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Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump Says Task Force Will Wind Down Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump Says Task Force Will Wind Down
(about 1 hour later)
Despite growing evidence that the pandemic is still raging, President Trump and other administration officials said on Tuesday that they had made so much progress in bringing it under control that they planned to wind down the coronavirus task force in the coming weeks and focus the White House on restarting the economy.Despite growing evidence that the pandemic is still raging, President Trump and other administration officials said on Tuesday that they had made so much progress in bringing it under control that they planned to wind down the coronavirus task force in the coming weeks and focus the White House on restarting the economy.
Mr. Trump said the task force would be shut down and replaced with an unspecified new advisory body as the country moved into what he called Phase 2 of a response to a pandemic that has killed nearly 70,000 Americans. Mr. Trump said the task force would be shut down and replaced with an unspecified new advisory body as the country moved into what he called Phase 2 of a response to a pandemic that has killed more than 71,000 Americans.
“We will have something in a different form,” Mr. Trump told reporters as he toured a Honeywell mask manufacturing plant in Arizona, where he wore safety goggles but no mask. The president praised the work of the task force, led by Vice President Mike Pence, but said it was time to focus on safety and reopening the country.“We will have something in a different form,” Mr. Trump told reporters as he toured a Honeywell mask manufacturing plant in Arizona, where he wore safety goggles but no mask. The president praised the work of the task force, led by Vice President Mike Pence, but said it was time to focus on safety and reopening the country.
Mr. Pence said the group would probably wrap up its work around the end of the May, and shift management of the public health response back to the federal agencies whose work it was created to coordinate.Mr. Pence said the group would probably wrap up its work around the end of the May, and shift management of the public health response back to the federal agencies whose work it was created to coordinate.
The news of the winding down of the task force came as the rate of new infections and deaths was falling in New York but was continuing to rise in much of the rest of the country. A number of projections suggest that deaths will remain at elevated levels for months and are likely to increase as states ease their stay-at-home orders.The news of the winding down of the task force came as the rate of new infections and deaths was falling in New York but was continuing to rise in much of the rest of the country. A number of projections suggest that deaths will remain at elevated levels for months and are likely to increase as states ease their stay-at-home orders.
Still, Mr. Trump seemed eager to move past the pandemic on Tuesday. Venturing beyond the Mid-Atlantic for the first time in more than two months, he used an official appearance at the Arizona factory as his latest show of support for returning to normal life.Still, Mr. Trump seemed eager to move past the pandemic on Tuesday. Venturing beyond the Mid-Atlantic for the first time in more than two months, he used an official appearance at the Arizona factory as his latest show of support for returning to normal life.
In heavily political remarks after a tour of the facility, the president said “that our country is now in the next stage of the battle” against the virus and “now we are reopening our country.” Mr. Trump also boasted of his 2016 electoral victory in the state, called for “the full truth about the China situation” and gave the microphone to two local campaign supporters.In heavily political remarks after a tour of the facility, the president said “that our country is now in the next stage of the battle” against the virus and “now we are reopening our country.” Mr. Trump also boasted of his 2016 electoral victory in the state, called for “the full truth about the China situation” and gave the microphone to two local campaign supporters.
As the federal government’s warehouses were running bare and medical workers were improvising their own safety gear, the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, placed a team of young volunteers with no procurement experience on the front line of the administration’s supply-chain task force. The volunteers were told to prioritize tips from political allies and associates of President Trump, tracked on a spreadsheet called “V.I.P. Update,” according to documents and emails obtained by The New York Times.As the federal government’s warehouses were running bare and medical workers were improvising their own safety gear, the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, placed a team of young volunteers with no procurement experience on the front line of the administration’s supply-chain task force. The volunteers were told to prioritize tips from political allies and associates of President Trump, tracked on a spreadsheet called “V.I.P. Update,” according to documents and emails obtained by The New York Times.
