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Coronavirus Live Updates: States Clamp Down After White House’s Dire Warning Coronavirus Live Updates: States Clamp Down After White House’s Dire Warning
(31 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
Fears are growing that the global downturn could be far more punishing and long lasting than initially feared — potentially enduring into next year, and even beyond — as governments intensify restrictions on business to halt the spread of the pandemic, and fear of the virus impedes consumer-led economic growth.Fears are growing that the global downturn could be far more punishing and long lasting than initially feared — potentially enduring into next year, and even beyond — as governments intensify restrictions on business to halt the spread of the pandemic, and fear of the virus impedes consumer-led economic growth.
“This is already shaping up as the deepest dive on record for the global economy for over 100 years,” said Kenneth S. Rogoff, a Harvard economist and co-author of “This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly,” a history of financial crises. “Everything depends on how long it lasts, but if this goes on for a long time, it’s certainly going to be the mother of all financial crises.”“This is already shaping up as the deepest dive on record for the global economy for over 100 years,” said Kenneth S. Rogoff, a Harvard economist and co-author of “This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly,” a history of financial crises. “Everything depends on how long it lasts, but if this goes on for a long time, it’s certainly going to be the mother of all financial crises.”
Stocks on Wall Street fell sharply on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 down about 4 percent by mid-afternoon, extending its losses from March, the worst month for stocks since 2008. And surveys of manufacturing and factory activity in the United States, Europe and Japan showed activity slowing to levels not seen in a decade or more. Stocks on Wall Street fell sharply on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 down about 4 percent by mid-afternoon, extending its losses from March, the worst month for stocks since 2008.
In Washington, there was growing concern that the $2 trillion stimulus package enacted last week could be insufficient to bolster the economy as the crisis mushrooms. Democrats and Republicans in Congress, as well as President Trump, are increasingly looking toward enacting a huge new infrastructure plan that could create thousands of jobs. In Washington, there was growing concern that the $2 trillion stimulus package enacted last week could be insufficient. Democrats and Republicans in Congress, as well as President Trump, are increasingly looking toward enacting a huge new infrastructure plan that could create thousands of jobs.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi and senior Democrats plan to hold a telephonic news conference on Wednesday morning to outline their infrastructure priorities, ranging from expanding rural broadband to rebuilding the nation’s roads and waterways. Mr. Trump endorsed the prospect of an infrastructure program on Twitter early Tuesday morning, saying that given low interest rates, it should be “VERY BIG & BOLD, Two Trillion Dollars, and be focused solely on jobs and rebuilding the once great infrastructure of our Country!” Speaker Nancy Pelosi and senior Democrats outlined their infrastructure priorities on Wednesday, ranging from expanding rural broadband to rebuilding the nation’s roads and waterways, for what will likely become part of a broader legislative package to help boost the American economy during the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Trump endorsed the prospect of an infrastructure program on Twitter early Tuesday morning, saying that given low interest rates, it should be “VERY BIG & BOLD, Two Trillion Dollars, and be focused solely on jobs and rebuilding the once great infrastructure of our Country!”
Mr. Trump campaigned in 2016 on a promise to launch a $1 trillion infrastructure initiative, and Democrats and Republicans have long called for such an effort. But the president has clashed with Democrats over how to pay for such a plan, and attempts to transform the bipartisan aspirations into action have fallen short so many times that the phrase “Infrastructure Week” has become something of a joke in Washington.Mr. Trump campaigned in 2016 on a promise to launch a $1 trillion infrastructure initiative, and Democrats and Republicans have long called for such an effort. But the president has clashed with Democrats over how to pay for such a plan, and attempts to transform the bipartisan aspirations into action have fallen short so many times that the phrase “Infrastructure Week” has become something of a joke in Washington.
It remains to be seen whether lawmakers and the White House can reach agreement now, although the crisis has created a new willingness among Republicans to embrace costly and far-reaching government programs of the sort they typically resist. And finding shovel-ready projects, that can get people back to work quickly, can be a challenge. It remains to be seen whether lawmakers and the White House can reach agreement now, although the crisis has created a new willingness among Republicans to embrace costly and far-reaching government programs of the sort they typically resist.
By the hundreds of thousands, Americans are asking for help for the first time in their lives — from nail technicians in Los Angeles to airport workers in Fort Lauderdale, from bartenders in Phoenix to former reality show contestants in Minnesota. Many Americans are asking for help for the first time in their lives — from nail technicians in Los Angeles to airport workers in Fort Lauderdale, from bartenders in Phoenix to former reality show contestants in Minnesota.
Biting back shame, and wondering guiltily about others in more dire straits, they are applying for unemployment, turning to GoFundMe, asking for money on Instagram, quietly accepting handouts from co-workers, and showing up in unprecedented numbers at food banks, which are struggling to meet soaring demand.
“I’ve never had to actually do this,” Dalen Lacy, a 27-year-old father of two, said as he pulled into a food bank in southern Dallas, after he lost his warehouse job and saw his hours at 7-Eleven slashed amid the pandemic. “But I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do for my kids.”“I’ve never had to actually do this,” Dalen Lacy, a 27-year-old father of two, said as he pulled into a food bank in southern Dallas, after he lost his warehouse job and saw his hours at 7-Eleven slashed amid the pandemic. “But I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do for my kids.”
As the first of the month rolled around there were looming questions about which bills households and companies would be able to pay — including the rent.As the first of the month rolled around there were looming questions about which bills households and companies would be able to pay — including the rent.
In just a few weeks, more than 50 start-ups have cut or furloughed roughly 6,000 employees, according to a tally by The New York Times. At ClassPass, which offers a membership program for fitness classes, more than 95 percent of its revenue evaporated in just 10 days as studios and gyms around the world shut down.
And the downturn, and the recent stimulus package passed by Congress, have revived the debate about America’s safety net programs, which the Trump administration has worked in recent years to shrink, and to add more work requirements to.And the downturn, and the recent stimulus package passed by Congress, have revived the debate about America’s safety net programs, which the Trump administration has worked in recent years to shrink, and to add more work requirements to.
The challenges facing the nation, and the world, are far-reaching. The pandemic is above all a public health emergency, and the abrupt halt of commercial activity threatens to impose economic pain so profound and enduring in every region of the world at once that recovery could take years. The losses to companies, many already saturated with debt, risk triggering a financial crisis of cataclysmic proportions. The challenges facing the nation, and the world, are far-reaching. The pandemic is above all a public health emergency, and the abrupt halt of commercial activity threatens to impose economic pain so profound and enduring in every region of the world at once that recovery could take years.
“I feel like the 2008 financial crisis was just a dry run for this,” Mr. Rogoff said. The secretary general of the United Nations, António Guterres, on Wednesday called the outbreak the greatest test the world has seen since World War II.
