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Coronavirus Live Updates: Mnuchin Signals Crackdown on Business Aid; Experts Say Trump’s Testing Plan Falls Short Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump Says He Will Sign Order to Protect Food Industry; Mnuchin Signals Crackdown on Business Aid
(32 minutes later)
President Trump said on Tuesday that he planned to sign an executive order later in the day to address what he called the “liability problems” in the food supply without elaborating.
“There’s plenty of supply,” he said. “It’s distribution and we will probably have that today solved. It was a very unique circumstance because of liability.”
His comment to reporters came several hours after he reposted a Twitter message from a news site that covers the food industry saying that “there is no shortage of meat destined for the grocery store shelf” but slower restocking because of “supply chain disruptions.”
The president mentioned the pending order during a meeting in the Oval Office with Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, whose state is one of the most watched parts of the country as governors begin reopening businesses and public life because of its high concentrations of vulnerable older residents and its early resistance to closing public beaches.
Mr. Trump encouraged states to lift restrictions in a Twitter message before the meeting. “Many States moving to SAFELY & QUICKLY reopen!” he wrote, singling out Texas in particular and denying that there was any shortage of testing despite the complaints of many governors that they need more capacity to determine how far the virus has spread before restoring a semblance of normal life.
Speaking with reporters in the Oval Office, Mr. DeSantis struck a different note, saying “our ability to test exceeds the current demand.” Mr. Trump said that was “a fantastic thing.”
Mr. DeSantis, whose stay-at-home order expires on Friday, plans to announce on Wednesday his plan for what he calls a gradual reopening, saying he would approach it in a “thoughtful, measured and data-driven way.”
He defended his decision not to close as early as other states, saying he had taken “tailored” steps, unlike the “draconian” restrictions imposed in other states. “Everyone in the media was saying Florida was going to be like New York or Italy and that has not happened,” Mr. DeSantis said.
While Florida continues to accept airline flights from Latin America, Mr. Trump asked Mr. DeSantis if he would soon be “cutting off Brazil.”
“Well, not necessarily cut them off,” Mr. DeSantis offered.
“Would you ever want to ban certain countries?” Mr. Trump asked.
If they were a threat to the United States, he replied.
The governor later suggested he could potentially resume tourism, a critical industry for Florida. “We have to make safety a priority,” he said, but “I do think there’s a path to do that.”
Responding to questions from reporters, Mr. Trump again defended his own handling of the virus but did not respond directly when asked if he was receiving warnings in his daily intelligence briefing in January and February, as The Washington Post reported. “I would have to check” the dates, he said.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Tuesday that companies that received more than $2 million in small business loans would be audited by the Small Business Administration and could face “criminal liability” if it turns out they were not eligible to apply for the relief money.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Tuesday that companies that received more than $2 million in small business loans would be audited by the Small Business Administration and could face “criminal liability” if it turns out they were not eligible to apply for the relief money.
Mr. Mnuchin’s comments come as backlash grows over big, publicly traded companies taking millions of dollars of loans while small businesses have been left out and unable to access the $660 billion pot of bailout money.Mr. Mnuchin’s comments come as backlash grows over big, publicly traded companies taking millions of dollars of loans while small businesses have been left out and unable to access the $660 billion pot of bailout money.
“We want to make sure this money is getting to where it should be,” Mr. Mnuchin said on CNBC.“We want to make sure this money is getting to where it should be,” Mr. Mnuchin said on CNBC.
The second round of the small business loan program started on Monday and it was marred by technical glitches and frustration among banks and borrowers. The program has also suffered from Treasury’s lack of clear guidance to banks and borrowers about who is eligible to receive funds from the $660 billion Paycheck Protection Program.The second round of the small business loan program started on Monday and it was marred by technical glitches and frustration among banks and borrowers. The program has also suffered from Treasury’s lack of clear guidance to banks and borrowers about who is eligible to receive funds from the $660 billion Paycheck Protection Program.
Last week, the Treasury and the S.B.A. clarified the certification requirements for borrowers to dissuade big companies that have access to other forms of capital from applying, saying that only firms without access to other forms of capital — such as selling shares or debt — would qualify.Last week, the Treasury and the S.B.A. clarified the certification requirements for borrowers to dissuade big companies that have access to other forms of capital from applying, saying that only firms without access to other forms of capital — such as selling shares or debt — would qualify.
Several companies returned their loan money in recent days amid the backlash, including the Los Angeles Lakers basketball franchise, which on Monday said it had given back its $4.6 million loan. Mr. Mnuchin said on Tuesday that he thought it was “outrageous” that the Lakers had taken money and warned other public companies that they could face criminal liability if they did not refund the loans by May 7.Several companies returned their loan money in recent days amid the backlash, including the Los Angeles Lakers basketball franchise, which on Monday said it had given back its $4.6 million loan. Mr. Mnuchin said on Tuesday that he thought it was “outrageous” that the Lakers had taken money and warned other public companies that they could face criminal liability if they did not refund the loans by May 7.
“The purpose of this program was not social welfare for big business,” Mr. Mnuchin said.“The purpose of this program was not social welfare for big business,” Mr. Mnuchin said.
The Treasury secretary noted that banks had been encouraged to process the loans as quickly as possible and that the onus is on the borrowers to honestly assess if they are eligible for the loans, which are meant for businesses with fewer than 500 workers.The Treasury secretary noted that banks had been encouraged to process the loans as quickly as possible and that the onus is on the borrowers to honestly assess if they are eligible for the loans, which are meant for businesses with fewer than 500 workers.
