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Coronavirus Live Updates: White House Experts Say Social Distancing May Be Working Coronavirus Live Updates: White House Experts Say Social Distancing May Be Working
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
The Supreme Court on Monday issued its first ruling in a case arising from the coronavirus pandemic, refusing to extend the deadline for absentee voting in Tuesday’s elections in Wisconsin by six days.
The vote was 5 to 4, with the court’s more conservative members in the majority.
In dissent, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote that “the court’s order, I fear, will result in massive disenfranchisement.”
The court’s ruling addressed a narrow issue even as broader ones arose. Earlier on Monday, Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, issued an executive order delaying in-person voting and extending the deadline for the receipt of absentee ballots to June 9. Mr. Evers acted after the State Legislature, controlled by Republicans, refused to postpone the election.
Within hours, the Wisconsin Supreme Court blocked Mr. Evers’s order.
The case before the Supreme Court arose from a separate lawsuit that sought to delay the elections, which include both presidential primaries, a statewide Supreme Court race and local contests. A federal judge, despite expressing misgivings about the wisdom of proceeding with elections in the midst of health crisis, said it was beyond his power to order a delay.
But the judge, William M. Conley of the Federal District Court in Madison, did require a six-day extension, to April 13, of the deadline to submit absentee ballots. The federal appeals court in Chicago let the extension stand.
Republican groups and the State Legislature, which is controlled by Republicans, asked the Supreme Court to undo Judge Conley’s ruling, calling it “a deeply consequential and disruptive change.”
A Republican brief said that the new procedures could encourage voters to try to game the system by waiting to hear which candidates were ahead on Election Day and only then cast their ballots.
In response, Democratic groups, individual voters and a labor union, urged the justices to allow voters to have the extra time in light of the dangers posed by in-person voting, the volume of requests for absentee ballots and slowdowns in mail delivery.
“A minimum of tens of thousands of voters who have requested absentee ballots will probably not receive those ballots in time to mail them back on or before Election Day,” the brief said.
Failing to extend the deadline will put lives at risk, the brief said. “If voters are not confident their absentee ballots will be counted, this will drive more people to vote in-person on Election Day,” the brief said, “thereby increasing the risks of community spread through polling places in cities and towns throughout Wisconsin.”
Vice President Mike Pence and his team of medical experts struck a cautiously optimistic tone on Monday night, saying California and Washington had seen “remarkable progress” for slowing the spread of the virus by following guidelines issued to Americans to stay at home and avoid congregating in groups.Vice President Mike Pence and his team of medical experts struck a cautiously optimistic tone on Monday night, saying California and Washington had seen “remarkable progress” for slowing the spread of the virus by following guidelines issued to Americans to stay at home and avoid congregating in groups.
And they expressed hope that social distancing efforts were beginning to work.And they expressed hope that social distancing efforts were beginning to work.
“That’s a great tribute to the people of both of those states, and to all of their dedicated health care workers,” Mr. Pence said. “We’re beginning to see a leveling.”“That’s a great tribute to the people of both of those states, and to all of their dedicated health care workers,” Mr. Pence said. “We’re beginning to see a leveling.”
“It only becomes a trend if every one of us continues to take ownership,” Mr. Pence added.“It only becomes a trend if every one of us continues to take ownership,” Mr. Pence added.
Dr. Deborah Birx, who is leading the administration’s coronavirus response efforts, cautioned that the most recent data on the virus’ spread was not as accurate as experts would like it to be. She said that Suffolk County in New Jersey had seen a significant surge in cases over the weekend, and that officials were concerned with cases rising throughout Louisiana, Illinois and the Washington, D.C., area.Dr. Deborah Birx, who is leading the administration’s coronavirus response efforts, cautioned that the most recent data on the virus’ spread was not as accurate as experts would like it to be. She said that Suffolk County in New Jersey had seen a significant surge in cases over the weekend, and that officials were concerned with cases rising throughout Louisiana, Illinois and the Washington, D.C., area.
But Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, joined the optimistic tone. Dr. Fauci, who has been rooted in explaining the virus through a scientific lens — especially when the president is talking — said that the number of hospital admissions and intubations in New York had seemed to level off.But Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, joined the optimistic tone. Dr. Fauci, who has been rooted in explaining the virus through a scientific lens — especially when the president is talking — said that the number of hospital admissions and intubations in New York had seemed to level off.
“So we just got to realize this is an indication, despite all the suffering and the death that has occurred,” Dr. Fauci said, “that what we have been doing has been working.”“So we just got to realize this is an indication, despite all the suffering and the death that has occurred,” Dr. Fauci said, “that what we have been doing has been working.”
He added that he still would be reluctant to declare premature victory over a virus whose spread has been unpredictable.He added that he still would be reluctant to declare premature victory over a virus whose spread has been unpredictable.
A point of contention between Dr. Fauci and Mr. Trump has been the president’s willingness to reopen the country despite overwhelming scientific evidence that the country is not yet in the clear.A point of contention between Dr. Fauci and Mr. Trump has been the president’s willingness to reopen the country despite overwhelming scientific evidence that the country is not yet in the clear.
Britain’s prime minister, Boris Johnson, who was hospitalized with persistent coronavirus-related symptoms, was moved to intensive care on Monday after his condition worsened, his office said.Britain’s prime minister, Boris Johnson, who was hospitalized with persistent coronavirus-related symptoms, was moved to intensive care on Monday after his condition worsened, his office said.
Mr. Johnson has asked the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, to stand in for him if necessary, 10 Downing Street added in a statement, but aides said that Mr. Johnson remained conscious. Mr. Johnson has asked the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, to stand in for him if necessary, the prime minister’s office added in its statement, but aides said that Mr. Johnson remained conscious.
“Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the Prime Minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital,” the statement said. “Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital,” the statement said.
Mr. Johnson’s aides said that he had been moved to the intensive care unit as a precaution, in case he requires a ventilator to aid his recovery.Mr. Johnson’s aides said that he had been moved to the intensive care unit as a precaution, in case he requires a ventilator to aid his recovery.
The prime minister was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital in central London on Sunday night, suffering from persistent symptoms of the virus, including a high temperature and a cough. Mr. Johnson was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital in central London on Sunday night, suffering from persistent symptoms of the virus, including a high temperature and a cough.
Downing Street said that the decision to move him to intensive care was made by his medical team after his condition worsened Monday afternoon and that he was transferred around 7 p.m. His office said that the decision to move him to intensive care was made by his medical team after his condition worsened Monday afternoon. He was transferred around 7 p.m.
Earlier Monday, British officials had given assurances that he was healthy enough to run the country, but there was growing unease over the lack of information on his condition. Earlier Monday, British officials had given assurances that Mr. Johnson, 55, was healthy enough to run the country, but there was growing unease over the lack of information on his condition.
Mr. Johnson wrote Monday on Twitter from a hospital in London that he was “in good spirits.” Mr. Johnson wrote Monday on Twitter from a hospital in London that he was “in good spirits.” He first experienced the symptoms of the virus on March 26, and went into self-isolation after receiving a positive test result. He was originally expected to resume normal work last week but continued to show symptoms.
Mr. Johnson, 55, first experienced the symptoms of the virus on March 26, was tested that day and received the positive result around midnight, going into self-isolation in Downing Street, but chairing meetings by videolink. Mr. Johnson was initially criticized for his slow response to the outbreak, but later moved to place Britain under a virtual lockdown.
He was originally expected to resume normal working at the end of last week, but on Friday Mr. Johnson’s aides said that he still had symptoms, especially a high temperature, and had not ended his self-isolation. In a video statement in which he explained the situation, he still looked unwell.
Several other key figures in the government have self-isolated after suffering symptoms of the coronavirus, including the health secretary, Matthew Hancock, who has now returned to work, and the chief medical officer, Chris Whitty. Mr. Johnson’s partner, Carrie Symonds, who is pregnant, disclosed on Saturday that she, too, is suffering symptoms.Several other key figures in the government have self-isolated after suffering symptoms of the coronavirus, including the health secretary, Matthew Hancock, who has now returned to work, and the chief medical officer, Chris Whitty. Mr. Johnson’s partner, Carrie Symonds, who is pregnant, disclosed on Saturday that she, too, is suffering symptoms.