In just a few weeks, more than 50 start-ups have cut or furloughed roughly 6,000 employees, according to a tally by The New York Times. Plans for initial public offerings are delayed. And funding is drying up for many young tech companies.
At ClassPass, which offers a membership program for fitness classes, more than 95 percent of its revenue evaporated in just 10 days as studios and gyms around the world shut down. Bird, an electric scooter start-up, laid off 30 percent of its staff last week, while Everlane, an apparel company, cut or furloughed hundreds of workers. Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who for weeks has resisted more stringent statewide measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, on Wednesday ordered the state’s more than 21 million residents to largely stay at home.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who for weeks has resisted more stringent statewide measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, said on Wednesday that he would order the state’s more than 21 million residents to largely stay at home.
Mr. DeSantis, a Republican, relented after a morning telephone call with President Trump, who on Tuesday delivered the gravest projections yet from the White House that up to 240,000 Americans could die from the infection, even with serious restrictions in place.Mr. DeSantis, a Republican, relented after a morning telephone call with President Trump, who on Tuesday delivered the gravest projections yet from the White House that up to 240,000 Americans could die from the infection, even with serious restrictions in place.
The governor said he started coming around to the necessity of a statewide order once the White House dropped its rosier suggestion that measures could be lifted by mid-April and extended national guidelines to combat the coronavirus until April 30.The governor said he started coming around to the necessity of a statewide order once the White House dropped its rosier suggestion that measures could be lifted by mid-April and extended national guidelines to combat the coronavirus until April 30.
“When the president did the 30-day extension, to me, that was, ‘People aren’t just going to back to work,’” Mr. DeSantis said at a news conference in Tallahassee, the state capital. “That’s a national pause button.”“When the president did the 30-day extension, to me, that was, ‘People aren’t just going to back to work,’” Mr. DeSantis said at a news conference in Tallahassee, the state capital. “That’s a national pause button.”
He said his order, which he planned to sign later on Wednesday, would take effect Thursday at midnight. The governor’s order, which allows people to leave their homes for “essential activities,” will take effect Thursday at midnight.
The coronavirus poses a unique risk for Florida, the third-largest state in the country, where a quarter of the population is older than 60 and the economy relies in large part on an $86 billion-a-year tourism industry fueled by 125 million annual visitors.The coronavirus poses a unique risk for Florida, the third-largest state in the country, where a quarter of the population is older than 60 and the economy relies in large part on an $86 billion-a-year tourism industry fueled by 125 million annual visitors.
Mr. DeSantis has also been reluctant to break with Mr. Trump, who helped him win the governorship.Mr. DeSantis has also been reluctant to break with Mr. Trump, who helped him win the governorship.
As recently as Monday, Mr. DeSantis insisted that the only stay-at-home order he had signed, for the state’s four most densely populated counties from Key West to West Palm Beach, would be needed only through April 15.As recently as Monday, Mr. DeSantis insisted that the only stay-at-home order he had signed, for the state’s four most densely populated counties from Key West to West Palm Beach, would be needed only through April 15.
Gov. Steve Sisolak of Nevada also announced at stay-at-home order on Wednesday, codifying the message he had been trying to send for weeks: “STAY HOME for our State,” he said on Twitter.
A vast majority of Americans — more than 280 million people in 35 states and Washington, D.C.—- are now under orders or instructions to stay home.
Five weeks ago, when there were 60 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States, Mr. Trump expressed little alarm. “This is a flu,” he said. “This is like a flu.” He was still likening it to an ordinary flu as late as Friday.Five weeks ago, when there were 60 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States, Mr. Trump expressed little alarm. “This is a flu,” he said. “This is like a flu.” He was still likening it to an ordinary flu as late as Friday.
By Tuesday, however, with more than 187,000 recorded cases in the United States and more Americans having been killed by the virus than by the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the president’s assessment had rather drastically changed. “It’s not the flu,” he said. “It’s vicious.”By Tuesday, however, with more than 187,000 recorded cases in the United States and more Americans having been killed by the virus than by the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the president’s assessment had rather drastically changed. “It’s not the flu,” he said. “It’s vicious.”
The grim-faced president who appeared in the White House briefing room for more than two hours on Tuesday evening beside charts showing death projections of hellacious proportions was coming to grips with a reality he had long refused to accept. At a minimum, the charts predicted that 100,000 to 240,000 Americans would die — and only if the nation abided by stringent social restrictions that would choke the economy and impoverish millions.The grim-faced president who appeared in the White House briefing room for more than two hours on Tuesday evening beside charts showing death projections of hellacious proportions was coming to grips with a reality he had long refused to accept. At a minimum, the charts predicted that 100,000 to 240,000 Americans would die — and only if the nation abided by stringent social restrictions that would choke the economy and impoverish millions.
A crisis that Mr. Trump had repeatedly asserted was “under control” and hoped would “miraculously” disappear has come to consume his presidency, presenting him with a challenge that he seems only now to be seeing more clearly.A crisis that Mr. Trump had repeatedly asserted was “under control” and hoped would “miraculously” disappear has come to consume his presidency, presenting him with a challenge that he seems only now to be seeing more clearly.
The numbers publicly outlined on Tuesday had forced him over the weekend to reverse his plan to reopen the country by Easter, but they were hardly new or surprising. Experts have been warning of a possibility like this for weeks. But more than ever before, Mr. Trump seemed to acknowledge them.The numbers publicly outlined on Tuesday had forced him over the weekend to reverse his plan to reopen the country by Easter, but they were hardly new or surprising. Experts have been warning of a possibility like this for weeks. But more than ever before, Mr. Trump seemed to acknowledge them.
“I want every American to be prepared for the hard days that lie ahead,” the president said, the starkest such effort he has made to prepare the country for the expected wave of disease and death. “We’re going to go through a very tough two weeks.”“I want every American to be prepared for the hard days that lie ahead,” the president said, the starkest such effort he has made to prepare the country for the expected wave of disease and death. “We’re going to go through a very tough two weeks.”
Stocks on Wall Street fell sharply on Wednesday, following a slump in global markets, as investors faced new projections of the potential scale and economic ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic.Stocks on Wall Street fell sharply on Wednesday, following a slump in global markets, as investors faced new projections of the potential scale and economic ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic.
The S&P 500 fell about 4 percent by Wednesday afternoon, extending its losses from March — with a 12.5 percent drop — the worst month for stocks since 2008.The S&P 500 fell about 4 percent by Wednesday afternoon, extending its losses from March — with a 12.5 percent drop — the worst month for stocks since 2008.
