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Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Cases Top 100,000; Trump Signs $2 Trillion Relief Bill Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Cases Top 100,000; Trump Signs $2 Trillion Relief Bill
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
President Trump on Friday evening lamented the loss of economic gains that he had often used to measure his success in office and that served as the heart of his re-election message until the coronavirus hit the United States.President Trump on Friday evening lamented the loss of economic gains that he had often used to measure his success in office and that served as the heart of his re-election message until the coronavirus hit the United States.
And he attacked Democratic governors for being insufficiently grateful for his efforts.And he attacked Democratic governors for being insufficiently grateful for his efforts.
“Think of it, 22 days ago we had the greatest economy in the world,” Mr. Trump said at a news conference. “Everything was going beautifully. The stock market hit an all-time high again for the over 150th time during my presidency.”“Think of it, 22 days ago we had the greatest economy in the world,” Mr. Trump said at a news conference. “Everything was going beautifully. The stock market hit an all-time high again for the over 150th time during my presidency.”
He singled out the governor of Washington, Jay Inslee, and the governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, for his primetime scorn. He singled out the governor of Washington, Jay Inslee, and the governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, for his prime time scorn.
Mr. Inslee, he said, was “a failed presidential candidate” who was “constantly tripping and complaining.” Ms. Whitmer “has no idea what’s going on,” he said.Mr. Inslee, he said, was “a failed presidential candidate” who was “constantly tripping and complaining.” Ms. Whitmer “has no idea what’s going on,” he said.
He then said he told Vice President Mike Pence, his coronavirus coordinator, to stop calling Mr. Inslee and Ms. Whitmer: “Don’t call the woman in Michigan, doesn’t make any difference,” he said of Ms. Whitmer.He then said he told Vice President Mike Pence, his coronavirus coordinator, to stop calling Mr. Inslee and Ms. Whitmer: “Don’t call the woman in Michigan, doesn’t make any difference,” he said of Ms. Whitmer.
“Very simple. I want them to be appreciative,” he said, saying his administration has “done a hell of a job.”“Very simple. I want them to be appreciative,” he said, saying his administration has “done a hell of a job.”
Mr. Trump said he planned to visit Norfolk, Va., to wave goodbye to the U.S.N.S. Comfort, the Navy hospital ship, on Saturday, despite the danger of making such a trip when any gatherings of more than ten people nationwide are still considered dangerous.Mr. Trump said he planned to visit Norfolk, Va., to wave goodbye to the U.S.N.S. Comfort, the Navy hospital ship, on Saturday, despite the danger of making such a trip when any gatherings of more than ten people nationwide are still considered dangerous.
“I have spirit for the country,” Mr. Trump said. “I’m not going to be jumping around in a huddle.”“I have spirit for the country,” Mr. Trump said. “I’m not going to be jumping around in a huddle.”
The ship, which has 1,000 hospital beds, is departing for New York to help ease overcrowding at city hospitals. Mr. Trump has been criticized for participating in a photo opportunity that could put people at an unnecessary risk. But Mr. Trump defended the trip.The ship, which has 1,000 hospital beds, is departing for New York to help ease overcrowding at city hospitals. Mr. Trump has been criticized for participating in a photo opportunity that could put people at an unnecessary risk. But Mr. Trump defended the trip.
“I just feel that as the leader of our country when they can do work like they have done. They have been working all day, all night, medical supplies, everything loading up that ship, I don’t think it’s the worst thing in the world,” he said,“I just feel that as the leader of our country when they can do work like they have done. They have been working all day, all night, medical supplies, everything loading up that ship, I don’t think it’s the worst thing in the world,” he said,
Mr. Trump said it was “like a tiny trip. I think it’s a good thing when I go over there and I say thank you. We’ll be careful.”Mr. Trump said it was “like a tiny trip. I think it’s a good thing when I go over there and I say thank you. We’ll be careful.”
More than 100,000 people in the United States have now been infected with the coronavirus, according to a New York Times database, a grim milestone that comes on the same day the national death toll surpassed 1,500.More than 100,000 people in the United States have now been infected with the coronavirus, according to a New York Times database, a grim milestone that comes on the same day the national death toll surpassed 1,500.
Earlier this week the country surpassed the case totals in China and Italy. The number of known cases has risen rapidly in recent days as testing ramped up after weeks of widespread shortages and delays.Earlier this week the country surpassed the case totals in China and Italy. The number of known cases has risen rapidly in recent days as testing ramped up after weeks of widespread shortages and delays.
And the outbreak has already transformed life in the United States, where millions of Americans have been asked to do what might have been unthinkable only a week or two ago: Don’t go to work, don’t go to school, don’t leave the house, except in limited circumstances.And the outbreak has already transformed life in the United States, where millions of Americans have been asked to do what might have been unthinkable only a week or two ago: Don’t go to work, don’t go to school, don’t leave the house, except in limited circumstances.
The directives to keep people at home to stunt the spread of the coronavirus began in California, and have quickly been adopted across the country. By Friday, two dozen states and the Navajo Nation had told their residents to stay at home as much as possible, with many cities and counties joining in. The directives to keep people at home to stunt the spread of the coronavirus began in California, and have quickly been adopted across the country. By Friday, two dozen states and the Navajo Nation had told their residents to stay at home as much as possible, orders that affect at least 223 million Americans.
