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Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Passes 50,000 Deaths; Demand for Small Business Aid Crashes Website Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump Urges Some Governors to Consider Reopening Schools; U.S. Passes 50,000 Deaths
(30 minutes later)
At least 50,000 people in the United States have died from the coronavirus, according to the known tally by The New York Times, with confirmed cases reaching more than 973,000. The grim milestone, reached on Monday, comes as states like Georgia and Oklahoma have taken steps to reopen their economies. Others hit hard by the virus, like New York and Michigan, remain shut. President Trump suggested to the nation’s governors on Monday that some should move to reopen their public schools before the end of the academic year, an indication that he is growing impatient with the widespread closures to curb the coronavirus outbreak.
Those numbers do not include more than 5,200 people in New York City and smaller numbers in other states and U.S. territories who died and are believed to have had the virus. Many of those patients were not tested, a consequence of a strained medical system and a persistent lack of testing capacity. “Some of you might start to think about school openings,” Mr. Trump said on a conference call with the governors, according to an audio recording obtained by The New York Times.
Even as case numbers have stabilized in some hard-hit cities, including New Orleans and Seattle, other places have seen sustained growth. Addressing Vice President Mike Pence, who was also on the call, Mr. Trump added, “I think it’s something, Mike, they can seriously consider and maybe get going on it.”
The counties that include Los Angeles and Chicago added more than 1,000 new cases on several recent days. In Massachusetts, numbers surpassed 54,000 on Sunday, up from 38,000 a week earlier. And across the Midwest and Great Plains, production at meatpacking plants had slowed or stopped because of large outbreaks, including one that sickened more than 1,000 people in South Dakota. The president’s nudge on school openings runs counter to the advice of medical experts and came unbidden during a conversation about testing and respirator use. It is the latest sign of how torn he is on how states and localities should proceed as they weigh what to do at a time when deaths from the virus are still growing but the economy is reeling.
In New York, hundreds of deaths are announced each day, though those numbers are far below their peak earlier this month. Now, 60 percent of voters in New York City say they personally know someone who tested positive, and 46 percent know someone who died of the virus, according to a poll by the Siena College Research Institute. “The young children have done very well in this disaster that we’ve all gone through, so a lot of people are thinking about the school openings,” Mr. Trump said.
Although the United States has the highest number of deaths on a global scale, deaths per capita remain lower than those in many European countries, notably Italy and Spain. The global toll has surpassed 200,000, though at least 36,000 more people have died in the past month than the official counts report, according to a review of mortality data in 12 countries. In the portion of the recording obtained by The Times, no governor chimed in to agree or disagree with the president.
Less than an hour after the Small Business Administration on Monday morning started taking requests for another $310 billion in emergency aid for small businesses, its computer system for processing the loan applications crashed. Two weeks ago, Mr. Trump urged his supporters to “liberate” a handful of states with Democratic governors. But last week, he repeatedly criticized Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia for what he said was Mr. Kemp’s premature reopening of some Georgia businesses.
“It’s obvious the system is simply flooded right now,” said Craig Street, the chief lending officer at United Midwest Savings Bank in Columbus, Ohio. “It’s been very stop and start, with no real way to know whether it is working other than to keep hitting the submit button.” Mr. Kemp, a Republican, was on the call with the president and effusively thanked Mr. Trump for his leadership. The disagreement didn’t come up.
It was a rocky start for the second round of funding through the Paycheck Protection Program, a stimulus measure that offers small companies low-interest loans to cover their payrolls and other costs. If borrowers comply with the rules, the loans will be forgiven. Mississippi’s Republican governor, Tate Reeves, was equally effusive in his praise: “Members of the press may never recognize your incredible leadership, but the people of Mississippi certainly recognize it,” he said.
