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Coronavirus Live Updates: Congressman Has Virus; Senate Passes Relief Package Coronavirus Live Updates: Relief Package Is Enacted; ICE to Limit Arrests; 2 Congressmen Have Virus
(32 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 affected by the pandemic, sending it to President Trump, who is expected to sign it. The House passed it last week. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced on Wednesday that it would stop making arrests, except for those that are considered “mission critical,” until after the coronavirus crisis had passed.
Fear of an outbreak inside the agency’s detention centers is growing. At some facilities, detainees are being held in their cells for up to 21 hours a day, including during mealtimes — measures, according to officials, that are necessary to prevent the spread of Covid-19. But in other centers, requests for hot water or cleaning supplies are being denied, because the items can be considered dangerous contraband.
No cases of the coronavirus have yet been reported in the detention centers and jails that house detained immigrants across the country. But 10 immigrant detainees at a contract detention center in Aurora, Colo., have been “cohorted” in an isolated dorm since Tuesday, and were being closely monitored, the agency said.
The more than 37,000 people detained by the agency could be especially vulnerable if cases appear, because of the tight living quarters, communal bathrooms and large, open cafeterias. And yet the measures intended to contain the virus have not only created greater discomfort in places where inmates describe conditions as being harsh in the best of times, but are also producing anxiety and fear.
At the Bergen County Jail in New Jersey, where ICE takes many immigrants it detains in New York City, the fear of getting sick was stoked by the sight of an ill detainee who was removed by people in Hazmat suits last weekend, one inmate told his wife. The sick man was later returned to the unit without explanation. While ICE was continuing to make arrests, the fear had been heightened by the arrival of newly detained men, another said on Wednesday.
Many ICE detainees say they feel like sitting ducks who will inevitably be infected. “The officials here have not said anything to us about what is happening outside, or any extra precautions that we should take,” said a 40-year-old man from the Congo who is detained in the Bergen County Jail.
A relief package to provide sick leave, unemployment benefits, free coronavirus testing, and food and medical aid to people affected by the pandemic, was signed into law by President Trump Wednesday evening after the Senate passed it by a wide margin. It was approved by the House last week.
The Senate vote was 90 to 8, after the majority leader, Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, urged conservatives who disliked the bill 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 disliked the 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.“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 economic stabilization package that would 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 provide loans to businesses.
“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,” Mr. McConnell said.
An outline of the new package, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times, calls for a total of $1 trillion in spending, 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.An outline of the new package, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times, calls for a total of $1 trillion in spending, 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.
It would allow the Exchange Stabilization Fund, an emergency reserve account that is usually used for currency market interventions, to be tapped to cover those costs, and also temporarily guarantee money-market mutual funds. Lawmakers were moving swiftly to assemble those and other proposals into legislation, but the details remained far from complete.It would allow the Exchange Stabilization Fund, an emergency reserve account that is usually used for currency market interventions, to be tapped to cover those costs, and also temporarily guarantee money-market mutual funds. Lawmakers were moving swiftly to assemble those and other proposals into legislation, but the details remained far from complete.
The Treasury Department proposal calls for two rounds of checks sent directly to American taxpayers on April 6 and May 18. Payments would depend on the recipient’s income and family size, the summary said. Each round would disburse $250 billion.The Treasury Department proposal calls for two rounds of checks sent directly to American taxpayers on April 6 and May 18. Payments would depend on the recipient’s income and family size, the summary said. Each round would disburse $250 billion.
Life in the United States continued to look more and more different than it did just a few days ago.Life in the United States continued to look more and more different than it did just a few 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.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 on Monday it would close its trading floor temporarily 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. The New York Stock Exchange said that on Monday it would close its trading floor temporarily and move to fully electronic trading. New York state lawmakers in Albany, the state capital, were voting one by one or in small groups in their nearly empty Gilded Age-era chambers. In Washington, some bus fares were eliminated so passengers could keep apart by boarding through either the front or back door.
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. Children logged in to 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.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. Gov. Wanda Vázquez of Puerto Rico asked the Federal Aviation Administration for permission to suspend all air travel to the island for two weeks. Around the country, naturalization ceremonies, asylum interviews and other visa processing were put off 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. Even natural disasters, like a 5.7 magnitude earthquake in Utah that interrupted the state’s coronavirus hotline, and water-main breaks that left some Georgia residents unable to wash their hands, were made harder to cope with by the pandemic.