This means at least 223 million people in at least 24 states, 74 counties, 14 cities and one territory are being urged to The pandemic is also having an effect on the primary calendar, as states across the country scramble to protect voters and poll workers. Gov. Tony Evers of Wisconsin on Friday requested that absentee ballots be sent to all of the state’s 3.3 million registered voters ahead of its April 7 presidential primary. And on the same day, Gov. Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania signed a measure postponing the contest from April 28 to June 2.
President Trump on Friday signed into law the largest economic stimulus package in modern American history, backing a $2 trillion measure designed to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Under the law, the government will deliver direct payments and jobless benefits for individuals, money for states and a huge bailout fund for businesses battered by the crisis.President Trump on Friday signed into law the largest economic stimulus package in modern American history, backing a $2 trillion measure designed to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Under the law, the government will deliver direct payments and jobless benefits for individuals, money for states and a huge bailout fund for businesses battered by the crisis.
Mr. Trump signed the measure in the Oval Office hours after the House approved it by voice vote and less than two days after the Senate unanimously passed it.Mr. Trump signed the measure in the Oval Office hours after the House approved it by voice vote and less than two days after the Senate unanimously passed it.
In brief remarks, Mr. Trump, flanked by Republican leaders in Congress, thanked “Democrats and Republicans for coming together and putting America first” and said it would help pave the road to economic recovery.In brief remarks, Mr. Trump, flanked by Republican leaders in Congress, thanked “Democrats and Republicans for coming together and putting America first” and said it would help pave the road to economic recovery.
“I think we are going to have a tremendous rebound,” he said.“I think we are going to have a tremendous rebound,” he said.
The legislation will send direct payments of $1,200 to millions of Americans, including those earning up to $75,000, and an additional $500 per child. It will substantially expand jobless aid, providing an additional 13 weeks and a four-month enhancement of benefits, and for the first time will extend the payments to freelancers and gig workers.The legislation will send direct payments of $1,200 to millions of Americans, including those earning up to $75,000, and an additional $500 per child. It will substantially expand jobless aid, providing an additional 13 weeks and a four-month enhancement of benefits, and for the first time will extend the payments to freelancers and gig workers.
The measure will also offer $377 billion in federally guaranteed loans to small businesses and establish a $500 billion government lending program for distressed companies reeling from the crisis, including allowing the administration the ability to take equity stakes in airlines that received aid to help compensate taxpayers. It will also send $100 billion to hospitals on the front lines of the pandemic.The measure will also offer $377 billion in federally guaranteed loans to small businesses and establish a $500 billion government lending program for distressed companies reeling from the crisis, including allowing the administration the ability to take equity stakes in airlines that received aid to help compensate taxpayers. It will also send $100 billion to hospitals on the front lines of the pandemic.
The law was the product of days of talks between members of Mr. Trump’s administration and Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress. And even before Mr. Trump held a bill signing on Friday afternoon, congressional leaders said they expected to negotiate more legislative responses to the pandemic in the coming months.The law was the product of days of talks between members of Mr. Trump’s administration and Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress. And even before Mr. Trump held a bill signing on Friday afternoon, congressional leaders said they expected to negotiate more legislative responses to the pandemic in the coming months.
Officials in nearly 200 U.S. cities, large and small, report a dire need for face masks, ventilators and other emergency equipment to respond to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a survey released on Friday.Officials in nearly 200 U.S. cities, large and small, report a dire need for face masks, ventilators and other emergency equipment to respond to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a survey released on Friday.
The United States Conference of Mayors questioned officials in 213 municipalities and found serious shortages that underscored the “scope and severity” of the crisis. The organization, a nonpartisan association of mayors from across the country, urged the federal government to provide more support.The United States Conference of Mayors questioned officials in 213 municipalities and found serious shortages that underscored the “scope and severity” of the crisis. The organization, a nonpartisan association of mayors from across the country, urged the federal government to provide more support.
More than 90 percent — or 192 cities — said they did not have an adequate supply of face masks for police officers, firefighters and emergency workers. In addition, 92 percent of cities reported a shortage of test kits and 85 percent did not have a sufficient supply of ventilators available to local health facilities.More than 90 percent — or 192 cities — said they did not have an adequate supply of face masks for police officers, firefighters and emergency workers. In addition, 92 percent of cities reported a shortage of test kits and 85 percent did not have a sufficient supply of ventilators available to local health facilities.
Roughly two-thirds of the cities said they had not received any emergency equipment or supplies from their state, the report said. And of those that did receive state aid, nearly 85 percent said it was not enough to meet their needs.Roughly two-thirds of the cities said they had not received any emergency equipment or supplies from their state, the report said. And of those that did receive state aid, nearly 85 percent said it was not enough to meet their needs.
In total, the conference tabulated that cities need 28.5 million face masks, 24.4 million other items of personal protection equipment, 7.9 million test kits and 139,000 ventilators.In total, the conference tabulated that cities need 28.5 million face masks, 24.4 million other items of personal protection equipment, 7.9 million test kits and 139,000 ventilators.
The survey included municipalities from 41 states and Puerto Rico, with populations ranging from under 2,000 to 3.8 million. Across the board, local officials said they were not getting the support and supplies they need.The survey included municipalities from 41 states and Puerto Rico, with populations ranging from under 2,000 to 3.8 million. Across the board, local officials said they were not getting the support and supplies they need.
