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Coronavirus Live Updates: Some States Ease Restrictions; Small Business Aid Program Anticipates Strain Coronavirus Live Updates: Some States Ease Restrictions; Small Business Aid Program Anticipates Strain
(32 minutes later)
As several states moved ahead with plans to restart their economies, many Americans faced yet another new calculation on Monday. After weeks of being told to simply stay home, they would now have to decide how to make sense of conflicting messages from local politicians and public health officials.As several states moved ahead with plans to restart their economies, many Americans faced yet another new calculation on Monday. After weeks of being told to simply stay home, they would now have to decide how to make sense of conflicting messages from local politicians and public health officials.
Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, cautioned that Americans should expect some form of social-distancing guidelines to continue for months.Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, cautioned that Americans should expect some form of 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.” Her comments came after Vice President Mike Pence suggested that the epidemic would be under control by the end of May.“Social distancing will be with us through the summer,” she said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Her comments came after Vice President Mike Pence suggested that the epidemic would be under control by the end of May.
“I think by Memorial Day Weekend we will largely have this coronavirus epidemic behind us,” he said late last week.“I think by Memorial Day Weekend we will largely have this coronavirus epidemic behind us,” he said late last week.
While states and localities face different challenges across the country, the pressure to ease restrictions will only grow as the economic pain deepens, restlessness increases and spring turns to summer.While states and localities face different challenges across the country, the pressure to ease restrictions will only grow as the economic pain deepens, restlessness increases and spring turns to summer.
In Southern California this weekend, tens of thousands of people flocked to the beaches in Orange County.In Southern California this weekend, tens of thousands of people flocked to the beaches in Orange County.
“We won’t let one weekend undo a month of progress,” Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles wrote on Twitter on Sunday. “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. “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.”
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York laid out a broad outline on Sunday for a gradual restart of the state that would allow some “low risk” businesses upstate to reopen as soon as mid-May.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York laid out a broad outline on Sunday for a gradual restart of the state that would allow some “low risk” businesses upstate to reopen as soon as mid-May.
He did not speculate when restrictions would be eased in New York City and surrounding suburbs. But he noted that they could not persist indefinitely.He did not speculate when restrictions would be eased in New York City and surrounding suburbs. But he noted that they could not persist indefinitely.
“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,” he said. “There’s a sanity equation here also that we have to take into consideration.”“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,” he said. “There’s a sanity equation here also that we have to take into consideration.”
The economic rescue package that President Trump signed into law last month included $349 billion in low-interest loans for small businesses. The so-called Paycheck Protection Program was supposed to help prevent small companies — generally those with fewer than 500 employees in the United States — from capsizing, as the economy sinks into what looks like a severe recession.The economic rescue package that President Trump signed into law last month included $349 billion in low-interest loans for small businesses. The so-called Paycheck Protection Program was supposed to help prevent small companies — generally those with fewer than 500 employees in the United States — from capsizing, as the economy sinks into what looks like a severe recession.
The loan program was meant for companies that could no longer finance themselves through traditional means, like raising money in the markets or borrowing from banks under existing credit lines. The law required that the federal money — which comes at a low 1 percent interest rate and in some cases will not need to be paid back — has to be spent on things like payroll or rent.The loan program was meant for companies that could no longer finance themselves through traditional means, like raising money in the markets or borrowing from banks under existing credit lines. The law required that the federal money — which comes at a low 1 percent interest rate and in some cases will not need to be paid back — has to be spent on things like payroll or rent.
But the program has been riddled with problems. Within days of its start the money ran out, prompting Congress to approve an additional $310 billion in funding that will open for applications on Monday. Countless small businesses were shut out, even as a number of large companies received tens of millions of dollars in aid. Banks and economists are already warning that the new pot of money will be quickly depleted, possibly by the end of the day, in part because so many companies were already in the queue before the first tranche ran out.But the program has been riddled with problems. Within days of its start the money ran out, prompting Congress to approve an additional $310 billion in funding that will open for applications on Monday. Countless small businesses were shut out, even as a number of large companies received tens of millions of dollars in aid. Banks and economists are already warning that the new pot of money will be quickly depleted, possibly by the end of the day, in part because so many companies were already in the queue before the first tranche ran out.
