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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
President Trump said the U.S. would reopen “one careful step at a time,” and told governors they would call the shots about when to lift restrictions in their states.President Trump said the U.S. would reopen “one careful step at a time,” and told governors they would call the shots about when to lift restrictions in their states.
Twenty-two million American workers have filed new unemployment claims in the four weeks since pandemic-prompted shutdowns took hold.Twenty-two million American workers have filed new unemployment claims in the four weeks since pandemic-prompted shutdowns took hold.
The federal loan program intended to help keep small businesses afloat has run out of money.The federal loan program intended to help keep small businesses afloat has run out of money.
Read the latest updates: World | U.S. | New York | BusinessRead the latest updates: World | U.S. | New York | Business
No matter how well we all practice social distancing, Covid-19 is unlikely to completely disappear. So to safely return to something like normalcy, society needs to be able to spot and swiftly contain new cases that pop up.No matter how well we all practice social distancing, Covid-19 is unlikely to completely disappear. So to safely return to something like normalcy, society needs to be able to spot and swiftly contain new cases that pop up.
Rapid, widespread testing, once it becomes available, is the key to the spotting part. But since people can spread the virus before they know they have it, effective containment depends both on isolating those who test positive and on checking everyone they’ve come in contact with recently.Rapid, widespread testing, once it becomes available, is the key to the spotting part. But since people can spread the virus before they know they have it, effective containment depends both on isolating those who test positive and on checking everyone they’ve come in contact with recently.
That’s why public health officials say robust contact tracing is a must for reopening the economy, which President Trump hopes will start happening by May 1. But it will be a huge, expensive job.That’s why public health officials say robust contact tracing is a must for reopening the economy, which President Trump hopes will start happening by May 1. But it will be a huge, expensive job.
Mr. Trump is expected to announce as soon as Thursday evening that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hire hundreds of workers to perform contact tracing, and that the federal government will help states pay for their own expanded efforts.Mr. Trump is expected to announce as soon as Thursday evening that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hire hundreds of workers to perform contact tracing, and that the federal government will help states pay for their own expanded efforts.
Contact tracing has already helped in Asian countries like South Korea and Singapore, but their systems rely heavily on digital surveillance, using location data from smartphones and other digital footprints to automatically alert contacts — a privacy intrusion that many Americans wouldn’t accept.Contact tracing has already helped in Asian countries like South Korea and Singapore, but their systems rely heavily on digital surveillance, using location data from smartphones and other digital footprints to automatically alert contacts — a privacy intrusion that many Americans wouldn’t accept.
So Massachusetts, the first U.S. state to invest in an ambitious new contact-tracing program for Covid-19, is doing it the manual way.So Massachusetts, the first U.S. state to invest in an ambitious new contact-tracing program for Covid-19, is doing it the manual way.
The state is spending $44 million and hiring 1,000 workers to reach out by phone to everyone who has had recent contact with a confirmed case. The workers explain the situation, ask about symptoms, go over quarantine requirements and arrange help if the person needs it.The state is spending $44 million and hiring 1,000 workers to reach out by phone to everyone who has had recent contact with a confirmed case. The workers explain the situation, ask about symptoms, go over quarantine requirements and arrange help if the person needs it.
“This is where the human element of public health comes in,” one of the state’s new contact tracers, David Novak, told our New England correspondent Ellen Barry. “You can use technology to make the humans more efficient, but if you take the humans out of it, how do you ask questions?”“This is where the human element of public health comes in,” one of the state’s new contact tracers, David Novak, told our New England correspondent Ellen Barry. “You can use technology to make the humans more efficient, but if you take the humans out of it, how do you ask questions?”
Other places with the same idea: San Francisco is assembling and training 150 volunteers to augment its public health department. Ireland is deploying 1,000 furloughed government workers to do contact tracing.Other places with the same idea: San Francisco is assembling and training 150 volunteers to augment its public health department. Ireland is deploying 1,000 furloughed government workers to do contact tracing.
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.
More than 5.2 million workers filed new claims for unemployment benefits last week, bringing the four-week total to a staggering 22 million. That’s roughly the net number of jobs created in the decade since the last recession.More than 5.2 million workers filed new claims for unemployment benefits last week, bringing the four-week total to a staggering 22 million. That’s roughly the net number of jobs created in the decade since the last recession.
