. Trump is expected to sign it.The selling on Wednesday reflected another extreme swing in sentiment on Wall Street. Stocks jumped on Tuesday as the White House called for urgent action to pump $1 trillion into the economy. Stocks did recoup some losses late in the day, as the Senate approved a bill to provide sick leave, jobless benefits, free coronavirus testing and other aid. Mr. Trump is expected to sign it.
But when all was said and done, the S&P 500 fell about 5 percent, stocks in Europe were sharply lower and oil prices cratered.But when all was said and done, the S&P 500 fell about 5 percent, stocks in Europe were sharply lower and oil prices cratered.
The renewed selling showed how fragile any gains have become as long as the virus continues to spread and the number of cases continues to grow at a staggering rate.The renewed selling showed how fragile any gains have become as long as the virus continues to spread and the number of cases continues to grow at a staggering rate.
The turmoil on Wednesday was evident in other markets as well. The British pound fell to its lowest level in 35 years against the American dollar.The turmoil on Wednesday was evident in other markets as well. The British pound fell to its lowest level in 35 years against the American dollar.
The American oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate, dropped 24 percent to just over $21 a barrel, the lowest price since 2003. The global Brent benchmark fell to just above $25 a barrel, a level just below January 2016. Oil prices are more than 60 percent below where they were at the beginning of the year.The American oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate, dropped 24 percent to just over $21 a barrel, the lowest price since 2003. The global Brent benchmark fell to just above $25 a barrel, a level just below January 2016. Oil prices are more than 60 percent below where they were at the beginning of the year.
The American economy is poised for the worst quarterly contraction ever, with a sudden slowdown in economic activity that is more akin to what happened in wartime Europe than during previous American slowdowns like the financial crisis more than a decade ago or even the Great Depression.The American economy is poised for the worst quarterly contraction ever, with a sudden slowdown in economic activity that is more akin to what happened in wartime Europe than during previous American slowdowns like the financial crisis more than a decade ago or even the Great Depression.
Health care employees who worked while sick and who had jobs in multiple locations contributed to the spread of the coronavirus in nursing homes and assisted living centers in the Seattle area, which is experiencing the deadliest outbreak of the virus in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a report released on Wednesday.Health care employees who worked while sick and who had jobs in multiple locations contributed to the spread of the coronavirus in nursing homes and assisted living centers in the Seattle area, which is experiencing the deadliest outbreak of the virus in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a report released on Wednesday.
The findings put stark figures to the panic and devastation being felt within the Life Care Center nursing home in Kirkland, Wash., which has become a symbol for the toll the virus can take on vulnerable patients trapped in the same environment. Dozens of residents, staff members and visitors have been sickened by the virus, and on Wednesday, officials announced that the number of deaths tied to the nursing home had risen to 35, accounting for more than half of the deaths so far in Washington State.The findings put stark figures to the panic and devastation being felt within the Life Care Center nursing home in Kirkland, Wash., which has become a symbol for the toll the virus can take on vulnerable patients trapped in the same environment. Dozens of residents, staff members and visitors have been sickened by the virus, and on Wednesday, officials announced that the number of deaths tied to the nursing home had risen to 35, accounting for more than half of the deaths so far in Washington State.
Of the nursing home residents there who got the virus, more than 50 percent had to be hospitalized, and about 27 percent had died as of March 9, the report found. The virus spread to a variety of employees: nurses, doctors, even physical therapists and environmental care workers. No staff members have died.Of the nursing home residents there who got the virus, more than 50 percent had to be hospitalized, and about 27 percent had died as of March 9, the report found. The virus spread to a variety of employees: nurses, doctors, even physical therapists and environmental care workers. No staff members have died.
At least eight other facilities in the Seattle area have also reported cases of the virus, the report said.At least eight other facilities in the Seattle area have also reported cases of the virus, the report said.
In addition to any inadvertent transmission by staff members who were working hard to care for many patients, including at other facilities, the effort to contain the virus was also hampered by delayed recognition of the disease, inadequate supplies of protective equipment and hand sanitizer and limited testing ability, the report found.In addition to any inadvertent transmission by staff members who were working hard to care for many patients, including at other facilities, the effort to contain the virus was also hampered by delayed recognition of the disease, inadequate supplies of protective equipment and hand sanitizer and limited testing ability, the report found.
Officials urged other nursing home facilities to learn from what happened in Washington State. Among their recommendations: Turn away health care workers who are symptomatic and restrict nursing home visitation while the virus spreads in the United States.Officials urged other nursing home facilities to learn from what happened in Washington State. Among their recommendations: Turn away health care workers who are symptomatic and restrict nursing home visitation while the virus spreads in the United States.
