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Coronavirus Live Updates: Georgia Businesses Begin to Reopen; F.D.A. Issues Warning on Anti-Malaria Drugs Coronavirus Live Updates: Georgia Businesses Begin to Reopen; F.D.A. Issues Warning on Anti-Malaria Drugs
(32 minutes later)
Across Georgia, salons and barbershops and other businesses reopened Friday morning after Gov. Brian Kemp defied public opposition from the president, public health experts and some mayors in his state. Salons and barbershops and other businesses reopened across Georgia on Friday after Gov. Brian Kemp defied opposition from the president, public health experts and some mayors in his state.
Lines started forming around 7 a.m. and snaked around some businesses. Mr. Kemp’s order generally allowed barbershops, nail salons, gyms, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors to reopen on Friday. Dine-in service at restaurants will be allowed to resume on Monday.Lines started forming around 7 a.m. and snaked around some businesses. Mr. Kemp’s order generally allowed barbershops, nail salons, gyms, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors to reopen on Friday. Dine-in service at restaurants will be allowed to resume on Monday.
The move to reopen in Georgia on Friday, along with similar plans in Oklahoma and Alaska, is being closely scrutinized as other governors consider future steps for their own states.The move to reopen in Georgia on Friday, along with similar plans in Oklahoma and Alaska, is being closely scrutinized as other governors consider future steps for their own states.
After initially backing the Georgia governor’s plan, President Trump on Friday denied that support and said some businesses in the state “should take a little slower path.”After initially backing the Georgia governor’s plan, President Trump on Friday denied that support and said some businesses in the state “should take a little slower path.”
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta urged people to stay home.Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta urged people to stay home.
“Listen to the scientists,” Ms. Bottoms said Friday on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “There is nothing essential about going to a bowling alley or getting a manicure in the middle of a pandemic.” “Listen to the scientists,” she said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “There is nothing essential about going to a bowling alley or getting a manicure in the middle of a pandemic.”
But at a shopping center on Auburn Avenue, the heart of Atlanta’s historic black business district, every spot in the parking lot was full. There are two barbershops in the shopping center, and both were open and receiving a slow trickle of customers. Few employees were wearing masks. But at a shopping center on Auburn Avenue, the heart of Atlanta’s historic black business district, every spot in the parking lot was full. The two barbershops in the center were open and receiving a slow trickle of customers. Few employees were wearing masks.
In Georgia, government statistics show the state has recorded more than 22,000 virus cases and that at least 892 people have died. In Buckhead, an upscale district of Atlanta, Chris Edwards opened his barbershop at 7 a.m. and expected few customers. Instead, he got a modest stream of visitors.
The pain in Georgia has not been spread evenly. In rural Dougherty County, which includes Albany, officials have reported nearly 1,500 known cases and 108 deaths. “I’ve been to Kroger and Home Depot a thousand times,” said Tom Clarke, 59, an Atlanta native who works in real estate and construction. He said he had been frustrated by the restrictions. Asked why he ventured out, he tugged at his mop of gray hair. “I’m coming because I need a haircut desperately,” he said.
Authorities found that a funeral for a retired janitor that brought more than 200 people into a small memorial chapel in Albany, a city of 75,000 people and the county seat, was the source of the outbreak. Chatham County, which includes Savannah, and which has more than twice as many residents as Dougherty County, has 200 known cases and six deaths. Government statistics show the state has recorded more than 22,000 virus cases and that at least 892 people have died.
The most overall cases are concentrated in the Atlanta area. But the highest per capita rates are in the state’s southwest. In addition to Dougherty County, the situation has been notably bleak in Sumter, Lee, Mitchell, Early and Terrell C Some parts of the state are still seeing cases rising. Hall County is seeing more reported cases, according to a federal briefing obtained by The New York Times, which noted that “North Georgia Medical Center estimates that with the current trajectory of increased cases, the center will be at staffing capacity on May 4th.” The medical center’s website projects that cases there will not peak until early June.
ounties. Black Georgians make up a plurality of cases and deaths, even though they account for only about one-third of the state’s population. In Thursday tweets, Mr. Kemp said the state had been “successful in our efforts to protect Georgians and our state’s health care infrastructure.”
In a series of tweets on Thursday night, Mr. Kemp said the state had been “successful in our efforts to protect Georgians and our state’s health care infrastructure.”
“Now, with favorable data and approval from state health officials, we are taking another measured step forward by opening shuttered businesses for limited operations,” he continued. “I know these hardworking Georgians will prioritize the safety of their employees and customers.”“Now, with favorable data and approval from state health officials, we are taking another measured step forward by opening shuttered businesses for limited operations,” he continued. “I know these hardworking Georgians will prioritize the safety of their employees and customers.”
Even as some hairstylists were readying work spaces for their first customers in weeks on Friday morning in Georgia, others said they would stay home, afraid of spreading the virus to clients. “You can go to the beauty salon, the barber!” a DJ declared on Hot 107.9, one of the hip-hop radio stations in Atlanta, on Friday. “You can get your nails done!”
In Atlanta, Lindsey Maxfield, 33, a hair stylist, said she was glad her workplace, Cameo Salon, would remain closed. “Having people come to the salon is ridiculous,” she said. Between songs, Erin Rae, the station’s midday host, opened up the phone lines, asking callers if they were taking advantage of the change in restrictions.
