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Coronavirus Live Updates: Recession Fears Loom as U.S. Lawmakers Negotiate Rescue Package Coronavirus Live Updates: Recession Fears Loom as U.S. Lawmakers Negotiate Rescue Package
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
The White House signaled Saturday that American companies were increasing efforts to restock hospitals with crucial supplies during the coronavirus pandemic, but it again stopped short of more assertive steps that some state and local leaders have been demanding.The White House signaled Saturday that American companies were increasing efforts to restock hospitals with crucial supplies during the coronavirus pandemic, but it again stopped short of more assertive steps that some state and local leaders have been demanding.
At a news conference on Saturday at the White House, Vice President Mike Pence said the federal government had ordered “hundreds of millions” of N-95 masks for health care facilities across the country, but he did not say precisely when they would be delivered to workers. And President Trump said another company, Hanes, was now on the roster of major corporations coordinating with the administration.At a news conference on Saturday at the White House, Vice President Mike Pence said the federal government had ordered “hundreds of millions” of N-95 masks for health care facilities across the country, but he did not say precisely when they would be delivered to workers. And President Trump said another company, Hanes, was now on the roster of major corporations coordinating with the administration.
The White House’s moves appeared unlikely to satisfy calls for more aggressive action from Washington as the nation grappled with a coast-to-coast reorientation of American life. More than 21,000 cases have been confirmed in the United States, and many more infections are expected in the coming weeks.The White House’s moves appeared unlikely to satisfy calls for more aggressive action from Washington as the nation grappled with a coast-to-coast reorientation of American life. More than 21,000 cases have been confirmed in the United States, and many more infections are expected in the coming weeks.
Officials in a number of states, most strenuously in hard-hit New York, have issued dire predictions and warned of dwindling supplies of crucial gear, like protective equipment, and what they believe will be a vast demand for ventilators.Officials in a number of states, most strenuously in hard-hit New York, have issued dire predictions and warned of dwindling supplies of crucial gear, like protective equipment, and what they believe will be a vast demand for ventilators.
Mr. Trump has sent conflicting signals on how the federal government might solve the supply issues. On Saturday, he said that he had not used the Defense Production Act because companies were stepping up voluntarily, citing Hanes and General Motors, which will make masks.Mr. Trump has sent conflicting signals on how the federal government might solve the supply issues. On Saturday, he said that he had not used the Defense Production Act because companies were stepping up voluntarily, citing Hanes and General Motors, which will make masks.
“We want them on the open market from the standpoint of pricing,” Mr. Trump said. “We want them on the open market from the standpoint of pricing,” Mr. Trump said. Underscoring the challenge presented by market pricing, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said Saturday that masks that ordinarily sold for 80 cents each were priced at $4.
“Look, it’s price gouging, but we need them and most of these are coming from overseas,” Mr. Cuomo said.
Other companies the administration announced coordination with include Honeywell and 3M. Mr. Trump also said Pernod Ricard USA had repurposed production facilities in four states to manufacture hand sanitizer, with the first delivery expected on Tuesday.Other companies the administration announced coordination with include Honeywell and 3M. Mr. Trump also said Pernod Ricard USA had repurposed production facilities in four states to manufacture hand sanitizer, with the first delivery expected on Tuesday.
The president suggested that masks don’t always need to be thrown away, but can be sanitized, saying, “We have very good liquids for doing this.”The president suggested that masks don’t always need to be thrown away, but can be sanitized, saying, “We have very good liquids for doing this.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious diseases expert, followed up by saying only that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has guidelines for which masks can be reused and how, and that testing may soon be modified to limit the need for protective equipment by people being tested.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious diseases expert, followed up by saying only that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has guidelines for which masks can be reused and how, and that testing may soon be modified to limit the need for protective equipment by people being tested.
As a matter of necessity, hospitals and doctors have begun to try different approaches to reusing masks, including ultraviolet light, bleach, ethylene gas and moist heat. But the studies that were conducted were small, and scientific interest in the subject has been sporadic and fleeting.As a matter of necessity, hospitals and doctors have begun to try different approaches to reusing masks, including ultraviolet light, bleach, ethylene gas and moist heat. But the studies that were conducted were small, and scientific interest in the subject has been sporadic and fleeting.
Under increasing pressure to detail exactly when he learned that the spread of coronavirus would be a problem, Mr. Trump claimed that he first knew about the virus around the time he ordered border closures in late January.Under increasing pressure to detail exactly when he learned that the spread of coronavirus would be a problem, Mr. Trump claimed that he first knew about the virus around the time he ordered border closures in late January.
