This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/world/coronavirus-news.html

The article has changed 58 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 14 Version 15
Coronavirus Live Updates: Supplies Dwindle as States Report Swelling Caseloads Coronavirus Live Updates: Supplies Dwindle as States Report Swelling Caseloads
(31 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
When the first cases of the coronavirus were reported in the United States just over a month ago, President Trump mostly dismissed the looming threat, Wall Street chugged ever upward and people set about their business with scant recognition of the calamity that lay ahead.When the first cases of the coronavirus were reported in the United States just over a month ago, President Trump mostly dismissed the looming threat, Wall Street chugged ever upward and people set about their business with scant recognition of the calamity that lay ahead.
On Thursday, the stunning scope of the economic disaster became clearer as the Labor Department reported the loss of 10 million jobs in just two weeks. Wall Street has seemingly imploded, and the global economy has shuddered as the fallout of the pandemic reaches into every country.On Thursday, the stunning scope of the economic disaster became clearer as the Labor Department reported the loss of 10 million jobs in just two weeks. Wall Street has seemingly imploded, and the global economy has shuddered as the fallout of the pandemic reaches into every country.
Hopes for a dramatic but brief downturn followed by a quick recovery have faded, and in their place are fears that the world may be on the cusp of an economic shock unseen since the Great Depression.Hopes for a dramatic but brief downturn followed by a quick recovery have faded, and in their place are fears that the world may be on the cusp of an economic shock unseen since the Great Depression.
The speed and scale of the job losses is without precedent. Until last month, the worst week for unemployment filings was 695,000 in 1982.The speed and scale of the job losses is without precedent. Until last month, the worst week for unemployment filings was 695,000 in 1982.
Despite the news that 6.6 million people had filed for unemployment benefits last week, the S&P 500 rose after Mr. Trump said he expected Russia and Saudi Arabia to announce oil production cuts, lifting energy stocks. Oil prices had been hammered as the pandemic all but eliminated travel and demand for energy, and a price war between Saudi and Russia had intensified the decline.Despite the news that 6.6 million people had filed for unemployment benefits last week, the S&P 500 rose after Mr. Trump said he expected Russia and Saudi Arabia to announce oil production cuts, lifting energy stocks. Oil prices had been hammered as the pandemic all but eliminated travel and demand for energy, and a price war between Saudi and Russia had intensified the decline.
By shuttering businesses and forcing vast layoffs, the virus outbreak has in two weeks wiped out more jobs than the worst months of the 2008 financial crisis.By shuttering businesses and forcing vast layoffs, the virus outbreak has in two weeks wiped out more jobs than the worst months of the 2008 financial crisis.
The impact has been global.The impact has been global.
Almost one million Britons have applied for welfare payments in the space of two weeks. Austria has its highest unemployment rate since the end of World War II. Millions of French workers have applied for some form of subsidy even as the government embarks on an ambitious plan to keep businesses from going under.Almost one million Britons have applied for welfare payments in the space of two weeks. Austria has its highest unemployment rate since the end of World War II. Millions of French workers have applied for some form of subsidy even as the government embarks on an ambitious plan to keep businesses from going under.
The unemployment rate in Norway jumped to 10.4 percent from 2.3 percent at the beginning of March, and more than 800,000 Spanish workers lost their jobs in March, the highest monthly drop in modern history.The unemployment rate in Norway jumped to 10.4 percent from 2.3 percent at the beginning of March, and more than 800,000 Spanish workers lost their jobs in March, the highest monthly drop in modern history.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on Thursday that she would form a bipartisan House committee to oversee the Trump administration’s response to the pandemic and the implementation of the more than $2 trillion in government relief provided to confront the crisis.Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on Thursday that she would form a bipartisan House committee to oversee the Trump administration’s response to the pandemic and the implementation of the more than $2 trillion in government relief provided to confront the crisis.
Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, the majority whip, will lead the committee, which will have subpoena power, meaning it will have authority to demand testimony and documents from Mr. Trump’s team about all aspects of their handling of the virus.Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, the majority whip, will lead the committee, which will have subpoena power, meaning it will have authority to demand testimony and documents from Mr. Trump’s team about all aspects of their handling of the virus.
Ms. Pelosi said the panel would play a vital role in overseeing the largest government stimulus in modern American history.Ms. Pelosi said the panel would play a vital role in overseeing the largest government stimulus in modern American history.
“The committee will be acting before the fact to prevent a lot of waste, fraud and abuse,” Ms. Pelosi said, adding that she planned to reach out to Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, to discuss keeping tabs on the stimulus measure and the trillions of dollars in federal money that will be dispersed across the country.“The committee will be acting before the fact to prevent a lot of waste, fraud and abuse,” Ms. Pelosi said, adding that she planned to reach out to Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, to discuss keeping tabs on the stimulus measure and the trillions of dollars in federal money that will be dispersed across the country.
“There are things that are so new, and the rest, and we want to make sure there are not exploiters out there,” she said, adding “where there’s money, there’s frequently mischief.” It is not clear how successful such a committee would be in extracting answers from the Trump administration about the broader virus response.“There are things that are so new, and the rest, and we want to make sure there are not exploiters out there,” she said, adding “where there’s money, there’s frequently mischief.” It is not clear how successful such a committee would be in extracting answers from the Trump administration about the broader virus response.