“It is abundantly clear that the shortage of essential items such as face masks, test kits, personal protective equipment, ventilators and other items needed by health and safety personnel has reached crisis proportions in cities across the country,” Tom Cochran, the chief executive of the conference said in a letter accompanying the survey’s findings. “The result is that the safety of city residents and the health workers and first responders protecting them is being seriously compromised.”“It is abundantly clear that the shortage of essential items such as face masks, test kits, personal protective equipment, ventilators and other items needed by health and safety personnel has reached crisis proportions in cities across the country,” Tom Cochran, the chief executive of the conference said in a letter accompanying the survey’s findings. “The result is that the safety of city residents and the health workers and first responders protecting them is being seriously compromised.”
A series of missteps and lost opportunities dogged the coronavirus response of the United States, which now leads the globe with known cases.A series of missteps and lost opportunities dogged the coronavirus response of the United States, which now leads the globe with known cases.
Among them: a failure to take the pandemic seriously even as it engulfed China, a deeply flawed effort to provide broad testing for the virus that left the country blind to the extent of the crisis, and a dire shortage of masks and protective gear to protect doctors and nurses on the front lines, as well as ventilators to keep the critically ill alive.Among them: a failure to take the pandemic seriously even as it engulfed China, a deeply flawed effort to provide broad testing for the virus that left the country blind to the extent of the crisis, and a dire shortage of masks and protective gear to protect doctors and nurses on the front lines, as well as ventilators to keep the critically ill alive.
But federal and state officials said they were making some progress erecting temporary hospitals and positioning resources across the country. On Friday, for instance, a Navy hospital ship arrived in Los Angeles; a similar vessel is expected to reach New York early next week.But federal and state officials said they were making some progress erecting temporary hospitals and positioning resources across the country. On Friday, for instance, a Navy hospital ship arrived in Los Angeles; a similar vessel is expected to reach New York early next week.
For days Mr. Trump resisted using the Defense Production Act to mobilize private industry to produce the critically-needed supplies, arguing at points that private industry was stepping up on its own, and at other points suggesting dismissively that using it would be analogous to “nationalizing” businesses.For days Mr. Trump resisted using the Defense Production Act to mobilize private industry to produce the critically-needed supplies, arguing at points that private industry was stepping up on its own, and at other points suggesting dismissively that using it would be analogous to “nationalizing” businesses.
But on Friday afternoon Mr. Trump said that he had directed his administration “to use any and all authority available under the Defense Production Act to require General Motors to accept, perform, and prioritize Federal contracts for ventilators.”But on Friday afternoon Mr. Trump said that he had directed his administration “to use any and all authority available under the Defense Production Act to require General Motors to accept, perform, and prioritize Federal contracts for ventilators.”
“Our negotiations with G.M. regarding its ability to supply ventilators have been productive, but our fight against the virus is too urgent to allow the give-and-take of the contracting process to continue to run its normal course,” the president said in a statement. “G.M. was wasting time. Today’s action will help ensure the quick production of ventilators that will save American lives.”“Our negotiations with G.M. regarding its ability to supply ventilators have been productive, but our fight against the virus is too urgent to allow the give-and-take of the contracting process to continue to run its normal course,” the president said in a statement. “G.M. was wasting time. Today’s action will help ensure the quick production of ventilators that will save American lives.”
Earlier on Friday, Mr. Trump lashed out at General Motors on Friday, blaming it for overpromising on its ability to make new ventilators for critically ill coronavirus patients.Earlier on Friday, Mr. Trump lashed out at General Motors on Friday, blaming it for overpromising on its ability to make new ventilators for critically ill coronavirus patients.
In a series of tweets, the president had emphasized the urgent need for the ventilators, an abrupt change of tone from the night before, when he had told Sean Hannity, the Fox News host, that states were inflating their needs.In a series of tweets, the president had emphasized the urgent need for the ventilators, an abrupt change of tone from the night before, when he had told Sean Hannity, the Fox News host, that states were inflating their needs.
Mr. Trump appeared to be reacting to reports that the White House had dragged its feet in awarding contracts to G.M. and Ventec Life Systems, to start new production lines in a converted G.M. plant in Kokomo, Ind.Mr. Trump appeared to be reacting to reports that the White House had dragged its feet in awarding contracts to G.M. and Ventec Life Systems, to start new production lines in a converted G.M. plant in Kokomo, Ind.
With the Federal Emergency Management Agency still evaluating a $1.5 billion proposal from those companies, Mr. Trump declared Friday morning that General Motors “MUST immediately open their stupidly abandoned Lordstown plant in Ohio, or some other plant, and START MAKING VENTILATORS, NOW!!!!!!” (General Motors sold its Lordstown factory last year.)With the Federal Emergency Management Agency still evaluating a $1.5 billion proposal from those companies, Mr. Trump declared Friday morning that General Motors “MUST immediately open their stupidly abandoned Lordstown plant in Ohio, or some other plant, and START MAKING VENTILATORS, NOW!!!!!!” (General Motors sold its Lordstown factory last year.)
He added, “FORD, GET GOING ON ventilators, FAST!!!!!!”He added, “FORD, GET GOING ON ventilators, FAST!!!!!!”
Shortly afterwards, General Motors and Ventec announced that they would begin producing ventilators at the Kokomo plant, and that the machines would be “scheduled to ship as soon as next month.” The statement did not directly address the president’s criticism. Shortly afterward, General Motors and Ventec announced that they would begin producing ventilators at the Kokomo plant, and that the machines would be “scheduled to ship as soon as next month.” The statement did not directly address the president’s criticism.
