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The U.S. Sought Passenger Data, but Airlines Said No The U.S. Sought Passenger Data, but Airlines Said No
(10 days later)
This briefing is no longer updating. Read the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak here.This briefing is no longer updating. Read the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak here.
For 15 years, the U.S. government has been pressing airlines to prepare for a possible pandemic by collecting passengers’ contact information so that public health authorities could track down people exposed to a contagious virus.For 15 years, the U.S. government has been pressing airlines to prepare for a possible pandemic by collecting passengers’ contact information so that public health authorities could track down people exposed to a contagious virus.
The airlines have repeatedly refused, even this month as the coronavirus proliferated across the United States. Now the country is paying a price.The airlines have repeatedly refused, even this month as the coronavirus proliferated across the United States. Now the country is paying a price.
As the coronavirus spread into the United States earlier this year, the federal government was not able to get in touch with or monitor airline passengers who might have been exposed to the disease or were bringing it into new communities.As the coronavirus spread into the United States earlier this year, the federal government was not able to get in touch with or monitor airline passengers who might have been exposed to the disease or were bringing it into new communities.
Airline executives and lobbyists have protested that it would be expensive and time-consuming for them to start collecting basic information like email addresses and phone numbers for all passengers.Airline executives and lobbyists have protested that it would be expensive and time-consuming for them to start collecting basic information like email addresses and phone numbers for all passengers.
March was a month of head-snapping turns in financial markets: The S&P 500 suffered its worst one-day drop since 1987 before later recording its best three-day run since 1933, oil prices crashed, interest rates plunged and Wall Street’s more esoteric markets seized up.March was a month of head-snapping turns in financial markets: The S&P 500 suffered its worst one-day drop since 1987 before later recording its best three-day run since 1933, oil prices crashed, interest rates plunged and Wall Street’s more esoteric markets seized up.
The roller coaster came as investors found themselves overwhelmed by a shutdown of the world economy. Early in the month, the record-breaking, 11-year bull market ended, and trading was halted more than once to prevent a crash.The roller coaster came as investors found themselves overwhelmed by a shutdown of the world economy. Early in the month, the record-breaking, 11-year bull market ended, and trading was halted more than once to prevent a crash.
An enormous fiscal and policy response at the end of the month helped undo some of the worst of the damage. The S&P 500 recouped more than half of its losses in the final week of the month after lawmakers passed a $2 trillion spending package and the Federal Reserve said it would buy an unlimited amount of government-backed debt to keep markets functioning.An enormous fiscal and policy response at the end of the month helped undo some of the worst of the damage. The S&P 500 recouped more than half of its losses in the final week of the month after lawmakers passed a $2 trillion spending package and the Federal Reserve said it would buy an unlimited amount of government-backed debt to keep markets functioning.
But even as stocks rebounded well off their lowest point, March was the worst month for the S&P 500 since October 2008, when investors feared a collapse of the economy in the wake of the global financial crisis. The S&P 500 fell 12.5 percent this month. The index is down 20 percent so far this year.But even as stocks rebounded well off their lowest point, March was the worst month for the S&P 500 since October 2008, when investors feared a collapse of the economy in the wake of the global financial crisis. The S&P 500 fell 12.5 percent this month. The index is down 20 percent so far this year.
On Tuesday, stocks fell 1.6 percent.On Tuesday, stocks fell 1.6 percent.
Calmer markets do not mean the worst is over. As consumers stay home and factories shut down, millions of workers have lost their jobs. Economic data showing the scale of the damage has only just begun to roll in, and Wall Street analysts continue to downgrade expectations for the economy.Calmer markets do not mean the worst is over. As consumers stay home and factories shut down, millions of workers have lost their jobs. Economic data showing the scale of the damage has only just begun to roll in, and Wall Street analysts continue to downgrade expectations for the economy.
Goldman Sachs, for example, now expects U.S. economic output to plunge at an annualized rate of 34 percent in the second quarter. The unemployment rate will hit 15 percent, the bank said in a research note on Tuesday.Goldman Sachs, for example, now expects U.S. economic output to plunge at an annualized rate of 34 percent in the second quarter. The unemployment rate will hit 15 percent, the bank said in a research note on Tuesday.
But the worst of the recent swings in asset prices seem to have ended, and investors are trying to find a footing.But the worst of the recent swings in asset prices seem to have ended, and investors are trying to find a footing.
