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Coronavirus Live Updates: Over 30 Million Unemployed in Six Weeks Coronavirus Live Updates: As Federal Guidelines Expire, States Struggle to Reopen
(30 minutes later)
The figures announced Thursday by the Labor Department bring the number of workers joining the official jobless ranks in the last six weeks to more than 30 million, and underscore just how dire economic conditions remain. As some states moved to reopen Friday — while others kept residents home to curb the outbreak — America is finding itself divided in new ways: not just by politics and geography, but by public health policy, the toll of the pandemic, and where people can dine in restaurants or get haircuts in barber shops.
Many state agencies still find themselves overwhelmed by the flood of claims, leaving perhaps millions with dwindling resources to pay the rent or put food on the table. Millions more Americans will soon be able to eat at restaurants and shop in stores as some states moved toward reopening on Thursday, despite warnings from public health experts.
If anything, the job losses may be far worse than government figures indicate, according to many economists. A study by the Economic Policy Institute found that roughly 50 percent more people than counted as filing claims in a recent four-week period may have qualified for benefits but were stymied in applying or didn’t even try because they found the process too formidable.
“The problem is even bigger than the data suggest,” said Elise Gould, a senior economist with the institute, a left-leaning research group. “We’re undercounting the economic pain.”
As Emily Badger and Alicia Parlapiano reported, systems that were devised to treat each unemployment case as potentially fraudulent are now rushing to deal with millions of newly unemployed people.
The state unemployment systems that were supposed to help millions of jobless workers were full of boxes to check and mandates to meet that couldn’t possibly apply in a pandemic.
States required workers to document their job searches, weekly; to register with employment services, in person; to take a wait period before their first check, up to 10 days.
Such requirements increased in the years following the Great Recession, as many states moved to tighten access to or reduce unemployment benefits. With them, most states cut the share of jobless workers they helped.
Now these requirements have been getting in the way. Effectively, many states have been trying to scale up aid with systems built to keep claims low.
Millions more Americans will soon be able to sit down to eat at restaurants, browse in person at retail stores or make appointments to get their hair cut, as a number of states move toward reopening on Thursday, despite warnings from public health experts.
Governors in several states — including Alabama, Maine, Tennessee and Texas — plan to allow stay-at-home orders to expire on Thursday, paving the way for certain businesses to reopen and marking the end of an unparalleled month in which an astonishing nine in 10 residents in the United States were told to stay at home to help stop the spread of the virus.Governors in several states — including Alabama, Maine, Tennessee and Texas — plan to allow stay-at-home orders to expire on Thursday, paving the way for certain businesses to reopen and marking the end of an unparalleled month in which an astonishing nine in 10 residents in the United States were told to stay at home to help stop the spread of the virus.
Federal guidelines encouraging people to curtail nearly all public activities are also poised to expire Thursday after President Trump indicated he did not intend to extend them.Federal guidelines encouraging people to curtail nearly all public activities are also poised to expire Thursday after President Trump indicated he did not intend to extend them.
“They’ll be fading out, because now the governors are doing it,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Wednesday, referring to the restrictions.“They’ll be fading out, because now the governors are doing it,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Wednesday, referring to the restrictions.
More restrictions will be lifted on Friday as additional states, including Iowa, North Dakota and Wyoming, ease their rules.More restrictions will be lifted on Friday as additional states, including Iowa, North Dakota and Wyoming, ease their rules.
The latest reopenings represent a pivotal moment in America’s response to the virus, even as the number of deaths from the virus in the United States has surged past 60,000. As of Friday, more than a dozen states will have begun to partially reopen their economies and restart public life, raising concerns among health experts about another spike in cases that may not be detected in official numbers for two weeks.The latest reopenings represent a pivotal moment in America’s response to the virus, even as the number of deaths from the virus in the United States has surged past 60,000. As of Friday, more than a dozen states will have begun to partially reopen their economies and restart public life, raising concerns among health experts about another spike in cases that may not be detected in official numbers for two weeks.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has warned that premature action by states could lead to “a rebound to get us right back in the same boat that we were in a few weeks ago.”Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has warned that premature action by states could lead to “a rebound to get us right back in the same boat that we were in a few weeks ago.”
Texas is expected to take one of the most expansive actions on Friday, allowing retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls to reopen and operate at 25 percent capacity. Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, lifted his stay at home order after less than a month, citing the state’s expanded testing, stock of protective equipment and a high number of coronavirus recoveries.Texas is expected to take one of the most expansive actions on Friday, allowing retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and malls to reopen and operate at 25 percent capacity. Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, lifted his stay at home order after less than a month, citing the state’s expanded testing, stock of protective equipment and a high number of coronavirus recoveries.
Other states opted to open just one major sector of the economy at a time. Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama, a Republican, will allow many retail stores to reopen Thursday night. In Maine, Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, will allow barber shops, hair salons and pet groomers to reopen starting Friday.Other states opted to open just one major sector of the economy at a time. Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama, a Republican, will allow many retail stores to reopen Thursday night. In Maine, Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, will allow barber shops, hair salons and pet groomers to reopen starting Friday.