“Once COVID-19 has been introduced into a long-term care facility, it has the potential to result in high attack rates,” the report warned.“Once COVID-19 has been introduced into a long-term care facility, it has the potential to result in high attack rates,” the report warned.
“Substantial morbidity and mortality might be averted,” officials added, “if all long-term care facilities take steps now.”“Substantial morbidity and mortality might be averted,” officials added, “if all long-term care facilities take steps now.”
Nearly nine million people in Northern California were under orders to “shelter in place” or stay home as much as possible on Wednesday, an ambitious and restrictive effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The directives — which still allow people to leave the house for fresh air — left nearly all residents in the Bay Area holed up at home, and residents in the Sacramento nearby were urged to do the same.
The 8.6 million residents of New York City could potentially face the same restrictions later this week, Mayor Bill de Blasio has said. “I don’t take this lightly at all,” he said.
The virus on Wednesday continued to touch on all aspects of American life, from transportation to immigration.
Gov. Wanda Vázquez of Puerto Rico asked the Federal Aviation Administration for permission to suspend international and domestic travel to the island for two weeks to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Across the United States, naturalization ceremonies, asylum interviews, and other visa processing were paused on Wednesday until at least April 1. And President Trump announced that the border with Canada was being closed to all but essential traffic.
Even natural disasters, like a 5.7 magnitude earthquake in Utah that interrupted the state’s coronavirus hotline, and water main breaks, which left residents unable to wash their hands in Georgia, were made worse by the ongoing pandemic.
The American commander in Afghanistan is stopping most U.S. and allied troops from entering and leaving the country for the next month, American and European officials said. The planning reflects growing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus there in recent days.The American commander in Afghanistan is stopping most U.S. and allied troops from entering and leaving the country for the next month, American and European officials said. The planning reflects growing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus there in recent days.
The decision of the commander, Gen. Austin S. Miller, may complicate the drawdown of troops ordered by President Trump after the United States recently signed a peace agreement with the Taliban.The decision of the commander, Gen. Austin S. Miller, may complicate the drawdown of troops ordered by President Trump after the United States recently signed a peace agreement with the Taliban.
There are roughly 12,000 American troops in Afghanistan. Under the agreement signed by the Taliban and American diplomats last month, that number is set to decrease to 8,600 within the next 100 or so days. NATO and coalition forces, with roughly 8,700 troops in the country, were set to draw down a commensurate amount.There are roughly 12,000 American troops in Afghanistan. Under the agreement signed by the Taliban and American diplomats last month, that number is set to decrease to 8,600 within the next 100 or so days. NATO and coalition forces, with roughly 8,700 troops in the country, were set to draw down a commensurate amount.
Immigration services are beginning to shut down around the country, though some enforcement operations are still underway, as cities and states tighten restrictions on movement to slow the spread of the virus.Immigration services are beginning to shut down around the country, though some enforcement operations are still underway, as cities and states tighten restrictions on movement to slow the spread of the virus.
Naturalization ceremonies, asylum interviews, and other visa processing were paused on Wednesday until at least April 1. Many immigration court hearings have also been put on hold, following a chaotic period last week when some immigration judges were asking people to wait in crammed holding rooms.Naturalization ceremonies, asylum interviews, and other visa processing were paused on Wednesday until at least April 1. Many immigration court hearings have also been put on hold, following a chaotic period last week when some immigration judges were asking people to wait in crammed holding rooms.
Yet immigration enforcement operations were continuing. On Wednesday, a line of at least 60 people wrapped around an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Miramar, Fla., in a county that has seen Florida’s highest number of Covid-19 cases.Yet immigration enforcement operations were continuing. On Wednesday, a line of at least 60 people wrapped around an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Miramar, Fla., in a county that has seen Florida’s highest number of Covid-19 cases.
An ICE spokesman said that immigration arrests were continuing. The agency was “prioritizing individuals who threaten our national security and public safety,” he said.An ICE spokesman said that immigration arrests were continuing. The agency was “prioritizing individuals who threaten our national security and public safety,” he said.
The State Department also said on Wednesday that it was suspending routine visa services in most countries for an indefinite time.The State Department also said on Wednesday that it was suspending routine visa services in most countries for an indefinite time.
As the United States braces for an onslaught of coronavirus cases, hospitals and governments are confronting a grim reality: There are not nearly enough lifesaving ventilator machines to go around, and there is no way to solve the problem before the disease reaches full throttle.