The program began early this month, but its initial round of funding — $342 billion — was depleted in 13 days. Hundreds of thousands of borrowers who sought loans did not make the cut. Congress authorized a new funding round last week, and the government began accepting applications for it at 10:30 a.m. on Monday. To that, Mr. Trump responded, “I agree with you, it probably will never be recognized, but maybe it will you never know.”
Borrowers must apply for the money through banks or other lenders, but the Small Business Administration, which is managing the program, must approve each loan. Because the funds are first-come, first-served, lenders are anxious about getting their loans approved as quickly as possible.
S.B.A. officials did not immediately respond to questions about the technical problems that lenders were reporting with E-Tran, the agency’s computer system for processing loans.
Mr. Street said he had been able to get a few loans submitted and approved, despite the technical challenges. Two loan officers at other banks said they were also struggling to submit applications.
The S.B.A. had tried to brace for the expected surge of demand. It imposed a “pacing mechanism,” an agency spokesman said, to limit the number of loans lenders could submit each hour.
It also allowed big lenders — those with at least 15,000 applications — to make one bulk submission each, bundling together all of their loans. The loans will still be processed individually, on a first-come, first-served basis, the agency said, and will only be funded if money remains available.
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.
Among those disclosing they have returned their Paycheck Protection Program funds: The Los Angeles Lakers. The team said it was returning about $4.6 million it received through the Small Business 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.
Rob Nichols, the chief executive of the American Bankers Association, a trade group representing banks of all sizes, expressed bankers’ frustrations in a tweet on Monday. “Our member banks across the country are deeply frustrated at their inability to access @SBAGov’s E-Tran system,” he said, adding that until the problems were fixed, “#AmericasBanks will not be able to help more struggling small businesses.”
Colorado, Minnesota and Mississippi on Monday joined the handful of states that are beginning to reopen their economies shut down by the virus.Colorado, Minnesota and Mississippi on Monday joined the handful of states that are beginning to reopen their economies shut down by the virus.
But many business owners and customers said they were baffled by a blizzard of confusing rules and guidance from local, county and state governments about what was allowed.But many business owners and customers said they were baffled by a blizzard of confusing rules and guidance from local, county and state governments about what was allowed.
“I couldn’t sleep last night because I was so confused,” Jose Oregel, who owns a barbershop in Greeley, Colo., said on Monday morning, an hour before he was expecting his first customers, who will get haircuts from barbers wearing masks and gloves.“I couldn’t sleep last night because I was so confused,” Jose Oregel, who owns a barbershop in Greeley, Colo., said on Monday morning, an hour before he was expecting his first customers, who will get haircuts from barbers wearing masks and gloves.
Mr. Oregel said he had received contradictory guidance from state officials over the past two days, with one saying he was fine to open and another saying he risked his license if he opened the shop on Monday. Colorado has reported more than 13,000 infections and at least 678 deaths.Mr. Oregel said he had received contradictory guidance from state officials over the past two days, with one saying he was fine to open and another saying he risked his license if he opened the shop on Monday. Colorado has reported more than 13,000 infections and at least 678 deaths.
Georgia’s governor allowed restaurants to open for dine-in service Monday so long as they followed a long set of safety guidelines, but many Atlanta restaurants declined to.Georgia’s governor allowed restaurants to open for dine-in service Monday so long as they followed a long set of safety guidelines, but many Atlanta restaurants declined to.
One that did reopen was Rocky Mountain Pizza Company, located just across the state from the Georgia Institute of Technology campus. It flung open its doors Monday morning, but as of 12:30 p.m., no one had come to sit down for lunch.One that did reopen was Rocky Mountain Pizza Company, located just across the state from the Georgia Institute of Technology campus. It flung open its doors Monday morning, but as of 12:30 p.m., no one had come to sit down for lunch.
There were masked workers behind the bar. There was a TV news crew outside. There was a masked and gloved manager, who declined to be interviewed.There were masked workers behind the bar. There was a TV news crew outside. There was a masked and gloved manager, who declined to be interviewed.
