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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 virus has now sickened more than a million people worldwide. Four billion people — roughly half of humanity — have been told to stay at home. | The virus has now sickened more than a million people worldwide. Four billion people — roughly half of humanity — have been told to stay at home. |
| The C.D.C. recommended all Americans wear cloth masks in public. | The C.D.C. recommended all Americans wear cloth masks in public. |
| New York has recorded more than 100,000 cases and nearly 3,000 deaths. State officials are pleading for more ventilators and health care workers. | New York has recorded more than 100,000 cases and nearly 3,000 deaths. State officials are pleading for more ventilators and health care workers. |
| Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage | Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage |
| The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised all Americans — even people who appear to be healthy — to cover their face with a mask or a scarf when they leave home to help slow the spread of the coronavirus in the United States. | The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised all Americans — even people who appear to be healthy — to cover their face with a mask or a scarf when they leave home to help slow the spread of the coronavirus in the United States. |
| But President Trump, speaking at an afternoon news conference, stressed that the recommendation was voluntary and said he was “choosing not to do it.” | But President Trump, speaking at an afternoon news conference, stressed that the recommendation was voluntary and said he was “choosing not to do it.” |
| So far, the increased demand for masks far outstrips the supply. That has left desperate people, and hospitals, navigating a marketplace rife with profiteers and scammers. | So far, the increased demand for masks far outstrips the supply. That has left desperate people, and hospitals, navigating a marketplace rife with profiteers and scammers. |
| U.S. states and hospitals, whose normal suppliers are overwhelmed, have been left to negotiate directly with Chinese suppliers, which make most of the world’s masks. To fill the void, middlemen have rushed in. N95 masks, usually 50 cents apiece, were offered to one hospital for nearly $5 each by a company in Massachusetts, which itself had bought them from a Chinese manufacturer for $4.75. | U.S. states and hospitals, whose normal suppliers are overwhelmed, have been left to negotiate directly with Chinese suppliers, which make most of the world’s masks. To fill the void, middlemen have rushed in. N95 masks, usually 50 cents apiece, were offered to one hospital for nearly $5 each by a company in Massachusetts, which itself had bought them from a Chinese manufacturer for $4.75. |
| Hoarding has also affected the supply chain. This week, federal authorities seized a medical stockpile that included more than 320,000 masks from a man in Brooklyn. | Hoarding has also affected the supply chain. This week, federal authorities seized a medical stockpile that included more than 320,000 masks from a man in Brooklyn. |
| To free up supply for American health care workers, Mr. Trump may stop 3M from exporting surgical masks and claim more of the ones it makes abroad for domestic use. 3M argued that such a move would be counterproductive, forcing other countries to follow suit and cut off exports. | To free up supply for American health care workers, Mr. Trump may stop 3M from exporting surgical masks and claim more of the ones it makes abroad for domestic use. 3M argued that such a move would be counterproductive, forcing other countries to follow suit and cut off exports. |
| Want to make your own mask? We have a step-by-step guide for sewing one with common household materials. | Want to make your own mask? We have a step-by-step guide for sewing one with common household materials. |
| 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. |
| America’s wealth gap is on prime display in the spread of the coronavirus, with richer people more likely to limit their movement — and thus their exposure to the outbreak. | America’s wealth gap is on prime display in the spread of the coronavirus, with richer people more likely to limit their movement — and thus their exposure to the outbreak. |
| Smartphone location data analyzed by The New York Times offers real-time evidence of a divide laid bare by the pandemic: Wealthier people not only have more job security and benefits but also may be better able to avoid becoming sick. | Smartphone location data analyzed by The New York Times offers real-time evidence of a divide laid bare by the pandemic: Wealthier people not only have more job security and benefits but also may be better able to avoid becoming sick. |