Desperate hospitals say they can find nowhere to buy the medical devices, which help patients breathe and can be the difference between life and death for those facing the most dire respiratory effects of the coronavirus. As health care providers around the country complain that the shortage of tests has left them unable to accurately track the outbreak’s spread, and forced them to make triage-like decisions about whom to test, a steady stream of celebrities, politicians and professional athletes have announced that they tested positive for the coronavirus. Meaning they were tested.
American and European manufacturers say they cannot speed up production enough to meet soaring demand, at least not anytime soon. The question of whether the rich, famous and well-connected were able to get their tests faster than others burst into public view this week after the Brooklyn Nets announced Tuesday that four of their players — including Kevin Durant, one of the biggest stars in the N.B.A. — had tested positive for the coronavirus, including three who were not showing any symptoms. That seemed to run counter to the pleas of federal officials that tests be saved for those displaying symptoms, or for members of particularly vulnerable populations, including older people.
The United States has been slow to develop a national strategy for accelerating the production of ventilators. That appears to reflect in part the federal government’s sluggish reaction to the coronavirus, with President Trump and others initially playing down the threat. This week, Mr. Trump urged governors to find ways to procure new ventilators. “Try getting it yourselves,” he said. Some of the A-listers who were tested said that they had come into contact with people who had the disease, and others said that it had been important to find out because they came into contact with so many people. The recommendations from health departments of who should be tested, meanwhile, has sometimes seemed to shift in recent days.
That will be hard and in some cases impossible. Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York crictized the dynamic on Tuesday, writing on Twitter that while he wished the athletes “a speedy recovery,” he did not think the N.B.A should be getting tests for its athletes while critically ill patients were waiting to be tested.
“The reality is there is absolutely not enough,” said Andreas Wieland, the chief executive of Hamilton Medical in Switzerland, one of the world’s largest makers of ventilators. “We see that in Italy, we saw that in China, we see it in France and other countries. We could sell I don’t know how many.” “Tests should not be for the wealthy, but for the sick,” he wrote.
At least 100 deaths in the United States have now been linked to the coronavirus, according to a New York Times database that is tracking and mapping every known case in the country as more people are tested. On Tuesday evening, West Virginia became the 50th state to report an infection. After receiving criticism, the N.B.A. released a statement explaining the rationale for testing the players. “Public health authorities and team doctors have been concerned that, given N.B.A. players’ direct contact with each other and close interactions with the general public, in addition to their frequent travel, they could accelerate the spread of the virus,” it said.
The 101 deaths, all announced in the last three weeks, came as the number of known coronavirus cases in the United States soared past 5,600 on Tuesday. Hundreds more are learning they have the illness each day, including more than 800 diagnoses on both Monday and Tuesday, as the nation’s testing capacity has grown significantly and as the virus spreads. Mr. Trump was asked at a White House briefing Wednesday why asymptomatic athletes were being given tests, and whether he thought the well-connected should be given preferential treatment.
About half the country’s reported deaths have been in Washington State, including at least 30 linked to a long-term care facility in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland. Most of those who have died from the virus have been in their 60s or older, and several have been in their 90s. But other patients who died have been younger, including a corrections worker in New York City in his 50s and a man from the Seattle area in his 40s. “No, I wouldn’t say so, but perhaps that’s been the story of life,” Mr. Trump said. “That does happen on occasion.”
Belgium joined the list of European nations to impose strict restrictions on Wednesday, effective at noon, as the virus rampaged across the continent. While much of continental Europe took more stringent actions to halt the spread of the coronavirus, Britain resisted the idea of closing its schools. But after many parents took matters into their own hands, and kept their children out of school, the British government announced Wednesday that it would close schools for all children except those of key workers.
The president of the German center for disease control and prevention, Prof. Lothar H. Wieler, warned that if people did not follow public health guidance, Germany could have 10 million cases in just a few months. It came on a day on which hastily reintroduced border checkpoints with the European Union prompted chaos across the continent as nations stepped up restrictions. Belgium joined the list of European nations imposing strict limits on movement. And Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany gave an unusually personal televised address on Wednesday, appealing to every citizen to do their bit to help fight the coronavirus pandemic in a spirit of solidarity.
“The epidemic is taking an exponential course,” he told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday. “Since German reunification, no, since World War II, our country has never faced a challenge where we depended so much on our collective actions and solidarity,” she said.
There are 8,200 cases in Germany, a rise of 1,000 in the last 24 hours. As the number of infections in Germany reached 10,000 and the number of deaths 27, Ms. Merkel stressed that the success of the health care system to weather the pandemic relied on every individual to accept the restrictions of movement and social distancing to slow down the spread of the virus.
