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| Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today | Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| This briefing has ended. Read global live updates on the coronavirus here. Sign up here to get the briefing by email. | This briefing has ended. Read global live updates on the coronavirus here. Sign up here to get the briefing by email. |
| Confirmed coronavirus cases neared 2 million worldwide, with over 120,000 people dead. | Confirmed coronavirus cases neared 2 million worldwide, with over 120,000 people dead. |
| This year is likely to be the worst for the global economy since the Great Depression, the International Monetary Fund says. | This year is likely to be the worst for the global economy since the Great Depression, the International Monetary Fund says. |
| New York City revised its coronavirus toll, adding 3,700 people who were not tested for the virus before they died. | New York City revised its coronavirus toll, adding 3,700 people who were not tested for the virus before they died. |
| Read the latest updates: World | U.S. | New York | Business | Read the latest updates: World | U.S. | New York | Business |
| California could have been a catastrophe. It had some of the country’s first coronavirus cases, and its extensive ties to China — 150,000 people flew in from there in January alone — made it appear highly vulnerable. | California could have been a catastrophe. It had some of the country’s first coronavirus cases, and its extensive ties to China — 150,000 people flew in from there in January alone — made it appear highly vulnerable. |
| But the state seems to be beating the odds. The virus hasn’t spread nearly as explosively in California as it has in New York and New Jersey, and it currently ranks 30th in the nation in coronavirus deaths per capita | But the state seems to be beating the odds. The virus hasn’t spread nearly as explosively in California as it has in New York and New Jersey, and it currently ranks 30th in the nation in coronavirus deaths per capita |
| Its leaders are now inching forward with plans to gradually ease restrictions as the pandemic ebbs. Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Tuesday that the state intended to switch to less restrictive and more localized measures, but that was not for several weeks at least. | Its leaders are now inching forward with plans to gradually ease restrictions as the pandemic ebbs. Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Tuesday that the state intended to switch to less restrictive and more localized measures, but that was not for several weeks at least. |
| Face coverings will probably still be needed in public, he said. Large gatherings may remain banned through the summer, and students may have to attend school in shifts in the fall to avoid crowding classrooms. Restaurant patrons will probably have their temperature taken before being seated. | Face coverings will probably still be needed in public, he said. Large gatherings may remain banned through the summer, and students may have to attend school in shifts in the fall to avoid crowding classrooms. Restaurant patrons will probably have their temperature taken before being seated. |
| “Normal it will not be,” the governor said. | “Normal it will not be,” the governor said. |
| Our correspondents Thomas Fuller and Tim Arango write that California’s reopening will have huge ramifications for the rest of the country, showing what works and what doesn’t. | Our correspondents Thomas Fuller and Tim Arango write that California’s reopening will have huge ramifications for the rest of the country, showing what works and what doesn’t. |
| “We’re not going to flip the switch and suddenly have the economy return to what it was and everyone come out of their homes simultaneously,” Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles said. | “We’re not going to flip the switch and suddenly have the economy return to what it was and everyone come out of their homes simultaneously,” Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles said. |
| Why it wasn’t worse: Scientists are scrambling to understand why mitigation efforts were so successful at flattening the curve in California. Some factors they cite: | Why it wasn’t worse: Scientists are scrambling to understand why mitigation efforts were so successful at flattening the curve in California. Some factors they cite: |
| Early social distancing. Even before the stay-at-home orders, Californians were beginning to keep clear of one another, while New Yorkers were still packing bars and restaurants. | Early social distancing. Even before the stay-at-home orders, Californians were beginning to keep clear of one another, while New Yorkers were still packing bars and restaurants. |
| A work-from-home culture. The practice was already commonplace in the state, spurred by the tech industry. | A work-from-home culture. The practice was already commonplace in the state, spurred by the tech industry. |
| Experience with wildfires and earthquakes. The state government has built up extensive disaster-response machinery, and people are accustomed to heeding official orders in a crisis. | Experience with wildfires and earthquakes. The state government has built up extensive disaster-response machinery, and people are accustomed to heeding official orders in a crisis. |
