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Coronavirus Live Updates: Outbreak in the White House Causes a Scramble to Stop the Spread Coronavirus Live Updates: Political Divides Drive Dispute Over Assistance for States
(32 minutes later)
When Senator Mitt Romney of Utah strode into a luncheon with fellow Republicans last week, he was carrying an oversized poster that bore a blunt message: “Blue states aren’t the only ones who are screwed.”
Even with the number of coronavirus deaths in the United States set to pass 80,000 — accounting for one in three fatalities around the world — the Trump administration has sought to convince the public that it is time to move on and get back to work. Two days later, Senator Rick Scott, Republican of Florida, made the opposite pitch, arriving at another party gathering with his own placard that showed how rosy his state’s financial picture was compared to those of three Democratic states: New York, Illinois and California. Why should Congress send help to struggling states and cities, he argued over lunch, when the bulk of the help would go to Democratic strongholds with a history of fiscal mismanagement?
“We have to get our country open again,” President Trump said last week, even as he acknowledged that meant more people could die. “People want to go back, and you’re going to have a problem if you don’t do it.” The two freshmen senators — both former governors — were taking opposite sides in what is emerging as a contentious debate among Republicans shaping the next sweeping package of federal coronavirus relief. With many states and cities experiencing devastating fiscal crises amid the pandemic, Democrats have joined governors and mayors in pressing for a huge infusion — as much as $700 billion — for troubled states, cities and towns.
A few short days after he made those remarks, the White House itself became a possible hot zone, with officials racing to control an outbreak inside the cramped working quarters at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. But Republicans are divided over how much aid to provide and what conditions to place on the money, and much of the dispute — unfolding just months before the November elections in which control of the Senate is at stake — is being driven by the political bent of the states that stand to benefit or lose.
“It is scary to go to work,” Kevin Hassett, a top economic adviser to the president, said on the CBS program “Face the Nation” on Sunday. President Trump has suggested that he views the issue through an entirely partisan lens. Democrats, he said earlier this month, “want help — bailouts — and, you know, bailouts are very tough. And they happen to be Democrat states.”
Three top officials leading the White House response to the pandemic began to quarantine themselves over the weekend after two Trump administration staff members — a valet to Mr. Trump; and Katie Miller, the press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence — tested positive. “The Republican states are in strong shape,” he added “I don’t know — is that luck or is that talent?”
Late Sunday, responding to scattered news reports that the vice president was isolating himself, the White House issued a statement saying that Mr. Pence would not alter his routine or self-quarantine. The vice president “has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow,” said Devin O’Malley, a spokesman for Mr. Pence. The disagreement is yet another reminder that as Mr. Trump and a divided Congress make decisions about the multi-trillion-dollar federal coronavirus relief effort, politics is never far from their calculations. It is likely to drive the biggest share of the next phase of assistance, which Democrats are rushing to assemble even as Mr. Trump and Republicans take a step back, arguing that the government should wait to see how the economy is faring before enacting another sweeping stimulus law.
Among those who will be sequestered for two weeks is Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the nation’s leading infectious disease expert. So will 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
All three doctors are scheduled to testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Tuesday about the government’s response to the crisis and arrangements have been made for them to do so remotely.
Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the Republican chair of the committee, will also have to participate via video link after his office announced Sunday evening that he would quarantine himself for 14 days after a staff member in his office tested positive.
Mr. Alexander’s chief of staff, David Cleary, said in a statement that the Republican senator tested negative on May 7 and had not shown any symptoms.
Mr. Alexander decided not to return to Washington and will self-quarantine in Tennessee “out of an abundance of caution,” Mr. Cleary said.
The Navy’s top admiral, Michael M. Gilday, will also quarantine himself for one week after coming into contact with a family member who has tested positive, the Pentagon said in a statement on Sunday night.
