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Coronavirus Live Updates: As Deaths Surge, White House Offers Reopening Guidelines Coronavirus Live Updates: As Deaths Surge, White House Offers Reopening Guidelines
(32 minutes later)
President Trump told governors on Thursday that some could begin reopening their states by May 1 or earlier if they wanted, but he backed down from his confrontation with them by making clear that he would not seek to impose his will on when they reopen businesses, schools and everyday life. President Trump told the nation’s governors on Thursday that they could begin reopening businesses, restaurants and other elements of daily life by May 1 or earlier if they wanted, abandoning his threat to use what he had claimed was his absolute authority to impose his will on them.
“You’re going to call your own shots,” Mr. Trump said in a telephone call with the governors, according to an audio recording provided to The New York Times. “You’re going to be calling the shots. We’ll be standing right alongside of you, and we’re going to get our country open and get it working. People want to get working.” On a day when the nation’s death toll from the coronavirus increased by more than 2,000 for a total over 30,000, the president released a set of nonbinding guidelines that envisioned a slow return to work and school over weeks or months. Based on each state’s conditions, the guidelines in effect guarantee that any restoration of American society will take place on a patchwork basis rather than on a one-size-fits-all prescription from Washington that some of the governors had feared in recent days.
Mr. Trump’s choice of words amounted to a significant reversal just three days after he insisted that “the president of the United States calls the shots” and that he had the “total authority” to decide how and when the country reopens. “We are not opening all at once, but one careful step at a time,” Mr. Trump told reporters during a briefing at the White House.
In the phone call on Thursday, he was deferential instead, making no effort to tell the governors what to do. Instead, Mr. Trump and members of his coronavirus task force gave the states a set of guidelines that would help the governors decide for themselves. Mr. Trump essentially gave cover to mainly Republican governors of states in the South and West that have not been as hard hit by the pandemic to begin reopening sooner. The president, who has previously said that as many as 29 states could reopen soon, told governors on a conference call before his announcement that some of them were “in very, very good shape” and could move further and faster to resuming economic and social activities.
The president began working toward reopening the country as its death toll continued to mount. Though the number of known new cases being announced each day has shown signs of leveling off, confirmed deaths are continuing to rise at alarming rates. More than 2,000 additional deaths were announced on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Officials in Illinois announced 125 new virus deaths on Thursday, that state’s largest daily total yet. If they follow the guidelines, New York and other states in the Northeast, as well as states in the Midwest and West, that have seen large outbreaks would remain shuttered for weeks until new cases of the virus and death tolls fell and hospital capacity was restored.
The administration’s guidelines, titled “Opening Up America Again,” laid out a series of phases for how they could think about reopening.The administration’s guidelines, titled “Opening Up America Again,” laid out a series of phases for how they could think about reopening.
In states judged to be doing well enough to enter the first phase, people would still be urged to avoid socializing in groups of more than 10, employers would be asked to encourage telework, and schools would remain closed. But some large venues — including restaurants, movie theaters, sporting venues and places of worship — would be allowed to operate under strict physical distancing protocols, elective surgeries could resume, and gyms could reopen as long as they maintained physical distancing. Bars would remain closed.In states judged to be doing well enough to enter the first phase, people would still be urged to avoid socializing in groups of more than 10, employers would be asked to encourage telework, and schools would remain closed. But some large venues — including restaurants, movie theaters, sporting venues and places of worship — would be allowed to operate under strict physical distancing protocols, elective surgeries could resume, and gyms could reopen as long as they maintained physical distancing. Bars would remain closed.
In the second phase, schools could reopen and people would be advised to avoid social gatherings of more than 50 people. By the third phase, states with no evidence of a resurgence of infections would be able to resume unrestricted staffing of work sites, visits to hospitals and nursing homes could resume, large venues could operate under limited social distancing protocols, and bars could reopen with increased standing room.In the second phase, schools could reopen and people would be advised to avoid social gatherings of more than 50 people. By the third phase, states with no evidence of a resurgence of infections would be able to resume unrestricted staffing of work sites, visits to hospitals and nursing homes could resume, large venues could operate under limited social distancing protocols, and bars could reopen with increased standing room.
Some states could face a bulge in intensive care unit hospitalizations during the summer and early fall, according to a planning document issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services.Some states could face a bulge in intensive care unit hospitalizations during the summer and early fall, according to a planning document issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services.
The presentation singled out Nevada, which could see more than 1,000 I.C.U. beds occupied by Covid patients around August in a worst-case scenario, and Maine, where up to 500 I.C.U. beds could be occupied.The presentation singled out Nevada, which could see more than 1,000 I.C.U. beds occupied by Covid patients around August in a worst-case scenario, and Maine, where up to 500 I.C.U. beds could be occupied.