“We appear to be seeing improved sentiment,” Yousef Abbasi, global market strategist at INTL FCStone, a financial services and brokerage firm, wrote in a note to clients on Tuesday. “When sentiment does start to improve around the virus and its ultimate economic impact — the market will find it difficult to ignore the size and scope of the fiscal and monetary stimulus that has been undertaken.”“We appear to be seeing improved sentiment,” Yousef Abbasi, global market strategist at INTL FCStone, a financial services and brokerage firm, wrote in a note to clients on Tuesday. “When sentiment does start to improve around the virus and its ultimate economic impact — the market will find it difficult to ignore the size and scope of the fiscal and monetary stimulus that has been undertaken.”
The economic impact of the pandemic in the United States will be different from the 2008 crash of the markets in at least one way: It is likely to lead to more job losses for women than men, at least in the short term, according to a new paper by researchers at three universities.The economic impact of the pandemic in the United States will be different from the 2008 crash of the markets in at least one way: It is likely to lead to more job losses for women than men, at least in the short term, according to a new paper by researchers at three universities.
“In all major recessions, including the financial recession 10 years ago, many more men lose their jobs,” said Matthias Doepke, an economics professor at Northwestern University and one of the authors of the research paper. “This has to do with two things: Usually the most-affected sectors are things like construction and manufacturing, which are male-dominated. And the second thing is this notion of ‘insurance in the family’ — that some married women decide to actually work more during a recession to make up for the job loss of the husband.”“In all major recessions, including the financial recession 10 years ago, many more men lose their jobs,” said Matthias Doepke, an economics professor at Northwestern University and one of the authors of the research paper. “This has to do with two things: Usually the most-affected sectors are things like construction and manufacturing, which are male-dominated. And the second thing is this notion of ‘insurance in the family’ — that some married women decide to actually work more during a recession to make up for the job loss of the husband.”
But in this downturn, the sectors that are going to be most affected — hospitality, retail, travel — have fairly high female employment, Mr. Doepke said.But in this downturn, the sectors that are going to be most affected — hospitality, retail, travel — have fairly high female employment, Mr. Doepke said.
However, the paper suggests that the new work-from-home policies may also promote gender equality in the long run.However, the paper suggests that the new work-from-home policies may also promote gender equality in the long run.
“We expect that this added flexibility is going to stay — not completely — but to a large extent after the crisis,” Mr. Doepke said.“We expect that this added flexibility is going to stay — not completely — but to a large extent after the crisis,” Mr. Doepke said.
With the coronavirus pandemic all but eliminating travel, demand for energy is tumbling, and oil companies from Algeria to West Texas are slashing budgets. Refineries are cutting production of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, and oil companies are dropping rigs, dismissing fracking crews and beginning to shutter wells.With the coronavirus pandemic all but eliminating travel, demand for energy is tumbling, and oil companies from Algeria to West Texas are slashing budgets. Refineries are cutting production of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, and oil companies are dropping rigs, dismissing fracking crews and beginning to shutter wells.
As much as 20 percent, or 20 million barrels a day, of oil demand may be lost as the global economy slows, according to the International Energy Agency. That is roughly equivalent to eliminating all U.S. consumption. To make matters worse, Saudi Arabia and Russia are increasing oil production to regain market share from American oil companies that increased production and exports in recent years.As much as 20 percent, or 20 million barrels a day, of oil demand may be lost as the global economy slows, according to the International Energy Agency. That is roughly equivalent to eliminating all U.S. consumption. To make matters worse, Saudi Arabia and Russia are increasing oil production to regain market share from American oil companies that increased production and exports in recent years.
The Trump administration has been trying to convince Saudi Arabia and Russia that they should cut production to help stabilize the oil market; President Trump and President Vladimir Putin of Russia discussed energy markets in a call on Monday. But the energy demand destroyed by the virus now overshadows anything that Saudi Arabia or Russia could do to reduce exports.The Trump administration has been trying to convince Saudi Arabia and Russia that they should cut production to help stabilize the oil market; President Trump and President Vladimir Putin of Russia discussed energy markets in a call on Monday. But the energy demand destroyed by the virus now overshadows anything that Saudi Arabia or Russia could do to reduce exports.
Global oil benchmark prices hover around $20 a barrel — levels not seen in a generation — and regional prices in West Texas and North Dakota have fallen even further, to around $10 a barrel. That is about a quarter of the price that shale operators typically need to cover the costs of pulling oil out of the ground. If these prices persist, a big wave of bankruptcies is inevitable by the end of the year, experts say.Global oil benchmark prices hover around $20 a barrel — levels not seen in a generation — and regional prices in West Texas and North Dakota have fallen even further, to around $10 a barrel. That is about a quarter of the price that shale operators typically need to cover the costs of pulling oil out of the ground. If these prices persist, a big wave of bankruptcies is inevitable by the end of the year, experts say.