In France, the military started operations to evacuate patients from the hard-hit eastern part the country. An air force transport plane left from southern France on Wednesday to evacuate six Covid-19 patients to military hospitals in Marseille and Toulon. A military field hospital is also expected to be deployed near Mulhouse. “Let me assure you: For someone like me, for whom the freedom to travel and move was a hard-fought right, such restrictions can only be justified if they are an absolute necessity,” Ms. Merkel, who grew up in East Germany, said. “They should never be passed lightly and only ever temporarily — but they are indispensable at the moment to save lives.”
The French health minister, Olivier Véran, announced on Wednesday that the authorities would shut down open-air markets where people were not complying with distancing guidelines, even though grocery stores and other food purveyors were not affected by the lockdown. The death toll continued to rise. The Spanish health ministry said Wednesday that it had about 13,700 cases, and nearly 600 deaths. The number of deaths in Britain linked to the virus rose by 32, according to latest figures, bringing the total to 104. France reported that it had 264 coronavirus-related deaths, an increase of 89 deaths in less than 24 hours.
“Wherever it is impossible to enforce the distance of one meter between two people, we must intervene,” Mr. Véran said. And life continued to change in ways big and small. When the Spanish Parliament met on Wednesday, only about 30 lawmakers attended, and cleaners disinfected the lectern after every speaker. Britain’s pub owners and brewers said that they feared for their survival as they tried to adapt to social distancing measures. The Glastonbury Festival, the British event that has played host to everyone from Paul McCartney to Beyoncé, announced its 50th anniversary event, scheduled for June, was canceled. Soon afterward the Eurovision Song Contest — Europe’s longest-running, most popular and perhaps campiest talent competition — was canceled too, for the first time in its 64-year history.
In Belgium, people are allowed to go outside to walk, bike or exercise, but those activities must be done alone or with the people with whom they live. The new rules are similar to those instituted in France, but they are not as strict as those in Italy, where the death toll has climbed to more than 2,500. Nor are Belgians required, as they are in France and Italy, to download and complete “permission forms” to carry with them offering an explanation for why they are not in their homes. But the biggest emphasis continued to be on working to save lives.
Governments were also scrambling to put together economic relief plans. Germany has promised $600 billion to help businesses and individuals. British leaders said they would throw more than $420 billion at the crisis. The European Union promised hundreds of billions to support member states. Leaders in France, Spain, Italy and dozens of other nations have pledged to spend whatever is needed to meet the moment. Jérôme Salomon, a top official at France’s health ministry, said at a news conference on Wednesday evening that over 900 patients were in intensive care and that about half of them were younger than 60. Shortly after he spoke, people around the country clapped, banged on pots and pans and cheered at their windows and balconies to express support for France’s health workers, a nightly 8 p.m. tradition inspired by similar outpourings in Italy and Spain.
Hastily reintroduced border checkpoints have prompted chaos across Europe as nations step up entry restrictions and limit movement. Mr. Salomon also urged French people not to use masks unless they were sick. “It is really a rare commodity, a precious resource for health workers that is totally useless for any person in the street,” he said. In Paris, the police said Wednesday that they had seized over 15,000 masks meant for the black market, and over 200 bottles of fake anti-bacterial gel.
The European Union announced a decision on Tuesday to implement a 30-day restriction on nonessential travel to its territory, and at least 12 countries have re-erected border checkpoints, stemming the flow of people and goods. China, meanwhile, said that it would send Europe 2 million surgical masks, 200,000 N95 respirator masks and 50,000 testing kits to help the European Union tackle the coronavirus, Ursula von der Leyen, the bloc’s chief executive, said on Wednesday in a statement on Twitter.
Romanian and Bulgarian citizens trying to return home from Austria via Hungary were denied entry to Hungary on Tuesday, a day after Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that his country would close its borders to non-Hungarians.
Some travelers staged a protest on the highway, causing a traffic jam stretching some 13 miles. The authorities later announced that they would allow a one-time passage of Romanians and Bulgarians through Hungary through a “humanitarian corridor.”
Poland, which suspended all international air and rail travel and barred entry on Sunday to everyone except Polish citizens and legal residents, was also scrambling to manage the chaos.
Thousands of travelers on Wednesday were stuck in lines stretching dozens of miles near entry points to Poland, with many forced to wait up to 30 hours without access to food or water. According to officials, the waiting time for thousands of truckers, especially on the Poland-Belarus border, could be even longer, delaying the transport of goods into Poland.