“I wish they could’ve told us earlier because we could’ve come up with a solution,” Mr. Trump said, referring to the Chinese government.“I wish they could’ve told us earlier because we could’ve come up with a solution,” Mr. Trump said, referring to the Chinese government.
Earlier this week, Mr. Trump claimed that he’d always known the virus would balloon into a pandemic, after weeks of downplaying the threat in interviews and at political rallies.Earlier this week, Mr. Trump claimed that he’d always known the virus would balloon into a pandemic, after weeks of downplaying the threat in interviews and at political rallies.
Even if the United States cuts its rate of transmission in half — a tall order — some 650,000 people might become infected in the next two months.Even if the United States cuts its rate of transmission in half — a tall order — some 650,000 people might become infected in the next two months.
That was the conclusion of Columbia University researchers who used a New York Times database of known cases and Census Bureau transportation data to model how the outbreak could evolve. The estimates are inherently uncertain, and they could change as the United States adopts additional measures to control the outbreak.That was the conclusion of Columbia University researchers who used a New York Times database of known cases and Census Bureau transportation data to model how the outbreak could evolve. The estimates are inherently uncertain, and they could change as the United States adopts additional measures to control the outbreak.
Having missed a Friday night goal of reaching an agreement on another economic rescue effort, negotiators gathered on Capitol Hill on Saturday to try to come to terms on a package expected to exceed $1 trillion.Having missed a Friday night goal of reaching an agreement on another economic rescue effort, negotiators gathered on Capitol Hill on Saturday to try to come to terms on a package expected to exceed $1 trillion.
“It’s a very large package,” Larry Kudlow, Mr. Trump’s top economic adviser, told reporters. He estimated that the total economic impact of the aid to Americans and distressed industries would ultimately be more than $2 trillion, although he did not offer a detailed breakdown. The Federal Reserve would play a crucial role in amplifying the effects of government aid, he said, after Wall Street shuddered its way through its worst week since the 2008 financial crisis.“It’s a very large package,” Larry Kudlow, Mr. Trump’s top economic adviser, told reporters. He estimated that the total economic impact of the aid to Americans and distressed industries would ultimately be more than $2 trillion, although he did not offer a detailed breakdown. The Federal Reserve would play a crucial role in amplifying the effects of government aid, he said, after Wall Street shuddered its way through its worst week since the 2008 financial crisis.
Huge chunks of the economy have ground to a halt. Bars and restaurants have been closed in many places as state and local governments banish large gatherings. Some of the most extreme measures are playing out in California, one of the world’s largest economies. There, as in Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey and New York, people were told to stay mostly indoors and nonessential businesses were ordered to close.Huge chunks of the economy have ground to a halt. Bars and restaurants have been closed in many places as state and local governments banish large gatherings. Some of the most extreme measures are playing out in California, one of the world’s largest economies. There, as in Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey and New York, people were told to stay mostly indoors and nonessential businesses were ordered to close.
Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, is aiming for a Senate vote on Monday, and Mr. Trump said he did not intend to travel down Pennsylvania Avenue to join the negotiations in person.Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, is aiming for a Senate vote on Monday, and Mr. Trump said he did not intend to travel down Pennsylvania Avenue to join the negotiations in person.
But Steven T. Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary and a crucial figure in the talks, said he had spoken to Mr. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, about the emerging plan, and that he also intended to talk with Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Saturday.But Steven T. Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary and a crucial figure in the talks, said he had spoken to Mr. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, about the emerging plan, and that he also intended to talk with Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Saturday.
“Everybody’s working hard,” he said.“Everybody’s working hard,” he said.
On the Senate floor, Mr. Schumer said the phone call with Mr. Mnuchin was “very good, very detailed.”On the Senate floor, Mr. Schumer said the phone call with Mr. Mnuchin was “very good, very detailed.”
“I have every expectation that this progress will continue throughout the day,” he said. “We are all eager to come to a bipartisan agreement as soon as humanly possible.”“I have every expectation that this progress will continue throughout the day,” he said. “We are all eager to come to a bipartisan agreement as soon as humanly possible.”
Mr. Trump sounded a similar note.Mr. Trump sounded a similar note.
“They are all negotiating and everybody is working hard and they want to get to a solution that is the right solution,” the president said.“They are all negotiating and everybody is working hard and they want to get to a solution that is the right solution,” the president said.