“I cannot imagine myself going to a pub or a restaurant right now,” said Filippos Tagklis, 30, a graduate student at Georgia Tech, who was walking his dog by the restaurant.“I cannot imagine myself going to a pub or a restaurant right now,” said Filippos Tagklis, 30, a graduate student at Georgia Tech, who was walking his dog by the restaurant.
The restaurant’s predicament reflected Atlanta’s tepid response to Gov. Brian Kemp’s order to reopen business, which drew criticism from President Trump and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta, who has urged residents to stay home. The restaurant’s predicament reflected Atlanta’s tepid response to Gov. Brian Kemp’s order to reopen business, which drew criticism from Mr. Trump and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta, who has urged residents to stay home.
In the week since Mr. Kemp, a Republican, outlined his plans to let businesses reopen, the death toll in Georgia has risen by more than two hundred, to 942, according to the state’s department of public health. And the number of confirmed cases has risen to 23,773 from 18,947. In the week since Mr. Kemp, a Republican, outlined his plans to let businesses reopen, the death toll in Georgia has risen by more than two hundred, to 942, according to the state’s department of public health. And the number of confirmed cases has risen to 23,773 from 18,947.
A strip mall next door to the pizzeria offered a portrait of the semi-open state of things in Atlanta.A strip mall next door to the pizzeria offered a portrait of the semi-open state of things in Atlanta.
The doors of the Korean chicken place were shut with a bicycle chain. A Chinese restaurant called Lucky Buddha was serving take-out customers only. Same with the Firehouse Subs. Silver Fox Tattoos, like all tattoo parlors and beauty salons, was allowed to open on Friday, but was locked up on Monday. Same with Cutie Nails & Spa.The doors of the Korean chicken place were shut with a bicycle chain. A Chinese restaurant called Lucky Buddha was serving take-out customers only. Same with the Firehouse Subs. Silver Fox Tattoos, like all tattoo parlors and beauty salons, was allowed to open on Friday, but was locked up on Monday. Same with Cutie Nails & Spa.
In Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, lifted restrictions for certain employees in industrial, manufacturing and office settings, a move that his office said would allow 80,000 to 100,0000 people to return to work Monday even as cases and deaths continued to grow.In Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, lifted restrictions for certain employees in industrial, manufacturing and office settings, a move that his office said would allow 80,000 to 100,0000 people to return to work Monday even as cases and deaths continued to grow.
But it was unclear how many people actually went back to work, as businesses scrambled to meet new guidelines and some employers decided it was safer not to rush.But it was unclear how many people actually went back to work, as businesses scrambled to meet new guidelines and some employers decided it was safer not to rush.
“We kind of have that ‘Minnesota nice,’” said Mary Hodson, the president of the Chamber of Commerce in Hutchinson, Minn., a city of 14,000 west of Minneapolis, where many residents work in manufacturing. “Our businesses want to open, but they want to be respectful of the other side that says, ‘We’re nervous you are going to open because we are seeing the health care side of this.’”“We kind of have that ‘Minnesota nice,’” said Mary Hodson, the president of the Chamber of Commerce in Hutchinson, Minn., a city of 14,000 west of Minneapolis, where many residents work in manufacturing. “Our businesses want to open, but they want to be respectful of the other side that says, ‘We’re nervous you are going to open because we are seeing the health care side of this.’”
More governors and businesses across the country are facing increasingly complicated choices about reopening this week, with several stay-at-home orders set to expire on April 30.More governors and businesses across the country are facing increasingly complicated choices about reopening this week, with several stay-at-home orders set to expire on April 30.
Kentucky will permit more health care services, such as radiology and outpatient care, to resume on Monday. In Colorado, a statewide “stay at home” order issued by Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, lifted on Monday morning, allowing for a few, limited reopenings of businesses like barbershops and permitting real estate showings, voluntary surgeries and veterinary procedures.Kentucky will permit more health care services, such as radiology and outpatient care, to resume on Monday. In Colorado, a statewide “stay at home” order issued by Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, lifted on Monday morning, allowing for a few, limited reopenings of businesses like barbershops and permitting real estate showings, voluntary surgeries and veterinary procedures.