Among them were leads from Republican members of Congress, the Trump youth activist Charlie Kirk and a former “Apprentice” contestant who serves as the campaign chair of Women for Trump. Few of the leads, V.I.P. or otherwise, panned out, according to a whistle-blower memo written by one volunteer and sent to the House Oversight Committee.Among them were leads from Republican members of Congress, the Trump youth activist Charlie Kirk and a former “Apprentice” contestant who serves as the campaign chair of Women for Trump. Few of the leads, V.I.P. or otherwise, panned out, according to a whistle-blower memo written by one volunteer and sent to the House Oversight Committee.
Federal officials who had spent years devising emergency plans were layered over by Kushner allies, who believed their private-sector experience could solve the country’s looming supply shortage. The young volunteers — who came from venture capital and private equity firms — had the know-how to quickly weed out good leads from the mountain of bad ones, administration officials said in an interview. FEMA and other agencies, they said, were not equipped for the unprecedented task.Federal officials who had spent years devising emergency plans were layered over by Kushner allies, who believed their private-sector experience could solve the country’s looming supply shortage. The young volunteers — who came from venture capital and private equity firms — had the know-how to quickly weed out good leads from the mountain of bad ones, administration officials said in an interview. FEMA and other agencies, they said, were not equipped for the unprecedented task.
But at least one tip the volunteers forwarded turned into an expensive debacle. In late March, according to emails obtained by The Times, two of the volunteers passed along procurement forms submitted by Yaron Oren-Pines, a Silicon Valley engineer who said he could provide more than 1,000 ventilators. Federal officials then sent the tip to senior officials in New York, who assumed Mr. Oren-Pines had been vetted and awarded him an eye-popping $69 million contract. Not a single ventilator was delivered.But at least one tip the volunteers forwarded turned into an expensive debacle. In late March, according to emails obtained by The Times, two of the volunteers passed along procurement forms submitted by Yaron Oren-Pines, a Silicon Valley engineer who said he could provide more than 1,000 ventilators. Federal officials then sent the tip to senior officials in New York, who assumed Mr. Oren-Pines had been vetted and awarded him an eye-popping $69 million contract. Not a single ventilator was delivered.
“The nature and scale of the response seemed grossly inadequate,” said a volunteer, who like the others signed a nondisclosure agreement and spoke only on the condition of anonymity. “It was bureaucratic cycles of chaos.”“The nature and scale of the response seemed grossly inadequate,” said a volunteer, who like the others signed a nondisclosure agreement and spoke only on the condition of anonymity. “It was bureaucratic cycles of chaos.”
As the coronavirus pandemic cuts through the country, it is leaving behind large numbers of deaths that surpasses those of recent history. A New York Times analysis of state data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention begins to offer a picture of just how many lives have been lost, both as a result of the coronavirus and fears about using an overwhelmed health care system.As the coronavirus pandemic cuts through the country, it is leaving behind large numbers of deaths that surpasses those of recent history. A New York Times analysis of state data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention begins to offer a picture of just how many lives have been lost, both as a result of the coronavirus and fears about using an overwhelmed health care system.
A handful of states account for the bulk of the death surge across the United States, the analysis found. In New York City, for example, since mid-March there have been 23,000 more deaths than normal. Illinois, Massachusetts and New Jersey have also seen more than 1,000 deaths more than the usual figure between March 15 and April 11.A handful of states account for the bulk of the death surge across the United States, the analysis found. In New York City, for example, since mid-March there have been 23,000 more deaths than normal. Illinois, Massachusetts and New Jersey have also seen more than 1,000 deaths more than the usual figure between March 15 and April 11.
In a larger group of states, including California, Florida and Texas, the increases in deaths were more modest during the early phase of the pandemic, but death rates are still higher than normal.In a larger group of states, including California, Florida and Texas, the increases in deaths were more modest during the early phase of the pandemic, but death rates are still higher than normal.
In other states, including Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri, deaths are actually below the expected trend. That may be because of lags in data reporting. But it could also be that stay-at-home orders have lowered death rates from those caused by car crashes or the flu.In other states, including Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri, deaths are actually below the expected trend. That may be because of lags in data reporting. But it could also be that stay-at-home orders have lowered death rates from those caused by car crashes or the flu.