In a letter to congressional leaders on Saturday, the chief executives of major airlines, UPS and FedEx said that they would postpone mass layoffs and stock buybacks and dividends if Congress secured a large enough bailout for their industry.In a letter to congressional leaders on Saturday, the chief executives of major airlines, UPS and FedEx said that they would postpone mass layoffs and stock buybacks and dividends if Congress secured a large enough bailout for their industry.
“We are united as an industry and speaking with one voice,” wrote the group, which included the heads of Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines. “We urge you to swiftly pass a bipartisan bill with worker payroll protections to ensure that we can save the jobs of our 750,000 airline professionals.”“We are united as an industry and speaking with one voice,” wrote the group, which included the heads of Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines. “We urge you to swiftly pass a bipartisan bill with worker payroll protections to ensure that we can save the jobs of our 750,000 airline professionals.”
If Congress approves at least $29 billion in grants for the industry, the executives said they would commit to no furloughs or layoffs through August. If an equal amount in loans is passed, they would commit to limits on executive compensation and to freezing stock buybacks and dividends for the life of the loan.If Congress approves at least $29 billion in grants for the industry, the executives said they would commit to no furloughs or layoffs through August. If an equal amount in loans is passed, they would commit to limits on executive compensation and to freezing stock buybacks and dividends for the life of the loan.
In a separate letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers asked that Congress provide the industry with grants to protect jobs and bar companies that accept federal aid from breaking collective bargaining agreements. In a separate letter to senators on Saturday, Sara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants union, echoed the call for grants tied to employment, criticizing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s plan to provide the industry with loans.
“The U.S. airline sector is not in a crisis due to mismanagement or any structural problems within the industry,” the union wrote. “This crisis is due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We’re not asking for a bailout; we are asking for help.” “Federal aid designed for payroll is the only way to prevent massive layoffs,” she said. “Loans won’t cut it.”
Ms. Nelson also said that such aid should be tied to limits on buybacks, executive pay and dividends, as well as protecting union contracts.
Italy has imposed a lockdown, deployed the army and risked its economy to try to stop the spread of the coronavirus.Italy has imposed a lockdown, deployed the army and risked its economy to try to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Yet its toll is growing more staggering by the day: On Saturday, officials reported 793 additional deaths, by far the largest single-day increase so far. Italy has surpassed China as the country with the highest death toll, becoming the epicenter of a shifting global pandemic.Yet its toll is growing more staggering by the day: On Saturday, officials reported 793 additional deaths, by far the largest single-day increase so far. Italy has surpassed China as the country with the highest death toll, becoming the epicenter of a shifting global pandemic.
And the virus’s effects are being felt throughout Europe. Poland has reported fewer than 500 cases, but one of the country’s hospitals was shut down and evacuated on Saturday after 30 patients and staff members were found to have the virus. France, one of the hardest hit countries in Europe, raised its totals to 14,459 confirmed cases and 562 deaths. And the virus’s effects are being felt throughout Europe. Poland has reported fewer than 500 cases, but one of the country’s hospitals was shut down and evacuated on Saturday after 30 patients and staff members were found to have the virus. France, one of the hardest hit countries in Europe, raised its totals to 14,459 confirmed cases and 562 deaths, and said it had ordered over 250 million face masks from French and foreign suppliers..
The governor of the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg asked hospitals in his state to estimate capacity in their intensive care units, so that French patients in need of respirators from the heavily hit Alsace region can be transferred for treatment.The governor of the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg asked hospitals in his state to estimate capacity in their intensive care units, so that French patients in need of respirators from the heavily hit Alsace region can be transferred for treatment.
The German authorities banned people in Berlin from meeting in groups of more than 10 people, with the exception of lawmakers, courts and those providing essential services, and Spain’s health ministry reported a surge in the number of coronavirus deaths to 1,326 and total cases to 25,000, a rise of about 25 percent from a day earlier.The German authorities banned people in Berlin from meeting in groups of more than 10 people, with the exception of lawmakers, courts and those providing essential services, and Spain’s health ministry reported a surge in the number of coronavirus deaths to 1,326 and total cases to 25,000, a rise of about 25 percent from a day earlier.
In the Madrid region, which has had 60 percent of Spain’s cases, hospitals are overflowing and facing equipment shortages. Officials ordered that a field hospital with about 5,500 beds be set up in the Spanish capital’s main exhibition center. In the Valencia region, three field hospitals have been added, with a combined 1,000 beds. Hotels have also been converted into hospitals in Madrid and Catalonia, where 122 people have died.In the Madrid region, which has had 60 percent of Spain’s cases, hospitals are overflowing and facing equipment shortages. Officials ordered that a field hospital with about 5,500 beds be set up in the Spanish capital’s main exhibition center. In the Valencia region, three field hospitals have been added, with a combined 1,000 beds. Hotels have also been converted into hospitals in Madrid and Catalonia, where 122 people have died.