The pace of reopening has created a divided America, along both political and geographical lines. Many states in the South with Republican governors were among the first to partially reopen, including Georgia, Oklahoma and South Carolina, which paved the way last week. Also beginning to reopen are less dense states, including Alaska and Montana. Several of the nation’s most populous states, including California, Michigan, New York and Illinois, remain on extended lockdown.The pace of reopening has created a divided America, along both political and geographical lines. Many states in the South with Republican governors were among the first to partially reopen, including Georgia, Oklahoma and South Carolina, which paved the way last week. Also beginning to reopen are less dense states, including Alaska and Montana. Several of the nation’s most populous states, including California, Michigan, New York and Illinois, remain on extended lockdown.
Dr. Fauci said Thursday that he is optimistic a vaccine could be available in large quantities as early as January. The figures announced Thursday by the Labor Department brought the number of workers joining the official jobless ranks in the last six weeks to more than 30 million, underscoring just how dire economic conditions remain.
Many state agencies still find themselves overwhelmed by the flood of claims, leaving perhaps millions with dwindling resources to pay the rent or put food on the table.
If anything, the job losses may be far worse than government figures indicate, according to many economists. A study by the Economic Policy Institute found that roughly 50 percent more people than counted as filing claims in a recent four-week period may have qualified for benefits but were stymied in applying or didn’t even try because they found the process too formidable.
“The problem is even bigger than the data suggest,” said Elise Gould, a senior economist with the institute, a left-leaning research group. “We’re undercounting the economic pain.”
As Emily Badger and Alicia Parlapiano reported, systems that were devised to treat each unemployment case as potentially fraudulent are now rushing to deal with millions of newly unemployed people.
The state unemployment systems that were supposed to help millions of jobless workers were full of boxes to check and mandates to meet that couldn’t possibly apply in a pandemic.
States required workers to document their job searches, weekly; to register with employment services, in person; to take a wait period before their first check, up to 10 days.
Such requirements increased in the years following the Great Recession, as many states moved to tighten access to or reduce unemployment benefits. With them, most states cut the share of jobless workers they helped.
Now these requirements have been getting in the way. Effectively, many states have been trying to scale up aid with systems built to keep claims low.
Gilead Sciences plans to give away the first 1.5 million doses of remdesivir, an antiviral drug shown to modestly reduce recovery time in coronavirus patients, if the Food and Drug Administration grants emergency approval.
Gilead could charge for the drug under a so-called emergency use authorization from the agency. But at least at the beginning, Gilead will provide the drug free of charge, Dan O’Day, the company’s chief executive, said in an interview on Thursday.
The company started planning in January to manufacture remdesivir in large quantities, well before large federal trial of the antiviral drug began at the end of February.
The results, announced by administration officials on Wednesday, showed that patients receiving the drug recovered in 11 days on average, compared to 15 days for patients receiving a placebo.
Dr. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the results were “a very important proof of concept” but not a “knockout.”
Gilead has about 1.5 million vials of remdesivir on hand, enough to treat 140,000 to 150,000 patients with a ten-day course, Mr. O’Day said. Gilead should have enough to treat 500,000 patients by the fall, and one million by December, he added.
Gilead has not decided yet on whether or what to charge for the drug in the long run, Mr. O’Day said.
Gilead has a controversial history with drug pricing, noted Harvard health care economist Aaron Kesselheim.
The company bought a drug that cured hepatitis C from a small company, and then charged so much for it –- $1,000 for a pill, which translated into $84,000 for a course of treatment — that many state Medicaid programs and prison systems could not afford it.
“A lot of people with hepatitis C did not get the drug early on,” Dr. Kesselheim said. “And this was a drug, unlike remdesivir, that was a curative treatment for an otherwise chronic and deadly disease.”
Dr. Kesselheim said pricing for remdesivir should take into account a large public investment in the drug. It was developed and tested by scientists at Vanderbilt University and Emory University, among other institutions, and the federal trial was taxpayer-funded, he noted.
Earlier on Thursday, Dr. Fauci said that he was optimistic a vaccine could be available in large quantities as early as January.
He said a new research program, known as Warp Speed, will accelerate development of a vaccine. In the next phase, he said Thursday on NBC’s Today, “We’re going to safely and carefully — but as quickly as we possibly can — try and get an answer as to whether it works and is safe.”He said a new research program, known as Warp Speed, will accelerate development of a vaccine. In the next phase, he said Thursday on NBC’s Today, “We’re going to safely and carefully — but as quickly as we possibly can — try and get an answer as to whether it works and is safe.”
If that is the case, he said, in cooperation with the companies involved, the production would start to ramp up, but doing so would be a risk.
“In other words, you don’t wait until you get an answer before you start manufacturing. You, at risk, proactively start making it assuming it’s going to work. And if it does, then you can scale up and hopefully get to that timeline,” he said. “I think that is doable if things fall in the right place.”
The January target, Dr. Fauci said, is consistent with what he was saying in January and February — that a vaccine is 12-18 months away.
Dr. Fauci also repeated his optimism about the potential benefit of the drug remdesivir to help some patients recover faster from the virus. The Federal Drug Administration is expected to approve its use on an emergency basis after promising results from trials.