| Lower-density life. The state’s solitary car culture and suburban sprawl are usually seen as liabilities. But in this case, “the more space you have, the less probability there is for transmission,” Moritz Kraemer of Oxford University said. | Lower-density life. The state’s solitary car culture and suburban sprawl are usually seen as liabilities. But in this case, “the more space you have, the less probability there is for transmission,” Moritz Kraemer of Oxford University said. |
| 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. |
| Social-distancing guidelines recommend that people stay six feet apart in public, based on how far most large droplets from a cough or a sneeze travel. But that may not be enough, especially if your health is vulnerable or you’re in an enclosed space. | Social-distancing guidelines recommend that people stay six feet apart in public, based on how far most large droplets from a cough or a sneeze travel. But that may not be enough, especially if your health is vulnerable or you’re in an enclosed space. |
| Smaller droplets called aerosols that could spread the virus might be carried farther by air currents. They’re produced not only when you sneeze or cough, but also when you simply breathe or talk. | Smaller droplets called aerosols that could spread the virus might be carried farther by air currents. They’re produced not only when you sneeze or cough, but also when you simply breathe or talk. |
| (We created a 3-D simulation to show just what happens in the 20 minutes after an infected person coughs indoors. We also used augmented reality — accessible with the NYTimes iOS app on a newer iPhone or iPad model — to show how the six-foot guideline could apply in real life.) | (We created a 3-D simulation to show just what happens in the 20 minutes after an infected person coughs indoors. We also used augmented reality — accessible with the NYTimes iOS app on a newer iPhone or iPad model — to show how the six-foot guideline could apply in real life.) |
| All the more reason to wear a mask: Barriers of cloth or other materials can stop large particles from landing on your nose and mouth, while disrupting the trajectory of your own coughs and sneezes. | All the more reason to wear a mask: Barriers of cloth or other materials can stop large particles from landing on your nose and mouth, while disrupting the trajectory of your own coughs and sneezes. |
| Worried about surfaces? Most people catch the virus by inhaling droplets that an infected person has just breathed out, not by touching a surface where it may be lurking. So the usefulness of widespread public disinfecting remains up for debate. | Worried about surfaces? Most people catch the virus by inhaling droplets that an infected person has just breathed out, not by touching a surface where it may be lurking. So the usefulness of widespread public disinfecting remains up for debate. |
| New York City revised its death toll upward by more than 3,700 people after officials included people who were thought to have died from the virus but were never tested. | New York City revised its death toll upward by more than 3,700 people after officials included people who were thought to have died from the virus but were never tested. |
| The new figures, released by the city’s Health Department, raised the city’s total to more than 10,000, and the national figure to more than 26,000, a 17 percent increase. | The new figures, released by the city’s Health Department, raised the city’s total to more than 10,000, and the national figure to more than 26,000, a 17 percent increase. |
| The revision tried to account for people who died at the beginning of the outbreak, when testing kits were scarce and many who believed they had the virus went untested. Most of those deaths took place in hospitals, but some occurred in nursing homes and private residences. | The revision tried to account for people who died at the beginning of the outbreak, when testing kits were scarce and many who believed they had the virus went untested. Most of those deaths took place in hospitals, but some occurred in nursing homes and private residences. |
| Updated June 24, 2020 | |
| Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. | |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| Most states are counting deaths as coronavirus-related only when confirmed by testing. So if the city’s new figures are any guide, the exact death tolls in most states may also be much higher than they are recorded now. | Most states are counting deaths as coronavirus-related only when confirmed by testing. So if the city’s new figures are any guide, the exact death tolls in most states may also be much higher than they are recorded now. |
| In Britain, new statistics suggest that the official death toll is inaccurately low because people who die in nursing homes or residences are left out. Counting them might add at least 10 percent to the official tally of 12,107, the data suggests. | In Britain, new statistics suggest that the official death toll is inaccurately low because people who die in nursing homes or residences are left out. Counting them might add at least 10 percent to the official tally of 12,107, the data suggests. |
| Indonesia’s death toll has grown rapidly — at 459, it’s now second only to China in East Asia. And it doesn’t include patients who died before they could be tested. | Indonesia’s death toll has grown rapidly — at 459, it’s now second only to China in East Asia. And it doesn’t include patients who died before they could be tested. |
