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Coronavirus Live Updates: Worldwide Deaths Top 200,000 Worldwide Coronavirus Deaths Top 200,000: Live Updates
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新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
The coronavirus pandemic has now killed more than 200,000 people and sickened more than 2.9 million worldwide, according to data collected by The New York Times. At least 177 countries have reported cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus. As the toll from the coronavirus continues to climb steadily, countries are putting together the pieces for the next phase of their response after either gradually lifting stringent lockdown measures or announcing plans to do so.
The actual toll is higher by an unknown degree, and will remain so for some time. A Times review of mortality data in 12 countries showed that official tallies have undercounted deaths during the outbreak, largely because of limited testing. Several thousand people in New York City who died without testing positive for Covid-19, and thousands more in other countries, are considered probable cases. The coronavirus pandemic has now killed more than 200,000 people and sickened more than 2.9 million worldwide, according to data collected by The New York Times. The actual toll is almost certainly higher, and a Times review of mortality data in 12 countries showed that official tallies have undercounted deaths during the outbreak, largely because of limited testing.
Still, the official numbers offer a sense of the scale and speed of the pandemic. The pace of the virus’s spread can be measured in doubling, and the known global death count surpassed 100,000 on April 10, just more than two weeks ago. Still, the official numbers offer a sense of the scale of the pandemic, which has spread at a relentless pace. The official global death count passed 100,000 on April 10, just over two weeks ago.
The United States has by far the world’s largest known outbreak, with more than 950,000 cases and a death toll approaching 50,000. Europe has also been hard-hit. There are more than 26,000 deaths among the 197,000 known cases in Italy, and more than 23,000 deaths among the 207,000 in Spain. The United States has by far the world’s largest known outbreak, with more than 950,000 confirmed infections and a death toll approaching 50,000.
Only two other countries have confirmed more than 20,000 deaths: France, with more than 22,800; and Britain, which crossed into that range on Saturday. Germany and Turkey both have outbreaks of more than 100,000 cases, but their official death tolls are lower. Despite the high number of cases and fatalities, several states are going ahead with plans to restart their economies, even though the United States does not have the kind of testing infrastructure that experts say is necessary to open up.
Deaths per capita offers another measure of the pandemic. Belgium, with about 12 million people, has suffered the second highest such toll, according to the Times database, with 62 deaths per 100,000 people. But Belgium’s toll may reflect its more complete counting of deaths. Unlike many other countries, Belgium includes in its count deaths at nursing homes, where clustered, elderly populations are especially vulnerable. Spain’s reported toll is 50 deaths per 100,000 people, and Italy’s is 44. The United States’s is 15 per 100,000 people. Many Americans are confronted with conflicting messages from local politicians eager to reopen businesses and public health officials urging them to stay home. And governors fear the lure of summer sunshine will make social distancing an even greater challenge.
Most countries do not report deaths that occur outside of hospitals. Deaths that occurred before the virus was known to be circulating — like two in Santa Clara County, Calif., in February — are only starting to be re-examined. Further, some countries may be deliberately undercounting their tolls. Similar calculations were being made around the world, as countries once ravaged by the outbreak — like Italy, Spain and Britain — but now apparently past their initial peak in cases take tentative steps toward restarting public life.
Britain earned an unwelcome distinction over the weekend, becoming the fifth country to record more than 20,000 deaths from the virus, but officials say the nation may be turning a corner.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was discharged from the hospital this month after contracting the coronavirus, returned to work on Monday. He said that the country was “now beginning to turn the tide” in its outbreak, but that any reopening must be balanced with protective measures to avoid a potentially devastating “second wave” of infections.
In Italy, which has endured the longest lockdown in Europe and one of the world’s worst outbreaks, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has offered his plan for easing restrictions and reopening the economy starting next Monday.
And in New Zealand, retailers, restaurants, construction sites and schools will begin to reopen Tuesday, five weeks after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern deployed a countrywide lockdown as part of an aggressive and highly successful response.
Only a single new case of the virus was reported on Monday, and Ms. Ardern described it as “currently” eliminated.
Ms. Ardern praised New Zealanders’ efforts while also warning that the easing of restrictions did not signal a return to normal.
