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| Coronavirus Cases Soar Past 4 Million as China Finds a New Cluster Near Russia: Live Coverage | |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| Worldwide, the officially reported number of coronavirus cases has soared above four million people across 177 countries, and more than a quarter million people have died, according to a New York Times database. | |
| For many reasons, the numbers are almost certainly drastic undercounts, but tracking reports regionally and from specific countries can reveal trends, like uneven outbreaks in the U.S., the rising crisis in Russia and the ebbing of Italy’s disaster. | |
| At the same time, small new outbreaks and other warning signs have been detected in countries that had been successful in containing the virus, presenting a cautionary tale as nations around the world debate whether to restart their economies. | |
| China, the country where the outbreak began, began to to reopen weeks ago after reports of new cases slowed to a relative trickle. It now ranks behind 10 other countries, including Brazil, the U.K. and Iran, in its official count of cases. | |
| But areas of northeastern China have had to increase controls after a spate of cases traced to people returning from Russia, where infections are increasing at a rapid clip. One town in Jilin Province, Shulan, recorded 11 new cases on Saturday. | |
| South Korea had all but halted its outbreak with large-scale testing, contact tracing and surveillance, and encouraged people to cautiously resume their lives. But on Saturday, bars and nightclubs in Seoul were ordered closed after dozens of new infections were reported among people who visited nightspots and their close contacts. The country reported 34 new cases on Sunday | |
| Germany, hailed as a model of public health efficiency, has moved to restart public life but is warily monitoring case reports. The health authorities said on Saturday that the country’s R0, or “R-naught,” which represents the number of new infections estimated to stem from a single case, had risen from a low of .65 earlier in the week to 1.1. The institute cautioned against reading too much into the number, which is highly variable, especially when the overall number of infections is low. | |
| In India, a weekslong lockdown seemed to be slowing the virus’s spread — the country of more than 1 billion has reported a total of more than 62,000 cases. Then the government began easing restrictions and the number of new infections shot up. The doubling rate — the amount of time it takes for the number of reported infections to double — dropped from around 12 days to 9.5 last week. | |
| A lack of testing and disparate methods for counting coronavirus cases has left many deeply suspicious of the official tallies in many countries. A stark example: Mexico, where interviews and data obtained by The Times indicate that the government is not reporting hundreds, possibly thousands, of deaths in the capital. | |
| Another factor that may delay a return to some semblance of normal: the lingering effects of the virus itself. In Italy, for example, some people who are counted as recovered say they are still experiencing debilitating symptoms. | |
| “It never finishes,” said Martina Sorlini, a 29-year-old teacher who has been running a low-grade fever since the beginning of March. | |
| Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the British public on Sunday to “stay alert,” softening his earlier admonition to “stay home,” as Britain moved ever-so-slowly to relax its lockdown after seven deadly weeks. | |
| In a much-anticipated national address that ended up breaking little new ground, Mr. Johnson said that people could exercise outside as much as they wanted, sunbathe in parks, and return to work, if they cannot do so from home. Other than that, he said, the current restrictions would stay in place. | |
| “This is not the time simply to end the lockdown,” Mr. Johnson said, as he credited social distancing for slowing the spread of the virus. “Instead we are taking the first careful steps to modify our measures.” | |
| Critics claimed that the new guidance to “stay alert” was so vague that it risked confusion, and it set off fissures with political leaders in other parts of the United Kingdom, which had largely moved in lockstep in combating the virus. Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said that Scotland would be sticking with the guidance for people to stay at home. | |
| Mr. Johnson did not announce two measures that had been rumored for days: asking people to wear face masks in public, and a 14-day mandatory quarantine on incoming travelers. | |
| Overall, Mr. Johnson’s message was muddled, a sign of the pressures he and so many other world leaders are under to restart comatose economies, while fearing that could set off new waves of infections. With 31,855 reported virus deaths, Britain has the largest known toll in Europe and the second largest in the world, after the United States. | |
| “Anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction and manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work,” Mr. Johnson said. But he also urged people to a “maintain social distancing at all costs,” including avoiding public transport — concluding, “Work from home if you can, but you should go to work if you can’t work from home.” | |
| Eight Sundays after going into lockdown, many German churches have reopened their doors to parishioners under strict social distancing guidelines, an important sign that life is gradually returning to normal for the country’s faithful. | Eight Sundays after going into lockdown, many German churches have reopened their doors to parishioners under strict social distancing guidelines, an important sign that life is gradually returning to normal for the country’s faithful. |