A federal scientist who says he was ousted from his job amid a dispute over an unproven coronavirus treatment pushed by President Trump said Tuesday that top administration officials repeatedly pressured him to steer millions of dollars in contracts to the clients of a well-connected consultant. A federal scientist who says he was ousted from his job amid a dispute over an unproven coronavirus treatment pushed by President Trump said on Tuesday that top administration officials repeatedly pressured him to steer millions of dollars in contracts to the clients of a well-connected consultant.
Rick Bright, who was director of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority until his removal in April, said in a formal whistle-blower complaint that he had been protesting “cronyism” and contract abuse since 2017. The scientist, Rick Bright, was director of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority until his removal in April. He said in a formal whistle-blower complaint that he had been protesting “cronyism” and contract abuse since 2017.
Questionable contracts have gone to “companies with political connections to the administration,” the complaint said, including a drug company tied to a friend of Jared Kushner’s, President Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser. It said Dr. Bright was retaliated against by his superiors.Questionable contracts have gone to “companies with political connections to the administration,” the complaint said, including a drug company tied to a friend of Jared Kushner’s, President Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser. It said Dr. Bright was retaliated against by his superiors.
The 89-page complaint, filed with the Office of Special Counsel, which protects federal whistle-blowers, also said Dr. Bright “encountered opposition” from department superiors — including Alex M. Azar II, the Health and Human Services secretary — when he pushed as early as January for the necessary resources to develop drugs and vaccines to counter the emerging pandemic.The 89-page complaint, filed with the Office of Special Counsel, which protects federal whistle-blowers, also said Dr. Bright “encountered opposition” from department superiors — including Alex M. Azar II, the Health and Human Services secretary — when he pushed as early as January for the necessary resources to develop drugs and vaccines to counter the emerging pandemic.
The report provides a window into the inner workings of BARDA, a tiny agency created in 2006 as a response to the Sept. 11 attacks. It partners with industry in developing “medical countermeasures” that can be stockpiled by the federal government to combat biological or chemical attacks and pandemic threats. The report provides a window into the inner workings of BARDA, a tiny agency created in 2006 as a response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. It partners with industry in developing “medical countermeasures” that can be stockpiled by the federal government to combat biological or chemical attacks and pandemic threats.
BARDA has spent billions of dollars on contracts with dozens of different suppliers, including major pharmaceutical companies and smaller biotechnology firms.BARDA has spent billions of dollars on contracts with dozens of different suppliers, including major pharmaceutical companies and smaller biotechnology firms.
An employee at an Amazon warehouse on Staten Island died after contracting the virus, the company said on Tuesday, weeks after the building was the scene of a protest over what workers said were inadequate safety precautions.An employee at an Amazon warehouse on Staten Island died after contracting the virus, the company said on Tuesday, weeks after the building was the scene of a protest over what workers said were inadequate safety precautions.
The unidentified employee, who was in his late 60s, was last at work at the warehouse on April 5, the company said. He was confirmed to have the virus six days later and had been in quarantine since then.The unidentified employee, who was in his late 60s, was last at work at the warehouse on April 5, the company said. He was confirmed to have the virus six days later and had been in quarantine since then.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of an associate at our site in Staten Island, N.Y.,” Kristen Kish, an Amazon spokeswoman, said in a statement. “His family and loved ones are in our thoughts, and we are supporting his fellow colleagues.”“We are deeply saddened by the loss of an associate at our site in Staten Island, N.Y.,” Kristen Kish, an Amazon spokeswoman, said in a statement. “His family and loved ones are in our thoughts, and we are supporting his fellow colleagues.”
The Staten Island worker is at least the third Amazon employee who the company has confirmed died of complications of the virus. The others worked in Hawthorne, Calif., and Tracy, Calif. Amazon said that an unspecified number of other workers at the Staten Island warehouse had tested positive for the virus.The Staten Island worker is at least the third Amazon employee who the company has confirmed died of complications of the virus. The others worked in Hawthorne, Calif., and Tracy, Calif. Amazon said that an unspecified number of other workers at the Staten Island warehouse had tested positive for the virus.