“No, ma’am!” the first woman on the line said. “I am not going out! No way, any way!”
As businesses in Georgia first began to welcome customers, beaches had already started to reopen in Florida and retail stores reopened their doors in South Carolina.As businesses in Georgia first began to welcome customers, beaches had already started to reopen in Florida and retail stores reopened their doors in South Carolina.
But the loosening of restrictions in several states on Friday represents the first wider test of how the nation will inch toward a new future, where people may be able to book manicures by appointment only and newly reopened restaurants will serve only a few customers at a time.But the loosening of restrictions in several states on Friday represents the first wider test of how the nation will inch toward a new future, where people may be able to book manicures by appointment only and newly reopened restaurants will serve only a few customers at a time.
Alaska on Friday lifted some restrictions for restaurants, retail stores and personal care services, like hair and nail salons. But some local governments and Native Alaskan tribal groups were pushing back. In Anchorage, the state’s largest city, the mayor said he had authority over reopening schedules and rules, and he planned to outline the city’s response on Friday. Alaska lifted some restrictions for restaurants, retail stores and personal care services, like hair and nail salons. But some local governments and Native Alaskan tribal groups were pushing back. In Anchorage, the state’s largest city, the mayor said he had authority over reopening schedules and rules, and he planned to outline the city’s response.
In Oklahoma, salons and state parks were scheduled to open back up on Friday, followed by restaurants and houses of worship in May.In Oklahoma, salons and state parks were scheduled to open back up on Friday, followed by restaurants and houses of worship in May.
A number of other states, including Ohio, have discussed the possibility of a phased reopening starting as soon as early May. The state-by-state approach means that there is no one unified strategy for reopening the nation. Some other states, including Ohio, have discussed the possibility of a phased reopening starting as soon as early May. The different approaches means that there is no one unified strategy for reopening the nation. Some are opening up salons and barbershops first. Others started with retail stores and kept salons closed. There is even confusion within each state, with questions about whether a governor’s decision to reopen superceded local orders to stay home.
Some states are opening up salons and barbershops first. Others started with retail stores and kept salons closed. There is even confusion within each state, with questions about whether a governor’s decision to reopen trumped local orders to stay home. But most everywhere, officials seemed to agree that a phased-in approach was needed. In Colorado, where a stay-at-home order is scheduled to expire on Sunday, the governor described a new phase starting next week, in which doctors can begin doing elective medical procedures and retail businesses will be able to open for curbside pickup. But he said residents should still expect to maintain 60 to 65 percent physical distancing. “We still have work to do,” he said. “We are not through the woods yet.”
But most everywhere, officials seemed to agree that a phased-in approach was needed. In Colorado, where a stay-at-home order is scheduled to expire on Sunday, Gov. Jared Polis described a new phase starting next week, in which doctors can begin doing elective medical procedures and retail businesses will be able to open for curbside pickup. But he said residents should still expect to maintain 60 to 65 percent physical distancing. “We still have work to do,” he said. “We are not through the woods yet.” In Idaho, the governor outlined a detailed plan for reopening in four stages, starting with houses of worship in early May. The approach would ramp up reopening with restaurants, gyms and salons in late May, but keep large, recreational venues, like nightclubs and movie theaters, closed until at least late June.
In Idaho, Gov. Brad Little outlined a detailed plan for reopening in four stages, starting with houses of worship in early May. The approach would ramp up reopening with restaurants, gyms and salons in late May, but keep large, recreational venues, like nightclubs and movie theaters, closed until at least late June.
The drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can cause dangerous abnormalities in heart rhythm in coronavirus patients, and should be used only in clinical trials or hospitals where patients can be closely monitored for heart problems, the Food and Drug Administration warned in a safety communication issued on Friday.The drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can cause dangerous abnormalities in heart rhythm in coronavirus patients, and should be used only in clinical trials or hospitals where patients can be closely monitored for heart problems, the Food and Drug Administration warned in a safety communication issued on Friday.
“The F.D.A. is aware of reports of serious heart rhythm problems in patients with Covid-19 treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, often in combination with azithromycin” and other drugs that can disrupt heart rhythm, the agency said. The statement also noted that many people were getting outpatient prescriptions for the drugs in the hopes of preventing the infection or treating it themselves.“The F.D.A. is aware of reports of serious heart rhythm problems in patients with Covid-19 treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, often in combination with azithromycin” and other drugs that can disrupt heart rhythm, the agency said. The statement also noted that many people were getting outpatient prescriptions for the drugs in the hopes of preventing the infection or treating it themselves.
The warning is based on a review of adverse events reported from multiple sources, the agency said, adding: “These adverse events were reported from the hospital and outpatient settings for treating or preventing COVID-19, and included QT interval prolongation, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, and in some cases death.”The warning is based on a review of adverse events reported from multiple sources, the agency said, adding: “These adverse events were reported from the hospital and outpatient settings for treating or preventing COVID-19, and included QT interval prolongation, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, and in some cases death.”
There is no proof that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can help coronavirus patients. They are approved to treat malaria and the autoimmune diseases lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. But reports from France and China suggesting a benefit sparked interest in the drugs, even though the reports lacked the scientific controls needed to determine whether the drugs actually worked.There is no proof that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can help coronavirus patients. They are approved to treat malaria and the autoimmune diseases lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. But reports from France and China suggesting a benefit sparked interest in the drugs, even though the reports lacked the scientific controls needed to determine whether the drugs actually worked.
