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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.
China eased its lockdown of Wuhan, where the coronavirus first emerged, but the city is profoundly damaged.China eased its lockdown of Wuhan, where the coronavirus first emerged, but the city is profoundly damaged.
Wisconsin went ahead with in-person voting in its election on Tuesday despite stay-at-home orders.Wisconsin went ahead with in-person voting in its election on Tuesday despite stay-at-home orders.
President Trump ousted the chief watchdog overseeing trillions of dollars in federal pandemic relief.President Trump ousted the chief watchdog overseeing trillions of dollars in federal pandemic relief.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverageGet the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage
Figures from several American states and cities show a disturbing trend: The coronavirus is disproportionately infecting and killing black people.Figures from several American states and cities show a disturbing trend: The coronavirus is disproportionately infecting and killing black people.
In Louisiana, about 70 percent of the people who have died are African-American, though only one-third of the state’s population is black. Around Milwaukee, where 27 percent of residents are black, African-Americans who test positive outnumber whites two to one. Chicago is a bit less than one-third African-American, but black people account for 72 percent of the virus-linked deaths.In Louisiana, about 70 percent of the people who have died are African-American, though only one-third of the state’s population is black. Around Milwaukee, where 27 percent of residents are black, African-Americans who test positive outnumber whites two to one. Chicago is a bit less than one-third African-American, but black people account for 72 percent of the virus-linked deaths.
There’s no reason to think the virus discriminates. Rather, the racial disparities in who is getting sick and dying reflect entrenched inequalities in American society.There’s no reason to think the virus discriminates. Rather, the racial disparities in who is getting sick and dying reflect entrenched inequalities in American society.
African-Americans are less likely to be insured, more likely to have existing health conditions and more likely to be denied testing and treatment than people of other races, public health experts say. Black Americans are more likely to use public transportation, live in rented housing and hold jobs that can’t be done from home — all pointing to more frequent contact with strangers, and therefore more risk of infection.African-Americans are less likely to be insured, more likely to have existing health conditions and more likely to be denied testing and treatment than people of other races, public health experts say. Black Americans are more likely to use public transportation, live in rented housing and hold jobs that can’t be done from home — all pointing to more frequent contact with strangers, and therefore more risk of infection.
“If you walk outside and see who is actually still working,” said Elaine Nsoesie of the Boston University School of Public Health, “the data don’t seem surprising.”“If you walk outside and see who is actually still working,” said Elaine Nsoesie of the Boston University School of Public Health, “the data don’t seem surprising.”
Put at risk by policy: Our colleague Nikole Hannah-Jones, who writes about race for The Times Magazine, notes in an extensive Twitter thread that many of the states with the largest shares of black residents — those in the Deep South — also refused to expand Medicaid.Put at risk by policy: Our colleague Nikole Hannah-Jones, who writes about race for The Times Magazine, notes in an extensive Twitter thread that many of the states with the largest shares of black residents — those in the Deep South — also refused to expand Medicaid.
And they have been slow to order social distancing measures: South Carolina’s statewide order, one of the least restrictive, takes effect Tuesday evening; those in Alabama, Georgia and Florida have been in place for only a few days.And they have been slow to order social distancing measures: South Carolina’s statewide order, one of the least restrictive, takes effect Tuesday evening; those in Alabama, Georgia and Florida have been in place for only a few days.
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.
Americans are understandably anxious to get back to normal as soon as possible. But any “reopening” in the foreseeable future may not look the way we imagine.Americans are understandably anxious to get back to normal as soon as possible. But any “reopening” in the foreseeable future may not look the way we imagine.
Instead of a swift return to our pre-coronavirus lives, we’re more likely to see a gradual easing of some restrictions while many others remain in place. It may be less about putting the pandemic behind us and more about learning to live with it, perhaps for a long time.Instead of a swift return to our pre-coronavirus lives, we’re more likely to see a gradual easing of some restrictions while many others remain in place. It may be less about putting the pandemic behind us and more about learning to live with it, perhaps for a long time.
That is what’s happening in several countries that are farther down the road than the U.S.That is what’s happening in several countries that are farther down the road than the U.S.