Mr. Johnson was initially criticized for his slow response to the outbreak, but later moved to place Britain under a virtual lockdown, closing all nonessential shops, banning meetings of more than two people, and requiring people to stay in their homes, except for trips for food or medicine.
Before that his government had tried to take a different tack from the rest of Europe, which moved earlier to close businesses to try to halt the spread of the virus. Some officials, including Sir Patrick Vallance, England’s chief scientific adviser, had said that the government was looking “to build up some kind of herd immunity so more people are immune to this disease and we reduce the transmission.”
At one news conference in early March, Mr. Johnson described visiting a hospital where he said there were coronavirus patients. “I shook hands with everybody, you’ll be pleased to know,” he said, “and I continue to shake hands.”
The announcement of Mr. Johnson’s hospitalization came hours after Queen Elizabeth II issued a rare televised address on Sunday, attempting to rally her fellow Britons to confront the pandemic with the resolve and self-discipline that have seen the nation through its greatest trials.
According to statistics released on Monday more than 51,000 people had tested positive for the virus in Britain and 5,373 people had died, though there was some cause for optimism from figures that showed the rate of hospital admissions slowing.
President Trump, at his coronavirus task force briefing, again said the number of coronavirus tests in the United States now exceeds that in other countries, wrongly suggesting that the country is doing a better job of monitoring the spread of the disease than other nations.President Trump, at his coronavirus task force briefing, again said the number of coronavirus tests in the United States now exceeds that in other countries, wrongly suggesting that the country is doing a better job of monitoring the spread of the disease than other nations.
Though it is true that the total number of tests in the United States has now edged higher than the number in South Korea last week, America has a much larger population than that country. On a per-capita basis, the United States has tested far fewer people than several other countries.Though it is true that the total number of tests in the United States has now edged higher than the number in South Korea last week, America has a much larger population than that country. On a per-capita basis, the United States has tested far fewer people than several other countries.
There is also substantial local variation in the country, with tests even harder to obtain, on average, in some parts of the country than others.There is also substantial local variation in the country, with tests even harder to obtain, on average, in some parts of the country than others.
Hospitals, doctors and individuals throughout the country continue to complain of shortages of tests and long backlogs in obtaining results.Hospitals, doctors and individuals throughout the country continue to complain of shortages of tests and long backlogs in obtaining results.
Wisconsin voters will face a choice between protecting their health and exercising their civic duty on Tuesday after state Republican leaders, backed up by a conservative majority on the state’s Supreme Court, rebuffed the Democratic governor’s attempt to postpone in-person voting in their presidential primary and local elections. The political and legal skirmishing throughout Monday was only the first round of an expected national fight over voting rights in the year of Covid-19.
The Republicans’ success came at the end of a day that left anxious voters whipsawed between competing claims from Gov. Tony Evers and his opponents in the G.O.P.-controlled State Legislature over whether Tuesday’s election would proceed as planned. It rattled democracy in a key battleground state already shaken by a fast-growing number of cases of the coronavirus.
The governor had issued an executive order postponing in-person voting and extending to June the deadline for absentee ballots. But Republican leaders succeeded in getting the state’s top court to stay the decree.
And in a decision late Monday capping the election-eve chaos, the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative-leaning majority dealt its own blow to Wisconsin Democrats. In a 5-4 vote, the majority ruled against their attempt to extend the deadline for absentee voting in Tuesday’s elections, saying such a change “fundamentally alters the nature of the election.” The court’s four liberal members dissented, with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg writing that “the court’s order, I fear, will result in massive disenfranchisement.”
Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California told House Democrats on Monday that the next government aid package to counter the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic will likely top $1 trillion, building off a more than $2 trillion stimulus plan enacted last month.Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California told House Democrats on Monday that the next government aid package to counter the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic will likely top $1 trillion, building off a more than $2 trillion stimulus plan enacted last month.
During a private conference call, Ms. Pelosi told rank-and-file members that the next measure would include additional funds for food assistance programs, direct payments to American families and more funds for a newly established loan program for small businesses, according to a person familiar with the discussion, but unauthorized to disclose it publicly.During a private conference call, Ms. Pelosi told rank-and-file members that the next measure would include additional funds for food assistance programs, direct payments to American families and more funds for a newly established loan program for small businesses, according to a person familiar with the discussion, but unauthorized to disclose it publicly.
The stimulus law provided for payments of $1,200 payments to those making less than $75,000, with smaller checks going to those who made less than $99,000. The next bill, which would constitute a fourth phase of government help on the heels of three sweeping laws enacted over the last month, is also likely to include additional funds for state and local governments and hospitals, Ms. Pelosi told Democrats.The stimulus law provided for payments of $1,200 payments to those making less than $75,000, with smaller checks going to those who made less than $99,000. The next bill, which would constitute a fourth phase of government help on the heels of three sweeping laws enacted over the last month, is also likely to include additional funds for state and local governments and hospitals, Ms. Pelosi told Democrats.
Leaders in both parties have pivoted in recent days toward the idea of taking quick action on a fourth assistance package, spurred on by jobless figures that have underscored the depth of the economic crisis brought on by the novel coronavirus.Leaders in both parties have pivoted in recent days toward the idea of taking quick action on a fourth assistance package, spurred on by jobless figures that have underscored the depth of the economic crisis brought on by the novel coronavirus.
The speaker, who initially pushed for a multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure proposal to be included in the next phase of coronavirus aid, has dropped the idea in the near term, instead saying the focus should be on improving upon the stimulus measure. And Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, who originally resisted the idea of swiftly considering a fourth aid measure, has pivoted as well, saying such a package will be needed.The speaker, who initially pushed for a multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure proposal to be included in the next phase of coronavirus aid, has dropped the idea in the near term, instead saying the focus should be on improving upon the stimulus measure. And Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, who originally resisted the idea of swiftly considering a fourth aid measure, has pivoted as well, saying such a package will be needed.
Janet Yellen, the former chairwoman of the Federal Reserve, who joined the call with Democratic lawmakers, described in grim terms the toll the crisis was taking on the American economy.Janet Yellen, the former chairwoman of the Federal Reserve, who joined the call with Democratic lawmakers, described in grim terms the toll the crisis was taking on the American economy.
It is unclear how quickly a package will come together, with both chambers scattered across the country until at least April 20. But Ms. Pelosi has repeatedly told her caucus that she hopes to have legislation on the House floor by the end of the month.It is unclear how quickly a package will come together, with both chambers scattered across the country until at least April 20. But Ms. Pelosi has repeatedly told her caucus that she hopes to have legislation on the House floor by the end of the month.
In a briefing at the White House, President Trump signaled that he had ended a days-long campaign to pressure 3M into ending sales of surgical masks overseas by invoking the Defense Production Act, a Korean War-era law that grants him expanded powers to compel companies to produce needed goods.In a briefing at the White House, President Trump signaled that he had ended a days-long campaign to pressure 3M into ending sales of surgical masks overseas by invoking the Defense Production Act, a Korean War-era law that grants him expanded powers to compel companies to produce needed goods.
The company, which had been under siege by the president’s Twitter account — “We hit 3M hard today after seeing what they were doing with their masks,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter on Thursday — had consented to an “amicable agreement” as a result of Mr. Trump’s use of the D.P.A., the president said on Monday.The company, which had been under siege by the president’s Twitter account — “We hit 3M hard today after seeing what they were doing with their masks,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter on Thursday — had consented to an “amicable agreement” as a result of Mr. Trump’s use of the D.P.A., the president said on Monday.