Though the panic-driven, stomach-churning market volatility of recent weeks had subsided in recent days, numerous signs point to dire prospects for the world economy as the pandemic continues its spread. Mr. Trump said at a news conference on Tuesday that the United States would face a “very, very painful two weeks,” and government scientists projected that the outbreak could kill up to 240,000 people in the country. And on Wednesday, the United Nations warned of “enhanced instability, enhanced unrest and enhanced conflict.”Though the panic-driven, stomach-churning market volatility of recent weeks had subsided in recent days, numerous signs point to dire prospects for the world economy as the pandemic continues its spread. Mr. Trump said at a news conference on Tuesday that the United States would face a “very, very painful two weeks,” and government scientists projected that the outbreak could kill up to 240,000 people in the country. And on Wednesday, the United Nations warned of “enhanced instability, enhanced unrest and enhanced conflict.”
Economic readings continued to worsen. On Wednesday, a monthly measure of factory activity in Europe collapsed to its lowest level since at least 2012, while data showed that Japan’s factory activity had slowed to its lowest rate in a decade. Investors will get more data on the job market in the United States later this week, with the government reporting weekly jobless claims on Thursday and the unemployment rate on Friday.Economic readings continued to worsen. On Wednesday, a monthly measure of factory activity in Europe collapsed to its lowest level since at least 2012, while data showed that Japan’s factory activity had slowed to its lowest rate in a decade. Investors will get more data on the job market in the United States later this week, with the government reporting weekly jobless claims on Thursday and the unemployment rate on Friday.
With the outbreak not projected to peak in New York, the hardest-hit state, until the end of April, when it threatens to overwhelm the healthcare system, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo made another plea Wednesday for help from the federal government.With the outbreak not projected to peak in New York, the hardest-hit state, until the end of April, when it threatens to overwhelm the healthcare system, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo made another plea Wednesday for help from the federal government.
At a news conference where he announced that another 391 people in the state had died of the virus over the last day, bringing the state’s total to 1,941, and the tri-state region’s to 2,365, Mr. Cuomo said that the state was still struggling to get the ventilators and other medical supplies it needs.At a news conference where he announced that another 391 people in the state had died of the virus over the last day, bringing the state’s total to 1,941, and the tri-state region’s to 2,365, Mr. Cuomo said that the state was still struggling to get the ventilators and other medical supplies it needs.
“Really, the only hope for a state at this point is the federal government’s capacity to deliver,” Mr. Cuomo said, going on to discuss the powers that the Defense Production Act, a Korean War-era law, gives the president to procure vital equipment.“Really, the only hope for a state at this point is the federal government’s capacity to deliver,” Mr. Cuomo said, going on to discuss the powers that the Defense Production Act, a Korean War-era law, gives the president to procure vital equipment.
“The Defense Production Act gives the president of the United States power to say to a company: you make this,” Mr. Cuomo said, noting that while much of the discussion about the act had been about making ventilators, which are complex to build, it could also be used for other gear, including hospital gowns.“The Defense Production Act gives the president of the United States power to say to a company: you make this,” Mr. Cuomo said, noting that while much of the discussion about the act had been about making ventilators, which are complex to build, it could also be used for other gear, including hospital gowns.
“Look, you have a shortfall on gowns,” he said. “American companies can make gowns — they’re not like wedding gowns, they’re like paper gowns. Make the gowns, make the gloves, make the masks. You know, why are we running out of these basic supplies?”“Look, you have a shortfall on gowns,” he said. “American companies can make gowns — they’re not like wedding gowns, they’re like paper gowns. Make the gowns, make the gloves, make the masks. You know, why are we running out of these basic supplies?”
In recent days a chorus of governors from across the political spectrum have publicly challenged the Trump administration’s assertion that the United States is well stocked and well prepared to test people for the virus and care for the sickest patients. In many cases, the governors said, the country’s patchwork approach had left them bidding against one another for supplies.In recent days a chorus of governors from across the political spectrum have publicly challenged the Trump administration’s assertion that the United States is well stocked and well prepared to test people for the virus and care for the sickest patients. In many cases, the governors said, the country’s patchwork approach had left them bidding against one another for supplies.
Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican, said on Tuesday that his state was “flying blind” in the fight against the coronavirus because officials did not have enough tests. When asked during an NPR interview about Mr. Trump’s recent comments suggesting that a chronic lack of test kits was no longer a problem in the United States, Mr. Hogan did not mince words: “Yeah, that’s just not true.”Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a Republican, said on Tuesday that his state was “flying blind” in the fight against the coronavirus because officials did not have enough tests. When asked during an NPR interview about Mr. Trump’s recent comments suggesting that a chronic lack of test kits was no longer a problem in the United States, Mr. Hogan did not mince words: “Yeah, that’s just not true.”
Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut, a Democrat, said on Tuesday that it was “disturbing” to learn that a national stockpile of medical supplies was running empty.Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut, a Democrat, said on Tuesday that it was “disturbing” to learn that a national stockpile of medical supplies was running empty.
“We are on our own,” he said.“We are on our own,” he said.
As the crisis has grown more dire across the country, Mr. Cuomo’s briefings, which have become a daily staple of the national news and raised his political profile, have taken on a broader purview.As the crisis has grown more dire across the country, Mr. Cuomo’s briefings, which have become a daily staple of the national news and raised his political profile, have taken on a broader purview.
On Wednesday, the governor again emphasized the regional coordination between his state, New Jersey and Connecticut, before noting that the virus was spreading more rapidly in other states, including California, Michigan and Florida.On Wednesday, the governor again emphasized the regional coordination between his state, New Jersey and Connecticut, before noting that the virus was spreading more rapidly in other states, including California, Michigan and Florida.
And he urged Americans even in states that had not yet been hit hard by the virus to take it seriously.And he urged Americans even in states that had not yet been hit hard by the virus to take it seriously.
“So, to the extent people watch their nightly news in Kansas and say, well, this is a New York problem, that’s not what these numbers say. It says it’s a New York problem today. Tomorrow, it’s a Kansas problem and a Texas problem and a New Mexico problem.”“So, to the extent people watch their nightly news in Kansas and say, well, this is a New York problem, that’s not what these numbers say. It says it’s a New York problem today. Tomorrow, it’s a Kansas problem and a Texas problem and a New Mexico problem.”
And Mr. Cuomo spoke in emotional terms about learning that his younger brother, Chris Cuomo, the CNN anchor, had the coronavirus. He explained that even though he knew that statistics suggest that his brother would not require hospitalization, it unsettled him. Mr. Cuomo said that playgrounds in New York City would be ordered closed, because people were not following social distancing rules, but that parks and other open spaces would remain open. And he spoke in emotional terms about learning that his younger brother, Chris Cuomo, the CNN anchor, had the coronavirus. He explained that even though he knew that statistics suggest that his brother would not require hospitalization, it unsettled him.