For the first time, the legions of infected Americans includes a sitting member of Congress, Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, Republican of Florida, who was on the House floor as recently as early Saturday morning, voting with fellow members. For the first time, the legions of infected Americans include sitting members of Congress: Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, Republican of Florida, who was on the House floor as recently as early Saturday morning, and Representative Ben McAdams, Democrat of Utah.
In a statement, he said he had begun to develop symptoms later Saturday and received a positive test result on Wednesday. In a statement, Mr. Diaz-Balart said he had begun to develop symptoms later Saturday and received a positive test result on Wednesday.
He has been working from his apartment in Washington in self-quarantine, he said, and did not plan to return home to avoid exposing his family. He said his wife, Tia, had underlying conditions “that put her at exceptionally high risk.”He has been working from his apartment in Washington in self-quarantine, he said, and did not plan to return home to avoid exposing his family. He said his wife, Tia, had underlying conditions “that put her at exceptionally high risk.”
“I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better,” Mr. Diaz-Balart said. “However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow C.D.C. guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus.“I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better,” Mr. Diaz-Balart said. “However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow C.D.C. guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus.
“We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times.”“We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times.”
Several members of Congress have said they were in self-quarantine after interacting with people who tested positive for the coronavirus. They include Senator Ted Cruz of Texas; Senator Rick Scott of Florida; Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina; Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona; Representative Doug Collins of Georgia; Representative Mark Meadows of North Carolina; and Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, all Republicans. Mr. McAdams said in a statement that he developed cold-like symptons at home on Saturday night after returning from Washington, and isolated himself. He later developed a fever, dry cough and labored breathing, and learned Wednesday that his test results were positive. He said he would continue working from home until it was safe to end his self-quarantine.
Several other members of Congress have said they were in self-quarantine after interacting with people who tested positive for the coronavirus. They include Senator Ted Cruz of Texas; Senator Rick Scott of Florida; Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina; Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona; Representative Doug Collins of Georgia; Representative Mark Meadows of North Carolina; and Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, all Republicans.
American adults of all ages — not just those in their 70s, 80s and 90s — are being seriously sickened by the coronavirus, according to a report on nearly 2,500 cases in the United States.
The report, issued Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that — as in other countries — the oldest patients were at greatest risk of becoming seriously ill or dying. But of the 508 coronavirus patients known to have been hospitalized in the U.S., 38 percent were notably younger — between 20 and 54. And nearly half of the 121 sickest patients studied — those who were admitted to intensive care units — were adults under 65.
“I think everyone should be paying attention to this,” said Stephen S. Morse, a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University. “It’s not just going to be the elderly. There will be people age 20 and up.”
Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the Trump administration’s coronavirus task force, appealed on Wednesday for people of the millennial generation to stop socializing in groups and to take care to protect themselves and others.
“You have the potential then to spread it to someone who does have a condition that none of us knew about, and cause them to have a disastrous outcome,” Dr. Birx said.
In the C.D.C. report, 20 percent of the hospitalized patients and 12 percent of the intensive care patients were between the ages of 20 and 44, basically spanning the millennial generation.
President Trump moved Wednesday to send military hospital ships to areas hard-hit by the coronavirus, and invoked a law allowing the federal government to order American manufacturers to make critically needed medical equipment, like ventilators, respirators and protective gear for health care workers.President Trump moved Wednesday to send military hospital ships to areas hard-hit by the coronavirus, and invoked a law allowing the federal government to order American manufacturers to make critically needed medical equipment, like ventilators, respirators and protective gear for health care workers.
The Trump administration’s slow initial response to the global crisis left the United States facing shortages of test kits, equipment and available hospital beds. At a White House briefing, Mr. Trump said that he would invoke the law, the Defense Production Act, “just in case we need it.”The Trump administration’s slow initial response to the global crisis left the United States facing shortages of test kits, equipment and available hospital beds. At a White House briefing, Mr. Trump said that he would invoke the law, the Defense Production Act, “just in case we need it.”
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.
The president also said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had been activated at the highest level, and that he had directed the Department of Housing and Urban Development to put a temporary moratorium on evictions.The president also said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had been activated at the highest level, and that he had directed the Department of Housing and Urban Development to put a temporary moratorium on evictions.