But Italy’s struggle is among the world’s most pronounced, and it is increasingly being seen as a tragic warning for other countries to heed, in part because it is still paying the price of early mixed messages by scientists and politicians. The people who have died in staggering numbers recently — more than 2,300 in the last four days — were mostly infected during the confusion of a week or two ago.But Italy’s struggle is among the world’s most pronounced, and it is increasingly being seen as a tragic warning for other countries to heed, in part because it is still paying the price of early mixed messages by scientists and politicians. The people who have died in staggering numbers recently — more than 2,300 in the last four days — were mostly infected during the confusion of a week or two ago.
Although Iran has struggled with the coronavirus more than any other country in the region, many Iranians flouted government edicts and traveled to visit family and do celebratory shopping for the annual spring festival of Nowruz.Although Iran has struggled with the coronavirus more than any other country in the region, many Iranians flouted government edicts and traveled to visit family and do celebratory shopping for the annual spring festival of Nowruz.
The transportation police logged over 1 million cars traveling across Iran on Thursday as many people took their families back to their hometowns or visited relatives in other cities, local media reported. Pictures of the interstate highway between Tehran and Qom, two epicenters of the coronavirus outbreak, showed traffic jams stretching for miles.The transportation police logged over 1 million cars traveling across Iran on Thursday as many people took their families back to their hometowns or visited relatives in other cities, local media reported. Pictures of the interstate highway between Tehran and Qom, two epicenters of the coronavirus outbreak, showed traffic jams stretching for miles.
Many people flocked to shops and the traditional bazaar for new clothes, sweets and nuts, creating crowds and long lines — and causing alarm that any efforts to contain the spread of the virus would be jeopardized.Many people flocked to shops and the traditional bazaar for new clothes, sweets and nuts, creating crowds and long lines — and causing alarm that any efforts to contain the spread of the virus would be jeopardized.
The holiday, which is the Persian New Year and marks the vernal equinox, is celebrated in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iran and parts of Afghanistan.The holiday, which is the Persian New Year and marks the vernal equinox, is celebrated in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iran and parts of Afghanistan.
But few in Kurdistan attempted to violate the nationwide curfew, which is being strictly enforced in Sulimaniyah, the city in Iraqi Kurdistan closest to the Iranian border. There, the tailor shops where traditional Kurdish clothes are usually for the holiday were all closed.But few in Kurdistan attempted to violate the nationwide curfew, which is being strictly enforced in Sulimaniyah, the city in Iraqi Kurdistan closest to the Iranian border. There, the tailor shops where traditional Kurdish clothes are usually for the holiday were all closed.
Families gave up the picnics, large family gatherings and traditional Kurdish dancing. Even the tradition of lighting bonfires on the mountains and then gathering and dancing around them to welcome the spring did not happen this year.Families gave up the picnics, large family gatherings and traditional Kurdish dancing. Even the tradition of lighting bonfires on the mountains and then gathering and dancing around them to welcome the spring did not happen this year.
Instead, the governor of Sulimaniyah Province and the city’s mayor lit a community bonfire and broadcast it on television.Instead, the governor of Sulimaniyah Province and the city’s mayor lit a community bonfire and broadcast it on television.
“We lit the fire on behalf of the people” said Havel Abubakir, the governor, adding: “And Inshallah, in the coming years, this evil will be far away and we will celebrate all together.”“We lit the fire on behalf of the people” said Havel Abubakir, the governor, adding: “And Inshallah, in the coming years, this evil will be far away and we will celebrate all together.”
Governments across Latin America are ordering large-scale closures and lockdowns to try to contain the virus, as anxiety and confirmed infections rise in a part of the world that has so far largely escaped the mass outbreaks unfolding elsewhere.Governments across Latin America are ordering large-scale closures and lockdowns to try to contain the virus, as anxiety and confirmed infections rise in a part of the world that has so far largely escaped the mass outbreaks unfolding elsewhere.