But that was too much for Denver and many surrounding suburbs, which decided to extend their closure orders through the first week of May, leaving most businesses closed.But that was too much for Denver and many surrounding suburbs, which decided to extend their closure orders through the first week of May, leaving most businesses closed.
Some retailers in Eagle County, which encompasses the wealthy ski town of Vail, were getting ready to start offering curbside pickup. And in the state’s conservative ranching and oil-drilling northeast, which has been among the worst-hit areas by the virus, leaders in Weld County gave their blessing last week for any businesses to reopen provided they follow social-distancing guidance.Some retailers in Eagle County, which encompasses the wealthy ski town of Vail, were getting ready to start offering curbside pickup. And in the state’s conservative ranching and oil-drilling northeast, which has been among the worst-hit areas by the virus, leaders in Weld County gave their blessing last week for any businesses to reopen provided they follow social-distancing guidance.
On Monday morning, Bob Smith, 60, opened Continuum Coffee for takeout-only business but said he did not anticipate that tables of lingering latte-drinkers would be back anytime soon.On Monday morning, Bob Smith, 60, opened Continuum Coffee for takeout-only business but said he did not anticipate that tables of lingering latte-drinkers would be back anytime soon.
“It’s hard,” he said. “You hear one government office saying, ‘You’re good,’ and another saying, ‘no you’re not.’ I don’t know.”“It’s hard,” he said. “You hear one government office saying, ‘You’re good,’ and another saying, ‘no you’re not.’ I don’t know.”
In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has not yet released a plan for broad economic reopening, though one is expected in the next few days. Last week, he asked a task force to quickly issue recommendations, but he has since cautioned that changes will come slowly. Stricter measures might remain in place longer in Southeast Florida, where most cases have been concentrated, although the governor signaled that he might soon lift a ban on elective surgeries at hospitals.In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has not yet released a plan for broad economic reopening, though one is expected in the next few days. Last week, he asked a task force to quickly issue recommendations, but he has since cautioned that changes will come slowly. Stricter measures might remain in place longer in Southeast Florida, where most cases have been concentrated, although the governor signaled that he might soon lift a ban on elective surgeries at hospitals.
“There’s probably going to be some people that think this is too slow,” he said at a news conference in Tampa on Monday, calling his approach “methodical and data-driven.”“There’s probably going to be some people that think this is too slow,” he said at a news conference in Tampa on Monday, calling his approach “methodical and data-driven.”
Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the White House response coordinator, cautioned on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday that Americans should expect some form of social-distancing guidelines to continue “through the summer.”Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the White House response coordinator, cautioned on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday that Americans should expect some form of social-distancing guidelines to continue “through the summer.”
In New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, a Democrat, 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. The governor said Monday that 337 more people had died in the state on Sunday, the lowest single-day death toll since March.In New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, a Democrat, 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. The governor said Monday that 337 more people had died in the state on Sunday, the lowest single-day death toll since March.
Mr. Cuomo said that a second round of antibody testing found, like last week’s first round, that more than 20 percent of supermarket shoppers randomly tested in New York City tested positive for antibodies to the virus, indicating that they may have already been infected with it.Mr. Cuomo said that a second round of antibody testing found, like last week’s first round, that more than 20 percent of supermarket shoppers randomly tested in New York City tested positive for antibodies to the virus, indicating that they may have already been infected with it.
In New Jersey, Gov. Philip D. Murphy, a Democrat, said Monday that he would need to see four things before he would consider reopening businesses and schools: a prolonged decline in hospitalization and infection rates; expanded testing; more contact tracing; and places for those who were sick with the virus to remain in isolation.In New Jersey, Gov. Philip D. Murphy, a Democrat, said Monday that he would need to see four things before he would consider reopening businesses and schools: a prolonged decline in hospitalization and infection rates; expanded testing; more contact tracing; and places for those who were sick with the virus to remain in isolation.