A second member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, tested positive on Saturday, but a subsequent test that day was negative, according to the same Pentagon statement on Sunday. General Lengyel will undergo a third test on Monday to confirm his negative status, the statement said.
Both Admiral Gilday and General Lengyel were absent from a meeting of the Joint Chiefs with Mr. Trump at the White House on Saturday night. In a photograph of the meeting, neither Mr. Trump nor the military officials seated around the table wore masks.
As concern grows over the potential for children to become seriously ill from the virus, a new study paints the most detailed picture yet of American children who were treated in intensive care units throughout the United States as the pandemic was taking hold in the country.As concern grows over the potential for children to become seriously ill from the virus, a new study paints the most detailed picture yet of American children who were treated in intensive care units throughout the United States as the pandemic was taking hold in the country.
None of the children in the study, published Monday in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, were stricken by the new mysterious inflammatory syndrome linked to the virus that can cause life-threatening cardiac issues in children. They suffered from the virus’s primary line of attack: the severe respiratory problems that have afflicted tens of thousands of American adults.None of the children in the study, published Monday in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, were stricken by the new mysterious inflammatory syndrome linked to the virus that can cause life-threatening cardiac issues in children. They suffered from the virus’s primary line of attack: the severe respiratory problems that have afflicted tens of thousands of American adults.
The study looked at 48 cases from 14 hospitals, infants up to age 21, during late March and early April. Two of the children died. Eighteen were placed on ventilators and two of them remain on the breathing machines more than a month later, said Dr. Lara S. Shekerdemian, chief of critical care at Texas Children’s Hospital, and an author of the study.The study looked at 48 cases from 14 hospitals, infants up to age 21, during late March and early April. Two of the children died. Eighteen were placed on ventilators and two of them remain on the breathing machines more than a month later, said Dr. Lara S. Shekerdemian, chief of critical care at Texas Children’s Hospital, and an author of the study.
The vast majority of the patients — 40 children, including the two who died — had pre-existing medical conditions. Nearly half of those patients had complex developmental disorders like cerebral palsy or lifelong technology-dependent treatments like tracheostomies or feeding tubes. Other pre-existing health issues included cancer and suppressed immune systems from organ transplants or immunological conditions.The vast majority of the patients — 40 children, including the two who died — had pre-existing medical conditions. Nearly half of those patients had complex developmental disorders like cerebral palsy or lifelong technology-dependent treatments like tracheostomies or feeding tubes. Other pre-existing health issues included cancer and suppressed immune systems from organ transplants or immunological conditions.
Forty-six hospitals agreed to participate in the study, which included patients with confirmed virus infections who were admitted to pediatric I.C.U.’s in North America between March 14 and April 3, said Dr. Shekerdemian, who is also vice chair of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. But only 16 of them had cases during that span, and only 14 reported data in time for publication.Forty-six hospitals agreed to participate in the study, which included patients with confirmed virus infections who were admitted to pediatric I.C.U.’s in North America between March 14 and April 3, said Dr. Shekerdemian, who is also vice chair of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. But only 16 of them had cases during that span, and only 14 reported data in time for publication.
“You can read this either like a half-empty glass or a half-full glass,” said Dr. Daniele De Luca, the president-elect of the European Society for Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care, who was not involved in the study. “At the end of the day, we have to realize that this disease can actually be serious in children. It’s not like in the beginning when some people said OK, this is never going to happen.”“You can read this either like a half-empty glass or a half-full glass,” said Dr. Daniele De Luca, the president-elect of the European Society for Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care, who was not involved in the study. “At the end of the day, we have to realize that this disease can actually be serious in children. It’s not like in the beginning when some people said OK, this is never going to happen.”
A staff member of Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois has tested positive for Covid-19, prompting the governor to order all employees in the office to work from home temporarily. The governor will work from home as well.A staff member of Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois has tested positive for Covid-19, prompting the governor to order all employees in the office to work from home temporarily. The governor will work from home as well.