“Given strong demand for PPP loans,” researchers at Nomura wrote on Monday, “we expect the additional $310 billion to be exhausted relatively quickly.”“Given strong demand for PPP loans,” researchers at Nomura wrote on Monday, “we expect the additional $310 billion to be exhausted relatively quickly.”
A New York Times investigation found that dozens of large but lower-profile companies with financial or legal problems had received large payouts under the program, according to an analysis of the more than 200 publicly traded companies that have disclosed receiving a total of more than $750 million in bailout loans.A New York Times investigation found that dozens of large but lower-profile companies with financial or legal problems had received large payouts under the program, according to an analysis of the more than 200 publicly traded companies that have disclosed receiving a total of more than $750 million in bailout loans.
Some companies are announcing that they will pay back the money they received. Over the weekend, the operator of Potbelly Sandwich Shops said that it would return a $10 million loan it got from a federal small business stimulus program.Some companies are announcing that they will pay back the money they received. Over the weekend, the operator of Potbelly Sandwich Shops said that it would return a $10 million loan it got from a federal small business stimulus program.
Potbelly Corporation joined the owners of Shake Shack, the chain Kura Sushi and Ruth’s Chris Steak House in returning its loan. Federal officials clarified last week that the loans should not go to large public companies with other sources of capital.Potbelly Corporation joined the owners of Shake Shack, the chain Kura Sushi and Ruth’s Chris Steak House in returning its loan. Federal officials clarified last week that the loans should not go to large public companies with other sources of capital.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has added six possible symptoms of coronavirus to its list, a step that reflects the broad variation and unpredictability in the way the illness can affect individual patients.
Echoing the observations of doctors treating thousands of patients in the pandemic, the federal health agency this month changed its website to cite the following symptoms as possible indicators of Covid-19: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.
Previously it had listed just three symptoms: fever, cough and shortness of breath.
The CDC made no public announcement when it added the six new symptoms to its website on April 18, and the agency did not immediately respond to questions about the revised list.
While people who become seriously ill from virus infection primarily have acute respiratory distress, other symptoms that accompany the disease can vary widely, doctors and researchers have reported.
It has turned out, for example, that many people with Covid-19 don’t have fevers or that their fevers wax and wane and are sometimes accompanied by chills.
Shortness of breath can emerge at the same time as other symptoms or it can crop up suddenly a week or even 10 days after a person has been experiencing more manageable symptoms like cough and aches.
Some people report a notable loss of smell and taste, an effect that can also occur with other respiratory infections.
The revised C.D.C. list differs somewhat from the symptoms described by the World Health Organization on its website. The W.H.O. says the most common symptoms are fever, dry cough and tiredness. “Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, sore throat or diarrhea,” the W.H.O. says. “These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.”
U.S. stocks rose and global markets rallied on Monday as governments around the world discussed when and how to reopen businesses and get their economies back on track.U.S. stocks rose and global markets rallied on Monday as governments around the world discussed when and how to reopen businesses and get their economies back on track.
But turmoil in oil markets continued, with the price of the U.S. benchmark crude tumbling by more than 20 percent.But turmoil in oil markets continued, with the price of the U.S. benchmark crude tumbling by more than 20 percent.
The S&P 500 opened up less than 1 percent in early trading. European stocks were trading about 2 percent higher after a broadly higher day in Asia.The S&P 500 opened up less than 1 percent in early trading. European stocks were trading about 2 percent higher after a broadly higher day in Asia.
European governments, including Italy and France, have been discussing ways to reopen in recent days. New Zealand is loosening restrictions on retailers, restaurants, construction sites and schools after only one new case of the virus was reported Monday.European governments, including Italy and France, have been discussing ways to reopen in recent days. New Zealand is loosening restrictions on retailers, restaurants, construction sites and schools after only one new case of the virus was reported Monday.