| In Berlin, 50 selected worshipers gathered for the first Sunday services in the capital’s main cathedral, which suspended them in mid-March when the country went into lockdown. | In Berlin, 50 selected worshipers gathered for the first Sunday services in the capital’s main cathedral, which suspended them in mid-March when the country went into lockdown. |
| “We are happy to be able to celebrate church services together for the first time in many weeks, even if it is in a small circle,” said Thomas C. Müller, the cathedral’s preacher. | “We are happy to be able to celebrate church services together for the first time in many weeks, even if it is in a small circle,” said Thomas C. Müller, the cathedral’s preacher. |
| But this service was different. | But this service was different. |
| Mr. Müller directed the attendees not to sing, to prevent infection. Parishioners were seated safe distances apart, in a church with many empty seats. For those who were not assigned a place in the Neo-Renaissance cathedral, which before the pandemic had seated as many as 1,390, Bible TV broadcast a live feed. | Mr. Müller directed the attendees not to sing, to prevent infection. Parishioners were seated safe distances apart, in a church with many empty seats. For those who were not assigned a place in the Neo-Renaissance cathedral, which before the pandemic had seated as many as 1,390, Bible TV broadcast a live feed. |
| Located in the heart of Berlin, the cathedral first opened in 1750 and was rebuilt after being damaged in World War II by aerial bombardment. The cathedral hosted an ecumenical service on Friday to observe 75 years of the country’s liberation. | Located in the heart of Berlin, the cathedral first opened in 1750 and was rebuilt after being damaged in World War II by aerial bombardment. The cathedral hosted an ecumenical service on Friday to observe 75 years of the country’s liberation. |
| While nearly 47 million Germans are registered as Christian, less than 10 percent attend regular church services, a number that includes a disproportionate number of older residents, who are especially vulnerable to the ravages of the virus. | While nearly 47 million Germans are registered as Christian, less than 10 percent attend regular church services, a number that includes a disproportionate number of older residents, who are especially vulnerable to the ravages of the virus. |
| Physical religious services could not be forbidden outright even during the pandemic, the country’s constitutional court ruled in April, although strict distancing and hygiene rules had to be followed. But the court’s decision did not change reality on the ground. Churches, temples, mosques and synagogues remained closed for everything other than quiet and individual prayer. | Physical religious services could not be forbidden outright even during the pandemic, the country’s constitutional court ruled in April, although strict distancing and hygiene rules had to be followed. But the court’s decision did not change reality on the ground. Churches, temples, mosques and synagogues remained closed for everything other than quiet and individual prayer. |
| During the lockdown, which Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government significantly loosened last week, many of the faithful continued to celebrate Mass online. In some parts of the country, parishioners even flocked to drive-in movie theaters for church services. Last Sunday, Rhineland Palatinate state allowed its churches to hold services again, as long as all social distancing and hygiene rules were observed. Cologne Cathedral also held Sunday Mass last weekend for 122 prescreened worshipers wearing masks and sitting apart in pews. | During the lockdown, which Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government significantly loosened last week, many of the faithful continued to celebrate Mass online. In some parts of the country, parishioners even flocked to drive-in movie theaters for church services. Last Sunday, Rhineland Palatinate state allowed its churches to hold services again, as long as all social distancing and hygiene rules were observed. Cologne Cathedral also held Sunday Mass last weekend for 122 prescreened worshipers wearing masks and sitting apart in pews. |
| A few hundred protesters in Hong Kong chanted antigovernment slogans in at least three malls on Sunday afternoon, prompting riot police officers to fire pepper balls and cordon off sections of the mall as they stopped and searched people. | A few hundred protesters in Hong Kong chanted antigovernment slogans in at least three malls on Sunday afternoon, prompting riot police officers to fire pepper balls and cordon off sections of the mall as they stopped and searched people. |
| Political tensions in Hong Kong have resurfaced after the semiautonomous Chinese territory appeared to have stamped out locally transmitted coronavirus cases for three consecutive weeks. The local government has been accused of using the pandemic as a cover to ratchet up its crackdown on the protests, arresting pro-democracy figures in politics, civil society and the news media. | Political tensions in Hong Kong have resurfaced after the semiautonomous Chinese territory appeared to have stamped out locally transmitted coronavirus cases for three consecutive weeks. The local government has been accused of using the pandemic as a cover to ratchet up its crackdown on the protests, arresting pro-democracy figures in politics, civil society and the news media. |
| Hundreds of police officers stormed into the malls on Sunday, saying that they had received complaints of illicit public gatherings. Groups of more than eight people are banned, and the police say that protesters are violating social distancing regulations, even if they arrived individually or in groups of fewer than eight people. | Hundreds of police officers stormed into the malls on Sunday, saying that they had received complaints of illicit public gatherings. Groups of more than eight people are banned, and the police say that protesters are violating social distancing regulations, even if they arrived individually or in groups of fewer than eight people. |