All of Colombia will be under lockdown starting Tuesday, days after Argentina began requiring residents to remain at home aside from visits to supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals and other essential locations. Chile has closed all restaurants and movie theaters. Costa Rica’s national parks will close, officials announced Friday.All of Colombia will be under lockdown starting Tuesday, days after Argentina began requiring residents to remain at home aside from visits to supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals and other essential locations. Chile has closed all restaurants and movie theaters. Costa Rica’s national parks will close, officials announced Friday.
Most countries in Central and South America have recorded relatively few cases of the virus, compared with countries in Asia, Europe and North America. Brazil, with more than 900 cases, has the most; Chile and Ecuador each have more than 400.Most countries in Central and South America have recorded relatively few cases of the virus, compared with countries in Asia, Europe and North America. Brazil, with more than 900 cases, has the most; Chile and Ecuador each have more than 400.
But the region’s leaders signaled that existing measures directed at warding off the virus — including some travel restrictions and business closures — were not enough.But the region’s leaders signaled that existing measures directed at warding off the virus — including some travel restrictions and business closures — were not enough.
“In the next few weeks, we have the opportunity, collectively, to end the speed of the coronavirus,” Iván Duque, Colombia’s president, said in a televised address on Friday, describing the 19-day lockdown as “drastic but urgent.” The country’s capital, Bogotá, had already been under similar measures for several days.“In the next few weeks, we have the opportunity, collectively, to end the speed of the coronavirus,” Iván Duque, Colombia’s president, said in a televised address on Friday, describing the 19-day lockdown as “drastic but urgent.” The country’s capital, Bogotá, had already been under similar measures for several days.
In Puerto Rico, they are taking passengers’ temperatures at the island’s largest airport. In Wisconsin, they escorted cruise ship passengers back to their houses to quarantine. Near Miami, they are swabbing people’s noses to test for the virus.In Puerto Rico, they are taking passengers’ temperatures at the island’s largest airport. In Wisconsin, they escorted cruise ship passengers back to their houses to quarantine. Near Miami, they are swabbing people’s noses to test for the virus.
Thousands of the country’s 450,000 National Guard members have been activated by governors in at least 27 states, according to Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, who said he expected that number to grow quickly.Thousands of the country’s 450,000 National Guard members have been activated by governors in at least 27 states, according to Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, who said he expected that number to grow quickly.
In New Rochelle, N.Y., a suburb of New York City that has been hit hard by the virus, they unloaded pancake mix and rice and cleaned public buildings. In West Virginia, they taught emergency workers how to properly use and decontaminate protective equipment.In New Rochelle, N.Y., a suburb of New York City that has been hit hard by the virus, they unloaded pancake mix and rice and cleaned public buildings. In West Virginia, they taught emergency workers how to properly use and decontaminate protective equipment.
Even such mundane work comes with risks. At least six members had tested positive for the virus as of Thursday.Even such mundane work comes with risks. At least six members had tested positive for the virus as of Thursday.
Governors have wide leeway to use their state or territory’s units as they see fit, and they could be ordered to assist with policing, which can sometimes feed false rumors of martial law. General Lengyel on Friday tried to dispel some false ideas circulating now.Governors have wide leeway to use their state or territory’s units as they see fit, and they could be ordered to assist with policing, which can sometimes feed false rumors of martial law. General Lengyel on Friday tried to dispel some false ideas circulating now.
“I hear unfounded rumors about #NationalGuard troops supporting a nationwide quarantine,” he wrote on Twitter. “Let me be clear: There has been no such discussion.”“I hear unfounded rumors about #NationalGuard troops supporting a nationwide quarantine,” he wrote on Twitter. “Let me be clear: There has been no such discussion.”
The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on Friday told their residents to stay indoors as much as possible, issuing far-reaching demands that all nonessential workers must remain at home.The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on Friday told their residents to stay indoors as much as possible, issuing far-reaching demands that all nonessential workers must remain at home.
Both Govs. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York and Ned Lamont of Connecticut issued similar orders on Friday, while Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey announced a statewide shutdown of all nonessential businesses, effective Saturday at 9 p.m.Both Govs. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York and Ned Lamont of Connecticut issued similar orders on Friday, while Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey announced a statewide shutdown of all nonessential businesses, effective Saturday at 9 p.m.
The sweeping edicts were announced as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases jumped again on Friday, with New York State reporting nearly 8,000 cases. Most of them are in New York City, which now accounts for about one-third all cases in the United States.The sweeping edicts were announced as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases jumped again on Friday, with New York State reporting nearly 8,000 cases. Most of them are in New York City, which now accounts for about one-third all cases in the United States.