“We’re going to be getting over the next couple of months 166.5 million masks for front line workers,” Mr. Trump said, adding that 3M, a venerable Minnesota company, would produce some 55 million masks a month. 3M confirmed the agreement in a statement.“We’re going to be getting over the next couple of months 166.5 million masks for front line workers,” Mr. Trump said, adding that 3M, a venerable Minnesota company, would produce some 55 million masks a month. 3M confirmed the agreement in a statement.
Over the past week, 3M faced withering attacks from Trump advisers including Peter Navarro, the president’s top trade adviser, who accused the company of “operating like a sovereign profit-maximizing nation internationally.”Over the past week, 3M faced withering attacks from Trump advisers including Peter Navarro, the president’s top trade adviser, who accused the company of “operating like a sovereign profit-maximizing nation internationally.”
The company released a statement in its defense on Friday, and acknowledged that the D.P.A. had been invoked to spur the production of masks. “Over the last several weeks and months, 3M and its employees have gone above and beyond to manufacture as many N95 respirators as possible for the U.S. market,” the company said in a statement.The company released a statement in its defense on Friday, and acknowledged that the D.P.A. had been invoked to spur the production of masks. “Over the last several weeks and months, 3M and its employees have gone above and beyond to manufacture as many N95 respirators as possible for the U.S. market,” the company said in a statement.
As the number of new deaths held relatively steady in New York, where another 599 people died over the past day, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo expressed cautious optimism Monday that the state’s sharply rising curve of infections and deaths might be starting to level off. As the number of new deaths held relatively steady in New York, where another 599 people died over the past day, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo suggested Monday that the state’s sharply rising curve of infections and deaths might be starting to level off.
“It is hopeful,” he said, “but it is also inconclusive, and it still depends on what we do.”“It is hopeful,” he said, “but it is also inconclusive, and it still depends on what we do.”
New York City remains the center of the nation’s outbreak, with harrowing scenes of panicked doctors and besieged hospitals. One city councilman said officials were considering creating temporary mass graves in one of the city’s public parks, an idea Mr. Cuomo was dismissive of. New York City remains the center of the nation’s outbreak, with harrowing scenes of panicked doctors and besieged hospitals. One city councilman said officials were considering creating temporary mass graves in one of the city’s public parks.
But even as Mr. Cuomo spoke of a “possible flattening of the curve,” he made it clear that hospitals were already being stretched to the limits. And he doubled the maximum fine for violating social distancing rules, to $1,000, calling compliance more important than ever. But even as Mr. Cuomo spoke of a “possible flattening of the curve,” he made it clear that hospitals were already being stretched to their limits. And he doubled the maximum fine for violating social distancing rules, to $1,000, calling compliance more important than ever.
“If we are plateauing, we are plateauing at a very high level, and there is tremendous stress on the health care system,” Mr. Cuomo said, adding that system was already at maximum capacity.“If we are plateauing, we are plateauing at a very high level, and there is tremendous stress on the health care system,” Mr. Cuomo said, adding that system was already at maximum capacity.
Then he used a driving metaphor: “This is a hospital system where we have our foot to the floor, and the engine is at redline. And you can’t go any faster, and by the way you can’t stay at redline for any period of time, because the system will blow.”Then he used a driving metaphor: “This is a hospital system where we have our foot to the floor, and the engine is at redline. And you can’t go any faster, and by the way you can’t stay at redline for any period of time, because the system will blow.”
New York’s 599 new deaths from the virus marked a slight increase from Saturday, when 594 people were reported dead, but a drop from Friday, when the state’s daily death toll peaked at 630. All told, 4,758 people have died from the virus in New York. Nationwide, at least 10,522 people have died. New York’s 599 new deaths from the virus marked a slight increase from Saturday, when 594 people were reported dead, but a drop from Friday, when the state’s daily death toll peaked at 630. Over all, 4,758 people have died from the virus in New York. Nationwide, at least 10,522 people have died.
And Mr. Cuomo cautioned against overconfidence. “This is an enemy that we have underestimated from Day 1, and we have paid the price dearly,” he said, warning that just because the numbers looked like they might be moving in the right direction did not mean that the crisis was over. “Other places have made that mistake.” Mr. Cuomo cautioned against overconfidence. “This is an enemy that we have underestimated from Day 1, and we have paid the price dearly,” he said, warning that just because the numbers looked as if they might be moving in the right direction did not mean that the crisis was over. “Other places have made that mistake.”
Mr. Cuomo sounded more confident about the supply of ventilators than he has in days, insisting at one point that “everyone has what they need,” if not what they would like, even as they continue to split some machines among more than one patient and use other devices in ways that are less than ideal.
And he thanked the state of Oregon for sending 140 ventilators to New York, and several other states for agreeing to send their ventilators to current hot spots. “That is the right attitude,” he said. “That’s the only way we do this as a nation.”
Mr. Cuomo was sharply critical of New Yorkers who are growing lax on social distancing.
“Look: people are dying, people in the health care system are exposing themselves every day to tremendous risk, walking into those emergency rooms,” he said. “And then they have to go home to their family, and wonder if they caught the virus and they’re bringing it home to their family. If I can’t convince you to show discipline for yourself, then show discipline for other people.”
In Indiana, a “serious outbreak” of the coronavirus at a nursing home has killed 11 residents and hospitalized three employees, Indiana health officials announced on Monday.In Indiana, a “serious outbreak” of the coronavirus at a nursing home has killed 11 residents and hospitalized three employees, Indiana health officials announced on Monday.
The outbreak at the nursing home, Bethany Pointe in Madison County, is one of the deadliest at a long-term care center in the United States, according to New York Times data. Asymptomatic residents are now being transferred to another skilled nursing facility.The outbreak at the nursing home, Bethany Pointe in Madison County, is one of the deadliest at a long-term care center in the United States, according to New York Times data. Asymptomatic residents are now being transferred to another skilled nursing facility.
On March 26, the facility requested the help of health officials to test residents. The following day, the state’s strike team and nurse surveyor confirmed three positive tests there. After visiting the nursing home multiple times to discuss infection control, isolation and testing, officials were informed on Friday that nine individuals had died and that 20 residents were in isolation.
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and President Trump spoke on Monday about the coronavirus, a rare conversation between the incumbent president and his likely Democratic challenger.Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and President Trump spoke on Monday about the coronavirus, a rare conversation between the incumbent president and his likely Democratic challenger.
Mr. Biden had offered to speak with Mr. Trump in recent days, and the two connected after Mr. Trump tweeted, “What ever happened to that phone call he told the Fake News he wanted to make to me?”Mr. Biden had offered to speak with Mr. Trump in recent days, and the two connected after Mr. Trump tweeted, “What ever happened to that phone call he told the Fake News he wanted to make to me?”
Mr. Trump on Monday evening said the call lasted about 15 minutes and was a “very nice conversation.” “He had suggestions,” Mr. Trump said. “It doesn’t mean I agree with those suggestions but certainly he had suggestions.”Mr. Trump on Monday evening said the call lasted about 15 minutes and was a “very nice conversation.” “He had suggestions,” Mr. Trump said. “It doesn’t mean I agree with those suggestions but certainly he had suggestions.”
Even as new and faster tests become available, lengthy delays to obtain results continue and test materials are running low, compounding the crises hospitals are facing.Even as new and faster tests become available, lengthy delays to obtain results continue and test materials are running low, compounding the crises hospitals are facing.
Private companies like Quest and LabCorp are now running thousands of tests a day. But demand for testing has overwhelmed many labs and testing sites.Private companies like Quest and LabCorp are now running thousands of tests a day. But demand for testing has overwhelmed many labs and testing sites.
Doctors and officials around the country say that lengthy delays in getting results have persisted and that persistent uneven access to tests has prolonged rationing and hampered patient care. In addition, swabs and chemicals needed to run the tests are in short supply in many of the nation’s hot zones.Doctors and officials around the country say that lengthy delays in getting results have persisted and that persistent uneven access to tests has prolonged rationing and hampered patient care. In addition, swabs and chemicals needed to run the tests are in short supply in many of the nation’s hot zones.