Responding to the crisis, the Polish Ministry of the Interior said on Tuesday night that more checkpoints would be opened and that about 1,000 soldiers would be dispatched to help maintain peace at the borders.
The regulations around social distancing have forced many friends and family to change the way they communicate and spend time together. It is important to stay connected during these stressful times. Here are some ideas that may help:The regulations around social distancing have forced many friends and family to change the way they communicate and spend time together. It is important to stay connected during these stressful times. Here are some ideas that may help:
In Pakistan, around 246 people have tested positive for the coronavirus Many public health experts say they are worried that the true numbers are much higher; the country is at the center of one of the most densely populated regions in the world, South Asia, which has some 1.8 billion people and porous borders.
As the outbreak hit neighboring Iran, thousands of Pakistanis tried to return home. Some 4,600 were quarantined at Taftan, Pakistan, a town on the border. They spent 14 days in tents, with little running water and barely working toilets.
Many of those who were released from quarantine returned home and tested positive. In Sindh Province, the number of infected jumped from 35 to 150 on Sunday, after dozens of people who underwent quarantine in Taftan were confirmed as having contracted the illness.
Many in Pakistan say they are having trouble getting tested. So far, around eight people per million have been tested in the country, compared to about 1,000 per million in Italy.
In a televised address on Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan warned that hospitals were too weak to accept an influx of people seeking testing and asked only the very ill to get screened.
He urged social distancing but said that the nation’s economy was too weak to handle a complete shutdown.
The Taliban, which control large parts of Afghanistan, have started requiring Afghans traveling from Iran, where the coronavirus is running rampant, to prove that they have been screened before being allowed to return to their homes in areas controlled by the insurgent group.The Taliban, which control large parts of Afghanistan, have started requiring Afghans traveling from Iran, where the coronavirus is running rampant, to prove that they have been screened before being allowed to return to their homes in areas controlled by the insurgent group.
Proof of screening is being provided by the Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital in Kabul, a medical center in the capital that is operated by the Afghan government, which the Taliban considers illegitimate.Proof of screening is being provided by the Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital in Kabul, a medical center in the capital that is operated by the Afghan government, which the Taliban considers illegitimate.
Thousands of Afghans return daily from Iran via Herat, a city in western Afghanistan, then take buses or taxis to Kabul.Thousands of Afghans return daily from Iran via Herat, a city in western Afghanistan, then take buses or taxis to Kabul.
“Such action is necessary because you know this virus is spreading to several provinces,” a Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said in a phone interview about the screening requirement.“Such action is necessary because you know this virus is spreading to several provinces,” a Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said in a phone interview about the screening requirement.
Mr. Mujahid said Afghans who had returned from Iran “should have their medical examinations so that we are certain they don’t infect others.”Mr. Mujahid said Afghans who had returned from Iran “should have their medical examinations so that we are certain they don’t infect others.”
The Afghan Health Ministry has reported 22 cases of coronavirus. But health officials worry there may be many more infection’s because so few people have been tested.The Afghan Health Ministry has reported 22 cases of coronavirus. But health officials worry there may be many more infection’s because so few people have been tested.
Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Sarah Mervosh, Caitlin Dickerson, Miriam Jordan, Steven Erlanger, Katie Rogers, Ana Swanson, Emily Cochrane, Caitlin Dickerson, Elisabetta Povoledo, Maria Abi-Habib, Zia ur-Rehman, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Neal Boudette, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Heather Murphy, Damien Cave, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Ben Casselman, Sapna Maheshwari, David Yaffe-Bellany, Mark Landler, Stephen Castle, Ian Austen, Sarah Kliff, Adam Satariano, Jessica Silver-Greenberg, Nicholas Kulish, Nicholas Fandos, Katie Rogers, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Lara Jakes, Catie Edmondson, Julian E. Barnes, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Michael D. Shear, Mikayla Bouchard and Farnaz Fassihi.Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Sarah Mervosh, Caitlin Dickerson, Miriam Jordan, Steven Erlanger, Katie Rogers, Ana Swanson, Emily Cochrane, Caitlin Dickerson, Elisabetta Povoledo, Maria Abi-Habib, Zia ur-Rehman, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Neal Boudette, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Heather Murphy, Damien Cave, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Ben Casselman, Sapna Maheshwari, David Yaffe-Bellany, Mark Landler, Stephen Castle, Ian Austen, Sarah Kliff, Adam Satariano, Jessica Silver-Greenberg, Nicholas Kulish, Nicholas Fandos, Katie Rogers, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Lara Jakes, Catie Edmondson, Julian E. Barnes, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Michael D. Shear, Mikayla Bouchard and Farnaz Fassihi.