“This is not the total answer by any means,” Dr. Fauci said. “But it’s a very important first step.”
After pictures of packed California beaches led to an outcry that social distancing guidelines were being flagrantly flouted, California officials are weighing a plan to order all beaches in the state closed beginning on Friday, according to a memo from a police association.After pictures of packed California beaches led to an outcry that social distancing guidelines were being flagrantly flouted, California officials are weighing a plan to order all beaches in the state closed beginning on Friday, according to a memo from a police association.
The discussions follow pleas by Gov. Gavin Newsom for Californians to slow the spread of the virus by staying home, despite the temptations of seawater and sunny weather. Photographs of umbrellas and surfers dotting the shoreline of some beaches showed that many residents had not heeded his requests. Mr. Newsom’s office had no comment in advance of a news conference scheduled for Thursday afternoon.The discussions follow pleas by Gov. Gavin Newsom for Californians to slow the spread of the virus by staying home, despite the temptations of seawater and sunny weather. Photographs of umbrellas and surfers dotting the shoreline of some beaches showed that many residents had not heeded his requests. Mr. Newsom’s office had no comment in advance of a news conference scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
Beaches in warmer parts of the nation have emerged as flash points for weeks, as photos showing social distancing guidelines being recklessly flouted. Photos of crowded beaches in Florida during spring break prompted national outrage.Beaches in warmer parts of the nation have emerged as flash points for weeks, as photos showing social distancing guidelines being recklessly flouted. Photos of crowded beaches in Florida during spring break prompted national outrage.
Now, as spring brings warmer weather all over, beaches are posing a challenge to more coastal states. Many are struggling to find a balance that will allow them to provide safe outdoor spaces to a frustrated, pent-up public, while preventing the kind of large, packed gatherings that can help spread the virus — but which are commonly found on big public beaches.Now, as spring brings warmer weather all over, beaches are posing a challenge to more coastal states. Many are struggling to find a balance that will allow them to provide safe outdoor spaces to a frustrated, pent-up public, while preventing the kind of large, packed gatherings that can help spread the virus — but which are commonly found on big public beaches.
Even as California weighs closing its beaches, other states are reopening their own.Even as California weighs closing its beaches, other states are reopening their own.
Beaches in Alabama were set to reopen Thursday afternoon under Gov. Kay Ivey’s new “safer-at-home” order, which limits gatherings to fewer than 10 people, and requires six feet of distance between groups from different households. Beaches in Galveston, Texas will reopen on Friday — following Gov. Greg Abbott’s phased reopening order, which permits outdoor activities as long as people tale precautions to “minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.”Beaches in Alabama were set to reopen Thursday afternoon under Gov. Kay Ivey’s new “safer-at-home” order, which limits gatherings to fewer than 10 people, and requires six feet of distance between groups from different households. Beaches in Galveston, Texas will reopen on Friday — following Gov. Greg Abbott’s phased reopening order, which permits outdoor activities as long as people tale precautions to “minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.”
Mr. Newsom’s office and the state’s Office of Emergency Services had no comment in advance of a midday news conference. However, municipal authorities in Orange County, where the beach issue has been most contentious, said they had seen a notification from the California Police Chiefs Association, which said it was offering “a heads up” to local law enforcement, “to provide time for you to plan for any situations you might expect as a result, knowing each community has its own dynamics.”Mr. Newsom’s office and the state’s Office of Emergency Services had no comment in advance of a midday news conference. However, municipal authorities in Orange County, where the beach issue has been most contentious, said they had seen a notification from the California Police Chiefs Association, which said it was offering “a heads up” to local law enforcement, “to provide time for you to plan for any situations you might expect as a result, knowing each community has its own dynamics.”
In Orange County in Southern California, many people flocked to open beaches, including people from Los Angeles and San Diego Counties, where the beaches have been marked as off-limits. Earlier this week, the City Council in Newport Beach, which is in Orange County, voted down a measure that would have closed the beaches during the next three weekends. Instead, it asked for more police officers and lifeguards to patrol the beaches and enforce social distancing.In Orange County in Southern California, many people flocked to open beaches, including people from Los Angeles and San Diego Counties, where the beaches have been marked as off-limits. Earlier this week, the City Council in Newport Beach, which is in Orange County, voted down a measure that would have closed the beaches during the next three weekends. Instead, it asked for more police officers and lifeguards to patrol the beaches and enforce social distancing.
Even before the state began considering closing beaches, the flurry of beachgoers last weekend prompted some local governments to take action.Even before the state began considering closing beaches, the flurry of beachgoers last weekend prompted some local governments to take action.
In Northern California, Santa Cruz County on Wednesday said it was closing beaches entirely between the hours of 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., beginning this weekend, and that they would only be open for “recreational activities to promote physical and mental health” outside of that window. Officials there said the order was a direct result of the “overwhelming weekend beach crowds.”In Northern California, Santa Cruz County on Wednesday said it was closing beaches entirely between the hours of 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., beginning this weekend, and that they would only be open for “recreational activities to promote physical and mental health” outside of that window. Officials there said the order was a direct result of the “overwhelming weekend beach crowds.”