| “The thing that struck me is that in every major city, the wealthy got a head start sheltering, in some cities up to a week before,” said Gabriel Dance, deputy investigations editor at The Times, who performed the analysis along with his colleagues Jennifer Valentino-DeVries and Denise Lu. | “The thing that struck me is that in every major city, the wealthy got a head start sheltering, in some cities up to a week before,” said Gabriel Dance, deputy investigations editor at The Times, who performed the analysis along with his colleagues Jennifer Valentino-DeVries and Denise Lu. |
| Many of the nation’s essential workers — in health care and public safety roles, as well as caregivers, delivery drivers, grocery clerks and plumbers — are being asked to put themselves at risk for relatively low wages, while white-collar workers are more able to work from home. | Many of the nation’s essential workers — in health care and public safety roles, as well as caregivers, delivery drivers, grocery clerks and plumbers — are being asked to put themselves at risk for relatively low wages, while white-collar workers are more able to work from home. |
| “People want to talk about this virus as an equal-opportunity pathogen, but it’s really not,” said Dr. Ashwin Vasan, a doctor and public health professor at Columbia University. “It’s going right to the fissures in our society.” | “People want to talk about this virus as an equal-opportunity pathogen, but it’s really not,” said Dr. Ashwin Vasan, a doctor and public health professor at Columbia University. “It’s going right to the fissures in our society.” |
| As hospitals in New York confront a surge of coronavirus cases, they’re also dealing with an acute shortage of doctors and nurses. | As hospitals in New York confront a surge of coronavirus cases, they’re also dealing with an acute shortage of doctors and nurses. |
| A major redeployment is underway: Neurosurgeons and cardiologists and dermatology and plastic surgery residents are being pulled from their regular service and into emergency rooms and intensive care wards. | A major redeployment is underway: Neurosurgeons and cardiologists and dermatology and plastic surgery residents are being pulled from their regular service and into emergency rooms and intensive care wards. |
| One of the largest hospital networks in New York went as far as to give its doctors an ultimatum: either help with the coronavirus crush or stay home without pay. | One of the largest hospital networks in New York went as far as to give its doctors an ultimatum: either help with the coronavirus crush or stay home without pay. |
| The coronavirus is taking lives at a devastating pace in New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said, with deaths nearly doubling in just three days — 2,935 people had died as of Friday, up from 1,550 on Tuesday. More people in New York died from the virus in the last 24 hours — 562 — than in the first 27 days of March. Here’s the latest. | The coronavirus is taking lives at a devastating pace in New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said, with deaths nearly doubling in just three days — 2,935 people had died as of Friday, up from 1,550 on Tuesday. More people in New York died from the virus in the last 24 hours — 562 — than in the first 27 days of March. Here’s the latest. |
| In an Op-Ed, Mayor Bill de Blasio called for a national draft of doctors and other medical workers to help places where coronavirus has hit hardest — starting in New York. | In an Op-Ed, Mayor Bill de Blasio called for a national draft of doctors and other medical workers to help places where coronavirus has hit hardest — starting in New York. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| The U.S.N.S. Comfort, the Navy hospital ship that arrived in New York Harbor with much fanfare this week, was supposed to help relieve the city’s hospitals. But the ship’s 1,000 beds remain largely unused because of a tangle of bureaucratic hurdles. | The U.S.N.S. Comfort, the Navy hospital ship that arrived in New York Harbor with much fanfare this week, was supposed to help relieve the city’s hospitals. But the ship’s 1,000 beds remain largely unused because of a tangle of bureaucratic hurdles. |
| “If I’m blunt about it, it’s a joke,” said Michael Dowling, the head of Northwell Health, New York’s largest hospital system. | “If I’m blunt about it, it’s a joke,” said Michael Dowling, the head of Northwell Health, New York’s largest hospital system. |
| The World Health Organization has warned of an uncontrollable spread in the Middle East. In a region comprising 22 countries, cases nearly doubled to more than 58,000 over the last week. | The World Health Organization has warned of an uncontrollable spread in the Middle East. In a region comprising 22 countries, cases nearly doubled to more than 58,000 over the last week. |
| Britain reported 3,605 deaths on Friday, up 684 from the previous day, marking its deadliest 24-hour period yet. It is considering an “immunity passport,” which would allow patients who have recovered and produced antibodies to return to work. | Britain reported 3,605 deaths on Friday, up 684 from the previous day, marking its deadliest 24-hour period yet. It is considering an “immunity passport,” which would allow patients who have recovered and produced antibodies to return to work. |
