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| Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today | Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today |
| (about 16 hours later) | |
| This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email. | This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email. |
| The head of the World Health Organization warned that politicizing the pandemic would result in “many more body bags.” | The head of the World Health Organization warned that politicizing the pandemic would result in “many more body bags.” |
| New York State alone now has more confirmed coronavirus cases than Italy. | New York State alone now has more confirmed coronavirus cases than Italy. |
| Don’t count on the coronavirus fading in hot weather the way some other viruses do, the National Academy of Sciences said. | Don’t count on the coronavirus fading in hot weather the way some other viruses do, the National Academy of Sciences said. |
| Get the latest news on the outbreak: World | U.S. | Business | New York | Get the latest news on the outbreak: World | U.S. | Business | New York |
| The coronavirus struck the U.S. first on the West Coast, but hardest in New York, where at least 6,268 people have died since the state’s first positive test on March 1. “The bad news isn’t just bad,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Wednesday. “The bad news is actually terrible.” | The coronavirus struck the U.S. first on the West Coast, but hardest in New York, where at least 6,268 people have died since the state’s first positive test on March 1. “The bad news isn’t just bad,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Wednesday. “The bad news is actually terrible.” |
| It’s likely that nothing could have completely prevented America’s biggest and densest metropolis from being walloped. But early on, when swift action might have made a big difference, the official response was hampered by confused guidance, unheeded warnings, delayed decisions and political infighting, a team of Times reporters found. | It’s likely that nothing could have completely prevented America’s biggest and densest metropolis from being walloped. But early on, when swift action might have made a big difference, the official response was hampered by confused guidance, unheeded warnings, delayed decisions and political infighting, a team of Times reporters found. |
| The virus “was spreading widely in New York City before anyone knew it,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, a former head of both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York City Health Department. | The virus “was spreading widely in New York City before anyone knew it,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, a former head of both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York City Health Department. |
| Dr. Frieden said that if the state and city had acted a week or two earlier to order social distancing, close businesses and tell people to stay home, the outbreak might have claimed half as many lives, or even fewer. But New York was days behind California and Washington State in taking those measures. | Dr. Frieden said that if the state and city had acted a week or two earlier to order social distancing, close businesses and tell people to stay home, the outbreak might have claimed half as many lives, or even fewer. But New York was days behind California and Washington State in taking those measures. |
| “Everything was slow,” said Councilman Stephen T. Levin, a Brooklyn Democrat. “You have to adapt really quickly, and nothing we were doing was adapting quickly.” | “Everything was slow,” said Councilman Stephen T. Levin, a Brooklyn Democrat. “You have to adapt really quickly, and nothing we were doing was adapting quickly.” |
| Interviews with more than 60 people on the front lines of the crisis revealed how the virus overwhelmed the city’s longstanding pandemic preparations. | Interviews with more than 60 people on the front lines of the crisis revealed how the virus overwhelmed the city’s longstanding pandemic preparations. |
| “This is an enemy that we have underestimated from Day 1,” Mr. Cuomo said on Monday. “And we have paid the price dearly.” | “This is an enemy that we have underestimated from Day 1,” Mr. Cuomo said on Monday. “And we have paid the price dearly.” |
| Sick transit: The outbreak is ravaging the agency that runs New York City’s subways, buses and commuter trains. At least 41 transit workers have died, and over 6,000 more have tested positive or self-quarantined — including the agency’s chairman. And with most New Yorkers staying home, fare revenue has plummeted. | Sick transit: The outbreak is ravaging the agency that runs New York City’s subways, buses and commuter trains. At least 41 transit workers have died, and over 6,000 more have tested positive or self-quarantined — including the agency’s chairman. And with most New Yorkers staying home, fare revenue has plummeted. |
| 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. |
| Big-city outbreaks dominated the early headlines, and some people in smaller communities thought the social distance naturally built into country living might protect them from the pandemic. But a delayed wave of infection is now spreading across rural America. | Big-city outbreaks dominated the early headlines, and some people in smaller communities thought the social distance naturally built into country living might protect them from the pandemic. But a delayed wave of infection is now spreading across rural America. |