“It’s really the fault of the borrowers,” Mr. Mnuchin said. “It’s the borrowers who have criminal liability if they made this certification and it’s not true.”“It’s really the fault of the borrowers,” Mr. Mnuchin said. “It’s the borrowers who have criminal liability if they made this certification and it’s not true.”
The saber-rattling comes ahead of a Rose Garden event at the White House on Tuesday afternoon, where President Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks about the Paycheck Protection Program.The saber-rattling comes ahead of a Rose Garden event at the White House on Tuesday afternoon, where President Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks about the Paycheck Protection Program.
So far, at least 116 public companies have disclosed receiving loans over $2 million and haven’t returned those funds.So far, at least 116 public companies have disclosed receiving loans over $2 million and haven’t returned those funds.
Business lobbyists and executives are pushing the Trump administration and Congress to shield American companies from a wide range of potential lawsuits related to reopening the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, opening a new legal and political fight over how the nation deals with the fallout from Covid-19.Business lobbyists and executives are pushing the Trump administration and Congress to shield American companies from a wide range of potential lawsuits related to reopening the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, opening a new legal and political fight over how the nation deals with the fallout from Covid-19.
Government officials are beginning the slow process of lifting restrictions on economic activity in states and local areas across the country. But lobbyists say retailers, manufacturers, eateries and other businesses will struggle to start back up if lawmakers do not place temporary limits on legal liability in areas including worker privacy, employment discrimination and product manufacturing.Government officials are beginning the slow process of lifting restrictions on economic activity in states and local areas across the country. But lobbyists say retailers, manufacturers, eateries and other businesses will struggle to start back up if lawmakers do not place temporary limits on legal liability in areas including worker privacy, employment discrimination and product manufacturing.
The biggest push, business groups say, is to give companies enhanced protection against lawsuits by customers or employees who contract the virus and accuse the business of being the source of the infection.The biggest push, business groups say, is to give companies enhanced protection against lawsuits by customers or employees who contract the virus and accuse the business of being the source of the infection.
Administration officials have said they are examining how they could create some of those shields via regulation or executive order. But lobbyists and lawmakers agree that the most consequential changes would need to come from Congress — where the effort has run into partisan divisions that could complicate lawmakers’ ability to pass another stimulus package.Administration officials have said they are examining how they could create some of those shields via regulation or executive order. But lobbyists and lawmakers agree that the most consequential changes would need to come from Congress — where the effort has run into partisan divisions that could complicate lawmakers’ ability to pass another stimulus package.
In announcing that the Senate will return on May 4, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, said on Monday there was an “urgent need” to enact legislation to shield businesses from pandemic-related legal liability if they reopen, citing the risk of “years of endless lawsuits” arising from “a massive tangle of federal and state laws.”In announcing that the Senate will return on May 4, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, said on Monday there was an “urgent need” to enact legislation to shield businesses from pandemic-related legal liability if they reopen, citing the risk of “years of endless lawsuits” arising from “a massive tangle of federal and state laws.”
Mr. McConnell suggested that the liability issue would need to be resolved before Congress provided any additional financial relief to states, teeing up a big fight over the next aid package. Negotiations on that bill will heat up next week, with Democrats pushing for hundreds of billions of dollars to help state and local governments fill a crisis-induced shortfall in tax revenues. They are also seeking aid for the United States Postal Service and federal “hazard pay” for workers on the front lines of the pandemic.Mr. McConnell suggested that the liability issue would need to be resolved before Congress provided any additional financial relief to states, teeing up a big fight over the next aid package. Negotiations on that bill will heat up next week, with Democrats pushing for hundreds of billions of dollars to help state and local governments fill a crisis-induced shortfall in tax revenues. They are also seeking aid for the United States Postal Service and federal “hazard pay” for workers on the front lines of the pandemic.
Democratic leaders abruptly reversed course on Tuesday and said they would not call the House of Representatives back into session in Washington next week, a day after rank-and-file lawmakers complained that their plans to do so constituted an unnecessary risk.Democratic leaders abruptly reversed course on Tuesday and said they would not call the House of Representatives back into session in Washington next week, a day after rank-and-file lawmakers complained that their plans to do so constituted an unnecessary risk.
Representative Steny H. Hoyer, Democrat of Maryland and the majority leader, told reporters Tuesday morning that after consulting with the House physician and studying virus numbers in Washington and nearby suburban counties, the leaders had determined that lawmakers should postpone their return to the Capitol until they are ready to consider another pandemic relief package in the coming weeks.Representative Steny H. Hoyer, Democrat of Maryland and the majority leader, told reporters Tuesday morning that after consulting with the House physician and studying virus numbers in Washington and nearby suburban counties, the leaders had determined that lawmakers should postpone their return to the Capitol until they are ready to consider another pandemic relief package in the coming weeks.
“There was a risk to members that is one he would not recommend taking” Mr. Hoyer said of the physician. Mr. Hoyer, the second-ranking House Democrat, noted that the District of Columbia and two nearby counties continued to see an increase in cases. And he said it was unlikely that the next phase of coronavirus aid legislation would be ready in time for the House to vote on it next week.“There was a risk to members that is one he would not recommend taking” Mr. Hoyer said of the physician. Mr. Hoyer, the second-ranking House Democrat, noted that the District of Columbia and two nearby counties continued to see an increase in cases. And he said it was unlikely that the next phase of coronavirus aid legislation would be ready in time for the House to vote on it next week.
“We hope to come back very soon to consider” that package, Mr. Hoyer added.“We hope to come back very soon to consider” that package, Mr. Hoyer added.