Mr. Trump has advocated their use repeatedly, sometimes combination with azithromycin, an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections, not viral diseases. His repeated promotion of the use of the anti-malaria drugs is at odds with many of his top public health officials.Mr. Trump has advocated their use repeatedly, sometimes combination with azithromycin, an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections, not viral diseases. His repeated promotion of the use of the anti-malaria drugs is at odds with many of his top public health officials.
The U.S. official who led the federal agency involved in developing a coronavirus vaccine said he was removed from his post after he pressed for rigorous vetting of hydroxychloroquine, and that the administration had put “politics and cronyism ahead of science.”The U.S. official who led the federal agency involved in developing a coronavirus vaccine said he was removed from his post after he pressed for rigorous vetting of hydroxychloroquine, and that the administration had put “politics and cronyism ahead of science.”
With no proven treatments for the coronavirus, many hospitals have been using hydroxychloroquine, sometimes with azithromycin, in the hope that they might help.With no proven treatments for the coronavirus, many hospitals have been using hydroxychloroquine, sometimes with azithromycin, in the hope that they might help.
Scientists have urged that the drugs be tested in controlled clinical trials to find out definitively whether they can fight the virus or quell overreactions by the immune system that can become life-threatening. Studies are underway.Scientists have urged that the drugs be tested in controlled clinical trials to find out definitively whether they can fight the virus or quell overreactions by the immune system that can become life-threatening. Studies are underway.
Another report on Friday, from doctors in New York, adds to concerns about combining hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. In 84 patients receiving the drugs, electrocardiograms found a rhythm disruption called a prolonged QT interval a few days after the treatment began.Another report on Friday, from doctors in New York, adds to concerns about combining hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. In 84 patients receiving the drugs, electrocardiograms found a rhythm disruption called a prolonged QT interval a few days after the treatment began.
In nine cases the disorder was severe, reaching levels known to increase the risk of sudden death. None of the patients died from heart problems.In nine cases the disorder was severe, reaching levels known to increase the risk of sudden death. None of the patients died from heart problems.
Patients given the combination should be carefully monitored, especially if they have other chronic conditions and if they are also receiving other drugs known to affect heart rhythm, the doctors, from NYU Langone Health, said in a letter to the journal Nature Medicine.Patients given the combination should be carefully monitored, especially if they have other chronic conditions and if they are also receiving other drugs known to affect heart rhythm, the doctors, from NYU Langone Health, said in a letter to the journal Nature Medicine.
President Trump signed the $484 billion coronavirus relief bill into law on Friday, replenishing a fund for small businesses strapped by the lockdowns across the country and providing money for hospitals and increased testing. Mr. Trump signed the $484 billion relief bill into law on Friday, replenishing a fund for small businesses strapped by the lockdowns across the country and providing money for hospitals and increased testing.
Mr. Trump said the bipartisan legislation, which passed unanimously in the Senate and with just five negative votes in the House, would be “great for small businesses, great for the workers” and added that it will “extend relief to thousands of African-American and Hispanic American business owners.” He said the bipartisan legislation, which passed unanimously in the Senate and with just five negative votes in the House, would be “great for small businesses, great for the workers” and added that it will “extend relief to thousands of African-American and Hispanic American business owners.”
Mr. Trump was joined in the Oval Office by a half-dozen Republican lawmakers, including Representatives Kevin McCarthy of California, Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Steve Scalise of Louisiana as well as Senators Roy Blunt of Missouri, John Cornyn of Texas and Dan Sullivan of Alaska. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader who steered the bill through Congress, was not present, nor were any Democrats.Mr. Trump was joined in the Oval Office by a half-dozen Republican lawmakers, including Representatives Kevin McCarthy of California, Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Steve Scalise of Louisiana as well as Senators Roy Blunt of Missouri, John Cornyn of Texas and Dan Sullivan of Alaska. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader who steered the bill through Congress, was not present, nor were any Democrats.
In the past month, Congress has approved an astonishing $2.7 trillion in response to the pandemic. The latest measure, however, contained no money for state governments, and governors have stepped up their calls for federal assistance.In the past month, Congress has approved an astonishing $2.7 trillion in response to the pandemic. The latest measure, however, contained no money for state governments, and governors have stepped up their calls for federal assistance.
Republicans have resisted providing money to the states — what the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, called “blue state bailouts” — even as local governments have been overwhelmed by an explosion of unemployment claims, with more than 26 million people losing their jobs in just five weeks. Republicans have resisted providing money to the states — what Mr. McConnell of Kentucky, called “blue state bailouts” — even as local governments have been overwhelmed by an explosion of unemployment claims, with more than 26 million people losing their jobs in just five weeks.
Anxious governors have been clamoring for more federal help, saying that their budgets are being stretched to the breaking point and that their revenues are collapsing as they pour resources into health care while their economies are shut down. But the latest measure contained no new state aid, and Mr. McConnell alarmed and angered state officials this week when he said he wanted to approach the next round of pandemic legislation more deliberately and suggested that states should consider filing for bankruptcy.Anxious governors have been clamoring for more federal help, saying that their budgets are being stretched to the breaking point and that their revenues are collapsing as they pour resources into health care while their economies are shut down. But the latest measure contained no new state aid, and Mr. McConnell alarmed and angered state officials this week when he said he wanted to approach the next round of pandemic legislation more deliberately and suggested that states should consider filing for bankruptcy.