| More than two-thirds of rural counties have confirmed coronavirus cases, and deaths are being reported in small farming villages, ski resorts and factory towns. The rate of new rural case reports has nearly doubled in a week. | More than two-thirds of rural counties have confirmed coronavirus cases, and deaths are being reported in small farming villages, ski resorts and factory towns. The rate of new rural case reports has nearly doubled in a week. |
| Rural populations tend to be older, poorer and less healthy than the national average. Health care systems in rural areas often lack resources and are short on doctors and nurses. | Rural populations tend to be older, poorer and less healthy than the national average. Health care systems in rural areas often lack resources and are short on doctors and nurses. |
| “A lot of communities are an hour’s drive or more from an I.C.U. bed, and some of them don’t have hospitals,” said Jack Healy, who covers rural places for The Times. “While the numbers are smaller, they could be overwhelmed easier. If a couple of nurses get sick, that may be a huge portion of the staff at a smaller clinic.” | “A lot of communities are an hour’s drive or more from an I.C.U. bed, and some of them don’t have hospitals,” said Jack Healy, who covers rural places for The Times. “While the numbers are smaller, they could be overwhelmed easier. If a couple of nurses get sick, that may be a huge portion of the staff at a smaller clinic.” |
| Rural areas are also concerned that they may not have enough clout to compete for scarce resources against places like New York and Seattle, Jack said. The financial burden from the virus outbreak is also squeezing smaller hospitals, and some are closing. | Rural areas are also concerned that they may not have enough clout to compete for scarce resources against places like New York and Seattle, Jack said. The financial burden from the virus outbreak is also squeezing smaller hospitals, and some are closing. |
| “It’s akin to taking heavy artillery off the field during a battle,” Jack said. “It’s astonishing.” | “It’s akin to taking heavy artillery off the field during a battle,” Jack said. “It’s astonishing.” |
| As doctors and researchers scramble to find treatments for Covid-19, one drug has attracted outsize attention: hydroxychloroquine, a prescription medicine frequently used to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. | As doctors and researchers scramble to find treatments for Covid-19, one drug has attracted outsize attention: hydroxychloroquine, a prescription medicine frequently used to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. |
| President Trump has promoted the drug repeatedly in televised briefings, despite warnings from his own health officials that there is little data to support its widespread use. | President Trump has promoted the drug repeatedly in televised briefings, despite warnings from his own health officials that there is little data to support its widespread use. |
| Here’s where the science currently stands. | Here’s where the science currently stands. |
| Why hydroxychloroquine? | Why hydroxychloroquine? |
| One lab study found that it may block the virus from invading cells. Drugs that conquer viruses in petri dishes do not necessarily work in people, though: In earlier studies, hydroxychloroquine failed to prevent or treat other viral illnesses in humans, including influenza. | One lab study found that it may block the virus from invading cells. Drugs that conquer viruses in petri dishes do not necessarily work in people, though: In earlier studies, hydroxychloroquine failed to prevent or treat other viral illnesses in humans, including influenza. |
| Is it being given to coronavirus patients now? | Is it being given to coronavirus patients now? |
| Yes. Clinical trials with control groups have begun around the world, including one in the United States involving 510 patients at 44 medical centers. | Yes. Clinical trials with control groups have begun around the world, including one in the United States involving 510 patients at 44 medical centers. |
| Early studies suggested some benefit in patients with mild cases, but much of that research was done without proper controls; scientists agree that more rigorous testing is needed. | Early studies suggested some benefit in patients with mild cases, but much of that research was done without proper controls; scientists agree that more rigorous testing is needed. |
| If I can get hydroxychloroquine on my own, should I take it? | If I can get hydroxychloroquine on my own, should I take it? |
| No. There is no evidence yet that the drug can keep healthy people from getting infected, and it can have significant side effects. There are concerns that it may not be safe for people whose organs have been damaged by the virus. | No. There is no evidence yet that the drug can keep healthy people from getting infected, and it can have significant side effects. There are concerns that it may not be safe for people whose organs have been damaged by the virus. |
| And if you are buying it on the street or the internet, what you get may be fake or unsafe. An Arizona man in his 60s died last month after swallowing an aquarium cleaning product that had chloroquine on its label. | And if you are buying it on the street or the internet, what you get may be fake or unsafe. An Arizona man in his 60s died last month after swallowing an aquarium cleaning product that had chloroquine on its label. |
| Updated June 16, 2020 | |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| The Cook County jail in Chicago has emerged as the largest-known source of U.S. coronavirus infections: As of Wednesday, at least 238 inmates and 115 staff members had tested positive. | The Cook County jail in Chicago has emerged as the largest-known source of U.S. coronavirus infections: As of Wednesday, at least 238 inmates and 115 staff members had tested positive. |