In the United States, governors in Colorado, Georgia, Michigan and other states are deciding how and when to start easing some social-distancing restrictions. Any opening will be slow and painful, but investors signaled optimism that the recovery could begin soon. Prices of U.S. Treasury bonds, a traditional investor safe haven, fell in early Monday trading.In the United States, governors in Colorado, Georgia, Michigan and other states are deciding how and when to start easing some social-distancing restrictions. Any opening will be slow and painful, but investors signaled optimism that the recovery could begin soon. Prices of U.S. Treasury bonds, a traditional investor safe haven, fell in early Monday trading.
The price of West Texas Intermediate crude, the U.S. benchmark, fell more than 20 percent. Brent crude, the international benchmark, was down about 6 percent. Global cuts in oil production are set to start on Friday, after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, along with Russia and other producers, agreed to reduce daily output by 9.7 million barrels a day (close to 10 percent of output) to address a glut as demand for crude crashed.The price of West Texas Intermediate crude, the U.S. benchmark, fell more than 20 percent. Brent crude, the international benchmark, was down about 6 percent. Global cuts in oil production are set to start on Friday, after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, along with Russia and other producers, agreed to reduce daily output by 9.7 million barrels a day (close to 10 percent of output) to address a glut as demand for crude crashed.
But traders in energy markets have worried that the cuts won’t be enough. West Texas oil futures have cratered this month as investors worry about a shortage of storage capacity.But traders in energy markets have worried that the cuts won’t be enough. West Texas oil futures have cratered this month as investors worry about a shortage of storage capacity.
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. The 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.
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 across the world, are considered probable cases.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 across the world, are considered probable cases.
Still, even the official numbers offer a sense of the scale and speed of the pandemic. The known global death count surpassed 100,000 on April 10, just a little more than two weeks ago.Still, even the official numbers offer a sense of the scale and speed of the pandemic. The known global death count surpassed 100,000 on April 10, just a little more than 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 have been 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 cases and a death toll approaching 50,000. Europe has also been hard hit. There have been 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.
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.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.
Deaths per capita offer another measure of the pandemic. Belgium, with about 12 million people, has a relatively high figure of 62 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the Times database. 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 populations of older adults are especially vulnerable. Spain’s reported toll is 50 deaths per 100,000 people, and Italy’s is 44. The figure in the United States is 15 per 100,000 people.Deaths per capita offer another measure of the pandemic. Belgium, with about 12 million people, has a relatively high figure of 62 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the Times database. 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 populations of older adults are especially vulnerable. Spain’s reported toll is 50 deaths per 100,000 people, and Italy’s is 44. The figure in the United States is 15 per 100,000 people.
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.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.
As a handful of states relaxed social-distancing guidelines over the weekend, they have struggled to navigate the competing demands of protecting residents’ safety and keeping the economy open. Here’s a look at how some of those states have approached that balancing act:As a handful of states relaxed social-distancing guidelines over the weekend, they have struggled to navigate the competing demands of protecting residents’ safety and keeping the economy open. Here’s a look at how some of those states have approached that balancing act:
Although Alaska allowed businesses and restaurants in most parts of the state to reopen with some restrictions in place on April 24, the city of Anchorage has delayed its reopening to Monday.Although Alaska allowed businesses and restaurants in most parts of the state to reopen with some restrictions in place on April 24, the city of Anchorage has delayed its reopening to Monday.
Arkansas will allow simple elective surgeries to take place.Arkansas will allow simple elective surgeries to take place.
With Colorado’s stay-at-home order expiring over the weekend, Gov. Jared Polis introduced rules allowing curbside retail deliveries and phasing in elective surgery and store openings. Large workplaces can open at 50 percent capacity on May 4.With Colorado’s stay-at-home order expiring over the weekend, Gov. Jared Polis introduced rules allowing curbside retail deliveries and phasing in elective surgery and store openings. Large workplaces can open at 50 percent capacity on May 4.