| “It is infuriating that ill-intentioned parties, using different excuses, are inciting others to wreak havoc, ruin the holiday mood and endanger public safety,” the police said in a statement on Saturday, referring to online calls for antigovernment singalongs on Sunday, Mother’s Day. | “It is infuriating that ill-intentioned parties, using different excuses, are inciting others to wreak havoc, ruin the holiday mood and endanger public safety,” the police said in a statement on Saturday, referring to online calls for antigovernment singalongs on Sunday, Mother’s Day. |
| Later in the evening Roy Kwong, a pro-democracy lawmaker, was arrested as the police confronted demonstrators in the Mong Kok district. | Later in the evening Roy Kwong, a pro-democracy lawmaker, was arrested as the police confronted demonstrators in the Mong Kok district. |
| Critics of the police force say that officers have been selectively detaining and fining antigovernment protesters over social distancing violations, while turning a blind eye to counterprotesters or revelers rubbing shoulders in nightlife districts after bars reopened on Friday. | Critics of the police force say that officers have been selectively detaining and fining antigovernment protesters over social distancing violations, while turning a blind eye to counterprotesters or revelers rubbing shoulders in nightlife districts after bars reopened on Friday. |
| The demonstrations, occurring simultaneously in multiple districts, came after a brawl broke out in Hong Kong’s legislature on Friday between opposing groups of lawmakers over the leadership of a core policy committee. The pro-democracy camp accused opponents of illegitimately seizing control of the committee, which for the past months has been led by Dennis Kwok, a pro-democracy lawmaker. | The demonstrations, occurring simultaneously in multiple districts, came after a brawl broke out in Hong Kong’s legislature on Friday between opposing groups of lawmakers over the leadership of a core policy committee. The pro-democracy camp accused opponents of illegitimately seizing control of the committee, which for the past months has been led by Dennis Kwok, a pro-democracy lawmaker. |
| Chinese officials and pro-Beijing officials accused Mr. Kwok of filibustering and creating a backlog of new legislation, including one that would criminalize disrespect for China’s national anthem, and a pro-Beijing lawmaker took Mr. Kwok’s seat on Friday. The hours of chaos that resulted led to the hospitalization of two pro-democracy lawmakers who were dragged on the floor by pro-Beijing lawmakers. | Chinese officials and pro-Beijing officials accused Mr. Kwok of filibustering and creating a backlog of new legislation, including one that would criminalize disrespect for China’s national anthem, and a pro-Beijing lawmaker took Mr. Kwok’s seat on Friday. The hours of chaos that resulted led to the hospitalization of two pro-democracy lawmakers who were dragged on the floor by pro-Beijing lawmakers. |
| A government spokesperson backed the pro-Beijing camp’s move, describing it in a statement Saturday night as a “successful handling.” | A government spokesperson backed the pro-Beijing camp’s move, describing it in a statement Saturday night as a “successful handling.” |
| More than 3,500 Australians whose homes were destroyed by last summer’s deadly fires are now struggling with the lockdowns imposed during the pandemic — a one-two punch of hardship that has few peacetime precedents and is generating growing concerns about victims’ safety and mental health. | More than 3,500 Australians whose homes were destroyed by last summer’s deadly fires are now struggling with the lockdowns imposed during the pandemic — a one-two punch of hardship that has few peacetime precedents and is generating growing concerns about victims’ safety and mental health. |
| The buffer of community events, rebuilding efforts and in-person therapy that sprang up after the fires has largely vanished as public health authorities have instructed Australians to have little to no contact with anyone outside their immediate households. | The buffer of community events, rebuilding efforts and in-person therapy that sprang up after the fires has largely vanished as public health authorities have instructed Australians to have little to no contact with anyone outside their immediate households. |
| Bush-fire relief centers that once offered donated clothing, meals or a warm embrace have been mostly shuttered. Volunteers who came in droves to clear noxious rubble and build new fences around burned-out farmland have left. | Bush-fire relief centers that once offered donated clothing, meals or a warm embrace have been mostly shuttered. Volunteers who came in droves to clear noxious rubble and build new fences around burned-out farmland have left. |
| The sense of displacement that comes with isolation and the loss of basic possessions and familiar routines could lead to high levels of distress and depression, and potentially a spike in self-harm and suicide, experts said. | The sense of displacement that comes with isolation and the loss of basic possessions and familiar routines could lead to high levels of distress and depression, and potentially a spike in self-harm and suicide, experts said. |
| “This is pretty uncharted waters,” said Brett McDermott, a professor of psychiatry at James Cook University in Queensland. “It worries me that these people have got stress on top of stress.” | “This is pretty uncharted waters,” said Brett McDermott, a professor of psychiatry at James Cook University in Queensland. “It worries me that these people have got stress on top of stress.” |
| More than 6,900 coronavirus cases have been reported in Australia, with more than 90 deaths — evidence of a largely successful battle with the virus. | More than 6,900 coronavirus cases have been reported in Australia, with more than 90 deaths — evidence of a largely successful battle with the virus. |