The result is that testing availability remains a signature failure of the battle against the coronavirus in the United States, despite Mr. Trump’s boast last week that he got a rapid test and results within minutes. And Vice President Mike Pence has repeatedly promised that Americans will be able to get tests at their doctors’ offices, although the timeline for routine access may be months away.The result is that testing availability remains a signature failure of the battle against the coronavirus in the United States, despite Mr. Trump’s boast last week that he got a rapid test and results within minutes. And Vice President Mike Pence has repeatedly promised that Americans will be able to get tests at their doctors’ offices, although the timeline for routine access may be months away.
Federal inquiries have begun to determine how the nation’s testing capacity turned into such a debacle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had manufacturing errors with the first test it devised for public health labs around the country, and so testing in the states stalled as the virus began to spread in Washington State, New York and California. The Food and Drug Administration, charged with approving the test, was so frustrated that the agency pushed for the C.D.C. to stop making it on site and instead send it to Integrated DNA Technologies, an outside lab.Federal inquiries have begun to determine how the nation’s testing capacity turned into such a debacle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had manufacturing errors with the first test it devised for public health labs around the country, and so testing in the states stalled as the virus began to spread in Washington State, New York and California. The Food and Drug Administration, charged with approving the test, was so frustrated that the agency pushed for the C.D.C. to stop making it on site and instead send it to Integrated DNA Technologies, an outside lab.
Iran, a regional epicenter for the virus, will lift a nationwide business shutdown and the majority of the work force will return to work by Saturday, the government has announced. Iran, a regional epicenter for the virus, will lift a nationwide business shutdown and the majority of the work force will return to work by Saturday, the government announced.
President Hassan Rouhani said that economic and government activity had to continue, and that the idea that Iranians had to “choose between the economy and their health” was a false choice.President Hassan Rouhani said that economic and government activity had to continue, and that the idea that Iranians had to “choose between the economy and their health” was a false choice.
“This is completely false and rejected,” he said. “Both economic activity and health protocols can be implemented together.”“This is completely false and rejected,” he said. “Both economic activity and health protocols can be implemented together.”
The return to business as usual this week covers all provinces except Tehran, the capital, which will follow suit a week later.The return to business as usual this week covers all provinces except Tehran, the capital, which will follow suit a week later.
Health Minister Saeed Namamki had warned Mr. Rouhani on Friday that if the country reopened too soon it could breed a new wave of contagion and “jeopardize the health and economy of the country.” In Japan, where new coronavirus cases are rapidly increasing in Tokyo and other cities, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that he would declare a state of emergency in seven prefectures that include the country’s largest population centers.
Iran had 60,500 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 3,739 deaths as of Monday, but health experts inside and outside Iran say the true numbers are likely several times higher. Mr. Abe, whose country faces a deep recession as the virus hinders trade and tourism, also announced an economic stimulus package worth nearly $1 trillion. He said that the government would suspend $240 billion in tax and social security payments and pay about $55 billion to households whose incomes have been affected by the pandemic.
Iran has been struggling to combat the outbreak with a severe shortage of medical equipment and an economy on the skids, in part because of punishing American trade sanctions. Under an emergency law enacted last month, Mr. Abe can ask prefectural governors to close schools, request that residents refrain from going out or holding events, and order building owners to contribute their facilities for medical use. He cannot issue stay-at-home orders or force businesses to close, as other countries have done.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, approved the government’s request on Monday to withdraw $1.8 billion from the country’s national development fund. The government said it planned to use the money to purchase much needed medical equipment and to help pay unemployment insurance.
Many Iranians had already returned to work on Saturday as some government and many private companies opened shop after a two-week New Year holiday and a 10-day government shutdown of nonessential workers and businesses and a ban on intercity travel.
Traffic choked the highways of Tehran and commuters packed the subway trains over the weekend.
Stocks rallied on Monday as investors seized on signals that the outbreak may be peaking in some of the world’s worst-hit places.Stocks rallied on Monday as investors seized on signals that the outbreak may be peaking in some of the world’s worst-hit places.
The number of new confirmed deaths and infections is slowing in parts of Europe, and the number of deaths in New York has been steady for two days. In Italy and Spain, the total number of patients continues to climb, but the rate of new infections is no longer rising.The number of new confirmed deaths and infections is slowing in parts of Europe, and the number of deaths in New York has been steady for two days. In Italy and Spain, the total number of patients continues to climb, but the rate of new infections is no longer rising.
Wall Street analysts have been closely tracking the growth path of infections, with some spotlighting recent news as an indication that the outbreak could be near a peak in the United States. Analysts highlighted the tentative deceleration of infections in New York as a good sign for other virus hot spots in the country, as well as stock market sentiment.Wall Street analysts have been closely tracking the growth path of infections, with some spotlighting recent news as an indication that the outbreak could be near a peak in the United States. Analysts highlighted the tentative deceleration of infections in New York as a good sign for other virus hot spots in the country, as well as stock market sentiment.
“This does not mean that the all clear is immediate, nor does it mean that the U.S. economy will quickly recover. But the light at the end of the tunnel is starting to emerge,” wrote Dan Clifton, a partner at Strategas Research Partners, a financial and economic consulting firm, in a note.
The optimism drove shares sharply higher. The S&P 500 rose about 7 percent, its biggest gain since March 24.The optimism drove shares sharply higher. The S&P 500 rose about 7 percent, its biggest gain since March 24.
Some areas of the market that have been hit hardest by shutdowns of economic activity soared. The hotel chain Marriott and the casino company Wynn, for example, each rose more than 15 percent. Credit card companies also rallied, after being hammered by soaring unemployment in recent weeks, which makes people less likely to pay their bills. Capital One and Discover Financial both jumped more than 15 percent. Payment giant Visa rose more than 11 percent.Some areas of the market that have been hit hardest by shutdowns of economic activity soared. The hotel chain Marriott and the casino company Wynn, for example, each rose more than 15 percent. Credit card companies also rallied, after being hammered by soaring unemployment in recent weeks, which makes people less likely to pay their bills. Capital One and Discover Financial both jumped more than 15 percent. Payment giant Visa rose more than 11 percent.
Shares of cruise operator Carnival jumped by more than 20 percent after Saudi Arabia’s state investment fund said it has acquired an 8 percent stake in the company.Shares of cruise operator Carnival jumped by more than 20 percent after Saudi Arabia’s state investment fund said it has acquired an 8 percent stake in the company.
Still, there was a strong defensive tilt to trading. The utilities sector — typically an area dominated by risk-averse investors — was one of the best performing in the S&P 500.
That suggests investors still see plenty of reason to be cautious.
While the slow of the spread of the disease is a good first step in reducing the impact on hospitals, it still could take some time to open the economy more broadly. On Monday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York cautioned that the state was still facing an emergency.
Plus, consumers — the chief economic engine in the United States — remain worried about how efforts to contain the virus will affect them. A Federal Reserve survey conducted in March showed that Americans’ pessimism about the labor market is testing new limits.
Expectations that unemployment will be higher a year from now rocketed up, as have workers’ estimations of the chance that they may lose their own job, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Survey of Consumer Expectations.
A more widespread approach to testing that gives companies and consumers confidence that life is returning to some semblance of normal will be crucial, Scott Clemons, the chief investment strategist for private banking at Brown Brothers Harriman, wrote in an email.
“Progress on that front, or the lack thereof, is a potential source of future market volatility,” Mr. Clemons wrote. “I don’t think we’re out of the woods quite yet.”
Hospitals continue to confront severe shortages in testing and protective equipment for medical staff working to combat the coronavirus outbreak, according to a government watchdog report released on Monday that appears to undercut President Trump’s assurances that states have sufficient resources.Hospitals continue to confront severe shortages in testing and protective equipment for medical staff working to combat the coronavirus outbreak, according to a government watchdog report released on Monday that appears to undercut President Trump’s assurances that states have sufficient resources.