“Depending on the needs of the federal government, Ventec and GM are poised to deliver the first ventilators next month,” the statement said, “and ramp up to a manufacturing capacity of more than 10,000 critical care ventilators per month with the infrastructure and capability to scale further.” G.M. said it was “donating its resources at cost.”“Depending on the needs of the federal government, Ventec and GM are poised to deliver the first ventilators next month,” the statement said, “and ramp up to a manufacturing capacity of more than 10,000 critical care ventilators per month with the infrastructure and capability to scale further.” G.M. said it was “donating its resources at cost.”
The competing tweets and announcements underscored the chaos that has surrounded the effort to ramp up emergency production.The competing tweets and announcements underscored the chaos that has surrounded the effort to ramp up emergency production.
Both the president and Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the top health expert on his coronavirus task force, have played down the immediate need for a large numbers of ventilators in New York and other states in recent days, rejecting calls from governors and major hospitals to help them before their needs outstrip their supply.Both the president and Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the top health expert on his coronavirus task force, have played down the immediate need for a large numbers of ventilators in New York and other states in recent days, rejecting calls from governors and major hospitals to help them before their needs outstrip their supply.
“I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators,” Mr. Trump said, discussing an urgent request from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York. “You know, you’re going to major hospitals sometimes, they’ll have two ventilators. And now, all of a sudden, they’re saying, can we order 30,000 ventilators?”“I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators,” Mr. Trump said, discussing an urgent request from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York. “You know, you’re going to major hospitals sometimes, they’ll have two ventilators. And now, all of a sudden, they’re saying, can we order 30,000 ventilators?”
Mr. Cuomo, in an appearance on Friday morning at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, which is being transformed into a temporary hospital center, defended the magnitude of the state’s request.Mr. Cuomo, in an appearance on Friday morning at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, which is being transformed into a temporary hospital center, defended the magnitude of the state’s request.
“Look, I don’t have a crystal ball,” Mr. Cuomo said. “Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion. But I don’t operate here on opinion; I operate on facts and on data and on numbers and on projections.”“Look, I don’t have a crystal ball,” Mr. Cuomo said. “Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion. But I don’t operate here on opinion; I operate on facts and on data and on numbers and on projections.”
New York is already home to the most coronavirus cases in the nation. Mr. Cuomo said that 519 people had died of the virus as of Friday, up from 385 the day before. More than 44,600 people in the state have tested positive for the virus, he said, an increase of more than 7,300 cases overnight. There were 6,481 hospitalized patients, of whom 1,583 were in intensive care.New York is already home to the most coronavirus cases in the nation. Mr. Cuomo said that 519 people had died of the virus as of Friday, up from 385 the day before. More than 44,600 people in the state have tested positive for the virus, he said, an increase of more than 7,300 cases overnight. There were 6,481 hospitalized patients, of whom 1,583 were in intensive care.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for the coronavirus and is suffering mild symptoms, he said on Friday. He is the first leader of a major Western country known to have contracted the virus.Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for the coronavirus and is suffering mild symptoms, he said on Friday. He is the first leader of a major Western country known to have contracted the virus.
“I’ve developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus,” Mr. Johnson said in a video posted on Twitter, noting that he was tested on Thursday after he began running a temperature and suffering a persistent cough.“I’ve developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus,” Mr. Johnson said in a video posted on Twitter, noting that he was tested on Thursday after he began running a temperature and suffering a persistent cough.
The prime minister said that he would isolate himself in his official residence, 10 Downing Street, but would not relinquish his duties. On Monday, after resisting harsher measures for more than a week, Mr. Johnson imposed a lockdown on Britain to try to curb the virus’s spread. He has continued to meet with advisers and has appeared most days at a daily televised briefing, though he did not do so on Thursday.The prime minister said that he would isolate himself in his official residence, 10 Downing Street, but would not relinquish his duties. On Monday, after resisting harsher measures for more than a week, Mr. Johnson imposed a lockdown on Britain to try to curb the virus’s spread. He has continued to meet with advisers and has appeared most days at a daily televised briefing, though he did not do so on Thursday.
“Be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fight back against coronavirus,” Mr. Johnson said.“Be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fight back against coronavirus,” Mr. Johnson said.
But a critical member of his cabinet, Matt Hancock, the health secretary, also tested positive, meaning that the two people most directly responsible for dealing with the virus are now afflicted with it.But a critical member of his cabinet, Matt Hancock, the health secretary, also tested positive, meaning that the two people most directly responsible for dealing with the virus are now afflicted with it.
The government’s chief medical adviser, Chris Whitty, also reported symptoms of the virus and said he was isolating himself. There are fears that other officials who have been in meetings with Mr. Johnson could also have been exposed.The government’s chief medical adviser, Chris Whitty, also reported symptoms of the virus and said he was isolating himself. There are fears that other officials who have been in meetings with Mr. Johnson could also have been exposed.
If Mr. Johnson becomes incapacitated, his duties would be taken over by the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, who has tested negative for the virus. It is a head-spinning turn of events for a government that, just two weeks ago, was brimming with confidence after a landslide election victory in December.If Mr. Johnson becomes incapacitated, his duties would be taken over by the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, who has tested negative for the virus. It is a head-spinning turn of events for a government that, just two weeks ago, was brimming with confidence after a landslide election victory in December.