The 16-page document, which was labeled for official use only, found that 18 percent of people who responded to an April survey commissioned by the C.D.C. did not plan to get a mask or face covering, or did not know where to get one or how to make one.The 16-page document, which was labeled for official use only, found that 18 percent of people who responded to an April survey commissioned by the C.D.C. did not plan to get a mask or face covering, or did not know where to get one or how to make one.
Barry Bloom, a professor of public health at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said the guidelines were thoughtful but vague. Even if cases declined for two weeks, numbers needed to be small enough that every case could be identified and every contact could be traced. Hospitals must have extra capacity to deal with a potential new flare-up, he said.Barry Bloom, a professor of public health at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said the guidelines were thoughtful but vague. Even if cases declined for two weeks, numbers needed to be small enough that every case could be identified and every contact could be traced. Hospitals must have extra capacity to deal with a potential new flare-up, he said.
But the president’s preference for a sooner-rather-than-later approach was clear. “Some of you are in very, very good shape to open quickly and, if you’d like, according to the guidelines, you could open before the date of May 1,” he told the governors. “If on the other hand you want to take your time,” he added, that would be acceptable. But the president’s preference for a sooner-rather-than-later approach was clear. Mr. Trump has repeatedly said he wants to get the country back to work. But public health officials and many governors have said that Mr. Trump’s desire for normalcy is running into the reality that doing so quickly could lead to more infections and once again overwhelm health systems.
The president has repeatedly said he wants to get the country back to work. But public health officials and many governors have said that Mr. Trump’s desire for normalcy is running into the reality that doing so quickly could lead to more infections and once again overwhelm health systems.
Although capacity has improved in recent weeks, crippling supply shortages for testing remain, and many regions are still restricting tests to people who meet specific criteria. Antibody tests, which reveal whether someone has ever been infected with the virus, are just starting to be rolled out; most have not been vetted by the Food and Drug Administration.Although capacity has improved in recent weeks, crippling supply shortages for testing remain, and many regions are still restricting tests to people who meet specific criteria. Antibody tests, which reveal whether someone has ever been infected with the virus, are just starting to be rolled out; most have not been vetted by the Food and Drug Administration.
Many localities are still having trouble getting test results back in a timely manner. Public health experts have also said that a far more comprehensive testing program should be established before stay-at-home orders are lifted to test not only those who feel sick but also to get a better sense of how many people in a community might be infected without symptoms and to be ready to contain any future outbreaks.
On another conference call Thursday morning, Mr. Trump repeatedly told House lawmakers that people around the country were eager to get the economy moving again. He drew attention to protests in some states, saying that Americans were angry. And he hinted that 29 states were ready to reopen, according to a lawmaker who was on the call and described it on condition of anonymity.On another conference call Thursday morning, Mr. Trump repeatedly told House lawmakers that people around the country were eager to get the economy moving again. He drew attention to protests in some states, saying that Americans were angry. And he hinted that 29 states were ready to reopen, according to a lawmaker who was on the call and described it on condition of anonymity.
Democrats and Republicans tried repeatedly to impress on the president that testing capacity and contact tracing were paramount to reopening. Representative Jimmy Panetta, Democrat of California, gently warned that reopening too quickly could be dangerous. Another lawmaker suggested creating a testing industry board that could coordinate and speed up the development of test kits. Mr. Trump told the lawmakers that his team was working on expanding availability.Democrats and Republicans tried repeatedly to impress on the president that testing capacity and contact tracing were paramount to reopening. Representative Jimmy Panetta, Democrat of California, gently warned that reopening too quickly could be dangerous. Another lawmaker suggested creating a testing industry board that could coordinate and speed up the development of test kits. Mr. Trump told the lawmakers that his team was working on expanding availability.
Democrats on Capitol Hill have called for a $30 billion investment in testing capacity across the country, including hiring people to perform contact tracing.Democrats on Capitol Hill have called for a $30 billion investment in testing capacity across the country, including hiring people to perform contact tracing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was expected to hire hundreds of people to perform contact tracing as part of his push to allow the country to go back to work and school, a top government official said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans to hire hundreds of contact tracers, who locate those who have been exposed to the coronavirus, as part of President Trump’s push to reopen the country, a top government official said.
And the C.D.C. is in discussions to divert 25,000 Census Bureau workers to do contact tracing, or tracking down people who have been exposed to the coronavirus, in the coming weeks and months as the country starts to reopen. The C.D.C. is also in discussions to divert 25,000 Census Bureau workers to do contact tracing in the coming weeks and months. The census workers, who had been hired to go door to door collecting household data for the 2020 Census, would turn to contact tracing for perhaps two months, according to a federal official. The Census Bureau on Monday asked for a delay in collecting and delivering data; its field offices have been closed since mid-March and will not reopen until June at the earliest.
