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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
(8 days later)
This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
The White House is expected to announce that all Americans should wear cloth masks if they go out in public.The White House is expected to announce that all Americans should wear cloth masks if they go out in public.
More than 6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, doubling the record set a week earlier.More than 6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, doubling the record set a week earlier.
The Democratic National Convention has been postponed to mid-August.The Democratic National Convention has been postponed to mid-August.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverageGet the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage
U.S. employers are laying off workers at an unheard-of clip as the coronavirus outbreak plunges the economy into a deep freeze. Some 6.6 million people filed new unemployment insurance claims last week — nearly 20 times a typical week’s tally.U.S. employers are laying off workers at an unheard-of clip as the coronavirus outbreak plunges the economy into a deep freeze. Some 6.6 million people filed new unemployment insurance claims last week — nearly 20 times a typical week’s tally.
Experts say the figure should be even higher, but some state unemployment systems were so swamped that people couldn’t get through to file a claim. The monthly employment report for March, due on Friday, is likely to be ugly as well.Experts say the figure should be even higher, but some state unemployment systems were so swamped that people couldn’t get through to file a claim. The monthly employment report for March, due on Friday, is likely to be ugly as well.
This will be a recession like no other in memory. Recessions usually start with a financial or economic crisis that prompts consumers to cut their spending; the big job losses follow over time as revenue-starved businesses slash payrolls or close their doors. But with this one, the layoffs are coming right at the start, because of stay-home orders and business restrictions.This will be a recession like no other in memory. Recessions usually start with a financial or economic crisis that prompts consumers to cut their spending; the big job losses follow over time as revenue-starved businesses slash payrolls or close their doors. But with this one, the layoffs are coming right at the start, because of stay-home orders and business restrictions.
And it will be the virus, not economic forces, that will determine when a recovery can begin. No one yet knows what that recovery will look like, or how long it will take.And it will be the virus, not economic forces, that will determine when a recovery can begin. No one yet knows what that recovery will look like, or how long it will take.
Ron Lieber, the “Your Money” columnist for The Times, spoke to us about the impact of the sweeping job losses. Here are excerpts from the conversation.Ron Lieber, the “Your Money” columnist for The Times, spoke to us about the impact of the sweeping job losses. Here are excerpts from the conversation.
What’s the first thing someone who is laid off should do?What’s the first thing someone who is laid off should do?
Apply for unemployment — and you should keep trying. The new legislation allows for an extra $600 per week of assistance, and that extra money can be enough to make a difference between financial disaster and near financial calamity. And that’s why Congress offered it.Apply for unemployment — and you should keep trying. The new legislation allows for an extra $600 per week of assistance, and that extra money can be enough to make a difference between financial disaster and near financial calamity. And that’s why Congress offered it.
What do you tell people who are struggling to process all this?What do you tell people who are struggling to process all this?
It doesn’t look quite like anything we’ve seen before in our lifetime. Trying to plan or make predictions is really hard — and to tell people to embrace that uncertainty is not really helpful. I think the best thing is to talk to as many people as possible who have the same uncertainty that you do.It doesn’t look quite like anything we’ve seen before in our lifetime. Trying to plan or make predictions is really hard — and to tell people to embrace that uncertainty is not really helpful. I think the best thing is to talk to as many people as possible who have the same uncertainty that you do.
Will the U.S. economy just bounce back to where it was before, or do you expect lasting changes?Will the U.S. economy just bounce back to where it was before, or do you expect lasting changes?
If we continue to believe that capitalism and market economics are the right way to structure our country, then there probably ought to be at least some way our economic activity will revert to some level of normalcy. I would not believe anybody who is trying to predict when that will be.If we continue to believe that capitalism and market economics are the right way to structure our country, then there probably ought to be at least some way our economic activity will revert to some level of normalcy. I would not believe anybody who is trying to predict when that will be.
The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.
The coronavirus outbreak is playing havoc with the political calendar. Fifteen states and one territory have postponed their primaries or switched to voting by mail with longer deadlines. And the national Democratic convention in Milwaukee, where the party formally selects its presidential candidate, has been pushed back a month to mid-August, a week before the Republican convention in Charlotte, N.C.The coronavirus outbreak is playing havoc with the political calendar. Fifteen states and one territory have postponed their primaries or switched to voting by mail with longer deadlines. And the national Democratic convention in Milwaukee, where the party formally selects its presidential candidate, has been pushed back a month to mid-August, a week before the Republican convention in Charlotte, N.C.
