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Coronavirus Live Updates: States Have Emptied Federal Stockpile of Protective Supplies Coronavirus Live Updates: States Have Emptied Federal Stockpile of Protective Supplies
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
The federal government has nearly emptied its emergency stockpile of protective medical supplies like masks, gowns and gloves as state governors continue to plea for protective gear for desperate hospital workers, according to a senior administration official. President Trump has repeatedly assured Americans that the federal government is holding 10,000 ventilators in reserve to ship to the hardest-hit hospitals around the nation as they struggle to keep the most critically ill patients alive.
The official said the Federal Emergency Management Agency has delivered more than 11.6 million N95 masks, 5.2 million face shields, 22 million gloves and 7,140 ventilators, exhausting the emergency stockpile. But what federal officials have neglected to mention is that thousands more of the lifesaving devices are unavailable, after the contract to maintain the government’s stockpile lapsed late last summer, and a contracting dispute meant that a new firm did not begin its work until late January. By then, the coronavirus crisis was already underway.
The official said there was a “tiny slice” of personal protective equipment left over that is being preserved for first responders for the federal government. The revelation came in response to inquiries to the Department of Health and Human Services after state officials reported that some of the ventilators they received were not operational, stoking speculation that the administration had not kept up with the task of maintaining the stockpile.
While there is no more personal protective equipment in the stockpile left over for the states, the senior official said the administration still has more than 9,400 ventilators ready to be deployed. In fact, the contract with a company that was maintaining the machines expired at the end of last summer, and a contract protest delayed handing the job to Agiliti, a Minneapolis-based provider of medical equipment services and maintenance. Agiliti was not given the $38 million task until late January, when the scope of the global coronavirus crisis was first becoming clear.
The dwindling resources have forced the federal government to compete with states and private companies for valuable medical gear across the world. Governors, meanwhile, have continued to try to find ways to scavenge medical supplies for hospital workers exposed to the worsening pandemic. It is not known whether problems with the ventilators predated the contract lapse, but maintenance of the machines did halt. That delay may become a potentially deadly lapse.
“Really, the only hope for a state at this point is the federal government’s capacity to deliver,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said Wednesday, 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.
“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?”
Even though the Department of Defense used authorities under the Defense Production Act to place hundreds of thousands of order for military equipment, the Trump administration for weeks was reluctant to use the law, until last Friday, when Mr. Trump said he would use it to prioritize an order of ventilators from General Motors.
Lizzie Litzow, a spokeswoman for FEMA, said the agency had previously acknowledged the Strategic National Stockpile would not be sufficient to respond to the coronavirus outbreak.
She said the administration has $16 billion to help boost the low level of protective gear, which was first reported by the Washington Post.
“The federal government will exhaust all means to identify and attain medical and other supplies needed to combat the virus,” Ms. Litzow said.
Speaking at his near-daily White House coronavirus briefing, President Trump said on Wednesday that he still has no plans to institute a national “stay at home” order that would apply in states whose governors have not mandated strict social distancing.Speaking at his near-daily White House coronavirus briefing, President Trump said on Wednesday that he still has no plans to institute a national “stay at home” order that would apply in states whose governors have not mandated strict social distancing.
“There are some states that don’t have much of a problem,” Mr. Trump said. “They don’t have thousands of people that are positive.”“There are some states that don’t have much of a problem,” Mr. Trump said. “They don’t have thousands of people that are positive.”
The governors of Florida and Georgia belatedly joined most other states on Wednesday to tell their citizens to stay in their houses. Gov. Gavin Newsom of California implored the remaining states, including Texas, to follow suit.The governors of Florida and Georgia belatedly joined most other states on Wednesday to tell their citizens to stay in their houses. Gov. Gavin Newsom of California implored the remaining states, including Texas, to follow suit.
But the president will not demand the remaining states to fall in line.But the president will not demand the remaining states to fall in line.