“The committee will be empowered to examine all aspects of the federal response to the coronavirus to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being wisely and efficiently spent to save lives, deliver relief and benefit our economy,” Ms. Pelosi wrote in a letter to Democrats on Thursday.“The committee will be empowered to examine all aspects of the federal response to the coronavirus to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being wisely and efficiently spent to save lives, deliver relief and benefit our economy,” Ms. Pelosi wrote in a letter to Democrats on Thursday.
Mr. Trump has repeatedly described his handling of the pandemic as exemplary, even though it has been plagued by missteps, including equipment shortages and a failure to test people early on that cost the government a crucial month it could have spent working to contain the virus. He has a long record of blocking efforts by Congress to oversee his administration, and in signing the stimulus measure, Mr. Trump suggested that he would have control over what information an inspector general overseeing the $500 billion corporate bailout fund would have to share with lawmakers.Mr. Trump has repeatedly described his handling of the pandemic as exemplary, even though it has been plagued by missteps, including equipment shortages and a failure to test people early on that cost the government a crucial month it could have spent working to contain the virus. He has a long record of blocking efforts by Congress to oversee his administration, and in signing the stimulus measure, Mr. Trump suggested that he would have control over what information an inspector general overseeing the $500 billion corporate bailout fund would have to share with lawmakers.
Representative Kevin McCarthy, Republican of California and the minority leader, told reporters on Thursday that an oversight committee was unnecessary, saying it “seems really redundant.”Representative Kevin McCarthy, Republican of California and the minority leader, told reporters on Thursday that an oversight committee was unnecessary, saying it “seems really redundant.”
The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the first test for coronavirus antibodies for use in the United States.The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the first test for coronavirus antibodies for use in the United States.
Currently available tests are designed to find fragments of viral DNA indicating an ongoing infection. An antibody test, on the other hand, tells doctors whether a patient has ever been exposed to the virus — and, having recovered, now may have at least some immunity.Currently available tests are designed to find fragments of viral DNA indicating an ongoing infection. An antibody test, on the other hand, tells doctors whether a patient has ever been exposed to the virus — and, having recovered, now may have at least some immunity.
That is important for several reasons. People with immunity might be able to venture safely from their homes and help shore up the work force. It may be particularly important for doctors and nurses to know whether they have antibodies.That is important for several reasons. People with immunity might be able to venture safely from their homes and help shore up the work force. It may be particularly important for doctors and nurses to know whether they have antibodies.
Antibody testing eventually should give scientists a better sense of how widespread the infection is in the population and help researchers calculate more precisely the fatality rate and the frequency of asymptomatic infections.Antibody testing eventually should give scientists a better sense of how widespread the infection is in the population and help researchers calculate more precisely the fatality rate and the frequency of asymptomatic infections.
Antibody tests already are used in China, Singapore and a handful of other countries. Public Health England has purchased millions of antibody tests and hopes to make them available for home use in the United Kingdom.Antibody tests already are used in China, Singapore and a handful of other countries. Public Health England has purchased millions of antibody tests and hopes to make them available for home use in the United Kingdom.
The new test, made by Cellex Inc., looks for two types of antibodies: immunoglobulin M, made a few days into the course of infection; and immunoglobulin G, made even later but designed specifically to neutralize a particular invader.The new test, made by Cellex Inc., looks for two types of antibodies: immunoglobulin M, made a few days into the course of infection; and immunoglobulin G, made even later but designed specifically to neutralize a particular invader.
But just having antibodies does not guarantee immunity from the coronavirus. Some people who are infected produce powerful immune responses; others do not. And scientists do not know how long immunity to this virus may last.But just having antibodies does not guarantee immunity from the coronavirus. Some people who are infected produce powerful immune responses; others do not. And scientists do not know how long immunity to this virus may last.
Although the new test is approved for diagnosis, antibody tests are not likely to be positive in the early days of infection. New evidence suggests that people are most contagious two to three days before the onset of symptoms.Although the new test is approved for diagnosis, antibody tests are not likely to be positive in the early days of infection. New evidence suggests that people are most contagious two to three days before the onset of symptoms.
Traditional PCR tests, with swabbing of the nose and throat, are more likely to detect a recent coronavirus infection.Traditional PCR tests, with swabbing of the nose and throat, are more likely to detect a recent coronavirus infection.
As global virus numbers approached one million detected infections and 50,000 deaths, leaders around the world weighed increased restrictions on travel and movement. The hottest spot in America remained the New York region. New York State, whose 2,373 coronavirus deaths have made it the center of America’s outbreak, is in danger of depleting its stockpile of critically needed ventilators in just six days, a somber-sounding Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Thursday.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York opened his Thursday briefing by stressing that the virus would affect the entire country, not just dense urban areas like New York City. He said that 2,373 people total had died in the state, up from 1,941 the previous morning. “If a person comes in and needs a ventilator and you don’t have a ventilator, the person dies,” Mr. Cuomo said. “That’s the blunt equation here. And right now we have a burn rate that would suggest we have about six days in the stockpile.”
The governor added that the state would be there to help others when the virus hit them. “When your community needs help, New Yorkers will be there,” he said. The lack of ventilators, which are needed for patients who are incapable of breathing on their own, is emerging as one of the biggest looming dangers of the pandemic. Mr. Cuomo said that the state had sent 400 ventilators from its stockpile on Wednesday night to hard-hit hospitals in New York City and another 200 to hospitals in Long Island and Westchester.