Sounding a slightly more hopeful note, Mr. Murphy said on CNBC that there was “a chance” schools in New Jersey might reopen in some fashion before the end of June.Sounding a slightly more hopeful note, Mr. Murphy said on CNBC that there was “a chance” schools in New Jersey might reopen in some fashion before the end of June.
At least 50,000 people in the United States have died from the coronavirus, according to the known tally by The Times, with confirmed cases reaching more than 973,000. The grim milestone, reached on Monday, comes as states like Georgia and Oklahoma have taken steps to reopen their economies. Others hit hard by the virus, like New York and Michigan, remain shut.
Those numbers do not include more than 5,200 people in New York City and smaller numbers in other states and U.S. territories who died and are believed to have had the virus. Many of those patients were not tested, a consequence of a strained medical system and a persistent lack of testing capacity.
Even as case numbers have stabilized in some hard-hit cities, including New Orleans and Seattle, other places have seen sustained growth.
The counties that include Los Angeles and Chicago added more than 1,000 new cases on several recent days. In Massachusetts, numbers surpassed 54,000 on Sunday, up from 38,000 a week earlier. And across the Midwest and Great Plains, production at meatpacking plants had slowed or stopped because of large outbreaks, including one that sickened more than 1,000 people in South Dakota.
In New York, hundreds of deaths are announced each day, though those numbers are far below their peak earlier this month. Now, 60 percent of voters in New York City say they personally know someone who tested positive, and 46 percent know someone who died of the virus, according to a poll by the Siena College Research Institute.
Although the United States has the highest number of deaths on a global scale, deaths per capita remain lower than those in many European countries, notably Italy and Spain. The global toll has surpassed 200,000, though at least 36,000 more people have died in the past month than the official counts report, according to a review of mortality data in 12 countries.
Less than an hour after the Small Business Administration on Monday morning started taking requests for another $310 billion in emergency aid for small businesses, its computer system for processing the loan applications crashed.
“It’s obvious the system is simply flooded right now,” said Craig Street, the chief lending officer at United Midwest Savings Bank in Columbus, Ohio. “It’s been very stop and start, with no real way to know whether it is working other than to keep hitting the submit button.”
It was a rocky start for the second round of funding through the Paycheck Protection Program, a stimulus measure that offers small companies low-interest loans to cover their payrolls and other costs. If borrowers comply with the rules, the loans will be forgiven.
The program began early this month, but its initial round of funding — $342 billion — was depleted in 13 days. Hundreds of thousands of borrowers who sought loans did not make the cut. Congress authorized a new funding round last week, and the government began accepting applications for it at 10:30 a.m. on Monday.
Borrowers must apply for the money through banks or other lenders, but the Small Business Administration, which is managing the program, must approve each loan. Because the funds are first-come, first-served, lenders are anxious about getting their loans approved as quickly as possible.
S.B.A. officials did not immediately respond to questions about the technical problems that lenders were reporting with E-Tran, the agency’s computer system for processing loans.
Mr. Street said he had been able to get a few loans submitted and approved, despite the technical challenges. Two loan officers at other banks said they were also struggling to submit applications.
The S.B.A. had tried to brace for the expected surge in demand. It imposed a “pacing mechanism,” an agency spokesman said, to limit the number of loans that lenders could submit each hour.
It also allowed big lenders — those with at least 15,000 applications — to make one bulk submission each by bundling their loans. The applications would still be processed individually on a first-come, first-served basis, the agency said, and the loans would be funded only if money remains available.
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.
Among those disclosing they have returned their Paycheck Protection Program funds: The Los Angeles Lakers. The team said it was returning about $4.6 million it received through the Small Business 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.