“It’s awfully tough to say, ‘Close it down,’ if they don’t have a problem. We have to have a little bit of flexibility,” Mr. Trump said.“It’s awfully tough to say, ‘Close it down,’ if they don’t have a problem. We have to have a little bit of flexibility,” Mr. Trump said.
In response to a question, Mr. Trump said he was extremely reluctant to shut down domestic air and rail travel entirely, but suggested that he is considering limitations on travel between areas with high infection rates.In response to a question, Mr. Trump said he was extremely reluctant to shut down domestic air and rail travel entirely, but suggested that he is considering limitations on travel between areas with high infection rates.
“I am looking at hot spots,” Mr. Trump said. “But closing up every single flight on every single airline — that is a very rough decision. But we are thinking about hot spots where you go from spot to spot that are both hot.”“I am looking at hot spots,” Mr. Trump said. “But closing up every single flight on every single airline — that is a very rough decision. But we are thinking about hot spots where you go from spot to spot that are both hot.”
“Those are very, very big decisions from the standpoint of the future of our country, in a way,” he added.“Those are very, very big decisions from the standpoint of the future of our country, in a way,” he added.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the social distancing and other stringent measures to combat the coronavirus could be stepped back in the coming months if the number of infections and deaths approaches zero.Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the social distancing and other stringent measures to combat the coronavirus could be stepped back in the coming months if the number of infections and deaths approaches zero.
But that would depend, he said, on improved ability of public health authorities to identity new infections and isolate those who might have come in contact with people who become ill.But that would depend, he said, on improved ability of public health authorities to identity new infections and isolate those who might have come in contact with people who become ill.
“If you have a really good program of containment that prevents you from having to get into mitigation — we’re in mitigation right now. That’s what the social and physical distancing is,” he said during the Wednesday briefing.“If you have a really good program of containment that prevents you from having to get into mitigation — we’re in mitigation right now. That’s what the social and physical distancing is,” he said during the Wednesday briefing.
“The ultimate — the ultimate solution to a virus that might keep coming back would be a vaccine.”“The ultimate — the ultimate solution to a virus that might keep coming back would be a vaccine.”
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 tumbled, with the S&P 500 closing down more than 4 4 percent, bringing its decline over two days to 6 percent, as investors braced for worsening economic conditions ahead.Stocks on Wall Street tumbled, with the S&P 500 closing down more than 4 4 percent, bringing its decline over two days to 6 percent, as investors braced for worsening economic conditions ahead.
The economic readings continue to worsen as well. On Wednesday, 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. In the United States, factory orders and employment measures fell to their lowest since 2009, the Institute for Supply Management said.The economic readings continue to worsen as well. On Wednesday, 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. In the United States, factory orders and employment measures fell to their lowest since 2009, the Institute for Supply Management said.
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.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 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 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!”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 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.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.
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.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.
“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.
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.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.
This year’s United Nations-sponsored climate talks, widely regarded as the most important climate meeting of the last four years, were postponed on Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic. The session, which had been scheduled to take place in Glasgow from Nov. 9 to 19, was postponed to 2021.This year’s United Nations-sponsored climate talks, widely regarded as the most important climate meeting of the last four years, were postponed on Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic. The session, which had been scheduled to take place in Glasgow from Nov. 9 to 19, was postponed to 2021.
The United States Coast Guard has told foreign-flagged cruise ships carrying more than 50 people that they must be prepared to care for any sick passengers and crew members at sea for an “indefinite period of time” or to seek medical assistance from other countries as the pandemic rages.
The Coast Guard announcement came at a time when dozens of ships were lined up at Port Miami and Port Everglades or waiting offshore because of the pandemic. Dozens of passengers on some of those ships have shown symptoms that correspond to the coronavirus; on one, the Carnival-owned Holland America Line ship, the Zaandam, at least four people have died.
Earlier this week, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida had said that he would not allow passengers from any ships to disembark, arguing that he could not have “people who are not even Floridians dumped into South Florida using up those valuable resources.”