Mr. Cuomo said that with the ventilators the state had on hand and the current rate at which it was using them, New York only had about six days left before it ran out of the lifesaving medical equipment. That left just 2,200 ventilators in the state’s stockpile, he said — and led state officials to fear that if their projections hold, they will run through them in six days. The state has 92,381 confirmed cases, of whom 13,383 have been hospitalized, 3,396 in intensive care,
“If a person comes in and needs a ventilator and you don’t have a ventilator, the person dies,” he said. “That’s the blunt equation here. And right now we have a burn rate that would suggest we have about six days in the stockpile.” Mr. Cuomo said that buying more ventilators was proving difficult with so much competition from around the nation, and the world. So he said that hospitals were taking extraordinary measures to get the most out of their existing ventilators, including ending elective surgeries, using the ventilators on anesthesia machines and other devices, and splitting ventilators by connecting two patients to machines that are intended for one.
Mr. Cuomo said that he had spoken to Mr. Trump on Thursday and did not think New York could count on the administration to fill the need. “It’s not easy, it’s not ideal, but it’s better than nothing,” he said.
“I don’t think the federal government is in a position to provide ventilators to the extent the nation may need them,” he said. “Assume you are on your own in life.” And Mr. Cuomo questioned how much help the federal government could provide at this point.
“I don’t think the federal government is in a position to provide ventilators to the extent the nation may need them,” he said. “Just assume you are on your own in life.”
He did say, however, that “I’m sure the federal government would do anything they can do to help.”He did say, however, that “I’m sure the federal government would do anything they can do to help.”
“There has been nothing in our relationship that would suggest they wouldn’t do what they can do to help,” he said. “The question is what can they do? I don’t know the answer that question.” With supplies dwindling as demand grows, the lack of ventilators is leaving doctors in New York to wrestle with the kind of agonizing choices confronting health care workers daily in Italy and Spain: Who gets one?
The governor was also asked to respond to Mr. Trump’s comments Thursday morning that New York had been late in taking measures to slow the spread of the virus but that Mr. Cuomo himself was working hard. The U.S. government has nearly emptied its emergency stockpile of protective medical supplies like masks, gowns and gloves, a senior official said. Some states receiving desperately needed ventilators from the federal government discovered that the machines did not work.
“I don’t know how you square those two statements, I don’t know that you can square those two statements,” he said, adding that New York was likely going to purchase more ventilators than any other state in the country. Mr. Cuomo — who noted that, unlike the president, he cannot invoke the Defense Production Act to compel private industry to make critically-needed supplies — made a plea, and an offer, to businesses.
“I’m doing everything I can but people are still dying,” the governor said. He said that the state would pay to help manufacturers switch over to the production of needed hospital gowns, gloves and other equipment.
With supplies dwindling, there might not be enough ventilators or other critical equipment, leaving doctors in New York to wrestle with the kind of agonizing choices confronting health care workers daily in Italy and Spain. “If you have the capacity to make these products, we will purchase them, and we will pay a premium,” he said. “But we need it, like, now.”
The U.S. government has nearly emptied its emergency stockpile of protective medical supplies like masks, gowns and gloves, a senior official said. Some states receiving desperately needed ventilators discovered that the machines did not work. The virus hit home for Mr. Cuomo this week when his younger brother, Chris Cuomo, the CNN anchor, tested positive. The two brothers spoke by video during the governor’s daily briefing.
In more positive news, Mr. Cuomo said that 21,000 medical workers from out of state have volunteered to work in New York’s hospitals. Including workers from New York, more than 85,000 health care professionals, many of them retirees, have said they’re willing to help. “It’s very tough,” the younger Mr. Cuomo said. Then he gently teased his older brother, the governor: “You look like you’ve been cutting your own hair.”
And Mr. Cuomo’s brother, Chris, a CNN anchor who is fighting the virus, video-called in to the briefing to provide an update on his health. He said that he was “doing pretty well, all things considered.”
Florida joined other states telling people to stay at home. Panama told men and women to go out in public on alternating days. Mr. Trump said that he was considering steps once thought unimaginable, like banning some domestic flights.
“I am looking where flights are going into hot spots,” Mr. Trump said Wednesday evening. “Closing up every single flight on every single airline, that’s a very, very, very rough decision. But we are thinking about hot spots where you go from spot to spot, both hot. And we’ll let you know fairly soon.”
The Democratic National Committee on Thursday postponed the party’s national convention because of the coronavirus, moving it from mid-July to mid-August. It is the largest political event to be moved so far because of the pandemic, which has already led to the cancellation of hundreds of state and local conventions from both parties.The Democratic National Committee on Thursday postponed the party’s national convention because of the coronavirus, moving it from mid-July to mid-August. It is the largest political event to be moved so far because of the pandemic, which has already led to the cancellation of hundreds of state and local conventions from both parties.
The convention will still be held in Milwaukee, as planned, the week of Aug. 17, officials said, a week before Republicans plan to gather in Charlotte, N.C., to re-nominate President Trump. The convention will still be held in Milwaukee, as planned, the week of Aug. 17, officials said, a week before Republicans plan to gather in Charlotte, N.C., to re-nominate Mr. Trump.
The delay comes just hours after the party’s likely nominee, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., called for rescheduling the convention during an appearance on “The Tonight Show.”The delay comes just hours after the party’s likely nominee, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., called for rescheduling the convention during an appearance on “The Tonight Show.”
