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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
With another 3.2 million new claims last week, one-fifth of the American labor force has filed for unemployment since mid-March.With another 3.2 million new claims last week, one-fifth of the American labor force has filed for unemployment since mid-March.
The governor of Texas said people in his state would not be jailed for defiantly reopening businesses.The governor of Texas said people in his state would not be jailed for defiantly reopening businesses.
Poland postponed its presidential election, set for Sunday, amid concerns that it could not be conducted safely or fairly now.Poland postponed its presidential election, set for Sunday, amid concerns that it could not be conducted safely or fairly now.
Get the latest updates here plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas, and full coverage.Get the latest updates here plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas, and full coverage.
To prepare for the day when stay-at-home orders would be eased, public health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention drew up guidelines detailing what schools, restaurants, churches and other gathering places should do to reopen safely.To prepare for the day when stay-at-home orders would be eased, public health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention drew up guidelines detailing what schools, restaurants, churches and other gathering places should do to reopen safely.
But when the agency submitted them to the White House, a battle erupted. Some members of the coronavirus task force complained that the guidelines, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times, were too prescriptive, and requested revisions.But when the agency submitted them to the White House, a battle erupted. Some members of the coronavirus task force complained that the guidelines, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times, were too prescriptive, and requested revisions.
President Trump has been desperate to reopen the economy as quickly as possible, and his aides thought that following the C.D.C.’s safety guidelines would slow the process and be bad for business.President Trump has been desperate to reopen the economy as quickly as possible, and his aides thought that following the C.D.C.’s safety guidelines would slow the process and be bad for business.
The guidelines for houses of worship ran into especially fierce resistance, a federal official said, with complaints raised that telling churches how to conduct services safely would infringe on religious freedom.The guidelines for houses of worship ran into especially fierce resistance, a federal official said, with complaints raised that telling churches how to conduct services safely would infringe on religious freedom.
States rush ahead regardless: The guidance the Trump administration has issued for states to start reopening their economies is being widely ignored. According to the criteria, a state should not relax restrictions until its daily case count has been falling for two weeks and steadily fewer tests are coming back positive. But more than half of the 30 states that are reopening now fail on one or both counts.States rush ahead regardless: The guidance the Trump administration has issued for states to start reopening their economies is being widely ignored. According to the criteria, a state should not relax restrictions until its daily case count has been falling for two weeks and steadily fewer tests are coming back positive. But more than half of the 30 states that are reopening now fail on one or both counts.
Not waiting to be told: An analysis of consumer spending data by our colleagues at The Upshot shows that Americans began hunkering down on their own, days or weeks before officials issued social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders.Not waiting to be told: An analysis of consumer spending data by our colleagues at The Upshot shows that Americans began hunkering down on their own, days or weeks before officials issued social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders.
Consumers were spending less, traveling less, dining out less and working less outside the home. Small businesses were scaling back employment and even closing up shop.Consumers were spending less, traveling less, dining out less and working less outside the home. Small businesses were scaling back employment and even closing up shop.
That suggests, they write, that people will also choose their own moment to emerge and reopen their businesses and their wallets and will not necessarily jump when governors say.That suggests, they write, that people will also choose their own moment to emerge and reopen their businesses and their wallets and will not necessarily jump when governors say.
The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.
Epidemiologists around the U.S. have noticed an unsettling disparity: Latinos are contracting the virus at higher rates than the population as a whole.Epidemiologists around the U.S. have noticed an unsettling disparity: Latinos are contracting the virus at higher rates than the population as a whole.
In Iowa, Latinos account for more than 20 percent of coronavirus cases, though they make up only 6 percent of the population. In Washington State, it’s 31 percent of cases, compared with 13 percent of the population.In Iowa, Latinos account for more than 20 percent of coronavirus cases, though they make up only 6 percent of the population. In Washington State, it’s 31 percent of cases, compared with 13 percent of the population.
Public health experts believe it may be because many Latinos work in low-paying jobs on the front lines and lack access to health care. They also tend to have higher than average rates of diabetes and other underlying conditions that increase their vulnerability.Public health experts believe it may be because many Latinos work in low-paying jobs on the front lines and lack access to health care. They also tend to have higher than average rates of diabetes and other underlying conditions that increase their vulnerability.
The disparities are largest in states like Oregon, Washington and Utah, whose Latino communities are newer and less established. In states like California, Arizona and New Mexico, longstanding Latino communities with more resources have infection rates that are closer to those of non-Hispanics.The disparities are largest in states like Oregon, Washington and Utah, whose Latino communities are newer and less established. In states like California, Arizona and New Mexico, longstanding Latino communities with more resources have infection rates that are closer to those of non-Hispanics.
Racial disparities in Britain: Black people in England and Wales are twice as likely to die from the coronavirus as white people. Experts attribute the disparity to underlying health and social inequalities.Racial disparities in Britain: Black people in England and Wales are twice as likely to die from the coronavirus as white people. Experts attribute the disparity to underlying health and social inequalities.
And in New York City, video images of disputes between police officers and minority residents have raised questions about whether there is a racist double standard in how social distance rules are being enforced.And in New York City, video images of disputes between police officers and minority residents have raised questions about whether there is a racist double standard in how social distance rules are being enforced.
A new study of 1,343 people in the New York area found that nearly everyone who has had the coronavirus — even those who experienced only mild symptoms — makes antibodies at levels that may confer future protection against the disease.A new study of 1,343 people in the New York area found that nearly everyone who has had the coronavirus — even those who experienced only mild symptoms — makes antibodies at levels that may confer future protection against the disease.