The economic recovery package that was signed by President Trump last week created a new inspector general to monitor how a $500 billion pot of relief money is being allocated. The law specified that the inspector general, who will be selected by Mr. Trump and placed in the Treasury Department, must alert Congress if requests for information are blocked.The economic recovery package that was signed by President Trump last week created a new inspector general to monitor how a $500 billion pot of relief money is being allocated. The law specified that the inspector general, who will be selected by Mr. Trump and placed in the Treasury Department, must alert Congress if requests for information are blocked.
Mr. Trump, however, suggested in a signing statement on Friday that he had the power to decide what information the inspector general could share with Congress.Mr. Trump, however, suggested in a signing statement on Friday that he had the power to decide what information the inspector general could share with Congress.
In a letter, Senators Chuck Schumer of New York, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Ron Wyden of Oregon urged Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin not to allow the president to restrict the inspector general. Mr. Schumer is the minority leader and Mr. Brown and Mr. Wyden are the top Democrats on the Senate’s banking and finance committees.In a letter, Senators Chuck Schumer of New York, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Ron Wyden of Oregon urged Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin not to allow the president to restrict the inspector general. Mr. Schumer is the minority leader and Mr. Brown and Mr. Wyden are the top Democrats on the Senate’s banking and finance committees.
Updated July 7, 2020
The coronavirus can stay aloft for hours in tiny droplets in stagnant air, infecting people as they inhale, mounting scientific evidence suggests. This risk is highest in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, and may help explain super-spreading events reported in meatpacking plants, churches and restaurants. It’s unclear how often the virus is spread via these tiny droplets, or aerosols, compared with larger droplets that are expelled when a sick person coughs or sneezes, or transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, said Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech. Aerosols are released even when a person without symptoms exhales, talks or sings, according to Dr. Marr and more than 200 other experts, who have outlined the evidence in an open letter to the World Health Organization.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The senators went on to remind Mr. Mnuchin that he personally negotiated with lawmakers the terms of the legislation that created the inspector general’s role and that lawmakers agreed to the $500 billion fund on the condition that there would be sufficient oversight.The senators went on to remind Mr. Mnuchin that he personally negotiated with lawmakers the terms of the legislation that created the inspector general’s role and that lawmakers agreed to the $500 billion fund on the condition that there would be sufficient oversight.
Chris Cuomo, the CNN anchor and younger brother of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, has tested positive for the coronavirus and is quarantining at his home, the network said on Tuesday.Chris Cuomo, the CNN anchor and younger brother of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, has tested positive for the coronavirus and is quarantining at his home, the network said on Tuesday.
Mr. Cuomo is “feeling well,” according to a memo distributed to CNN staff members, and he plans to continue hosting his prime-time program from a studio at his home. Mr. Cuomo confirmed the news himself on Twitter.Mr. Cuomo is “feeling well,” according to a memo distributed to CNN staff members, and he plans to continue hosting his prime-time program from a studio at his home. Mr. Cuomo confirmed the news himself on Twitter.
Mr. Cuomo, 49, is one of the most prominent members of the American news media so far to test positive for the coronavirus. His illness is also notable in part because of the outsize role his brother, Governor Cuomo, has played in leading the response to the virus in the hard-hit state of New York.Mr. Cuomo, 49, is one of the most prominent members of the American news media so far to test positive for the coronavirus. His illness is also notable in part because of the outsize role his brother, Governor Cuomo, has played in leading the response to the virus in the hard-hit state of New York.
Governor Cuomo, when asked about his brother on Tuesday, said “he is going to be fine.”Governor Cuomo, when asked about his brother on Tuesday, said “he is going to be fine.”
“He’s young, in good shape, strong, not as strong as he thinks, but he will be fine. But there’s a lesson in this,” he said. “He’s an essential worker, a member of the press, so he’s been out there. If you go out there, the chance that you get infected is very high.”“He’s young, in good shape, strong, not as strong as he thinks, but he will be fine. But there’s a lesson in this,” he said. “He’s an essential worker, a member of the press, so he’s been out there. If you go out there, the chance that you get infected is very high.”
The number of hours Americans are devoting to streaming shows and movies has skyrocketed in the weeks since much of the country was given stay-at-home orders, according to a new study released by Nielsen.The number of hours Americans are devoting to streaming shows and movies has skyrocketed in the weeks since much of the country was given stay-at-home orders, according to a new study released by Nielsen.
Total streaming viewership has gone up 35 percent in recent weeks, and the size of the audience is more than double what it was this time a year ago, Nielsen said.Total streaming viewership has gone up 35 percent in recent weeks, and the size of the audience is more than double what it was this time a year ago, Nielsen said.