| New York, the hardest-hit state in America, reported its highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in a single day on Wednesday, announcing that another 779 people had died. | New York, the hardest-hit state in America, reported its highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in a single day on Wednesday, announcing that another 779 people had died. |
| There have been 1,440 cases in and 27 deaths in Washington, D.C., amid growing concern that residents are not complying with social distancing guidelines. | There have been 1,440 cases in and 27 deaths in Washington, D.C., amid growing concern that residents are not complying with social distancing guidelines. |
| More than six weeks after Saudi Arabia reported its first case, as many as 150 members of the royal family are believed to have contracted the coronavirus. | More than six weeks after Saudi Arabia reported its first case, as many as 150 members of the royal family are believed to have contracted the coronavirus. |
| Stay safe when running errands. The C.D.C. has a guide on how to safely gas up the car, shop for groceries, receive a delivery or visit the doctor. | Stay safe when running errands. The C.D.C. has a guide on how to safely gas up the car, shop for groceries, receive a delivery or visit the doctor. |
| Find moments of solace away from the children. Crying in your car counts as self-care. The same goes for meditation. Our parenting column offers other ways to find headroom, or even joy. | Find moments of solace away from the children. Crying in your car counts as self-care. The same goes for meditation. Our parenting column offers other ways to find headroom, or even joy. |
| Look good on your computer camera. Tom Ford gave us some staging tips, including putting a white cloth or sheet of paper on the table between you and your computer, to bounce up a little extra fill light. | Look good on your computer camera. Tom Ford gave us some staging tips, including putting a white cloth or sheet of paper on the table between you and your computer, to bounce up a little extra fill light. |
| Is your takeout order saving the restaurant or risking lives? It’s complicated. Our California critic, Tejal Rao, says the answer may lie in how well the restaurant protects its workers. | Is your takeout order saving the restaurant or risking lives? It’s complicated. Our California critic, Tejal Rao, says the answer may lie in how well the restaurant protects its workers. |
| Democrats are pressing for an expansion of voting access measures, like voting by mail, as the pandemic threatens to upend elections through November. Republicans are resisting the changes; President Trump has said they could harm his party’s election prospects. | Democrats are pressing for an expansion of voting access measures, like voting by mail, as the pandemic threatens to upend elections through November. Republicans are resisting the changes; President Trump has said they could harm his party’s election prospects. |
| Some experts think too many Covid-19 patients are being put on ventilators and could survive with less invasive aid, the health and science news site STAT reports. | Some experts think too many Covid-19 patients are being put on ventilators and could survive with less invasive aid, the health and science news site STAT reports. |
| One out of three recovered coronavirus patients studied in Shanghai had low levels of antibodies, which may signify a greater risk of reinfection. | One out of three recovered coronavirus patients studied in Shanghai had low levels of antibodies, which may signify a greater risk of reinfection. |
| With so few cars on the road and so many factories shuttered in New Delhi, “the air is so clean that for once, you can’t taste it,” our correspondent writes. | With so few cars on the road and so many factories shuttered in New Delhi, “the air is so clean that for once, you can’t taste it,” our correspondent writes. |
| Don’t expect a quarantine baby boom: Disasters have little effect on birthrates, experts say, and if anything, the pandemic will probably discourage some couples from having children. | Don’t expect a quarantine baby boom: Disasters have little effect on birthrates, experts say, and if anything, the pandemic will probably discourage some couples from having children. |
| Jigsaw puzzles are hotter than ever. Ever wonder how they make them? The process takes weeks. | Jigsaw puzzles are hotter than ever. Ever wonder how they make them? The process takes weeks. |
| My daughter and I live half an hour’s drive away from each other. We used to get together for “Sunday Fun-day” each week. Now we have “Sunday Trunk-day.” I fill the trunk of my car with goodies: fresh baked lasagna and cookies, assorted groceries and snacks, games. When I arrive she unloads the goodies, and then we chat through the window with her standing at least six feet back. I miss my hugs, but we make do. | My daughter and I live half an hour’s drive away from each other. We used to get together for “Sunday Fun-day” each week. Now we have “Sunday Trunk-day.” I fill the trunk of my car with goodies: fresh baked lasagna and cookies, assorted groceries and snacks, games. When I arrive she unloads the goodies, and then we chat through the window with her standing at least six feet back. I miss my hugs, but we make do. |
| — Adelle Bishop, Whittier, N.C. | — Adelle Bishop, Whittier, N.C. |
| Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter. | Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter. |
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| Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti helped write today’s newsletter. | Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti helped write today’s newsletter. |