Staff and patients alike are put at risk by the lack of available protective gear, according to the report by the inspector general of Health and Human Services.Staff and patients alike are put at risk by the lack of available protective gear, according to the report by the inspector general of Health and Human Services.
Hospital administrators are forced to grapple with “sharp increases” in prices for items such as masks, gloves and face shields from vendors, the report continues.Hospital administrators are forced to grapple with “sharp increases” in prices for items such as masks, gloves and face shields from vendors, the report continues.
The lack of testing has forced hospitals to extend the stays of patients, pushing the facilities even farther beyond their capacities. Hospitals are also in need of thermometers, disinfectants, medical gas, linens, toilet paper and food. And doctors around the United States are still pleading for ventilators, even as the federal government has limited the number of lifesaving devices issued to states.The lack of testing has forced hospitals to extend the stays of patients, pushing the facilities even farther beyond their capacities. Hospitals are also in need of thermometers, disinfectants, medical gas, linens, toilet paper and food. And doctors around the United States are still pleading for ventilators, even as the federal government has limited the number of lifesaving devices issued to states.
The report was based on interviews conducted March 23 through March 27 with more than 320 hospitals across 46 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.The report was based on interviews conducted March 23 through March 27 with more than 320 hospitals across 46 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
The findings are in line with pleas made by governors, medical workers and hospital administrators, but they contrast sharply with statements made by Mr. Trump, who said this weekend that hospital administrators were “thrilled to be where they are.”The findings are in line with pleas made by governors, medical workers and hospital administrators, but they contrast sharply with statements made by Mr. Trump, who said this weekend that hospital administrators were “thrilled to be where they are.”
“Whenever local shortages are reported, we’re asking states to immediately meet the demand. And we’re stockpiling large amounts in different areas,” Mr. Trump said at a White House news briefing on Saturday.“Whenever local shortages are reported, we’re asking states to immediately meet the demand. And we’re stockpiling large amounts in different areas,” Mr. Trump said at a White House news briefing on Saturday.
The report was issued days after reports that protective equipment in the government’s strategic national stockpile was nearly depleted, forcing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct an international search for such equipment. Those efforts have also increased competition for states and localities.The report was issued days after reports that protective equipment in the government’s strategic national stockpile was nearly depleted, forcing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct an international search for such equipment. Those efforts have also increased competition for states and localities.
As the pandemic has spread across America, chaos has reigned in the process of securing much-needed medical supplies for front-line workers. States are competing with one another, and with the federal government. The process has drawn in fraudsters, and F.B.I. investigations are underway.As the pandemic has spread across America, chaos has reigned in the process of securing much-needed medical supplies for front-line workers. States are competing with one another, and with the federal government. The process has drawn in fraudsters, and F.B.I. investigations are underway.
California has received moldy masks that were useless, and a deal put together by a labor union to secure millions of N95 masks for Los Angeles County’s hospitals never materialized.California has received moldy masks that were useless, and a deal put together by a labor union to secure millions of N95 masks for Los Angeles County’s hospitals never materialized.
With 40 million people, California is the most populous state, and it is now trying to band together with other states to ensure they are not outbid simply because of their size. Gov. Gavin Newsom said he had been in discussions with other states to organize procurement efforts.With 40 million people, California is the most populous state, and it is now trying to band together with other states to ensure they are not outbid simply because of their size. Gov. Gavin Newsom said he had been in discussions with other states to organize procurement efforts.
“This has been described, I think appropriately, as the wild, wild West,” Mr. Newsom said on Sunday. “We are trying to organize in a more deliberative manner.”“This has been described, I think appropriately, as the wild, wild West,” Mr. Newsom said on Sunday. “We are trying to organize in a more deliberative manner.”
California said on Monday it was sending 500 ventilators to the national stockpile to aid New York. The move followed similar actions by Oregon, which has said it was sending 140 ventilators to New York, and Washington State, which has offered up 400 ventilators to New York.California said on Monday it was sending 500 ventilators to the national stockpile to aid New York. The move followed similar actions by Oregon, which has said it was sending 140 ventilators to New York, and Washington State, which has offered up 400 ventilators to New York.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas said on Monday that the state had received 2.5 million medical masks in the past 24 hours, and was set to receive an additional 3 million masks this week. He said that he was preparing for increased numbers of cases and hospitalizations in Texas in the coming weeks, but that the state was also ready to assist others.Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas said on Monday that the state had received 2.5 million medical masks in the past 24 hours, and was set to receive an additional 3 million masks this week. He said that he was preparing for increased numbers of cases and hospitalizations in Texas in the coming weeks, but that the state was also ready to assist others.
“If we make the assessment that we have 100 percent capability of meeting the health care needs for the people of the state of Texas, at that point in time, we would be able to help out other states,” the governor said before a mountain of boxes of protective equipment.“If we make the assessment that we have 100 percent capability of meeting the health care needs for the people of the state of Texas, at that point in time, we would be able to help out other states,” the governor said before a mountain of boxes of protective equipment.
As stay-at-home orders have spread across the United States, checkpoints have appeared along some state lines, where certain visitors are being told to quarantine for 14 days.As stay-at-home orders have spread across the United States, checkpoints have appeared along some state lines, where certain visitors are being told to quarantine for 14 days.
Governors in Rhode Island, Texas and Florida have ordered some drivers coming from out of state to be stopped at the border and reminded of the quarantine requirement. No state has blocked drivers from passing through on their way to their final destination. Some municipalities have added checkpoints and restrictions of their own.Governors in Rhode Island, Texas and Florida have ordered some drivers coming from out of state to be stopped at the border and reminded of the quarantine requirement. No state has blocked drivers from passing through on their way to their final destination. Some municipalities have added checkpoints and restrictions of their own.
Texas set up checkpoints on its border with Louisiana on Sunday to screen people for the coronavirus, widening the scope of a mandatory quarantine order for visitors from one of the country’s emergent hot spots, the authorities said.Texas set up checkpoints on its border with Louisiana on Sunday to screen people for the coronavirus, widening the scope of a mandatory quarantine order for visitors from one of the country’s emergent hot spots, the authorities said.
Photos of the checkpoints appeared on the Facebook page of the Louisiana State Police, which advised travelers to exercise caution and remain alert for traffic congestion in a post mentioning the enforcement measures. The post said commercial traffic would not be obstructed.Photos of the checkpoints appeared on the Facebook page of the Louisiana State Police, which advised travelers to exercise caution and remain alert for traffic congestion in a post mentioning the enforcement measures. The post said commercial traffic would not be obstructed.
The screening measures came a week after Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas expanded a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for travelers arriving from Louisiana, as well as air travelers from a number of other states and cities. The Texas Department of Public Safety said Monday that it was increasing its presence along the Louisiana border, where troopers had set up roadway screening stations to gather required forms from road travelers.The screening measures came a week after Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas expanded a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for travelers arriving from Louisiana, as well as air travelers from a number of other states and cities. The Texas Department of Public Safety said Monday that it was increasing its presence along the Louisiana border, where troopers had set up roadway screening stations to gather required forms from road travelers.
The steps taken by the Texas authorities recalled an order last month by Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island, who ordered checkpoints in her state that singled out vehicles with New York license plates to enforce a similar quarantine.The steps taken by the Texas authorities recalled an order last month by Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island, who ordered checkpoints in her state that singled out vehicles with New York license plates to enforce a similar quarantine.
Some two weeks after Marie Margolius, 27, drove from her apartment in Brooklyn to a family home in Middletown, R.I., to stay with her family, the National Guard dropped by.Some two weeks after Marie Margolius, 27, drove from her apartment in Brooklyn to a family home in Middletown, R.I., to stay with her family, the National Guard dropped by.
The family cars, all with Massachusetts license plates, were parked in the front yard. The officers took notes of the family members’ names and date of arrival into town and instructed them to continue self-isolating.The family cars, all with Massachusetts license plates, were parked in the front yard. The officers took notes of the family members’ names and date of arrival into town and instructed them to continue self-isolating.