But that decade of economic growth was always somewhat misleading: While some people high on the income ladder became very rich, other Americans did not fare as well, and are now less able to weather the current storm. We spoke to Patricia Cohen, who covers the economy for The New York Times, about how workers are struggling in the coronavirus crisis.But that decade of economic growth was always somewhat misleading: While some people high on the income ladder became very rich, other Americans did not fare as well, and are now less able to weather the current storm. We spoke to Patricia Cohen, who covers the economy for The New York Times, about how workers are struggling in the coronavirus crisis.
How has the pandemic exposed hidden weaknesses in the U.S. economy?How has the pandemic exposed hidden weaknesses in the U.S. economy?
Patricia: I think of it like an X-ray that is revealing all these stress fractures, which we couldn’t see from the outside. On the one hand, we’ve had this record-setting economy, with the lowest jobless rate in 50 years. But the work available is often unsteady, insecure and low-paying. Minimum wage is not enough to support a family and cover the most basic necessities of food, rent and health care. And we have a “just in time” economy: People’s hours fluctuate erratically. It helps businesses make money, but the worker loses that income.Patricia: I think of it like an X-ray that is revealing all these stress fractures, which we couldn’t see from the outside. On the one hand, we’ve had this record-setting economy, with the lowest jobless rate in 50 years. But the work available is often unsteady, insecure and low-paying. Minimum wage is not enough to support a family and cover the most basic necessities of food, rent and health care. And we have a “just in time” economy: People’s hours fluctuate erratically. It helps businesses make money, but the worker loses that income.
Now that system is being tested in a way it hasn’t before.Now that system is being tested in a way it hasn’t before.
Exactly. Many people were already living on a precipice, and any shock can push them over the edge. So what you’re seeing now is incredible hardship: Because they have no savings, they have nothing to fall back on.Exactly. Many people were already living on a precipice, and any shock can push them over the edge. So what you’re seeing now is incredible hardship: Because they have no savings, they have nothing to fall back on.
What will the recovery look like for workers?What will the recovery look like for workers?
The economy is likely to slowly ramp up, in fits and starts, but a lot of businesses will not come back, and a lot of people will not be rehired. Most analysts think that at this point, we’ll have an 8 or 9 percent unemployment rate into next year, which is where it was in the teeth of the recession.The economy is likely to slowly ramp up, in fits and starts, but a lot of businesses will not come back, and a lot of people will not be rehired. Most analysts think that at this point, we’ll have an 8 or 9 percent unemployment rate into next year, which is where it was in the teeth of the recession.
Emerging research into severe coronavirus cases has found some surprises: Obesity appears to pose a much greater risk than expected, while asthma does the opposite.Emerging research into severe coronavirus cases has found some surprises: Obesity appears to pose a much greater risk than expected, while asthma does the opposite.
People with obesity often have other medical problems as well, but new studies point to obesity itself as the second most significant complicating factor in severe coronavirus cases, after age. Young adults with obesity appear to be at particular risk, even if they have no other health issues.People with obesity often have other medical problems as well, but new studies point to obesity itself as the second most significant complicating factor in severe coronavirus cases, after age. Young adults with obesity appear to be at particular risk, even if they have no other health issues.
It’s not yet known why, though doctors note that abdominal obesity can compress the diaphragm, lungs and chest capacity.It’s not yet known why, though doctors note that abdominal obesity can compress the diaphragm, lungs and chest capacity.
Asthma, on the other hand, has turned up in an unexpectedly low percentage of severe cases — just 5 percent in New York, officials said — and European researchers called the scarcity “striking.”Asthma, on the other hand, has turned up in an unexpectedly low percentage of severe cases — just 5 percent in New York, officials said — and European researchers called the scarcity “striking.”
Doctors stressed that people with asthma were still at risk, and said it was important that they continue taking medications that keep their symptoms in check.Doctors stressed that people with asthma were still at risk, and said it was important that they continue taking medications that keep their symptoms in check.
Like all viruses, the novel coronavirus is mutating as it replicates in the body and passes from person to person — which can make it harder to develop an effective vaccine.Like all viruses, the novel coronavirus is mutating as it replicates in the body and passes from person to person — which can make it harder to develop an effective vaccine.
An essay from our Opinion pages examines the two ways mutations can play out. With some diseases, like measles, a vaccine corners the virus for good, but with others, like influenza, scientists must continually develop new versions of the vaccine to keep up with new strains of the virus.An essay from our Opinion pages examines the two ways mutations can play out. With some diseases, like measles, a vaccine corners the virus for good, but with others, like influenza, scientists must continually develop new versions of the vaccine to keep up with new strains of the virus.
