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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.
President Trump signed the $2 trillion economic stimulus bill into law.President Trump signed the $2 trillion economic stimulus bill into law.
Officials in nearly 200 U.S. cities reported a dire need for emergency equipment.Officials in nearly 200 U.S. cities reported a dire need for emergency equipment.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain has contracted the virus. He’s the first Western leader known to have tested positive.Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain has contracted the virus. He’s the first Western leader known to have tested positive.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage.Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage.
After erupting on the East and West Coasts, the coronavirus outbreak has made its way inland, threatening to overwhelm parts of the United States where medical equipment is in short supply and official guidance is sometimes contradictory.After erupting on the East and West Coasts, the coronavirus outbreak has made its way inland, threatening to overwhelm parts of the United States where medical equipment is in short supply and official guidance is sometimes contradictory.
In Louisiana, which may have the fastest-growing outbreak in the world, New Orleans is the epicenter. The city’s case count topped 1,100 on Friday, as speculation mounted among medical experts that last month’s Mardi Gras festivities had helped fuel the rapid growth.In Louisiana, which may have the fastest-growing outbreak in the world, New Orleans is the epicenter. The city’s case count topped 1,100 on Friday, as speculation mounted among medical experts that last month’s Mardi Gras festivities had helped fuel the rapid growth.
Across the country, many cities and states with zero cases last month now face looming explosions: Chicago and its suburbs have nearly 2,000 cases; Detroit has identified over 1,000; and Milwaukee County, Wis., has reported 468.Across the country, many cities and states with zero cases last month now face looming explosions: Chicago and its suburbs have nearly 2,000 cases; Detroit has identified over 1,000; and Milwaukee County, Wis., has reported 468.
Counties and cities outside of major urban centers have also seen striking numbers, as in Albany, Ga., whose population of 73,000 has been hit with more than 160 confirmed cases and 16 deaths.Counties and cities outside of major urban centers have also seen striking numbers, as in Albany, Ga., whose population of 73,000 has been hit with more than 160 confirmed cases and 16 deaths.
Clashes between state and local leaders over how to respond, and mixed signals from the federal government, have complicated the situation. In states without formal restrictions, one mayor’s order to keep residents at home can be undermined by surrounding cities and counties without such measures.Clashes between state and local leaders over how to respond, and mixed signals from the federal government, have complicated the situation. In states without formal restrictions, one mayor’s order to keep residents at home can be undermined by surrounding cities and counties without such measures.
The chaos of the responses could exacerbate another pressing issue: a severe, widespread shortage of medical supplies. In one survey, nearly 200 American cities, large and small, reported lacking face masks, testing kits, ventilators and other equipment needed to handle the crisis.The chaos of the responses could exacerbate another pressing issue: a severe, widespread shortage of medical supplies. In one survey, nearly 200 American cities, large and small, reported lacking face masks, testing kits, ventilators and other equipment needed to handle the crisis.
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.
By now, you may be used to reading a constant stream of bad news. But here’s a reason to be cautiously optimistic: There are signs that strong isolation and intervention measures have slowed the spread of the virus in an early U.S. hot spot.By now, you may be used to reading a constant stream of bad news. But here’s a reason to be cautiously optimistic: There are signs that strong isolation and intervention measures have slowed the spread of the virus in an early U.S. hot spot.
After cases started to grow in New Rochelle, N.Y., earlier this month, a one-mile-radius containment zone was put in place, the National Guard was called in, and widespread testing was adopted. Health investigators tracked down people potentially infected by a lawyer thought to have been the source of the spread.After cases started to grow in New Rochelle, N.Y., earlier this month, a one-mile-radius containment zone was put in place, the National Guard was called in, and widespread testing was adopted. Health investigators tracked down people potentially infected by a lawyer thought to have been the source of the spread.
Over the last four days, New Rochelle reported just 38 new cases to the county. State and local health officials cautioned that it was too early to declare victory, but it’s a significant drop — early on, the city saw more than 20 new cases a day.Over the last four days, New Rochelle reported just 38 new cases to the county. State and local health officials cautioned that it was too early to declare victory, but it’s a significant drop — early on, the city saw more than 20 new cases a day.