In Georgia, gyms, barbershops, tattoo parlors and spas in the state reopened last Friday. Houses of worship were allowed to resume in-person services, and restaurants and theaters can reopen on Monday.In Georgia, gyms, barbershops, tattoo parlors and spas in the state reopened last Friday. Houses of worship were allowed to resume in-person services, and restaurants and theaters can reopen on Monday.
Hawaii’s stay-at-home order was set to end April 30 but was extended on Sunday until the end of May. Gov. David Ige said he planned to ease restrictions on beaches, reopening them to allow for exercise, and would permit elective surgeries to resume under the extended order.Hawaii’s stay-at-home order was set to end April 30 but was extended on Sunday until the end of May. Gov. David Ige said he planned to ease restrictions on beaches, reopening them to allow for exercise, and would permit elective surgeries to resume under the extended order.
Kentucky will permit nonurgent health care services, such as radiology and outpatient care, to resume on Monday.Kentucky will permit nonurgent health care services, such as radiology and outpatient care, to resume on Monday.
Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland said his state would not start to reopen until the number of deaths there declined for 14 straight days. “I’m going to be very cautious,” he said on the ABC program “This Week.” “We’re going to make decisions on science.”Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland said his state would not start to reopen until the number of deaths there declined for 14 straight days. “I’m going to be very cautious,” he said on the ABC program “This Week.” “We’re going to make decisions on science.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, whose coronavirus policies have been the target of protests, said on “This Week” that her approach had saved lives. The governor has extended her stay-at-home order until May 15, but she relaxed a number of social-distancing policies on Friday, allowing in-state travel and some recreational activities.Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, whose coronavirus policies have been the target of protests, said on “This Week” that her approach had saved lives. The governor has extended her stay-at-home order until May 15, but she relaxed a number of social-distancing policies on Friday, allowing in-state travel and some recreational activities.
On Monday, Minnesota will see the partial reopening of businesses.On Monday, Minnesota will see the partial reopening of businesses.
Mississippi’s statewide stay-at-home order is set to expire on Monday. It will be replaced with a “safer at home” order, which will allow several retail businesses to reopen, but at limited capacity.Mississippi’s statewide stay-at-home order is set to expire on Monday. It will be replaced with a “safer at home” order, which will allow several retail businesses to reopen, but at limited capacity.
Montana’s plans to reopen began on Sunday with places of worship becoming operational at reduced capacity and with encouragement to follow social-distancing guidelines. Some businesses will reopen on Monday, with restaurants and bars expected to reopen May 4.Montana’s plans to reopen began on Sunday with places of worship becoming operational at reduced capacity and with encouragement to follow social-distancing guidelines. Some businesses will reopen on Monday, with restaurants and bars expected to reopen May 4.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said that after May 15, when his executive order shutting down the state is set to expire, construction and manufacturing businesses may be able to reopen in the least hard-hit regions. But New York City and its suburbs were not likely to reopen any time soon.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said that after May 15, when his executive order shutting down the state is set to expire, construction and manufacturing businesses may be able to reopen in the least hard-hit regions. But New York City and its suburbs were not likely to reopen any time soon.
Even as states begin to loosen their social-distancing restrictions, businesses are confronting deep uncertainty, and many corporate executives say it is simply too soon to come back. Businesses large and small are sticking with having employees work from home or have decided to wait to reopen.Even as states begin to loosen their social-distancing restrictions, businesses are confronting deep uncertainty, and many corporate executives say it is simply too soon to come back. Businesses large and small are sticking with having employees work from home or have decided to wait to reopen.
Residents of poorer areas of Los Angeles County are more than three times more likely to die because of the coronavirus than people in wealthier communities in Southern California, public health officials said.Residents of poorer areas of Los Angeles County are more than three times more likely to die because of the coronavirus than people in wealthier communities in Southern California, public health officials said.