“We’re opening up our economy,” she said, “but we’re not opening up people’s social lives.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, on his return to work after being released from the hospital, appealed on Monday for patience from the British public, giving no promises over when and how the country’s lockdown would be lifted.Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, on his return to work after being released from the hospital, appealed on Monday for patience from the British public, giving no promises over when and how the country’s lockdown would be lifted.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street on his first full day of work, Mr. Johnson thanked the British people for their “sheer grit and guts” in dealing with the constraints, and said much progress had been made.Speaking outside 10 Downing Street on his first full day of work, Mr. Johnson thanked the British people for their “sheer grit and guts” in dealing with the constraints, and said much progress had been made.
He called the coronavirus pandemic “the biggest single challenge this country has faced since the war,” and added that with fewer hospital admissions there were real signs that the country was “beginning to turn the tide.”He called the coronavirus pandemic “the biggest single challenge this country has faced since the war,” and added that with fewer hospital admissions there were real signs that the country was “beginning to turn the tide.”
But he cautioned that this moment of opportunity also held several risks, and warned that relaxing social distancing measures too soon could lead to a second wave of infections.But he cautioned that this moment of opportunity also held several risks, and warned that relaxing social distancing measures too soon could lead to a second wave of infections.
“I understand your impatience, I share your anxiety,” he said, adding that a rise in illness could bring not only more death but an “economic disaster” with the nation forced to reimpose restrictions.“I understand your impatience, I share your anxiety,” he said, adding that a rise in illness could bring not only more death but an “economic disaster” with the nation forced to reimpose restrictions.
Mr. Johnson looked fit and well as he spoke, and although he didn’t mention his own health, he did briefly acknowledge the personal impact of the virus.Mr. Johnson looked fit and well as he spoke, and although he didn’t mention his own health, he did briefly acknowledge the personal impact of the virus.
“If this virus were a physical assailant, an unexpected and invisible mugger, which I can tell you from personal experience it is, then this is the moment when we have begun together to wrestle it to the floor,” he said.“If this virus were a physical assailant, an unexpected and invisible mugger, which I can tell you from personal experience it is, then this is the moment when we have begun together to wrestle it to the floor,” he said.
Mr. Johnson spent three nights in the intensive care unit of St Thomas’ Hospital in London, but was discharged this month and spent two weeks convalescing at his official country residence.Mr. Johnson spent three nights in the intensive care unit of St Thomas’ Hospital in London, but was discharged this month and spent two weeks convalescing at his official country residence.
During Mr. Johnson’s absence, Britain continued under lockdown without any relaxation of the restrictive measures intended to stem the spread of the virus. But the government is under growing pressure from some lawmakers to at least explain a strategy for loosening measures and gradually reopening shops and perhaps schools.During Mr. Johnson’s absence, Britain continued under lockdown without any relaxation of the restrictive measures intended to stem the spread of the virus. But the government is under growing pressure from some lawmakers to at least explain a strategy for loosening measures and gradually reopening shops and perhaps schools.
Mr. Johnson made no promises on Monday about when that would happen, though he did pledge more transparency.Mr. Johnson made no promises on Monday about when that would happen, though he did pledge more transparency.
“We simply cannot spell out now how fast or slow or even when those changes will be made,” he said, “though clearly the government will be saying much more about this in the coming days.”“We simply cannot spell out now how fast or slow or even when those changes will be made,” he said, “though clearly the government will be saying much more about this in the coming days.”
New Zealand’s retailers, restaurants, construction sites and schools will start to reopen Tuesday, five weeks after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern deployed a “go hard and go early” approach that has led to a sharp decline in coronavirus infections.New Zealand’s retailers, restaurants, construction sites and schools will start to reopen Tuesday, five weeks after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern deployed a “go hard and go early” approach that has led to a sharp decline in coronavirus infections.
The loosening of restrictions to a level three alert put an end to the country’s total lockdown after a week when the number of active infections in the country fell below 300. Only a single new case was reported on Monday.The loosening of restrictions to a level three alert put an end to the country’s total lockdown after a week when the number of active infections in the country fell below 300. Only a single new case was reported on Monday.
