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| Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today | Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email. | This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email. |
| There are now more than one million known cases in the U.S. | There are now more than one million known cases in the U.S. |
| President Trump plans to sign an executive order intended to keep meat processing plants open and head off shortages. | President Trump plans to sign an executive order intended to keep meat processing plants open and head off shortages. |
| More than 5,200 construction projects have reopened in New York City. | More than 5,200 construction projects have reopened in New York City. |
| Get the latest updates here, as well as maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas and full coverage. | Get the latest updates here, as well as maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas and full coverage. |
| Now that nonessential businesses are starting to reopen in parts of the U.S., many are asking how soon children in those reopening districts can go back to school. But for most of the country, the answer looks likely to be, not until summer at the soonest, and maybe not until fall. | Now that nonessential businesses are starting to reopen in parts of the U.S., many are asking how soon children in those reopening districts can go back to school. But for most of the country, the answer looks likely to be, not until summer at the soonest, and maybe not until fall. |
| And when they do return, educators say, it may be to a very different school day and classroom experience than they remember. | And when they do return, educators say, it may be to a very different school day and classroom experience than they remember. |
| Administrators are considering having half of their students come in the morning and the other half in the afternoon, or on alternate days, so that desks can be spread out and buses aren’t packed. | Administrators are considering having half of their students come in the morning and the other half in the afternoon, or on alternate days, so that desks can be spread out and buses aren’t packed. |
| Socially distanced lunchrooms. Teachers and students wearing face masks. Temperature checks at the front door. And forget note-passing, study groups or even recess. | Socially distanced lunchrooms. Teachers and students wearing face masks. Temperature checks at the front door. And forget note-passing, study groups or even recess. |
| Nearly all states have already suspended in-person classes for the rest of the academic year, and even in states that haven’t, many districts have said spring is too soon to open the schoolhouse doors again. | Nearly all states have already suspended in-person classes for the rest of the academic year, and even in states that haven’t, many districts have said spring is too soon to open the schoolhouse doors again. |
| In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Tuesday that classes might resume in July for a summer session to make up for lost class time. But in Illinois, officials have warned that remote learning could continue indefinitely. “This may be the new normal even in the fall,” said Janice Jackson, chief executive of Chicago Public Schools. | In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Tuesday that classes might resume in July for a summer session to make up for lost class time. But in Illinois, officials have warned that remote learning could continue indefinitely. “This may be the new normal even in the fall,” said Janice Jackson, chief executive of Chicago Public Schools. |
| Officials are keenly aware that the economy can’t really get back to normal until there are places for children to safely spend the day while their parents are at work. “But we need to do it in a safe way,” Governor Newsom said this month, “so that kids are not going to school, getting infected and coming back home and infecting Grandma and Grandpa.” | Officials are keenly aware that the economy can’t really get back to normal until there are places for children to safely spend the day while their parents are at work. “But we need to do it in a safe way,” Governor Newsom said this month, “so that kids are not going to school, getting infected and coming back home and infecting Grandma and Grandpa.” |
| Ahead of the U.S.: Some nations, where the outbreak has ebbed, have already reopened schools, albeit in virus-colored ways. In Denmark, classes as well as other activities are being held partly outdoors. Students in China have returned to classrooms with glass desk dividers and teachers in protective suits. | Ahead of the U.S.: Some nations, where the outbreak has ebbed, have already reopened schools, albeit in virus-colored ways. In Denmark, classes as well as other activities are being held partly outdoors. Students in China have returned to classrooms with glass desk dividers and teachers in protective suits. |
| Federal guidelines: The C.D.C. plans to issue detailed guidance soon on how American schools, day care centers, restaurants and churches can reopen. The Washington Post has a working draft of the guidelines; most of it boils down to what you’ve already heard: sanitize everything and everybody, stay a good distance apart, minimize contact with outsiders and watch vigilantly for signs of illness. | Federal guidelines: The C.D.C. plans to issue detailed guidance soon on how American schools, day care centers, restaurants and churches can reopen. The Washington Post has a working draft of the guidelines; most of it boils down to what you’ve already heard: sanitize everything and everybody, stay a good distance apart, minimize contact with outsiders and watch vigilantly for signs of illness. |
| The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription. | The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription. |