In a statement on Sunday, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said it had recorded 16.5 deaths per 100,000 people in areas where at least 30 percent of residents lived in poverty. The death rate in communities with less poverty was 5.3 per 100,000 people.In a statement on Sunday, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said it had recorded 16.5 deaths per 100,000 people in areas where at least 30 percent of residents lived in poverty. The death rate in communities with less poverty was 5.3 per 100,000 people.
“As we have more information about who is dying, we are reminded that the work ahead requires that we address issues of disproportionality that result in higher rates of death among African Americans, Latinx and Asians as well as residents living in poverty,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the county’s public health director.“As we have more information about who is dying, we are reminded that the work ahead requires that we address issues of disproportionality that result in higher rates of death among African Americans, Latinx and Asians as well as residents living in poverty,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the county’s public health director.
“Ensuring access to testing, early treatment and care, and economic support among those communities at higher risk of devastating outcomes associated with Covid-19, is essential.”“Ensuring access to testing, early treatment and care, and economic support among those communities at higher risk of devastating outcomes associated with Covid-19, is essential.”
The number of cases in Los Angeles County, the nation’s most populous, has swelled in recent weeks, and more than 900 deaths in Los Angeles County have been blamed on the virus. Health officials nationwide have been warning that disparate rates of sickness and death have emerged in some places, especially among black people.The number of cases in Los Angeles County, the nation’s most populous, has swelled in recent weeks, and more than 900 deaths in Los Angeles County have been blamed on the virus. Health officials nationwide have been warning that disparate rates of sickness and death have emerged in some places, especially among black people.
The new statistics from Los Angeles County show similar trends, with the mortality rate for African Americans at 13 per 100,000 people. Among white people, the death rate is 5.5.The new statistics from Los Angeles County show similar trends, with the mortality rate for African Americans at 13 per 100,000 people. Among white people, the death rate is 5.5.
The data also reinforced warnings that the virus can be more perilous for people with other health conditions. According to the county, 93 percent of people who died already had underlying health problems.The data also reinforced warnings that the virus can be more perilous for people with other health conditions. According to the county, 93 percent of people who died already had underlying health problems.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has added six possible symptoms of coronavirus to its list, a step that reflects the broad variation and unpredictability in the way the illness can affect individual patients. Doctors around the world, trying to save seriously ill patients with the virus, have been dosing them with arthritis drugs that can squelch immune responses. The theory was that many are dying because their immune systems went into overdrive, creating a fatal storm that attacked their lungs.
Echoing the observations of doctors treating thousands of patients in the pandemic, the federal health agency this month changed its website to cite the following symptoms as possible indicators of Covid-19: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. But now, preliminary results on treatments with one of these drugs, sarilumab, which is made by Sanofi-Regeneron, indicate that it does not help patients who are hospitalized but not using ventilators.
Previously it had listed just three symptoms: fever, cough and shortness of breath. The rush to treat patients with arthritis drugs began with a tiny study that ended optimistically in China in February.
The CDC made no public announcement when it added the six new symptoms to its website on April 18, and the agency did not immediately respond to questions about the revised list. Sanofi-Regeneron immediately started a clinical trial that randomly assigned 457 hospitalized patients to receive 400 milligrams of sarilumab, 200 milligrams of it, or a placebo. The patients fell into two groups — “severe,” meaning they required oxygen but did not need a ventilator or so-called high flow oxygen, and “critical,” who needed a ventilator, high flow oxygen or were in intensive care.
While people who become seriously ill from coronavirus infection primarily have acute respiratory distress, other symptoms that accompany the disease can vary widely, doctors and researchers have reported. Although the drug reduced c-reactive protein, which rises in severe inflammation, it did not help the severely ill patients, the companies reported on Monday. Many of those patients recovered on their own. Eighty percent were discharged from the hospital, whether or not they got the drug. Ten percent remained hospitalized and ten percent died.
It has turned out, for example, that many people with Covid-19 don’t have fevers or that their fevers wax and wane and are sometimes accompanied by chills. The results for the critically ill patients are not conclusive but there is a hint that they might be helped. The study will continue with only critically ill patients; more than 600 have been enrolled. Results are expected in early June.