Mr. Johnson’s diagnosis rattled a country that was already unnerved by news that Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and the heir to the throne, had tested positive for the virus. Buckingham Palace said the queen remained healthy and was sequestered at Windsor Castle. Mr. Johnson delivered his weekly briefing to the queen by telephone on Wednesday.Mr. Johnson’s diagnosis rattled a country that was already unnerved by news that Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and the heir to the throne, had tested positive for the virus. Buckingham Palace said the queen remained healthy and was sequestered at Windsor Castle. Mr. Johnson delivered his weekly briefing to the queen by telephone on Wednesday.
Mr. Johnson had staked out a more relaxed position than other European leaders about the timing and strictness of measures Britain should take to slow the spread of the virus. He initially balked at forcing pubs and restaurants to close and shutting down schools.Mr. Johnson had staked out a more relaxed position than other European leaders about the timing and strictness of measures Britain should take to slow the spread of the virus. He initially balked at forcing pubs and restaurants to close and shutting down schools.
Last weekend, however, the government shifted its strategy and embraced the more draconian measures. Mr. Johnson has insisted he is guided by scientific advice and has timed the rollout of distancing measures so they are most effective and accepted by the public. Among the questions the government will face is how many people Mr. Johnson came into contact with over the last few days. Many officials had stopped working in Downing Street, participating in meetings via conference call. But a skeleton staff worked in the residence.Last weekend, however, the government shifted its strategy and embraced the more draconian measures. Mr. Johnson has insisted he is guided by scientific advice and has timed the rollout of distancing measures so they are most effective and accepted by the public. Among the questions the government will face is how many people Mr. Johnson came into contact with over the last few days. Many officials had stopped working in Downing Street, participating in meetings via conference call. But a skeleton staff worked in the residence.
Mr. Johnson did not appear at the daily news conference on Thursday, at which the chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, rolled out the latest plan to protect workers who have lost wages. Mr. Johnson is working normally, a spokesman said, though he moved from his office to an adjacent building Mr. Sunak normally works. On Friday morning, Mr. Johnson took part in a daily emergency cabinet meeting remotely from his new quarters. Mr. Johnson plans to stay in isolation for seven days, with his meals left at the door.Mr. Johnson did not appear at the daily news conference on Thursday, at which the chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, rolled out the latest plan to protect workers who have lost wages. Mr. Johnson is working normally, a spokesman said, though he moved from his office to an adjacent building Mr. Sunak normally works. On Friday morning, Mr. Johnson took part in a daily emergency cabinet meeting remotely from his new quarters. Mr. Johnson plans to stay in isolation for seven days, with his meals left at the door.
No country has been hit harder by the coronavirus pandemic than Italy, where officials announced Friday that more than 950 people had died in the past 24 hours. It was the highest daily tally yet, lifting the national death toll to 9,134 — by far the highest in the world.No country has been hit harder by the coronavirus pandemic than Italy, where officials announced Friday that more than 950 people had died in the past 24 hours. It was the highest daily tally yet, lifting the national death toll to 9,134 — by far the highest in the world.
And within Italy, the Bergamo area, in the devastated Lombardy region, has suffered more than most. Sirens echo through empty streets. Patients line the corridors of overcrowded hospitals. The local paper is given over to death notices.And within Italy, the Bergamo area, in the devastated Lombardy region, has suffered more than most. Sirens echo through empty streets. Patients line the corridors of overcrowded hospitals. The local paper is given over to death notices.
Our reporter and photographer visited Bergamo, which had been a quiet and wealthy province, and followed the Red Cross workers going door to door, carrying away the afflicted to offer a glimpse of what it looks like in the heart of the crisis.Our reporter and photographer visited Bergamo, which had been a quiet and wealthy province, and followed the Red Cross workers going door to door, carrying away the afflicted to offer a glimpse of what it looks like in the heart of the crisis.
Italy’s staggering toll suggested that its early attempts to stem the outbreak — first isolating towns, then regions, then shutting down the country in a porous lockdown — always lagged behind the virus’s trajectory.Italy’s staggering toll suggested that its early attempts to stem the outbreak — first isolating towns, then regions, then shutting down the country in a porous lockdown — always lagged behind the virus’s trajectory.
And the country’s outbreak has yet to reach its peak, scientists warn. The country reported 86,498 coronavirus cases overall on Friday, surpassing the number of cases in China — an increase of 5,959 from the day before.And the country’s outbreak has yet to reach its peak, scientists warn. The country reported 86,498 coronavirus cases overall on Friday, surpassing the number of cases in China — an increase of 5,959 from the day before.
“Let me be clear, we are not in a phase where the numbers are declining,” said Silvio Brusaferro, the president of the Italian National Institute of Health.“Let me be clear, we are not in a phase where the numbers are declining,” said Silvio Brusaferro, the president of the Italian National Institute of Health.
As the virus spreads, doctors are discovering that it affects some patients in subtle and unexpected ways.As the virus spreads, doctors are discovering that it affects some patients in subtle and unexpected ways.
It mostly infects the lungs, causing pneumonia in severe cases; the typical symptoms are fever, cough and difficulty breathing. But some infected patients, including one recently in Brooklyn, have arrived at the hospital with symptoms not of respiratory disease, but of heart attack.It mostly infects the lungs, causing pneumonia in severe cases; the typical symptoms are fever, cough and difficulty breathing. But some infected patients, including one recently in Brooklyn, have arrived at the hospital with symptoms not of respiratory disease, but of heart attack.