Rob Nichols, the chief executive of the American Bankers Association, a trade group representing banks of all sizes, expressed bankers’ frustrations in a tweet on Monday. “Our member banks across the country are deeply frustrated at their inability to access @SBAGov’s E-Tran system,” he said, adding that until the problems were fixed, “#AmericasBanks will not be able to help more struggling small businesses.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California warned residents on Monday that the timetable for opening up could be jeopardized by people ignoring social-distancing rules after images circulated over the weekend of packed beaches in Southern California.
“This virus doesn’t go home because it’s a beautiful sunny day around our coasts,” he said.
New data showed an increase in movement across the state, he said. In the San Francisco Bay Area, toll operators have reported steady but incremental increases in people using bridges.
“The likelihood of having a virus-free world is not realistic in the next number of months,” he said.
The governor said he would present more details on reopening the economy on Tuesday but stressed that any relaxation of the state’s shutdown would be contingent on definitive evidence of a decline in hospitalizations and a ramped up ability to test for the virus, among other conditions.
His comments came as six counties in the Bay Area that put in place the nation’s first shelter-in-place orders in March announced that the orders would be extended through the end of May. The counties are Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara.
Health officers said in a statement Monday that a new order to be made public later this week will largely keep the current restrictions in place but will include “limited easing of specific restrictions for a small number of lower-risk activities.”
At the same time Mr. Newsom has come under pressure to ease restrictions in areas of the state less affected by the pandemic. On Friday politicians in six Northern California counties urged the governor to allow the reopening of their economies.
In a letter to the governor, state lawmakers and local officials from those counties said they had only 69 total cases and were seeing declines in new cases. Keeping economies shut could “cause dire public health issues of their own,” the letter said.
Oil prices plunged on Monday, with the American benchmark hurtling toward the $10 a barrel mark, as fears about a global glut in crude continued to weigh on energy markets.Oil prices plunged on Monday, with the American benchmark hurtling toward the $10 a barrel mark, as fears about a global glut in crude continued to weigh on energy markets.
But the S & P 500 rose about 1 percent, and European stocks were trading about 2 percent higher after a broadly higher day in Asia.But the S & P 500 rose about 1 percent, and European stocks were trading about 2 percent higher after a broadly higher day in Asia.
Since last week, investors have been panicked about oil storage facilities running out of capacity as producers continued to pump oil even as demand collapsed. That concern is most acute in the United States, where storage facilities in Cushing, Okla., are expected to reach capacity in May.Since last week, investors have been panicked about oil storage facilities running out of capacity as producers continued to pump oil even as demand collapsed. That concern is most acute in the United States, where storage facilities in Cushing, Okla., are expected to reach capacity in May.
It’s one reason the collapse in futures of American crude has been so much sharper than the global benchmark. On Monday, West Texas Intermediate crude, the U.S. benchmark, was down about 27 percent at a little more than $12 a barrel. At the same time, Brent Crude, the global benchmark, was down about 9 percent to just above $19 a barrel.It’s one reason the collapse in futures of American crude has been so much sharper than the global benchmark. On Monday, West Texas Intermediate crude, the U.S. benchmark, was down about 27 percent at a little more than $12 a barrel. At the same time, Brent Crude, the global benchmark, was down about 9 percent to just above $19 a barrel.
One factor behind the difference in price is that the Cushing facilities are landlocked, reachable only by pipeline, whereas Brent supplies can be reached by boat and either stored there or placed at facilities around the globe. Investors betting on an eventual rebound in oil prices are filling oil tankers up — with as much as two million barrels per vessel — and parking them out at sea, the Times’s Stanley Reed reported.One factor behind the difference in price is that the Cushing facilities are landlocked, reachable only by pipeline, whereas Brent supplies can be reached by boat and either stored there or placed at facilities around the globe. Investors betting on an eventual rebound in oil prices are filling oil tankers up — with as much as two million barrels per vessel — and parking them out at sea, the Times’s Stanley Reed reported.