“Despite warnings against traveling to Santa Cruz County for beach access and against congregating on beaches, local law enforcement spent the weekend responding to numerous issues all along our coastline,” Sheriff Jim Hart of Santa Cruz County said in a statement. “Unfortunately, these actions are necessary to protect the health and welfare of our most vulnerable residents.”“Despite warnings against traveling to Santa Cruz County for beach access and against congregating on beaches, local law enforcement spent the weekend responding to numerous issues all along our coastline,” Sheriff Jim Hart of Santa Cruz County said in a statement. “Unfortunately, these actions are necessary to protect the health and welfare of our most vulnerable residents.”
A Newport Beach spokesman, John Pope, said a statewide closure wouldn’t be difficult to enforce, but that it could inflame divisions among conservative civil libertarians and residents who fear further spread of the virus. “There are passionate arguments on both sides,” he said. “and this is going to get very political very fast.”A Newport Beach spokesman, John Pope, said a statewide closure wouldn’t be difficult to enforce, but that it could inflame divisions among conservative civil libertarians and residents who fear further spread of the virus. “There are passionate arguments on both sides,” he said. “and this is going to get very political very fast.”
Senator Mitch McConnell’s plan to bring the Senate back to Washington next week drew criticism on Thursday from the chamber’s top Democrat, who said it could endanger not only lawmakers and their aides, but low-level workers, many of them minorities and at higher risk of infection and death from Covid-19.
Democrats have been particularly critical of the decision to return given that Mr. McConnell has not scheduled any coronavirus-related work, instead planning to move on nominations including of a judge nominated for a federal appeals court.
“We are going to scrutinize Leader McConnell’s plan very carefully and see if it does provide the needed protection for the staff and the workers that are here,” Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, told reporters during a conference call to discuss how the pandemic is disproportionately affecting minorities.
Mr. McConnell’s announcement that the Senate would return on Monday came as virus cases continue to rise in the District of Columbia, a city where nearly half the population is black. District residents are still bound by a stay-at-home order issued by Mayor Muriel Bowser on March 16.
Under pressure from rank-and-file lawmakers, Democratic leaders scrapped their plans to call the House back into session next week, saying they were acting on the advice of Congress’s attending physician, who told them it was a health risk.
On Wednesday, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, who at 86 is the oldest senator, implored Mr. McConnell in a letter to heed that advice and reconsider his plan to return.
Eight Capitol Police officers and 11 facilities workers have already tested positive for Covid-19, she wrote, adding that, “returning the Senate for non-essential business is not worth the risk.”
At Thursday’s news conference, Senator Cory Booker, Democrat of New Jersey, said he was concerned about the janitors who work in the Senate buildings late at night.
“To see them being disproportionately minority and knowing that we are going to be pulling people against the rules of the city,” he said, adding, “I do not know what the health justification of that is.”
Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said her new plan is to reconvene the week of May 11, and begin consideration of another sweeping coronavirus response measure that could top $1 trillion. She said the measure would include funding for state, local, tribal and municipal governments, something that Mr. McConnell has resisted.
And Democrats proposed providing $80 billion over five years for deploying internet connections in places that do not currently have them. Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the Republican leader, said he wanted the next relief package to include tax incentives and regulatory changes aimed at kickstarting the manufacturing of drugs and medical supplies in the United States to break American reliance on countries like China.
President Trump met with Gov. Phil D. Murphy of New Jersey on Thursday, his third Oval Office sit-down with a governor this week as he begins to turn his focus to helping states reopen their economies.President Trump met with Gov. Phil D. Murphy of New Jersey on Thursday, his third Oval Office sit-down with a governor this week as he begins to turn his focus to helping states reopen their economies.
They met as the death toll in New Jersey mounted, becoming one of the worst in the nation. On Wednesday, the state reported that 329 more people had died of the virus — virtually equaling the daily toll in New York, where 330 deaths were reported. The number of deaths was striking, given that New Jersey has less than half the population of New York.They met as the death toll in New Jersey mounted, becoming one of the worst in the nation. On Wednesday, the state reported that 329 more people had died of the virus — virtually equaling the daily toll in New York, where 330 deaths were reported. The number of deaths was striking, given that New Jersey has less than half the population of New York.
The president showered Mr. Murphy, a Democrat, with praise but stopped short of offering more money to New Jersey even as Mr. Murphy said his state would need between $20 and $30 billion dollars in financial assistance for a full economic recovery.The president showered Mr. Murphy, a Democrat, with praise but stopped short of offering more money to New Jersey even as Mr. Murphy said his state would need between $20 and $30 billion dollars in financial assistance for a full economic recovery.
“You can’t have a better representative than this man, that I can tell you,” Mr. Trump said to reporters in the Oval Office, pointing at Mr. Murphy. “Plus, he’s an old Goldman Sachs guy.”“You can’t have a better representative than this man, that I can tell you,” Mr. Trump said to reporters in the Oval Office, pointing at Mr. Murphy. “Plus, he’s an old Goldman Sachs guy.”