Late Friday, officials reported 5,683 confirmed coronavirus cases in New York City and 43 deaths. Earlier in the day, officials had put the number of cases at 5,151 and the number of deaths at 29.Late Friday, officials reported 5,683 confirmed coronavirus cases in New York City and 43 deaths. Earlier in the day, officials had put the number of cases at 5,151 and the number of deaths at 29.
That startlingly quick ascent is thrusting the city’s medical system toward a crisis point, officials said. Doctors at Lincoln Hospital and Health Center in the Bronx said they have only a few remaining ventilators for patients. In Brooklyn, doctors at Kings County Hospital Center said they are reusing masks for up to a week, cleaning them as best they can with hand sanitizer between shifts.That startlingly quick ascent is thrusting the city’s medical system toward a crisis point, officials said. Doctors at Lincoln Hospital and Health Center in the Bronx said they have only a few remaining ventilators for patients. In Brooklyn, doctors at Kings County Hospital Center said they are reusing masks for up to a week, cleaning them as best they can with hand sanitizer between shifts.
On Saturday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said that the state was sending one million N95 masks to New York City and 500,000 to Long Island. The N95 mask filters out very small particles, protecting wearers from the virus.On Saturday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said that the state was sending one million N95 masks to New York City and 500,000 to Long Island. The N95 mask filters out very small particles, protecting wearers from the virus.
Mr. Cuomo said that the state had also identified about 6,000 ventilators for purchase, of the about 30,000 needed. They will be coming in over the next couple weeks, he said. In response to a question, he added, “They were located in places all across the globe.”Mr. Cuomo said that the state had also identified about 6,000 ventilators for purchase, of the about 30,000 needed. They will be coming in over the next couple weeks, he said. In response to a question, he added, “They were located in places all across the globe.”
President Trump again promoted the use of malaria drugs to treat Covid-19, saying, as he has before, “I feel, as the expression goes, what do we have to lose?”President Trump again promoted the use of malaria drugs to treat Covid-19, saying, as he has before, “I feel, as the expression goes, what do we have to lose?”
He then briefly referred to his differences with Dr. Fauci on the matter, which were expressed during a Friday news conference. Earlier on Saturday, Mr. Trump cited a report in a scientific journal supporting another unapproved treatment for Covid-19 using the malaria drug in combination with a common antibacterial agent. The study involved a small number of patients and did not follow the rigorous rules that prove the value of a drug or combination of drugs.He then briefly referred to his differences with Dr. Fauci on the matter, which were expressed during a Friday news conference. Earlier on Saturday, Mr. Trump cited a report in a scientific journal supporting another unapproved treatment for Covid-19 using the malaria drug in combination with a common antibacterial agent. The study involved a small number of patients and did not follow the rigorous rules that prove the value of a drug or combination of drugs.
As the authors of the study themselves note, it involved 20 patients who the scientists say showed a reduction in the amount of virus in their bodies. Several patients were excluded from the number because they were “lost to follow up.” Of those, three were sent to a hospital intensive care unit.As the authors of the study themselves note, it involved 20 patients who the scientists say showed a reduction in the amount of virus in their bodies. Several patients were excluded from the number because they were “lost to follow up.” Of those, three were sent to a hospital intensive care unit.
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University, added the research report the president promoted not only was not a controlled study, which scientists prefer because there are so many uncertainties in what happens with small groups. He also said that the report “was not a therapeutic effectiveness study.” It showed a reduction of the amount of virus shed by the patients, which is not the same as changing the course of the disease. He said the report was an encouragement to do more rigorous study, which is occurring.Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University, added the research report the president promoted not only was not a controlled study, which scientists prefer because there are so many uncertainties in what happens with small groups. He also said that the report “was not a therapeutic effectiveness study.” It showed a reduction of the amount of virus shed by the patients, which is not the same as changing the course of the disease. He said the report was an encouragement to do more rigorous study, which is occurring.
“The president seems to be walking on the sunny side of the street,” Dr. Schaffner said, “but the rest of us have to recognize that there’s a shady side as well.”“The president seems to be walking on the sunny side of the street,” Dr. Schaffner said, “but the rest of us have to recognize that there’s a shady side as well.”
Chloroquine has been heavily promoted online as a treatment as if it were already proven. Bloomberg News reported two chloroquine poisonings in Nigeria after praise of the drug by the president.Chloroquine has been heavily promoted online as a treatment as if it were already proven. Bloomberg News reported two chloroquine poisonings in Nigeria after praise of the drug by the president.