The infection demonstrated how difficult it has been to contain the coronavirus, which has now surfaced in the White House and other governmental offices across the country.The infection demonstrated how difficult it has been to contain the coronavirus, which has now surfaced in the White House and other governmental offices across the country.
The staff member, who was not experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, was in close contact with Mr. Pritzker and other employees before receiving a positive result last week, a statement from the governor said.The staff member, who was not experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, was in close contact with Mr. Pritzker and other employees before receiving a positive result last week, a statement from the governor said.
The governor was tested for coronavirus again on Sunday and was negative.The governor was tested for coronavirus again on Sunday and was negative.
The work-from-home policy will affect 20 members of Mr. Pritzker’s staff, who had all been reporting to the state office in downtown Chicago.The work-from-home policy will affect 20 members of Mr. Pritzker’s staff, who had all been reporting to the state office in downtown Chicago.
“The office will undergo deep cleaning, and staff are monitoring themselves for symptoms,” a statement from the governor said, adding that the staff would be guided by advice from the Illinois Department of Public Health.“The office will undergo deep cleaning, and staff are monitoring themselves for symptoms,” a statement from the governor said, adding that the staff would be guided by advice from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
All staff members have had daily temperature checks, wear face coverings and practice social distancing.All staff members have had daily temperature checks, wear face coverings and practice social distancing.
Illinois has been particularly hard hit by coronavirus, with more than 77,000 cases and 3,426 deaths.Illinois has been particularly hard hit by coronavirus, with more than 77,000 cases and 3,426 deaths.
In the most concrete step toward restarting his battered state, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York announced on Monday that several upstate regions would be allowed to partially reopen this weekend, with limited construction, manufacturing and curbside retail.
The move would come 10 weeks after the state’s first confirmed case, which has killed more than 26,000 people in New York, and sickened hundreds of thousands more. But that toll has been largely borne by New York City and its suburbs, with far fewer cases and fatalities thus far in the state’s more rural regions.
In New York City, a ban on large gatherings and the widespread closures of nonessential businesses were not likely to end before June, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Monday before the governor’s announcement. Mr. Cuomo said that New York City only met four of the seven criteria required to reopen.
Mr. Cuomo, a third-term Democrat, laid out a detailed plan for reopening last week, requiring each of 10 regions to fulfill seven metrics. Those include beefing up testing and contact tracing, ensuring hospital capacity, and showing sustained declines in deaths and new cases of the virus.
Both city and state data have suggested that New York City has made progress in containing the outbreak of the virus and reducing transmission. Mr. de Blasio has said that social distancing and other efforts to limit the outbreak were making a difference, pointing to decreases in the number of those being hospitalized and the percentage of people testing positive. But he said that he and other officials needed to see the trend continue before they could consider any major reopening.
On Monday, the governor said that all seven metrics have now been met in three regions and that two other regions were just shy of meeting them. He cautioned that the reopening would be gradual, and that it was predicated on the infection rate in those regions remaining low. Officials would “be able to pull the plug or slow down the increase in activity” if the virus spread more quickly.
The state’s nonessential businesses have been closed and large gatherings have been banned since March 22, under a stay-at-home order set to expire on Friday. The state would allow certain low-risk business and activities to resume operating on Friday, including landscaping and gardening work, outdoor recreation such as tennis and drive-in movie theaters.
The number of new virus hospitalizations was at its lowest number since March 19, before the state’s shutdown began, he said. An additional 161 people in the state had died of the virus — the lowest daily death toll since March 27, the last time that deaths were reported under 200.
Mr. Trump on Monday lashed out at Pennsylvania’s Democratic governor, accusing him of seeking to delay reopening the state in an effort to damage the president’s reelection campaign.Mr. Trump on Monday lashed out at Pennsylvania’s Democratic governor, accusing him of seeking to delay reopening the state in an effort to damage the president’s reelection campaign.