On close examination, the Brooklyn patient and some others were suffering from acute myocarditis, a severe inflammation of the heart. The condition also has been seen in patients with other viral infections, such as MERS and the H1N1 swine flu. Patients with coronavirus infections and heart complications have a risk of death nearly four times higher than patients without heart complications.On close examination, the Brooklyn patient and some others were suffering from acute myocarditis, a severe inflammation of the heart. The condition also has been seen in patients with other viral infections, such as MERS and the H1N1 swine flu. Patients with coronavirus infections and heart complications have a risk of death nearly four times higher than patients without heart complications.
Other doctors have been keeping a close watch on the virus’s impact on the youngest targets. Newborns and babies have so far seemed to be largely unaffected by the coronavirus, but three small new studies suggest that the virus may reach the fetus in utero.Other doctors have been keeping a close watch on the virus’s impact on the youngest targets. Newborns and babies have so far seemed to be largely unaffected by the coronavirus, but three small new studies suggest that the virus may reach the fetus in utero.
Even in these studies the newborns seem only mildly affected, if at all. That is reassuring, experts said; in theory, the virus could pose a risk to the fetus early in gestation, when the fetal brain is most vulnerable.Even in these studies the newborns seem only mildly affected, if at all. That is reassuring, experts said; in theory, the virus could pose a risk to the fetus early in gestation, when the fetal brain is most vulnerable.
“We don’t have any knowledge of that at all, said Dr. Christina Chambers, a perinatal epidemiologist at the University of California in San Diego. “That is a complete open question at this point.”“We don’t have any knowledge of that at all, said Dr. Christina Chambers, a perinatal epidemiologist at the University of California in San Diego. “That is a complete open question at this point.”
Four passengers with flu-like symptoms died aboard the Zaandam, a Holland American cruise ship that is currently off the coast of Panama, the company announced on Friday. It was refused entry into Chile nearly two weeks ago and does not currently have permission to transit the Canal to reach Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the closest available port open to the ship.Four passengers with flu-like symptoms died aboard the Zaandam, a Holland American cruise ship that is currently off the coast of Panama, the company announced on Friday. It was refused entry into Chile nearly two weeks ago and does not currently have permission to transit the Canal to reach Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the closest available port open to the ship.
On Sunday, the company, which is owned by Carnival Corp., said it had begun to notice an influx of passengers with influenza-like symptoms, so all of the passengers were isolated in their cabins.By Friday, 53 passengers and 85 crew members were displaying symptoms; two have tested positive for Covid-19, according to a statement released by the company.On Sunday, the company, which is owned by Carnival Corp., said it had begun to notice an influx of passengers with influenza-like symptoms, so all of the passengers were isolated in their cabins.By Friday, 53 passengers and 85 crew members were displaying symptoms; two have tested positive for Covid-19, according to a statement released by the company.
With at least 18 cruise ships still at sea and making their way to shore in the coming days, state and federal authorities have yet to establish a cohesive strategy for evacuating ships and repatriating passengers around the world without exposing them and others to more disease.With at least 18 cruise ships still at sea and making their way to shore in the coming days, state and federal authorities have yet to establish a cohesive strategy for evacuating ships and repatriating passengers around the world without exposing them and others to more disease.
Stocks fell on Friday as investors who initially cheered progress on a $2 trillion U.S. aid package saw further economic troubles ahead.Stocks fell on Friday as investors who initially cheered progress on a $2 trillion U.S. aid package saw further economic troubles ahead.
The package, which Mr. Trump signed on Friday afternoon, will deliver direct payments and jobless benefits for individuals, money for states and a huge bailout fund for businesses battered by the crisis.The package, which Mr. Trump signed on Friday afternoon, will deliver direct payments and jobless benefits for individuals, money for states and a huge bailout fund for businesses battered by the crisis.
The plan is the largest emergency spending program in the nation’s history, but some economists have said it might not be enough to counter the potentially enormous economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic. And investors also faced fresh evidence of the economic impact of the pandemic in the form of a consumer sentiment reading that showed a sharp drop in confidence.The plan is the largest emergency spending program in the nation’s history, but some economists have said it might not be enough to counter the potentially enormous economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic. And investors also faced fresh evidence of the economic impact of the pandemic in the form of a consumer sentiment reading that showed a sharp drop in confidence.
The S&P 500 dropped more than 3 percent on Friday. Stocks in Europe were also lower.The S&P 500 dropped more than 3 percent on Friday. Stocks in Europe were also lower.
The selling reflected caution ahead of the weekend, when bad news about the virus’s spread or further efforts to contain it could overtake the positive sentiment stirred up by the passage of the stimulus bill, Steven Ricchiuto, the chief economist at Mizuho, said in a note to clients.The selling reflected caution ahead of the weekend, when bad news about the virus’s spread or further efforts to contain it could overtake the positive sentiment stirred up by the passage of the stimulus bill, Steven Ricchiuto, the chief economist at Mizuho, said in a note to clients.
“After the stimulus bill passes, and households and companies begin waiting for the government money to start flowing, news stories will resume a more negative tilt,” Mr. Ricchiuto wrote.“After the stimulus bill passes, and households and companies begin waiting for the government money to start flowing, news stories will resume a more negative tilt,” Mr. Ricchiuto wrote.