The Verge, which first reported the death of the Staten Island employee, said that at least 29 workers at the warehouse had become sick. The Verge, which earlier reported the death of the Staten Island employee, said that at least 29 workers at the warehouse had become sick.
Amazon has faced pressure over whether it has done enough to protect its hundreds of thousands of workers from being exposed to the virus as they continue to pack and ship products to millions of Americans during the pandemic.Amazon has faced pressure over whether it has done enough to protect its hundreds of thousands of workers from being exposed to the virus as they continue to pack and ship products to millions of Americans during the pandemic.
New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, informed Amazon last month that her office was investigating whether the company had violated federal worker-safety laws and New York’s whistle-blower protections by firing an employee at the Staten Island warehouse who challenged the company over its response to the outbreak.New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, informed Amazon last month that her office was investigating whether the company had violated federal worker-safety laws and New York’s whistle-blower protections by firing an employee at the Staten Island warehouse who challenged the company over its response to the outbreak.
Hundreds of Wendy’s restaurants have run out of hamburgers. Kroger, the largest supermarket chain in the United States, is limiting the amount of ground beef and pork that customers can buy at some stores. And Costco, where shoppers typically buy in bulk, has placed a three-product cap on purchases of fresh beef, poultry and pork.Hundreds of Wendy’s restaurants have run out of hamburgers. Kroger, the largest supermarket chain in the United States, is limiting the amount of ground beef and pork that customers can buy at some stores. And Costco, where shoppers typically buy in bulk, has placed a three-product cap on purchases of fresh beef, poultry and pork.
Over the past month, dozens of meatpacking plants across the country have shut down because of outbreaks, raising concerns about the U.S. meat supply. Now, the effects of those disruptions are reaching customers at grocery stores and fast-food drive-throughs, where certain types of meat are becoming harder to find.Over the past month, dozens of meatpacking plants across the country have shut down because of outbreaks, raising concerns about the U.S. meat supply. Now, the effects of those disruptions are reaching customers at grocery stores and fast-food drive-throughs, where certain types of meat are becoming harder to find.
On Monday, nearly one in five Wendy’s restaurants — a total of 1,043 locations — were completely sold out of beef products, including burgers, according to an analysis by the financial firm Stephens, which examined every Wendy’s online menu in the United States.On Monday, nearly one in five Wendy’s restaurants — a total of 1,043 locations — were completely sold out of beef products, including burgers, according to an analysis by the financial firm Stephens, which examined every Wendy’s online menu in the United States.
“Some of our menu items may be temporarily limited at some restaurants in this current environment,” a Wendy’s spokesman said in a statement on Tuesday. “It is widely known that beef suppliers across North America are currently facing production challenges.”“Some of our menu items may be temporarily limited at some restaurants in this current environment,” a Wendy’s spokesman said in a statement on Tuesday. “It is widely known that beef suppliers across North America are currently facing production challenges.”
At the same time, some grocery stores have announced limits on meat purchases. In addition to Costco and Kroger, Hy-Vee said on Tuesday that it would restrict customers to four packages of fresh beef, ground beef, pork and chicken.At the same time, some grocery stores have announced limits on meat purchases. In addition to Costco and Kroger, Hy-Vee said on Tuesday that it would restrict customers to four packages of fresh beef, ground beef, pork and chicken.
Stores are also anticipating that certain products may become more difficult to find. A Wegman’s spokeswoman said on Tuesday that the chain “may not have every product cut or variety available for the next few weeks.”
It’s been weeks since people started receiving coronavirus relief payments. You’ve checked and rechecked your eligibility, just to be sure. But still, no $1,200 stimulus payment — or anything else — has arrived in your bank account or your mailbox.It’s been weeks since people started receiving coronavirus relief payments. You’ve checked and rechecked your eligibility, just to be sure. But still, no $1,200 stimulus payment — or anything else — has arrived in your bank account or your mailbox.