Mr. Murphy, in turn, praised Mr. Trump’s leadership through the pandemic, thanking the president for his “spirit” and “partnership across the whole spectrum.”Mr. Murphy, in turn, praised Mr. Trump’s leadership through the pandemic, thanking the president for his “spirit” and “partnership across the whole spectrum.”
The two joked about taking tests for the virus. “Did they test you today?” Mr. Trump asked Mr. Murphy. “They did,” he responded. “Good, now I feel better,” Mr. Trump joked. “I feel like a new man,” Mr. Murphy responded.The two joked about taking tests for the virus. “Did they test you today?” Mr. Trump asked Mr. Murphy. “They did,” he responded. “Good, now I feel better,” Mr. Trump joked. “I feel like a new man,” Mr. Murphy responded.
Earlier in week, Mr. Trump met with Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida, a Republican, and John Bel Edwards of Louisiana, a Democrat.Earlier in week, Mr. Trump met with Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida, a Republican, and John Bel Edwards of Louisiana, a Democrat.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said Thursday that the New York City subway would halt service from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. each night so trains could be disinfected.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said Thursday that the New York City subway would halt service from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. each night so trains could be disinfected.
The policy will go into effect next Wednesday, May 6, the governor said. Public transit in New York City is the only system in the United States, and among the relatively few in the world, that runs 24 hours a day. The system has only shut down twice in the past decade, both times as a result of hurricanes, including Sandy in 2012.The policy will go into effect next Wednesday, May 6, the governor said. Public transit in New York City is the only system in the United States, and among the relatively few in the world, that runs 24 hours a day. The system has only shut down twice in the past decade, both times as a result of hurricanes, including Sandy in 2012.
“This is as ambitious as anything we’ve ever undertaken,” the governor said.“This is as ambitious as anything we’ve ever undertaken,” the governor said.
He said that shuttle buses, dollar vans and even for-hire vehicles would provide what he called an “essential connector” during those hours to transport essential workers who needed to get to their jobs.He said that shuttle buses, dollar vans and even for-hire vehicles would provide what he called an “essential connector” during those hours to transport essential workers who needed to get to their jobs.
The announcement comes after days of building tension over homeless people using subway trains as an alternative form of shelter and creating what many felt were unsanitary conditions on trains. On Tuesday, Mr. Cuomo, who effectively controls the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the state agency that runs the transit system, had declared the situation “disgusting.”The announcement comes after days of building tension over homeless people using subway trains as an alternative form of shelter and creating what many felt were unsanitary conditions on trains. On Tuesday, Mr. Cuomo, who effectively controls the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the state agency that runs the transit system, had declared the situation “disgusting.”
The governor said Thursday that Mayor Bill de Blasio would help lead the effort to coordinate transportation during the nightly halt and praised the mayor for his cooperation.The governor said Thursday that Mayor Bill de Blasio would help lead the effort to coordinate transportation during the nightly halt and praised the mayor for his cooperation.
“It’s a heck of an undertaking by the mayor and I applaud him for his ambition here in stepping up and taking this on,” Mr. Cuomo said.“It’s a heck of an undertaking by the mayor and I applaud him for his ambition here in stepping up and taking this on,” Mr. Cuomo said.
Mr. de Blasio, appearing at Mr. Cuomo’s briefing via video, said that the effort would be a way to help homeless people, whose life on the subways he called “an unacceptable reality.”Mr. de Blasio, appearing at Mr. Cuomo’s briefing via video, said that the effort would be a way to help homeless people, whose life on the subways he called “an unacceptable reality.”
The M.T.A. had rolled out new measures to address the use of the subway by the homeless on Wednesday.The M.T.A. had rolled out new measures to address the use of the subway by the homeless on Wednesday.
Here are some other highlights from the governor’s morning briefing:Here are some other highlights from the governor’s morning briefing:
306 more people died of the virus in the state, the lowest daily death toll since March 30.306 more people died of the virus in the state, the lowest daily death toll since March 30.
The number of new hospital admissions for virus patients declined, after it ticked up slightly on Wednesday.The number of new hospital admissions for virus patients declined, after it ticked up slightly on Wednesday.
The number of virus patients in hospitals dropped for the 17th day in a row and is now below 12,000 — down nearly 40 percent from mid-April, when there were nearly 19,000 hospitalized patients.The number of virus patients in hospitals dropped for the 17th day in a row and is now below 12,000 — down nearly 40 percent from mid-April, when there were nearly 19,000 hospitalized patients.
Mr. Cuomo also gave more details on the state’s planned effort to test and trace, saying that the “massive” effort would require hiring between 6,400 and 17,000 contact tracers, depending on the virus’s spread.Mr. Cuomo also gave more details on the state’s planned effort to test and trace, saying that the “massive” effort would require hiring between 6,400 and 17,000 contact tracers, depending on the virus’s spread.
“When social distancing is relaxed, contract tracing is our best hope for isolating the virus when it appears and keeping it isolated,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City, who appeared by video at the governor’s briefing and who has volunteered to lead the effort.“When social distancing is relaxed, contract tracing is our best hope for isolating the virus when it appears and keeping it isolated,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City, who appeared by video at the governor’s briefing and who has volunteered to lead the effort.