Dr. Fauci later seemed to provide a defense of the president, suggesting that while it was Mr. Trump’s job to provide hope to the American people, a scientist’s role, “is to ultimately prove without a doubt that a drug is not only safe, but it actually works. Those two things are not incompatible when you think about them.”Dr. Fauci later seemed to provide a defense of the president, suggesting that while it was Mr. Trump’s job to provide hope to the American people, a scientist’s role, “is to ultimately prove without a doubt that a drug is not only safe, but it actually works. Those two things are not incompatible when you think about them.”
For more than a week, the 315 passengers aboard the Silver Shadow cruise liner were stuck in their cabins in Recife, Brazil, after a Canadian passenger fell ill and ultimately tested positive for the coronavirus.For more than a week, the 315 passengers aboard the Silver Shadow cruise liner were stuck in their cabins in Recife, Brazil, after a Canadian passenger fell ill and ultimately tested positive for the coronavirus.
The passengers received meals in their rooms and had their temperatures checked daily. No one else has gotten sick.The passengers received meals in their rooms and had their temperatures checked daily. No one else has gotten sick.
Over the past few days, most of the 18 countries with citizens aboard the Silver Shadow have chartered aircraft and flown their residents home from Brazil. Canadian travelers left the ship on Saturday, but 103 Americans remain stranded and afloat.Over the past few days, most of the 18 countries with citizens aboard the Silver Shadow have chartered aircraft and flown their residents home from Brazil. Canadian travelers left the ship on Saturday, but 103 Americans remain stranded and afloat.
Ship personnel told the Americans they would be taken off the ship early Saturday and flown on a charter flight to Dallas, according to one American passenger. But that plan was canceled early Saturday without explanation.Ship personnel told the Americans they would be taken off the ship early Saturday and flown on a charter flight to Dallas, according to one American passenger. But that plan was canceled early Saturday without explanation.
“Luxembourg, Romania, Uruguay and even Italy have flown their citizens home, but not the United States,” the American passenger said in a phone call from the ship, adding that Mr. Trump’s “America First” mantra has become “America Last.” The passenger asked not to be identified out of fear of retribution from ship personnel.“Luxembourg, Romania, Uruguay and even Italy have flown their citizens home, but not the United States,” the American passenger said in a phone call from the ship, adding that Mr. Trump’s “America First” mantra has become “America Last.” The passenger asked not to be identified out of fear of retribution from ship personnel.
The State Department did not respond to a request for comment on Saturday.The State Department did not respond to a request for comment on Saturday.
Delhi International Airport fell into chaos on Saturday, as Indians rushed back from abroad before the start of a flight ban, and officials kept thousands of people waiting for coronavirus screenings.Delhi International Airport fell into chaos on Saturday, as Indians rushed back from abroad before the start of a flight ban, and officials kept thousands of people waiting for coronavirus screenings.
Images shared on social media showed tightly packed crowds with travelers bearing luggage and backpacks waiting to get the all clear.Images shared on social media showed tightly packed crowds with travelers bearing luggage and backpacks waiting to get the all clear.
India, the world’s second-most-populous nation, with 1.3 billion people, has appeared to be relatively unscathed by the outbreak, reporting a total of 256 cases as of Saturday, with four deaths. The country was one of the first nations to essentially shut its borders, canceling visas and denying entry to all but a select few foreigners.India, the world’s second-most-populous nation, with 1.3 billion people, has appeared to be relatively unscathed by the outbreak, reporting a total of 256 cases as of Saturday, with four deaths. The country was one of the first nations to essentially shut its borders, canceling visas and denying entry to all but a select few foreigners.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indians to stay at home. About one fifth of India’s confirmed coronavirus cases are in the western state of Maharashtra, home to Mumbai. The state authorities on Friday ordered the closing of all shops and offices, apart from those providing essential services, until March 31.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indians to stay at home. About one fifth of India’s confirmed coronavirus cases are in the western state of Maharashtra, home to Mumbai. The state authorities on Friday ordered the closing of all shops and offices, apart from those providing essential services, until March 31.
That sent thousands of poor city migrants whose livelihoods have collapsed heading back to their villages on Saturday, raising fears that the exodus could carry the virus to the countryside, Reuters reported.That sent thousands of poor city migrants whose livelihoods have collapsed heading back to their villages on Saturday, raising fears that the exodus could carry the virus to the countryside, Reuters reported.
Do not pull your cots close together, the Red Cross is warning.Do not pull your cots close together, the Red Cross is warning.