| But the cost is high. With millions of Australians shut in their homes and hundreds of thousands without jobs, people are calling the national suicide help line, Lifeline Australia, in unprecedented numbers, said John Brogden, the organization’s chairman. It is receiving up to 3,200 calls per day — up nearly 30 percent from the usual numbers. | But the cost is high. With millions of Australians shut in their homes and hundreds of thousands without jobs, people are calling the national suicide help line, Lifeline Australia, in unprecedented numbers, said John Brogden, the organization’s chairman. It is receiving up to 3,200 calls per day — up nearly 30 percent from the usual numbers. |
| Overlooked is a series of obituaries about remarkable people whose deaths, beginning in 1851, went unreported in The Times. | Overlooked is a series of obituaries about remarkable people whose deaths, beginning in 1851, went unreported in The Times. |
| With no money to pay for college in post-World War II Scotland, 16-year-old June Almeida took an entry-level job in the histology department of a Glasgow hospital, where she learned to examine tissue under a microscope for signs of disease. It was a fortuitous move, for her and for science. | With no money to pay for college in post-World War II Scotland, 16-year-old June Almeida took an entry-level job in the histology department of a Glasgow hospital, where she learned to examine tissue under a microscope for signs of disease. It was a fortuitous move, for her and for science. |
| In 1966, nearly two decades later, she used a powerful electron microscope to capture an image of a mysterious pathogen — the first coronavirus known to cause human disease. | In 1966, nearly two decades later, she used a powerful electron microscope to capture an image of a mysterious pathogen — the first coronavirus known to cause human disease. |
| Almeida had just been recruited to St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, where she received a virus known as B814 from British scientists who were studying the common cold. The scientists, led by David Tyrrell, knew there was something different about the virus. Though volunteers infected with B814 didn’t get the sore throats typical of most head colds, they experienced unusual feelings of malaise. And the virus was neutralized by fat solvents, which meant that unlike the average cold virus, B814 had a lipid coating. | Almeida had just been recruited to St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, where she received a virus known as B814 from British scientists who were studying the common cold. The scientists, led by David Tyrrell, knew there was something different about the virus. Though volunteers infected with B814 didn’t get the sore throats typical of most head colds, they experienced unusual feelings of malaise. And the virus was neutralized by fat solvents, which meant that unlike the average cold virus, B814 had a lipid coating. |
| Still, without an image of the virus, the scientists could learn only so much. | Still, without an image of the virus, the scientists could learn only so much. |
| Hearing about Almeida’s expertise from a colleague, Mr. Tyrrell shipped specimens to her that had been infected with B814, as well as well-known flu and herpes viruses, which would serve as controls. | Hearing about Almeida’s expertise from a colleague, Mr. Tyrrell shipped specimens to her that had been infected with B814, as well as well-known flu and herpes viruses, which would serve as controls. |
| Though he had been told she was “seemingly extending the range of the electron microscope to new limits,” Mr. Tyrrell wasn’t optimistic. Almeida, however, was confident about her technique. | Though he had been told she was “seemingly extending the range of the electron microscope to new limits,” Mr. Tyrrell wasn’t optimistic. Almeida, however, was confident about her technique. |
| The results, Mr. Tyrrell later recounted, “exceeded all our hopes. She recognized all the known viruses, and her pictures revealed the structures beautifully. But, more important, she saw virus particles in the B814 specimens!” | The results, Mr. Tyrrell later recounted, “exceeded all our hopes. She recognized all the known viruses, and her pictures revealed the structures beautifully. But, more important, she saw virus particles in the B814 specimens!” |
| The only remaining problem was figuring out what to call the new virus. Influenza-like sounded a bit feeble, Mr. Tyrrell wrote. The images of B814 revealed that the virus was surrounded by a kind of halo, like a solar corona. Thus, the coronavirus was born. Read the full obituary here. | The only remaining problem was figuring out what to call the new virus. Influenza-like sounded a bit feeble, Mr. Tyrrell wrote. The images of B814 revealed that the virus was surrounded by a kind of halo, like a solar corona. Thus, the coronavirus was born. Read the full obituary here. |
| In this Bangkok Dispatch, our reporter Hannah Beech chronicles her dog’s trip to a pet grooming salon, one type of business allowed to reopen in Thailand with social distancing guidelines. | In this Bangkok Dispatch, our reporter Hannah Beech chronicles her dog’s trip to a pet grooming salon, one type of business allowed to reopen in Thailand with social distancing guidelines. |
| When the coronavirus lockdown in Bangkok eased a bit after six weeks, the first appointment my family made was not for a medical checkup or a walk in a park. | When the coronavirus lockdown in Bangkok eased a bit after six weeks, the first appointment my family made was not for a medical checkup or a walk in a park. |
| Instead, we called the pet salon. Caper, our 9-month-old miniature schnauzer, was desperate for a trim. | Instead, we called the pet salon. Caper, our 9-month-old miniature schnauzer, was desperate for a trim. |