A report from Harvard researchers adds to the growing doubts about chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, the malaria drugs that Mr. Trump has repeatedly advocated for virus patients.A report from Harvard researchers adds to the growing doubts about chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, the malaria drugs that Mr. Trump has repeatedly advocated for virus patients.
The drugs “should only be used with caution and in the context of carefully thought out clinical trials, or on a case-by-case basis after rigorous consideration of the risks and benefits,” the researchers wrote, in an article posted Thursday in The Faseb Journal, published by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.The drugs “should only be used with caution and in the context of carefully thought out clinical trials, or on a case-by-case basis after rigorous consideration of the risks and benefits,” the researchers wrote, in an article posted Thursday in The Faseb Journal, published by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
The authors found evidence that the drugs could harm Covid patients, but no evidence that they could help, in an analysis of 10 published studies.The authors found evidence that the drugs could harm Covid patients, but no evidence that they could help, in an analysis of 10 published studies.
The drugs can cause dangerous abnormalities in heart rhythm, especially in high doses or when combined with the antibiotic azithromycin — which some doctors have recommended — or with other drugs that may also disrupt heart rhythm.The drugs can cause dangerous abnormalities in heart rhythm, especially in high doses or when combined with the antibiotic azithromycin — which some doctors have recommended — or with other drugs that may also disrupt heart rhythm.
The Food and Drug Administration issued a similar warning last week, as did the agency led by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.The Food and Drug Administration issued a similar warning last week, as did the agency led by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
The Harvard researchers also noted that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine affect the immune system, which could have unintended consequences in virus patients, maybe even diminishing their ability to fight it off.The Harvard researchers also noted that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine affect the immune system, which could have unintended consequences in virus patients, maybe even diminishing their ability to fight it off.
Senior Trump administration officials have pushed American spy agencies to hunt for evidence to support an unsubstantiated theory that a government laboratory in Wuhan, China, was the origin of the outbreak, according to current and former American officials. The effort comes as Mr. Trump escalates a public campaign to blame China for the pandemic.Senior Trump administration officials have pushed American spy agencies to hunt for evidence to support an unsubstantiated theory that a government laboratory in Wuhan, China, was the origin of the outbreak, according to current and former American officials. The effort comes as Mr. Trump escalates a public campaign to blame China for the pandemic.
Some intelligence analysts are concerned that the pressure from administration officials will distort assessments about the virus and that they could be used as a political weapon in an intensifying battle with Beijing over the outbreak that has infected more than three million people across the globe.Some intelligence analysts are concerned that the pressure from administration officials will distort assessments about the virus and that they could be used as a political weapon in an intensifying battle with Beijing over the outbreak that has infected more than three million people across the globe.
Most intelligence agencies remain skeptical that conclusive evidence of a link to a lab can be found, and scientists who have studied the genetics of the coronavirus say that the overwhelming probability is that it leapt from animal to human in a nonlaboratory setting, as was the case with H.I.V., Ebola and SARS.Most intelligence agencies remain skeptical that conclusive evidence of a link to a lab can be found, and scientists who have studied the genetics of the coronavirus say that the overwhelming probability is that it leapt from animal to human in a nonlaboratory setting, as was the case with H.I.V., Ebola and SARS.
Reporting for The New York Times, Mark Mazzetti, Julian E. Barnes, Edward Wong and Adam Goldman investigate how scientists, spies and government officials have wrestled for months with varying theories about how the outbreak began. Many agree on the importance of determining the genesis of the pandemic. In government and academia, however, experts have ruled out the notion that it was concocted as a bioweapon. And they agree that the new pathogen began as a bat virus that evolved naturally, probably in another mammal, to become adept at infecting and killing humans.Reporting for The New York Times, Mark Mazzetti, Julian E. Barnes, Edward Wong and Adam Goldman investigate how scientists, spies and government officials have wrestled for months with varying theories about how the outbreak began. Many agree on the importance of determining the genesis of the pandemic. In government and academia, however, experts have ruled out the notion that it was concocted as a bioweapon. And they agree that the new pathogen began as a bat virus that evolved naturally, probably in another mammal, to become adept at infecting and killing humans.
A few veteran national security experts have pointed to a history of lab accidents infecting researchers to suggest it might have happened in this case, but many scientists have dismissed such theories.A few veteran national security experts have pointed to a history of lab accidents infecting researchers to suggest it might have happened in this case, but many scientists have dismissed such theories.
As more doctors are seeing patients arriving at the hospital with an insidious form of pneumonia, tracking symptoms and paying special attention as the illness nears its second week has taken on new urgency.
Tara Parker-Pope, the founding editor of Well, writes:
Marking your calendar at the first sign of illness, and tracking your fever and oxygen levels, are important steps in monitoring a coronavirus infection. Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has been unpredictable in the range of symptoms it can cause. But when it turns serious, it often follows a consistent pattern.