The easing makes room for what some other countries already allow — such as takeaway food, small shopping trips and outdoor exercise, but travel beyond where people live is still discouraged, and schools will be reopening only online at first. The easing makes room for what some other countries already allow — such as carryout food, small shopping trips and outdoor exercise, but travel beyond where people live is still discouraged, and schools will be reopening only online at first.
Ms. Ardern praised New Zealanders’ efforts while also warning that eased restrictions did not signal a time to break out and celebrate.Ms. Ardern praised New Zealanders’ efforts while also warning that eased restrictions did not signal a time to break out and celebrate.
“We’re opening up our economy, but we’re not opening up people’s social lives,” she said.“We’re opening up our economy, but we’re not opening up people’s social lives,” she said.
Ashley Bloomfield, New Zealand’s director general of health, said that transmission of the virus had been “eliminated,” meaning that health officials knew where all new cases were coming from, and were in position to test, track and trace any new outbreak.Ashley Bloomfield, New Zealand’s director general of health, said that transmission of the virus had been “eliminated,” meaning that health officials knew where all new cases were coming from, and were in position to test, track and trace any new outbreak.
Ms. Ardern said that the next phase of the process — to reach zero cases and total elimination — would require additional vigilance from both the public and public health professionals.Ms. Ardern said that the next phase of the process — to reach zero cases and total elimination — would require additional vigilance from both the public and public health professionals.
“To succeed we must hunt down the last few cases of the virus,” Ms. Ardern said. “This is like looking for a needle in a haystack.”“To succeed we must hunt down the last few cases of the virus,” Ms. Ardern said. “This is like looking for a needle in a haystack.”
Face masks become mandatory for those using public transport and in most shops across Germany on Monday, as the country gradually reopens despite worries that the loosening of measures could be too much too soon.Face masks become mandatory for those using public transport and in most shops across Germany on Monday, as the country gradually reopens despite worries that the loosening of measures could be too much too soon.
Guidelines agreed to by federal and state governments allow states to make the final decision regarding store and school openings as well as the rules on masks, leading to a hodgepodge of policies across the country.Guidelines agreed to by federal and state governments allow states to make the final decision regarding store and school openings as well as the rules on masks, leading to a hodgepodge of policies across the country.
In the western state of North Rhein-Westphalia, for example, wearing a mask is mandatory at bus stops, train stations, banks, post offices and gas stations, while Berlin has decided not to make mask wearing in shops obligatory. The timing of when new rules go into effect also differs state by state, as are the fines for those who do not comply with the new measures. In the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, wearing a mask is mandatory at bus stops, train stations, banks, post offices and gas stations, while Berlin has decided not to make mask wearing in shops obligatory. The timing of when new rules go into effect also differs state by state, as are the fines for those who do not comply with the new measures.
Last week, Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that loosening rules too quickly might be “foolhardy” in light of the fact that new infections are usually detected days after the transmission has occurred.Last week, Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that loosening rules too quickly might be “foolhardy” in light of the fact that new infections are usually detected days after the transmission has occurred.
“Let us not squander what we have achieved,” she told German lawmakers on Thursday.“Let us not squander what we have achieved,” she told German lawmakers on Thursday.
The chancellor and state governors are to meet again on May 6 to discuss the progress and discuss any further loosening of the rules.The chancellor and state governors are to meet again on May 6 to discuss the progress and discuss any further loosening of the rules.
To date, there have been at least 155,193 confirmed coronavirus infections in Germany and 5,750 deaths.To date, there have been at least 155,193 confirmed coronavirus infections in Germany and 5,750 deaths.
In Southern California, a heat wave this weekend foreshadowed the likely challenges that lay ahead for governors and mayors trying to sustain social distancing efforts as spring turns to summer. A heat wave over the weekend in Southern California foreshadowed the likely challenges that lay ahead for governors and mayors trying to sustain social distancing efforts as spring turns to summer.
Despite pleas from state and local leaders to stay home, tens of thousands of people flocked to beaches that were open in Orange County on Saturday. Photographs of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach showed large crowds staking out patches of sand with beach towels and umbrellas. The Orange County Register reported that as many as 40,000 people went to the beach in Newport Beach on Friday. Despite pleas from state and local leaders to stay home, tens of thousands of people flocked to beaches that were open in Orange County on Saturday. Photographs of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach showed large crowds staking out patches of sand with beach towels and umbrellas. The Orange County Register reported that as many as 40,000 people went to Newport Beach on Friday.