| Widespread testing for the coronavirus is an important step in restarting public life: Officials need it to pinpoint hot spots and stave off new waves of infection. But the federal government has struggled to make it happen. | Widespread testing for the coronavirus is an important step in restarting public life: Officials need it to pinpoint hot spots and stave off new waves of infection. But the federal government has struggled to make it happen. |
| The U.S. has conducted about 5.2 million coronavirus tests in the past seven weeks; on Monday, President Trump unveiled a new plan to assist state testing efforts, which he said would “double” that figure. | The U.S. has conducted about 5.2 million coronavirus tests in the past seven weeks; on Monday, President Trump unveiled a new plan to assist state testing efforts, which he said would “double” that figure. |
| According to a panel of experts convened by Harvard University, though, the country needs to be conducting five million tests a day by early June for a safe social reopening, and ramping up to 20 million a day by late July. | According to a panel of experts convened by Harvard University, though, the country needs to be conducting five million tests a day by early June for a safe social reopening, and ramping up to 20 million a day by late July. |
| Rhode Island offers an encouraging example of the difference that large-scale testing can make. It has managed to test about 5 percent of its population so far, a larger share than any other state. | Rhode Island offers an encouraging example of the difference that large-scale testing can make. It has managed to test about 5 percent of its population so far, a larger share than any other state. |
| Lots of cases were found that might otherwise have been overlooked, so the state’s infection count has ballooned. But officials there now have a better handle on the spread of the virus than those in most other states. | Lots of cases were found that might otherwise have been overlooked, so the state’s infection count has ballooned. But officials there now have a better handle on the spread of the virus than those in most other states. |
| Rhode Island has also deployed a legion of workers to trace the contacts of infected individuals, and it has set up free testing locations in cities. It is now using the data to plan a measured reopening in two weeks. | Rhode Island has also deployed a legion of workers to trace the contacts of infected individuals, and it has set up free testing locations in cities. It is now using the data to plan a measured reopening in two weeks. |
| Faulty tests: On today’s episode of “The Daily,” Katie Thomas, who covers the health care industry for The Times, explains how flawed diagnostic testing has hamstrung U.S. policymakers. | Faulty tests: On today’s episode of “The Daily,” Katie Thomas, who covers the health care industry for The Times, explains how flawed diagnostic testing has hamstrung U.S. policymakers. |
| As states and countries gradually reopen, the arts world is finding inventive ways to hold performances and to welcome patrons again — with plenty of precautions. South Korea may be leading the way once more. | As states and countries gradually reopen, the arts world is finding inventive ways to hold performances and to welcome patrons again — with plenty of precautions. South Korea may be leading the way once more. |
| Gallery openings have resumed in Seoul, where attendants take down the name, address and phone number of visitors to aid with contact tracing, in case anyone later learns of exposure to the coronavirus. Fashion-forward patrons now don face masks, the latest accessory, to attend events. | Gallery openings have resumed in Seoul, where attendants take down the name, address and phone number of visitors to aid with contact tracing, in case anyone later learns of exposure to the coronavirus. Fashion-forward patrons now don face masks, the latest accessory, to attend events. |
| In the U.S., the Barrington Stage Company in Massachusetts says it plans to have live theatrical performances this summer, with pared-down programming and a modified theater. | In the U.S., the Barrington Stage Company in Massachusetts says it plans to have live theatrical performances this summer, with pared-down programming and a modified theater. |
| Instead of its usual ambitious musicals, Barrington will look to stage one-person shows and a play in which the relationships are so strained, social distancing will seem easy. Kissing scenes and sword fights are on indefinite hiatus. | Instead of its usual ambitious musicals, Barrington will look to stage one-person shows and a play in which the relationships are so strained, social distancing will seem easy. Kissing scenes and sword fights are on indefinite hiatus. |
| The theater is also removing every second row of seats, opening more entrances and eliminating intermissions to prevent restroom lines. And all attendees will have to wear masks (though they needn’t be Comedy or Tragedy). | The theater is also removing every second row of seats, opening more entrances and eliminating intermissions to prevent restroom lines. And all attendees will have to wear masks (though they needn’t be Comedy or Tragedy). |
| Updated June 24, 2020 | |
| Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. | |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| Acting class moves online: Zoom lessons may not be ideal for learning how to perform, but students are finding that videoconferencing can offer an unexpected plus: the opportunity for more intimacy and nuance. | Acting class moves online: Zoom lessons may not be ideal for learning how to perform, but students are finding that videoconferencing can offer an unexpected plus: the opportunity for more intimacy and nuance. |
| At least 40,000 more people have died during the coronavirus pandemic than the official death counts report, according to a Times analysis of mortality data in 12 countries. | At least 40,000 more people have died during the coronavirus pandemic than the official death counts report, according to a Times analysis of mortality data in 12 countries. |