All told, it was a relatively good week for stock investors. Even after Friday’s drop, the S&P 500 remains up more than 10 percent this week, after a three-day romp for stocks on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.All told, it was a relatively good week for stock investors. Even after Friday’s drop, the S&P 500 remains up more than 10 percent this week, after a three-day romp for stocks on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
But the decline on Friday suggests that there is still little clarity on whether the worst is over for the market after weeks in which benchmark indexes collapsed amid violent swings.But the decline on Friday suggests that there is still little clarity on whether the worst is over for the market after weeks in which benchmark indexes collapsed amid violent swings.
The coronavirus that is threatening the world’s older generations has penetrated the high walls of the Vatican and come to the doorstep of Pope Francis and the elderly cardinals who live on the grounds of the smallest country in the world.The coronavirus that is threatening the world’s older generations has penetrated the high walls of the Vatican and come to the doorstep of Pope Francis and the elderly cardinals who live on the grounds of the smallest country in the world.
“For weeks now it has been evening. Thick darkness has gathered over our squares, our streets and our cities; it has taken over our lives,” Francis, who is 83 and had part of his lungs removed during an illness in his youth, said in remarks delivered on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica Friday evening.“For weeks now it has been evening. Thick darkness has gathered over our squares, our streets and our cities; it has taken over our lives,” Francis, who is 83 and had part of his lungs removed during an illness in his youth, said in remarks delivered on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica Friday evening.
The Vatican on Tuesday confirmed cases of the virus inside the walls; an Italian Vatican official who lives in the pope’s residence has tested positive and required hospitalization. Now the Vatican is testing scores of people and considering isolating measures for Francis, who has tested negative after two separate tests and said privately he doesn’t have the virus, according to top Vatican officials.The Vatican on Tuesday confirmed cases of the virus inside the walls; an Italian Vatican official who lives in the pope’s residence has tested positive and required hospitalization. Now the Vatican is testing scores of people and considering isolating measures for Francis, who has tested negative after two separate tests and said privately he doesn’t have the virus, according to top Vatican officials.
The pope spoke alone, before a vast and empty square, its cobblestones slicked with rain and reflecting the blue lights of the police locking down Rome to fight the virus. “We find ourselves afraid,” the pope added. “And lost.”The pope spoke alone, before a vast and empty square, its cobblestones slicked with rain and reflecting the blue lights of the police locking down Rome to fight the virus. “We find ourselves afraid,” the pope added. “And lost.”
Pope Francis also expressed support and appreciation for “doctors, nurses, supermarket employees, cleaners, caregivers, providers of transport, law and order forces, volunteers, priests, religious men and women and so very many others who have understood that no one reaches salvation by themselves.”Pope Francis also expressed support and appreciation for “doctors, nurses, supermarket employees, cleaners, caregivers, providers of transport, law and order forces, volunteers, priests, religious men and women and so very many others who have understood that no one reaches salvation by themselves.”
He concluded: “From this colonnade that embraces Rome and the whole world, may God’s blessing come down upon you as a consoling embrace. Lord, may you bless the world, give health to our bodies and comfort our hearts.”He concluded: “From this colonnade that embraces Rome and the whole world, may God’s blessing come down upon you as a consoling embrace. Lord, may you bless the world, give health to our bodies and comfort our hearts.”
An unusual filing to the Supreme Court on Friday urged the justices to accept the new reality of the coronavirus and decline to end a program protecting young undocumented immigrants known as Dreamers. About 27,000 of them work in health care, many on the front lines in the fight against the pandemic.
Aldo Martinez, a paramedic in Fort Myers, Fla., 26, came to the United States from Mexico when he was 12, and he is able to work thanks to a program announced by President Barack Obama in 2012, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. The Trump administration wants to end the program, and at a Supreme Court argument in November a majority of the justices seemed inclined to let it.
Mr. Martinez said it would be foolish to take an army of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians, researchers and other health care workers off the battlefield in the midst of a pandemic.
South Africa, Africa’s most industrialized nation, ordered most of its 59 million people to stay at home for three weeks starting today. It is by far the biggest and most restrictive action undertaken on the African continent to contain the spread of the coronavirus.South Africa, Africa’s most industrialized nation, ordered most of its 59 million people to stay at home for three weeks starting today. It is by far the biggest and most restrictive action undertaken on the African continent to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The nationwide lockdown followed an alarming increase in confirmed cases across South Africa’s nine provinces. Three weeks after detecting its first infection, the country is now the center of the pandemic on the continent, with more than 1,000 confirmed cases, double the number of the next hardest-hit country, Egypt.The nationwide lockdown followed an alarming increase in confirmed cases across South Africa’s nine provinces. Three weeks after detecting its first infection, the country is now the center of the pandemic on the continent, with more than 1,000 confirmed cases, double the number of the next hardest-hit country, Egypt.
In Johannesburg, the country’s biggest city, shops and offices closed. A few delivery trucks, minibus taxis and ambulances were all that remained of rush-hour traffic. Gas stations, which are allowed to operate, were empty. Some residents lugged heavy plastic bags packed with food, unable to find public transportation to take them home.In Johannesburg, the country’s biggest city, shops and offices closed. A few delivery trucks, minibus taxis and ambulances were all that remained of rush-hour traffic. Gas stations, which are allowed to operate, were empty. Some residents lugged heavy plastic bags packed with food, unable to find public transportation to take them home.