“The Democrats are moving slowly, all over the USA, for political purposes,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter. “They would wait until November 3rd if it were up to them. Don’t play politics.”“The Democrats are moving slowly, all over the USA, for political purposes,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter. “They would wait until November 3rd if it were up to them. Don’t play politics.”
Mr. Trump offered no evidence for the charge. And in the tweet, he sided with some local Pennsylvania officials who have threatened in recent days to reopen their communities faster than would be allowed under the rules provided by Tom Wolf, the state’s governor.Mr. Trump offered no evidence for the charge. And in the tweet, he sided with some local Pennsylvania officials who have threatened in recent days to reopen their communities faster than would be allowed under the rules provided by Tom Wolf, the state’s governor.
“The great people of Pennsylvania want their freedom now, and they are fully aware of what that entails,” Mr. Trump wrote. He concluded the tweet by saying: “be safe, move quickly!” “The great people of Pennsylvania want their freedom now, and they are fully aware of what that entails,” Mr. Trump wrote. He concluded the tweet by saying: “be safe, move quickly!”The president has repeatedly said he wants to move more quickly than many public health experts and state officials say is wise. In Monday’s tweet, he explicitly cast that disagreement in starkly political terms about a state that will be critical to his reelection hopes.
The president has repeatedly said he wants to move more quickly than many public health experts and state officials say is wise. In Monday’s tweet, he explicitly cast that disagreement in starkly political terms about a state that will be critical to his reelection hopes.
U.S. stocks followed global markets lower on Monday as investors weighed the easing of restrictions on business activity in many countries against the chance of a resurgence of the virus.U.S. stocks followed global markets lower on Monday as investors weighed the easing of restrictions on business activity in many countries against the chance of a resurgence of the virus.
The S & P 500 fell nearly 1 percent in early trading. Markets in Europe were also lower after giving up early gains.The S & P 500 fell nearly 1 percent in early trading. Markets in Europe were also lower after giving up early gains.
Some investors are betting on what is called a V-shaped recovery, or a strong surge following the current plunge in economic activity. But a quick recovery isn’t assured, especially amid worries that a second wave of outbreaks could eventually undermine efforts to get economies back on track.Some investors are betting on what is called a V-shaped recovery, or a strong surge following the current plunge in economic activity. But a quick recovery isn’t assured, especially amid worries that a second wave of outbreaks could eventually undermine efforts to get economies back on track.
In France, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands and other countries in Europe, different restrictions on business activities were eased on Monday, part of a gradual approach as authorities try to balance economic recovery with control of the deadly virus. In the United States, Mr. Trump has pushed for the reopening of the economy, and more than half the states have reopened businesses in some way or plan to do so soon.In France, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands and other countries in Europe, different restrictions on business activities were eased on Monday, part of a gradual approach as authorities try to balance economic recovery with control of the deadly virus. In the United States, Mr. Trump has pushed for the reopening of the economy, and more than half the states have reopened businesses in some way or plan to do so soon.
The stock market has shown a remarkable indifference to the dire outlook for the economy since it began to rally on March 23. That was the day the Federal Reserve signaled that it stood ready to pump an unlimited amount of dollars into financial markets to keep key borrowing markets from malfunctioning. The S & P 500 has risen roughly 30 percent since then.The stock market has shown a remarkable indifference to the dire outlook for the economy since it began to rally on March 23. That was the day the Federal Reserve signaled that it stood ready to pump an unlimited amount of dollars into financial markets to keep key borrowing markets from malfunctioning. The S & P 500 has risen roughly 30 percent since then.
Even with the number of coronavirus deaths in the United States set to pass 80,000 — accounting for one in three fatalities around the world — the Trump administration has sought to convince the public that it is time to move on and get back to work.
“We have to get our country open again,” President Trump said last week, even as he acknowledged that meant more people could die. “People want to go back, and you’re going to have a problem if you don’t do it.”