The decision came about 24 hours after Mr. Hoyer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi informed lawmakers that they intended to return on Monday to convene votes and committee meetings, including a vote to adopt rules changes that would allow for Congress to function remotely in the future. Some Democrats and many Republicans supported the move to reopen the House, but others vocally protested, arguing that they would be setting a bad example for the country and needlessly putting lawmakers at risk.The decision came about 24 hours after Mr. Hoyer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi informed lawmakers that they intended to return on Monday to convene votes and committee meetings, including a vote to adopt rules changes that would allow for Congress to function remotely in the future. Some Democrats and many Republicans supported the move to reopen the House, but others vocally protested, arguing that they would be setting a bad example for the country and needlessly putting lawmakers at risk.
The Republican-controlled Senate still plans to return on Monday to resume its businesses, albeit with modifications to try to minimize health risks.The Republican-controlled Senate still plans to return on Monday to resume its businesses, albeit with modifications to try to minimize health risks.
In the seven weeks since the president promised that anyone who needed a test could get one, the United States has conducted about 5.4 million tests, far more than any other country, but still the equivalent of only about 1.6 percent of the total population.In the seven weeks since the president promised that anyone who needed a test could get one, the United States has conducted about 5.4 million tests, far more than any other country, but still the equivalent of only about 1.6 percent of the total population.
A group of experts convened by Harvard University’s Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics has called for five million tests a day by early June, ramping up to 20 million per day by late July.A group of experts convened by Harvard University’s Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics has called for five million tests a day by early June, ramping up to 20 million per day by late July.
Under growing pressure to expand coronavirus testing as states move to reopen their economies, Mr. Trump unveiled a plan on Monday to ramp up the federal government’s help to states, but his proposal ran far short of what most public health experts say is necessary.Under growing pressure to expand coronavirus testing as states move to reopen their economies, Mr. Trump unveiled a plan on Monday to ramp up the federal government’s help to states, but his proposal ran far short of what most public health experts say is necessary.
Mr. Trump’s announcement came after weeks of his insisting, inaccurately, that the nation’s testing capability was “fully sufficient to begin opening up the country,” as he put it on April 18. Numerous public health experts say that is untrue, and Mr. Trump’s plan may do little to fix it.Mr. Trump’s announcement came after weeks of his insisting, inaccurately, that the nation’s testing capability was “fully sufficient to begin opening up the country,” as he put it on April 18. Numerous public health experts say that is untrue, and Mr. Trump’s plan may do little to fix it.
Mr. Trump on Tuesday defended his administration’s efforts.Mr. Trump on Tuesday defended his administration’s efforts.
An administration official said the federal government aimed to give states the ability to test at least 2 percent of their populations per month, though the president did not use that figure and it was not in his written plan. Instead, Mr. Trump and other officials with him in the Rose Garden said the United States would “double” the number of tests it had been conducting.An administration official said the federal government aimed to give states the ability to test at least 2 percent of their populations per month, though the president did not use that figure and it was not in his written plan. Instead, Mr. Trump and other officials with him in the Rose Garden said the United States would “double” the number of tests it had been conducting.
“These were not complaining people. They had everything they needed. They had their ventilators, they had their testing,” Mr. Trump said on Monday after a call with governors. “We’re getting them what they need.”“These were not complaining people. They had everything they needed. They had their ventilators, they had their testing,” Mr. Trump said on Monday after a call with governors. “We’re getting them what they need.”
In fact, governors have been complaining that they do not have nearly enough tests to give them the kind of information they need to make difficult decisions about reopening. They say they are competing with one another — and with other countries — for the components that make up the testing kits, including nasal swabs and needed chemicals.In fact, governors have been complaining that they do not have nearly enough tests to give them the kind of information they need to make difficult decisions about reopening. They say they are competing with one another — and with other countries — for the components that make up the testing kits, including nasal swabs and needed chemicals.
Rather than one coordinated federal response, the Trump administration has been engaging on an ad hoc basis as states take the lead.Rather than one coordinated federal response, the Trump administration has been engaging on an ad hoc basis as states take the lead.
But speaking on the call with the governors after Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington complained about the lack of testing capacity, Admiral Brett P. Giroir, a top official at the Department of Health and Human Services, said he expected that the federal government would soon offer greater supply support.But speaking on the call with the governors after Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington complained about the lack of testing capacity, Admiral Brett P. Giroir, a top official at the Department of Health and Human Services, said he expected that the federal government would soon offer greater supply support.
“Every week you’ll get a shipment in your state for further distribution, and that will have all the swabs,” he said.“Every week you’ll get a shipment in your state for further distribution, and that will have all the swabs,” he said.
Even as governors across the United States proceeded cautiously with plans to allow businesses to reopen and other nations looked for ways to restart stalled economies, the workings of the virus continued to vex the scientific and medical community.Even as governors across the United States proceeded cautiously with plans to allow businesses to reopen and other nations looked for ways to restart stalled economies, the workings of the virus continued to vex the scientific and medical community.
For weeks, most people in the United States have been told that they qualify for a test only if they have three symptoms associated with the disease: high fever, cough and shortness of breath.For weeks, most people in the United States have been told that they qualify for a test only if they have three symptoms associated with the disease: high fever, cough and shortness of breath.
As health experts have gained more experience with Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, they are finding that many infected people have no fevers or that their fevers wax and wane over a period of weeks and are sometimes accompanied by chills.As health experts have gained more experience with Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, they are finding that many infected people have no fevers or that their fevers wax and wane over a period of weeks and are sometimes accompanied by chills.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has now expanded the list of symptoms to include repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and a loss of taste or smell.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has now expanded the list of symptoms to include repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and a loss of taste or smell.
