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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
Residents of California, New York, Illinois and Connecticut — 1 in 5 Americans — will be under orders to stay home by this weekend.Residents of California, New York, Illinois and Connecticut — 1 in 5 Americans — will be under orders to stay home by this weekend.
The U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico will be closed as of midnight Saturday.The U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico will be closed as of midnight Saturday.
Senators are racing to finalize a $1 trillion economic relief bill, which could include direct payments to Americans.Senators are racing to finalize a $1 trillion economic relief bill, which could include direct payments to Americans.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverageGet the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage
Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York has issued a sweeping executive order that will essentially put the state on lockdown, after its caseload soared to nearly 8,000, from fewer than 700 at the beginning of the week.Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York has issued a sweeping executive order that will essentially put the state on lockdown, after its caseload soared to nearly 8,000, from fewer than 700 at the beginning of the week.
New York is now the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, with nearly half of the country’s confirmed infections — and only six percent of its population.New York is now the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, with nearly half of the country’s confirmed infections — and only six percent of its population.
The startling uptick is partly the result of ramped-up testing efforts. New York performed some 10,000 tests Thursday night alone, bringing its total to more than 32,000 and, Mr. Cuomo said, putting its per capita rate ahead of those of China and South Korea.The startling uptick is partly the result of ramped-up testing efforts. New York performed some 10,000 tests Thursday night alone, bringing its total to more than 32,000 and, Mr. Cuomo said, putting its per capita rate ahead of those of China and South Korea.
Beginning Sunday night, Mr. Cuomo said, people should leave home only for food, medicine and outdoor exercise. Businesses deemed essential will remain open, including grocers, restaurants with takeout or delivery, pharmacies, laundromats and, yes, liquor stores.Beginning Sunday night, Mr. Cuomo said, people should leave home only for food, medicine and outdoor exercise. Businesses deemed essential will remain open, including grocers, restaurants with takeout or delivery, pharmacies, laundromats and, yes, liquor stores.
An economy in lockdown: Many stores and restaurants have had to close or scale back significantly because of the virus, today’s episode of “The Daily” reports.An economy in lockdown: Many stores and restaurants have had to close or scale back significantly because of the virus, today’s episode of “The Daily” reports.
On the front lines: The city’s delivery workers, mostly immigrants who earn low wages, are risking their health to meet the soaring demand from holed-up residents.On the front lines: The city’s delivery workers, mostly immigrants who earn low wages, are risking their health to meet the soaring demand from holed-up residents.
Calm your nerves: Our art critic offers monuments, buildings and public art worth seeking out on a solitary walk through the city.Calm your nerves: Our art critic offers monuments, buildings and public art worth seeking out on a solitary walk through the city.
The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.
Medical leaders in Washington State are quietly preparing for what only recently might have looked like a doomsday scenario: rationing medical care.Medical leaders in Washington State are quietly preparing for what only recently might have looked like a doomsday scenario: rationing medical care.
As the state’s hospitals fill up and supplies become scarce, officials have begun drafting plans for determining which patients would get full care, and which patients would get less — potentially resulting in their deaths.As the state’s hospitals fill up and supplies become scarce, officials have begun drafting plans for determining which patients would get full care, and which patients would get less — potentially resulting in their deaths.
This grim triage strategy, which would factor in a patient’s age, health and likelihood of survival, is an effort to standardize the state’s approach and take some heart-rending decisions out of the hands of individual doctors.This grim triage strategy, which would factor in a patient’s age, health and likelihood of survival, is an effort to standardize the state’s approach and take some heart-rending decisions out of the hands of individual doctors.
Medical rationing is already happening around the world. In Italy, guidelines reserve resources for those who have a “greater likelihood of survival” and “more potential years of life.”Medical rationing is already happening around the world. In Italy, guidelines reserve resources for those who have a “greater likelihood of survival” and “more potential years of life.”
In Spain, doctors are already choosing whom they can save. Recommendations there include prioritizing patients with more than two years of life expectancy, and taking into account a patient’s value to society — a term that was not defined, and which could become bitterly controversial.In Spain, doctors are already choosing whom they can save. Recommendations there include prioritizing patients with more than two years of life expectancy, and taking into account a patient’s value to society — a term that was not defined, and which could become bitterly controversial.