A few short days after he made those remarks, the White House itself became a possible hot zone, with officials racing to control an outbreak inside the cramped working quarters at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
“It is scary to go to work,” Kevin Hassett, a top economic adviser to the president, said on the CBS program “Face the Nation” on Sunday.
Three top officials leading the White House response to the pandemic began to quarantine themselves over the weekend after two Trump administration staff members — a valet to Mr. Trump; and Katie Miller, the press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence — tested positive.
Late Sunday, responding to scattered news reports that the vice president was isolating himself, the White House issued a statement saying that Mr. Pence would not alter his routine or self-quarantine. The vice president “has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow,” said Devin O’Malley, a spokesman for Mr. Pence.
Among those who will be sequestered for two weeks is Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the nation’s leading infectious disease expert. So will 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
All three doctors are scheduled to testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Tuesday about the government’s response to the crisis and arrangements have been made for them to do so remotely.
Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the Republican chair of the committee, will also have to participate via video link after his office announced Sunday evening that he would quarantine himself for 14 days after a staff member in his office tested positive.
Mr. Alexander’s chief of staff, David Cleary, said in a statement that the Republican senator tested negative on May 7 and had not shown any symptoms.
Mr. Alexander decided not to return to Washington and will self-quarantine in Tennessee “out of an abundance of caution,” Mr. Cleary said.
Many consumers expect to lose their jobs and see home prices stall — or even decline — over the coming year, according to a Federal Reserve survey. Given that peoples’ homes are often their largest investment, that could spell even more trouble for the economy.Many consumers expect to lose their jobs and see home prices stall — or even decline — over the coming year, according to a Federal Reserve survey. Given that peoples’ homes are often their largest investment, that could spell even more trouble for the economy.
For the first time since the Federal Reserve Bank of New York started its survey of consumers in 2013, the median consumer did not expect home prices to increase over the next year. More than 44 percent of April respondents actually expected home prices to decline, and that pessimism was broad-based across demographic groups and regions.For the first time since the Federal Reserve Bank of New York started its survey of consumers in 2013, the median consumer did not expect home prices to increase over the next year. More than 44 percent of April respondents actually expected home prices to decline, and that pessimism was broad-based across demographic groups and regions.
As recently as February, consumers expected 3 percent home price appreciation. The swift deterioration in their outlook underlines how much the coronavirus lockdown, which has left millions out of work and has made loans harder to come by, could threaten the housing industry.As recently as February, consumers expected 3 percent home price appreciation. The swift deterioration in their outlook underlines how much the coronavirus lockdown, which has left millions out of work and has made loans harder to come by, could threaten the housing industry.
Mortgage credit availability has tumbled to its lowest level since late 2014, a Mortgage Bankers Association index showed last week, as lenders shy away from borrowers with low credit scores and those looking for large mortgages. That could blunt the economic benefit of the Fed’s recent rate cuts, as consumers struggle to benefit directly from lower borrowing costs.Mortgage credit availability has tumbled to its lowest level since late 2014, a Mortgage Bankers Association index showed last week, as lenders shy away from borrowers with low credit scores and those looking for large mortgages. That could blunt the economic benefit of the Fed’s recent rate cuts, as consumers struggle to benefit directly from lower borrowing costs.
Consumers were glum along other dimensions, too. They increasingly expected to lose their jobs, putting the chances over the coming year at 20.9 percent in April, a new series high.Consumers were glum along other dimensions, too. They increasingly expected to lose their jobs, putting the chances over the coming year at 20.9 percent in April, a new series high.
The United States is on the brink of the worst economic collapse since the Hoover administration. Corporate profits have crumpled. More than a million Americans have been infected, and hundreds are dying each day. There is no turnaround in sight.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Sunday that the jobs figures would get worse before they got better. He said the real unemployment rate — including people who are underemployed as well as those entirely without work — could soon approach 25 percent.