“Even though that’s what all the numbers say, when he told me he had the coronavirus, it scared me,’’ Governor Cuomo said. “It frightened me. Why? Because we still don’t know. We still don’t know. And even if there’s just a one percent, two percent chance — it’s frightening. It is frightening. It frightened me.”“Even though that’s what all the numbers say, when he told me he had the coronavirus, it scared me,’’ Governor Cuomo said. “It frightened me. Why? Because we still don’t know. We still don’t know. And even if there’s just a one percent, two percent chance — it’s frightening. It is frightening. It frightened me.”
Other highlights from the governor’s morning briefing in Albany:
Confirmed cases: 83,712, up from 75,795.
New York City cases: 47,349, up from 43,139.
Currently hospitalized: 12,226, up from 10,929.
In intensive care: 3,022, up from 2,710.
All New York City playgrounds will be closed, because social-distancing rules have not been observed. Parks and other open spaces will stay open.
As Iran struggles with a devastating coronavirus outbreak, a broken economy and a severe shortage of medical equipment, it says that American trade sanctions are taking Iranian lives and has called for the United States to lift them on humanitarian grounds.As Iran struggles with a devastating coronavirus outbreak, a broken economy and a severe shortage of medical equipment, it says that American trade sanctions are taking Iranian lives and has called for the United States to lift them on humanitarian grounds.
Iran’s plea is gaining traction around the globe, winning support from allies like Russia and China, but also the European Union, the United Nations secretary general, rights groups and nearly three dozen members of Congress, who have appealed to the Trump administration to suspend the sanctions for as long as Iran is battling the coronavirus.Iran’s plea is gaining traction around the globe, winning support from allies like Russia and China, but also the European Union, the United Nations secretary general, rights groups and nearly three dozen members of Congress, who have appealed to the Trump administration to suspend the sanctions for as long as Iran is battling the coronavirus.
Iran has confirmed more than 47,000 cases and more than 3,000 deaths, although public health experts estimate the real toll to be several times higher.Iran has confirmed more than 47,000 cases and more than 3,000 deaths, although public health experts estimate the real toll to be several times higher.
“We had always said the sanctions are unjust but coronavirus revealed this injustice to the world,” Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said in a recent video message, which he began by removing a surgical mask from his face with blue latex gloves. He called the sanctions “economic terrorism.”“We had always said the sanctions are unjust but coronavirus revealed this injustice to the world,” Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said in a recent video message, which he began by removing a surgical mask from his face with blue latex gloves. He called the sanctions “economic terrorism.”
The issue raises questions about the collision of punishing American sanctions with a deadly pandemic, including whether Iran is trying to exploit the crisis to achieve a long-held goal of lifting sanctions, and whether the United States is using the virus to squeeze Iran beyond what sanctions alone could do.The issue raises questions about the collision of punishing American sanctions with a deadly pandemic, including whether Iran is trying to exploit the crisis to achieve a long-held goal of lifting sanctions, and whether the United States is using the virus to squeeze Iran beyond what sanctions alone could do.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a tweet on Saturday that Iran’s “effort to lift U.S. sanctions isn’t about fighting the pandemic. It’s about cash for the regime leaders.”Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a tweet on Saturday that Iran’s “effort to lift U.S. sanctions isn’t about fighting the pandemic. It’s about cash for the regime leaders.”
President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines threatened on Wednesday to have the police and the military shoot people protesting the nation’s lockdown orders affecting millions of people.President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines threatened on Wednesday to have the police and the military shoot people protesting the nation’s lockdown orders affecting millions of people.
“Now is the time to set an example to everybody,” he said in a late-night address. “I am not used to being challenged. Not me. Let this be a warning to all. Follow the government this time. It is critical that we have order.”“Now is the time to set an example to everybody,” he said in a late-night address. “I am not used to being challenged. Not me. Let this be a warning to all. Follow the government this time. It is critical that we have order.”
Mr. Duterte has locked down the Philippines’ largest and most populous island, Luzon, restricting travel to and from the region, which includes Manila, the capital. Most of the island’s 50 million people have been ordered to stay home, and most work and school has been suspended.Mr. Duterte has locked down the Philippines’ largest and most populous island, Luzon, restricting travel to and from the region, which includes Manila, the capital. Most of the island’s 50 million people have been ordered to stay home, and most work and school has been suspended.
Earlier Wednesday, the police arrested about 20 people from a poor community who had defied the lockdown measures to protest for access to food and other essentials.Earlier Wednesday, the police arrested about 20 people from a poor community who had defied the lockdown measures to protest for access to food and other essentials.
“My orders to the police and the military, including to the village chiefs, is that if a commotion breaks out and they put up a fight that puts your life in danger, shoot them dead,” Mr. Duterte said.“My orders to the police and the military, including to the village chiefs, is that if a commotion breaks out and they put up a fight that puts your life in danger, shoot them dead,” Mr. Duterte said.
The threat of violence follows years of similar warnings from Mr. Duterte, who has overseen a drug war that has left at least 6,600 people dead, an official toll that human rights groups say grossly understates the real tally.The threat of violence follows years of similar warnings from Mr. Duterte, who has overseen a drug war that has left at least 6,600 people dead, an official toll that human rights groups say grossly understates the real tally.
As many as 25 percent of people infected with the coronavirus may not show symptoms, complicating strategies to limit the pandemic’s spread and prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reconsider its guidelines on who should wear masks.As many as 25 percent of people infected with the coronavirus may not show symptoms, complicating strategies to limit the pandemic’s spread and prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reconsider its guidelines on who should wear masks.
The agency has repeatedly said that ordinary citizens do not need to wear masks unless they are feeling sick or caring for someone who is. But as we learn more about the virus, a growing number of experts are challenging the official guidance and saying that there is probably some benefit to covering our faces in public.The agency has repeatedly said that ordinary citizens do not need to wear masks unless they are feeling sick or caring for someone who is. But as we learn more about the virus, a growing number of experts are challenging the official guidance and saying that there is probably some benefit to covering our faces in public.
And with the new data on people who may be infected without ever feeling sick, or who are transmitting the virus for a couple of days before feeling ill, the C.D.C. director, Robert Redfield, told a National Public Radio member station Tuesday that the guidance on masks was “being critically re-reviewed.”And with the new data on people who may be infected without ever feeling sick, or who are transmitting the virus for a couple of days before feeling ill, the C.D.C. director, Robert Redfield, told a National Public Radio member station Tuesday that the guidance on masks was “being critically re-reviewed.”