| After an unorthodox soft approach to the virus, Sweden is now logging more than 500 cases a day, and its public health agency has ramped up social distancing recommendations. | After an unorthodox soft approach to the virus, Sweden is now logging more than 500 cases a day, and its public health agency has ramped up social distancing recommendations. |
| Talk about something else. Here are some conversation starters for your virtual happy hour. | Talk about something else. Here are some conversation starters for your virtual happy hour. |
| Find joy through food. Five writers and editors from the Food section talk about stretching dollars, safe grocery shopping and go-to comfort meals. | Find joy through food. Five writers and editors from the Food section talk about stretching dollars, safe grocery shopping and go-to comfort meals. |
| Help struggling artists. Here are some ideas: Buy books or art, donate directly to restaurant workers in need or attend a live-streamed workshop or class. | Help struggling artists. Here are some ideas: Buy books or art, donate directly to restaurant workers in need or attend a live-streamed workshop or class. |
| Reimagine how your home functions. With your family housebound 24 hours a day, here are some tips to keep your appliances functioning, the mess to a minimum and the clutter at bay. | Reimagine how your home functions. With your family housebound 24 hours a day, here are some tips to keep your appliances functioning, the mess to a minimum and the clutter at bay. |
| A virtual discussion of the 2020 election | A virtual discussion of the 2020 election |
| Join our politics team on Monday at 4 p.m. Eastern as they discuss how the coronavirus outbreak has upended the presidential campaign. Register for the call here. | Join our politics team on Monday at 4 p.m. Eastern as they discuss how the coronavirus outbreak has upended the presidential campaign. Register for the call here. |
| The Labor Department reported that employers shed 701,000 jobs in March, the first monthly dip in over a decade. (The numbers were collected in the first half of the month, before stay-at-home orders began, which will most likely send the total soaring next month.) | The Labor Department reported that employers shed 701,000 jobs in March, the first monthly dip in over a decade. (The numbers were collected in the first half of the month, before stay-at-home orders began, which will most likely send the total soaring next month.) |
| The toilet paper shortage isn’t just about hoarding. With much of the country on lockdown, people are using the bathroom exclusively at home, rather than at work, school or restaurants. | The toilet paper shortage isn’t just about hoarding. With much of the country on lockdown, people are using the bathroom exclusively at home, rather than at work, school or restaurants. |
| Does Covid-19 hit women and men differently? Data from other countries shows that more men are dying from the virus, but the U.S. isn’t keeping track. | Does Covid-19 hit women and men differently? Data from other countries shows that more men are dying from the virus, but the U.S. isn’t keeping track. |
| “Bad news wrapped in protein”: Here’s a visual look inside the coronavirus genome. | “Bad news wrapped in protein”: Here’s a visual look inside the coronavirus genome. |
| A bit of good news: A Brooklyn landlord canceled April rent for 80 apartments to help alleviate stress. | A bit of good news: A Brooklyn landlord canceled April rent for 80 apartments to help alleviate stress. |
| One group is blissfully unaware of the crisis facing the world: zoo animals. The Bronx Zoo is empty, but the animals don’t seem to mind. | One group is blissfully unaware of the crisis facing the world: zoo animals. The Bronx Zoo is empty, but the animals don’t seem to mind. |
| I planted a few dozen pumpkin and butternut squash seeds in a makeshift planter. I live in an old stone house with no garden so I positioned the planter in front of my bedroom window and watered it regularly. Yesterday little pale green mounds started pushing up the soil. Today I have a dozen or more green ears ready to unfold over the coming days. | I planted a few dozen pumpkin and butternut squash seeds in a makeshift planter. I live in an old stone house with no garden so I positioned the planter in front of my bedroom window and watered it regularly. Yesterday little pale green mounds started pushing up the soil. Today I have a dozen or more green ears ready to unfold over the coming days. |
| —Circe Bosch, Nérac, France | —Circe Bosch, Nérac, France |
| 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. |
| And don’t forget to take a minute to breathe this weekend. | And don’t forget to take a minute to breathe this weekend. |
| Adam Pasick contributed to today’s newsletter. | Adam Pasick contributed to today’s newsletter. |