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 because of 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 because of 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.
Health care providers around the U.S. 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. But a steady stream of celebrities, politicians and professional athletes have announced that they tested positive or negative for the coronavirus. Meaning they were tested.
The question of whether the rich, famous and well-connected get preferential treatment 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; three of them were not showing any symptoms. That seemed to run counter to the pleas of federal officials that tests be reserved for people with symptoms and those who are particularly vulnerable.
Some A-listers who were tested said that they had come into contact with people who had the disease; others said it was important to find out if they had it because they come into contact with so many people.
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 kept waiting.
“Tests should not be for the wealthy, but for the sick,” he wrote.
The N.B.A. released a statement explaining its rationale for testing 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.
Mr. Trump was asked at a White House briefing Wednesday whether he thought the well-connected should be given preferential treatment. “No, I wouldn’t say so, but perhaps that’s been the story of life,” he replied. “That does happen on occasion.”
Financial markets reeled again on Wednesday, as governments ramped up efforts to contain the virus and investors waited for lawmakers in Washington to take action on proposals to bolster the American economy.Financial markets reeled again on Wednesday, as governments ramped up efforts to contain the virus and investors waited for lawmakers in Washington to take action on proposals to bolster the American economy.
It was one more in a daily series of extreme swings in sentiment on Wall Street. Stocks had jumped on Tuesday after the White House called for pumping $1 trillion into the economy.It was one more in a daily series of extreme swings in sentiment on Wall Street. Stocks had jumped on Tuesday after the White House called for pumping $1 trillion into the economy.
News that the Senate approved a bill to provide sick leave, jobless benefits, free coronavirus testing and other aid stemmed some of Wednesday’s losses late in the day. But when all was said and done, the S&P 500 had fallen about 5 percent, stocks in Europe were sharply lower and oil prices cratered.News that the Senate approved a bill to provide sick leave, jobless benefits, free coronavirus testing and other aid stemmed some of Wednesday’s losses late in the day. But when all was said and done, the S&P 500 had fallen about 5 percent, stocks in Europe were sharply lower and oil prices cratered.
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 its worst quarterly contraction on record, 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 its worst quarterly contraction on record, 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.
Adding to the outbreak’s growing economic toll, G.M., Ford Motor and Fiat Chrysler said they were closing plants, idling tens of thousands of workers. The United Auto Workers pressed the automakers to take the step after reports on Wednesday that a worker at a Ford truck plant in Dearborn, Mich., had tested positive for the virus.Adding to the outbreak’s growing economic toll, G.M., Ford Motor and Fiat Chrysler said they were closing plants, idling tens of thousands of workers. The United Auto Workers pressed the automakers to take the step after reports on Wednesday that a worker at a Ford truck plant in Dearborn, Mich., had tested positive for the virus.
Russia and media outlets affiliated with the Kremlin have begun a “significant disinformation campaign against the West,” spreading misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak that has already had real-life consequences in Europe, according to an internal European Union document examined by The New York Times.Russia and media outlets affiliated with the Kremlin have begun a “significant disinformation campaign against the West,” spreading misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak that has already had real-life consequences in Europe, according to an internal European Union document examined by The New York Times.
The report, dated March 18, said that Russia-backed misinformation has sparked rioting in Ukraine and has driven people to buy potentially dangerous bogus remedies. It said Russia was pushing a false narrative that the virus was being brought to Europe by migrants.The report, dated March 18, said that Russia-backed misinformation has sparked rioting in Ukraine and has driven people to buy potentially dangerous bogus remedies. It said Russia was pushing a false narrative that the virus was being brought to Europe by migrants.
“The overarching aim of Kremlin disinformation is to aggravate the public health crisis in Western countries, specifically by undermining public trust in national health care systems — thus preventing an effective response to the outbreak,” the document said.“The overarching aim of Kremlin disinformation is to aggravate the public health crisis in Western countries, specifically by undermining public trust in national health care systems — thus preventing an effective response to the outbreak,” the document said.
The Kremlin denied the allegations on Wednesday. The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry S. Peskov told reporters that they were “groundless accusations,” according to Tass, the Russian state news agency.The Kremlin denied the allegations on Wednesday. The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry S. Peskov told reporters that they were “groundless accusations,” according to Tass, the Russian state news agency.