The census workers, who had been hired to go door to door collecting household data for the 2020 Census, would turn to contact tracing for perhaps two months, according to a federal official. The Census Bureau on Monday asked for a delay in collecting and delivering data; its field offices have been closed since mid-March and will not reopen until June at the earliest.
The census workers would join some 500 C.D.C. workers who are already embedded in the states and who will now turn to contact tracing, the official said. In addition, the C.D.C. will provide grants to states to hire additional contact tracers; Peace Corps volunteers who have returned from posts around the world because of the virus also may join the effort.The census workers would join some 500 C.D.C. workers who are already embedded in the states and who will now turn to contact tracing, the official said. In addition, the C.D.C. will provide grants to states to hire additional contact tracers; Peace Corps volunteers who have returned from posts around the world because of the virus also may join the effort.
Massachusetts is the first state to invest in an ambitious contact-tracing program, budgeting $44 million to hire 1,000 people to track the outbreak.Massachusetts is the first state to invest in an ambitious contact-tracing program, budgeting $44 million to hire 1,000 people to track the outbreak.
“The president will announce a plan in the works to drastically increase the capacity for state and local health departments to do core public health work like testing people, doing contact tracing,” said the official, who declined to be identified because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the announcement. “We want to beef up state capacity to be able to perform core functions, so that if and when we start to open the country back up, we don’t have a resurgence of cases to require the country to shut back down.”“The president will announce a plan in the works to drastically increase the capacity for state and local health departments to do core public health work like testing people, doing contact tracing,” said the official, who declined to be identified because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the announcement. “We want to beef up state capacity to be able to perform core functions, so that if and when we start to open the country back up, we don’t have a resurgence of cases to require the country to shut back down.”
Thomas R. Frieden, a former C.D.C. director, said there were estimates that the country would need to hire as many as 300,000 such workers.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said on Thursday that the House could soon approve a change to its rules to allow for an alternative to in-person voting, conceding for the first time that the pandemic that has forced Congress into an extended recess could prompt historic modifications to how the institution operates.Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said on Thursday that the House could soon approve a change to its rules to allow for an alternative to in-person voting, conceding for the first time that the pandemic that has forced Congress into an extended recess could prompt historic modifications to how the institution operates.
The comments were a distinct shift from her earlier resistance to considering any change that would allow lawmakers to vote remotely, although she added that the matter was far from settled.The comments were a distinct shift from her earlier resistance to considering any change that would allow lawmakers to vote remotely, although she added that the matter was far from settled.
Congressional leaders have been under mounting pressure to consider an alternative to returning to the Capitol, as it has become increasingly clear that their approach to doing business from afar is bumping up against its logistical and political limits.Congressional leaders have been under mounting pressure to consider an alternative to returning to the Capitol, as it has become increasingly clear that their approach to doing business from afar is bumping up against its logistical and political limits.
In a conference call with Democrats on Thursday, Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the chairman of the Rules Committee who has been studying the issue at the speaker’s request, recommended changing House rules to allow remote voting by proxy, according to one person on the private call who described it on condition of anonymity.In a conference call with Democrats on Thursday, Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the chairman of the Rules Committee who has been studying the issue at the speaker’s request, recommended changing House rules to allow remote voting by proxy, according to one person on the private call who described it on condition of anonymity.
Mr. McGovern later released a statement explaining his idea for what he called “low-tech remote voting,” in which lawmakers who cannot travel to Washington because of the pandemic could give specific instructions on each vote to a colleague who is authorized to vote on their behalf.Mr. McGovern later released a statement explaining his idea for what he called “low-tech remote voting,” in which lawmakers who cannot travel to Washington because of the pandemic could give specific instructions on each vote to a colleague who is authorized to vote on their behalf.
“This system would enable members to vote remotely in a secure way, without using the kind of technology that is susceptible to hacking or interference by foreign bad actors,” Mr. McGovern said. He said he hoped the House would agree to the change unanimously; otherwise lawmakers would have to return to Washington to vote on it in person. He said he hoped the House would agree to the change unanimously; otherwise lawmakers would have to return to Washington to vote on it in person.
A federal loan program intended to help small businesses keep workers on their payrolls has proved woefully insufficient, with a staggering 22 million Americans filing for unemployment in the last four weeks.A federal loan program intended to help small businesses keep workers on their payrolls has proved woefully insufficient, with a staggering 22 million Americans filing for unemployment in the last four weeks.