Shortness of breath can emerge at the same time as other symptoms or it can crop up suddenly a week or even 10 days after a person has been experiencing more manageable symptoms like cough and aches. The companies are also conducting a second controlled trial in 400 critically ill patients outside the United States. Preliminary results will be available in the third quarter, the companies say.
Some people report a notable loss of smell and taste, an effect that can also occur with other respiratory infections.
The revised C.D.C. list differs somewhat from the symptoms described by the World Health Organization on its website. The W.H.O. says the most common symptoms are fever, dry cough and tiredness. “Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, sore throat or diarrhea,” the W.H.O. says. “These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.”
On the same day that the price for U.S. crude oil fell to about $30 below zero — a mind-bending concept that marked the first time oil prices had ever turned negative — Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston, the self-proclaimed energy capital of the world, stood before reporters. His words were grim and muffled by the black mask covering his face.On the same day that the price for U.S. crude oil fell to about $30 below zero — a mind-bending concept that marked the first time oil prices had ever turned negative — Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston, the self-proclaimed energy capital of the world, stood before reporters. His words were grim and muffled by the black mask covering his face.
The mayor announced that city employees would soon be furloughed, but he declined to say how many. The Houston Zoo, he said, could expect to see funding deferred under what he called “the worst budget that the city will deal with in its history.”The mayor announced that city employees would soon be furloughed, but he declined to say how many. The Houston Zoo, he said, could expect to see funding deferred under what he called “the worst budget that the city will deal with in its history.”
Cities across the country are struggling under the economic shadow of the coronavirus. But few have to deal with a collapse in their fundamental industry at the same time.Cities across the country are struggling under the economic shadow of the coronavirus. But few have to deal with a collapse in their fundamental industry at the same time.
“We’ve probably seen within weeks the same amount of economic shock that used to occur in years,” said State Senator Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican whose district includes a stretch of Interstate 10 that is home to Shell, ConocoPhillips and other oil and gas giants. “We’ve gone through this before. The problem is we didn’t do it in the middle of a pandemic.”“We’ve probably seen within weeks the same amount of economic shock that used to occur in years,” said State Senator Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican whose district includes a stretch of Interstate 10 that is home to Shell, ConocoPhillips and other oil and gas giants. “We’ve gone through this before. The problem is we didn’t do it in the middle of a pandemic.”
The Houston area by some estimates may lose 200,000 to 300,000 jobs — a blow worse than the Great Recession of 2008 and 2009.The Houston area by some estimates may lose 200,000 to 300,000 jobs — a blow worse than the Great Recession of 2008 and 2009.
Houston has been through oil booms and oil busts before. The oil downturn of the 1980s was the worst ever, costing the region one in seven jobs. But now even the Petroleum Club of Houston is closed, along with bars, malls and churches.Houston has been through oil booms and oil busts before. The oil downturn of the 1980s was the worst ever, costing the region one in seven jobs. But now even the Petroleum Club of Houston is closed, along with bars, malls and churches.
Around the world, one group has demonstrated a remarkable resistance to the virus: women. Whether in China, Italy or the U.S., women have been less likely to become acutely ill — and far more likely to survive.Around the world, one group has demonstrated a remarkable resistance to the virus: women. Whether in China, Italy or the U.S., women have been less likely to become acutely ill — and far more likely to survive.
That fact has made doctors wonder: Could hormones produced in greater quantities by women be at work?That fact has made doctors wonder: Could hormones produced in greater quantities by women be at work?
Two groups of scientists have rushed to test the hypothesis. Two clinical trials will each dose men with the sex hormones for limited durations.Two groups of scientists have rushed to test the hypothesis. Two clinical trials will each dose men with the sex hormones for limited durations.