| Thailand remains under a state of emergency through at least the end of May, with almost no international flights in or out. But because of the country’s low confirmed caseload of virus infections — about 3,000 cases and 56 deaths, as of Saturday — certain businesses have been allowed to reopen under strict social distancing and hygiene limits. Yes, that’s right, pet salons are important enough an industry in Thailand to merit their own category, alongside parks and restaurants. | Thailand remains under a state of emergency through at least the end of May, with almost no international flights in or out. But because of the country’s low confirmed caseload of virus infections — about 3,000 cases and 56 deaths, as of Saturday — certain businesses have been allowed to reopen under strict social distancing and hygiene limits. Yes, that’s right, pet salons are important enough an industry in Thailand to merit their own category, alongside parks and restaurants. |
| Bangkok is crazy for purebred dogs. All over town, you will see Labradors and Weimaraners, Pomeranians and pugs. There are too many Yorkshire terriers. Some wear nail polish, and many wear clothes. | Bangkok is crazy for purebred dogs. All over town, you will see Labradors and Weimaraners, Pomeranians and pugs. There are too many Yorkshire terriers. Some wear nail polish, and many wear clothes. |
| A puppy hair cut might seem frivolous, but let me explain. It is the hot season in Thailand, when temperatures hover around 100 degrees. The schnauzer’s natural coat, thick and woolly, is more suited to the Black Forest of its native Germany than a tropical metropolis like Bangkok. | A puppy hair cut might seem frivolous, but let me explain. It is the hot season in Thailand, when temperatures hover around 100 degrees. The schnauzer’s natural coat, thick and woolly, is more suited to the Black Forest of its native Germany than a tropical metropolis like Bangkok. |
| I tried trimming her, as my husband held her down, a project that went as well as you might expect when two journalists with zero expertise attempt animal topiary. (In my defense, I am left-handed and was using right-handed scissors.) | I tried trimming her, as my husband held her down, a project that went as well as you might expect when two journalists with zero expertise attempt animal topiary. (In my defense, I am left-handed and was using right-handed scissors.) |
| When Caper and my husband arrived at the Tender Loving Care Pet Wellness Center, there was a cancan line of chow chows awaiting their treatments. A bulldog idled, too. | When Caper and my husband arrived at the Tender Loving Care Pet Wellness Center, there was a cancan line of chow chows awaiting their treatments. A bulldog idled, too. |
| An employee was hosing off the driveway. My husband had his temperature taken and filled in a health form. Caper, after six weeks spent with only my family, was overwhelmed by the bustle and promptly urinated on the floor. Read the rest of Hannah Beech’s dispatch here. | An employee was hosing off the driveway. My husband had his temperature taken and filled in a health form. Caper, after six weeks spent with only my family, was overwhelmed by the bustle and promptly urinated on the floor. Read the rest of Hannah Beech’s dispatch here. |
| In the latest sign of worry that the coronavirus could be spreading through the senior ranks of the Trump administration, three top public health officials have begun partial or full self-quarantine for two weeks after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive. | In the latest sign of worry that the coronavirus could be spreading through the senior ranks of the Trump administration, three top public health officials have begun partial or full self-quarantine for two weeks after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive. |
| Representatives for Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Dr. Stephen Hahn, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, confirmed the precautions on Saturday. | Representatives for Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Dr. Stephen Hahn, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, confirmed the precautions on Saturday. |
| Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, confirmed a CNN report that he had begun a “modified quarantine” after what he called a “low risk” contact. | Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, confirmed a CNN report that he had begun a “modified quarantine” after what he called a “low risk” contact. |
| The actions came as Cook County, Ill., which includes Chicago and its closest suburbs, added more cases of the virus than any other county in the United States on some recent days. On Friday, Cook County added more new cases than the five boroughs of New York City combined. | The actions came as Cook County, Ill., which includes Chicago and its closest suburbs, added more cases of the virus than any other county in the United States on some recent days. On Friday, Cook County added more new cases than the five boroughs of New York City combined. |
| In New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Saturday that three young children had died of a mysterious, toxic-shock-like inflammation syndrome with links to the virus. Mr. Cuomo has asked parents to be vigilant in looking for symptoms such as prolonged fever, severe abdominal pain, change in skin color, racing heart and chest pain. | In New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Saturday that three young children had died of a mysterious, toxic-shock-like inflammation syndrome with links to the virus. Mr. Cuomo has asked parents to be vigilant in looking for symptoms such as prolonged fever, severe abdominal pain, change in skin color, racing heart and chest pain. |