Tens of millions of people have already received their payments, but many other Americans are still waiting or wondering where their checks are. There are a lot of reasons you could be among those still waiting, even if the government has removed some of the hurdles it initially set up.Tens of millions of people have already received their payments, but many other Americans are still waiting or wondering where their checks are. There are a lot of reasons you could be among those still waiting, even if the government has removed some of the hurdles it initially set up.
So what do you do if your money hasn’t arrived? Ron Lieber of The Times has some tips, from updating your banking information to searching in old accounts to, yes, concerns about fraud. You can run through his checklist here.So what do you do if your money hasn’t arrived? Ron Lieber of The Times has some tips, from updating your banking information to searching in old accounts to, yes, concerns about fraud. You can run through his checklist here.
Members of Wisconsin’s top court on Tuesday sounded skeptical of the state health secretary’s authority to issue a stay-at-home order, a possible sign that the court may strike down sweeping restrictions at the request of the Republican-controlled Legislature.Members of Wisconsin’s top court on Tuesday sounded skeptical of the state health secretary’s authority to issue a stay-at-home order, a possible sign that the court may strike down sweeping restrictions at the request of the Republican-controlled Legislature.
At a 90-minute hearing conducted over video chat, members of the seven-person court’s conservative majority asked tough questions of the lawyer defending Andrea Palm, the state’s top health official. She had issued the order last month that forbade most travel, closed schools and ordered Wisconsin residents to largely stay in their homes.At a 90-minute hearing conducted over video chat, members of the seven-person court’s conservative majority asked tough questions of the lawyer defending Andrea Palm, the state’s top health official. She had issued the order last month that forbade most travel, closed schools and ordered Wisconsin residents to largely stay in their homes.
Colin Roth, an assistant attorney general, finished just one sentence in defense of the order before a justice stepped in.Colin Roth, an assistant attorney general, finished just one sentence in defense of the order before a justice stepped in.
“Isn’t it the very definition of tyranny for one person to order people to be imprisoned for going to work, among other ordinarily lawful activities?” asked Justice Rebecca Bradley, who was appointed by Scott Walker, the Republican former governor, before she was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.“Isn’t it the very definition of tyranny for one person to order people to be imprisoned for going to work, among other ordinarily lawful activities?” asked Justice Rebecca Bradley, who was appointed by Scott Walker, the Republican former governor, before she was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Later, Justice Daniel Kelly, who is serving out the end of his term after losing an election to a liberal challenger last month, got Mr. Roth to concede that he was arguing for Ms. Palm, the state’s acting health secretary, to have broad authority.Later, Justice Daniel Kelly, who is serving out the end of his term after losing an election to a liberal challenger last month, got Mr. Roth to concede that he was arguing for Ms. Palm, the state’s acting health secretary, to have broad authority.
“Your position is: The secretary can identify behavior that is not otherwise criminal, and she can — all by herself — sit down at her computer keyboard, write up a description of behavior, and make it criminal, correct?” Mr. Kelly asked. Mr. Roth said this was indeed true, though he argued that the Legislature had given her that power.“Your position is: The secretary can identify behavior that is not otherwise criminal, and she can — all by herself — sit down at her computer keyboard, write up a description of behavior, and make it criminal, correct?” Mr. Kelly asked. Mr. Roth said this was indeed true, though he argued that the Legislature had given her that power.
Mr. Roth also argued that “people will die” if the justices strike down the order and nothing replaces it. The case is being closely watched, as it could be the first statewide stay-at-home order to be struck down by a court.Mr. Roth also argued that “people will die” if the justices strike down the order and nothing replaces it. The case is being closely watched, as it could be the first statewide stay-at-home order to be struck down by a court.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas told lawmakers in a phone call last week that he expected the virus to continue spreading after the state reopened, and that the goal had never been to get infections down to zero, according to a recording of the call released by progressive activists on Tuesday. The remarks outraged Democrats, who said the comments were a sign that the governor knew he was putting Texans at risk as he pushed to reopen.Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas told lawmakers in a phone call last week that he expected the virus to continue spreading after the state reopened, and that the goal had never been to get infections down to zero, according to a recording of the call released by progressive activists on Tuesday. The remarks outraged Democrats, who said the comments were a sign that the governor knew he was putting Texans at risk as he pushed to reopen.