With any vaccine still in early development, the best way to mitigate the pandemic is still social distancing, experts said. Because people may be passing the virus on to others even when they feel fine, asking only unwell people to stay home is unlikely to be enough.With any vaccine still in early development, the best way to mitigate the pandemic is still social distancing, experts said. Because people may be passing the virus on to others even when they feel fine, asking only unwell people to stay home is unlikely to be enough.
There are now indications that the virus can be transmitted via aerosols, which can travel farther than the large droplets the World Health Organization and the C.D.C. have emphasized. The virus is still most likely to be expelled with a cough or a sneeze, as far as eight meters (about 26 feet), according to one study. But studies on influenza and other respiratory viruses, including other coronaviruses, have shown that people can release aerosols containing the virus simply by breathing or talking.There are now indications that the virus can be transmitted via aerosols, which can travel farther than the large droplets the World Health Organization and the C.D.C. have emphasized. The virus is still most likely to be expelled with a cough or a sneeze, as far as eight meters (about 26 feet), according to one study. But studies on influenza and other respiratory viruses, including other coronaviruses, have shown that people can release aerosols containing the virus simply by breathing or talking.
“I think increasing evidence suggests the virus is spread not just through droplets but through aerosols,” said Dr. Gerardo Chowell, an epidemiologist at Georgia State University. “It would make a lot of sense to encourage at the very least face mask use in enclosed spaces including supermarkets.”“I think increasing evidence suggests the virus is spread not just through droplets but through aerosols,” said Dr. Gerardo Chowell, an epidemiologist at Georgia State University. “It would make a lot of sense to encourage at the very least face mask use in enclosed spaces including supermarkets.”
With federal officials worried that hospitals could run out of masks for medical professionals, some have counseled using items like scarves.With federal officials worried that hospitals could run out of masks for medical professionals, some have counseled using items like scarves.
“Cover your face with cloth — however you want to do that,” said Shan Soe-Lin, a lecturer at the Yale Jackson Institute for Global Affairs who was a co-author of a widely shared article about the need to cover faces. “Cover your face pretty thoroughly from your mouth to your nose to prevent large aerosol droplets coming out or going in.”“Cover your face with cloth — however you want to do that,” said Shan Soe-Lin, a lecturer at the Yale Jackson Institute for Global Affairs who was a co-author of a widely shared article about the need to cover faces. “Cover your face pretty thoroughly from your mouth to your nose to prevent large aerosol droplets coming out or going in.”
Dr. Soe-Lin said she believes an added benefit of a mask is that it serves as a constant reminder against touching your face, a major way that the virus is spread. But no face covering, whether it’s homemade or a medical mask, makes you invincible. Pulling a mask on and off or fidgeting with it will lessen its effectiveness. And in theory, fiddling with your mask could contaminate it. Always remove a mask by the ear loops or the tie — never the part that covers your face.Dr. Soe-Lin said she believes an added benefit of a mask is that it serves as a constant reminder against touching your face, a major way that the virus is spread. But no face covering, whether it’s homemade or a medical mask, makes you invincible. Pulling a mask on and off or fidgeting with it will lessen its effectiveness. And in theory, fiddling with your mask could contaminate it. Always remove a mask by the ear loops or the tie — never the part that covers your face.
Wimbledon, the oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament, was canceled for 2020 in the latest disruption for the sporting world by the pandemic.Wimbledon, the oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament, was canceled for 2020 in the latest disruption for the sporting world by the pandemic.
The tournament’s organizers said on Wednesday that restrictions on mass gatherings, travel and the strain on medical services while Britain is under lockdown made it impossible to prepare for the tournament properly without putting people at risk.The tournament’s organizers said on Wednesday that restrictions on mass gatherings, travel and the strain on medical services while Britain is under lockdown made it impossible to prepare for the tournament properly without putting people at risk.
Postponing was also ruled out because “the people, supplies and services legally required to stage The Championships would not be available at any point this summer,” organizers said.Postponing was also ruled out because “the people, supplies and services legally required to stage The Championships would not be available at any point this summer,” organizers said.
Wimbledon was founded in 1877 and is one of Britain’s most well-known cultural institutions. It had previously been called off only during World War I and World War II.Wimbledon was founded in 1877 and is one of Britain’s most well-known cultural institutions. It had previously been called off only during World War I and World War II.
The decision to cancel the tournament, which was scheduled from June 29 to July 12, is also expected to result in cancellation of the preliminary grass-court season.The decision to cancel the tournament, which was scheduled from June 29 to July 12, is also expected to result in cancellation of the preliminary grass-court season.
It was the latest summer highlight to be canceled, as it became clear that the pandemic would upend life for longer than originally hoped. In Germany, the Bayreuth Festival — which draws opera lovers from around the world each summer to hear the works of Richard Wagner in the theater he had built — called off this summer’s festival, where it had planned to introduce a new production of his epic “Ring” cycle.It was the latest summer highlight to be canceled, as it became clear that the pandemic would upend life for longer than originally hoped. In Germany, the Bayreuth Festival — which draws opera lovers from around the world each summer to hear the works of Richard Wagner in the theater he had built — called off this summer’s festival, where it had planned to introduce a new production of his epic “Ring” cycle.
As cases and deaths mount in Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro has remained defiant, the last notable holdout among major world leaders in denying the severity of the coronavirus. As cases and deaths mount in Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro has remained defiant, the last notable holdout among major world leaders in denying the severity of the coronavirus.
Brazilians, he declared last week, are uniquely suited to weather the pandemic because they can be dunked in raw sewage and “don’t catch a thing.” On Sunday, defying guidelines issued by his own health ministry, he visited a busy commercial district in Brasília, the capital, where he called on all but elderly Brazilians to get back to work. Brazilians, he declared last week, are uniquely suited to weather the pandemic because they can be dunked in raw sewage and “don’t catch a thing.” On Sunday, defying guidelines issued by his own health ministry, he visited a busy commercial district in Brasília, the capital, where he called on all but elderly Brazilians to get back to work.
Several world leaders — among them Mr. Trump and Prime Minister Boris Johnson — were slow to grasp the danger of the virus, and reluctant to embrace economically painful social distancing measures.Several world leaders — among them Mr. Trump and Prime Minister Boris Johnson — were slow to grasp the danger of the virus, and reluctant to embrace economically painful social distancing measures.
But Mr. Bolsonaro remains the highest profile figure eschewing the scientific consensus on measures required to keep health care systems from being overwhelmed.But Mr. Bolsonaro remains the highest profile figure eschewing the scientific consensus on measures required to keep health care systems from being overwhelmed.
His handling of the crisis has led to consternation across the country’s political spectrum as congressional leaders, editorial boards and the head of the Supreme Court have essentially beseeched Brazilians to ignore their president. A movement to impeach Mr. Bolsonaro is gaining popular support, with Brazilians banging pots from their windows nightly to repudiate their president.His handling of the crisis has led to consternation across the country’s political spectrum as congressional leaders, editorial boards and the head of the Supreme Court have essentially beseeched Brazilians to ignore their president. A movement to impeach Mr. Bolsonaro is gaining popular support, with Brazilians banging pots from their windows nightly to repudiate their president.