On Wednesday, DeSantis reversed himself, saying he was willing to accept Floridians and American citizens on board who needed treatment, but that the state could not afford to expend its limited resources on travelers from other countries.
The Coast Guard bulletin, published on March 29 and signed by Rear Admiral E.C. Jones of the Seventh District, which includes Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Puerto Rico, said that demand for medical services across the district meant that hospitals in the area were no longer able to take on patients evacuated from ships.
While the major cruise lines are headquartered in Miami, they are incorporated in foreign countries with ships carrying those flags: Royal Caribbean is registered in Liberia, Norwegian in Bermuda, and Carnival in Panama.
President Trump on Wednesday addressed the shifting discussion among health authorities over whether the broader public should begin wearing face masks to reduce transmission of coronavirus.
“I don’t see where it hurts,” he said of even healthy people wearing masks, adding that where they weren’t available, people could instead wear scarves.
“What I do see people doing now is using scarfs, and I think in a certain way, depending on the fabric, in a certain way a scarf is better,” he said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s current guidance says that for health care workers, “caution should be exercised when considering” scarves and other homemade masks.
In recent days, there has been growing public debate about whether most people should wear face masks amid evidence that as many as a quarter of those infected with the coronavirus do not have symptoms of the illness. The World Health Organization and the C.D.C. have repeatedly said that ordinary citizens do not need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing.
And as health care workers around the world face shortages of N95 masks and protective gear, public health officials have warned people not to hoard masks, a concern Mr. Trump echoed during the news conference.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who for weeks has resisted more stringent statewide measures to slow the spread of the virus, 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 virus, on Wednesday ordered 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 governors of Georgia, Mississippi and Nevada also announced new plans for stay-at-home orders. A vast majority of Americans — more than 290 million people in 37 states and Washington, D.C.— are now under orders or instructions to stay home, or will be in the coming days.The governors of Georgia, Mississippi and Nevada also announced new plans for stay-at-home orders. A vast majority of Americans — more than 290 million people in 37 states and Washington, D.C.— are now under orders or instructions to stay home, or will be in the coming days.
In Florida, Mr. DeSantis 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 virus until April 30.In Florida, Mr. DeSantis 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 virus 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.”
The governor’s order, which allows people to leave their homes for “essential activities,” will 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, who earlier signed an order requiring a 14-day quarantine of anyone arriving in the state from the New York region, had long resisted issued a statewide stay-at-home order — which meant that some Florida beaches continued to welcome young spring break revelers, who may have helped the virus spread.Mr. DeSantis, who earlier signed an order requiring a 14-day quarantine of anyone arriving in the state from the New York region, had long resisted issued a statewide stay-at-home order — which meant that some Florida beaches continued to welcome young spring break revelers, who may have helped the virus spread.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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 health care 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 health care 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 2,381, 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 2,381, 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.
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.”
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.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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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. 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.” 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.
Elsewhere in the world, 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.
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.
A dangerous overreaction of the immune system in some coronavirus patients is pointing to potentially useful drug treatments.A dangerous overreaction of the immune system in some coronavirus patients is pointing to potentially useful drug treatments.
Doctors in China reported this week that the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine helped to speed the recovery of a small number of patients who were mildly ill.Doctors in China reported this week that the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine helped to speed the recovery of a small number of patients who were mildly ill.
Cough, fever and pneumonia went away faster, and the disease seemed less likely to turn severe in people who received hydroxychloroquine than in a comparison group not given the drug. The new study involved just 62 patients and was not peer-reviewed, but it did have a control group.Cough, fever and pneumonia went away faster, and the disease seemed less likely to turn severe in people who received hydroxychloroquine than in a comparison group not given the drug. The new study involved just 62 patients and was not peer-reviewed, but it did have a control group.