A few European nations that were quick to enact strict policies are cautiously relaxing them now: Austria will let some shops reopen next week, and Denmark is reopening day care centers and primary schools on April 15. Both said they would clamp down again if they spotted any signs of a second wave of infections.A few European nations that were quick to enact strict policies are cautiously relaxing them now: Austria will let some shops reopen next week, and Denmark is reopening day care centers and primary schools on April 15. Both said they would clamp down again if they spotted any signs of a second wave of infections.
In a symbolically important move, China lifted the lockdown of Wuhan on Tuesday. The city of 11 million people had been shut down and sealed off for 10 weeks.In a symbolically important move, China lifted the lockdown of Wuhan on Tuesday. The city of 11 million people had been shut down and sealed off for 10 weeks.
Shops have reopened, but many have set up counters by the street so customers can make purchases while remaining outside. Residents can now leave the city, but only after the authorities review their travel and medical histories. Buses and subway trains are running again, but officials are still telling everyone to stay home as much as possible, and schools remain closed.Shops have reopened, but many have set up counters by the street so customers can make purchases while remaining outside. Residents can now leave the city, but only after the authorities review their travel and medical histories. Buses and subway trains are running again, but officials are still telling everyone to stay home as much as possible, and schools remain closed.
Life is creeping back in Wuhan, according to our colleagues Raymond Zhong and Vivian Wang, but the trauma from the epidemic “could linger for decades,” and true normalcy is nowhere in sight.Life is creeping back in Wuhan, according to our colleagues Raymond Zhong and Vivian Wang, but the trauma from the epidemic “could linger for decades,” and true normalcy is nowhere in sight.
The pandemic has forced a vast majority of college students in the U.S. off campus and into challenging new realities that are cleaving largely along socioeconomic lines.The pandemic has forced a vast majority of college students in the U.S. off campus and into challenging new realities that are cleaving largely along socioeconomic lines.
As video chats replace classroom teaching, some liberal arts colleges are finding they are no longer the “great equalizer” they aspire to be.As video chats replace classroom teaching, some liberal arts colleges are finding they are no longer the “great equalizer” they aspire to be.
For a political science course at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, one student logs in from a vacation home in Maine, while another in Florida arrives late because she was looking for meat for her mother’s Puerto Rican food truck. A student from Russia was still in her dorm, because her mother couldn’t afford her airfare home.For a political science course at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, one student logs in from a vacation home in Maine, while another in Florida arrives late because she was looking for meat for her mother’s Puerto Rican food truck. A student from Russia was still in her dorm, because her mother couldn’t afford her airfare home.
“This crisis is exposing that a lot of people don’t have anywhere to go,” she said.“This crisis is exposing that a lot of people don’t have anywhere to go,” she said.
With nearly all flights to and from China canceled, more than a million Chinese students studying abroad have been stranded, including about 400,000 in the U.S. The Chinese government worries that their return could set off another outbreak.With nearly all flights to and from China canceled, more than a million Chinese students studying abroad have been stranded, including about 400,000 in the U.S. The Chinese government worries that their return could set off another outbreak.
Because of the hardships brought on by the epidemic, many students are pushing their schools to abolish grades for the term. Colleges are responding by instituting pass/fail grading on a scale not seen since antiwar protests disrupted classes in the 1960s.Because of the hardships brought on by the epidemic, many students are pushing their schools to abolish grades for the term. Colleges are responding by instituting pass/fail grading on a scale not seen since antiwar protests disrupted classes in the 1960s.
It took more than a month for the United States to reach 5,000 deaths. Five days later, the toll had surpassed 10,000. Here’s a look at how quickly the totals have climbed across the country, and which cities are being hit the hardest in proportion to their population.It took more than a month for the United States to reach 5,000 deaths. Five days later, the toll had surpassed 10,000. Here’s a look at how quickly the totals have climbed across the country, and which cities are being hit the hardest in proportion to their population.
After hints of a slowdown, New York State recorded 731 deaths on Tuesday, the most in one day since the crisis began.After hints of a slowdown, New York State recorded 731 deaths on Tuesday, the most in one day since the crisis began.