Mr. Abbott, a Republican, had the call with state legislators and members of Congress on Friday, the same day he ended the state’s stay-at-home order and allowed shopping malls, restaurants and other businesses to reopen at a limited capacity.Mr. Abbott, a Republican, had the call with state legislators and members of Congress on Friday, the same day he ended the state’s stay-at-home order and allowed shopping malls, restaurants and other businesses to reopen at a limited capacity.
In a portion of the leaked audio, Mr. Abbott says, “How do we know reopening businesses won’t result in faster spread or more cases of Covid-19?”In a portion of the leaked audio, Mr. Abbott says, “How do we know reopening businesses won’t result in faster spread or more cases of Covid-19?”
He continues: “Listen, the fact of the matter is, pretty much every scientific and medical report shows that whenever you have a reopening, whether you want to call it a reopening of business or just a reopening of society in the aftermath of something like this, it actually will lead to an increase in spread. It’s almost ipso facto. The more that you have people out there, the greater the possibility there is for transmission. And so the goal never has been to get transmission of Covid-19 down to zero.”He continues: “Listen, the fact of the matter is, pretty much every scientific and medical report shows that whenever you have a reopening, whether you want to call it a reopening of business or just a reopening of society in the aftermath of something like this, it actually will lead to an increase in spread. It’s almost ipso facto. The more that you have people out there, the greater the possibility there is for transmission. And so the goal never has been to get transmission of Covid-19 down to zero.”
The governor’s remarks echo statements he has made about containing the virus. They are also in line with comments from public health experts, who have repeatedly said that as the state reopens and as social distancing eases, the number of cases will go up. Some experts say that can be managed through testing and case monitoring; others say Texas is reopening too soon.The governor’s remarks echo statements he has made about containing the virus. They are also in line with comments from public health experts, who have repeatedly said that as the state reopens and as social distancing eases, the number of cases will go up. Some experts say that can be managed through testing and case monitoring; others say Texas is reopening too soon.
At a news conference on Tuesday, Mr. Abbott defended his approach.At a news conference on Tuesday, Mr. Abbott defended his approach.
“I think everybody recognizes — it’s been said frequently — that as a society does begin to open up again, it could lead to increased infections,” the governor said. “And that’s exactly why we have this surge team in place. ” “I think everybody recognizes — it’s been said frequently — that as a society does begin to open up again, it could lead to increased infections,” the governor said. “And that’s exactly why we have this surge team in place.”
The governor on Tuesday expanded the list of businesses allowed to reopen, saying that hair and nail salons, barbershops and tanning salons could resume operations with restrictions on Friday, and gyms on May 18.The governor on Tuesday expanded the list of businesses allowed to reopen, saying that hair and nail salons, barbershops and tanning salons could resume operations with restrictions on Friday, and gyms on May 18.
The expansion represented a shift by the governor, who had previously said he wanted to see two weeks of data to ensure there were no flare-ups before reopening any of those businesses.The expansion represented a shift by the governor, who had previously said he wanted to see two weeks of data to ensure there were no flare-ups before reopening any of those businesses.
Health care workers continue to risk their lives to care for virus patients. The Times has collected stories from nurses, doctors and E.M.T.s from around the world about what keeps them up at night and what inspires them to keep fighting.Health care workers continue to risk their lives to care for virus patients. The Times has collected stories from nurses, doctors and E.M.T.s from around the world about what keeps them up at night and what inspires them to keep fighting.
New York State’s Health Department statistics released on Monday included the previously undisclosed deaths of more than 1,600 people who were presumed to have died of the virus at nursing homes but who had not received a confirmed diagnosis.New York State’s Health Department statistics released on Monday included the previously undisclosed deaths of more than 1,600 people who were presumed to have died of the virus at nursing homes but who had not received a confirmed diagnosis.