That differs from the guidance of the World Health Organization, which says that the most common symptoms are fever, dry cough and tiredness.That differs from the guidance of the World Health Organization, which says that 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.”“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.”
With more than 200,000 people killed by the virus and roughly three million detected infections, there remains no effective therapeutic treatment. While the worldwide race for a vaccine is gathering speed, success is still months away at the earliest.With more than 200,000 people killed by the virus and roughly three million detected infections, there remains no effective therapeutic treatment. While the worldwide race for a vaccine is gathering speed, success is still months away at the earliest.
The Jenner Institute at Oxford University is scheduling tests of a new vaccine on more than 6,000 people by the end of next month, hoping to show not only that it is safe, but also that it works.The Jenner Institute at Oxford University is scheduling tests of a new vaccine on more than 6,000 people by the end of next month, hoping to show not only that it is safe, but also that it works.
The Oxford scientists say that with an emergency approval from regulators, the first few million doses of their vaccine could be available by September — at least several months ahead of any of the other announced efforts — if it proves to be effective.The Oxford scientists say that with an emergency approval from regulators, the first few million doses of their vaccine could be available by September — at least several months ahead of any of the other announced efforts — if it proves to be effective.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the W.H.O., told a virtual news conference in Geneva on Monday that there was a long road ahead and that countries eager to shake off restrictions would be “balancing lives against livelihoods.”Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the W.H.O., told a virtual news conference in Geneva on Monday that there was a long road ahead and that countries eager to shake off restrictions would be “balancing lives against livelihoods.”
Japan announced a one-year postponement of the Summer Games in March, but sticking to that plan would require an improved “global situation,” Dr. Yoshitake Yokokura, the president of the Japan Medical Association, told reporters on Tuesday.Japan announced a one-year postponement of the Summer Games in March, but sticking to that plan would require an improved “global situation,” Dr. Yoshitake Yokokura, the president of the Japan Medical Association, told reporters on Tuesday.
Argentina lengthened a strict ban on all commercial flights until Sept. 1, but many countries have begun to gradually reopen, including France, where Prime Minister Édouard Philippe was to tell Parliament about the country’s next steps. There is no clear sense of what the new normal will look like, and divisions — both internal and external — are growing as countries try to envision the future.Argentina lengthened a strict ban on all commercial flights until Sept. 1, but many countries have begun to gradually reopen, including France, where Prime Minister Édouard Philippe was to tell Parliament about the country’s next steps. There is no clear sense of what the new normal will look like, and divisions — both internal and external — are growing as countries try to envision the future.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, is scheduled to sit down with Mr. Trump on Tuesday, two days before Florida’s stay-at-home order is set to expire. Mr. DeSantis has not released formal plans for reopening, other than signaling that hospitals will soon resume elective surgeries. The changes will be gradual, the governor has said, taken in “baby steps.” An early rally on Wall Street gave way to selling, in a reversal that began soon after new data on consumer confidence in the United States showed that views on business and job market conditions in April fell by the most on record.
Florida has more than 32,800 cases and more than 1,100 deaths, most of them in three populous counties from Miami to West Palm Beach, and health experts have repeatedly expressed concerns that reopening prematurely without sufficient testing, protective equipment and other safeguards could fuel another spike in cases. Florida reported 83 new deaths between Monday and Tuesday, the highest single-day number of the pandemic in the state, after three days of low numbers. Investors had been encouraged by the possible easing of restrictions in major economies around the world, and hope for an economic rebound has helped to fuel a nearly 30 percent rally in the S&P 500 over the past month.
Still, as the number of cases has flattened or dropped in parts of his state, Mr. DeSantis has taken a victory lap, blasting the news media from “the Acela corridor” for what he characterized as overly dire projections. But the sudden shift in sentiment on Tuesday — the S&P 500 initially rose by more than 1 percent before it gave up all of those gains — shows how fragile this optimism is.
On a conference call with Mr. Trump and the nation’s governors on Tuesday, Mr. DeSantis touted Florida’s drive-through and walk-up testing sites, according to an audio recording obtained by The New York Times. Mr. DeSantis claimed that “supply exceeds demand” for testing, though Floridians must still have a doctor’s order to get one. The survey that seemed to spook investors on Tuesday, conducted by the Conference Board, did show that expectations for the near-term improved, which the organization attributed to “the possibility that stay-at-home restrictions will loosen soon.”
“Some of the testing centers are not getting filled up and that’s what he’s talking about,” said Dr. Aileen M. Marty, an infectious diseases professor at Florida International University. “But that has nothing to do with whether we’re properly testing.” Oil prices were also volatile on Tuesday. The price of West Texas Intermediate, the type of oil used to determine industry prices in the United States, fell nearly 20 percent before rebounding.
“What we should have been doing from the get-go is you identify a case, you do the contact tracing and you test the close contacts,” Dr. Marty said. “There, you’re going to find the asymptomatic carriers.” At about $12 a barrel, the price is still at a level virtually unheard-of before the double whammy of the coronavirus outbreak and a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia. Brent crude, the international benchmark, wavered between gains and losses and was about $21 a barrel.
To significantly increase the number of tests they can process, the state has ordered machines for its three state labs in Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville. But those machines are not expected to arrive before later in May. Right now, the state labs process about 900 tests a day, Mr. DeSantis has said. Private labs are processing the vast majority of Florida’s tests.
Mr. DeSantis has allowed pharmacists to administer tests to widen testing access. National Guard medics are testing residents and staff at elder-care facilities. Last week, the state contracted with two private labs to conduct 18,000 rapid tests per day.