While most patients recover in about a week, a significant minority of patients enter “a very nasty second wave” of illness, said Dr. Ilan Schwartz, assistant professor of infectious disease at the University of Alberta. “After the initial symptoms, things plateau and maybe even improve a little bit, and then there is a secondary worsening.”
While every patient is different, doctors say that days five through 10 of the illness are often the most worrisome time for respiratory complications of Covid-19, particularly for older patients and those with underlying conditions like high blood pressure, obesity or diabetes. Younger patients who develop complications may begin struggling a little later, as late as days 10 to 12. Most people who reach day 14 without any worrying symptoms (other than feeling miserable and fatigued) are likely to be on the road to recovery.
The best way to monitor your health during this time is to use a pulse oximeter, a small device that clips on your finger and measures your blood oxygen levels. (There are phone-based apps meant to do this, but they have tested poorly) The normal oxygen saturation range is about 96 to 99 percent. If your blood oxygen reading drops to 92 percent, it’s time to call a doctor.
As Georgia reopens many businesses over objections from Mr. Trump and others, a new study illustrates the high rates of virus infection among black people in the state.As Georgia reopens many businesses over objections from Mr. Trump and others, a new study illustrates the high rates of virus infection among black people in the state.
The report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that more than four-fifths of the state’s hospitalized virus patients were black, though they were not more likely than other groups to die from the disease or to require a ventilator.The report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that more than four-fifths of the state’s hospitalized virus patients were black, though they were not more likely than other groups to die from the disease or to require a ventilator.
“That is a very high rate of infections,” said Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, a cancer surgeon and the president of Howard University, who was not involved in the C.D.C. report. He said the high percentage of black people in the study likely reflects the patients’ occupations.“That is a very high rate of infections,” said Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, a cancer surgeon and the president of Howard University, who was not involved in the C.D.C. report. He said the high percentage of black people in the study likely reflects the patients’ occupations.
Nationally, statistics show, black people have been infected with the virus, and are dying from it, at disproportional rates in some places.Nationally, statistics show, black people have been infected with the virus, and are dying from it, at disproportional rates in some places.
The sample of patients in the C.D.C. study was taken from eight hospitals in Georgia, including seven in metropolitan Atlanta and one in southern Georgia. Slightly more than half of Atlanta residents are African-American, according to the United States Census Bureau.The sample of patients in the C.D.C. study was taken from eight hospitals in Georgia, including seven in metropolitan Atlanta and one in southern Georgia. Slightly more than half of Atlanta residents are African-American, according to the United States Census Bureau.
The study appeared against the backdrop of a debate over whether Georgia has been premature to ease restrictions on businesses. On Friday, Gov. Brian Kemp allowed hair and nail salons, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors to open again. On Monday, restaurants were permitted to resume dine-in service. Georgia’s stay-at-home order is scheduled to end on Thursday.The study appeared against the backdrop of a debate over whether Georgia has been premature to ease restrictions on businesses. On Friday, Gov. Brian Kemp allowed hair and nail salons, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors to open again. On Monday, restaurants were permitted to resume dine-in service. Georgia’s stay-at-home order is scheduled to end on Thursday.
Mayor Eric M. Garcetti of Los Angeles said on Wednesday evening that any city and county resident who wanted a virus test can get one, whether or not they were showing symptoms, making Los Angeles the “first major city in America” to offer free virus testing to all residents. Top Army leaders on Thursday defended their decision to summon 1,000 cadets back to West Point in June for a graduation ceremony featuring a speech by the president. The students would have to return anyway to take physical exams, pack their belongings and move out of their barracks, they said.
Priority will still be given to health care employees, other workers who interact with the public and people with symptoms, but asymptomatic residents will also be able to get tests. “They have to come back to the academy to begin the process to become second lieutenants and report to their first assignments,” Ryan McCarthy, the Army secretary, told reporters in a conference call.
“So, if you think you might have Covid-19, want the reassurance that you don’t or you’ve been around people that you have seen with symptoms, get a test,” the mayor said. “We can do it.” Mr. Trump and the academy have been criticized since he abruptly announced on April 17 that he would be speaking at West Point, the only major service academy he had not yet addressed. Students had left campus in early March as the outbreak in New York State intensified.
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California had outlined this week how the state might gradually reopen, and Mr. Garcetti said the availability of testing was a “really important step to prepare for other steps forward.” After postponing its graduation ceremony, the academy had been looking at the option of a delayed presidential commencement in June but had yet to finalize any plans. Mr. Trump’s pre-emptive statement, later confirmed by the Pentagon, meant recalling 1,000 cadets scattered across the country.
It is unclear how many people will sign up to be tested or how long they will have to wait. Just over six million people have been tested in the United States, including about 603,000 in California, according to Johns Hopkins University data. More than 10 million people live in Los Angeles County, according to the Census Bureau. The West Point superintendent said on Thursday that returning seniors would be screened, tested and quarantined for 14 days before graduation. Ample medical supplies and personnel were on hand, he said, adding, “we’ve created a safety bubble.”