There had been worries that some patients seemed to have few or no antibodies, but the new study suggests that it’s a matter of when the test is administered: People with meager results in the first few days after recovery often developed healthy amounts of antibodies later on. The researchers recommended waiting three weeks after the onset of symptoms.There had been worries that some patients seemed to have few or no antibodies, but the new study suggests that it’s a matter of when the test is administered: People with meager results in the first few days after recovery often developed healthy amounts of antibodies later on. The researchers recommended waiting three weeks after the onset of symptoms.
Scientists don’t yet know for certain whether the antibodies confer immunity. But if they do, the new study suggests that nearly everyone who recovers from Covid-19 will have immunity.Scientists don’t yet know for certain whether the antibodies confer immunity. But if they do, the new study suggests that nearly everyone who recovers from Covid-19 will have immunity.
Killing the virus with light: Special ultraviolet light fixtures installed on walls or ceilings could play a role in reducing the spread of the virus. The technology, known as “upper-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation,” is already used to disinfect the air in hospitals, but stores and restaurants could do the same to reassure jittery customers.Killing the virus with light: Special ultraviolet light fixtures installed on walls or ceilings could play a role in reducing the spread of the virus. The technology, known as “upper-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation,” is already used to disinfect the air in hospitals, but stores and restaurants could do the same to reassure jittery customers.
The coronavirus outbreak in New York City has been the primary source of infections around the United States, researchers have found, as both visitors and locals carried it across the country before stay-home orders were imposed.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The coronavirus outbreak in New York City has been the primary source of infections around the United States, researchers have found, as both visitors and locals carried it across the country before stay-home orders were imposed.
How do they know? Genetic studies, travel histories and outbreak models connect the dots. “We now have enough data to feel pretty confident that New York was the primary gateway for the rest of the country,” said Nathan Grubaugh, an epidemiologist at the Yale School of Public Health.How do they know? Genetic studies, travel histories and outbreak models connect the dots. “We now have enough data to feel pretty confident that New York was the primary gateway for the rest of the country,” said Nathan Grubaugh, an epidemiologist at the Yale School of Public Health.
Soccer teams in Germany, Italy and Spain have resumed training in the hope of restarting their seasons.Soccer teams in Germany, Italy and Spain have resumed training in the hope of restarting their seasons.
In India, a lethal gas leak that killed at least 11 people may have resulted from a rush to reopen a chemical plant.In India, a lethal gas leak that killed at least 11 people may have resulted from a rush to reopen a chemical plant.
Millions of people in Italy have returned to work, but schools, nurseries, day care centers and summer camps remain closed, leaving many parents to worry about having to choose between jobs and family.Millions of people in Italy have returned to work, but schools, nurseries, day care centers and summer camps remain closed, leaving many parents to worry about having to choose between jobs and family.
Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.
Make a sourdough starter. Can’t find yeast at the grocery store? With a little patience, you can achieve leavening with your own homemade starter, using water and flour along with potatoes, dried fruit or many other ingredients.Make a sourdough starter. Can’t find yeast at the grocery store? With a little patience, you can achieve leavening with your own homemade starter, using water and flour along with potatoes, dried fruit or many other ingredients.
Have a good cry. There are emotional benefits to losing control (within reason) for a little while during tough times. You might also find a little relief in venting to a trusted friend, indulging in a favorite dessert or just curling up in the fetal position.Have a good cry. There are emotional benefits to losing control (within reason) for a little while during tough times. You might also find a little relief in venting to a trusted friend, indulging in a favorite dessert or just curling up in the fetal position.
Join our movie club. Every week our film critics A.O. Scott and Manohla Dargis watch a classic movie and discuss it. This week it was Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing,” and yes, they said it’s still a great movie, 31 years later.Join our movie club. Every week our film critics A.O. Scott and Manohla Dargis watch a classic movie and discuss it. This week it was Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing,” and yes, they said it’s still a great movie, 31 years later.
The coronavirus, or bits of it, may linger in semen, researchers ion China say — but sexual transmission of the virus still seems very unlikely.The coronavirus, or bits of it, may linger in semen, researchers ion China say — but sexual transmission of the virus still seems very unlikely.
While we are on the subject, here is how the coronavirus may be changing the dating game — for the better.While we are on the subject, here is how the coronavirus may be changing the dating game — for the better.
Decades of ownership by private equity firms gutted many nursing homes financially and left them ill-equipped to cope with the coronavirus outbreak, according to an analysis by The Times.Decades of ownership by private equity firms gutted many nursing homes financially and left them ill-equipped to cope with the coronavirus outbreak, according to an analysis by The Times.
Henry Grabar writes in Slate about how short the “bladder’s leash” has become: The lack of access to (or willingness to risk using) public restrooms may constrain the reopening of society.Henry Grabar writes in Slate about how short the “bladder’s leash” has become: The lack of access to (or willingness to risk using) public restrooms may constrain the reopening of society.
Each of our family members makes a PowerPoint presentation on something of interest, and then we draw names out of a hat to see who has to present it. It is hysterical to watch someone make a presentation when they have no understanding of the topic and have no idea what is on the next slide. Our topics have ranged from Aristotle’s rhetoric to a ranking of my daughter’s ex-boyfriends.Each of our family members makes a PowerPoint presentation on something of interest, and then we draw names out of a hat to see who has to present it. It is hysterical to watch someone make a presentation when they have no understanding of the topic and have no idea what is on the next slide. Our topics have ranged from Aristotle’s rhetoric to a ranking of my daughter’s ex-boyfriends.
— Colleen D’Angelo, Dublin, Ohio— Colleen D’Angelo, Dublin, Ohio
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
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Lara Takenaga, Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga, Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti helped write today’s newsletter.