U.S. stocks began another rally on Tuesday, climbing for a third consecutive day, and global markets rose as more governments made plans to reopen their economies gradually and investors prepared to scrutinize corporate earning announcements.
The S & P 500 rose about 1 percent in early trading after rallying about 1.5 percent on Monday. European markets were 1 to 2 percent higher, following mixed trading in Asia.
But U.S. oil prices continued to whipsaw on Tuesday. The price of West Texas Intermediate, the type of oil used to determine industry prices in the United States, fell nearly 20 percent in volatile trading on Tuesday before recouping most of those losses. The price is now about $12.50 a barrel, a level virtually unheard-of before the dual threats of the outbreak and a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, wavered between gains and losses and was about $21 a barrel.
Oil prices plunged last week when financial investors rushed to sell their futures before they expired and found few buyers. A similar dynamic is working against oil prices currently as major investors shift away from the near-month contract and diversify with those that expire in other months.
Coronavirus patients with lung cancer, blood cancer or cancer that has spread beyond its original site are at greater risk than are cancer-free patients for severe Covid-19 disease, the illness caused by the coronavirus, according to a new study of patients in Hubei Province in China.Coronavirus patients with lung cancer, blood cancer or cancer that has spread beyond its original site are at greater risk than are cancer-free patients for severe Covid-19 disease, the illness caused by the coronavirus, according to a new study of patients in Hubei Province in China.
The findings add to suspicions that cancer patients may have unique vulnerabilities to the virus. But experts cautioned that the research was far from definitive.The findings add to suspicions that cancer patients may have unique vulnerabilities to the virus. But experts cautioned that the research was far from definitive.
It included only 105 cancer patients overall, and the number of patients with each type of cancer was very small.It included only 105 cancer patients overall, and the number of patients with each type of cancer was very small.
“It is informative, and it gives us clues and some ideas that need to be looked at further,” said Dr. J. Leonard Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society. “But it doesn’t give us the absolute answers.”“It is informative, and it gives us clues and some ideas that need to be looked at further,” said Dr. J. Leonard Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society. “But it doesn’t give us the absolute answers.”
The researchers studied the medical records of 105 Covid-19 patients with cancer at 14 hospitals in Wuhan, China, comparing them to 536 Covid-19 patients of similar age who did not have cancer and were treated at the same hospitals.The researchers studied the medical records of 105 Covid-19 patients with cancer at 14 hospitals in Wuhan, China, comparing them to 536 Covid-19 patients of similar age who did not have cancer and were treated at the same hospitals.
Patients with cancer died at twice the rates of cancer-free patients, the researchers estimated. Cancer patients were at nearly twice the risk of having severe symptoms, and nearly three times the risk of requiring mechanical ventilation, the investigators found.Patients with cancer died at twice the rates of cancer-free patients, the researchers estimated. Cancer patients were at nearly twice the risk of having severe symptoms, and nearly three times the risk of requiring mechanical ventilation, the investigators found.
Patients who had had surgery appeared to be at higher risk for severe outcomes, but those who had undergone radiation therapy did not appear to have worse outcomes.Patients who had had surgery appeared to be at higher risk for severe outcomes, but those who had undergone radiation therapy did not appear to have worse outcomes.
One disturbing finding was that patients who had undergone immunotherapy experienced the most severe illness and the highest death rates.One disturbing finding was that patients who had undergone immunotherapy experienced the most severe illness and the highest death rates.
The study, which was peer reviewed, was presented at a virtual conference of the American Association for Cancer Research and published in the organization’s journal, Cancer Discovery.The study, which was peer reviewed, was presented at a virtual conference of the American Association for Cancer Research and published in the organization’s journal, Cancer Discovery.
It hinted at good news for people with early stage, localized cancers, whose risk for severe Covid-19 disease was similar to the risk faced by cancer-free patients.It hinted at good news for people with early stage, localized cancers, whose risk for severe Covid-19 disease was similar to the risk faced by cancer-free patients.
Dr. Lichtenfeld said many new reports on the Covid-19 and cancer are being published, and while the results are not always consistent, “all of the studies confirm that we need to be concerned about this illness in patients with cancer.”Dr. Lichtenfeld said many new reports on the Covid-19 and cancer are being published, and while the results are not always consistent, “all of the studies confirm that we need to be concerned about this illness in patients with cancer.”
Mauricio Santillana, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and one of the paper’s two senior authors, acknowledged that the findings need further exploration.Mauricio Santillana, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and one of the paper’s two senior authors, acknowledged that the findings need further exploration.
But the study provided some data that confirms and quantifies doctors’ concerns about the special risks faced by people with cancer, who often have compromised immune systems, he said.But the study provided some data that confirms and quantifies doctors’ concerns about the special risks faced by people with cancer, who often have compromised immune systems, he said.
Hospitals should implement extra precautions when treating cancer patients, Dr. Santillana added. Many of the cancer patients in the study were infected with Covid-19 while they were in the hospital for treatmentHospitals should implement extra precautions when treating cancer patients, Dr. Santillana added. Many of the cancer patients in the study were infected with Covid-19 while they were in the hospital for treatment
“This reflects the fact that people with cancer tend to be hospitalized more frequently,” Dr. Santillana said. “But management within hospitals should make all efforts to not have patients with cancer interact with Covid-19-infected patients, to the best of their ability.”“This reflects the fact that people with cancer tend to be hospitalized more frequently,” Dr. Santillana said. “But management within hospitals should make all efforts to not have patients with cancer interact with Covid-19-infected patients, to the best of their ability.”