It’s not yet clear how the drug could be helping, but hydroxychloroquine is known to dial back an overactive immune system. In laboratory studies, it can also stop the virus from invading cells.It’s not yet clear how the drug could be helping, but hydroxychloroquine is known to dial back an overactive immune system. In laboratory studies, it can also stop the virus from invading cells.
A particular immune-system overreaction, called a cytokine storm, has become all too common in the coronavirus pandemic. Cytokines are molecules that signal cells to marshal an immune response. Usually, the stronger this immune response, the stronger the chance of vanquishing the infection, which is partly why younger people are less vulnerable over all to coronavirus. But in some cases, the immune system continues to release cytokines that keep the body on an exhausting full alert. In their misguided bid to keep the body safe, these cytokines attack multiple organs including the lungs and liver, and may eventually lead to death.A particular immune-system overreaction, called a cytokine storm, has become all too common in the coronavirus pandemic. Cytokines are molecules that signal cells to marshal an immune response. Usually, the stronger this immune response, the stronger the chance of vanquishing the infection, which is partly why younger people are less vulnerable over all to coronavirus. But in some cases, the immune system continues to release cytokines that keep the body on an exhausting full alert. In their misguided bid to keep the body safe, these cytokines attack multiple organs including the lungs and liver, and may eventually lead to death.
A growing number of doctors say tocilizumab, a drug sometimes used to soothe an immune system in distress, has helped some coronavirus patients recover. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently granted approval to the pharmaceutical company Roche to test the drug in hundreds of people with coronavirus infection.A growing number of doctors say tocilizumab, a drug sometimes used to soothe an immune system in distress, has helped some coronavirus patients recover. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently granted approval to the pharmaceutical company Roche to test the drug in hundreds of people with coronavirus infection.
Doctors are also looking at a drug called anakinra, which mutes one type of cytokine. They could also turn to corticosteroids, which broadly turn down the entire immune response.Doctors are also looking at a drug called anakinra, which mutes one type of cytokine. They could also turn to corticosteroids, which broadly turn down the entire immune response.
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.”
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.
“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.
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.”
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.
One patient had lymphoma and heart failure. Another was 85 years old with metastatic cancer. A third was 83 and had dementia and lung disease. All were critically ill with the coronavirus, and, a doctor said, all were hooked up to ventilators in recent weeks at a major Manhattan hospital.One patient had lymphoma and heart failure. Another was 85 years old with metastatic cancer. A third was 83 and had dementia and lung disease. All were critically ill with the coronavirus, and, a doctor said, all were hooked up to ventilators in recent weeks at a major Manhattan hospital.
But soon, patients such as those might not receive such aggressive treatment.But soon, patients such as those might not receive such aggressive treatment.
As people with the virus overwhelm New York City hospitals, 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.As people with the virus overwhelm New York City hospitals, 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.
Dwindling supplies mean there might not be enough ventilators or other equipment for everyone, and many doctors say they are growing increasingly uneasy with treating every patient equally. They believe medical workers soon might need to make difficult choices about treatment.Dwindling supplies mean there might not be enough ventilators or other equipment for everyone, and many doctors say they are growing increasingly uneasy with treating every patient equally. They believe medical workers soon might need to make difficult choices about treatment.
New York is the center of the coronavirus in the United States, but doctors have wrestled with questions over whether, and how, to ration care from the beginning of the global outbreak. In China, many patients with Covid-19 were initially turned away from hospitals, and in Italy, hospitals have given younger, healthier patients priority for ventilators over older, sicker adults.New York is the center of the coronavirus in the United States, but doctors have wrestled with questions over whether, and how, to ration care from the beginning of the global outbreak. In China, many patients with Covid-19 were initially turned away from hospitals, and in Italy, hospitals have given younger, healthier patients priority for ventilators over older, sicker adults.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has repeatedly said he does not want to allow hospitals to ration care. No hospital has yet run out of ventilators, he has said. Some hospitals are experimenting with putting multiple people on one machine.Governor Andrew Cuomo has repeatedly said he does not want to allow hospitals to ration care. No hospital has yet run out of ventilators, he has said. Some hospitals are experimenting with putting multiple people on one machine.