“In the beginning, it felt like house arrest,” said one resident whose family was placed into quarantine. “But the punishment turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This is really a case of perspective.”“In the beginning, it felt like house arrest,” said one resident whose family was placed into quarantine. “But the punishment turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This is really a case of perspective.”
Looking for more good news? Craft distilleries are making hand sanitizer, for free. Doctors are finding creative ways to cope with shortages. Research on a vaccine is moving at breakneck speed. We rounded up bright spots amid the coronavirus crisis.Looking for more good news? Craft distilleries are making hand sanitizer, for free. Doctors are finding creative ways to cope with shortages. Research on a vaccine is moving at breakneck speed. We rounded up bright spots amid the coronavirus crisis.
Bergamo, Italy, is the bleak heart of the world’s deadliest coronavirus outbreak.Bergamo, Italy, is the bleak heart of the world’s deadliest coronavirus outbreak.
Once known as a quiet and wealthy province, Bergamo is now a place where Red Cross workers go door to door to carry away the afflicted, where the coffins are so numerous the army has been called to take them away.Once known as a quiet and wealthy province, Bergamo is now a place where Red Cross workers go door to door to carry away the afflicted, where the coffins are so numerous the army has been called to take them away.
Our correspondent Jason Horowitz and the photographer Fabio Bucciarelli have been reporting on the tragedy unfolding there. This photo essay is a look at the human toll the virus has taken.Our correspondent Jason Horowitz and the photographer Fabio Bucciarelli have been reporting on the tragedy unfolding there. This photo essay is a look at the human toll the virus has taken.
Around the world, the pandemic is radically altering approaches to love, dating and sex. A meme circulating on social media sums it up: “Can I see myself quarantined with him? Does he come with toilet paper?”Around the world, the pandemic is radically altering approaches to love, dating and sex. A meme circulating on social media sums it up: “Can I see myself quarantined with him? Does he come with toilet paper?”
Lockdowns mean new togetherness for some but increased friction and conflict for others. Stuck indoors, millions of singles are turning to the internet for virtual yoga dates, digital drag queen karaoke nights and WhatsApp birthday parties.Lockdowns mean new togetherness for some but increased friction and conflict for others. Stuck indoors, millions of singles are turning to the internet for virtual yoga dates, digital drag queen karaoke nights and WhatsApp birthday parties.
The crisis has spawned a new lexicon, too. In nine months, we may see the first coronababies born. In a little more than a decade, they’ll be known as the quaranteens. Sadly, couples who can’t cope with the pressure of isolation could end up in covidivorce.The crisis has spawned a new lexicon, too. In nine months, we may see the first coronababies born. In a little more than a decade, they’ll be known as the quaranteens. Sadly, couples who can’t cope with the pressure of isolation could end up in covidivorce.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
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.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
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.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.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
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.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.
A Navy hospital ship is scheduled to arrive in New York City on Monday, and the Javits Center, a mammoth convention hall in Manhattan, has been converted into an emergency hospital. There are more than 25,000 cases in the city.A Navy hospital ship is scheduled to arrive in New York City on Monday, and the Javits Center, a mammoth convention hall in Manhattan, has been converted into an emergency hospital. There are more than 25,000 cases in the city.
Japan, with 2,083 confirmed cases, seemed to do the impossible — contain the virus without imposing draconian measures. But evidence is now emerging of rampant infection.Japan, with 2,083 confirmed cases, seemed to do the impossible — contain the virus without imposing draconian measures. But evidence is now emerging of rampant infection.
France has extended its lockdown by two weeks. The country reported 29,155 cases and 1,696 deaths on Thursday, and its health care system, which ranks among the best in the world, is creaking and straining.France has extended its lockdown by two weeks. The country reported 29,155 cases and 1,696 deaths on Thursday, and its health care system, which ranks among the best in the world, is creaking and straining.
South Africa began a three-week lockdown on Friday after the number of cases soared to more than 1,000, placing the country at the center of Africa’s pandemic.South Africa began a three-week lockdown on Friday after the number of cases soared to more than 1,000, placing the country at the center of Africa’s pandemic.