By May 3, according to the new data, 4,813 people had died of the virus at nursing homes. The data did not include nursing home residents who died in hospitals.By May 3, according to the new data, 4,813 people had died of the virus at nursing homes. The data did not include nursing home residents who died in hospitals.
The number of deaths of nursing home residents, either at homes or in hospitals, was 3,025 on April 28, and approximately 100 more people died at nursing homes from April 29 to May 2, according to state figures.The number of deaths of nursing home residents, either at homes or in hospitals, was 3,025 on April 28, and approximately 100 more people died at nursing homes from April 29 to May 2, according to state figures.
A spokesman for the department said officials had revised the state’s system for gathering and evaluating data from homes, and figures would probably continue to be revised.A spokesman for the department said officials had revised the state’s system for gathering and evaluating data from homes, and figures would probably continue to be revised.
David C. Grabowski, a Harvard University researcher who studies nursing homes, said that when the final data was in, nursing homes would probably account for about half of the Covid-19 deaths in every state, as they already do in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, among others.David C. Grabowski, a Harvard University researcher who studies nursing homes, said that when the final data was in, nursing homes would probably account for about half of the Covid-19 deaths in every state, as they already do in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, among others.
Nursing homes long fought against the release of death counts for individual facilities, arguing that a high death count might not indicate poor infection control and might scare families unnecessarily.Nursing homes long fought against the release of death counts for individual facilities, arguing that a high death count might not indicate poor infection control and might scare families unnecessarily.
Fewer children get infected than adults, and most of those who do have mild symptoms, if any. But answering the question of whether they transmit the virus to adults is key to deciding whether and when to reopen schools, a step that President Trump has urged states to consider before the summer.Fewer children get infected than adults, and most of those who do have mild symptoms, if any. But answering the question of whether they transmit the virus to adults is key to deciding whether and when to reopen schools, a step that President Trump has urged states to consider before the summer.
Two new studies offer compelling evidence that children can transmit the virus. Neither proved it, but the evidence was strong enough to suggest that schools should be kept closed for now, many epidemiologists who were not involved in the research said.Two new studies offer compelling evidence that children can transmit the virus. Neither proved it, but the evidence was strong enough to suggest that schools should be kept closed for now, many epidemiologists who were not involved in the research said.
Reopening schools may nudge the epidemic’s reproduction number — the number of new infections estimated to stem from a single case — to dangerous levels in many U.S. communities, epidemiologists warned after reviewing the results from the new studies.Reopening schools may nudge the epidemic’s reproduction number — the number of new infections estimated to stem from a single case — to dangerous levels in many U.S. communities, epidemiologists warned after reviewing the results from the new studies.
In one study, published in the journal Science, a team analyzed data from two cities in China — Wuhan and Shanghai — and found that children were about a third as susceptible to infection as adults were. But when schools were open, they found, children had about three times as many contacts as adults, and three times as many opportunities to become infected, essentially evening out their risk.In one study, published in the journal Science, a team analyzed data from two cities in China — Wuhan and Shanghai — and found that children were about a third as susceptible to infection as adults were. But when schools were open, they found, children had about three times as many contacts as adults, and three times as many opportunities to become infected, essentially evening out their risk.
Based on their data, the researchers estimated that closing schools is not enough on its own to stop an outbreak, but it can reduce the surge by about 40 to 60 percent and slow the epidemic’s course.Based on their data, the researchers estimated that closing schools is not enough on its own to stop an outbreak, but it can reduce the surge by about 40 to 60 percent and slow the epidemic’s course.
The second study, by a group of German researchers, was more straightforward. The team tested children and adults and found that children who test positive harbor just as much virus as adults do — sometimes more — and so, presumably, are just as infectious.The second study, by a group of German researchers, was more straightforward. The team tested children and adults and found that children who test positive harbor just as much virus as adults do — sometimes more — and so, presumably, are just as infectious.