States across the country are re-examining triage plans. 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.States across the country are re-examining triage plans. 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 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.
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.)
Senator Bernie Sanders called Wednesday for Wisconsin, the only state forging ahead with an in-person primary this month, to postpone. His comments came a day after his rival, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., said it was “hard to envision” the Democratic National Convention taking place in July as scheduled.Senator Bernie Sanders called Wednesday for Wisconsin, the only state forging ahead with an in-person primary this month, to postpone. His comments came a day after his rival, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., said it was “hard to envision” the Democratic National Convention taking place in July as scheduled.
The uncertainty in the political calendar has rippled around the country. Also on Wednesday, West Virginia became the 15th state to postpone its nominating contest, from May 12 to June 9, bringing the number of states that have done so to 15.The uncertainty in the political calendar has rippled around the country. Also on Wednesday, West Virginia became the 15th state to postpone its nominating contest, from May 12 to June 9, bringing the number of states that have done so to 15.
In Wisconsin, where the primary is scheduled for April 7, Republican lawmakers have blocked a proposal from Gov. Tony Evers to send out mailed ballots. Mr. Evers is planning to deploy the National Guard to work at polling places.In Wisconsin, where the primary is scheduled for April 7, Republican lawmakers have blocked a proposal from Gov. Tony Evers to send out mailed ballots. Mr. Evers is planning to deploy the National Guard to work at polling places.
In a statement, Mr. Sanders said that the state should follow the advice of public health experts to promote social distancing.In a statement, Mr. Sanders said that the state should follow the advice of public health experts to promote social distancing.
“People should not be forced to put their lives on the line to vote,” Mr. Sanders said.“People should not be forced to put their lives on the line to vote,” Mr. Sanders said.
Before the coronavirus upended the campaign, Sanders aides were looking toward Wisconsin as a key state for the senator. But a poll published Wednesday showed Mr. Biden with a big lead there.Before the coronavirus upended the campaign, Sanders aides were looking toward Wisconsin as a key state for the senator. But a poll published Wednesday showed Mr. Biden with a big lead there.
Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Alan Blinder, Karen Zraick, Margot Sanger-Katz, Motoko Rich, Peter Baker, Sarah Mervosh, Tariro Mzezewa, Katie Rogers, Patricia Mazzei, Maggie Haberman, Stephanie Saul, Sydney Ember, Dave Montgomery, Manny Fernandez, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Farnaz Fassihi, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Iliana Magra, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Somini Sengupta, Ernesto Londoño, Apoorva Mandavilli, Mike Baker, Sheri Fink, Joseph Goldstein, Michael Rothfeld, Benjamin Weiser, Alan Yuhas, Abby Goodnough, Knvul Sheikh, Manuela Andreoni, Letícia Casado, Laura Chang, Denise Grady, 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, Mohammed Hadi, Erin Griffiths, Tara Parker-Pope, Andy Newman, and Chris Horton. Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Tariro Mzezewa, Alan Blinder, Karen Zraick, Margot Sanger-Katz, Motoko Rich, Peter Baker, Sarah Mervosh, Tariro Mzezewa, Katie Rogers, Patricia Mazzei, Maggie Haberman, Stephanie Saul, Sydney Ember, Dave Montgomery, Manny Fernandez, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Farnaz Fassihi, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Iliana Magra, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Somini Sengupta, Ernesto Londoño, Apoorva Mandavilli, Mike Baker, Sheri Fink, Joseph Goldstein, Michael Rothfeld, Benjamin Weiser, Alan Yuhas, Abby Goodnough, Knvul Sheikh, Manuela Andreoni, Letícia Casado, Laura Chang, Denise Grady, 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, Mohammed Hadi, Erin Griffiths, Tara Parker-Pope, Andy Newman, and Chris Horton.