“I can send a boat to the Brent field; I can’t send a boat to Cushing,” said Stuart Joyner, an analyst at Redburn, a market research firm.“I can send a boat to the Brent field; I can’t send a boat to Cushing,” said Stuart Joyner, an analyst at Redburn, a market research firm.
Analysts say the unprecedented collapse of American crude prices into negative territory on April 20 spooked investors.Analysts say the unprecedented collapse of American crude prices into negative territory on April 20 spooked investors.
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, which is close to 10 percent of global output, to address a glut as demand for crude crashed.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, which is close to 10 percent of global output, to address a glut as demand for crude crashed.
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.”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.”
Never mind. Less than two hours after the White House canceled the daily coronavirus news briefing, it rescheduled it, saying that President Trump would make an announcement on testing.Never mind. Less than two hours after the White House canceled the daily coronavirus news briefing, it rescheduled it, saying that President Trump would make an announcement on testing.
“The White House has additional testing guidance and other announcements about safely opening up America again,” Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary, wrote on Twitter. “President @realDonaldTrump will brief the nation during a press conference this evening.”“The White House has additional testing guidance and other announcements about safely opening up America again,” Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary, wrote on Twitter. “President @realDonaldTrump will brief the nation during a press conference this evening.”
The White House set the newly slated news conference for the Rose Garden at 5 p.m., the same time the briefing was originally scheduled for before being canceled shortly before lunch. Some of Mr. Trump’s aides and allies had expressed concern that the briefings had become a liability for the president and he himself had said over the weekend that they were “not worth the time & effort.” But Mr. Trump has rarely resisted media appearances for long.The White House set the newly slated news conference for the Rose Garden at 5 p.m., the same time the briefing was originally scheduled for before being canceled shortly before lunch. Some of Mr. Trump’s aides and allies had expressed concern that the briefings had become a liability for the president and he himself had said over the weekend that they were “not worth the time & effort.” But Mr. Trump has rarely resisted media appearances for long.
Cases of the virus aboard a U.S. Navy destroyer spiked over the weekend with at least 47 crew members testing positive, the Navy said on Monday.Cases of the virus aboard a U.S. Navy destroyer spiked over the weekend with at least 47 crew members testing positive, the Navy said on Monday.
The destroyer, the USS Kidd which has roughly 300 crew members, is part of a counternarcotics mission and is the second deployed American warship impacted by the coronavirus.The destroyer, the USS Kidd which has roughly 300 crew members, is part of a counternarcotics mission and is the second deployed American warship impacted by the coronavirus.
Two sailors aboard the destroyer, which was deployed to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, have been evacuated to the United States and the ship is returning to port. More than a dozen sailors have been sent to a nearby warship for monitoring. So far, nearly 50 percent of the crew have been tested for the virus.Two sailors aboard the destroyer, which was deployed to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, have been evacuated to the United States and the ship is returning to port. More than a dozen sailors have been sent to a nearby warship for monitoring. So far, nearly 50 percent of the crew have been tested for the virus.
An aircraft carrier, the Theodore Roosevelt that is currently docked in Guam, has 955 active cases of the virus, according to the Navy, and is set to return to its deployment in the western Pacific in the coming weeks.An aircraft carrier, the Theodore Roosevelt that is currently docked in Guam, has 955 active cases of the virus, according to the Navy, and is set to return to its deployment in the western Pacific in the coming weeks.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday announced it would launch an investigation into Mr. Trump’s decision to halt funding to the World Health Organization, calling the move a “political distraction” from the administration’s lackluster response to the pandemic.The House Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday announced it would launch an investigation into Mr. Trump’s decision to halt funding to the World Health Organization, calling the move a “political distraction” from the administration’s lackluster response to the pandemic.