The program, called the Paycheck Protection Program, was in limbo as the Small Business Administration said Thursday that it had run out of money. Millions of businesses were unable to apply for the loans while Congress struggled to reach a deal to replenish the funds.The program, called the Paycheck Protection Program, was in limbo as the Small Business Administration said Thursday that it had run out of money. Millions of businesses were unable to apply for the loans while Congress struggled to reach a deal to replenish the funds.
Congress initially allocated $349 billion for the program, which was intended to provide loans to businesses with 500 or fewer employees. The money went quickly, with more than 1.4 million loans approved as of Wednesday evening.Congress initially allocated $349 billion for the program, which was intended to provide loans to businesses with 500 or fewer employees. The money went quickly, with more than 1.4 million loans approved as of Wednesday evening.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Jovita Carranza, the administrator of the Small Business Administration, warned on Wednesday night that “by law, the S.B.A. will not be able to issue new loan approvals once the programs experience a lapse in appropriations.”Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Jovita Carranza, the administrator of the Small Business Administration, warned on Wednesday night that “by law, the S.B.A. will not be able to issue new loan approvals once the programs experience a lapse in appropriations.”
The loans have been sought after as small businesses struggle with quarantines and closures, which have quickly depleted cash flows as businesses remain shuttered and customers stay home.The loans have been sought after as small businesses struggle with quarantines and closures, which have quickly depleted cash flows as businesses remain shuttered and customers stay home.
The program underwrites bank loans for small businesses that will never need to be repaid if owners use most of the money to keep paying employees for two and a half months. Economists and business lobbyists warned when the bill was being debated that the money was nowhere close to the $1 trillion or more that companies would need.The program underwrites bank loans for small businesses that will never need to be repaid if owners use most of the money to keep paying employees for two and a half months. Economists and business lobbyists warned when the bill was being debated that the money was nowhere close to the $1 trillion or more that companies would need.
While both parties agree on the need to replenish the program, talks have broken down over whether to simply fill the pot, as Republicans and the White House want, or make significant changes to how money is allocated to businesses, as Democrats have demanded.While both parties agree on the need to replenish the program, talks have broken down over whether to simply fill the pot, as Republicans and the White House want, or make significant changes to how money is allocated to businesses, as Democrats have demanded.
Democrats have insisted on attaching new restrictions to ensure that the money flows to minority-owned businesses and other companies that are traditionally disadvantaged in the lending market. They also want to add more money for hospitals, food-stamp recipients and state and local governments whose tax receipts have plunged.Democrats have insisted on attaching new restrictions to ensure that the money flows to minority-owned businesses and other companies that are traditionally disadvantaged in the lending market. They also want to add more money for hospitals, food-stamp recipients and state and local governments whose tax receipts have plunged.
More than 5.2 million workers were added on Thursday to the unemployment tally, another staggering increase that is sure to add fuel to the debate over how long to impose stay-at-home orders and restrictions on business activity. Even as political leaders wrangle over how and when to restart the American economy, the coronavirus pandemic’s devastation became more evident Thursday with more than 5.2 million workers added to the tally of the unemployed.
In the last four weeks, the number of unemployment claims has reached 22 million — roughly the net number of jobs created in a nine-and-a-half-year stretch that began after the last recession and ended with the arrival of the pandemic. The latest figure from the Labor Department, reflecting last week’s initial unemployment claims, underscores how the downdraft has spread to every corner of the economy: hotels and restaurants, mass retailers, manufacturers and white-collar strongholds like law firms. In the last four weeks, the number of unemployment claims has reached 22 million — roughly the net number of jobs created in a nine-and-a-half-year stretch that began after the last recession and ended with the pandemic’s arrival.
“There’s nowhere to hide,” said Diane Swonk, the chief economist at Grant Thornton in Chicago. “This is the deepest, fastest, most broad-based recession we’ve ever seen.” The latest figure from the Labor Department, reflecting last week’s initial claims, underscores how the downdraft has spread to every corner of the economy.
Some of the new jobless claims represent newly laid-off workers; others are from people who had been trying for a week or more to file. “There’s nowhere to hide,” said Diane Swonk, chief economist at Grant Thornton in Chicago. “This is the deepest, fastest, most broad-based recession we’ve ever seen.”
The mounting unemployment numbers seem certain to add to pressure to lift some restrictions on business activity. Mr. Trump has said some measures should be relaxed soon because of the effect on workers. “There has to be a balance,” he said at a press briefing Wednesday evening. “We have to get back to work.” The mounting unemployment numbers seem certain to add to pressure to lift some restrictions on business activity. President Trump on Thursday announced new guidelines for states eager to reopen, but many governors and health experts are more cautious.