| In a development that promised to expand the nation’s testing capacity, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the first antigen test that can rapidly detect whether a person has been infected. Unlike commonly available coronavirus tests that use polymerase chain reaction, or P.C.R., antigen diagnostics work by quickly detecting fragments of the virus in a sample. The tests can provide results “in minutes,” the F.D.A. said, adding that it expected to grant emergency clearance for more antigen tests in the near future. | In a development that promised to expand the nation’s testing capacity, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the first antigen test that can rapidly detect whether a person has been infected. Unlike commonly available coronavirus tests that use polymerase chain reaction, or P.C.R., antigen diagnostics work by quickly detecting fragments of the virus in a sample. The tests can provide results “in minutes,” the F.D.A. said, adding that it expected to grant emergency clearance for more antigen tests in the near future. |
| Several cities in Afghanistan ended weeks of lockdown on Sunday even as the spread of the coronavirus intensified across the country, with officials saying that the dire economic reality had worsened to such a level that they could no longer keep shops closed and people at home. | Several cities in Afghanistan ended weeks of lockdown on Sunday even as the spread of the coronavirus intensified across the country, with officials saying that the dire economic reality had worsened to such a level that they could no longer keep shops closed and people at home. |
| The major cities of Mazar e Sharif and Kunduz in the north and Jalalabad and Mehtar Lam in the east were among those that officially ended the lockdown. Other cities such as the capital, Kabul, and Herat technically remained under lockdown, but the police appeared to be no longer enforcing it. Movement increased on the streets and in the markets of Kabul, while in Herat, near-normal activity returned to the roads. | The major cities of Mazar e Sharif and Kunduz in the north and Jalalabad and Mehtar Lam in the east were among those that officially ended the lockdown. Other cities such as the capital, Kabul, and Herat technically remained under lockdown, but the police appeared to be no longer enforcing it. Movement increased on the streets and in the markets of Kabul, while in Herat, near-normal activity returned to the roads. |
| The Afghan government has registered about 4,400 coronavirus cases nationwide, but officials say many more infections are likely because testing is limited. They point to the high percentage of positive cases among the tests conducted — some days, nearly half have turned up positive. On Sunday, 361 of the 995 samples tested in the previous 24 hours were positive, said Wahid Majrooh, the deputy health minister. | The Afghan government has registered about 4,400 coronavirus cases nationwide, but officials say many more infections are likely because testing is limited. They point to the high percentage of positive cases among the tests conducted — some days, nearly half have turned up positive. On Sunday, 361 of the 995 samples tested in the previous 24 hours were positive, said Wahid Majrooh, the deputy health minister. |
| Some provincial officials have said that lifting the lockdown could be temporary, in order to breathe some life into local economies by allowing shopping before Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic festival celebrated at the end of Ramadan. In a sign of concern that the economic shock could bring widespread starvation, the government has begun distributing bread in several cities and plans to expand the effort to 28 urban centers. | Some provincial officials have said that lifting the lockdown could be temporary, in order to breathe some life into local economies by allowing shopping before Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic festival celebrated at the end of Ramadan. In a sign of concern that the economic shock could bring widespread starvation, the government has begun distributing bread in several cities and plans to expand the effort to 28 urban centers. |
| But Mr. Majrooh said there was concern that with the easing of city lockdowns, “the number of positive cases will go up rapidly.” Local doctors, lacking resources and bearing the brunt of the virus’s spread, also expressed concern. | But Mr. Majrooh said there was concern that with the easing of city lockdowns, “the number of positive cases will go up rapidly.” Local doctors, lacking resources and bearing the brunt of the virus’s spread, also expressed concern. |
| “When I went to the city today, I saw all the shops were open — it was so crowded as if there is no coronavirus; it felt like people had been let out of cages,” said Dr. Shams Samadi, who works at a private clinic in Kunduz. | “When I went to the city today, I saw all the shops were open — it was so crowded as if there is no coronavirus; it felt like people had been let out of cages,” said Dr. Shams Samadi, who works at a private clinic in Kunduz. |
| “There were no masks; people were shaking hands,” he said. “It pains me, because I know what the virus can do and how it spreads.” | “There were no masks; people were shaking hands,” he said. “It pains me, because I know what the virus can do and how it spreads.” |
| The widely watched return to professional soccer after Germany went into lockdown has hit a hurdle before it has even started, after two players from the club Dynamo Dresden tested positive for the virus, forcing its entire roster into quarantine for 14 days. | The widely watched return to professional soccer after Germany went into lockdown has hit a hurdle before it has even started, after two players from the club Dynamo Dresden tested positive for the virus, forcing its entire roster into quarantine for 14 days. |
| The team’s announcement on Saturday dealt a blow to the German league’s plans to restart the season on May 16. | The team’s announcement on Saturday dealt a blow to the German league’s plans to restart the season on May 16. |