“Attacking the W.H.O., rather than the Covid-19 outbreak, will only worsen an already dire situation by undermining one of our key tools to fight the spreading disease,” Representative Eliot L. Engel of New York, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.“Attacking the W.H.O., rather than the Covid-19 outbreak, will only worsen an already dire situation by undermining one of our key tools to fight the spreading disease,” Representative Eliot L. Engel of New York, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Mr. Trump said earlier this month that he planned to cut off American funding for the organization, blaming the agency for a “20-fold” increase in cases worldwide and claiming the W.H.O. had become too “China-centric.”Mr. Trump said earlier this month that he planned to cut off American funding for the organization, blaming the agency for a “20-fold” increase in cases worldwide and claiming the W.H.O. had become too “China-centric.”
His criticisms mirrored those of Republican lawmakers who have accused the organization’s leaders of being too trusting of Beijing regarding China’s response.His criticisms mirrored those of Republican lawmakers who have accused the organization’s leaders of being too trusting of Beijing regarding China’s response.
The Democrat-led House recently created an oversight panel focused on the Trump administration’s response.The Democrat-led House recently created an oversight panel focused on the Trump administration’s response.
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.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.
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.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.
The rush to treat patients with arthritis drugs began with a tiny study that ended optimistically in China in February.The rush to treat patients with arthritis drugs began with a tiny study that ended optimistically in China in February.
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.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.
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.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.
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.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.
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.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.
Cities across the country are struggling under the economic shadow of the virus. But few have to deal with the collapse of their fundamental industry the way Houston, the self-proclaimed energy capital of the world, has as oil prices have plummeted.Cities across the country are struggling under the economic shadow of the virus. But few have to deal with the collapse of their fundamental industry the way Houston, the self-proclaimed energy capital of the world, has as oil prices have plummeted.
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 stood before reporters and delivered the grim news, his words 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 stood before reporters and delivered the grim news, his words muffled by the black mask covering his face.
City employees would soon be furloughed, the mayor announced, 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.”City employees would soon be furloughed, the mayor announced, 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.”
Officials there are bracing for worse.Officials there are bracing for worse.
“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.
Democrats and Republicans differ on attitudes toward virus risks and in workplace behaviors meant to reduce them, according to a new survey. This partisanship has the potential to hurt efforts to stop the spread.
The data from Gallup’s Covid-19 tracking panel shows that people deemed essential workers are generating large numbers of close contacts with other people, putting themselves and those they live with at risk. Recognizing this, most workers have changed how they do their jobs to reduce the risk of viral transmission.
Yet workers living in counties won by the president in the 2016 election are slightly less likely to have adopted these changes, with Republicans living in those counties even less likely to have done so.
“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.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.
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.
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.
Follow updates on the pandemic from our team of international correspondents.Follow updates on the pandemic from our team of international correspondents.
Reporting was contributed by Pam Belluck, Alan Blinder, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Michael Cooper, Stacy Cowley, Jesse Drucker, David Enrich, Manny Fernandez, David Gelles, Jack Healy, Shawn Hubler, Kate Kelly, Gina Kolata, Patricia Mazzei, Sarah Mervosh, David Montgomery, Roni Caryn Rabin, Katie Rogers, Jonathan Rothwell, Marc Santora, Jessica Silver-Greenberg, Eileen Sullivan, Neil Vigdor and David Yaffe-Bellany. Reporting was contributed by Pam Belluck, Alan Blinder, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Michael Cooper, Stacy Cowley, Jesse Drucker, David Enrich, Manny Fernandez, David Gelles, Jack Healy, Shawn Hubler, Kate Kelly, Gina Kolata, Jonathan Martin, Patricia Mazzei, Sarah Mervosh, David Montgomery, Roni Caryn Rabin, Katie Rogers, Jonathan Rothwell, Marc Santora, Jessica Silver-Greenberg, Eileen Sullivan, Neil Vigdor and David Yaffe-Bellany.