In New York City, 15 children, many of whom had fallen ill with the virus, have recently been hospitalized with a mysterious syndrome that doctors do not yet fully understand but that has also been reported in several European countries, health officials announced on Monday. Many of the children, ages 2 to 15, have shown symptoms associated with toxic shock or Kawasaki disease, a rare illness in children that involves inflammation of the blood vessels, including coronary arteries, the city’s health department said.In New York City, 15 children, many of whom had fallen ill with the virus, have recently been hospitalized with a mysterious syndrome that doctors do not yet fully understand but that has also been reported in several European countries, health officials announced on Monday. Many of the children, ages 2 to 15, have shown symptoms associated with toxic shock or Kawasaki disease, a rare illness in children that involves inflammation of the blood vessels, including coronary arteries, the city’s health department said.
Two of the many projects underway to develop a vaccine announced that they had taken significant steps forward, with both using a nontraditional approach based on genetic technology. They aim to use the patient’s own cells as factories to churn out a protein that will stimulate the immune system.Two of the many projects underway to develop a vaccine announced that they had taken significant steps forward, with both using a nontraditional approach based on genetic technology. They aim to use the patient’s own cells as factories to churn out a protein that will stimulate the immune system.
Pfizer and the German pharmaceutical company BioNTech said their experimental vaccine began human trials in the United States on Monday. If the tests succeed, the vaccine could be ready for emergency use as early as September.Pfizer and the German pharmaceutical company BioNTech said their experimental vaccine began human trials in the United States on Monday. If the tests succeed, the vaccine could be ready for emergency use as early as September.
Researchers at two Harvard-affiliated hospitals reported that, based on promising results in mice, they have two vaccine candidates being manufactured for use in human trials that may begin later this year.Researchers at two Harvard-affiliated hospitals reported that, based on promising results in mice, they have two vaccine candidates being manufactured for use in human trials that may begin later this year.
Unlike traditional vaccines that use killed or weakened viruses to provoke an immune response, these methods use genetic material that directs the patient’s cells to make a protein found on the virus. That protein should set off alarms in the immune system and train it to fight.Unlike traditional vaccines that use killed or weakened viruses to provoke an immune response, these methods use genetic material that directs the patient’s cells to make a protein found on the virus. That protein should set off alarms in the immune system and train it to fight.
Dermatologists say that painful red or purple lesions on your toes should prompt testing for the virus, even though many patients have no other symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about chilblains and other symptoms.Dermatologists say that painful red or purple lesions on your toes should prompt testing for the virus, even though many patients have no other symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about chilblains and other symptoms.
Reporting was contributed by Julian E. Barnes, Katie Benner, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Julie Bosman, Emily Cochrane, Nicholas Confessore, Michael Cooper, Michael Crowley, Catie Edmonson, Nicholas Fandos, Manny Fernandez, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Joseph Goldstein, Maggie Haberman, Amy Harmon, Andrew Jacobs, Lara Jakes, Cecilia Kang, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Jodi Kantor, John Leland, Ron Lieber, Neil MacFarquhar, Jesse McKinley, Zach Montague, Heather Murphy, Andy Newman, Elian Peltier, Alan Rappeport, Simon Romero, Marc Santora, Michael D. Shear, Knvul Sheikh, Jeanna Smialek, Mitch Smith, Matt Stevens, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Vanessa Swales, Jim Tankersley, Noah Weiland, Michael Wilson and Carl Zimmer. Reporting was contributed by Julian E. Barnes, Katie Benner, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Julie Bosman, Emily Cochrane, Nicholas Confessore, Michael Cooper, Michael Crowley, Catie Edmonson, Nicholas Fandos, Manny Fernandez, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Joseph Goldstein, Maggie Haberman, Amy Harmon, Andrew Jacobs, Lara Jakes, Cecilia Kang, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Jodi Kantor, Josh Katz, John Leland, Ron Lieber, Denise Lu, Neil MacFarquhar, Jesse McKinley, Zach Montague, Heather Murphy, Andy Newman, Elian Peltier, Alan Rappeport, Simon Romero, Margot Sanger-Katz, Marc Santora, Michael D. Shear, Knvul Sheikh, Jeanna Smialek, Mitch Smith, Matt Stevens, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Vanessa Swales, Jim Tankersley, Noah Weiland, Michael Wilson and Carl Zimmer.