In neighboring Los Angeles County, all beaches remained closed over the weekend. In neighboring Los Angeles County, all beaches remained closed.
“We won’t let one weekend undo a month of progress,” Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles wrote on Twitter on Sunday. “While the sunshine is tempting, we’re staying home to save lives. The places we love — our beaches, hiking trails — will still be there when this is over. And by staying home, we’re making sure our loved ones will be too.”“We won’t let one weekend undo a month of progress,” Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles wrote on Twitter on Sunday. “While the sunshine is tempting, we’re staying home to save lives. The places we love — our beaches, hiking trails — will still be there when this is over. And by staying home, we’re making sure our loved ones will be too.”
Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said Americans should expect social distancing guidelines to continue for months. “Social distancing will be with us through the summer,” she said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said Americans should expect social distancing guidelines to continue for months. “Social distancing will be with us through the summer,” she said on Sunday on the NBC program “Meet the Press.”
In New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, while encouraging continued social distancing, said during his daily briefing on Sunday that it was unreasonable to expect people to stay inside all the time when summer arrives, especially in the most populous part of the state. In New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo encouraged continued social distancing, but said during his daily briefing on Sunday that it was unreasonable to expect people to stay inside all the time when summer arrives, especially in the most populous part of the state.
“We need summer activities in downstate New York,” Mr. Cuomo said. “You can’t tell people in a dense urban environment all through the summer months: ‘We don’t have anything for you to do. Stay in your apartment with the three kids.’ That doesn’t work. There’s a sanity equation here also that we have to take into consideration.”“We need summer activities in downstate New York,” Mr. Cuomo said. “You can’t tell people in a dense urban environment all through the summer months: ‘We don’t have anything for you to do. Stay in your apartment with the three kids.’ That doesn’t work. There’s a sanity equation here also that we have to take into consideration.”
States have struggled to navigate competing demands to keep residents safe and the economy open. A handful, including Alaska, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee, have begun partly reopening some businesses, like hair salons, gyms and bowling alleys.States have struggled to navigate competing demands to keep residents safe and the economy open. A handful, including Alaska, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee, have begun partly reopening some businesses, like hair salons, gyms and bowling alleys.
The reopenings have led to criticism, particularly in Georgia where several African-American leaders, including the mayors of Atlanta, Savannah and Augusta, slammed the decision by Gov. Brian Kemp to allow gyms, barbershops, tattoo parlors and spas to reopen last Friday. The reopenings have led to criticism, particularly in Georgia where several African-American leaders, including the mayors of Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah, slammed the decision by Gov. Brian Kemp to allow gyms, barbershops, tattoo parlors and spas to reopen on Friday.
That stance seemed to put them in agreement with President Trump, who said the move was “too soon,” although he had earlier encouraged protests against governors who had imposed stay-at-home orders.That stance seemed to put them in agreement with President Trump, who said the move was “too soon,” although he had earlier encouraged protests against governors who had imposed stay-at-home orders.
Mr. Trump on Sunday also pushed back on news reports, first published by Politico and The Wall Street Journal, that some of his senior aides, including his new chief of staff, Mark Meadows, are discussing replacing Alex M. Azar II, the Health and Human Services secretary, after a string of news reports about the administration’s slow response to the coronavirus and a controversy about an ousted department official. Mr. Trump on Sunday also pushed back on news reports, first published by Politico and The Wall Street Journal, that some of his senior aides, including his new chief of staff, Mark Meadows, were discussing replacing Alex M. Azar II, the Health and Human Services secretary, after a string of news reports about the administration’s slow response to the coronavirus and a controversy about an ousted department official.
On Twitter, Mr. Trump suggested he was not going to fire the health secretary, saying “Alex is doing an excellent job!”On Twitter, Mr. Trump suggested he was not going to fire the health secretary, saying “Alex is doing an excellent job!”
Under pressure from religious institutions, Iran’s government on Sunday announced it would reopen some 127 religious sites, including shrines and mosques, in about a week at locations around the country, which has endured one of the world’s worst coronavirus outbreaks. Under pressure from religious institutions, Iran’s government announced on Sunday that it would reopen some 127 religious sites, including shrines and mosques, in about a week around the country, which has endured one of the world’s worst coronavirus outbreaks.