“There are very, very large numbers,” Mr. Mnuchin said on “Fox News Sunday.”
Yet stocks keep climbing. Even as 20.5 million people lost their jobs in April, the S & P 500 stock index logged its best month in 33 years. After a few weeks of wild swings, the market is down a mere 9.3 percent this year and 13.5 percent from its peak — what most investors would consider no more than a correction. On Friday, after the government released the staggering unemployment figures, the S & P 500 closed up 1.7 percent.
But as Matt Phillips underlines in the Times, the stock market is not the economy. Conventional wisdom would explain the market’s comparatively modest losses this way: Since markets tend to be forward-looking, investors have already accounted for what’s expected to be a cataclysmic drop in second-quarter activity and are forecasting a relatively rapid economic recovery afterward. The Federal Reserve’s actions have also bolstered investors’ confidence that the bottom won’t fall out of the market.
But the pandemic has also highlighted a deeper trend. For decades, the market has been growing increasingly detached from the mainstream of American life, mirroring broad changes in the economy.
With high school students nationwide preparing to take Advanced Placement tests online this week from home, a College Board official announced Sunday that the organization had discovered and taken action against students who planned to cheat.With high school students nationwide preparing to take Advanced Placement tests online this week from home, a College Board official announced Sunday that the organization had discovered and taken action against students who planned to cheat.
“We’ve just cancelled the AP exam registrations of a ring of students who were developing plans to cheat, and we’re currently investigating others,” tweeted Trevor Packer, a senior vice president with the group. “It’s not worth the risk of having your name reported to college admissions offices.”“We’ve just cancelled the AP exam registrations of a ring of students who were developing plans to cheat, and we’re currently investigating others,” tweeted Trevor Packer, a senior vice president with the group. “It’s not worth the risk of having your name reported to college admissions offices.”
On Monday, the College Board said it would not provide more details about the incident, but noted that consequences for cheaters could also include “a ban on future SAT and AP exams.”On Monday, the College Board said it would not provide more details about the incident, but noted that consequences for cheaters could also include “a ban on future SAT and AP exams.”
More than three million students are registered to take AP exams this year, though it is unclear how many will actually sit for the remote tests. The exams will be shorter — just 45 minutes, instead of several hours — and will cover only material that was taught prior to schools shutting down in March, according to the College Board.More than three million students are registered to take AP exams this year, though it is unclear how many will actually sit for the remote tests. The exams will be shorter — just 45 minutes, instead of several hours — and will cover only material that was taught prior to schools shutting down in March, according to the College Board.
Students will be allowed to consult notes or textbooks, but will not be allowed to confer with other individuals for assistance. Every test-taker around the world will sit for the exams simultaneously, and the College Board will monitor social media to look for plagiarism. The tests can be taken on computers, tablets or smartphones.Students will be allowed to consult notes or textbooks, but will not be allowed to confer with other individuals for assistance. Every test-taker around the world will sit for the exams simultaneously, and the College Board will monitor social media to look for plagiarism. The tests can be taken on computers, tablets or smartphones.
The College Board may also deliver the SAT remotely if lockdowns continue into the fall — a plan that has raised eyebrows in the education world. Many experts point out that remote testing disadvantages students who do not have reliable home access to the internet or devices, as well as those who live in small homes where quiet, private space is not available.The College Board may also deliver the SAT remotely if lockdowns continue into the fall — a plan that has raised eyebrows in the education world. Many experts point out that remote testing disadvantages students who do not have reliable home access to the internet or devices, as well as those who live in small homes where quiet, private space is not available.
Two weeks after Georgia allowed restaurants, salons and even bowling alleys to open back up, in what was among the earliest moves to restart the nation’s economy, the number of new coronavirus cases in the state has remained relatively steady.
With Georgia at the vanguard, the state is being closely watched for the economic and public health effects of relaxing stay-at-home and social-distancing requirements. But, experts say, it is still too soon to use it as a barometer for reopening America.