“He has demonstrated that he is unfit to be president,” said Maria Hermínia Tavares de Almeida, a political scientist at the University of São Paulo. “He remains in power for one very simple reason: No one wants to create a political crisis to oust him in the midst of a health emergency.”“He has demonstrated that he is unfit to be president,” said Maria Hermínia Tavares de Almeida, a political scientist at the University of São Paulo. “He remains in power for one very simple reason: No one wants to create a political crisis to oust him in the midst of a health emergency.”
Two weeks ago, amid the global coronavirus pandemic, about 70 students from the University of Texas at Austin partied in Mexico on spring break. The students, all in their 20s, flew on a chartered plane to Cabo San Lucas, and some returned on separate commercial flights to Texas.Two weeks ago, amid the global coronavirus pandemic, about 70 students from the University of Texas at Austin partied in Mexico on spring break. The students, all in their 20s, flew on a chartered plane to Cabo San Lucas, and some returned on separate commercial flights to Texas.
Now, 28 of them have tested positive for the virus and are self-isolating. Dozens more are under quarantine and are being monitored and tested, university officials said Wednesday.Now, 28 of them have tested positive for the virus and are self-isolating. Dozens more are under quarantine and are being monitored and tested, university officials said Wednesday.
The Austin outbreak is the latest group of college students who ignored social-distancing guidelines, went on traditional spring-break trips and have now tested positive for the coronavirus. Many of them appeared to be under the mistaken impression that young people were not as vulnerable to the coronavirus as older people. Students at the University of Tampa, the University of Wisconsin at Madison and other colleges have tested positive after returning from spring break trips to Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and elsewhere.The Austin outbreak is the latest group of college students who ignored social-distancing guidelines, went on traditional spring-break trips and have now tested positive for the coronavirus. Many of them appeared to be under the mistaken impression that young people were not as vulnerable to the coronavirus as older people. Students at the University of Tampa, the University of Wisconsin at Madison and other colleges have tested positive after returning from spring break trips to Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and elsewhere.
The defiant attitude, at a time when millions of Americans were hunkered down at home and staying away from school, work and relatives, was embodied by Brady Sluder, a young man on spring break in Miami who declared on a packed beach in a widely shared television interview: “If I get corona, I get corona. At the end of the day, I’m not going to let it stop me from partying.” Mr. Sluder later issued an apology on Instagram.The defiant attitude, at a time when millions of Americans were hunkered down at home and staying away from school, work and relatives, was embodied by Brady Sluder, a young man on spring break in Miami who declared on a packed beach in a widely shared television interview: “If I get corona, I get corona. At the end of the day, I’m not going to let it stop me from partying.” Mr. Sluder later issued an apology on Instagram.
In Austin, health officials with the city government and the university have contacted every young person who was on the chartered plane, using flight manifests from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the authorities said. City health officials used the case to urge residents of all ages to stay home and to avoid nonessential travel. Four of the 28 students who tested positive had not shown any symptoms of coronavirus.In Austin, health officials with the city government and the university have contacted every young person who was on the chartered plane, using flight manifests from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the authorities said. City health officials used the case to urge residents of all ages to stay home and to avoid nonessential travel. Four of the 28 students who tested positive had not shown any symptoms of coronavirus.
The Trump administration has decided against reopening the Affordable Care Act’s Healthcare.gov marketplaces to new customers, despite broad layoffs and growing fears that people will be uninsured for the coronavirus.The Trump administration has decided against reopening the Affordable Care Act’s Healthcare.gov marketplaces to new customers, despite broad layoffs and growing fears that people will be uninsured for the coronavirus.
The option to reopen markets, in what is known as a special enrollment period, would have made it easier for people who have recently lost jobs or who had already been uninsured to obtain health insurance. The administration has established such special enrollment periods in the past, typically in the wake of natural disasters.The option to reopen markets, in what is known as a special enrollment period, would have made it easier for people who have recently lost jobs or who had already been uninsured to obtain health insurance. The administration has established such special enrollment periods in the past, typically in the wake of natural disasters.
The administration had been considering the action for several weeks, and Mr. Trump mentioned such conversations in a recent news briefing. But according to a White House official, those discussions are now over. The news of the decision was previously reported by Politico.The administration had been considering the action for several weeks, and Mr. Trump mentioned such conversations in a recent news briefing. But according to a White House official, those discussions are now over. The news of the decision was previously reported by Politico.
Under current law, people who lose job-based insurance already qualify to enroll for health insurance on the marketplaces, but are required to provide proof that they lost their coverage. A special enrollment period would have made it easier for such people to enroll, because it would not require that paperwork. It also would have provided a new option for people who chose not to buy health insurance this year but want it now.Under current law, people who lose job-based insurance already qualify to enroll for health insurance on the marketplaces, but are required to provide proof that they lost their coverage. A special enrollment period would have made it easier for such people to enroll, because it would not require that paperwork. It also would have provided a new option for people who chose not to buy health insurance this year but want it now.
Eleven states and the District of Columbia have established special enrollment periods to allow people to obtain new insurance coverage. Those states control their own marketplaces. But federal action would have been required to allow customers to re-enter the markets in the 37 states with markets run by Healthcare.gov.Eleven states and the District of Columbia have established special enrollment periods to allow people to obtain new insurance coverage. Those states control their own marketplaces. But federal action would have been required to allow customers to re-enter the markets in the 37 states with markets run by Healthcare.gov.
Many states across the United States are re-examining triage plans as they prepare for what happens if the number of virus patients exceeds the available space in intensive care units.Many states across the United States are re-examining triage plans as they prepare for what happens if the number of virus patients exceeds the available space in intensive care units.
The New York Times reviewed triage strategy documents, some of which are being revised as more information emerges, from Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah and Washington State to see what factors they propose to use to decide which patients get potentially life-saving treatments.The New York Times reviewed triage strategy documents, some of which are being revised as more information emerges, from Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah and Washington State to see what factors they propose to use to decide which patients get potentially life-saving treatments.
Almost all of the plans give priority to otherwise healthy people who are most likely to recover fully. But it is not that simple.Almost all of the plans give priority to otherwise healthy people who are most likely to recover fully. But it is not that simple.
The plans struggle to address a range of ethical issues, and also matters of social equality, and how much legal force these plans carry varies. People with underlying medical problems may get ranked lower, yet low-income people and people of color often have more health problems because they cannot afford top-notch care.The plans struggle to address a range of ethical issues, and also matters of social equality, and how much legal force these plans carry varies. People with underlying medical problems may get ranked lower, yet low-income people and people of color often have more health problems because they cannot afford top-notch care.