Last week, doctors on Long Island in New York started treating Covid-19 patients with estrogen in an effort to boost their immune systems, and next week, physicians in Los Angeles will start treating male patients with another hormone that is predominantly found in women, progesterone, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can prevent harmful overreactions of the immune system.Last week, doctors on Long Island in New York started treating Covid-19 patients with estrogen in an effort to boost their immune systems, and next week, physicians in Los Angeles will start treating male patients with another hormone that is predominantly found in women, progesterone, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can prevent harmful overreactions of the immune system.
“There’s a striking difference between the number of men and women in the intensive care unit, and men are clearly doing worse,” said Dr. Sara Ghandehari, a pulmonologist and intensive care physician at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles who is the principal investigator for the progesterone study. She said that 75 percent of the hospital’s intensive care patients and those on ventilators were men.“There’s a striking difference between the number of men and women in the intensive care unit, and men are clearly doing worse,” said Dr. Sara Ghandehari, a pulmonologist and intensive care physician at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles who is the principal investigator for the progesterone study. She said that 75 percent of the hospital’s intensive care patients and those on ventilators were men.
The genesis of the estrogen trial at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University on Long Island stemmed from a similar observation, said Dr. Sharon Nachman, the trial’s principal investigator, who credited a Stony Brook surgeon, Dr. Anthony Gasparis, with the idea.The genesis of the estrogen trial at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University on Long Island stemmed from a similar observation, said Dr. Sharon Nachman, the trial’s principal investigator, who credited a Stony Brook surgeon, Dr. Anthony Gasparis, with the idea.
The trial enrolled its first patient this past week, and preliminary results could be available in a few months, she said.The trial enrolled its first patient this past week, and preliminary results could be available in a few months, she said.
“Coronavirus” is one fist nestled against and behind the other, then opened, fingers spread like a sunburst or a peacock tail.“Coronavirus” is one fist nestled against and behind the other, then opened, fingers spread like a sunburst or a peacock tail.
Rorri Burton demonstrates via FaceTime, her sturdy hands and bare nails even cleaner than she usually scrubs them. The gesture is almost pretty compared to, say, “serological testing,” which, as she translates it, goes: “Pricked finger, test, analyze, see. Person before had coronavirus inside body? Doesn’t matter. Feels sick? Not feels sick? Doesn’t matter.”Rorri Burton demonstrates via FaceTime, her sturdy hands and bare nails even cleaner than she usually scrubs them. The gesture is almost pretty compared to, say, “serological testing,” which, as she translates it, goes: “Pricked finger, test, analyze, see. Person before had coronavirus inside body? Doesn’t matter. Feels sick? Not feels sick? Doesn’t matter.”
Ms. Burton, who regularly appears with Los Angeles County officials, has recently joined an increasingly visible pantheon of essential workers: the people gesticulating on television and in internet live streams beside the governors and public health officers communicating the mighty struggle to stop the spread of the coronavirus.Ms. Burton, who regularly appears with Los Angeles County officials, has recently joined an increasingly visible pantheon of essential workers: the people gesticulating on television and in internet live streams beside the governors and public health officers communicating the mighty struggle to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
As the pandemic has ground on, interpreters, hired to help satisfy a legal requirement to provide “functionally equivalent” communication for deaf and hearing-impaired consumers, have found themselves in the restless sights of a cooped-up American public, even as they are forced to ad-lib a whole new vocabulary of crisis.As the pandemic has ground on, interpreters, hired to help satisfy a legal requirement to provide “functionally equivalent” communication for deaf and hearing-impaired consumers, have found themselves in the restless sights of a cooped-up American public, even as they are forced to ad-lib a whole new vocabulary of crisis.
Interpreters also have spurred disability rights groups who keep asking, in vain, why the White House’s televised briefings aren’t being interpreted live for deaf viewers.Interpreters also have spurred disability rights groups who keep asking, in vain, why the White House’s televised briefings aren’t being interpreted live for deaf viewers.
A different type of coronavirus test is required to screen the U.S. population on the necessary scale, Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said on Sunday, adding that it would take “a huge technology breakthrough” to get there.A different type of coronavirus test is required to screen the U.S. population on the necessary scale, Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said on Sunday, adding that it would take “a huge technology breakthrough” to get there.