The federal government is kicking in an extra $600 per beneficiary, but states must pay the bulk of unemployment benefits using trust funds.The federal government is kicking in an extra $600 per beneficiary, but states must pay the bulk of unemployment benefits using trust funds.
At least three states — California, New York and Ohio — are expected to deplete their trust funds within two weeks, with Massachusetts, Texas and Mr. McConnell’s state of Kentucky close behind. Once those funds run out, the states can borrow money from the federal government, but must repay it within two years.At least three states — California, New York and Ohio — are expected to deplete their trust funds within two weeks, with Massachusetts, Texas and Mr. McConnell’s state of Kentucky close behind. Once those funds run out, the states can borrow money from the federal government, but must repay it within two years.
And nearly a month after Washington rushed through the first emergency package to aid jobless Americans, millions of laid-off workers have still not been able to apply for those benefits — let alone receive them — because of overwhelmed state unemployment systems.And nearly a month after Washington rushed through the first emergency package to aid jobless Americans, millions of laid-off workers have still not been able to apply for those benefits — let alone receive them — because of overwhelmed state unemployment systems.
Delays in delivering benefits, though, are as troubling as the sheer magnitude of the figures. Such problems not only create immediate hardships, like not being able to pay rent or buy food, but also affect the shape of the recovery when the pandemic eases.Delays in delivering benefits, though, are as troubling as the sheer magnitude of the figures. Such problems not only create immediate hardships, like not being able to pay rent or buy food, but also affect the shape of the recovery when the pandemic eases.
The economic damage wrought by the virus has small businesses across the country clamoring for federal assistance, including nonprofit organizations that have ideologically opposed big government and bailout policies. Some progressive groups, more comfortable with the concept of bailouts, are also seeking federal assistance but question how they can remain independent organizations that criticize the Trump administration if they were to accept financial help.The economic damage wrought by the virus has small businesses across the country clamoring for federal assistance, including nonprofit organizations that have ideologically opposed big government and bailout policies. Some progressive groups, more comfortable with the concept of bailouts, are also seeking federal assistance but question how they can remain independent organizations that criticize the Trump administration if they were to accept financial help.
“I would love someone to give us free cash,” said Adam Brandon, the president of FreedomWorks, which advocates for small government and is working to build support for President Trump’s effort to reopen the economy. The foundation arm of the organization has applied for a $300,000 loan.“I would love someone to give us free cash,” said Adam Brandon, the president of FreedomWorks, which advocates for small government and is working to build support for President Trump’s effort to reopen the economy. The foundation arm of the organization has applied for a $300,000 loan.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center has applied for a $160,000 loan.On the other side of the spectrum, the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center has applied for a $160,000 loan.
Many struggling mom-and-pop business have been unable to obtain S.B.A. loans, even as larger publicly traded businesses have obtained loans from the program.Many struggling mom-and-pop business have been unable to obtain S.B.A. loans, even as larger publicly traded businesses have obtained loans from the program.
Some small business owners fear that without connections in Washington, they have little hope of getting help. And critics question whether it is appropriate to prop up groups trying to influence the political debate in the middle of a presidential campaign.Some small business owners fear that without connections in Washington, they have little hope of getting help. And critics question whether it is appropriate to prop up groups trying to influence the political debate in the middle of a presidential campaign.
The Small Business Administration has already spent the initial $349 billion allocated in the bailout bill for the loan program, known as the Paycheck Protection Program. A provision in the legislation that was recommended to Republican lawmakers by socially conservative groups, paved the way for certain nonprofit groups to apply for assistance. The program is set to get a $320 billion infusion from another bill the president is scheduled to sign on Friday.The Small Business Administration has already spent the initial $349 billion allocated in the bailout bill for the loan program, known as the Paycheck Protection Program. A provision in the legislation that was recommended to Republican lawmakers by socially conservative groups, paved the way for certain nonprofit groups to apply for assistance. The program is set to get a $320 billion infusion from another bill the president is scheduled to sign on Friday.
Crewmembers on a U.S. Navy destroyer have been stricken with the coronavirus, according to Pentagon officials, marking the second American warship at sea to be hit by the illness. Eighteen crew members on a U.S. Navy destroyer have been stricken with the coronavirus, according to Pentagon officials, marking the second American warship at sea to be hit by the illness.
At least one crew member aboard the USS Kidd, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer with a crew of roughly 300, has been medically evacuated and the ship is returning to port where it will be cleaned.At least one crew member aboard the USS Kidd, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer with a crew of roughly 300, has been medically evacuated and the ship is returning to port where it will be cleaned.
“There have been other positive cases,” said Jonathan Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesman, during a news conference Friday. “I don’t have the number but the Navy will be able to give that information later.” Medical personnel had been flown aboard the warship to begin testing of the crew and contact tracing, said Jonathan Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesman, during a news conference on Friday.
Other medical personnel have been flown aboard the warship to begin testing of the crew and contact tracing, said Mr. Hoffman.