For weeks, people in Spain have been ordered to remain in their homes unless they had an urgent reason for going outside. But outside a social security office in the Raval neighborhood of Barcelona on Thursday, hundreds of people said they had no choice but to join the line. In a grim sign of the epidemic’s growing toll in France, the police said on Thursday that a hall at the world’s largest wholesale food market, near Paris, would be turned into a temporary morgue.
“I have one week left of savings to buy food for my family,” said Mafus Rohman, 33, who said he had opened a bar a week before Spain went into lockdown on March 14. Over 4,000 people have died because of the epidemic in France, and the Paris region is one of the hardest hit so far.
Mr. Rohman said if the owner of his apartment had not frozen the rent, he would have been on the streets with his wife and their 5-year-old twins. “I don’t have anything else but a huge loan to reimburse,” he said. The police cited “persistent tensions” between hospitals and funeral homes as deaths accelerated. They said coffins would be placed temporarily in the refrigerated hall, which is “offset and isolated” from the rest of the food market, a sprawling 573-acre complex in Rungis.
Similar scenes played out across the country, where more than 10,000 deaths have been reported. On Thursday, the country recorded its highest daily toll: 950 dead. “This location will make it possible to preserve, in conditions that are the most dignified and acceptable from a sanitary standpoint, the caskets of the deceased awaiting burial or cremation, in France or abroad,” the police said.
The unemployment numbers released on Thursday suggest that the impact on Spain’s work force could be greater than that of the 2008 financial crisis. More than 800,000 Spanish workers lost their jobs in March, the highest monthly drop in modern history. The morgue is expected to start operating on Friday.
“The conscious decision not to take measures to protect production is leading us to a crisis without precedent,” said Daniel Lacalle, an economist who is forecasting that Spanish unemployment could reach 35 percent, up from 14 percent before the outbreak. It was not the first time that the French authorities have used Rungis for a dire health crisis. In 2003, when a brutal heat wave killed thousands of elderly people, 700 bodies were kept in a refrigerated warehouse at the same site.
Myrna Mosca, a 42-year-old housekeeper, waited in line with two friends for food credits. Ms. Mosca said her two employers had asked her to stop coming. “We’ve all been thrown into the unknown,” she said. “All of us.”
Mr. Trump, under fire for his administration’s failure to respond quickly to the pandemic, lashed out at New York again on Thursday, saying the state’s doctors and hospitals are “never satisfied” with the medical supplies provided by the federal government because of politics.Mr. Trump, under fire for his administration’s failure to respond quickly to the pandemic, lashed out at New York again on Thursday, saying the state’s doctors and hospitals are “never satisfied” with the medical supplies provided by the federal government because of politics.
Even as a new report showed that millions of Americans have been forced from their jobs by the pandemic, Mr. Trump spent the morning attacking Senator Chuck Schumer and other New York politicians, accusing them of failing to adequately prepare the state’s medical system for a serious outbreak.Even as a new report showed that millions of Americans have been forced from their jobs by the pandemic, Mr. Trump spent the morning attacking Senator Chuck Schumer and other New York politicians, accusing them of failing to adequately prepare the state’s medical system for a serious outbreak.
In fact, officials in New York, which has become the center of the crisis with almost 84,000 cases and nearly 2,000 deaths, have repeatedly said that the federal government needed to do more to provide ventilators, masks and other protective gear to overwhelmed hospitals. In fact, officials in New York, which has become the center of the crisis, have repeatedly said that the federal government needed to do more to provide ventilators, masks and other protective gear to overwhelmed hospitals.
Governors around the country have criticized Mr. Trump for not doing more to centralize the provision of medical equipment. And public health officials have said that the administration’s failure to provide adequate testing in late January and February allowed the virus to spread silently throughout the country.Governors around the country have criticized Mr. Trump for not doing more to centralize the provision of medical equipment. And public health officials have said that the administration’s failure to provide adequate testing in late January and February allowed the virus to spread silently throughout the country.
Critics have also said Mr. Trump should have done more to encourage governors to issue stay-at-home orders in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida ordered restrictions on Wednesday, having resisted doing so for days.Critics have also said Mr. Trump should have done more to encourage governors to issue stay-at-home orders in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida ordered restrictions on Wednesday, having resisted doing so for days.
In a series of tweets on Thursday, the president defended his administration’s efforts to send ventilators and protective equipment to New York, saying that “other states are thrilled with the job we have done” and insisting that “the complainers should have been stocked up and ready long before this crisis hit.”In a series of tweets on Thursday, the president defended his administration’s efforts to send ventilators and protective equipment to New York, saying that “other states are thrilled with the job we have done” and insisting that “the complainers should have been stocked up and ready long before this crisis hit.”
Mr. Trump took particular aim at Mr. Schumer, the Senate’s Democratic leader, who had criticized the federal response during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program earlier in the morning.Mr. Trump took particular aim at Mr. Schumer, the Senate’s Democratic leader, who had criticized the federal response during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program earlier in the morning.
Mr. Schumer called on the president to appoint a czar to oversee the provision of supplies and said that Mr. Trump had failed to confront the crisis aggressively enough.Mr. Schumer called on the president to appoint a czar to oversee the provision of supplies and said that Mr. Trump had failed to confront the crisis aggressively enough.
“Look, the president was way behind the eight ball in so much of this,” Mr. Schumer said. “He didn’t see the need. We were way behind in testing.”“Look, the president was way behind the eight ball in so much of this,” Mr. Schumer said. “He didn’t see the need. We were way behind in testing.”