“We have to choose whom we intubate,” said one doctor working in an emergency room in Madrid. “We can’t use it on everyone anymore.”“We have to choose whom we intubate,” said one doctor working in an emergency room in Madrid. “We can’t use it on everyone anymore.”
Researchers at Columbia University created a model of how the outbreak could evolve in the U.S., and the results are sobering.Researchers at Columbia University created a model of how the outbreak could evolve in the U.S., and the results are sobering.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Even if the country cuts its rate of transmission in half — a tall order — some 650,000 people might become infected in the next two months, the researchers say. Without widespread intervention, things could get much worse.Even if the country cuts its rate of transmission in half — a tall order — some 650,000 people might become infected in the next two months, the researchers say. Without widespread intervention, things could get much worse.
Our graphics team built a tool that shows how the outbreak could spread in each state.Our graphics team built a tool that shows how the outbreak could spread in each state.
Like readers around the world, New York Times journalists are confronting the virus — through their reporting, their aging relatives and even their own health.Like readers around the world, New York Times journalists are confronting the virus — through their reporting, their aging relatives and even their own health.
Jason Horowitz, our Rome bureau chief, has been covering the unfolding catastrophe in Northern Italy. When the virus first started to spread there, he was on a family ski vacation.Jason Horowitz, our Rome bureau chief, has been covering the unfolding catastrophe in Northern Italy. When the virus first started to spread there, he was on a family ski vacation.
As I drove the few remaining miles to drop my family off at the lodge, I alternated between apologizing to my wife, Claudia, and asking her to read out loud Italian news reports.As I drove the few remaining miles to drop my family off at the lodge, I alternated between apologizing to my wife, Claudia, and asking her to read out loud Italian news reports.
Outside the lodge it was incredibly quiet and white. As Claudia checked in, and the photographer waited anxiously in the car, I dug through the luggage, and grabbed some essentials. I kissed my family goodbye and left them under the Matterhorn. It was the last time I’d touch them for a month.Outside the lodge it was incredibly quiet and white. As Claudia checked in, and the photographer waited anxiously in the car, I dug through the luggage, and grabbed some essentials. I kissed my family goodbye and left them under the Matterhorn. It was the last time I’d touch them for a month.
Dan Barry, a longtime reporter and columnist, documented a family’s wrenching decision: whether to remove their patriarch, Joseph Trinity, from a nursing home.Dan Barry, a longtime reporter and columnist, documented a family’s wrenching decision: whether to remove their patriarch, Joseph Trinity, from a nursing home.
Mr. Trinity had found himself in a New Jersey rehabilitation facility that, like most health care institutions across the country, had declared a no-visitor policy to stem contagion. But he is 92, and in fragile health; family sustains him.Mr. Trinity had found himself in a New Jersey rehabilitation facility that, like most health care institutions across the country, had declared a no-visitor policy to stem contagion. But he is 92, and in fragile health; family sustains him.
Several times a day, he would call his daughter, Mary Trinity, to ask in a faint, slightly garbled voice where everyone was — and to beg her to please, please, get him out of there.Several times a day, he would call his daughter, Mary Trinity, to ask in a faint, slightly garbled voice where everyone was — and to beg her to please, please, get him out of there.
And Tim Herrera, our Smarter Living editor, wrote about the chaotic process of getting tested for the virus in New York City.And Tim Herrera, our Smarter Living editor, wrote about the chaotic process of getting tested for the virus in New York City.
Almost a dozen calls with five health care providers over five hours. Two hours of hold music. Two hours in a hospital. Four days of anxiously checking an online portal for results. And lots of confusion.Almost a dozen calls with five health care providers over five hours. Two hours of hold music. Two hours in a hospital. Four days of anxiously checking an online portal for results. And lots of confusion.