The E.U. report presents findings from strategic communications experts and researchers who have scoured the internet, social media and traditional news platforms for evidence of this type of coordinated action and for evidence that Russia is behind it.The E.U. report presents findings from strategic communications experts and researchers who have scoured the internet, social media and traditional news platforms for evidence of this type of coordinated action and for evidence that Russia is behind it.
Western intelligence officials have said for years that President Vladimir Putin of Russia uses propaganda and disinformation as a way to sow suspicion and undermine confidence in democratic institutions. Russia’s campaign has targeted American and European elections and alliances like NATO and the European Union.Western intelligence officials have said for years that President Vladimir Putin of Russia uses propaganda and disinformation as a way to sow suspicion and undermine confidence in democratic institutions. Russia’s campaign has targeted American and European elections and alliances like NATO and the European Union.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
As governments in the Middle East enact emergency measures to slow the spread of the virus, closing borders and grounding flights, many are bracing for what they fear could become a crisis in places wracked by war and instability.As governments in the Middle East enact emergency measures to slow the spread of the virus, closing borders and grounding flights, many are bracing for what they fear could become a crisis in places wracked by war and instability.
Oil-wealthy Gulf countries with Western-style health care systems are best positioned to combat the virus. But the response will be curtailed by crumbling health services and weak economies in some countries; war and densely packed refugee camps in others.Oil-wealthy Gulf countries with Western-style health care systems are best positioned to combat the virus. But the response will be curtailed by crumbling health services and weak economies in some countries; war and densely packed refugee camps in others.
Outside of Iran, which has one of the world’s worst outbreaks with more than 17,000 cases, a swath of countries stretching from Morocco to Oman have so far declared only a small percentage of the world’s cases.Outside of Iran, which has one of the world’s worst outbreaks with more than 17,000 cases, a swath of countries stretching from Morocco to Oman have so far declared only a small percentage of the world’s cases.
The greatest concentration thus far is in wealthy Qatar, where the virus has swept through camps of migrant laborers, mostly from the Indian subcontinent, and the tally reached 442 cases on Wednesday.The greatest concentration thus far is in wealthy Qatar, where the virus has swept through camps of migrant laborers, mostly from the Indian subcontinent, and the tally reached 442 cases on Wednesday.
In the most vulnerable parts of the Middle East, there are worries the virus has spread undetected. Iraq had confirmed 164 cases. War-torn Libya, Yemen and Syria have yet to declare a single case. But at least eight cases in Pakistan were linked to travel to Syria, according to Pakistani officials.In the most vulnerable parts of the Middle East, there are worries the virus has spread undetected. Iraq had confirmed 164 cases. War-torn Libya, Yemen and Syria have yet to declare a single case. But at least eight cases in Pakistan were linked to travel to Syria, according to Pakistani officials.
Egypt, the Arab world’s most populous country, has 196 cases, double the figure on Friday. Last week, infections were mostly limited to a river boat in Luxor. But in recent days cases have occurred in the Nile Delta, as well as in Cairo.Egypt, the Arab world’s most populous country, has 196 cases, double the figure on Friday. Last week, infections were mostly limited to a river boat in Luxor. But in recent days cases have occurred in the Nile Delta, as well as in Cairo.
Egypt and Algeria, which has 72 cases, will end all commercial flights on Thursday, although Egypt says that foreign tourists will be able to leave after that date on planes that arrive empty.Egypt and Algeria, which has 72 cases, will end all commercial flights on Thursday, although Egypt says that foreign tourists will be able to leave after that date on planes that arrive empty.
Elsewhere in the region, Israel, which has more than 430 cases, closed its borders to all foreign nationals on Wednesday, with some exceptions. The authorities stepped up efforts to enforce compliance with quarantine orders as lawmakers debated a mandatory lockdown.Elsewhere in the region, Israel, which has more than 430 cases, closed its borders to all foreign nationals on Wednesday, with some exceptions. The authorities stepped up efforts to enforce compliance with quarantine orders as lawmakers debated a mandatory lockdown.