One underlying assumption: They should only be implemented if other measures fail.One underlying assumption: They should only be implemented if other measures fail.
“When the system is at risk of becoming overwhelmed, the goal then becomes to conserve, substitute, adapt and reuse,” said a report released Sunday by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.“When the system is at risk of becoming overwhelmed, the goal then becomes to conserve, substitute, adapt and reuse,” said a report released Sunday by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
Making these life and death choices, it said, should be done “only in the most extreme of circumstances.”Making these life and death choices, it said, should be done “only in the most extreme of circumstances.”
In New York City, doctors have stepped up pressure on state health officials to give them a rare and unsettling power: the right to withhold care from patients who are not likely to recover.In New York City, doctors have stepped up pressure on state health officials to give them a rare and unsettling power: the right to withhold care from patients who are not likely to recover.
Hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care units are growing in New York, although at a slower pace than they were two weeks ago. Governor Cuomo has said they are expected to peak in the next two weeks to a month, unnerving doctors.Hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care units are growing in New York, although at a slower pace than they were two weeks ago. Governor Cuomo has said they are expected to peak in the next two weeks to a month, unnerving doctors.
The New York Times spoke to six doctors at five major city hospitals who said they worried they soon would have to decide on their own not to take the most aggressive lifesaving measures in every case. In addition to the moral anguish that may cause, some feared they would run the risk of lawsuits or even criminal charges if they went against the wishes of a patient or family.The New York Times spoke to six doctors at five major city hospitals who said they worried they soon would have to decide on their own not to take the most aggressive lifesaving measures in every case. In addition to the moral anguish that may cause, some feared they would run the risk of lawsuits or even criminal charges if they went against the wishes of a patient or family.
The New York chapter of the American College of Physicians, a national organization of internists, wrote to the governor last week, asking that he issue an executive order granting doctors immunity from liability for the decisions they make “when the need for allocation of ventilators results in some patients being denied access.”The New York chapter of the American College of Physicians, a national organization of internists, wrote to the governor last week, asking that he issue an executive order granting doctors immunity from liability for the decisions they make “when the need for allocation of ventilators results in some patients being denied access.”
Mr. Cuomo has repeatedly said he does not want to allow hospitals to ration care. “There’s no protocol,” he said on Tuesday when asked if there would be a triage for patients if critical supplies run out.Mr. Cuomo has repeatedly said he does not want to allow hospitals to ration care. “There’s no protocol,” he said on Tuesday when asked if there would be a triage for patients if critical supplies run out.
A month ago, a cough was just a cough. Now, in the anxious era of coronavirus, a cough can be a crime.
Coughing that is directed at others is increasingly being treated as a type of assault in Europe and the United States. And in some cases, like when health workers or emergency medical workers are targeted, it can now be classified in some places as an act of terrorism.
George Falcone, a 50-year-old New Jersey man, was charged with making a terroristic threat after he intentionally coughed near a supermarket employee and told her he had the coronavirus. Margaret Cirko, 35, was arrested in Hanover Township, Pa., when she intentionally coughed and spat at a supermarket’s fresh produce after she said she was sick — the charges against her included two counts of terrorist threats and one count of threatening to use a “biological agent,” the Hanover Township Police Department said in a statement last week.
The police in Spain have in the past weeks arrested people for coughing at supermarket workers and at members of the public, and the authorities in Greece have taken similar steps against people accused of spitting at police officers, according to local media reports. In Britain, common assault charges have been leveled against people accused of coughing intentionally at others.
The Crown Prosecution Service in Britain said that those found guilty of coughing to threaten emergency workers, specifically while claiming to have Covid-19, could face 12 months in prison.
Greater Manchester Police, a force servicing an area in northwestern England, charged a 33-year-old man with assault after he coughed at a police officer last week, and the force said it had also charged a 14-year-old boy with assault after he coughed and shouted “coronavirus” at a 66-year-old woman on March 17.
Warrington Police, another force in northwestern England, wrote on Twitter on Saturday that a group of teenagers who had coughed at health workers would be prosecuted, as would their parents.
Max Hill, the director of public prosecutions in Britain, said in a statement last week that he was “appalled” by reports of people claiming to have coronavirus and intentionally coughing on emergency and other key workers.
“Let me be very clear: This is a crime and needs to stop,” he said.
The International Monetary Fund has declared that the world economy has now entered a recession and recovery is unlikely until 2021. As many as 25 million jobs could simply disappear and the world could lose some $3.4 trillion in labor income. More than 1.5 billion students are currently out of school or university, representing 87 percent of the world’s children and young people, and about 60 million teachers are no longer in the classroom.
That is just a sampling of the radical ways the virus and the fight to slow its spread are reshaping the world, according to a United Nations report.
“Covid-19 is the greatest test that we have faced together since the formation of the United Nations,” António Guterres, the secretary general of the United Nations, said on Wednesday.
The report stated, “This is the moment to dismantle trade barriers, maintain open trade, and re-establish supply chains.”
“Tariff and nontariff measures, as well as export bans, especially those imposed on medicinal and related products, would slow countries’ action to contain the virus,” the study added. “Import taxes or restrictions on medical supplies need to be waived.”
The report called for “a large-scale, coordinated and comprehensive multilateral response amounting to at least 10 percent of global G.D.P.”
As the virus swept around the world, the first reaction of many nations was to retreat within their own borders, institute travel restrictions and nationalize the fight against the virus.
But the United Nations said that in this global fight, a global approach was needed.
And it is essential that developed countries immediately assist those less developed to bolster their health systems, the report found. Otherwise, the world faces the nightmare of the disease spreading like wildfire in the Global South, according to the report, with “millions of deaths and the prospect of the disease re-emerging where it was previously suppressed.
Laundry, grocery shopping, even walking the dog is fraught with challenges these days. The key to accomplish any essential task is a little preparation, levelheaded thinking and a lot of hand washing before and after. (A few anti-bacterial wipes can’t hurt either.)Laundry, grocery shopping, even walking the dog is fraught with challenges these days. The key to accomplish any essential task is a little preparation, levelheaded thinking and a lot of hand washing before and after. (A few anti-bacterial wipes can’t hurt either.)
While political leaders have locked their borders, scientists have been shattering theirs, creating a global collaboration unlike any in history. Never before, researchers say, have so many experts in so many countries focused simultaneously on a single topic and with such urgency. Nearly all research, other than anything related to coronavirus, has ground to a halt.While political leaders have locked their borders, scientists have been shattering theirs, creating a global collaboration unlike any in history. Never before, researchers say, have so many experts in so many countries focused simultaneously on a single topic and with such urgency. Nearly all research, other than anything related to coronavirus, has ground to a halt.