“It felt surreal seeing these men in uniform, wearing masks, knocking on doors in an effort to get a handle on who’s here,” she said. “But it made me feel safe. The fact that they are attempting to really understand the situation in our community was sort of comforting.”“It felt surreal seeing these men in uniform, wearing masks, knocking on doors in an effort to get a handle on who’s here,” she said. “But it made me feel safe. The fact that they are attempting to really understand the situation in our community was sort of comforting.”
Inovio Pharmaceuticals announced Monday that it will begin a small safety test of a potential coronavirus vaccine in adults in Philadelphia and Kansas City, Missouri.Inovio Pharmaceuticals announced Monday that it will begin a small safety test of a potential coronavirus vaccine in adults in Philadelphia and Kansas City, Missouri.
Inovio’s product is the second vaccine candidate to start early human trials in the United States. Researchers began testing a vaccine candidate developed by the biotech company Moderna in Seattle in mid-March.Inovio’s product is the second vaccine candidate to start early human trials in the United States. Researchers began testing a vaccine candidate developed by the biotech company Moderna in Seattle in mid-March.
Inovio’s candidate, called INO-4800, is a DNA vaccine, which packages a piece of the coronavirus genetic code inside synthetic DNA. This approach has the advantage of being faster to produce and tends to be more stable than traditional vaccines, which require the production of a weakened version of the actual virus or viral proteins to induce an immune response.Inovio’s candidate, called INO-4800, is a DNA vaccine, which packages a piece of the coronavirus genetic code inside synthetic DNA. This approach has the advantage of being faster to produce and tends to be more stable than traditional vaccines, which require the production of a weakened version of the actual virus or viral proteins to induce an immune response.
There is no treatment or vaccine against the new coronavirus, although several companies have announced that they are developing vaccines around the world.There is no treatment or vaccine against the new coronavirus, although several companies have announced that they are developing vaccines around the world.
Even if the research goes well, it may take over a year for Inovio’s vaccine to become widely available to the public. Because of the global demand, any vaccine that proves to be safe and effective at the end of its clinical trials will also have to overcome obstacles in manufacturing and equitable distribution.Even if the research goes well, it may take over a year for Inovio’s vaccine to become widely available to the public. Because of the global demand, any vaccine that proves to be safe and effective at the end of its clinical trials will also have to overcome obstacles in manufacturing and equitable distribution.
Inovio is planning to have a million doses available by the end of 2020 for additional clinical trials and emergency use.Inovio is planning to have a million doses available by the end of 2020 for additional clinical trials and emergency use.
Also on Monday, GlaxoSmithKline announced that it will collaborate with San Francisco-based Vir Biotechnology to develop solutions for the coronavirus. GlaxoSmithKline will make a $250 million equity investment in Vir.Also on Monday, GlaxoSmithKline announced that it will collaborate with San Francisco-based Vir Biotechnology to develop solutions for the coronavirus. GlaxoSmithKline will make a $250 million equity investment in Vir.
The American Civil Liberties Union has filed its first lawsuit over government-imposed virus restrictions.
The suit, filed over the weekend, argues that Puerto Rico’s nightly curfew and some other strict rules aimed at limiting public contact are unconstitutional. The police in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, have cited hundreds of people for violating the 7 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew since it was imposed on March 15.
Gov. Wanda Vázquez’s executive order also requires that people stay home during the day unless they are going to a grocery store, pharmacy, bank, gas station or medical appointment, or are providing medical care. Those found guilty of violating the order face a $5,000 fine or up to six months in jail.
The order further limits gatherings to close family members, a criterion the lawsuit says should not be defined by the state and is too vague for practical application by the police. Three plaintiffs who joined the lawsuit said that they fear arrest when they leave their homes each day to care for their elderly mothers.
(Puerto Rico has restricted traffic to alternating days based on license plates.)
“The order expects constitutional rights to be blindly handed over to the government, and that is unacceptable,” the lawsuit says.
On Sunday, Gov. Vázquez announced even tighter rules, shutting down all businesses except pharmacies and gas stations later this week from Good Friday through Easter Sunday.
With new cases of the virus rapidly increasing in Tokyo and other cities in Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that he would declare a state of emergency in seven prefectures that include the country’s largest population centers.
Mr. Abe, whose country faces a deep recession as the virus hinders trade and tourism, also announced an economic stimulus package worth nearly $1 trillion. He said that the government would suspend $240 billion in tax and social security payments and pay about $55 billion to households whose incomes have been affected by the pandemic.
Under an emergency law enacted last month, Mr. Abe can ask prefectural governors to close schools, request that residents refrain from going out or holding events, and order building owners to contribute their facilities for medical use. He cannot issue stay-at-home orders or force businesses to close, as other countries have done.
Mr. Abe said that public transit would continue to run and that supermarkets would remain open.
Nearly three months into its outbreak, Japan is continuing to record new daily highs in confirmed infections, with the health ministry announcing 383 on Monday. Japan’s total number of cases has more than doubled, to 3,654, in the last eight days.
Nicaragua, an outlier in the battle against the coronavirus, has kept its schools and shops open and its streets lively. But there is one person who has not been seen in public since the outbreak began there last month: the president.Nicaragua, an outlier in the battle against the coronavirus, has kept its schools and shops open and its streets lively. But there is one person who has not been seen in public since the outbreak began there last month: the president.
Daniel Ortega, the head of Nicaragua’s socialist government, has been conspicuously absent from public view since March 12, when he attended a virtual meeting. He has failed to attend the funeral of a friend, government functions and even the rallies promoted by his administration.Daniel Ortega, the head of Nicaragua’s socialist government, has been conspicuously absent from public view since March 12, when he attended a virtual meeting. He has failed to attend the funeral of a friend, government functions and even the rallies promoted by his administration.
His absence has led to a social media meme. “Be like Ortega: Stay Home,” it says, contrasting what the Nicaraguan leader appears to be doing with what his administration is recommending to the population.His absence has led to a social media meme. “Be like Ortega: Stay Home,” it says, contrasting what the Nicaraguan leader appears to be doing with what his administration is recommending to the population.
Mr. Ortega, 74, is widely believed to suffer from chronic illnesses and is known for spending stretches of time out of the public eye without explanation from his government.Mr. Ortega, 74, is widely believed to suffer from chronic illnesses and is known for spending stretches of time out of the public eye without explanation from his government.
But the timing, and the fact that neither he nor any member of his family attended the funeral over the weekend of Jacinto Suárez, an ally of Mr. Ortega’s from his days as a guerrilla, has led to widespread speculation that he is in quarantine.But the timing, and the fact that neither he nor any member of his family attended the funeral over the weekend of Jacinto Suárez, an ally of Mr. Ortega’s from his days as a guerrilla, has led to widespread speculation that he is in quarantine.
The government did not respond to requests for comment. In her daily briefing on Saturday, Mr. Ortega’s wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, said the president was “here, working, directing, coordinating all the efforts.”The government did not respond to requests for comment. In her daily briefing on Saturday, Mr. Ortega’s wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, said the president was “here, working, directing, coordinating all the efforts.”
The government claims that the country has only four confirmed cases of Covid-19 and one death.The government claims that the country has only four confirmed cases of Covid-19 and one death.
The U.S. Navy’s top civilian excoriated the fired commander of the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt in a speech to the ship’s crew on Monday as the sailors huddled on the island of Guam amid a coronavirus outbreak among their ranks, according to a transcript that was leaked online Monday.The U.S. Navy’s top civilian excoriated the fired commander of the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt in a speech to the ship’s crew on Monday as the sailors huddled on the island of Guam amid a coronavirus outbreak among their ranks, according to a transcript that was leaked online Monday.
The New York Times has obtained an audio recording that supports the transcript’s authenticity.The New York Times has obtained an audio recording that supports the transcript’s authenticity.