| Deaths are difficult to track in the middle of a pandemic, in part because of the limited availability of testing. To reach their estimate, our colleagues compared the number of deaths and burials in the past month with the historical averages for each country. | Deaths are difficult to track in the middle of a pandemic, in part because of the limited availability of testing. To reach their estimate, our colleagues compared the number of deaths and burials in the past month with the historical averages for each country. |
| Argentina, which has 4,033 confirmed cases and 197 deaths, has banned all commercial flights until Sept. 1, imposing the strictest travel ban in the Americas. | Argentina, which has 4,033 confirmed cases and 197 deaths, has banned all commercial flights until Sept. 1, imposing the strictest travel ban in the Americas. |
| It would be “exceedingly difficult” for Japan to host the Olympics without a vaccine, even in 2021, the president of the Japan Medical Association said. | It would be “exceedingly difficult” for Japan to host the Olympics without a vaccine, even in 2021, the president of the Japan Medical Association said. |
| As Germany has started reopening, there has been an uptick in the rate of transmission for the virus. | As Germany has started reopening, there has been an uptick in the rate of transmission for the virus. |
| In Britain, where there have been 157,149 cases and 21,092 deaths, the government said it would give 60,000 pounds (about $75,000) to families of health care workers who die from the virus. | In Britain, where there have been 157,149 cases and 21,092 deaths, the government said it would give 60,000 pounds (about $75,000) to families of health care workers who die from the virus. |
| Evaluate your budget: Your finances may be tight, but there are helpful changes you can make during the coronavirus lockdown. Here’s what to trim, and what not to touch, in your budget right now. | Evaluate your budget: Your finances may be tight, but there are helpful changes you can make during the coronavirus lockdown. Here’s what to trim, and what not to touch, in your budget right now. |
| Head outdoors (safely): Sunlight is not a cure for the coronavirus, but it does have other benefits for the mind and body. Try a 15- to 45-minute walk when possible, while being careful to maintain adequate social distance between yourself and others. | Head outdoors (safely): Sunlight is not a cure for the coronavirus, but it does have other benefits for the mind and body. Try a 15- to 45-minute walk when possible, while being careful to maintain adequate social distance between yourself and others. |
| Learn a new language: Here’s a list of ways to learn a new language while quarantined including apps, videos, video chats and foreign language films. | Learn a new language: Here’s a list of ways to learn a new language while quarantined including apps, videos, video chats and foreign language films. |
| Eat together: Samin Nosrat, the author of “Salt Fat Acid Heat,” is hosting a virtual feast on Sunday. Make her lasagna dish, and then tune into Instagram Live to celebrate with her. | Eat together: Samin Nosrat, the author of “Salt Fat Acid Heat,” is hosting a virtual feast on Sunday. Make her lasagna dish, and then tune into Instagram Live to celebrate with her. |
| China is pushing back against the growing chorus of voices around the world calling for the country to pay compensation for the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic. | China is pushing back against the growing chorus of voices around the world calling for the country to pay compensation for the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic. |
| A rush to treatments. Hyping untested science. Bad biometrical research. The pandemic is exposing longstanding fault lines in medicine and thwarting the search for effective treatments, Slate reports. | A rush to treatments. Hyping untested science. Bad biometrical research. The pandemic is exposing longstanding fault lines in medicine and thwarting the search for effective treatments, Slate reports. |
| An archaic British law requiring the presence of two witnesses to sign a will is prompting people to take drastic measures like drive-by signings and passing documents through windows. | An archaic British law requiring the presence of two witnesses to sign a will is prompting people to take drastic measures like drive-by signings and passing documents through windows. |
| JetBlue is requiring passengers to wear face masks on flights, becoming the first U.S. airline to do so. | JetBlue is requiring passengers to wear face masks on flights, becoming the first U.S. airline to do so. |
| I’m five months pregnant with our first baby, and unable to attend the group prenatal classes I’d always imagined I would. My husband wants to be supportive, so now we do an online prenatal yoga video together in the mornings. He doesn’t quite understand my aches and pains like another pregnant lady, but his enthusiasm is all I need. | I’m five months pregnant with our first baby, and unable to attend the group prenatal classes I’d always imagined I would. My husband wants to be supportive, so now we do an online prenatal yoga video together in the mornings. He doesn’t quite understand my aches and pains like another pregnant lady, but his enthusiasm is all I need. |
| — Emma Noizumi, San Francisco | — Emma Noizumi, San Francisco |
| Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter. | Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter. |
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| Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe contributed to today’s newsletter. | Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe contributed to today’s newsletter. |