Many governors and health experts are more cautious. If business conditions return to normal too quickly, they fear, a second wave of infections could spread. “For all practical purposes, the U.S. economy is closed, so why would you expect layoffs to stop?” said Torsten Slok, the chief economist at Deutsche Bank Securities.
“For all practical purposes, the U.S. economy is closed, so why would you expect layoffs to stop?” said Torsten Slok, chief economist at Deutsche Bank Securities. “The longer the wait to reopen, the more painful it will be in terms of layoffs. Getting a date for reopening and getting more certainty about reopening is critical.” The coming wave of hardship is likely to widen racial disparities, with poverty projected to rise twice as much among blacks as among whites.
Mr. Slok expects the unemployment rate to hit 17 percent this month, up from 4.4 percent in March and higher than any mark since the Great Depression. If quarterly unemployment hits 30 percent — as the president of one Federal Reserve Bank predicted — 15.4 percent of Americans will fall into poverty for the year, researchers found, even in the unlikely event that the economy immediately recovers. That level of poverty would exceed the peak of the Great Recession and add nearly 10 million people to the ranks of the poor.
The coming wave of hardship is likely to widen racial disparities, with poverty projected to rise twice as much among blacks as among whites. Poverty is also likely to rise disproportionately among children, a special concern because brain science shows that early deprivation can leave lifelong scars.
If quarterly unemployment hits 30 percent — as the president of one Federal Reserve Bank predicts — 15.4 percent of Americans will fall into poverty for the year, the Columbia researchers found, even in the unlikely event the economy instantly recovers. That level of poverty would exceed the peak of the Great Recession and add nearly 10 million people to the ranks of the poor.
There are significant caveats. Most important, the model does not yet include the potentially large anti-poverty effect of the Cares Act, the emergency legislation passed last month that provides about $560 billion in direct relief to individuals and even greater sums to sustain businesses and jobs. However imprecise, the model suggests a coming poverty epoch, rather than an episode.
Fed up with the broad restrictions on American life, and in some cases encouraged by antigovernment activists on the right, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across the country to urge governors to reopen businesses and relax the strict rules that health officials have said are necessary to save lives.Fed up with the broad restrictions on American life, and in some cases encouraged by antigovernment activists on the right, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across the country to urge governors to reopen businesses and relax the strict rules that health officials have said are necessary to save lives.
Thousands of demonstrators in cars jammed the streets around the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., saying the restrictions were drowning small businesses. In Frankfort, Ky., dozens of people shouted through a Capitol building window, nearly drowning out Gov. Andy Beshear as he held a news conference. And in Raleigh, N.C., at least one woman was arrested during a protest that drew more than 100 people, The News & Observer reported. Thousands of demonstrators in cars jammed the streets around the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich. In Frankfort, Ky., dozens of people shouted through a Capitol building window, and in Raleigh, N.C., at least one woman was arrested during a protest that drew more than 100 people, The News & Observer reported.
More protests against stay-at-home orders have been planned in other states, including California, Oregon and Texas, as economic and health effects mount.More protests against stay-at-home orders have been planned in other states, including California, Oregon and Texas, as economic and health effects mount.
Some organizers and demonstrators had affiliations with the Tea Party and displayed the “Don’t Tread on Me” logo that was an unofficial slogan for the movement. Others waved flags and banners in support of Mr. Trump, who has pushed to reopen the economy.Some organizers and demonstrators had affiliations with the Tea Party and displayed the “Don’t Tread on Me” logo that was an unofficial slogan for the movement. Others waved flags and banners in support of Mr. Trump, who has pushed to reopen the economy.
But the size of the protests in places like Michigan suggested that anger over the indefinite nature of the lockdowns was not limited to the far right, and that public patience had a limit. As anxiety, uncertainty and joblessness grow, the next few weeks will pose a test for governors and local leaders who are likely to face increased pressure to loosen restrictions. But the size of the protests in places like Michigan suggested that anger over the indefinite nature of the lockdowns was not limited to the far right, and that public patience had a limit.
In Michigan alone, more than one million people — roughly a quarter of the state’s work force — have filed for unemployment benefits.
Greg McNeilly, a Republican consultant in the state who has criticized the governor’s response, said that while the protests included fringe elements of the right, politicians would be mistaken if they dismissed them outright.
“At the heart of this is legitimate concern that, look, we can’t beat this virus without a vaccine or herd immunity,” he said. “And right now it feels like our policymakers, state and federal, are choosing fear instead of saying, ‘How can we live safely with this?’”