More than a dozen Navy ships that are currently in their home ports, are contending with the virus in some fashion, but the Kidd is the only ship, other than the Theodore Roosevelt, an aircraft carrier currently docked in Guam, to be hit with the virus during a deployment.More than a dozen Navy ships that are currently in their home ports, are contending with the virus in some fashion, but the Kidd is the only ship, other than the Theodore Roosevelt, an aircraft carrier currently docked in Guam, to be hit with the virus during a deployment.
The Kidd, which was deployed to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, is part of the counter-narcotic mission that was announced by President Trump earlier this month.The Kidd, which was deployed to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, is part of the counter-narcotic mission that was announced by President Trump earlier this month.
One of every five New York City residents has tested positive for antibodies to the coronavirus, according to preliminary results described by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Thursday, suggesting that the virus had spread far more widely than known. Deaths from the virus continued their gradual descent, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Friday, with the state recording 422 more deaths, the smallest number since April 1. The offcial state death toll now stands at 16,162.
If the pattern holds, the results from random testing of 3,000 people raised the prospect that many New Yorkers — as many as 2.7 million, the governor said — had been unwittingly infected by the virus. Mr. Cuomo added that such an elevated infection rate would seem to show that the death rate was far lower than believed. On Friday, Mr. Cuomo said there had been 422 more deaths in the state, according to official state figures, the least since April 1. The state death toll now stands at 16,162.
The number of virus patients in hospitals has fallen sharply, too, by more than 3,000 people since last Friday, according to statistics he cited. While polling places would remain open, he announced that he would direct the state Board of Election to send every voter a postage-paid application for an absentee ballot for the upcoming June 23 primary.The number of virus patients in hospitals has fallen sharply, too, by more than 3,000 people since last Friday, according to statistics he cited. While polling places would remain open, he announced that he would direct the state Board of Election to send every voter a postage-paid application for an absentee ballot for the upcoming June 23 primary.
On Thursday, he described preliminary results showing that one of every five New York City residents has tested positive for antibodies to the coronavirus, suggesting that the virus had spread far more widely than known.
If the pattern holds, the results from random testing of 3,000 people raised the prospect that many New Yorkers — as many as 2.7 million, the governor said — had been unwittingly infected. He added that such an elevated infection rate would seem to show that the death rate was far lower than believed. The results appear to conform with research from Northeastern University that indicated that the virus was circulating by early February in the New York area and other major cities.
While the reliability of some early antibody tests has been questioned, researchers in New York have worked in recent weeks to develop and validate their own antibody tests, with federal approval. State officials believe that accurate antibody testing is a critical tool to help determine when and how to begin restarting the economy and sending people back to work.While the reliability of some early antibody tests has been questioned, researchers in New York have worked in recent weeks to develop and validate their own antibody tests, with federal approval. State officials believe that accurate antibody testing is a critical tool to help determine when and how to begin restarting the economy and sending people back to work.
The testing in New York is among several efforts around the country to determine how many people may have already been exposed to the virus, beyond those who have tested positive. The results appear to conform with research from Northeastern University that indicated that the virus was circulating by early February in the New York area and other major cities.
The president asserted, without any scientific evidence, at his daily White House briefing on Thursday that sunlight, ultraviolet light and household disinfectants could possibly kill the coronavirus inside the body.The president asserted, without any scientific evidence, at his daily White House briefing on Thursday that sunlight, ultraviolet light and household disinfectants could possibly kill the coronavirus inside the body.
Experts have long warned that ultraviolet lamps can harm humans if used improperly — when the exposure is outside the body, much less inside. The link between ultraviolet light and skin cancer is well established. Bleach and other disinfectants may kill microbes but they also can kill humans if swallowed or if fumes are too powerful. That is why bottles of bleach and other disinfectants carry sharp warnings of ingestion dangers.Experts have long warned that ultraviolet lamps can harm humans if used improperly — when the exposure is outside the body, much less inside. The link between ultraviolet light and skin cancer is well established. Bleach and other disinfectants may kill microbes but they also can kill humans if swallowed or if fumes are too powerful. That is why bottles of bleach and other disinfectants carry sharp warnings of ingestion dangers.
The president’s theorizing on Thursday came after a scientist, William N. Bryan, the head of science at the Department of Homeland Security, told reporters at the briefing that the government had tested how sunlight and disinfectants — including bleach and alcohol — could kill the coronavirus on surfaces in as little as 30 seconds.The president’s theorizing on Thursday came after a scientist, William N. Bryan, the head of science at the Department of Homeland Security, told reporters at the briefing that the government had tested how sunlight and disinfectants — including bleach and alcohol — could kill the coronavirus on surfaces in as little as 30 seconds.
“Supposing we hit the body with a tremendous — whether it’s ultraviolet or just very powerful light,” Mr. Trump said. “And I think you said that hasn’t been checked, but we’re going to test it?” he added, turning to Mr. Bryan, who had returned to his seat. “And then I said, supposing you brought the light inside the body, either through the skin or some other way.”“Supposing we hit the body with a tremendous — whether it’s ultraviolet or just very powerful light,” Mr. Trump said. “And I think you said that hasn’t been checked, but we’re going to test it?” he added, turning to Mr. Bryan, who had returned to his seat. “And then I said, supposing you brought the light inside the body, either through the skin or some other way.”