Americans watched a total of 156 billions of minutes of streaming shows and movies on televisions during the week of March 16, according to Nielsen, which does not measure what people watch on phone screens or tablets. In a comparable week last year, Americans streamed 71 billions minutes. All of the major streaming services — Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu — had increases, the research firm said.Americans watched a total of 156 billions of minutes of streaming shows and movies on televisions during the week of March 16, according to Nielsen, which does not measure what people watch on phone screens or tablets. In a comparable week last year, Americans streamed 71 billions minutes. All of the major streaming services — Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu — had increases, the research firm said.
Netflix had the largest share of streaming minutes, with YouTube in second place. Netflix’s viewership has jumped 28 percent in the United States in the last few weeks, and the platform has many of the most-streamed shows, including originals like “Love is Blind” and standbys like “The Office.” The Netflix documentary series “Tiger King” was released March 20 and has been the No. 1 program on the platform in the United States for more than a week.Netflix had the largest share of streaming minutes, with YouTube in second place. Netflix’s viewership has jumped 28 percent in the United States in the last few weeks, and the platform has many of the most-streamed shows, including originals like “Love is Blind” and standbys like “The Office.” The Netflix documentary series “Tiger King” was released March 20 and has been the No. 1 program on the platform in the United States for more than a week.
Much of television has had rating surges, including cable news and the evening news programs. But the streaming statistics are evidence that people are looking for distractions.Much of television has had rating surges, including cable news and the evening news programs. But the streaming statistics are evidence that people are looking for distractions.
Brooks Brothers said on Tuesday that it would use its manufacturing facilities in New York, North Carolina and Massachusetts to make masks and gowns for health care workers.Brooks Brothers said on Tuesday that it would use its manufacturing facilities in New York, North Carolina and Massachusetts to make masks and gowns for health care workers.
Tyson Foods said it would pay approximately $60 million in bonuses to 116,000 front-line workers and truckers in the United States. Eligible employees will receive a $500 bonus, payable in the first week of July.Tyson Foods said it would pay approximately $60 million in bonuses to 116,000 front-line workers and truckers in the United States. Eligible employees will receive a $500 bonus, payable in the first week of July.
JCPenney became the latest retailer to furlough many of its workers, saying on Tuesday that it was making the move to protect the “future of our company.” The retailer did not say exactly how many of its 90,000 workers would be furloughed, but said it would affect the majority of its store employees.JCPenney became the latest retailer to furlough many of its workers, saying on Tuesday that it was making the move to protect the “future of our company.” The retailer did not say exactly how many of its 90,000 workers would be furloughed, but said it would affect the majority of its store employees.
The Conference Board’s measurement of consumer confidence fell sharply this month, according to figures released Tuesday. It was the steepest one-month drop since August 2011. The data was collected through March 19, before many of the job losses from the coronavirus outbreak hit.The Conference Board’s measurement of consumer confidence fell sharply this month, according to figures released Tuesday. It was the steepest one-month drop since August 2011. The data was collected through March 19, before many of the job losses from the coronavirus outbreak hit.
Walmart said it would start providing masks and gloves to workers. The company will also begin taking the temperatures of employees as they show up to work at stores and distribution centers. Any employee with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher will be sent home and cannot return to work until they are fever free for at least three days.Walmart said it would start providing masks and gloves to workers. The company will also begin taking the temperatures of employees as they show up to work at stores and distribution centers. Any employee with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher will be sent home and cannot return to work until they are fever free for at least three days.
Reporting was contributed by Alisha Haridasani Gupta, Natalie Kitroeff, Jessica Silver-Greenberg, Michael M. Grynbaum, Clifford Krauss, Carlos Tejada, Ben Casselman, Alan Rappeport, Michael Corkery, John Koblin, Elizabeth Paton, Niraj Chokshi, Raymond Zhong, Peter Eavis, Davey Alba, Sheera Frenkel, Kevin McKenna, Mohammed Hadi, Geneva Abdul, Jonah Bromwich, Kate Conger, Ernesto Londono and Daniel Victor.Reporting was contributed by Alisha Haridasani Gupta, Natalie Kitroeff, Jessica Silver-Greenberg, Michael M. Grynbaum, Clifford Krauss, Carlos Tejada, Ben Casselman, Alan Rappeport, Michael Corkery, John Koblin, Elizabeth Paton, Niraj Chokshi, Raymond Zhong, Peter Eavis, Davey Alba, Sheera Frenkel, Kevin McKenna, Mohammed Hadi, Geneva Abdul, Jonah Bromwich, Kate Conger, Ernesto Londono and Daniel Victor.