In his tweet, Mr. Trump shot back: “somebody please explain to Cryin’ Chuck Schumer that we do have a military man in charge of distributing goods, a very talented Admiral.”In his tweet, Mr. Trump shot back: “somebody please explain to Cryin’ Chuck Schumer that we do have a military man in charge of distributing goods, a very talented Admiral.”
The president also suggested again — without evidence — that needed supplies were somehow going missing or being hoarded at New York hospitals, adding: “stop complaining & find out where all of these supplies are going.”The president also suggested again — without evidence — that needed supplies were somehow going missing or being hoarded at New York hospitals, adding: “stop complaining & find out where all of these supplies are going.”
The president’s complaints about New York are an escalation of a weekslong clash with officials from the state where he grew up, including Mr. Cuomo. But even as he attacked New York’s response, Mr. Trump finished one of his tweets with praise for the governor: “Cuomo working hard.”The president’s complaints about New York are an escalation of a weekslong clash with officials from the state where he grew up, including Mr. Cuomo. But even as he attacked New York’s response, Mr. Trump finished one of his tweets with praise for the governor: “Cuomo working hard.”
Mr. Cuomo, who was asked to respond to Mr. Trump’s comments claiming that New York had gotten off to a “late start” but praising him personally, said, “I don’t know how you square those two statements, I don’t know that you can square those two statements.” He added that New York had been working agressively from the start.
The president’s broadside came as New Yorkers have watched in helpless fear as the virus, with dizzying speed and ferocity, took hold of the city in recent days.The president’s broadside came as New Yorkers have watched in helpless fear as the virus, with dizzying speed and ferocity, took hold of the city in recent days.
With almost 1,400 dead, many have already lost someone in their circle. There were 47,349 confirmed cases of infections in New York City as of Wednesday, and their rising numbers have conversely shrunk the private worlds of some 8 million people. With more than 2,000 dead, many have already lost someone in their circle. There were 47,349 confirmed cases of infections in New York City as of Wednesday, and their rising numbers have conversely shrunk the private worlds of some 8 million people.
At least 38 states have announced plans for stay-at-home orders that will last for weeks, and governments are now trying to close businesses deemed nonessential that have stayed open.At least 38 states have announced plans for stay-at-home orders that will last for weeks, and governments are now trying to close businesses deemed nonessential that have stayed open.
The arts-and-crafts chain Hobby Lobby drew a rebuke on Wednesday from Colorado officials, who said the retailer was must comply with stay-at-home orders and immediately close its stores.The arts-and-crafts chain Hobby Lobby drew a rebuke on Wednesday from Colorado officials, who said the retailer was must comply with stay-at-home orders and immediately close its stores.
In a cease-and-desist letter to the company, W. Eric Kuhn, the senior assistant state attorney general, wrote that Hobby Lobby’s reopening of stores violated an order by the governor that compelled all businesses to close unless state officials had classified them as critical.In a cease-and-desist letter to the company, W. Eric Kuhn, the senior assistant state attorney general, wrote that Hobby Lobby’s reopening of stores violated an order by the governor that compelled all businesses to close unless state officials had classified them as critical.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Hobby Lobby is not a ‘critical business,’” Mr. Kuhn wrote.“For the avoidance of doubt, Hobby Lobby is not a ‘critical business,’” Mr. Kuhn wrote.
Ohio’s attorney general, Dave Yost, wrote on Twitter on Wednesday that he had sent a similar letter to Hobby Lobby and that the retailer, which did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday night, had agreed to close stores in his state.Ohio’s attorney general, Dave Yost, wrote on Twitter on Wednesday that he had sent a similar letter to Hobby Lobby and that the retailer, which did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday night, had agreed to close stores in his state.
Other businesses, including small companies, have also tried to remain open, earning the ire of the authorities from coast to coast.Other businesses, including small companies, have also tried to remain open, earning the ire of the authorities from coast to coast.
In Los Angeles, where the city attorney said last week that prosecutors would “work toward gaining compliance,” at least eight businesses have been cited for operating in defiance of government orders.In Los Angeles, where the city attorney said last week that prosecutors would “work toward gaining compliance,” at least eight businesses have been cited for operating in defiance of government orders.
“This is serious, and we cannot allow violations to continue,” Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles said at a news conference on Wednesday, when he said that city officials would shut off power and water to nonessential businesses that remained open after being warned.“This is serious, and we cannot allow violations to continue,” Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles said at a news conference on Wednesday, when he said that city officials would shut off power and water to nonessential businesses that remained open after being warned.
“No one wants to take this step, and we won’t have to as long as you follow the rules,” Mr. Garcetti said.“No one wants to take this step, and we won’t have to as long as you follow the rules,” Mr. Garcetti said.
The authorities have also said that individuals who breach shelter-in-place orders could be punished, like in Maryland, where violators could be imprisoned for up to a year and fined $5,000, and Newark, where officials have issued hundreds of summonses.The authorities have also said that individuals who breach shelter-in-place orders could be punished, like in Maryland, where violators could be imprisoned for up to a year and fined $5,000, and Newark, where officials have issued hundreds of summonses.