Early research on underlying health conditions associated with the virus has highlighted that obesity appears to be one of the most important predictors of severe cases of the coronavirus illness, but asthma does not.Early research on underlying health conditions associated with the virus has highlighted that obesity appears to be one of the most important predictors of severe cases of the coronavirus illness, but asthma does not.
New studies point to obesity as the most significant risk factor, after only older age, for patients being hospitalized with Covid-19, the illness caused by the virus. Some 42 percent of American adults — nearly 80 million people — live with obesity. Young adults with obesity appear to be at particular risk, studies show.New studies point to obesity as the most significant risk factor, after only older age, for patients being hospitalized with Covid-19, the illness caused by the virus. Some 42 percent of American adults — nearly 80 million people — live with obesity. Young adults with obesity appear to be at particular risk, studies show.
The research is preliminary, and not peer reviewed, but it buttresses anecdotal reports from doctors who say they have been struck by how many seriously ill younger patients of theirs with obesity are otherwise healthy.The research is preliminary, and not peer reviewed, but it buttresses anecdotal reports from doctors who say they have been struck by how many seriously ill younger patients of theirs with obesity are otherwise healthy.
For people with asthma, the outbreak of a disease that can lead to respiratory failure was particularly worrisome. Many health organizations have cautioned that asthmatics are most likely at higher risk for severe illness if they get the virus.For people with asthma, the outbreak of a disease that can lead to respiratory failure was particularly worrisome. Many health organizations have cautioned that asthmatics are most likely at higher risk for severe illness if they get the virus.
But data released this month by New York State shows that, only about five percent of Covid-19 deaths in New York were of people who were known to also have asthma, a relatively modest amount. Nearly eight percent of the U.S. population — close to 25 million people — has asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.But data released this month by New York State shows that, only about five percent of Covid-19 deaths in New York were of people who were known to also have asthma, a relatively modest amount. Nearly eight percent of the U.S. population — close to 25 million people — has asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The research into the effects of asthma at this early stage is minimal and not always consistent. A recent commentary published in Lancet by a group of European researchers called it “striking” that asthma appeared to be underrepresented as a secondary health problem associated with Covid-19, and anecdotal evidence supports that observation.The research into the effects of asthma at this early stage is minimal and not always consistent. A recent commentary published in Lancet by a group of European researchers called it “striking” that asthma appeared to be underrepresented as a secondary health problem associated with Covid-19, and anecdotal evidence supports that observation.
“We’re not seeing a lot of patients with asthma,” said Dr. Bushra Mina, a pulmonary and critical care physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, which has treated more than 800 Covid cases. The more common risk factors, he added, are “morbid obesity, diabetes and chronic heart disease.”“We’re not seeing a lot of patients with asthma,” said Dr. Bushra Mina, a pulmonary and critical care physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, which has treated more than 800 Covid cases. The more common risk factors, he added, are “morbid obesity, diabetes and chronic heart disease.”
New York’s sweeping shutdown will last until at least May 15, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Thursday as he urged people to prepare for a “new normal” while the state sputtered into reopening over the next few months.New York’s sweeping shutdown will last until at least May 15, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Thursday as he urged people to prepare for a “new normal” while the state sputtered into reopening over the next few months.
“This is going to be a moment of transformation for society, and we paid a very high price for it,” he said. “But how do we learn the lessons so that this new normal is a better New York?”“This is going to be a moment of transformation for society, and we paid a very high price for it,” he said. “But how do we learn the lessons so that this new normal is a better New York?”
The governor’s guidance, including that businesses begin considering how to “reimagine” workplaces by weighing more regular use of telecommuting and sustained social distancing, came as he announced that his state’s official death toll had risen by 606 to 12,192, an increase in fatalities that was the state’s lowest in 10 days. (The tally did not include the more than 3,700 people in New York City who had died during the outbreak without being tested and were now presumed to have died because of the virus.)The governor’s guidance, including that businesses begin considering how to “reimagine” workplaces by weighing more regular use of telecommuting and sustained social distancing, came as he announced that his state’s official death toll had risen by 606 to 12,192, an increase in fatalities that was the state’s lowest in 10 days. (The tally did not include the more than 3,700 people in New York City who had died during the outbreak without being tested and were now presumed to have died because of the virus.)
Although Mr. Cuomo and other public officials have been encouraged by some statistics suggesting that New York’s efforts to stop the spread of the virus were working, he cautioned that reopening too hastily would cause the infection rate to swell.Although Mr. Cuomo and other public officials have been encouraged by some statistics suggesting that New York’s efforts to stop the spread of the virus were working, he cautioned that reopening too hastily would cause the infection rate to swell.