“It’s kind of a wait and see,” said Andreas Handel, an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Georgia, who estimated that people who caught the virus in the first week after reopening may only now be showing symptoms and getting tested. It can take several more days after diagnosis for new cases to show up in the data.
“Personally, I don’t feel like I can say yet what the impact is,” he said. “By the end of May, I feel like I would know better.”
Georgia, which has more than 32,200 known cases of the coronavirus and more than 1,300 reported deaths, has for several weeks experienced a plateau in its number of new cases.
But there are several factors that make it difficult to draw immediate conclusions: While Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, allowed some businesses to reopen starting April 24, a stay-at-home order was in effect until April 30. And allowing businesses to reopen does not mean they all do, and may not persuade people that it is safe to visit them.
“Everyone wants us to talk about policy, but in fact personal behavior still matters a lot here,” said Kent Smetters, faculty director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, which forecasts the health and economic effects of reopening.
More than half of the states have reopened in some significant way, and stay-at-home orders in a number of other places — including Louisiana, New Mexico, Vermont and Washington, D.C. — are scheduled to expire in the next week.
The F.B.I. and the Department of Homeland Security are preparing to issue a warning that China’s most skilled hackers and spies are working to steal American research in the crash effort to develop vaccines and treatments for the virus. The efforts are part of a surge in cybertheft and attacks by nations seeking advantage in the pandemic.The F.B.I. and the Department of Homeland Security are preparing to issue a warning that China’s most skilled hackers and spies are working to steal American research in the crash effort to develop vaccines and treatments for the virus. The efforts are part of a surge in cybertheft and attacks by nations seeking advantage in the pandemic.
The warning comes as Israeli officials accused Iran of mounting an effort in late April to cripple water supplies as Israelis were confined to their houses, though the government has offered no evidence to back its claim. More than a dozen countries have redeployed military and intelligence hackers to glean whatever they can about other nations’ virus responses. Even American allies like South Korea and nations that do not typically stand out for their cyberspying abilities, like Vietnam, have suddenly redirected their state-run hackers to focus on virus-related information, according to private security firms.The warning comes as Israeli officials accused Iran of mounting an effort in late April to cripple water supplies as Israelis were confined to their houses, though the government has offered no evidence to back its claim. More than a dozen countries have redeployed military and intelligence hackers to glean whatever they can about other nations’ virus responses. Even American allies like South Korea and nations that do not typically stand out for their cyberspying abilities, like Vietnam, have suddenly redirected their state-run hackers to focus on virus-related information, according to private security firms.
A draft of the coming public warning, which officials say is likely to be issued in the days to come, says China is seeking “valuable intellectual property and public health data through illicit means related to vaccines, treatments and testing.” It focuses on cybertheft and action by “nontraditional actors,” a euphemism for researchers and students the Trump administration says are being activated to steal data from inside academic and private laboratories.A draft of the coming public warning, which officials say is likely to be issued in the days to come, says China is seeking “valuable intellectual property and public health data through illicit means related to vaccines, treatments and testing.” It focuses on cybertheft and action by “nontraditional actors,” a euphemism for researchers and students the Trump administration says are being activated to steal data from inside academic and private laboratories.
David E. Sanger and Nicole Perlroth report that, according to current and former officials, the decision to issue a specific accusation against China’s state-run hacking teams is part of a broader deterrent strategy that also involves U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency. Under legal authorities that Mr. Trump issued nearly two years ago, they have the power to bore deeply into Chinese and other networks to mount proportional counterattacks. This would be similar to their effort 18 months ago to strike at Russian intelligence groups seeking to interfere in the 2018 midterm elections and to put malware in the Russian power grid as a warning to Moscow for its attacks on American utilities.David E. Sanger and Nicole Perlroth report that, according to current and former officials, the decision to issue a specific accusation against China’s state-run hacking teams is part of a broader deterrent strategy that also involves U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency. Under legal authorities that Mr. Trump issued nearly two years ago, they have the power to bore deeply into Chinese and other networks to mount proportional counterattacks. This would be similar to their effort 18 months ago to strike at Russian intelligence groups seeking to interfere in the 2018 midterm elections and to put malware in the Russian power grid as a warning to Moscow for its attacks on American utilities.