“If you are doing people’s hair and you’re not supposed to, if you’re opening up your store and you’re not supposed to, if you’re hanging out on the corner and you infect other people, these things can turn into very serious charges for you,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka said. “Some people think we’re doing too much, but there’s a lot of people who think we’re not doing enough.”“If you are doing people’s hair and you’re not supposed to, if you’re opening up your store and you’re not supposed to, if you’re hanging out on the corner and you infect other people, these things can turn into very serious charges for you,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka said. “Some people think we’re doing too much, but there’s a lot of people who think we’re not doing enough.”
In Georgia, where a statewide stay-at-home order is expected to take effect on Friday, Gov. Brian Kemp said that the state patrol was prepared to deal with people who ignored orders from state and local governments.In Georgia, where a statewide stay-at-home order is expected to take effect on Friday, Gov. Brian Kemp said that the state patrol was prepared to deal with people who ignored orders from state and local governments.
“The reality is that if you do not comply, you are violating the law, and you can face stiff penalties,” Mr. Kemp said.“The reality is that if you do not comply, you are violating the law, and you can face stiff penalties,” Mr. Kemp said.
On Wednesday, Mr. Trump said that he was considering steps once thought unimaginable, like banning some domestic flights.
“I am looking where flights are going into hot spots,” Mr. Trump said. “Closing up every single flight on every single airline, that’s a very, very, very rough decision. But we are thinking about hot spots where you go from spot to spot, both hot. And we’ll let you know fairly soon.”
In Panama, men and women are being told to go out in public on alternating days.
A nursing home linked to dozens of coronavirus deaths in the Seattle area faces a fine of more than $600,000 after federal inspectors found a range of problems in how the facility handled the outbreak.A nursing home linked to dozens of coronavirus deaths in the Seattle area faces a fine of more than $600,000 after federal inspectors found a range of problems in how the facility handled the outbreak.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said in a letter on Wednesday to the company, Life Care Center of Kirkland, that it may be terminated from Medicare and Medicaid participation if the facility is unable to come into compliance with federal regulations by September. Officials levied a fine of $13,585 per day covering a span of six weeks.The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said in a letter on Wednesday to the company, Life Care Center of Kirkland, that it may be terminated from Medicare and Medicaid participation if the facility is unable to come into compliance with federal regulations by September. Officials levied a fine of $13,585 per day covering a span of six weeks.
Federal officials reported last month that Life Care had failed to notify state officials about the increasing rate of respiratory infections among residents, failed to rapidly identify and manage ill residents and failed to have a backup plan after the facility’s primary clinician fell ill. C.M.S. said those urgent issues have since been resolved, but that Life Care will also need to demonstrate compliance on other issues, including record-keeping and its handling of safety and quality strategies.Federal officials reported last month that Life Care had failed to notify state officials about the increasing rate of respiratory infections among residents, failed to rapidly identify and manage ill residents and failed to have a backup plan after the facility’s primary clinician fell ill. C.M.S. said those urgent issues have since been resolved, but that Life Care will also need to demonstrate compliance on other issues, including record-keeping and its handling of safety and quality strategies.
“If L.C.C. of Kirkland does not correct all deficiencies and return to full compliance by September 16, 2020, then C.M.S. will terminate your facility from participating in the Medicare/Medicaid program,” wrote Patrick Thrift, a C.M.S. enforcement official in Seattle.“If L.C.C. of Kirkland does not correct all deficiencies and return to full compliance by September 16, 2020, then C.M.S. will terminate your facility from participating in the Medicare/Medicaid program,” wrote Patrick Thrift, a C.M.S. enforcement official in Seattle.
There are still a dozen states where governors have resisted issuing stay-at-home orders to try to slow the spread of the virus, though localities in some of them have put their own bans in place. An analysis of cellphone location data by The New York Times found that people in the Southeast and other places that waited to enact such orders have continued to travel widely, potentially exposing more people as the outbreak accelerates.There are still a dozen states where governors have resisted issuing stay-at-home orders to try to slow the spread of the virus, though localities in some of them have put their own bans in place. An analysis of cellphone location data by The New York Times found that people in the Southeast and other places that waited to enact such orders have continued to travel widely, potentially exposing more people as the outbreak accelerates.
A half-dozen of the most populous counties where residents were still traveling widely last week are in Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis did not call for a statewide lockdown until Wednesday. See where America did not stay at home:A half-dozen of the most populous counties where residents were still traveling widely last week are in Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis did not call for a statewide lockdown until Wednesday. See where America did not stay at home:
Hundreds of passengers on Holland America’s Zaandam cruise ship were waiting to find out on Thursday whether the port in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., will allow them to end their voyage.Hundreds of passengers on Holland America’s Zaandam cruise ship were waiting to find out on Thursday whether the port in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., will allow them to end their voyage.
Four passengers on the ship, which had been traveling along the coast of South America, have died because of the virus. Many others began showing flulike symptoms, and at least nine passengers are in the ship hospital.Four passengers on the ship, which had been traveling along the coast of South America, have died because of the virus. Many others began showing flulike symptoms, and at least nine passengers are in the ship hospital.
But with cruises widely blamed for spreading the illness, ports along the Zaandam’s route have turned it away, and Florida officials were weighing the potential consequences of accepting it, including the possible strain on local hospitals.But with cruises widely blamed for spreading the illness, ports along the Zaandam’s route have turned it away, and Florida officials were weighing the potential consequences of accepting it, including the possible strain on local hospitals.
The debate underscores the challenges that federal officials and the cruise industry have faced in repatriating thousands of people stranded at sea.The debate underscores the challenges that federal officials and the cruise industry have faced in repatriating thousands of people stranded at sea.