| Sports leagues around the world are closely watching the return of German soccer as they try to forge their own plans to restart games. More than the integrity of a completed season is at stake. Officials have painted a grim financial picture for the sport, warning that if the season does not restart soon, as many as one-third of the teams in the top two divisions are at risk of insolvency, estimating losses of around 750 million euros, or more than $800 million. | Sports leagues around the world are closely watching the return of German soccer as they try to forge their own plans to restart games. More than the integrity of a completed season is at stake. Officials have painted a grim financial picture for the sport, warning that if the season does not restart soon, as many as one-third of the teams in the top two divisions are at risk of insolvency, estimating losses of around 750 million euros, or more than $800 million. |
| The setback in Germany came as La Liga in Spain said on Sunday that five players in the top two divisions had tested positive for the coronavirus after a wave of tests that are a prerequisite for a return to training. The players, who were not identified, have been isolated and will not be allowed to return to practice until they test negative two times in a row, according to the league’s protocol. The league requires government approval before games are allowed to resume. | The setback in Germany came as La Liga in Spain said on Sunday that five players in the top two divisions had tested positive for the coronavirus after a wave of tests that are a prerequisite for a return to training. The players, who were not identified, have been isolated and will not be allowed to return to practice until they test negative two times in a row, according to the league’s protocol. The league requires government approval before games are allowed to resume. |
| Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany cleared the Bundesliga and the Bundesliga 2 to resume operations after the league created a 51-page safety protocol to resume play. The games, like much of the rest of the world, were stopped in March in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. | Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany cleared the Bundesliga and the Bundesliga 2 to resume operations after the league created a 51-page safety protocol to resume play. The games, like much of the rest of the world, were stopped in March in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. |
| Dynamo said it would not be able to participate in the first two rounds of scheduled matches, including the team’s first game on May 15 against Hannover 96. “The fact is that we can neither train nor participate in the game in the next 14 days,” said Dynamo’s sports director, Ralf Minge. | Dynamo said it would not be able to participate in the first two rounds of scheduled matches, including the team’s first game on May 15 against Hannover 96. “The fact is that we can neither train nor participate in the game in the next 14 days,” said Dynamo’s sports director, Ralf Minge. |
| When the games resume, they are likely to be nearly unrecognizable: Players will be quarantined in a hotel and tested frequently, and the matches will take place in empty stadiums — “ghost games,” as they are called in German. | When the games resume, they are likely to be nearly unrecognizable: Players will be quarantined in a hotel and tested frequently, and the matches will take place in empty stadiums — “ghost games,” as they are called in German. |
| The players from home teams will drive themselves to the stadiums in their own cars, and representatives from visiting teams will be split into small groups to travel in designated vehicles that will be disinfected after each use. Players will dress in several different locker rooms, shower separately, and will be kept apart from substitutes. | The players from home teams will drive themselves to the stadiums in their own cars, and representatives from visiting teams will be split into small groups to travel in designated vehicles that will be disinfected after each use. Players will dress in several different locker rooms, shower separately, and will be kept apart from substitutes. |
| Myan Mode, a garment factory on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, produces men’s jackets, women’s blazers and coats for Western fashion companies like Mango and Zara. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, it has seen a decrease in orders from international retailers. | Myan Mode, a garment factory on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, produces men’s jackets, women’s blazers and coats for Western fashion companies like Mango and Zara. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, it has seen a decrease in orders from international retailers. |
| That was why it let go almost half of its 1,274 workers in late March, the factory’s managing director said in response to protesters who arrived at the factory’s doors to denounce the dismissals. | That was why it let go almost half of its 1,274 workers in late March, the factory’s managing director said in response to protesters who arrived at the factory’s doors to denounce the dismissals. |
| Three fired sewing operators, however, said the factory was taking an opportunity to punish workers engaged in union activity. In an interview, the operators — Maung Moe, Ye Yint and Ohnmar Myint — said that of the 571 who had been dismissed, 520 had belonged to the factory’s union, one of 20 that make up the Federation of Garment Workers Myanmar. About 700 workers who did not belong to the union kept their jobs, they said. | Three fired sewing operators, however, said the factory was taking an opportunity to punish workers engaged in union activity. In an interview, the operators — Maung Moe, Ye Yint and Ohnmar Myint — said that of the 571 who had been dismissed, 520 had belonged to the factory’s union, one of 20 that make up the Federation of Garment Workers Myanmar. About 700 workers who did not belong to the union kept their jobs, they said. |
