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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.
Georgia, Alaska and Oklahoma have started to reopen some nonessential businesses.Georgia, Alaska and Oklahoma have started to reopen some nonessential businesses.
The holy month of Ramadan begins with many countries in lockdown. But in some places, like Pakistan, many mosques are crowded.The holy month of Ramadan begins with many countries in lockdown. But in some places, like Pakistan, many mosques are crowded.
The Navy recommended reinstating Capt. Brett Crozier, who was fired after raising the alarm about the virus on his aircraft carrier, the Theodore Roosevelt.The Navy recommended reinstating Capt. Brett Crozier, who was fired after raising the alarm about the virus on his aircraft carrier, the Theodore Roosevelt.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas, and full coverage.Get the latest updates here, plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas, and full coverage.
Public health officials and private companies have been frantically trying to tell the public not to ingest or inject disinfectants after President Trump, during his daily news conference on Thursday, suggested that an “injection inside” the human body with a disinfectant such as bleach or isopropyl alcohol could help combat the virus.Public health officials and private companies have been frantically trying to tell the public not to ingest or inject disinfectants after President Trump, during his daily news conference on Thursday, suggested that an “injection inside” the human body with a disinfectant such as bleach or isopropyl alcohol could help combat the virus.
His comments (a clip of the video is embedded in this article) prompted an outcry from health officials, doctors and lawmakers. The maker of Lysol warned that “under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route).”His comments (a clip of the video is embedded in this article) prompted an outcry from health officials, doctors and lawmakers. The maker of Lysol warned that “under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route).”
Mr. Trump took no questions from reporters — a highly unusual move — at today’s daily White House virus briefing, which was one of the shortest yet. But asked earlier about the comments, the president said he wasn’t serious. “I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen,” Mr. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.Mr. Trump took no questions from reporters — a highly unusual move — at today’s daily White House virus briefing, which was one of the shortest yet. But asked earlier about the comments, the president said he wasn’t serious. “I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen,” Mr. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
In fact, the president’s statement was made unprompted to William N. Bryan, the head of science at the Department of Homeland Security, following a presentation about the effectiveness of bleach and other disinfectants, as well as ultraviolet light, in killing the coronavirus on surfaces.In fact, the president’s statement was made unprompted to William N. Bryan, the head of science at the Department of Homeland Security, following a presentation about the effectiveness of bleach and other disinfectants, as well as ultraviolet light, in killing the coronavirus on surfaces.
Bleach and disinfectants are extremely toxic if swallowed or deeply inhaled. A recent uptick in calls to poison centers suggests that even before the president’s comments, people were misusing disinfectants as they cleaned their homes.Bleach and disinfectants are extremely toxic if swallowed or deeply inhaled. A recent uptick in calls to poison centers suggests that even before the president’s comments, people were misusing disinfectants as they cleaned their homes.
Not a first. The president has advanced other ideas during the crisis that medical experts say could be dangerous to public health. For weeks, the president promoted the malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine as a “game changer” — in conflict with the advice of some top health officials and despite a lack of evidence that they work against the coronavirus.Not a first. The president has advanced other ideas during the crisis that medical experts say could be dangerous to public health. For weeks, the president promoted the malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine as a “game changer” — in conflict with the advice of some top health officials and despite a lack of evidence that they work against the coronavirus.
Today the F.D.A. issued a warning that the drugs could cause dangerous abnormalities in heart rhythm in coronavirus patients and “in some cases death.” The F.D.A. said the drugs should be used only in clinical trials or under supervision in hospitals.Today the F.D.A. issued a warning that the drugs could cause dangerous abnormalities in heart rhythm in coronavirus patients and “in some cases death.” The F.D.A. said the drugs should be used only in clinical trials or under supervision in hospitals.
A possible bright spot. New evidence suggests that ultraviolet light can indeed slow the virus, but only by degrading its life span on surfaces (not within the human body, as Mr. Trump also suggested on Thursday).A possible bright spot. New evidence suggests that ultraviolet light can indeed slow the virus, but only by degrading its life span on surfaces (not within the human body, as Mr. Trump also suggested on Thursday).
Researchers at the University of Connecticut found that ultraviolet rays could help lower Covid-19 rates, though not enough to wipe out the virus entirely. The study projected that the disease would decrease in the summer, and then return in the fall, though the researchers said that uncertainty around the study’s projected outcomes “remains high.”Researchers at the University of Connecticut found that ultraviolet rays could help lower Covid-19 rates, though not enough to wipe out the virus entirely. The study projected that the disease would decrease in the summer, and then return in the fall, though the researchers said that uncertainty around the study’s projected outcomes “remains high.”
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.
After enduring years of derision and snark, the denizens of Silicon Valley who stockpiled essentials for an apocalyptic future are feeling vindicated.After enduring years of derision and snark, the denizens of Silicon Valley who stockpiled essentials for an apocalyptic future are feeling vindicated.