After hours of debate this week, the sheriff, port officials, the Coast Guard and the Broward County commission still had not decided whether the ship could dock. Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Wednesday that Florida residents would “clearly” be accepted, and that he hoped a solution for the others was near.After hours of debate this week, the sheriff, port officials, the Coast Guard and the Broward County commission still had not decided whether the ship could dock. Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Wednesday that Florida residents would “clearly” be accepted, and that he hoped a solution for the others was near.
As Britons planned to once again take to their balconies and gardens on Thursday to salute the National Health Service, the news that only 2,000 medical workers had been tested for the virus drew widespread outrage, underscoring the country’s struggles to ramp up its capabilities even as the death toll mounts.As Britons planned to once again take to their balconies and gardens on Thursday to salute the National Health Service, the news that only 2,000 medical workers had been tested for the virus drew widespread outrage, underscoring the country’s struggles to ramp up its capabilities even as the death toll mounts.
Britain reported 569 deaths on Thursday, the highest daily tally to date, raising the national toll to 2,921.Britain reported 569 deaths on Thursday, the highest daily tally to date, raising the national toll to 2,921.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is in isolation after contracting the virus, sent a video message to the nation Wednesday evening that appeared to have been recorded on a cellphone. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is in isolation after contracting the virus, sent a video message to the nation Wednesday evening that appeared to have been recorded on a cellphone. He pledged “massively increasing testing.”
He said the country would be “massively increasing testing.”
“This is how we will unlock the coronavirus puzzle,” he said. “This is how we will defeat it in the end.”“This is how we will unlock the coronavirus puzzle,” he said. “This is how we will defeat it in the end.”
Many have compared the limited response in Britain to Germany, where testing is widespread and the death rate is relatively low.Many have compared the limited response in Britain to Germany, where testing is widespread and the death rate is relatively low.
Chris Hopson, the chief executive of N.H.S. Providers, which represents hospitals in the National Health Service, told the BBC’s Radio 4 program Today that just 2,000 front-line health care workers had been tested for the virus and that Britain had the capacity to process only about 13,000 tests per day.Chris Hopson, the chief executive of N.H.S. Providers, which represents hospitals in the National Health Service, told the BBC’s Radio 4 program Today that just 2,000 front-line health care workers had been tested for the virus and that Britain had the capacity to process only about 13,000 tests per day.
He cited shortages in swabs and the reagent needed to process the tests, and said in a statement posted to Twitter that testing capacity was “so constrained” that hospitals were asked to allocate only 15 percent of tests to staff.He cited shortages in swabs and the reagent needed to process the tests, and said in a statement posted to Twitter that testing capacity was “so constrained” that hospitals were asked to allocate only 15 percent of tests to staff.
The shortages have been a chronic global challenge as governments and health care providers scramble to obtain diagnostic kits, with major disparities in testing capacity. Much of Western Europe has found itself short of kits, and governors across the United States pleaded with the federal government for help in bolstering their own testing capacity.The shortages have been a chronic global challenge as governments and health care providers scramble to obtain diagnostic kits, with major disparities in testing capacity. Much of Western Europe has found itself short of kits, and governors across the United States pleaded with the federal government for help in bolstering their own testing capacity.
For the ambulance crews of Paterson, N.J., a poor, industrial city in the penumbra of pandemic-stricken New York, the outbreak is posing a test like no other. When the Paterson Fire Department allowed New York Times journalists to accompany a 12-hour shift of E.M.T. crews outfitted to respond to potential Covid-19 cases, it offered a glimpse into the chaotic, risk-filled lives of emergency workers who are reaching directly into the jaws of the pandemic.For the ambulance crews of Paterson, N.J., a poor, industrial city in the penumbra of pandemic-stricken New York, the outbreak is posing a test like no other. When the Paterson Fire Department allowed New York Times journalists to accompany a 12-hour shift of E.M.T. crews outfitted to respond to potential Covid-19 cases, it offered a glimpse into the chaotic, risk-filled lives of emergency workers who are reaching directly into the jaws of the pandemic.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’d almost rather go to a fire call,” said Brian Hirschmanner, a firefighter and E.M.T. “At least you can see what you’re fighting. And it eventually goes out.”“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’d almost rather go to a fire call,” said Brian Hirschmanner, a firefighter and E.M.T. “At least you can see what you’re fighting. And it eventually goes out.”
As the virus spreads across the world, reaching into every community, fears in Europe are growing that a major outbreak could erupt in makeshift camps that house thousands of migrants.As the virus spreads across the world, reaching into every community, fears in Europe are growing that a major outbreak could erupt in makeshift camps that house thousands of migrants.
The Greek authorities on Thursday quarantined residents of a state facility for refugees after 20 people there tested positive for the virus. Officials conducted tests after a woman at the facility in Ritsona, which hosts around 2,600 people, tested positive for the virus after giving birth at a hospital in Athens.The Greek authorities on Thursday quarantined residents of a state facility for refugees after 20 people there tested positive for the virus. Officials conducted tests after a woman at the facility in Ritsona, which hosts around 2,600 people, tested positive for the virus after giving birth at a hospital in Athens.
It was the confirmed infection among the tens of thousands of migrants living in camps across Greece. Residents will now be restricted to the area for two weeks while access to health workers will be limited.It was the confirmed infection among the tens of thousands of migrants living in camps across Greece. Residents will now be restricted to the area for two weeks while access to health workers will be limited.