And then there’s Wisconsin, which is moving ahead with its primary next Tuesday, despite concerns about in-person voting during a pandemic.And then there’s Wisconsin, which is moving ahead with its primary next Tuesday, despite concerns about in-person voting during a pandemic.
Perhaps those most at risk on Election Day are the state’s poll workers, who tend to be older and have health conditions that make them vulnerable, according to Nick Corasaniti of The Times, who interviewed Wisconsin poll workers.Perhaps those most at risk on Election Day are the state’s poll workers, who tend to be older and have health conditions that make them vulnerable, according to Nick Corasaniti of The Times, who interviewed Wisconsin poll workers.
“Almost everyone I talked to was very conflicted about the risks — and many just said: ‘You know what, it’s not worth it. I can’t show up,” Nick said. “I spoke to three who were over 70, and heartbroken that they couldn’t be there. But they said they just couldn’t put themselves at risk.”“Almost everyone I talked to was very conflicted about the risks — and many just said: ‘You know what, it’s not worth it. I can’t show up,” Nick said. “I spoke to three who were over 70, and heartbroken that they couldn’t be there. But they said they just couldn’t put themselves at risk.”
The primary is forcing Wisconsinites to decide between public health and the right to vote, Nick said. One chief inspector told him, “Being complicit in putting public safety at risk seems a greater guilt to bear than letting democracy down.”The primary is forcing Wisconsinites to decide between public health and the right to vote, Nick said. One chief inspector told him, “Being complicit in putting public safety at risk seems a greater guilt to bear than letting democracy down.”
(If you are a Wisconsin voter, Thursday is the deadline to request an absentee ballot. You can sign up to vote by mail on the state’s elections website.)(If you are a Wisconsin voter, Thursday is the deadline to request an absentee ballot. You can sign up to vote by mail on the state’s elections website.)
At least 297 million Americans have been told to stay home, but millions continue to show up for work, because they can’t do their jobs from home, or can’t afford to lose income, or are considered essential to keeping the community functioning.At least 297 million Americans have been told to stay home, but millions continue to show up for work, because they can’t do their jobs from home, or can’t afford to lose income, or are considered essential to keeping the community functioning.
In their own words, workers across the country describe life in a changed world in The Times Magazine.In their own words, workers across the country describe life in a changed world in The Times Magazine.
“I would be lying to say I’m not worried about exposure to Covid-19,” said Nikki Grigalunas, a homeless-outreach worker in Chicago. “But when I’m in the field, the first thing I’m thinking about is helping our people cope. We make sure that somebody sees them. We hold hope.”“I would be lying to say I’m not worried about exposure to Covid-19,” said Nikki Grigalunas, a homeless-outreach worker in Chicago. “But when I’m in the field, the first thing I’m thinking about is helping our people cope. We make sure that somebody sees them. We hold hope.”
The Times reporter Jan Hoffman and the photographer Chang W. Lee rode along with a special unit of emergency medical workers in Paterson, N.J., as they responded to 911 calls for suspected coronavirus cases.The Times reporter Jan Hoffman and the photographer Chang W. Lee rode along with a special unit of emergency medical workers in Paterson, N.J., as they responded to 911 calls for suspected coronavirus cases.
The responders worked by three rules: Don’t go in a home, don’t touch the patient, and don’t take anyone to the hospital unless it’s absolutely necessary.The responders worked by three rules: Don’t go in a home, don’t touch the patient, and don’t take anyone to the hospital unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Stay-at-home orders have many Americans staying put, but people who live in areas without restrictions have kept in motion, according to a Times analysis of anonymous cellphone data from 15 million people.Stay-at-home orders have many Americans staying put, but people who live in areas without restrictions have kept in motion, according to a Times analysis of anonymous cellphone data from 15 million people.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
Not all trips are problematic: Driving a few miles to pick up groceries would not violate stay-at-home orders. But in general, moving around more leads to more contact with others and more chances to catch or spread the disease, researchers said.Not all trips are problematic: Driving a few miles to pick up groceries would not violate stay-at-home orders. But in general, moving around more leads to more contact with others and more chances to catch or spread the disease, researchers said.