The crossings to the Palestinian territories have generally been closed. The Palestinian Authority has reported 44 cases, most in the West Bank city of Bethlehem.The crossings to the Palestinian territories have generally been closed. The Palestinian Authority has reported 44 cases, most in the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
In Afghanistan, the American commander 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 Taliban, which control large parts of the country, have started requiring Afghans traveling from Iran to prove that they have been screened before being allowed to return to their homes.In Afghanistan, the American commander 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 Taliban, which control large parts of the country, have started requiring Afghans traveling from Iran to prove that they have been screened before being allowed to return to their homes.
The Afghan Health Ministry has reported 22 cases of coronavirus, but officials worry there may be many more infections because so few people have been tested.The Afghan Health Ministry has reported 22 cases of coronavirus, but officials worry there may be many more infections because so few people have been tested.
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.
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.
The State Department also said on Wednesday that it was suspending routine visa services in most countries for an indefinite time.
Health care providers around the U.S. 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. But a steady stream of celebrities, politicians and professional athletes have announced that they tested positive or negative for the coronavirus. Meaning they were tested.
The question of whether the rich, famous and well-connected get preferential treatment 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; three of them were not showing any symptoms. That seemed to run counter to the pleas of federal officials that tests be reserved for people with symptoms and those who are particularly vulnerable.
Some A-listers who were tested said that they had come into contact with people who had the disease; others said it was important to find out if they had it because they come into contact with so many people.
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 kept waiting.
“Tests should not be for the wealthy, but for the sick,” he wrote.
The N.B.A. released a statement explaining its rationale for testing 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.
Mr. Trump was asked at a White House briefing Wednesday whether he thought the well-connected should be given preferential treatment. “No, I wouldn’t say so, but perhaps that’s been the story of life,” he replied. “That does happen on occasion.”
After resisting the idea for weeks, the British government announced on Wednesday that it would close schools for all children except those of key workers. Many parents had already started keeping their children home.After resisting the idea for weeks, the British government announced on Wednesday that it would close schools for all children except those of key workers. Many parents had already started keeping their children home.
Hastily reintroduced border checkpoints within 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 pandemic.Hastily reintroduced border checkpoints within 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 pandemic.
“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.“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.
As the number of infections in Germany reached 10,000, with 27 deaths, 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.As the number of infections in Germany reached 10,000, with 27 deaths, 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.
“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,” said Ms. Merkel, who grew up in East Germany. 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, bringing the total to 104. France reported that it had had 264 coronavirus-related deaths, an increase of 89 in less than 24 hours. “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,” said Ms. Merkel, who grew up in East Germany.
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, bringing the total to 104. France reported 264 coronavirus-related deaths, an increase of 89 in less than 24 hours.
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 each speaker. Britain’s pub owners and brewers said that they feared for their survival as they tried to adapt to social distancing measures. The huge Glastonbury Festival called off its 50th anniversary event, scheduled for June. 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.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 each speaker. Britain’s pub owners and brewers said that they feared for their survival as they tried to adapt to social distancing measures. The huge Glastonbury Festival called off its 50th anniversary event, scheduled for June. 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.
But the biggest emphasis continued to be on working to save lives.But the biggest emphasis continued to be on working to save lives.
Jérôme Salomon, a top official at France’s health ministry, 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 more than 15,000 masks headed for the black market.Jérôme Salomon, a top official at France’s health ministry, 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 more than 15,000 masks headed for the black market.
China promised to send Europe 2 million surgical masks, 200,000 N95 respirator masks and 50,000 testing kits, Ursula von der Leyen, the bloc’s chief executive, said Wednesday in a statement on Twitter.China promised to send Europe 2 million surgical masks, 200,000 N95 respirator masks and 50,000 testing kits, Ursula von der Leyen, the bloc’s chief executive, said Wednesday in a statement on Twitter.
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:
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, Farnaz Fassihi, Jenny Gross, Matt Apuzzo, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Declan Walsh, Isabel Kershner, Raphael Minder and Patricia Mazzei. Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Sarah Mervosh, Caitlin Dickerson, Miriam Jordan, Steven Erlanger, Katie Rogers, Ana Swanson, Emily Cochrane, 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, Lara Jakes, Catie Edmondson, Julian E. Barnes, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Michael D. Shear, Mikayla Bouchard, Farnaz Fassihi, Jenny Gross, Matt Apuzzo, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Declan Walsh, Isabel Kershner, Raphael Minder, Patricia Mazzei, Aurelien Breeden, Amie Tsang, Alex Marshall, Anton Troianovski and Karen Zraick.