President Hassan Rouhani said Friday prayers, canceled since the middle of March, would resume at the reopened sites but protocols would have to be observed. President Hassan Rouhani said that Friday Prayer, canceled since the middle of March, would resume at the reopened sites but that protocols would have to be observed.
As Iran has begun gradually lifting restrictions in the past two weeks and reopening businesses in an attempt to salvage its battered economy, the calls to open religious shrines grew louder. The announcement also coincides with the month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast and gather nightly for communal prayers and sermons. As Iran started gradually lifting restrictions in the past two weeks and reopening businesses in an attempt to salvage its battered economy, the calls to open religious shrines grew louder. The announcement coincides with the month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast and gather nightly for communal prayers and sermons.
The closing and opening of religious sites, particularly the two prominent Shia shrines in Qom and Mashhad, have been a source of contention between health officials and religious authorities. Iran’s coronavirus outbreak started in the city of Qom and spread to Iran and multiple neighboring countries in the region through pilgrims visiting the shrine. Mr. Rouhani was widely criticized for not enforcing a swift shutdown of the often crowded religious sites. The closing and opening of religious sites, particularly the two prominent Shia shrines in Qom and Mashhad, have been a source of contention between health officials and the religious authorities. Iran’s coronavirus outbreak started in the city of Qom and spread across Iran and to multiple neighboring countries through pilgrims who had visited the shrine. Mr. Rouhani was widely criticized for not enforcing a swift shutdown of crowded religious sites.
The hard-line newspaper Kayhan, a mouthpiece for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, wrote that if parks and shopping malls opened then mosques should open, too, and claimed “religious shrines had a small role in spreading the coronavirus.” The hard-line newspaper Kayhan, a mouthpiece for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader, wrote that if parks and shopping malls opened then mosques should open, too, and claimed “religious shrines had a small role in spreading the coronavirus.”
The health ministry’s latest tally on Sunday was 90,481 people infected and 5,710 dead, although health experts and local government officials have said the numbers are several times higher than the official account. The Health Ministry’s latest tally on Sunday was 90,481 infections and 5,710 dead, although health experts and local government officials have said the numbers are several times higher than the official account.
Mr. Rouhani has repeatedly said that the peak of the virus has passed, but health officials have warned that lifting restrictions too quickly could rapidly lead to a resurgence of the virus and said at least three provinces are still considered red zones. Mr. Rouhani has repeatedly said that the peak of the virus has passed, but health officials have warned that lifting restrictions too quickly could rapidly lead to a resurgence of the virus and that at least three provinces are still considered red zones.
“Iran is still in the escalation trajectory of contracting coronavirus and reaching the peak,” said Hossein Erfani, the Health Ministry’s head of infectious disease. “The public should not think the story of coronavirus is over and they can go around freely.”“Iran is still in the escalation trajectory of contracting coronavirus and reaching the peak,” said Hossein Erfani, the Health Ministry’s head of infectious disease. “The public should not think the story of coronavirus is over and they can go around freely.”
After enduring the longest lockdown in Europe and one of the world’s most deadly coronavirus outbreaks, Italians heard the details on Sunday of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte’s plan to ease restrictions and reopen their economy starting on May 4. After enduring the longest lockdown in Europe and one of the world’s most deadly coronavirus outbreaks, Italians have heard the details of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte’s plan to ease restrictions and reopen their economy starting on May 4.
“Now begins the phase, for everybody, of living with the virus,” Mr. Conte said in a prime-time address on Sunday night, adding that a failure to respect social distancing would cause infections to climb again and the government to “close the tap.” “Now begins the phase, for everybody, of living with the virus,” Mr. Conte said Sunday night in a prime-time address, adding that a failure to respect social distancing would cause infections to climb again and the government to “close the tap.”
“If you love Italy,” he implored, “maintain distance.”“If you love Italy,” he implored, “maintain distance.”
The government has had to constantly weigh Italy’s economic interests, and those of millions of struggling Italians, with the public health of the entire country. It has been an excruciating balance, but Mr. Conte’s government has decided that the country, which entered a lockdown on March 10, could not stay closed indefinitely.The government has had to constantly weigh Italy’s economic interests, and those of millions of struggling Italians, with the public health of the entire country. It has been an excruciating balance, but Mr. Conte’s government has decided that the country, which entered a lockdown on March 10, could not stay closed indefinitely.