Take care of your lungs: If you are breathing polluted air, you may be at greater risk of catching the coronavirus and of having a severe infection. Here are some tips on improving indoor air quality.Take care of your lungs: If you are breathing polluted air, you may be at greater risk of catching the coronavirus and of having a severe infection. Here are some tips on improving indoor air quality.
Reinvent holidays: Many people are finding creative ways to celebrate — cooking Easter brunch for two, staging virtual seders, breaking Ramadan fasts at home and enjoying Nowruz feasts at a six-foot distance.Reinvent holidays: Many people are finding creative ways to celebrate — cooking Easter brunch for two, staging virtual seders, breaking Ramadan fasts at home and enjoying Nowruz feasts at a six-foot distance.
Have better video meetings: Testing your tech setup and establishing a clear agenda can make your virtual calls with colleagues more productive — and less awkward. And follow these tips for looking your best on a webcam.Have better video meetings: Testing your tech setup and establishing a clear agenda can make your virtual calls with colleagues more productive — and less awkward. And follow these tips for looking your best on a webcam.
Try a new game: Our crossword columnist suggests five tried and true classics that will entertain both kids and adults.Try a new game: Our crossword columnist suggests five tried and true classics that will entertain both kids and adults.
President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act, a power dating back to the Korean War, to compel General Motors to manufacture ventilators. Shortly after, the company announced that the machines would be “scheduled to ship as soon as next month.”President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act, a power dating back to the Korean War, to compel General Motors to manufacture ventilators. Shortly after, the company announced that the machines would be “scheduled to ship as soon as next month.”
The virus can afflict rich and poor alike, but in the U.S., the response to the outbreak is laying bare class divides, with the rich holed up in vacation properties, the middle class marooned at home with restless children and the working class on the front lines.The virus can afflict rich and poor alike, but in the U.S., the response to the outbreak is laying bare class divides, with the rich holed up in vacation properties, the middle class marooned at home with restless children and the working class on the front lines.
Millions of Americans will soon get a direct payment from the federal government as part of the stimulus package. If you don’t need the money, here are some ideas to help you give it to someone who does.Millions of Americans will soon get a direct payment from the federal government as part of the stimulus package. If you don’t need the money, here are some ideas to help you give it to someone who does.
The Supreme Court was urged in a filing to preserve DACA, the 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.The Supreme Court was urged in a filing to preserve DACA, the 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.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, one of the oldest and largest nonprofit U.S. theaters, is laying off 80 percent of its employees, canceling half of this year’s productions and postponing live performances until after Labor Day.The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, one of the oldest and largest nonprofit U.S. theaters, is laying off 80 percent of its employees, canceling half of this year’s productions and postponing live performances until after Labor Day.
When they gave birth at the same New York hospital, two mothers didn’t know they had the coronavirus. Both deteriorated soon after and wound up in intensive care.When they gave birth at the same New York hospital, two mothers didn’t know they had the coronavirus. Both deteriorated soon after and wound up in intensive care.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, an adviser to Mr. Trump on the coronavirus, has a new claim to fame: Doughnuts adorned with his image have become a top seller at a shop in Rochester, N.Y., the Democrat & Chronicle reports.Dr. Anthony Fauci, an adviser to Mr. Trump on the coronavirus, has a new claim to fame: Doughnuts adorned with his image have become a top seller at a shop in Rochester, N.Y., the Democrat & Chronicle reports.
I’ve been cleaning out drawers and finding emails and addresses of friends I haven’t contacted for years. I’ve sent notes in the hopes of reconnecting with friends from the past. I also sent my grown children notes letting them know how much I care about them. I’m in the process of setting up a time to chat online with a former colleague and friend I haven’t seen for nine years!I’ve been cleaning out drawers and finding emails and addresses of friends I haven’t contacted for years. I’ve sent notes in the hopes of reconnecting with friends from the past. I also sent my grown children notes letting them know how much I care about them. I’m in the process of setting up a time to chat online with a former colleague and friend I haven’t seen for nine years!
— Jill Davis, Brookfield, Wis.— Jill Davis, Brookfield, Wis.
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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Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s newsletter.Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s newsletter.