Restrictions were imposed last month on migrant camps on the Aegean Islands, notably the Moria facility on Lesbos, which has around 20,000 people, 10 times its intended capacity. Notis Mitarakis, the Greek migration minister, told Greek radio on Thursday that migrants would be segregated in the event of an outbreak.Restrictions were imposed last month on migrant camps on the Aegean Islands, notably the Moria facility on Lesbos, which has around 20,000 people, 10 times its intended capacity. Notis Mitarakis, the Greek migration minister, told Greek radio on Thursday that migrants would be segregated in the event of an outbreak.
Migrants on the Greek islands are particularly vulnerable to the spread of the virus, as they live in cramped conditions with little sanitation, and medical charities have called for their evacuation.Migrants on the Greek islands are particularly vulnerable to the spread of the virus, as they live in cramped conditions with little sanitation, and medical charities have called for their evacuation.
Doctors Without Borders said it had divided its tiny clinic in the Moria camp into two sections, one for those suspected of carrying the virus and one for general health needs. The German aid organization Mission Lifeline, which has worked extensively in the camps, has urged the governments of Germany and Greece to allow refugees to be evacuated to Berlin.Doctors Without Borders said it had divided its tiny clinic in the Moria camp into two sections, one for those suspected of carrying the virus and one for general health needs. The German aid organization Mission Lifeline, which has worked extensively in the camps, has urged the governments of Germany and Greece to allow refugees to be evacuated to Berlin.
Other European nations have introduced measures to extend protections to migrants amid the outbreak. The government in Portugal temporarily extended residency status to migrants and asylum seekers in the country so that they can gain access to state resources and support. Ireland has put digital protections in place to ensure migrants accessing government support will have their status protected.Other European nations have introduced measures to extend protections to migrants amid the outbreak. The government in Portugal temporarily extended residency status to migrants and asylum seekers in the country so that they can gain access to state resources and support. Ireland has put digital protections in place to ensure migrants accessing government support will have their status protected.
Your home is currently serving as a work space, living space and possibly a school and playground. It wasn’t designed for all these disparate tasks, but there are things you can do to make your home more comfortable for you and your family in these times.Your home is currently serving as a work space, living space and possibly a school and playground. It wasn’t designed for all these disparate tasks, but there are things you can do to make your home more comfortable for you and your family in these times.
Among the many questions raised amid the pandemic is whether healthy people should wear a mask when they’re outside.Among the many questions raised amid the pandemic is whether healthy people should wear a mask when they’re outside.
While masks were a common sight across East Asia long before the outbreak — worn for a variety of reasons — the official advice from both the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been that only the sick or their caregivers should wear masks. But those guidelines may be shifting, and some local officials are moving to get in front of a rule change.While masks were a common sight across East Asia long before the outbreak — worn for a variety of reasons — the official advice from both the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been that only the sick or their caregivers should wear masks. But those guidelines may be shifting, and some local officials are moving to get in front of a rule change.
Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles urged residents on Wednesday to use face coverings when in public.Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles urged residents on Wednesday to use face coverings when in public.
Sebastian Kurz, the Austrian chancellor, wrote on Twitter on Monday that masks would be handed out at supermarket entrances, and that it was mandatory for shoppers to wear them.Sebastian Kurz, the Austrian chancellor, wrote on Twitter on Monday that masks would be handed out at supermarket entrances, and that it was mandatory for shoppers to wear them.
Covering the nose and mouth in public has been required in the Czech Republic since last month. The Czech prime minister, Andrej Babis, addressed Mr. Trump on Twitter on Sunday, asking the American leader to follow the Czech example.Covering the nose and mouth in public has been required in the Czech Republic since last month. The Czech prime minister, Andrej Babis, addressed Mr. Trump on Twitter on Sunday, asking the American leader to follow the Czech example.
The president of Slovakia, who made waves on social media last month for wearing fashionable face masks that matched her clothes on official engagements, has also made facial protection in public mandatory. Officials in Jena, a city in eastern Germany, said on Monday that protective masks should be worn inside shops and on local transport, among other places.The president of Slovakia, who made waves on social media last month for wearing fashionable face masks that matched her clothes on official engagements, has also made facial protection in public mandatory. Officials in Jena, a city in eastern Germany, said on Monday that protective masks should be worn inside shops and on local transport, among other places.
Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Alan Blinder, Karen Zraick, Reid J. Epstein, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Emily Cochrane, Andy Newman, Mike Baker, Elian Peltier, Megan Specia, Marc Santora, Damien Cave, Austin Ramzy, Michael Wilson, Helene Cooper, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Eric Schmitt, Jan Hoffman, Keith Collins, David Yaffe-Bellany, Neil Vigdor, Andrew Das, Maya Salam, Ana Swenson, Raphael Minder, Iliana Magra, Ben Casselman, Isabel Kershner and Niki Kitsantonis.Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Alan Blinder, Karen Zraick, Reid J. Epstein, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Emily Cochrane, Andy Newman, Mike Baker, Elian Peltier, Megan Specia, Marc Santora, Damien Cave, Austin Ramzy, Michael Wilson, Helene Cooper, Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Eric Schmitt, Jan Hoffman, Keith Collins, David Yaffe-Bellany, Neil Vigdor, Andrew Das, Maya Salam, Ana Swenson, Raphael Minder, Iliana Magra, Ben Casselman, Isabel Kershner and Niki Kitsantonis.