While gatherings and parties remain banned, and travel remains closely regulated, with special auto-certification forms required for movement, Mr. Conte said that the visiting of relatives will be allowed to people within Italian regions on May 4. Gatherings and parties remain banned, and travel is still closely regulated, with special auto-certification forms required for movement. But Mr. Conte said that people within Italian regions would be allowed to visit relatives beginning May 4.
“There always has to be a reason to move around,” he said.“There always has to be a reason to move around,” he said.
Schools, he said, would remain closed for the rest of the academic year, as his scientific advisers had informed him that the return of students could set off an explosion of cases. Schools, he said, will remain closed for the rest of the academic year, as his scientific advisers had informed him that the return of students could set off an explosion of cases.
He added that the danger was intensified by the high average age of Italy’s teachers.He added that the danger was intensified by the high average age of Italy’s teachers.
Mr. Conte fixed a price for individual masks at 50 cents to prevent price gouging and said that the manufacturing and construction sectors would be allowed to operate as long as workers observed social distancing and wore masks.Mr. Conte fixed a price for individual masks at 50 cents to prevent price gouging and said that the manufacturing and construction sectors would be allowed to operate as long as workers observed social distancing and wore masks.
The official count of virus-related deaths in Italy stands at 26,644, but experts say the real number is far higher. Mr. Conte said that funerals would once again be permitted beginning on May 4, but they would be limited to 15 people, preferably in an outdoor setting. The official count of virus-related deaths in Italy stands at 26,644, but experts say the real number is far higher. Mr. Conte said that funerals would be permitted from May 4, but that they would be limited to 15 people, preferably in an outdoor setting.
Parks may also reopen on that date, subject to the approval of local mayors and regional governors, and outdoor exercise, such as jogging, could be carried out more than 200 meters from home.Parks may also reopen on that date, subject to the approval of local mayors and regional governors, and outdoor exercise, such as jogging, could be carried out more than 200 meters from home.
Restaurants could begin offering takeout, not just delivery.Restaurants could begin offering takeout, not just delivery.
Mr. Conte also gave a preview of businesses that could reopen down the road. On May 18, he said, stores could possibly open. Coffee bars, restaurants, hairdressers and beauticians would open no sooner than June 1.Mr. Conte also gave a preview of businesses that could reopen down the road. On May 18, he said, stores could possibly open. Coffee bars, restaurants, hairdressers and beauticians would open no sooner than June 1.
Asked by a reporter when free movement could return, he said that a potential phase three would arrive with the discovery of a vaccine. Until then, he said, “We must get ready for phase 2.” Asked by a reporter when free movement could return, he said that a potential Phase 3 would arrive with the discovery of a vaccine. Until then, he said, “We must get ready for Phase 2.”
The World Health Organization on Friday warned against relying on antibody tests for policy decisions as leaders consider how to reopen their economies and reintegrate society. While countries like Italy have even floated the idea of “immunity passports” for people who test positive, W.H.O. officials noted that it is not known to what extent people carrying antibodies are immune to the virus.The World Health Organization on Friday warned against relying on antibody tests for policy decisions as leaders consider how to reopen their economies and reintegrate society. While countries like Italy have even floated the idea of “immunity passports” for people who test positive, W.H.O. officials noted that it is not known to what extent people carrying antibodies are immune to the virus.
(The W.H.O. on Saturday backed off an earlier assertion that people with antibodies may not be immune at all.)(The W.H.O. on Saturday backed off an earlier assertion that people with antibodies may not be immune at all.)
But widespread testing has started nonetheless, and important decisions are likely to flow from the results. The National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and virtually every university with an epidemiology department has begun antibody surveys in communities across the United States. But widespread testing has started, and important decisions are likely to flow from the results. The National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and virtually every university with an epidemiology department has begun antibody surveys in communities across the United States.