| Myan Mode’s South Korea-based owner did not respond to requests for comment, and did not provide details about the firings. | Myan Mode’s South Korea-based owner did not respond to requests for comment, and did not provide details about the firings. |
| Mr. Moe, 27, was the factory union’s president and had organized several strikes. Mr. Yint, 30, was the union’s secretary, while Ms. Myint, 34, had been a union member since its founding in June 2018. | Mr. Moe, 27, was the factory union’s president and had organized several strikes. Mr. Yint, 30, was the union’s secretary, while Ms. Myint, 34, had been a union member since its founding in June 2018. |
| “The bosses used Covid as an opportunity to get rid of us because they hated our union,” Mr. Moe said. He said he and other union members had been in discussions with the factory managers before the firings, demanding personal protective equipment and that workers be farther apart on the factory floor. “They thought we caused them constant headaches by fighting for our rights and those of our fellow workers.” | “The bosses used Covid as an opportunity to get rid of us because they hated our union,” Mr. Moe said. He said he and other union members had been in discussions with the factory managers before the firings, demanding personal protective equipment and that workers be farther apart on the factory floor. “They thought we caused them constant headaches by fighting for our rights and those of our fellow workers.” |
| Union-busting — practices undertaken to prevent or disrupt the formation of trade unions or attempts to expand membership — has been a serious problem across the fashion supply chain for decades. And with the global spread of Covid-19 placing fresh pressures on the industry, it is a particular issue in South Asia, where about 40 million garment workers have long grappled with poor working conditions and wages. | Union-busting — practices undertaken to prevent or disrupt the formation of trade unions or attempts to expand membership — has been a serious problem across the fashion supply chain for decades. And with the global spread of Covid-19 placing fresh pressures on the industry, it is a particular issue in South Asia, where about 40 million garment workers have long grappled with poor working conditions and wages. |
| Hong Kong’s live music scene was all but silenced by the coronavirus. Some infections were linked to what the government called a “bar and band” cluster in nightclubs. Music venues, including bars, were ordered shut as part of a broad package of restrictions. On Friday, bars were allowed to reopen, but they still aren’t allowed to host live music. | Hong Kong’s live music scene was all but silenced by the coronavirus. Some infections were linked to what the government called a “bar and band” cluster in nightclubs. Music venues, including bars, were ordered shut as part of a broad package of restrictions. On Friday, bars were allowed to reopen, but they still aren’t allowed to host live music. |
| That has meant unemployment for the singers, guitarists, pianists, drummers and bassists who power the live music scene — many of whom come from the Philippines. | That has meant unemployment for the singers, guitarists, pianists, drummers and bassists who power the live music scene — many of whom come from the Philippines. |
| One musician, Charles Tidal, said he typically sent about $1,300 back to the Philippines each month to support his five children. His gigs dried up in February, and a new part-time job as a clerk isn’t making up the difference. | One musician, Charles Tidal, said he typically sent about $1,300 back to the Philippines each month to support his five children. His gigs dried up in February, and a new part-time job as a clerk isn’t making up the difference. |
| “It’s hard,” he said. “I owe money to lots of people right now to survive and feed my kids.” | “It’s hard,” he said. “I owe money to lots of people right now to survive and feed my kids.” |
| Musicians from the Philippines have been performing across Asia for decades, known for playing covers of Western pop songs. Filipino cover bands in Hong Kong have wide repertoires, spanning rock, reggae, R&B and much else. A case in point is Icebox, the main house band at Amazonia in the Wan Chai district, which covers everything from Frank Sinatra to Iron Maiden. | Musicians from the Philippines have been performing across Asia for decades, known for playing covers of Western pop songs. Filipino cover bands in Hong Kong have wide repertoires, spanning rock, reggae, R&B and much else. A case in point is Icebox, the main house band at Amazonia in the Wan Chai district, which covers everything from Frank Sinatra to Iron Maiden. |
| “Everything’s there, and it’s cool,” said its frontman, Spike Cazcarro, 52, explaining how the band got its name. | “Everything’s there, and it’s cool,” said its frontman, Spike Cazcarro, 52, explaining how the band got its name. |
| Reporting was contributed by Mihir Zaveri, Karen Zraick, Ezra Cheung, Mujib Mashal, Najim Rahim, Fatima Faizi, Tiffany May, Iliana Magra, Hannah Beech, Melissa Eddy, Christopher F. Schuetze, Tariq Panja, Austin Ramzy, Michael Levenson, Michael Crowley, Vivian Wang, Edward Wong, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Denise Gellene, Mitch Smith, Andrew Jacobs, Edgar Sandoval, Elisabetta Povoledo, Mike Ives, Elizabeth Paton and Nick Cumming-Bruce. | Reporting was contributed by Mihir Zaveri, Karen Zraick, Ezra Cheung, Mujib Mashal, Najim Rahim, Fatima Faizi, Tiffany May, Iliana Magra, Hannah Beech, Melissa Eddy, Christopher F. Schuetze, Tariq Panja, Austin Ramzy, Michael Levenson, Michael Crowley, Vivian Wang, Edward Wong, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Denise Gellene, Mitch Smith, Andrew Jacobs, Edgar Sandoval, Elisabetta Povoledo, Mike Ives, Elizabeth Paton and Nick Cumming-Bruce. |