Doctors and nurses also should not move from a Covid-19 unit to a cancer-treatment unit, he said, because they may inadvertently spread the disease.Doctors and nurses also should not move from a Covid-19 unit to a cancer-treatment unit, he said, because they may inadvertently spread the disease.
Amazon may have violated federal worker safety laws and New York State’s whistle-blower protections when it fired an employee from its Staten Island warehouse who protested the company’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a letter the office of the New York attorney general, Letitia James, sent the company last week.Amazon may have violated federal worker safety laws and New York State’s whistle-blower protections when it fired an employee from its Staten Island warehouse who protested the company’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a letter the office of the New York attorney general, Letitia James, sent the company last week.
The episode involves Christopher Smalls, who in late March agitated for more worker protections at the facility. On March 28, Amazon put Mr. Smalls in quarantine for being in contact with a worker who had contracted the coronavirus.The episode involves Christopher Smalls, who in late March agitated for more worker protections at the facility. On March 28, Amazon put Mr. Smalls in quarantine for being in contact with a worker who had contracted the coronavirus.
On March 30, Mr. Smalls led a protest calling for Amazon to temporarily close the warehouse and provide workers more protections. Amazon fired him, saying Mr. Smalls had violated its policies by leaving his quarantine to attend the protest at the site.On March 30, Mr. Smalls led a protest calling for Amazon to temporarily close the warehouse and provide workers more protections. Amazon fired him, saying Mr. Smalls had violated its policies by leaving his quarantine to attend the protest at the site.
In last week’s letter, the attorney general’s office said Amazon’s safety measures were inadequate and might have violated provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The letter, which sought internal communications about worker organizing, also said there could be other cases of potential illegal retaliation.In last week’s letter, the attorney general’s office said Amazon’s safety measures were inadequate and might have violated provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The letter, which sought internal communications about worker organizing, also said there could be other cases of potential illegal retaliation.
Amazon did not respond to a request for comment.Amazon did not respond to a request for comment.
More than a dozen states moved ahead with tentative plans to gradually reopen their economies, but even as they pressed ahead, there remained no agreed-upon strategy for the best way to safely navigate from lockdowns to some form of new normal. As some states moved forward with plans to let businesses reopen, Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, a Republican, announced Tuesday that he would extend the limit on gatherings and the closures of non-essential businesses in his state until May 18.
“We’re all incredibly eager to move on from this phase of our lives, but if we act too soon, we could risk a spike in infections that could force our state to revert to serious restrictions again,” Mr. Baker said at a news conference. “And this scenario would be far worse for our economy, and for our communities, and for our people.”
He spoke as more than a dozen states moved ahead with tentative plans to gradually reopen their economies, but even as they pressed ahead, there remained no agreed-upon strategy for the best way to safely navigate from lockdowns to some form of new normal.
In some states, restaurants would remain closed. In others, they would be allowed to open with stringent new seating requirements. From the construction industry to entertainment, the rules of engagement varied depending on the state or city.In some states, restaurants would remain closed. In others, they would be allowed to open with stringent new seating requirements. From the construction industry to entertainment, the rules of engagement varied depending on the state or city.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas announced that stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls would be allowed to reopen with limited capacity on Friday. In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled a more incremental plan that would allow manufacturing work to resume and offices to reopen next week.Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas announced that stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls would be allowed to reopen with limited capacity on Friday. In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled a more incremental plan that would allow manufacturing work to resume and offices to reopen next week.
Arizona and Florida have stay-at-home orders that are set to expire on Thursday, but the governors of both states have been vague about their plans.Arizona and Florida have stay-at-home orders that are set to expire on Thursday, but the governors of both states have been vague about their plans.
Workers in Vermont, which has had at least 855 confirmed cases and 47 deaths, are required to take a short online tutorial about the virus.Workers in Vermont, which has had at least 855 confirmed cases and 47 deaths, are required to take a short online tutorial about the virus.
Organized like a PowerPoint presentation with roughly 25 slides, the tutorial describes what the virus is; how it is treated; how to avoid getting it; and the conditions laid down by the state — wearing masks, not congregating — for a safe work environment.Organized like a PowerPoint presentation with roughly 25 slides, the tutorial describes what the virus is; how it is treated; how to avoid getting it; and the conditions laid down by the state — wearing masks, not congregating — for a safe work environment.
Each employee is supposed to fill out a short form attesting to having read the material. Vermont will not actually police compliance, although Gov. Phil Scott said that every company should appoint a safety officer to monitor work conditions.Each employee is supposed to fill out a short form attesting to having read the material. Vermont will not actually police compliance, although Gov. Phil Scott said that every company should appoint a safety officer to monitor work conditions.
“This is evolving, it’s not perfect, it’s not a flip of the switch, it is just something we have to provide, guidance, and there is going to be some social pressure as well to adhere to these procedures,” he told reporters on Monday. “I think guidance and education is the best policy.”“This is evolving, it’s not perfect, it’s not a flip of the switch, it is just something we have to provide, guidance, and there is going to be some social pressure as well to adhere to these procedures,” he told reporters on Monday. “I think guidance and education is the best policy.”
The state allowed people in solitary professions to return to work last week, including appraisers, property managers and attorneys who work alone.The state allowed people in solitary professions to return to work last week, including appraisers, property managers and attorneys who work alone.
It added manufacturing and construction businesses but limited the number of workers at any one location to five. Outdoor retailers like gardening centers and greenhouses can also reopen, but with a maximum of 10 people.It added manufacturing and construction businesses but limited the number of workers at any one location to five. Outdoor retailers like gardening centers and greenhouses can also reopen, but with a maximum of 10 people.