“Properly masked and drenched in Purell, they are railing against a tech press that they feel mocked them as late as February for reducing travel and not shaking hands,” writes Nellie Bowles, a Times reporter who covers tech and internet culture from San Francisco.“Properly masked and drenched in Purell, they are railing against a tech press that they feel mocked them as late as February for reducing travel and not shaking hands,” writes Nellie Bowles, a Times reporter who covers tech and internet culture from San Francisco.
They’re making Covid-related start-up investments. They have a blog called The Prepared, with features like “Prepping Checklist for Beginners.”They’re making Covid-related start-up investments. They have a blog called The Prepared, with features like “Prepping Checklist for Beginners.”
After watching these so-called rational preppers for years, Nellie became one herself in January, swayed by The Prepared’s argument that prepping for a health crisis early could mean fewer patients need health care resources later.After watching these so-called rational preppers for years, Nellie became one herself in January, swayed by The Prepared’s argument that prepping for a health crisis early could mean fewer patients need health care resources later.
“The moment you started prepping for the coronavirus crisis is now perhaps the hottest credential in Silicon Valley,” she writes.“The moment you started prepping for the coronavirus crisis is now perhaps the hottest credential in Silicon Valley,” she writes.
Tech creators are practiced in hunting for opportunities in disruption, and are busy doing so now. But with so much of what remains of the American economy accruing to their services, from fitness trackers to streaming to delivery apps, they also see a new danger, Nellie writes: greater inequality that could lead to revolution-level social strife.Tech creators are practiced in hunting for opportunities in disruption, and are busy doing so now. But with so much of what remains of the American economy accruing to their services, from fitness trackers to streaming to delivery apps, they also see a new danger, Nellie writes: greater inequality that could lead to revolution-level social strife.
The Times Opinion columnist David Leonhardt writes:The Times Opinion columnist David Leonhardt writes:
My first reaction to the news that the coronavirus seems to have spread more widely than initially understood — potentially to 20 percent of New York City residents, for example — was optimism.My first reaction to the news that the coronavirus seems to have spread more widely than initially understood — potentially to 20 percent of New York City residents, for example — was optimism.
If more people have had the virus, it means that its death rate is lower. That’s just math. We have a decent idea of how many people have died from the virus. If the total pool of people who have had it is larger than the early estimates suggested, the chances that any individual patient will die from it are, by definition, smaller — closer to about 0.5 percent on average, instead of 3 or 4 percent, as initially seemed possible.If more people have had the virus, it means that its death rate is lower. That’s just math. We have a decent idea of how many people have died from the virus. If the total pool of people who have had it is larger than the early estimates suggested, the chances that any individual patient will die from it are, by definition, smaller — closer to about 0.5 percent on average, instead of 3 or 4 percent, as initially seemed possible.
But as I spent some time talking to public health experts this week, my optimism faded. The new statistics still suggest that the overall death toll could be catastrophic, and on the high end of the range of the various statistical models.But as I spent some time talking to public health experts this week, my optimism faded. The new statistics still suggest that the overall death toll could be catastrophic, and on the high end of the range of the various statistical models.
How could that be? There are two main reasons.How could that be? There are two main reasons.
One, the fact that more people may have already had the virus also suggests that it’s more contagious than the initial numbers suggested — that any one person with the virus tends to pass it to a greater number of others. And if it’s more contagious, it may be harder to contain in coming months. As society begins to reopen, the virus could spread more quickly. The number of Americans who get it before a vaccine is developed would then be larger.One, the fact that more people may have already had the virus also suggests that it’s more contagious than the initial numbers suggested — that any one person with the virus tends to pass it to a greater number of others. And if it’s more contagious, it may be harder to contain in coming months. As society begins to reopen, the virus could spread more quickly. The number of Americans who get it before a vaccine is developed would then be larger.
Two, even if the death rate is lower than feared, it’s still very high. “It is still, with these new findings, many times more deadly than influenza,” Caitlin Rivers, an epidemic researcher at Johns Hopkins University, told me. The best current guess is that the death rate for coronavirus is about five times higher than that of seasonal influenza.Two, even if the death rate is lower than feared, it’s still very high. “It is still, with these new findings, many times more deadly than influenza,” Caitlin Rivers, an epidemic researcher at Johns Hopkins University, told me. The best current guess is that the death rate for coronavirus is about five times higher than that of seasonal influenza.
A few basic calculations show how scary a 0.5 percent death rate is. If about one in three Americans ultimately get the virus — or 110 million people — more than 500,000 would die. If 200 million people get it, 1 million would die.A few basic calculations show how scary a 0.5 percent death rate is. If about one in three Americans ultimately get the virus — or 110 million people — more than 500,000 would die. If 200 million people get it, 1 million would die.
Ezekiel Emanuel of the University of Pennsylvania told me the latest news “doesn’t make any of the goals you want to reach easier.”Ezekiel Emanuel of the University of Pennsylvania told me the latest news “doesn’t make any of the goals you want to reach easier.”