The goal of most of these projects is to get a handle on the size and nature of the epidemic here, rather than to guide decisions about reopening the economy. But now scientists are racing to fine-tune the tests and to learn more about what having antibodies actually means, both for the patient and for the community. The goal of most of these projects is to get a handle on the size and nature of the epidemic, rather than to guide decisions about reopening the economy. But now scientists are racing to fine-tune the tests and to learn more about what having antibodies actually means, both for the patient and for the community.
Few scientists ever imagined that these tests would become an instrument of public policy — and many are uncomfortable with the idea. Antibody tests, which show who has been infected, are often inaccurate, recent research suggests, and it is not clear whether a positive result actually signals immunity to the coronavirus. Few scientists ever imagined that these tests would become an instrument of public policy — and many are uncomfortable with the idea. Antibody tests, which show who has been infected, are often inaccurate, recent research suggests, and it is not clear whether a positive result actually signals immunity.
Last week, a survey of New Yorkers found that one in five city residents carried antibodies to the new coronavirus.Last week, a survey of New Yorkers found that one in five city residents carried antibodies to the new coronavirus.
If one in five residents in hard-hit New York City has been exposed to the virus, Carl Bergstrom, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Washington in Seattle, and others have said, then four in five are still vulnerable — and that underscores how far we are from the pandemic’s end.If one in five residents in hard-hit New York City has been exposed to the virus, Carl Bergstrom, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Washington in Seattle, and others have said, then four in five are still vulnerable — and that underscores how far we are from the pandemic’s end.
New York’s results suggested a death rate between 0.5 and 1 percent, figures some conservative commentators have argued is too low to justify statewide lockdowns.New York’s results suggested a death rate between 0.5 and 1 percent, figures some conservative commentators have argued is too low to justify statewide lockdowns.
Public health experts like Dr. Bergstrom took the opposite view. “If the mortality rate is 1 percent, we’re looking at 2 million deaths, which is unprecedented in our nation’s history and unimaginable,” he said. Public health experts like Dr. Bergstrom took the opposite view. “If the mortality rate is 1 percent, we’re looking at two million deaths,” he said, “which is unprecedented in our nation’s history and unimaginable.”
Cuba, a country known for dispatching doctors to needy countries as part of a decades-long medical diplomacy effort, said on Saturday that it was sending more than 200 doctors and other specialists to South Africa. Reporting was contributed by Megan Specia, Damien Cave, Farnaz Fassihi, Pam Belluck, Vanessa Swales, Katie Rogers, Apoorva Mandavilli, Austin Ramzy, Christopher F. Schuetze, Stephen Castle, Jeanna Smialek and William Rashbaum.
The contingent is part of more than 1,200 Cuban health professionals deployed to 22 countries to help fight the pandemic. The group was scheduled to arrive at an airport near Johannesburg on Sunday, according to the Cuban Embassy in South Africa.
Since the 1960s, Cuba has sent more than 100,000 workers to countries that have requested help. More than 30,000 Cuban doctors, nurses, technicians are currently deployed in more than 60 countries, mostly in Latin America, Asia and Africa. Cuban doctors have helped fight the Ebola virus in West Africa, blindness in Latin America and cholera in Haiti.
The efforts have earned the country praise for bringing medical help to the front lines of a crisis.
But they have also drawn criticism, including from those who suggest the deployments are a way of deflecting attention from the government’s poor human rights record. The programs have also been seen as a tool to exert Cuban influence around the world.
In most cases, Cuba has charged other countries for the services. Some doctors have criticized the arrangement, saying they get too small a share of the money, and moved to break ranks with the government.
But Cuba has never charged for disaster response or medical emergency deployments before the pandemic, Cuban officials said. It’s not clear if Cuba is charging for the coronavirus deployments.
After the coronavirus pandemic hit, Cuba dispatched its doctors and other health professionals to Belize, Nicaragua, Angola and Qatar, among other countries. On March 23, Cuban doctors were deployed to Italy to fight the outbreak there, the first time its doctors have been sent to Europe.
The group in South Africa includes family physicians, epidemiologists, biotechnology experts and other specialists, according to the Cuban Embassy in South Africa.
Reporting was contributed by Damien Cave, Farnaz Fassihi, Pam Belluck, Vanessa Swales, Katie Rogers, Apoorva Mandavilli, Austin Ramzy, Christopher F. Schuetze, Stephen Castle, Jeanna Smialek and William Rashbaum.