Acting Navy Secretary Thomas B. Modly addressed the crew of the aircraft carrier on Monday afternoon via the ship’s internal loudspeaker system. In a profane and defensive address that one crew member described in an interview as “whiny, upset, irritated, condescending,” Mr. Modly took repeated shots at the integrity of Capt. Brett E. Crozier, who was removed from command last week, and injected partisan political tones into the address by attacking former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., who has repeatedly criticized Captain Crozier’s removal.Acting Navy Secretary Thomas B. Modly addressed the crew of the aircraft carrier on Monday afternoon via the ship’s internal loudspeaker system. In a profane and defensive address that one crew member described in an interview as “whiny, upset, irritated, condescending,” Mr. Modly took repeated shots at the integrity of Capt. Brett E. Crozier, who was removed from command last week, and injected partisan political tones into the address by attacking former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., who has repeatedly criticized Captain Crozier’s removal.
Mr. Modly said Captain Crozier was “too naïve or too stupid to be a commanding officer” if he thought that letter wasn’t going to leak. “The alternative is that he did this on purpose,” Mr. Modly added.Mr. Modly said Captain Crozier was “too naïve or too stupid to be a commanding officer” if he thought that letter wasn’t going to leak. “The alternative is that he did this on purpose,” Mr. Modly added.
Rear Adm. Charlie Brown, the Navy’s head spokesman, said he had seen the transcript but could not verify its authenticity. “I’ve asked his personal staff about it on travel,” Brown said. “I can say the secretary traveled to Guam and he did address the crew” of the Theodore Roosevelt.Rear Adm. Charlie Brown, the Navy’s head spokesman, said he had seen the transcript but could not verify its authenticity. “I’ve asked his personal staff about it on travel,” Brown said. “I can say the secretary traveled to Guam and he did address the crew” of the Theodore Roosevelt.
Hundreds of sailors on the ship cheered Captain Crozier during a send off last week.Hundreds of sailors on the ship cheered Captain Crozier during a send off last week.
Spain and Italy, among the hardest hit countries after the United States, may have reached an important turning point in the coronavirus epidemic: While the total number of patients continues to climb, the rate of new infections is no longer rising.Spain and Italy, among the hardest hit countries after the United States, may have reached an important turning point in the coronavirus epidemic: While the total number of patients continues to climb, the rate of new infections is no longer rising.
Incomplete and inconsistent data make it hard to be sure.Incomplete and inconsistent data make it hard to be sure.
But Italy’s daily tally of confirmed new infections peaked on March 21, at more than 6,500, but for the past week the number has not gone above 5,000. In Spain, the number seems to have reached a plateau, fluctuating for almost two weeks between about 6,400 and more than 9,200, a high that was set last Tuesday.But Italy’s daily tally of confirmed new infections peaked on March 21, at more than 6,500, but for the past week the number has not gone above 5,000. In Spain, the number seems to have reached a plateau, fluctuating for almost two weeks between about 6,400 and more than 9,200, a high that was set last Tuesday.
In each country, the death toll attributed to the coronavirus disease, Covid-19, has reached more than 900 on some days. But it has been lower in the last few days and on Sunday, it dropped sharply. Whether that represents a long-term downward turn is unclear.In each country, the death toll attributed to the coronavirus disease, Covid-19, has reached more than 900 on some days. But it has been lower in the last few days and on Sunday, it dropped sharply. Whether that represents a long-term downward turn is unclear.
To relieve the disastrous burden on health care systems, there must be a decline in the number of active cases — people who are currently infected and have not yet recovered or died. While the number is still rising in Spain and Italy, the growth has slowed dramatically.To relieve the disastrous burden on health care systems, there must be a decline in the number of active cases — people who are currently infected and have not yet recovered or died. While the number is still rising in Spain and Italy, the growth has slowed dramatically.
And in France, officials on Monday reported 833 new deaths, bringing the country’s death toll to 8,911. But the number of new patients in intensive care decreased for the seventh day in a row — to 94 on Monday from 475 a week ago — a sign that the situation may be improving.And in France, officials on Monday reported 833 new deaths, bringing the country’s death toll to 8,911. But the number of new patients in intensive care decreased for the seventh day in a row — to 94 on Monday from 475 a week ago — a sign that the situation may be improving.
Countries worldwide continued to struggle with the pandemic, as the virus has sickened more than 1.2 million people, with more than 70,000 deaths.Countries worldwide continued to struggle with the pandemic, as the virus has sickened more than 1.2 million people, with more than 70,000 deaths.
Health officials in Greece rushed to test hundreds of migrants after deciding on Sunday to quarantine a second migrant camp on the mainland. More than 100,000 migrants live in facilities across the country — 40,000 of them in overcrowded camps on five islands in the Aegean Sea.Health officials in Greece rushed to test hundreds of migrants after deciding on Sunday to quarantine a second migrant camp on the mainland. More than 100,000 migrants live in facilities across the country — 40,000 of them in overcrowded camps on five islands in the Aegean Sea.
Chancellor Angela Merkel ruled out an early lifting of social distancing measures in Germany on Monday, even as neighboring Austria mapped out a timetable for a gradual return to normality. Schools and shops would remain closed and Germans should keep observing strict social distancing measures until at least April 19, as announced last month, the chancellor said. No virologist, she said, was suggesting that it was safe to cut that time short.Chancellor Angela Merkel ruled out an early lifting of social distancing measures in Germany on Monday, even as neighboring Austria mapped out a timetable for a gradual return to normality. Schools and shops would remain closed and Germans should keep observing strict social distancing measures until at least April 19, as announced last month, the chancellor said. No virologist, she said, was suggesting that it was safe to cut that time short.
Scotland’s chief medical officer, Dr. Catherine Calderwood, resigned on Sunday after photographs of her and her family at their second home in a Scottish coastal town emerged. She had been one of the most prominent faces of the Scottish government’s “stay at home” campaign.Scotland’s chief medical officer, Dr. Catherine Calderwood, resigned on Sunday after photographs of her and her family at their second home in a Scottish coastal town emerged. She had been one of the most prominent faces of the Scottish government’s “stay at home” campaign.
Poland’s government is pushing ahead with a plan to hold its presidential election in May even if the nationwide lockdown remains in place, saying that millions of voters could cast their ballots by mail.Poland’s government is pushing ahead with a plan to hold its presidential election in May even if the nationwide lockdown remains in place, saying that millions of voters could cast their ballots by mail.
Although Mr. Trump has expressed optimism that sports leagues would resume play “sooner than later,” sports leaders have been planning for a longer postponement of games and events, extending into the fall and possibly later.Although Mr. Trump has expressed optimism that sports leagues would resume play “sooner than later,” sports leaders have been planning for a longer postponement of games and events, extending into the fall and possibly later.
After meeting with commissioners of several major sports leagues on Saturday, ESPN reported that Mr. Trump discussed resuming sports in August.After meeting with commissioners of several major sports leagues on Saturday, ESPN reported that Mr. Trump discussed resuming sports in August.
“A lot of people are tired at looking at games that are five years old,” he said at his Monday news briefing.“A lot of people are tired at looking at games that are five years old,” he said at his Monday news briefing.
Still, a range of sports leaders and public officials have cast doubt on anything getting back to normal anytime soon, and even fall events have been thrown into question over concerns that a renewal of mass gatherings could undermine any gains made in the pandemic by then.Still, a range of sports leaders and public officials have cast doubt on anything getting back to normal anytime soon, and even fall events have been thrown into question over concerns that a renewal of mass gatherings could undermine any gains made in the pandemic by then.
The N.F.L., which is scheduled to conduct its annual draft on April 23-25 by videoconference, has said it is focused on not altering the regular season, which is scheduled to begin in September. But some owners say there is a good chance the international games in London and Mexico City will be moved back to the United States and one owner said there is a possibility that the season could be trimmed to as few as 10 games, from 16 now.The N.F.L., which is scheduled to conduct its annual draft on April 23-25 by videoconference, has said it is focused on not altering the regular season, which is scheduled to begin in September. But some owners say there is a good chance the international games in London and Mexico City will be moved back to the United States and one owner said there is a possibility that the season could be trimmed to as few as 10 games, from 16 now.