While the deadly virus was slow to take hold in Africa, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths has gradually increased in recent days, raising fears about the continent’s readiness to deal with a pandemic.While the deadly virus was slow to take hold in Africa, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths has gradually increased in recent days, raising fears about the continent’s readiness to deal with a pandemic.
To date, 46 African states have reported a total of 3,243 positive cases and 83 deaths, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Senegal have all reported over 100 cases, mostly imported by visitors from Europe.To date, 46 African states have reported a total of 3,243 positive cases and 83 deaths, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Senegal have all reported over 100 cases, mostly imported by visitors from Europe.
So far the virus has spread fastest in some of Africa’s most economically developed countries, which have more air connections and commerce with Europe and China and also the capacity to do the testing to confirm positive cases.So far the virus has spread fastest in some of Africa’s most economically developed countries, which have more air connections and commerce with Europe and China and also the capacity to do the testing to confirm positive cases.
France has extended its lockdown period for at least two weeks, meaning it will end no earlier than April 15.
“This period will obviously be extended if the health situation demands it,” Édouard Philippe, France’s prime minister, said at a news conference in Paris on Friday.
The country reported 32,964 cases and 1,995 deaths on Friday.
After 10 days of confinement measures, Mr. Philippe said, “it is clear that we are only at the beginning of the epidemic wave” that had already “overwhelmed” eastern France and appeared ready to do the same in the north and in the Paris region.
No single agency has provided the public with an accurate, up-to-date record of coronavirus cases in the United States, tracked to the county level. To fill the gap, The New York Times started a round-the-clock effort to tally every known coronavirus case in the United States. The data, which The Times will continue to track, is being made available to the public on Friday.
Individual states and counties have tracked their own cases and presented them to the public with varying degrees of speed and accuracy, but those tallies provide only limited snapshots of the nation’s outbreak. A publicly available tracker from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, updated five times a week, includes only state-level data. Another notable effort is by Johns Hopkins University.
For the last eight weeks, a team of Times journalists has recorded an array of details — locations, dates, ages and conditions, when possible — about newly confirmed cases reported by state and local officials.
You can take several steps to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and keep yourself safe. Be consistent about social distancing. Wash your hands often. And when you do leave your home for groceries or other essentials, wipe down your shopping cart and be smart about what you are purchasing.You can take several steps to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and keep yourself safe. Be consistent about social distancing. Wash your hands often. And when you do leave your home for groceries or other essentials, wipe down your shopping cart and be smart about what you are purchasing.
Huge crowds clashed with Chinese police officers on Friday on a bridge connecting the provinces of Hubei and Jiangxi, one of the largest signs yet of public frustration and unrest at the center of the coronavirus outbreak in China. Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Alan Blinder, Emily Cochrane, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Maya Salam, David E. Sanger, Maggie Haberman, Annie Karni, Mark Landler, Stephen Castle, John Eligon, Amy Qin, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Elian Peltier, Raphael Minder, Jason Horowitz, Fabio Bucciarelli, Nikita Stewart, Michael Crowley, Jason Horowitz, Elisabetta Povoledo, Lara Jakes, Jesse Drucker, Abdi Latif Dahir, Vikas Bajaj, Carl Hulse, Steven Lee Myers, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Steven Erlanger, Caitlin Dickerson, Annie Correal, Adam Liptak, Neil MacFarquhar and Frances Robles.
It was not immediately unclear what prompted the clash, which took place on a bridge spanning the Yangtze River. But Hubei residents have faced rampant discrimination and fear across China since the outbreak first emerged in the provincial capital, Wuhan. And this week is the first time in two months that they have been free to leave the province, after the government eased a lockdown ordered to contain the virus.
Videos on social media showed overturned cars, police officers with shields pushing against large crowds, and groups of people rocking what appeared to be police vehicles, or shattering their windows. One video showed hundreds of people marching across the bridge, shouting, “Go Hubei!”
A man who identified himself as Ma Yanzhou, the Communist Party leader of Huangmei, urged the crowds to disperse. He said he would speak with officials in Jiujiang, the city on the other end of the bridge from Hubei, to resolve the dispute.
“We strive to solve this problem immediately so that everyone can go to Jiujiang to work,” he said into a megaphone.
He added, “Everybody gathering on the bridge is extremely dangerous. First, there is a danger to traffic safety. Second, there is the danger of spreading the virus.”
Hubei residents, with the exception of those in Wuhan, have been free to leave the province since Wednesday if they obtain a “green” health code. But many have already faced difficulties finding transportation, or have been turned away by communities in their destinations.
Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Alan Blinder, Emily Cochrane, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Maya Salam, David E. Sanger, Maggie Haberman, Annie Karni, Mark Landler, Stephen Castle, John Eligon, Amy Qin, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Elian Peltier, Raphael Minder, Jason Horowitz, Fabio Bucciarelli, Nikita Stewart, Michael Crowley, Jason Horowitz, Elisabetta Povoledo, Lara Jakes, Jesse Drucker, Abdi Latif Dahir, Vikas Bajaj, Carl Hulse, Steven Lee Myers, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Steven Erlanger, Caitlin Dickerson, Annie Correal, Adam Liptak and Neil MacFarquhar.