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Britain invited millions of essential workers to apply online for coronavirus tests, but was hit with such demand that its registration website had to shut down temporarily.Britain invited millions of essential workers to apply online for coronavirus tests, but was hit with such demand that its registration website had to shut down temporarily.
In Italy, which has 189,973, cases and 25,549 deaths, “stay home” measures helped control the virus. But multigenerational Italian households are emerging as huge reservoirs of infection.In Italy, which has 189,973, cases and 25,549 deaths, “stay home” measures helped control the virus. But multigenerational Italian households are emerging as huge reservoirs of infection.
“An unimaginable human tragedy”: Up to half of all coronavirus-related deaths in Europe have occurred in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, according to the World Health Organization.“An unimaginable human tragedy”: Up to half of all coronavirus-related deaths in Europe have occurred in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, according to the World Health Organization.
Cases are rising on a Navy destroyer, the U.S.S. Kidd, where at least 18 of roughly 350 crew members have the virus.Cases are rising on a Navy destroyer, the U.S.S. Kidd, where at least 18 of roughly 350 crew members have the virus.
Clean up. Here’s a guide to making and working with sprays, wipes and a bleach-based solution to clean surfaces of the pathogen.Clean up. Here’s a guide to making and working with sprays, wipes and a bleach-based solution to clean surfaces of the pathogen.
Attain constructive screen-life balance. Being thoughtful about our use of screens can help us emerge from this crisis empowered and in control, and with more self-awareness.Attain constructive screen-life balance. Being thoughtful about our use of screens can help us emerge from this crisis empowered and in control, and with more self-awareness.
Eat a balanced diet. A poor diet can contribute to risk of illness and death from the coronavirus. Improving your metabolic health can help.Eat a balanced diet. A poor diet can contribute to risk of illness and death from the coronavirus. Improving your metabolic health can help.
Be a great teacher. If you’re home schooling children, you may be running out of ideas on how to keep them engaged. Here’s an extensive list of lessons from museums, libraries, zoos and federal agencies.Be a great teacher. If you’re home schooling children, you may be running out of ideas on how to keep them engaged. Here’s an extensive list of lessons from museums, libraries, zoos and federal agencies.
Introducing At Home, our latest newsletterIntroducing At Home, our latest newsletter
Every week, our editors will deliver the most helpful and compelling reporting from the culture and lifestyles departments of The New York Times, to help you live a more cultured life at home. Sign up here.Every week, our editors will deliver the most helpful and compelling reporting from the culture and lifestyles departments of The New York Times, to help you live a more cultured life at home. Sign up here.
Australia and New Zealand, neighbors in the remote Pacific, have not just flattened the curve but squashed it. Now, they’re aiming to eradicate the virus.Australia and New Zealand, neighbors in the remote Pacific, have not just flattened the curve but squashed it. Now, they’re aiming to eradicate the virus.
Older New Yorkers are among the hardest hit groups by the virus. But many of them are thriving under lockdown — already skilled at being alone, not fearful about careers and emotionally more experienced at managing disruption.Older New Yorkers are among the hardest hit groups by the virus. But many of them are thriving under lockdown — already skilled at being alone, not fearful about careers and emotionally more experienced at managing disruption.
New Mexico, one of the poorest states, has averted a crisis so far, thanks to quick decisive moves, including closing schools early, aggressively embracing social distancing and training rural health care workers via a telemedicine initiative.New Mexico, one of the poorest states, has averted a crisis so far, thanks to quick decisive moves, including closing schools early, aggressively embracing social distancing and training rural health care workers via a telemedicine initiative.
Germany has enlisted humanities scholars — philosophers, historians of science, and theologians — as it navigates the ethical issues involved in reopening its economy.Germany has enlisted humanities scholars — philosophers, historians of science, and theologians — as it navigates the ethical issues involved in reopening its economy.
Sex is changing in isolation, turning nude selfies into a form of high art — and a symbol of resilience.Sex is changing in isolation, turning nude selfies into a form of high art — and a symbol of resilience.
Birthdays, weddings, travel: Times readers around the world shared poignant memories, photos and videos from before the pandemic, when life felt normal.Birthdays, weddings, travel: Times readers around the world shared poignant memories, photos and videos from before the pandemic, when life felt normal.
In hopes of normalizing the home school experience, we started a “community homeroom” Zoom meeting with seven other families. The kids range from pre-K to 10th grade. We say the Pledge of Allegiance, do a weather report, a segment called “This Day in History!”, share any general news and finish with a joke of the day. It is messy and short and loud and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.In hopes of normalizing the home school experience, we started a “community homeroom” Zoom meeting with seven other families. The kids range from pre-K to 10th grade. We say the Pledge of Allegiance, do a weather report, a segment called “This Day in History!”, share any general news and finish with a joke of the day. It is messy and short and loud and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
— Megan Mitchell, Princeton, N.J.— Megan Mitchell, Princeton, N.J.
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
Email your thoughts to briefing@nytimes.com.Email your thoughts to briefing@nytimes.com.