The N.B.A. and N.H.L., which were deep into their 2019-2020 season when they were shut down last month, may be unable to finish their seasons because so many of the host cities have restrictions on nonessential travel and because of the difficulty of acquiring enough test kits to ensure the safety of the players, team staff members and workers in arenas. A spokesman for the N.B.A., whose postseason would have begun April 18, said any decision on restarting the season is likely weeks away.The N.B.A. and N.H.L., which were deep into their 2019-2020 season when they were shut down last month, may be unable to finish their seasons because so many of the host cities have restrictions on nonessential travel and because of the difficulty of acquiring enough test kits to ensure the safety of the players, team staff members and workers in arenas. A spokesman for the N.B.A., whose postseason would have begun April 18, said any decision on restarting the season is likely weeks away.
Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball, which had just begun playing games, are now looking at truncated schedules. But most sports and event officials say they will let the advice of medical experts, not the president, guide their decisions on when to resume play.Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball, which had just begun playing games, are now looking at truncated schedules. But most sports and event officials say they will let the advice of medical experts, not the president, guide their decisions on when to resume play.
Indeed, the governors of two of the country’s largest states — California and New York, which together host 20 teams in the five largest leagues — said they were skeptical of the president’s timeline.Indeed, the governors of two of the country’s largest states — California and New York, which together host 20 teams in the five largest leagues — said they were skeptical of the president’s timeline.
“I’m not anticipating that happening in this state,” Governor Newsom of California said Saturday after the president spoke. “One has to be very cautious here, one has to be careful not to overpromise.”“I’m not anticipating that happening in this state,” Governor Newsom of California said Saturday after the president spoke. “One has to be very cautious here, one has to be careful not to overpromise.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that Israeli Jews would have to spend the first night of Passover, when families traditionally gather to celebrate the festival of freedom, under curfew.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that Israeli Jews would have to spend the first night of Passover, when families traditionally gather to celebrate the festival of freedom, under curfew.
Passover begins on Wednesday night but the measures, intended to prevent a larger outbreak of the virus, will start at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, when travel between cities will be temporarily banned and residents of certain parts of Jerusalem will be confined to their neighborhoods.Passover begins on Wednesday night but the measures, intended to prevent a larger outbreak of the virus, will start at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, when travel between cities will be temporarily banned and residents of certain parts of Jerusalem will be confined to their neighborhoods.
From 6 p.m. on Wednesday until 7 a.m. on Thursday, Israelis will have to remain in their homes and observe the Seder night rituals and festive meal only with those living under the same roof.From 6 p.m. on Wednesday until 7 a.m. on Thursday, Israelis will have to remain in their homes and observe the Seder night rituals and festive meal only with those living under the same roof.
There are almost 9,000 known cases of the virus in Israel and 57 fatalities so far, and the country is already under a general lockdown, with exceptions made for some workers, outings for essential errands and exercise or dog-walking within a 100-meter radius of one’s home.There are almost 9,000 known cases of the virus in Israel and 57 fatalities so far, and the country is already under a general lockdown, with exceptions made for some workers, outings for essential errands and exercise or dog-walking within a 100-meter radius of one’s home.
The Seder night traditions commemorate the biblical liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt after 10 plagues were visited upon the Egyptians.The Seder night traditions commemorate the biblical liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt after 10 plagues were visited upon the Egyptians.
Add another public health crisis to the toll of the new coronavirus: Mounting data suggests that domestic abuse is acting like an opportunistic infection, flourishing in the conditions created by the pandemic.Add another public health crisis to the toll of the new coronavirus: Mounting data suggests that domestic abuse is acting like an opportunistic infection, flourishing in the conditions created by the pandemic.
There was every reason to believe that the restrictions imposed to keep the virus from spreading would have such an effect, said Marianne Hester, a Bristol University sociologist who studies abusive relationships. Domestic violence goes up whenever families spend more time together, such as the Christmas and summer vacations, she said.There was every reason to believe that the restrictions imposed to keep the virus from spreading would have such an effect, said Marianne Hester, a Bristol University sociologist who studies abusive relationships. Domestic violence goes up whenever families spend more time together, such as the Christmas and summer vacations, she said.
Now, with families in lockdown worldwide, hotlines are lighting up with abuse reports, leaving governments trying to address a crisis that experts say they should have seen coming.Now, with families in lockdown worldwide, hotlines are lighting up with abuse reports, leaving governments trying to address a crisis that experts say they should have seen coming.
The United Nations called on Sunday for urgent action to combat the worldwide surge in domestic violence. “I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic,” Secretary General António Guterres wrote on Twitter.The United Nations called on Sunday for urgent action to combat the worldwide surge in domestic violence. “I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic,” Secretary General António Guterres wrote on Twitter.
But governments largely failed to prepare for the way the new public health measures would create opportunities for abusers to terrorize their victims. Now, many are scrambling to offer services to those at risk.But governments largely failed to prepare for the way the new public health measures would create opportunities for abusers to terrorize their victims. Now, many are scrambling to offer services to those at risk.
In Lebanon and Malaysia, the number of calls to domestic violence help lines was double that of the same month last year, while in China, they are three times higher.In Lebanon and Malaysia, the number of calls to domestic violence help lines was double that of the same month last year, while in China, they are three times higher.
In Britain, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline has seen a 25 percent increase in calls and online requests for support since the lockdown began, the charity Refuge said. In Kosovo, the Ministry of Justice reported a 17 percent increase in gender-based violence cases.In Britain, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline has seen a 25 percent increase in calls and online requests for support since the lockdown began, the charity Refuge said. In Kosovo, the Ministry of Justice reported a 17 percent increase in gender-based violence cases.
If you are among the more than six million Americans applying for unemployment insurance this month, you are most likely doing so for the first time. It’s important to understand how unemployment works and how it can help you in this time of need. We also have tips for making a will and starting an emergency fund.If you are among the more than six million Americans applying for unemployment insurance this month, you are most likely doing so for the first time. It’s important to understand how unemployment works and how it can help you in this time of need. We also have tips for making a will and starting an emergency fund.
Reporting was contributed by Tim Arango, Ken Belson, Stephen Castle, Emily Cochrane, Michael Cooper, Nick Corasaniti, Michael Crowley, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Reid J. Epstein, Farnaz Fassihi, Manny Fernandez, Shane Goldmacher, Dana Goldstein, Maggie Haberman, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Isabel Kershner, Niki Kitsantonis, Mark Landler, Lisa Lerer, Iliana Magra, Tiffany May, Patricia Mazzei, Constant Méheut, Elian Peltier, Matt Phillips, Adam Popescu, Roni Caryn Rabin, Motoko Rich, Katie Robertson, Marc Santora, Kai Schultz, Kirk Semple, Knvul Sheikh, Alexandra Stevenson, Megan Specia, Vanessa Swales, Katie Thomas, Neil Vigdor, and Mihir Zaveri and Karen Zraick. Reporting was contributed by Tim Arango, Ken Belson, Stephen Castle, Emily Cochrane, Michael Cooper, Nick Corasaniti, Michael Crowley, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Reid J. Epstein, Farnaz Fassihi, Manny Fernandez, Shane Goldmacher, Dana Goldstein, Maggie Haberman, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Astead W. Herndon, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Isabel Kershner, Niki Kitsantonis, Mark Landler, Lisa Lerer, Iliana Magra, Tiffany May, Patricia Mazzei, Constant Méheut, Elian Peltier, Matt Phillips, Adam Popescu, Roni Caryn Rabin, Motoko Rich, Katie Robertson, Jim Rutenberg, Marc Santora, Kai Schultz, Kirk Semple, Knvul Sheikh, Alexandra Stevenson, Megan Specia, Vanessa Swales, Katie Thomas, Neil Vigdor, and Mihir Zaveri and Karen Zraick.