Singapore announced a record jump in coronavirus cases, with most of the 447 new cases arising in crowded dormitories for migrant laborers.Singapore announced a record jump in coronavirus cases, with most of the 447 new cases arising in crowded dormitories for migrant laborers.
In India, which has reported more than 12,000 infections and 414 deaths, health officials have been attacked while attempting to conduct health screenings.In India, which has reported more than 12,000 infections and 414 deaths, health officials have been attacked while attempting to conduct health screenings.
Japan declared a national emergency and said it would provide individuals with cash payments of 100,000 yen, or nearly $1,000.Japan declared a national emergency and said it would provide individuals with cash payments of 100,000 yen, or nearly $1,000.
The official death count in Spain is closing in on 20,000, but there are signs that the true toll may be far higher. The country is recounting to include any deaths that may have been missed.The official death count in Spain is closing in on 20,000, but there are signs that the true toll may be far higher. The country is recounting to include any deaths that may have been missed.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
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.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
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.
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.
Regulate your diet. If the coronavirus has busted your diet — and you’ve busted out the fat pants — here are some tips to get back on track.Regulate your diet. If the coronavirus has busted your diet — and you’ve busted out the fat pants — here are some tips to get back on track.
Send your condolences. In these times, emailed condolences are fine, but avoid texting; consider your tone, and be direct.Send your condolences. In these times, emailed condolences are fine, but avoid texting; consider your tone, and be direct.
Single, or a single parent? Plan ahead so that friends, neighbors and relatives can help if you fall ill. Stock up on medicines, prepare a go-bag for a hospital stay, and get a medical bracelet if you have special medical conditions.Single, or a single parent? Plan ahead so that friends, neighbors and relatives can help if you fall ill. Stock up on medicines, prepare a go-bag for a hospital stay, and get a medical bracelet if you have special medical conditions.
What if both parents get sick? Identify someone now who could step in, work out a plan for the caretaker, and if you’re not hospitalized, balance your own recovery with child care.What if both parents get sick? Identify someone now who could step in, work out a plan for the caretaker, and if you’re not hospitalized, balance your own recovery with child care.
The World Health Organization has drawn criticism, but a closer look shows that it responded to the epidemic more forcefully and faster than many national governments.The World Health Organization has drawn criticism, but a closer look shows that it responded to the epidemic more forcefully and faster than many national governments.
China’s success in taming the coronavirus has given rise to an increasingly strident blend of patriotism, nationalism and xenophobia.China’s success in taming the coronavirus has given rise to an increasingly strident blend of patriotism, nationalism and xenophobia.
Here’s how one small rural hospital with a single doctor on duty caring for inpatients handled a Covid-19 surge.Here’s how one small rural hospital with a single doctor on duty caring for inpatients handled a Covid-19 surge.
Delivering special education services online is exceedingly difficult. This is what it looks like in New York City, whose public schools serve roughly 200,000 students with disabilities.Delivering special education services online is exceedingly difficult. This is what it looks like in New York City, whose public schools serve roughly 200,000 students with disabilities.
Britain bought $20 million worth of coronavirus tests from China. They didn’t work.Britain bought $20 million worth of coronavirus tests from China. They didn’t work.
Colombia is trying gender-based social distancing: Men can leave the house to seek out essentials on odd-numbered days, women on even-numbered days.Colombia is trying gender-based social distancing: Men can leave the house to seek out essentials on odd-numbered days, women on even-numbered days.
They may be at the epicenter, but they still have their pride: Stuck-at-home New Yorkers compete to see who has the best New York accent.They may be at the epicenter, but they still have their pride: Stuck-at-home New Yorkers compete to see who has the best New York accent.
I am a senior and my boyfriend is 81. He is very nervous about contracting the coronavirus. On Easter, we drove separately to a Thai restaurant and ordered our meals by phone. We picked up the prepared food at the door and ate it in separate cars with the windows rolled down, trying to talk car to car! After lunch, we took a walk and tried to stay six feet apart. Such is life now as a dating senior!I am a senior and my boyfriend is 81. He is very nervous about contracting the coronavirus. On Easter, we drove separately to a Thai restaurant and ordered our meals by phone. We picked up the prepared food at the door and ate it in separate cars with the windows rolled down, trying to talk car to car! After lunch, we took a walk and tried to stay six feet apart. Such is life now as a dating senior!
— Marilyn Matteson, Beaverton, Ore.— Marilyn Matteson, Beaverton, Ore.
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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.