That’s the winding path through bureaucracy that took me from placing my first phone call last Wednesday to getting my positive coronavirus test results on Monday night.That’s the winding path through bureaucracy that took me from placing my first phone call last Wednesday to getting my positive coronavirus test results on Monday night.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, bowing to intense pressure, told restaurants, bars, cafes and health clubs to close.Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, bowing to intense pressure, told restaurants, bars, cafes and health clubs to close.
Hong Kong saw its biggest daily jump in confirmed coronavirus infections on Friday; most new patients had recently traveled to Europe, North America or Southeast Asia, an official said.Hong Kong saw its biggest daily jump in confirmed coronavirus infections on Friday; most new patients had recently traveled to Europe, North America or Southeast Asia, an official said.
Australian officials are trying to track down thousands of passengers who left a Princess Cruise ship in Sydney on Thursday, after four people who were on board tested positive.Australian officials are trying to track down thousands of passengers who left a Princess Cruise ship in Sydney on Thursday, after four people who were on board tested positive.
What does “shelter-in-place” mean? New York and California have adopted tougher rules to curb the outbreak, but what can residents really do?What does “shelter-in-place” mean? New York and California have adopted tougher rules to curb the outbreak, but what can residents really do?
Dealing with your new #WFH co-worker: Your spouse. Whether it’s juggling kids or hearing someone in work mode for the first time, it’s important to set up daily structures and boundaries.Dealing with your new #WFH co-worker: Your spouse. Whether it’s juggling kids or hearing someone in work mode for the first time, it’s important to set up daily structures and boundaries.
Get moving indoors: Do circuits on the stairs, improvise weights with cans of food, and consider investing in some simple home exercise equipment.Get moving indoors: Do circuits on the stairs, improvise weights with cans of food, and consider investing in some simple home exercise equipment.
A new hand-washing song: If you’re tired of singing Happy Birthday to yourself, two Broadway composers came up with an alternative called “Twenty Seconds.”A new hand-washing song: If you’re tired of singing Happy Birthday to yourself, two Broadway composers came up with an alternative called “Twenty Seconds.”
The U.S. Treasury Department moved its income tax filing deadline to July 15, giving Americans an additional three months.The U.S. Treasury Department moved its income tax filing deadline to July 15, giving Americans an additional three months.
A government simulation last year — of a viral outbreak that began in China and quickly spread around the world — made it clear the U.S. wasn’t ready for a pandemic. But little was done in response.A government simulation last year — of a viral outbreak that began in China and quickly spread around the world — made it clear the U.S. wasn’t ready for a pandemic. But little was done in response.
The United States, China and Europe are competing to be the first to find a cure.The United States, China and Europe are competing to be the first to find a cure.
Grocery store employees are worried about being exposed to the coronavirus, and some say they are denied medical supplies like masks and gloves.Grocery store employees are worried about being exposed to the coronavirus, and some say they are denied medical supplies like masks and gloves.
Hanna Ingber, a Times editor, found a silver lining in the pandemic: finally being on the same co-parenting page as her soon-to-be ex-husband.Hanna Ingber, a Times editor, found a silver lining in the pandemic: finally being on the same co-parenting page as her soon-to-be ex-husband.
The U.S. faces a dire blood shortage, as thousands of donor drives are canceled. Here’s how to help.The U.S. faces a dire blood shortage, as thousands of donor drives are canceled. Here’s how to help.
Not for the squeamish: New York magazine gives a detailed description of how the coronavirus takes over the body.Not for the squeamish: New York magazine gives a detailed description of how the coronavirus takes over the body.
My husband and I adopted a puppy. We have wanted a dog for awhile but timing was never right. Then all of a sudden, we are working from home till May. We had a puppy within 36 hours of getting word from our companies. And what a delightful, bright distraction he has turned out to be. It’s bliss to just turn off the news and play ball.My husband and I adopted a puppy. We have wanted a dog for awhile but timing was never right. Then all of a sudden, we are working from home till May. We had a puppy within 36 hours of getting word from our companies. And what a delightful, bright distraction he has turned out to be. It’s bliss to just turn off the news and play ball.
— Neysa Crist, Atlanta— Neysa Crist, Atlanta
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
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Adam Pasick contributed to today’s newsletter.Adam Pasick contributed to today’s newsletter.