Even as governors moved to ease restrictions, business owners were often left trying to make sense of a cacophony of messages from Mr. Trump, governors, county commissioners and mayors.Even as governors moved to ease restrictions, business owners were often left trying to make sense of a cacophony of messages from Mr. Trump, governors, county commissioners and mayors.
“I couldn’t sleep last night because I was so confused,” Jose Oregel said on Monday morning before reopening his barbershop in Greeley, Colo.“I couldn’t sleep last night because I was so confused,” Jose Oregel said on Monday morning before reopening his barbershop in Greeley, Colo.
In a call with the nation’s governors, Mr. Trump’s growing impatience with the restrictions was evident.In a call with the nation’s governors, Mr. Trump’s growing impatience with the restrictions was evident.
He suggested that some governors should move to reopen their public schools before the end of the academic year.He suggested that some governors should move to reopen their public schools before the end of the academic year.
“Some of you might start to think about school openings,” Mr. Trump said, according to an audio recording obtained by The Times. “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.”“Some of you might start to think about school openings,” Mr. Trump said, according to an audio recording obtained by The Times. “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.”
At least one state was already moving forward with the possibility of reopening schools. Montana, which has among the fewest cases and deaths, will give schools the option to reopen starting May 7.At least one state was already moving forward with the possibility of reopening schools. Montana, which has among the fewest cases and deaths, will give schools the option to reopen starting May 7.
Rhode Island gives the appearance of a state where the virus is a fire raging, the average number of daily infections more than quadrupling since the start of this month.Rhode Island gives the appearance of a state where the virus is a fire raging, the average number of daily infections more than quadrupling since the start of this month.
The reality is more complicated and encouraging, as state health workers have tested more residents per capita in Rhode Island than in any other state, leading them to discover many infections that might have gone overlooked elsewhere.The reality is more complicated and encouraging, as state health workers have tested more residents per capita in Rhode Island than in any other state, leading them to discover many infections that might have gone overlooked elsewhere.
“All I hear is testing, testing, testing,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, who is director of Harvard’s Global Health Institute and is helping Rhode Island’s government. “The bottom line is that there is no magic formula and the federal government is too often absent. But there are common lessons from states that have done a good job.”“All I hear is testing, testing, testing,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, who is director of Harvard’s Global Health Institute and is helping Rhode Island’s government. “The bottom line is that there is no magic formula and the federal government is too often absent. But there are common lessons from states that have done a good job.”
Five percent of Rhode Island’s residents have undergone a test, compared with about 1 percent of people in states like Texas and Georgia, where reopening efforts are taking shape. Rhode Island has been conducting an average of 283 tests per 100,000 residents a day, compared with 79 tests per 100,000 people in the United States overall.Five percent of Rhode Island’s residents have undergone a test, compared with about 1 percent of people in states like Texas and Georgia, where reopening efforts are taking shape. Rhode Island has been conducting an average of 283 tests per 100,000 residents a day, compared with 79 tests per 100,000 people in the United States overall.
“Rhode Island is shining a light into the dark in a way that very few other states are doing,” said Mark Lurie, a professor of epidemiology at Brown University in Providence.“Rhode Island is shining a light into the dark in a way that very few other states are doing,” said Mark Lurie, a professor of epidemiology at Brown University in Providence.
Virtual coffees with college students for high school juniors. Zoom sessions between applicants and admissions officers. Student guides offering welcoming messages in video selfies and scenic views of university campuses captured by drones.Virtual coffees with college students for high school juniors. Zoom sessions between applicants and admissions officers. Student guides offering welcoming messages in video selfies and scenic views of university campuses captured by drones.
This is what spring college tour season looks like across America, where universities are going to great lengths to show off lecture halls, green space, libraries and laboratories that have all been emptied out by the pandemic.This is what spring college tour season looks like across America, where universities are going to great lengths to show off lecture halls, green space, libraries and laboratories that have all been emptied out by the pandemic.
“The hardest thing to recreate is what we call that ‘wow’ moment, when you’re on campus and you’re like, ‘Mom, this is where I need to be,’” said Sunil Samuel, an admissions officer at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.“The hardest thing to recreate is what we call that ‘wow’ moment, when you’re on campus and you’re like, ‘Mom, this is where I need to be,’” said Sunil Samuel, an admissions officer at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.
Isaiah Finley, a junior at Shaker Heights High School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, had to cancel a planned spring break road trip with two friends to visit several colleges in New York City, where he wants to pursue a career in theater. Touring campuses online just isn’t the same, he said.Isaiah Finley, a junior at Shaker Heights High School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, had to cancel a planned spring break road trip with two friends to visit several colleges in New York City, where he wants to pursue a career in theater. Touring campuses online just isn’t the same, he said.
“I’m a person big on being in the moment — when you feel something in you from being in the environment,” Mr. Finley said. “Me sitting in my house and watching a video probably wouldn’t tell me anything different than looking at pictures.”“I’m a person big on being in the moment — when you feel something in you from being in the environment,” Mr. Finley said. “Me sitting in my house and watching a video probably wouldn’t tell me anything different than looking at pictures.”
Virtual tours or not, some high school counselors said they were having trouble getting students to engage. With sick relatives, family members experiencing job losses and general worries about the virus mounting, some students have tuned out of the college process.Virtual tours or not, some high school counselors said they were having trouble getting students to engage. With sick relatives, family members experiencing job losses and general worries about the virus mounting, some students have tuned out of the college process.