Apparently reassured that the tests he was proposing would take place, Mr. Trump then theorized about the possible medical benefits of disinfectants in the fight against the virus.Apparently reassured that the tests he was proposing would take place, Mr. Trump then theorized about the possible medical benefits of disinfectants in the fight against the virus.
“And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute — one minute — and is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside, or almost a cleaning?” he asked. “Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that.”“And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute — one minute — and is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside, or almost a cleaning?” he asked. “Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that.”
The White House on Friday sent a corrected briefing transcript, which initially misrepresented a response from Deborah L. Birx, Mr. Trump’s coronavirus response coordinator. In the earlier version, sent Thursday night, after the president suggested treating the coronavirus with light and heat, Dr. Birx is quoted as saying, “That is a treatment.” The corrected version clarified that Dr. Birx actually said, “Not as a treatment.”The White House on Friday sent a corrected briefing transcript, which initially misrepresented a response from Deborah L. Birx, Mr. Trump’s coronavirus response coordinator. In the earlier version, sent Thursday night, after the president suggested treating the coronavirus with light and heat, Dr. Birx is quoted as saying, “That is a treatment.” The corrected version clarified that Dr. Birx actually said, “Not as a treatment.”
Shortly after, the White House also accused news organizations of taking the president’s comments out of context. After hours of attacks on his comments, Mr. Trump on Friday afternoon tried to suggest that he was actually just kidding. “I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen,” he told journalists in the Oval Office as he signed the latest coronavirus relief bill into law.
“President Trump has repeatedly said that Americans should consult with medical doctors regarding coronavirus treatment, a point that he emphasized again during yesterday’s briefing,” the White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, said in a statement. His explanation contrasted with his own press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, who made no claim that the president was actually not being serious. Instead, in a statement earlier in the day, she said that the president had repeatedly made clear Americans should consult with doctors and blamed reporters for mischaracterizing Mr. Trump’s remarks, without saying how.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi ridiculed Mr. Trump’s comment on Friday as she criticized his priorities for coronavirus relief, including his refusal to agree to provide money to bail out the U.S. Postal Service and reluctance so far to send aid to cash-strapped states. “They told me, it came right from the president: No money for the post office,” she said, before leaving the press conference. “Instead inject Lysol into your lung as we shut down the states.” “I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen.”
“Leave it to the media to irresponsibly take President Trump out of context and run with negative headlines,” Ms. McEnany said.
The president’s comments were alarming enough that his own public health appointees felt the need to warn Americans not to take them seriously.
“A reminder to all Americans- PLEASE always talk to your health provider first before administering any treatment/ medication to yourself or a loved one,” Dr. Jerome Adams, the surgeon general, wrote on Twitter. “Your safety is paramount, and doctors and nurses are have years of training to recommend what’s safe and effective.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi ridiculed Mr. Trump’s comment on Friday as she criticized his priorities for coronavirus relief, including his refusal to agree to provide money to bail out the U.S. Postal Service and reluctance so far to send aid to cash-strapped states. “They told me, it came right from the president: No money for the post office,” she said, before leaving the news conference. “Instead inject Lysol into your lung as we shut down the states.”
After the president’s comments on Thursday, searches soared for cleaning products like colored laundry detergent capsules, or Tide Pods, leading the Washington State emergency management division to tell people, “don’t eat tide pods or inject yourself with any kind of disinfectant.”After the president’s comments on Thursday, searches soared for cleaning products like colored laundry detergent capsules, or Tide Pods, leading the Washington State emergency management division to tell people, “don’t eat tide pods or inject yourself with any kind of disinfectant.”
The maker of the disinfectants Lysol and Dettol also issued a statement on Friday warning against the improper use of their products.The maker of the disinfectants Lysol and Dettol also issued a statement on Friday warning against the improper use of their products.
“As a global leader in health and hygiene products, we must be clear that under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route),” the company said. The words “under no circumstance” were highlighted in bold.“As a global leader in health and hygiene products, we must be clear that under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route),” the company said. The words “under no circumstance” were highlighted in bold.
Stocks on Wall Street rose in early trading on Friday, even as shares in global markets slipped, as a week of dramatic turns in the financial markets came to a close.Stocks on Wall Street rose in early trading on Friday, even as shares in global markets slipped, as a week of dramatic turns in the financial markets came to a close.
The S&P 500 rose about half a percent in early trading. Shares in Europe were slightly lower, and Asian markets also had a down day.The S&P 500 rose about half a percent in early trading. Shares in Europe were slightly lower, and Asian markets also had a down day.
But the focus among traders in the U.S. this week has been oil prices after the American benchmark for crude crashed into negative territory on Monday — an unprecedented move that broke through the relative calm that had settled over financial markets. On Tuesday, stocks suffered their sharpest drop in three weeks after the dive in oil prices, and even after rebounding slightly the S&P 500 is still on track to end the week with a drop.But the focus among traders in the U.S. this week has been oil prices after the American benchmark for crude crashed into negative territory on Monday — an unprecedented move that broke through the relative calm that had settled over financial markets. On Tuesday, stocks suffered their sharpest drop in three weeks after the dive in oil prices, and even after rebounding slightly the S&P 500 is still on track to end the week with a drop.