“The rate of infection is everything,” said Mr. Cuomo, who is coordinating with other Northeast governors on a strategy for restarting the bulk of the economy.“The rate of infection is everything,” said Mr. Cuomo, who is coordinating with other Northeast governors on a strategy for restarting the bulk of the economy.
Mr. Cuomo signaled that “more essential” businesses with a low infection risk would be prioritized for reopening, though he did not articulate a specific timeline. “Less essential” industries with a high infection risk, one of his presentation slides said, would be the “last priority — dependent on infection decline and precautions put in place.”Mr. Cuomo signaled that “more essential” businesses with a low infection risk would be prioritized for reopening, though he did not articulate a specific timeline. “Less essential” industries with a high infection risk, one of his presentation slides said, would be the “last priority — dependent on infection decline and precautions put in place.”
Other states and cities also extended stay-at-home orders. Wisconsin’s governor said his state would now stay at home until May 26, with schools also being closed for the rest of the academic year. Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, Mo., and Sam Page, the St. Louis County executive, also announced that they would extend their stay-at-home mandates. On Wednesday, despite pushback, Idaho’s governor extended his statewide order through the end of April, telling residents, “I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do for the people of Idaho.”Other states and cities also extended stay-at-home orders. Wisconsin’s governor said his state would now stay at home until May 26, with schools also being closed for the rest of the academic year. Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, Mo., and Sam Page, the St. Louis County executive, also announced that they would extend their stay-at-home mandates. On Wednesday, despite pushback, Idaho’s governor extended his statewide order through the end of April, telling residents, “I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do for the people of Idaho.”
Back in New York, the economic consequences of the pandemic came into clearer view when Mayor Bill de Blasio said that New York City would need at least $2 billion in “very tough budget cuts” in its next fiscal year. His proposal forecasts an extraordinary drop in the city government’s tax revenue: some $7.4 billion over the current fiscal year and the next.Back in New York, the economic consequences of the pandemic came into clearer view when Mayor Bill de Blasio said that New York City would need at least $2 billion in “very tough budget cuts” in its next fiscal year. His proposal forecasts an extraordinary drop in the city government’s tax revenue: some $7.4 billion over the current fiscal year and the next.
George Soros, the billionaire philanthropist and liberal financier, is directing more than $130 million through his foundation to combat the effects of the virus, with $37 million aimed to help at-risk populations in New York City, including undocumented families and low-wage workers.George Soros, the billionaire philanthropist and liberal financier, is directing more than $130 million through his foundation to combat the effects of the virus, with $37 million aimed to help at-risk populations in New York City, including undocumented families and low-wage workers.
More immediately, the state’s latest high-profile tactic to quell the virus — a requirement for people to wear facial coverings in public when they cannot maintain six feet of social distancing — will take effect at 8 p.m. on Friday. It applies to settings like sidewalks and grocery stores as well as buses, subway cars and ride-share services. The move came after officials in Honolulu, Los Angeles and Washington imposed some requirements for people to cover their faces.More immediately, the state’s latest high-profile tactic to quell the virus — a requirement for people to wear facial coverings in public when they cannot maintain six feet of social distancing — will take effect at 8 p.m. on Friday. It applies to settings like sidewalks and grocery stores as well as buses, subway cars and ride-share services. The move came after officials in Honolulu, Los Angeles and Washington imposed some requirements for people to cover their faces.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear cloth face coverings to protect those around them, a move that came after research showed that many people were infected but did not show symptoms. (Public health officials have warned against buying or hoarding the N95 masks needed by health care workers.)The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear cloth face coverings to protect those around them, a move that came after research showed that many people were infected but did not show symptoms. (Public health officials have warned against buying or hoarding the N95 masks needed by health care workers.)
Health officials have urged people to combine face coverings with social distancing, suggesting that one tactic did not replace the need for the other.Health officials have urged people to combine face coverings with social distancing, suggesting that one tactic did not replace the need for the other.
The virus has been sweeping through nursing homes across the country and claiming the lives of thousands of residents who are particularly vulnerable — the elderly, many with underlying health issues, who are living in close quarters, as well as the people who care for them.The virus has been sweeping through nursing homes across the country and claiming the lives of thousands of residents who are particularly vulnerable — the elderly, many with underlying health issues, who are living in close quarters, as well as the people who care for them.
In a small New Jersey township, police on Monday found 17 dead bodies inside a nursing home morgue designed to hold four people. This brought the death toll at the long-term care facility to 68, including 26 people who tested positive.In a small New Jersey township, police on Monday found 17 dead bodies inside a nursing home morgue designed to hold four people. This brought the death toll at the long-term care facility to 68, including 26 people who tested positive.