“It’s really hard right now,” said Kelley Winter, a counselor at Lincoln Southeast High School in Lincoln, Neb., where school is called off for the year. “We are just trying to get kids to log into the system to complete their classes, so I don’t know how many of them right now have college on the brain.”“It’s really hard right now,” said Kelley Winter, a counselor at Lincoln Southeast High School in Lincoln, Neb., where school is called off for the year. “We are just trying to get kids to log into the system to complete their classes, so I don’t know how many of them right now have college on the brain.”
The president’s statements at a White House briefing last week about potentially using disinfectants to treat the virus have put him in the company of pseudoscientists and purveyors of phony elixirs who promote and sell industrial bleach as a “miracle cure” for autism, malaria and other medical conditions.
The comments have prompted widespread incredulity, warnings from health experts and a spike in calls to poison control centers. The makers of Clorox and Lysol urged Americans not to inject or ingest their products.
But some scientists express fear that Mr. Trump’s remarks could breathe life into a fringe movement that embraces the medicinal powers of a powerful industrial bleach known as chlorine dioxide, which the president did not mention specifically.
“For a lot of people, Trump represents an alternative to pointy-headed experts in white lab coats who speak a language we can’t understand,” said Dr. Alan Levinovitz, a professor at James Madison University who studies the relationship between science and religion. “When you feel existentially threatened by a deadly virus, and the president says you can take control of your health with a product in your kitchen cabinet, that’s incredibly empowering.”
The problem, of course, is that ingesting or injecting industrial bleach can be deadly. Chlorine dioxide destroys red blood cells, wreaks havoc on the digestive system and can cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys.
New York and New Jersey, the two states hit hardest by the virus, have shown enough progress that their governors started on Monday to offer details on how reopening might go in the months ahead.New York and New Jersey, the two states hit hardest by the virus, have shown enough progress that their governors started on Monday to offer details on how reopening might go in the months ahead.
The optimistic signs came as both states announced one-day death tolls — 337 in New York, and 106 in New Jersey — that were less than half of their peaks. The optimistic signs came as both states announced one-day death tolls that were less than half of their peaks. On Tuesday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said that 335 more people had died in the state. The death rate over the last three days has been relatively flat.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York suggested that some businesses in what he called low-risk industries like construction or manufacturing might restart in parts of the state after May 15. Much of the state, including New York City and its suburbs, would remain shut down longer, he said. Mr. Cuomo has suggested that some businesses in what he called low-risk industries like construction or manufacturing might restart in parts of the state after May 15. Much of the state, including New York City and its suburbs, would remain shut down longer, he said. On Tuesday, he outlined the methods through which the state would re-evaluate its progress in reopening. He said that if hospitals reached 70 percent of their capacity or the rate of transmission hit 1.1, those would be signals to halt any easing of restrictions.
Separately, Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said that reopening in the extended New York City metropolitan area, including northern New Jersey, where the virus has hit with particular force, would require close coordination.Separately, Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said that reopening in the extended New York City metropolitan area, including northern New Jersey, where the virus has hit with particular force, would require close coordination.
”I don’t think you’ll see us taking in each case identical steps, but I think you’ll see our steps harmonized,” Mr. Murphy said.”I don’t think you’ll see us taking in each case identical steps, but I think you’ll see our steps harmonized,” Mr. Murphy said.
Mr. Murphy said schools in New Jersey might be able to reopen before the end of June. And Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York said he thought the city’s beaches could be partially open by the end of the summer.Mr. Murphy said schools in New Jersey might be able to reopen before the end of June. And Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York said he thought the city’s beaches could be partially open by the end of the summer.
Even as the virus’s spread appeared to be slowing, Mr. Cuomo cautioned that the economic effects of the outbreak had probably not reached their peak. With over a million New Yorkers out of work, food banks across the state are experiencing huge jumps in demand, he said.Even as the virus’s spread appeared to be slowing, Mr. Cuomo cautioned that the economic effects of the outbreak had probably not reached their peak. With over a million New Yorkers out of work, food banks across the state are experiencing huge jumps in demand, he said.
While stuck indoors, you can finally address tasks you’ve long put off, such as organizing your shelves. Here are some tips on how to keep your house well stocked.While stuck indoors, you can finally address tasks you’ve long put off, such as organizing your shelves. Here are some tips on how to keep your house well stocked.
Some students returned to school in China, where social distancing measures and grueling placement exams awaited.Some students returned to school in China, where social distancing measures and grueling placement exams awaited.
Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, Pam Belluck, Michael Gold, Jack Healy, Michael Powell, Shawn Hubler, Patricia Mazzei, Jonathan Martin, Karen Weise, Andrew Jacobs, Marc Santora, Ali Watkins, Michael Rothfeld, William K. Rashbaum, Brian M. Rosenthal, Anahad O’Connor, Elizabeth A. Harris, Sapna Maheshwari, Michael Corkery, Dionne Searcey, Neil MacFarquhar, Roni Carn Rabin, Nicholas Fandos and Emily Cochrane.Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, Pam Belluck, Michael Gold, Jack Healy, Michael Powell, Shawn Hubler, Patricia Mazzei, Jonathan Martin, Karen Weise, Andrew Jacobs, Marc Santora, Ali Watkins, Michael Rothfeld, William K. Rashbaum, Brian M. Rosenthal, Anahad O’Connor, Elizabeth A. Harris, Sapna Maheshwari, Michael Corkery, Dionne Searcey, Neil MacFarquhar, Roni Carn Rabin, Nicholas Fandos and Emily Cochrane.