Still, stocks are subject to sudden changes in sentiment or reversals in efforts to reopen economies. Economic and corporate data continues to outline the toll the virus has taken on the global economy, and American officials emphasized that recovery would be difficult. On Friday, new data showed that the near-shutdown of the economy has pushed U.S. manufacturing into free-fall.Still, stocks are subject to sudden changes in sentiment or reversals in efforts to reopen economies. Economic and corporate data continues to outline the toll the virus has taken on the global economy, and American officials emphasized that recovery would be difficult. On Friday, new data showed that the near-shutdown of the economy has pushed U.S. manufacturing into free-fall.
And even as some companies begin to consider reopening factories, they face opposition in some quarters. For example, the United Automobile Workers union said on Thursday that it was opposed to companies restarting auto production next month, saying it was not yet safe for its members to return to work.And even as some companies begin to consider reopening factories, they face opposition in some quarters. For example, the United Automobile Workers union said on Thursday that it was opposed to companies restarting auto production next month, saying it was not yet safe for its members to return to work.
Lawmakers in Washington continue to advance measures to support the economy. Mr. Trump is expected to sign into a law on Friday a $484 billion package that would revive a depleted loan program for distressed small businesses and provide funds for hospitals and testing.Lawmakers in Washington continue to advance measures to support the economy. Mr. Trump is expected to sign into a law on Friday a $484 billion package that would revive a depleted loan program for distressed small businesses and provide funds for hospitals and testing.
Oil prices continued to find a footing, climbing slightly. Still, they remain near historical lows amid concerns about oversupply.Oil prices continued to find a footing, climbing slightly. Still, they remain near historical lows amid concerns about oversupply.
In January, a mystery illness swept through a call center in a skyscraper in Chicago. Close to 30 people in one department alone had symptoms — dry, deep coughs and fevers they could not shake. When they gradually returned to work after taking sick days, they sat in their cubicles looking wan and tired. Thousands of people have e-mailed the New York Times with accounts of their own experiences in January and February with illnesses that they think may have been coronavirus during a period of time before Americans believed the virus had spread widely in the country.
“I’ve started to think it was the coronavirus,” said Julie Parks, a 63-year-old employee who was among the sick. “I may have had it, but I can’t be sure.” They told of fluctuating fevers and coughs that lingered for weeks; of travel through Seattle, California, Chicago and countries abroad; of doctors who were mystified by their symptoms; and their own powerful sense that this was no ordinary bout of flu or pneumonia.
The revelation this week that a death in the United States in early February was the result of the virus has significantly altered the understanding of how early the virus may have been circulating in the country. Researchers now believe that hidden outbreaks were creeping through cities like Boston, Chicago, New York and Seattle in January and February, weeks earlier than previously known. Kathryn Waldemer, of St. Louis, described being sick with along her family in early February and losing her sense of smell and taste for days, a common coronavirus symptom.
The new timeline has lent credence to a question on the minds of many Americans: Did I already have the coronavirus? “We all assumed, at the time, that it was just a bad cold and dismissed the notion that it was coronavirus because of the timing and we hadn’t traveled outside of the country,” Now, we’re wondering.”
The retroactive search is happening on many levels. People who had suffered dreadful bouts with flulike illnesses are now wondering if it was the virus. Doctors are thinking back to unexplained cases. Medical examiners are poring over their records looking for possible misdiagnosed deaths. And local politicians are demanding investigations. In Minneapolis, Justine Ochs, her husband and their 10-month old suffered from a flulike illness but all tested negative for influenza. Jeff McCown said he and his girlfriend traveled to Santa Clara, Calif., and came home to Denver with “hallmark coronavirus symptoms.”
“I think it was here long before we knew it,” said Brian Gustafson, a coroner in Rock Island County, Ill. “That’s the only logical thing I can think of.” Dylan Trent, a resident of Roseville, Calif., said he spent February sick with a fever and exhaustion, but doctors told him to rest.
Included in Mr. Gustafson’s suspicions of an undercount: himself. “This took 23 days to finally go away,” he wrote.
When should businesses reopen? What should be done about residents who ignore stay-at-home orders? Is it possible to balance the restlessness of those stuck inside with the dire predictions of public health experts?When should businesses reopen? What should be done about residents who ignore stay-at-home orders? Is it possible to balance the restlessness of those stuck inside with the dire predictions of public health experts?
These questions and others are keeping public officials up at night across America. It’s joblessness versus sickness. It’s cabin fever versus the risk of a real fever.These questions and others are keeping public officials up at night across America. It’s joblessness versus sickness. It’s cabin fever versus the risk of a real fever.
That debate is particularly contentious in the Kansas City, Mo., metropolitan area. The philosophies of various leaders collide across two states — Missouri and Kansas — as well as multiple counties and cities. Some want to reopen businesses May 3; others said May 15 at the earliest.That debate is particularly contentious in the Kansas City, Mo., metropolitan area. The philosophies of various leaders collide across two states — Missouri and Kansas — as well as multiple counties and cities. Some want to reopen businesses May 3; others said May 15 at the earliest.
Their differences — open up now! let’s wait! — played out with candor on Thursday during a conference call of elected officials and public health experts in the Kansas City region. The New York Times was invited by a participant to listen to the call, which provided a behind-the-scenes look at how these discussions are unfolding nationwide.Their differences — open up now! let’s wait! — played out with candor on Thursday during a conference call of elected officials and public health experts in the Kansas City region. The New York Times was invited by a participant to listen to the call, which provided a behind-the-scenes look at how these discussions are unfolding nationwide.