In response to a reporter’s question about how the city would manage to test so many people, Mr. Garcetti said the city had tests left over each day and was confident in its ability to test any resident who wanted it, including those who want to get tested multiple times over the course of several weeks or months. Other service academies have done things differently. The Naval Academy decided it was too risky to bring back its nearly 1,000 graduating midshipmen to Annapolis, Md., for commencement, opting for a virtual event. The Air Force Academy sent home its underclassmen, locked down its seniors on campus, moved up graduation, mandated social distancing — and went ahead with plans for the vice president to be its speaker on April 18.
Mr. Garcetti said the testing would be carried out at 34 sites in the city that have the capacity to test at least 18,000 people each day. At least 140,000 people have been tested at those sites in the past month, he said.
About 22,485 people in Los Angeles County have tested positive for the virus, and the death toll there has risen to 1,056.
The pandemic has hit small and independent restaurants hard, forcing owners to shutter dining rooms and lay off employees. But the shutdowns have done more than imperil the restaurants’ financial health — they have made the buildings themselves tempting targets for burglars emboldened by the quiet streets and deserted spaces.The pandemic has hit small and independent restaurants hard, forcing owners to shutter dining rooms and lay off employees. But the shutdowns have done more than imperil the restaurants’ financial health — they have made the buildings themselves tempting targets for burglars emboldened by the quiet streets and deserted spaces.
Across the country, closed restaurants have been invaded by thieves who seem especially drawn to well-stocked liquor cabinets, and iPads and other equipment.Across the country, closed restaurants have been invaded by thieves who seem especially drawn to well-stocked liquor cabinets, and iPads and other equipment.
“It’s the perfect storm,” said Kam Razavi, an owner of a California restaurant who watched from his phone as security cameras recorded a burglar helping himself to the best bottles in the bar. “They know everybody is probably at home with a loaded gun. They’re not going to go rob homes. They’re going to go to closed businesses.”“It’s the perfect storm,” said Kam Razavi, an owner of a California restaurant who watched from his phone as security cameras recorded a burglar helping himself to the best bottles in the bar. “They know everybody is probably at home with a loaded gun. They’re not going to go rob homes. They’re going to go to closed businesses.”
When his restaurant was broken into in early April, Mr. Razavi had already laid off most of his 75 or so employees, and was uncertain whether he would ever reopen. Now, he is out $5,000 from stolen alcohol, a broken door and cleanup costs.When his restaurant was broken into in early April, Mr. Razavi had already laid off most of his 75 or so employees, and was uncertain whether he would ever reopen. Now, he is out $5,000 from stolen alcohol, a broken door and cleanup costs.
Most restaurant owners who have had burglaries expect their insurance companies to cover at least a portion of the damage, though the pandemic has created backlogs for claims, delaying payments in some cases.Most restaurant owners who have had burglaries expect their insurance companies to cover at least a portion of the damage, though the pandemic has created backlogs for claims, delaying payments in some cases.
Some burglars haven’t gotten far. Shortly after the lockdown in New York, a would-be thief broke into Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, in Harlem, and put a few half-empty bottles of alcohol into a bag. When he came upstairs from the basement, police officers were waiting for him.Some burglars haven’t gotten far. Shortly after the lockdown in New York, a would-be thief broke into Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, in Harlem, and put a few half-empty bottles of alcohol into a bag. When he came upstairs from the basement, police officers were waiting for him.
Phones and computers are keeping us tethered to the outside world during the pandemic. But being thoughtful about your use of screens can help you emerge from this crisis empowered and in control, and with more self-awareness.Phones and computers are keeping us tethered to the outside world during the pandemic. But being thoughtful about your use of screens can help you emerge from this crisis empowered and in control, and with more self-awareness.
South Korea on Thursday reported that for the first time since the virus’s Feb. 29 peak, it had no new domestic cases and just four cases among people who came in from outside the country. South Korea on Thursday reported that for the first time since the virus peaked on Feb. 29, it had no new domestic cases and just four cases among people who came from outside the country. That progress has been mirrored in Hong Kong, which on Thursday reported that there had been no new cases for five straight days.
That progress has been mirrored in Hong Kong, which on Thursday reported that there had been no new cases in the semiautonomous Chinese territory for five straight days. Reporting was contributed by Emily Badger, Karen Barrow, Alan Blinder, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Michael Cooper, Alan Feuer, Michael Gold, Dana Goldstein, Denise Grady, Annie Karni, Gina Kolata, Lisa Lerer, Sarah Mervosh, Tariro Mzezewa, Amelia Nierenberg, Alicia Parlapiano, Matt Phillips, Brad Plumer, Marc Santora, Eric Schmitt, Ashley Southall, Eileen Sullivan, Kenneth P. Vogel, David Waldstein and David Yaffe-Bellany.
Reporting was contributed by Alan Blinder, Eileen Sullivan, Michael Cooper, Sarah Mervosh, Denise Grady, Lisa Lerer, Kenneth P. Vogel, Karen Barrow, Dana Goldstein, Tariro Mzezewa, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Matt Phillips, Brad Plumer, David Waldstein, Alan Feuer, Ashley Southall, Amelia Nierenberg, David Yaffe-Bellany, Michael Gold, Marc Santora, Emily Badger, Alicia Parlapiano, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs and Annie Karni.