France had its highest daily death toll yet on Monday, with 613 fatalities reported in hospitals.France had its highest daily death toll yet on Monday, with 613 fatalities reported in hospitals.
Japan declared a state of emergency after months of resisting stringent measures. Medical experts wondered whether it was too little, too late.Japan declared a state of emergency after months of resisting stringent measures. Medical experts wondered whether it was too little, too late.
After a sharp uptick in infections, Turkey, which has more than 30,000 cases, said it would begin delivering free masks to families.After a sharp uptick in infections, Turkey, which has more than 30,000 cases, said it would begin delivering free masks to families.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
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.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
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.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Make your own disinfectant: The C.D.C. has said 4 teaspoons of bleach in a quart of water is effective against the coronavirus. Just allow the solution to sit on a surface for 10 minutes before wiping it away, and make enough only for a day or two at a time — bleach loses potency fairly quickly outside the original container.Make your own disinfectant: The C.D.C. has said 4 teaspoons of bleach in a quart of water is effective against the coronavirus. Just allow the solution to sit on a surface for 10 minutes before wiping it away, and make enough only for a day or two at a time — bleach loses potency fairly quickly outside the original container.
Wear an effective D.I.Y. mask: HEPA furnace filters, vacuum bags, 600-count pillowcases and flannel pajamas are among the best household items to use, researchers say.Wear an effective D.I.Y. mask: HEPA furnace filters, vacuum bags, 600-count pillowcases and flannel pajamas are among the best household items to use, researchers say.
No sewing machine? The C.D.C. posted instructions for making easy face coverings using a T-shirt or a bandanna and coffee filter.No sewing machine? The C.D.C. posted instructions for making easy face coverings using a T-shirt or a bandanna and coffee filter.
Don’t stress about screen time: Evidence directly linking children’s screen time to cognitive or social harm seems to be thin, a professor and an author write in The Times’s opinion section.Don’t stress about screen time: Evidence directly linking children’s screen time to cognitive or social harm seems to be thin, a professor and an author write in The Times’s opinion section.
Here are answers to common questions for small businesses and nonprofits navigating the $2 trillion stimulus plan.Here are answers to common questions for small businesses and nonprofits navigating the $2 trillion stimulus plan.
Coronavirus patients in areas that had high levels of air pollution before the pandemic are more likely to die than those in less polluted areas, according to a new study.Coronavirus patients in areas that had high levels of air pollution before the pandemic are more likely to die than those in less polluted areas, according to a new study.
After an ambulance in New York took their grandmother away, members of the Correa family couldn’t locate her. A week later, they were told that she had been in the hospital morgue for days.After an ambulance in New York took their grandmother away, members of the Correa family couldn’t locate her. A week later, they were told that she had been in the hospital morgue for days.
A member of the crew of the U.S.N.S. Comfort, the hospital ship docked in New York City, has tested positive for the coronavirus.A member of the crew of the U.S.N.S. Comfort, the hospital ship docked in New York City, has tested positive for the coronavirus.
To avoid the usual big gatherings on opening day of Pennsylvania’s trout fishing season, the state abruptly started the season two weeks early.To avoid the usual big gatherings on opening day of Pennsylvania’s trout fishing season, the state abruptly started the season two weeks early.
Finally, some privacy: After 10 years, the giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le successfully mated in a now-quiet Hong Kong zoo.Finally, some privacy: After 10 years, the giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le successfully mated in a now-quiet Hong Kong zoo.
I’m an American living in Spain, where I’ve raised my family. Precisely this year, all four of my daughters are living, working and/or studying abroad: Seattle, Seoul, Montreal and Quebec. A family WhatsApp group is helping us stay close and connected over four different time zones. We share food, fun and photos every day.I’m an American living in Spain, where I’ve raised my family. Precisely this year, all four of my daughters are living, working and/or studying abroad: Seattle, Seoul, Montreal and Quebec. A family WhatsApp group is helping us stay close and connected over four different time zones. We share food, fun and photos every day.
— Brenda Padilla Ericksen, Málaga, Spain— Brenda Padilla Ericksen, Málaga, Spain
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Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.