After the first positive test came back at a Virginia nursing home in mid-March, its administrator said the staff restricted visitors, conducted temperature checks at the end of every worker’s shift and isolated residents who had tested positive into separate areas.After the first positive test came back at a Virginia nursing home in mid-March, its administrator said the staff restricted visitors, conducted temperature checks at the end of every worker’s shift and isolated residents who had tested positive into separate areas.
Even so, there suddenly was another case, and testing was still not widely available. Within two weeks, dozens of others inside the facility, the Canterbury Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Richmond, Va., were falling ill. Now, at least 46 residents are dead — more than a quarter of the facility’s population and one of the highest known death tolls in the United States.Even so, there suddenly was another case, and testing was still not widely available. Within two weeks, dozens of others inside the facility, the Canterbury Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Richmond, Va., were falling ill. Now, at least 46 residents are dead — more than a quarter of the facility’s population and one of the highest known death tolls in the United States.
“You can’t fight what you can’t see,” said Dr. Jim Wright, the director of the center.“You can’t fight what you can’t see,” said Dr. Jim Wright, the director of the center.
Country after country around the world concluded on Thursday that restrictions on public life needed to be tougher or longer-lasting than they had planned, settling in for a longer, harder fight than they expected against the pandemic.Country after country around the world concluded on Thursday that restrictions on public life needed to be tougher or longer-lasting than they had planned, settling in for a longer, harder fight than they expected against the pandemic.
And along with the frustration and pain, anger and recrimination have flared in many places, as they have in the United States.And along with the frustration and pain, anger and recrimination have flared in many places, as they have in the United States.
In Japan, where the epidemic is surging, the government abandoned its much criticized, relatively laissez-faire approach and declared a national emergency — though the constraints on people and businesses remain voluntary.In Japan, where the epidemic is surging, the government abandoned its much criticized, relatively laissez-faire approach and declared a national emergency — though the constraints on people and businesses remain voluntary.
Britain had set this week as the time to review, and possibly lift, its original lockdown order, but instead extended it for three weeks, as conditions there continued to worsen. Just a few days earlier, France had stretched its restrictions into May.Britain had set this week as the time to review, and possibly lift, its original lockdown order, but instead extended it for three weeks, as conditions there continued to worsen. Just a few days earlier, France had stretched its restrictions into May.
Australia, despite having a small and declining number of cases, extended its lockdown for at least four weeks, and Greece, bowing to concerns about the virus hitting crowded migrant camps, said it would move thousands of people out of them.Australia, despite having a small and declining number of cases, extended its lockdown for at least four weeks, and Greece, bowing to concerns about the virus hitting crowded migrant camps, said it would move thousands of people out of them.
Whether you’ve moved back with your parents or simply to a different space to ride out the pandemic, do you have any options if you want to break your lease? Or are you looking for your next home and considering a life-changing purchase during these strange times? We have some answers.Whether you’ve moved back with your parents or simply to a different space to ride out the pandemic, do you have any options if you want to break your lease? Or are you looking for your next home and considering a life-changing purchase during these strange times? We have some answers.
Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Peter Baker, Karen Barrow, Ellen Barry, Alan Blinder, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Emily Cochrane, Michael Cooper, Jason DeParle, Caitlin Dickerson, Nicholas Fandos, Manny Fernandez, Emily Flitter, David Gelles, Abby Goodnough, Adeel Hassan, Neil Irwin, Danielle Ivory, Miriam Jordan, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Sheila Kaplan, Annie Karni, Kate Kelly, Jonathan Martin, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Richard Pérez-Peña, Jeremy Peters, Roni Caryn Rabin, Alan Rappeport, Simon Romero, Marc Santora, Nelson D. Schwartz, Michael D. Shear, Mitch Smith, Matt Stevens, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Jim Tankersley, Katie Thomas, Neil Vigdor and Elizabeth Williamson.Reporting was contributed by Mike Baker, Peter Baker, Karen Barrow, Ellen Barry, Alan Blinder, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Emily Cochrane, Michael Cooper, Jason DeParle, Caitlin Dickerson, Nicholas Fandos, Manny Fernandez, Emily Flitter, David Gelles, Abby Goodnough, Adeel Hassan, Neil Irwin, Danielle Ivory, Miriam Jordan, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Sheila Kaplan, Annie Karni, Kate Kelly, Jonathan Martin, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Richard Pérez-Peña, Jeremy Peters, Roni Caryn Rabin, Alan Rappeport, Simon Romero, Marc Santora, Nelson D. Schwartz, Michael D. Shear, Mitch Smith, Matt Stevens, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Jim Tankersley, Katie Thomas, Neil Vigdor and Elizabeth Williamson.