New York State has only enough ventilators to last six more days, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said. New York City has set up 45 new mobile morgues, and crematories are now allowed to work around the clock.New York State has only enough ventilators to last six more days, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said. New York City has set up 45 new mobile morgues, and crematories are now allowed to work around the clock.
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.
In France, where more than 5,300 people have died because of the epidemic, a hall at the world’s largest wholesale food market, near Paris, will be turned into a temporary morgue.In France, where more than 5,300 people have died because of the epidemic, a hall at the world’s largest wholesale food market, near Paris, will be turned into a temporary morgue.
Lend a hand to those in need. Local newspapers and websites are aggregating ways you can give or receive help. Here are a few other lists with ways to help.Lend a hand to those in need. Local newspapers and websites are aggregating ways you can give or receive help. Here are a few other lists with ways to help.
Stop trying to be productive. You do not have to write the next great American novel or get in the best shape of your life with all your “extra time.” Sometimes, attending to basic needs is plenty.Stop trying to be productive. You do not have to write the next great American novel or get in the best shape of your life with all your “extra time.” Sometimes, attending to basic needs is plenty.
Channel your anxiety. Stress is bad for you only if you believe it’s bad for you, according to research. Try this three-step guide for adopting a “stress-is-enhancing” mind-set.Channel your anxiety. Stress is bad for you only if you believe it’s bad for you, according to research. Try this three-step guide for adopting a “stress-is-enhancing” mind-set.
Embrace the ethos of travel. Cook your way through a French cookbook, lean into fantasy worlds or use an app to discover local wildlife. Our latest 36 Hours column has more travel-inspired activities for those sheltering in place.Embrace the ethos of travel. Cook your way through a French cookbook, lean into fantasy worlds or use an app to discover local wildlife. Our latest 36 Hours column has more travel-inspired activities for those sheltering in place.
Donate to organizations on the front linesDonate to organizations on the front lines
For more than 100 years, The Times has raised donations for charity through our Neediest Cases Fund. Now we’re starting a special initiative: the Covid-19 Relief Campaign. Proceeds will go to organizations on the front lines of the pandemic. Learn more, and donate, here.For more than 100 years, The Times has raised donations for charity through our Neediest Cases Fund. Now we’re starting a special initiative: the Covid-19 Relief Campaign. Proceeds will go to organizations on the front lines of the pandemic. Learn more, and donate, here.
The U.S. approved a test for coronavirus antibodies, which could tell doctors whether a patient may have acquired some immunity.The U.S. approved a test for coronavirus antibodies, which could tell doctors whether a patient may have acquired some immunity.
New data from the C.D.C. shows the lag between when people become infected and when they start to feel symptoms.New data from the C.D.C. shows the lag between when people become infected and when they start to feel symptoms.
An irony for farm workers: They’ve been told the nation needs them to keep working despite stay-at-home orders. But because most are undocumented immigrants, that means the authorities consider them both illegal and “essential.”An irony for farm workers: They’ve been told the nation needs them to keep working despite stay-at-home orders. But because most are undocumented immigrants, that means the authorities consider them both illegal and “essential.”
The Navy removed the captain of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt after he sounded the alarm to superiors about a coronavirus outbreak on the ship and his letter was leaked.The Navy removed the captain of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt after he sounded the alarm to superiors about a coronavirus outbreak on the ship and his letter was leaked.
The C.I.A. has told White House officials that China is undercounting its coronavirus numbers.The C.I.A. has told White House officials that China is undercounting its coronavirus numbers.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert on the White House task force, talked about containing the virus and why he feels as though he’s making decisions in “the fog of war” on today’s episode of “The Daily.”Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert on the White House task force, talked about containing the virus and why he feels as though he’s making decisions in “the fog of war” on today’s episode of “The Daily.”
I established a virtual faculty lounge using Google Classroom where my teaching “family” can trade ideas, share resources, vent, and just touch each other virtually to stay connected as we dive into the unknown with distance teaching and learning.I established a virtual faculty lounge using Google Classroom where my teaching “family” can trade ideas, share resources, vent, and just touch each other virtually to stay connected as we dive into the unknown with distance teaching and learning.
— Linda Brennan, Baltimore— Linda Brennan, Baltimore
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
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Remy Tumin and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter. Melina Delkic contributed reporting.Remy Tumin and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter. Melina Delkic contributed reporting.