Normal imperatives like academic credit have been set aside. Online repositories make studies available months ahead of journals. Researchers have identified and shared hundreds of viral genome sequences. More than 200 clinical trials have been started, bringing together hospitals and laboratories around the globe.Normal imperatives like academic credit have been set aside. Online repositories make studies available months ahead of journals. Researchers have identified and shared hundreds of viral genome sequences. More than 200 clinical trials have been started, bringing together hospitals and laboratories around the globe.
On a recent morning, for example, scientists at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that a ferret exposed to Covid-19 particles had developed a high fever — a potential advance toward animal vaccine testing. Under ordinary circumstances, they would have started work on an academic journal article.On a recent morning, for example, scientists at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that a ferret exposed to Covid-19 particles had developed a high fever — a potential advance toward animal vaccine testing. Under ordinary circumstances, they would have started work on an academic journal article.
“But you know what? There is going to be plenty of time to get papers published,” said Paul Duprex, a virologist leading the university’s vaccine research. Within two hours, he said, he had shared the findings with scientists around the world on a World Health Organization conference call. “It is pretty cool, right? You cut the crap, for lack of a better word, and you get to be part of a global enterprise.”“But you know what? There is going to be plenty of time to get papers published,” said Paul Duprex, a virologist leading the university’s vaccine research. Within two hours, he said, he had shared the findings with scientists around the world on a World Health Organization conference call. “It is pretty cool, right? You cut the crap, for lack of a better word, and you get to be part of a global enterprise.”
Dr. Duprex’s lab in Pittsburgh is collaborating with the Pasteur Institute in Paris and the Austrian drug company Themis Bioscience. The consortium has received funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation, a Norway-based organization financed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and a group of governments, and is in talks with the Serum Institute of India, one of the largest vaccine manufacturers in the world.Dr. Duprex’s lab in Pittsburgh is collaborating with the Pasteur Institute in Paris and the Austrian drug company Themis Bioscience. The consortium has received funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation, a Norway-based organization financed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and a group of governments, and is in talks with the Serum Institute of India, one of the largest vaccine manufacturers in the world.
On a day when the toll in Spain rose by yet another record amount, with 864 new deaths in the past 24 hours, the nation’s overwhelmed health care system has received a much-needed influx of emergency equipment as the authorities began distributing seven million sets of individual protection equipment to medical professionals.
The Spanish health minister, Salvador Illa, said his country had also received a new shipment of test sets, after 640,000 kits that proved substandard had to be sent back to China.
But even as the authorities scrambled to fill a shortage of protective equipment that has hobbled Spain’s hospitals — drawing outrage from medical professionals on the front lines — countless private initiatives have sprung up to help fill the gap, often financed by wealthy donors and grass-roots associations.
With more than 9,000 fatalities, Spain is No. 2 in deaths linked to the coronavirus. Only Italy has recorded a worse toll so far.
In Barcelona, homeless shelters and migrant collectives have volunteered to sew masks and medical suits, a local initiative that has been met by praise from health workers.
“I don’t know when the masks or the ventilators will come from China, and we need the equipment now,” Merce Guarro, a health professional at the Granollers hospital in Barcelona, said after she picked up 200 hazmat suits from the group last week. “It might be a drop in the ocean, but if they end up making 500 suits, that’s tremendously helpful.”
The actors Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz, perhaps Spain’s most famous couple, sent 100,000 gloves and 20,000 masks to La Paz hospital in Madrid, using one of the cargo planes of Inditex, the clothing giant that has helped deliver several shipments of emergency gear to Spain. The Spanish Formula One champion Fernando Alonso announced on Tuesday a donation to fund 4,000 sets of protective equipment and 300,000 masks.
Japan announced on Wednesday that it was extending a ban on entry to foreign travelers from 49 additional countries, including the Australia, China and the United States, to protect against the risk of imported infections of the coronavirus.
“With the explosive expansion of infection seen mainly in Europe and America, we decided to take stronger border measures,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan said during a meeting of the government’s coronavirus task force.
The island nation had previously banned entry to travelers from much of Europe as well as parts of China and South Korea. With Wednesday’s announcement, Japan will now ban travelers from 73 countries, about a third of the world. The new border controls go into effect at midnight on April 3.
Japan’s move aligns with a growing number of Asian countries and cities that are tightening their borders and imposing stricter containment measures to guard against a new wave of infections. Japanese citizens returning from any foreign country will be asked to quarantine themselves for two weeks after arrival.
The Health Ministry of Japan reported 225 new cases of the coronavirus on Wednesday, including five detected at airports, bringing the country’s total to 2,187 cases. The Tokyo Metropolitan Education board also announced that it would close all middle and high schools citywide through May 6 and asked cities and towns across the region to close elementary and middle schools for the same period.
Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Alan Blinder, Karen Zraick, Margot Sanger-Katz, Motoko Rich, Peter Baker, Sarah Mervosh, Katie Rogers, Patricia Mazzei, Maggie Haberman, Dave Montgomery, Manny Fernandez, Farnaz Fassihi, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Iliana Magra, Ernesto Londoño, Apoorva Mandavilli, Mike Baker, Sheri Fink, Joseph Goldstein, Michael Rothfeld, Benjamin Weiser, Alan Yuhas, Abby Goodnough, Knvul Sheikh, Manuela Andreoni, Letícia Casado, Austin Ramzy, Keith Bradsher, Andrew Das, Michael D. Shear, Elian Peltier, Raphael Minder, David D. Kirkpatrick, Kate Kelly, Peter Eavis, Mujib Mashal, Matt Apuzzo, Christopher Clarey, Erin Griffiths, Tara Parker-Pope, Andy Newman, and Chris Horton.Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Alan Blinder, Karen Zraick, Margot Sanger-Katz, Motoko Rich, Peter Baker, Sarah Mervosh, Katie Rogers, Patricia Mazzei, Maggie Haberman, Dave Montgomery, Manny Fernandez, Farnaz Fassihi, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Iliana Magra, Ernesto Londoño, Apoorva Mandavilli, Mike Baker, Sheri Fink, Joseph Goldstein, Michael Rothfeld, Benjamin Weiser, Alan Yuhas, Abby Goodnough, Knvul Sheikh, Manuela Andreoni, Letícia Casado, Austin Ramzy, Keith Bradsher, Andrew Das, Michael D. Shear, Elian Peltier, Raphael Minder, David D. Kirkpatrick, Kate Kelly, Peter Eavis, Mujib Mashal, Matt Apuzzo, Christopher Clarey, Erin Griffiths, Tara Parker-Pope, Andy Newman, and Chris Horton.