| Turkey, which has 56,956 cases and 1,198 deaths, will release up to 90,000 prisoners to stem the spread of the virus behind bars. | Turkey, which has 56,956 cases and 1,198 deaths, will release up to 90,000 prisoners to stem the spread of the virus behind bars. |
| In Iraq, a stigma around illness and quarantine deters people from being tested or from seeking prompt treatment, which may mean its relatively low case count of 1,378 is greatly understated. | In Iraq, a stigma around illness and quarantine deters people from being tested or from seeking prompt treatment, which may mean its relatively low case count of 1,378 is greatly understated. |
| In India, which has 10,815 confirmed cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a nationwide lockdown by nearly three weeks. | In India, which has 10,815 confirmed cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a nationwide lockdown by nearly three weeks. |
| Keep a diary. It’ll help you organize your thoughts during difficult times, and may help educate future generations. | Keep a diary. It’ll help you organize your thoughts during difficult times, and may help educate future generations. |
| Manage your anxiety. It’s important for your health to tamp down excessive worrying. Here are ways to cope. | Manage your anxiety. It’s important for your health to tamp down excessive worrying. Here are ways to cope. |
| Can I break my lease? In normal times, landlords can usually re-rent apartments quickly and spare departing tenants a penalty. But that may not be the case now. | Can I break my lease? In normal times, landlords can usually re-rent apartments quickly and spare departing tenants a penalty. But that may not be the case now. |
| Don’t agonize over your child’s screen time. Parents can let down their guard a little, if they remember the three C’s: child, content and context. | Don’t agonize over your child’s screen time. Parents can let down their guard a little, if they remember the three C’s: child, content and context. |
| State governors rejected President Trump’s insistence that he alone had the authority to lift stay-at-home orders and to reopen the American economy. Mr. Trump likened them to mutineers | State governors rejected President Trump’s insistence that he alone had the authority to lift stay-at-home orders and to reopen the American economy. Mr. Trump likened them to mutineers |
| At least seven states — Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas — have classified abortion as a nonessential medical procedure, effectively making it unobtainable. Abortion rights groups are suing the states, saying the pandemic is just a pretext to ignore Roe v. Wade. | At least seven states — Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas — have classified abortion as a nonessential medical procedure, effectively making it unobtainable. Abortion rights groups are suing the states, saying the pandemic is just a pretext to ignore Roe v. Wade. |
| Inspiring blogs. Uplifting Covid-19 memes. Good-news Instagram accounts. The pandemic has driven interest in uplifting stories way, way up. | Inspiring blogs. Uplifting Covid-19 memes. Good-news Instagram accounts. The pandemic has driven interest in uplifting stories way, way up. |
| A village in Indonesia has deployed a group of “ghosts” — shrouded white figures who jump out and scare passers-by — in the hope that they will keep people indoors, The Associated Press reports. | A village in Indonesia has deployed a group of “ghosts” — shrouded white figures who jump out and scare passers-by — in the hope that they will keep people indoors, The Associated Press reports. |
| Losing the Super Bowl may have saved lives in San Francisco. If the 49ers had won, hundreds of thousands of fans would probably have celebrated at a victory parade just when the coronavirus was beginning to spread, The Wall Street Journal reports. | Losing the Super Bowl may have saved lives in San Francisco. If the 49ers had won, hundreds of thousands of fans would probably have celebrated at a victory parade just when the coronavirus was beginning to spread, The Wall Street Journal reports. |
| Overnight I became a full-time housewife and stay-at-home mother. My husband is working remotely from home and we have an active 2-year-old toddler. Now that day care is closed, we are the only playmates he has. The baby “wuv” “violins” (read as “guitar”), so we made a band! We have an assortment of child-size instruments and a microphone. The baby arranges where we stand, has us count up to four, and then we rock on! | Overnight I became a full-time housewife and stay-at-home mother. My husband is working remotely from home and we have an active 2-year-old toddler. Now that day care is closed, we are the only playmates he has. The baby “wuv” “violins” (read as “guitar”), so we made a band! We have an assortment of child-size instruments and a microphone. The baby arranges where we stand, has us count up to four, and then we rock on! |
| — Caryn Shore, Clifton, N.J. | — Caryn Shore, Clifton, N.J. |
| 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. |
| Adam Pasick, Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter. | Adam Pasick, Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter. |
| Email your thoughts to briefing@nytimes.com. Did a friend forward you the briefing? Sign up here. | Email your thoughts to briefing@nytimes.com. Did a friend forward you the briefing? Sign up here. |