What’s needed, she said on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” is a screening test that detects antigens, like the screening tests used for flu, strep and other diseases. Antigens stimulate the body to produce antibodies, and are essentially evidence of an immune response.What’s needed, she said on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” is a screening test that detects antigens, like the screening tests used for flu, strep and other diseases. Antigens stimulate the body to produce antibodies, and are essentially evidence of an immune response.
“We have to be able to detect the antigen, rather than constantly trying to detect the actual live virus or the viral particles itself, and to really move into antigen testing,” she said. The current RNA tests, which are more precise but more laborious, would then be used to confirm diagnoses.“We have to be able to detect the antigen, rather than constantly trying to detect the actual live virus or the viral particles itself, and to really move into antigen testing,” she said. The current RNA tests, which are more precise but more laborious, would then be used to confirm diagnoses.
Dr. Birx also spoke about another category of tests, those for antibodies, which indicate past exposure rather than detect a current infection. She said she thought the World Health Organization was being “very cautious” in its recent report that found no evidence that people who had recovered from the virus and had antibodies were protected from a second infection.Dr. Birx also spoke about another category of tests, those for antibodies, which indicate past exposure rather than detect a current infection. She said she thought the World Health Organization was being “very cautious” in its recent report that found no evidence that people who had recovered from the virus and had antibodies were protected from a second infection.
Reliable antibody tests will be vital as states begin reopening their economies and allowing people to return to work and public spaces. A recent analysis of 14 antibody tests by a team of scientists found that only three delivered consistently reliable results, and even those had some flaws.Reliable antibody tests will be vital as states begin reopening their economies and allowing people to return to work and public spaces. A recent analysis of 14 antibody tests by a team of scientists found that only three delivered consistently reliable results, and even those had some flaws.
On CNN’s “State of the Union,” Dr. Birx did not disagree with the W.H.O.’s statement, but she said that the C.D.C. and the F.D.A. were gathering data that would help improve and refine antibody tests. “With all of that data together, I think, it’s going to create a very clear picture about antibodies,” she said.On CNN’s “State of the Union,” Dr. Birx did not disagree with the W.H.O.’s statement, but she said that the C.D.C. and the F.D.A. were gathering data that would help improve and refine antibody tests. “With all of that data together, I think, it’s going to create a very clear picture about antibodies,” she said.
Dr. Birx acknowledged that the nation was not using existing testing capacities to the fullest. She said the administration was working with states to identify all their testing sites and supply the needed swabs and chemical reagents.Dr. Birx acknowledged that the nation was not using existing testing capacities to the fullest. She said the administration was working with states to identify all their testing sites and supply the needed swabs and chemical reagents.
They may not know what is going on, but they do notice that you’re home more often. So, here are some tips to keep them safe, healthy and beautiful — whether they are your old family members or new foster pets.They may not know what is going on, but they do notice that you’re home more often. So, here are some tips to keep them safe, healthy and beautiful — whether they are your old family members or new foster pets.
In New Zealand, retailers, restaurants, construction sites and schools will start to reopen on Tuesday. Follow updates on the pandemic from our team of international correspondents.In New Zealand, retailers, restaurants, construction sites and schools will start to reopen on Tuesday. Follow updates on the pandemic from our team of international correspondents.
Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, Jessica Silver-Greenberg, David Enrich, Jesse Drucker, Stacy Cowley, Marc Santora, Roni Caryn Rabin, Pam Belluck, Shawn Hubler, Manny Fernandez, David Montgomery, David Gelles, Kate Kelly, Katie Rogers, Neil Vigdor and David Yaffe-Bellany. Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, Jessica Silver-Greenberg, David Enrich, Jesse Drucker, Stacy Cowley, Marc Santora, Roni Caryn Rabin, Pam Belluck, Shawn Hubler, Manny Fernandez, David Montgomery, David Gelles, Kate Kelly, Katie Rogers, Neil Vigdor, David Yaffe-Bellany and Gina Kolata.