“I do think we’re going to have to show some kind of movement off the May 15 date,” said Stephen Arbo, the city manager of Lee’s Summit, Mo., arguing that a restless public may not obey stay-home orders for that long.“I do think we’re going to have to show some kind of movement off the May 15 date,” said Stephen Arbo, the city manager of Lee’s Summit, Mo., arguing that a restless public may not obey stay-home orders for that long.
Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Mo., urged against a premature reopening that he felt could put lives at risk.Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Mo., urged against a premature reopening that he felt could put lives at risk.
“What I cannot simply say is, ‘Well, good luck to everybody over 60 or overweight in Kansas City, Mo., with some higher likelihood of infection,’” he said, “because that’s a heck of a lot of us.”“What I cannot simply say is, ‘Well, good luck to everybody over 60 or overweight in Kansas City, Mo., with some higher likelihood of infection,’” he said, “because that’s a heck of a lot of us.”
New Mexico, one of the poorest states in the country, has averted a soaring death coronavirus toll despite heading into the crisis with a severe shortage of hospital beds, a rapidly aging population and high rates of underlying conditions like chronic liver disease.New Mexico, one of the poorest states in the country, has averted a soaring death coronavirus toll despite heading into the crisis with a severe shortage of hospital beds, a rapidly aging population and high rates of underlying conditions like chronic liver disease.
Infectious disease specialists say New Mexico seems to have staved off disaster — for the moment, at least — with a death rate that is lower than neighboring states like Colorado and Oklahoma.Infectious disease specialists say New Mexico seems to have staved off disaster — for the moment, at least — with a death rate that is lower than neighboring states like Colorado and Oklahoma.
As state and local authorities grasp for strategies, New Mexico’s series of decisive moves early in the crisis reflect how even states with a dearth of resources can mount a dynamic pandemic response.As state and local authorities grasp for strategies, New Mexico’s series of decisive moves early in the crisis reflect how even states with a dearth of resources can mount a dynamic pandemic response.
New Mexico’s measures included shutting down schools before most states, aggressively expanding social distancing, ramping up testing beyond levels achieved in richer states and using a pioneering telemedicine initiative to quickly train rural health workers for coronavirus care.New Mexico’s measures included shutting down schools before most states, aggressively expanding social distancing, ramping up testing beyond levels achieved in richer states and using a pioneering telemedicine initiative to quickly train rural health workers for coronavirus care.
“Hundreds of lives were saved because of what the state did early on, and that’s using conservative estimates,” said Helen Wearing, a mathematician specializing in disease ecology at the University of New Mexico.“Hundreds of lives were saved because of what the state did early on, and that’s using conservative estimates,” said Helen Wearing, a mathematician specializing in disease ecology at the University of New Mexico.
Still, infectious disease specialists say it is far too early to declare victory. New Mexico is among states grappling with the outbreak on the Navajo Nation, which spreads over New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. Epidemiologists also warn that the easing of distancing measures in neighboring states could provide a boost for the virus.Still, infectious disease specialists say it is far too early to declare victory. New Mexico is among states grappling with the outbreak on the Navajo Nation, which spreads over New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. Epidemiologists also warn that the easing of distancing measures in neighboring states could provide a boost for the virus.
But after reporting a crucial slowing in the spread of the infection this week, New Mexico has some breathing space – something specialists couldn’t imagine even just a few weeks ago.But after reporting a crucial slowing in the spread of the infection this week, New Mexico has some breathing space – something specialists couldn’t imagine even just a few weeks ago.
Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, William J. Broad, Sarah Mervosh, John Eligon, Dan Levin, J. David Goodman, Michael Rothfeld, Julie Bosman, Patricia Cohen, Richard Fausset, Amy Harmon, Carl Hulse, Rick Rojas, Simon Romero, Thomas Fuller and Marc Santora. Many of the contentious public meetings that are so much a part of life in communities across the country have been postponed by the pandemic. Others have gone online.
When the small town of McFarland, Calif., used Zoom Thursday night for its debate on a hotly contested proposal to convert two privately run state prisons into a detention center for immigrants, the interest ran so high that people complained that they were unable to participate.
During a three-hour virtual meeting on Zoom, supporters and opponents of the plan were called on to speak, but hundreds of people were unable to even listen in, because Zoom and telephone lines were jammed.
“In the middle of a pandemic, when all of us are being forced to risk our health to work as essential workers in the fields or, if we’ve lost our work, afraid of how we’ll make rent and pay bills, our city council decided to hold a Zoom call limited to 100 people,” said Alex Gonzalez, a community organizer with Faith in the Valley, a religious coalition that opposed the plan. The plan has drawn controversy in the small, struggling city, where as many as half of its 15,000 residents are undocumented, according to some estimates.
Immigrant advocates and civil rights groups had urged the council to postpone the vote until the health crisis has passed so that residents could fully participate. But the council pressed ahead, with city officials saying that the felt the need to move forward with the conversion because of the city’s precarious financial situation. It was approved by a vote of 4-0.
Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, Michael Cooper, William J. Broad, Sarah Mervosh, John Eligon, Dan Levin, J. David Goodman, Michael Rothfeld, Julie Bosman, Patricia Cohen, Richard Fausset, Amy Harmon, Carl Hulse, Rick Rojas, Simon Romero, Thomas Fuller and Marc Santora.