As the virus spreads and the United States rushes toward its annual season of natural disasters — floods, wildfires and hurricanes — disaster-response experts are scrambling to prevent their crowded, cot-filled disaster-relief shelters from further spreading the disease.As the virus spreads and the United States rushes toward its annual season of natural disasters — floods, wildfires and hurricanes — disaster-response experts are scrambling to prevent their crowded, cot-filled disaster-relief shelters from further spreading the disease.
In a pandemic, this kind of shelter “is not the best environment,” said Trevor Riggen, senior vice president for disaster services for the Red Cross.In a pandemic, this kind of shelter “is not the best environment,” said Trevor Riggen, senior vice president for disaster services for the Red Cross.
The rethinking of shelters, a fixture of disaster relief worldwide, comes as the nation’s crisis-response work force is already taxed by three years of brutal hurricanes, floods and wildfires, a trend that climate change promises to accelerate.The rethinking of shelters, a fixture of disaster relief worldwide, comes as the nation’s crisis-response work force is already taxed by three years of brutal hurricanes, floods and wildfires, a trend that climate change promises to accelerate.
New guidelines from the American Red Cross call for taking the temperature of everyone entering shelters, whether evacuees or volunteers, and checking for other Covid-19 symptoms. Once inside, everyone is supposed to be checked three times a day. And keep the cots six feet apart.New guidelines from the American Red Cross call for taking the temperature of everyone entering shelters, whether evacuees or volunteers, and checking for other Covid-19 symptoms. Once inside, everyone is supposed to be checked three times a day. And keep the cots six feet apart.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging workers to “practice social distancing” and limiting to four the number of disaster victims who can be in one of its field offices at any time, a spokeswoman said Thursday. FEMA also said it would let states seek reimbursement for sheltering victims individually, for example in hotels.The Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging workers to “practice social distancing” and limiting to four the number of disaster victims who can be in one of its field offices at any time, a spokeswoman said Thursday. FEMA also said it would let states seek reimbursement for sheltering victims individually, for example in hotels.
The Red Cross, too, said it would try to use hotels.The Red Cross, too, said it would try to use hotels.
However, in a disaster scenario, hotels themselves might be unusable because of the crisis, or not close enough. Even if available, it’s not always possible to find rooms for people pushed from their homes late at night.However, in a disaster scenario, hotels themselves might be unusable because of the crisis, or not close enough. Even if available, it’s not always possible to find rooms for people pushed from their homes late at night.
“We don’t want to leave people standing out on the curb waiting,” Mr. Riggen said.“We don’t want to leave people standing out on the curb waiting,” Mr. Riggen said.
Feeling anxious about the coronavirus is understandable, but a little respite is also important. Try hosting a remote happy hour, for instance, or learning a new song — one you can sing while washing your hands.Feeling anxious about the coronavirus is understandable, but a little respite is also important. Try hosting a remote happy hour, for instance, or learning a new song — one you can sing while washing your hands.
Reporting was contributed by Emily Cochrane, Alan Blinder, Katie Rogers, Elaine Yu, Melissa Eddy, Christopher Flavelle, Peter Robins, Raphael Minder, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Maya Salam, Vivian Wang, Isabel Kershner, Livia Albeck-Ripka, Michael Roston, James Gorman, Niraj Chokshi, Julie Bosman, Jesse McKinley, Matt Apuzzo, Selam Gebrekidan, Katie Thomas, Denise Grady, Kenneth P. Vogel, Catie Edmondson, Jesse Drucker, Ben Protess, Steve Eder, Eric Lipton, Alissa J. Rubin, Aurelien Breeden, Joanna Berendt, Jason Horowitz, Emma Bubola, Elisabetta Povoledo, Farnaz Fassihi and Kamil Kakol.Reporting was contributed by Emily Cochrane, Alan Blinder, Katie Rogers, Elaine Yu, Melissa Eddy, Christopher Flavelle, Peter Robins, Raphael Minder, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Maya Salam, Vivian Wang, Isabel Kershner, Livia Albeck-Ripka, Michael Roston, James Gorman, Niraj Chokshi, Julie Bosman, Jesse McKinley, Matt Apuzzo, Selam Gebrekidan, Katie Thomas, Denise Grady, Kenneth P. Vogel, Catie Edmondson, Jesse Drucker, Ben Protess, Steve Eder, Eric Lipton, Alissa J. Rubin, Aurelien Breeden, Joanna Berendt, Jason Horowitz, Emma Bubola, Elisabetta Povoledo, Farnaz Fassihi and Kamil Kakol.