But it is unclear exactly what the United States has done, if anything, to send a similar shot across the bow to the Chinese hacking groups, including those most closely tied to China’s new Strategic Support Force, its equivalent of Cyber Command, the Ministry of State Security and other intelligence units.But it is unclear exactly what the United States has done, if anything, to send a similar shot across the bow to the Chinese hacking groups, including those most closely tied to China’s new Strategic Support Force, its equivalent of Cyber Command, the Ministry of State Security and other intelligence units.
The warning is also the latest iteration of a series of efforts by the Trump administration to blame China for being the source of the pandemic and exploiting its aftermath.The warning is also the latest iteration of a series of efforts by the Trump administration to blame China for being the source of the pandemic and exploiting its aftermath.
A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry denied the hacking allegations on Monday. At a routine news briefing in Beijing, a spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said China had long “resolutely opposed” all forms of hacking. “China is at the forefront of the world in research and treatment of novel coronavirus vaccines. It is unethical for anyone to slander and falsely concoct rumors if they can’t provide evidence,” Mr. Zhao said.A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry denied the hacking allegations on Monday. At a routine news briefing in Beijing, a spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said China had long “resolutely opposed” all forms of hacking. “China is at the forefront of the world in research and treatment of novel coronavirus vaccines. It is unethical for anyone to slander and falsely concoct rumors if they can’t provide evidence,” Mr. Zhao said.
Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York said on Sunday that 38 children in the city had contracted a serious new inflammatory syndrome that health officials say appears to be linked to an immune response to Covid-19.Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York said on Sunday that 38 children in the city had contracted a serious new inflammatory syndrome that health officials say appears to be linked to an immune response to Covid-19.
That is more than double the 15 cases the city health department warned of in an alert to city health providers on Monday.That is more than double the 15 cases the city health department warned of in an alert to city health providers on Monday.
The illness, known as pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, introduces a troubling aspect to the pandemic, which has largely spared children from serious disease. Across New York State, three children have died of the inflammatory condition, including one in New York City, and state officials were investigating 85 potential cases, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Sunday.The illness, known as pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, introduces a troubling aspect to the pandemic, which has largely spared children from serious disease. Across New York State, three children have died of the inflammatory condition, including one in New York City, and state officials were investigating 85 potential cases, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Sunday.
Of the three children who have died, two were of elementary school age and one was an adolescent, said Dr. Howard Zucker, the state health commissioner. They lived in three different counties, and were not known to have pre-existing conditions.Of the three children who have died, two were of elementary school age and one was an adolescent, said Dr. Howard Zucker, the state health commissioner. They lived in three different counties, and were not known to have pre-existing conditions.
“The most important thing parents should do is err on the side of caution,” Dr. Zucker said.“The most important thing parents should do is err on the side of caution,” Dr. Zucker said.
The syndrome was first brought to the attention of New Yorkers in the past week, but Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the city’s health commissioner, said that the health department had alerted health providers to the syndrome on May 1, after hearing reports of the condition from Britain.The syndrome was first brought to the attention of New Yorkers in the past week, but Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the city’s health commissioner, said that the health department had alerted health providers to the syndrome on May 1, after hearing reports of the condition from Britain.
The inflammatory syndrome, health officials say, resembles toxic shock or Kawasaki disease. Children with the condition may have prolonged high fevers, rash, severe abdominal pain, racing hearts and a change in skin color, such as redness of the tongue.The inflammatory syndrome, health officials say, resembles toxic shock or Kawasaki disease. Children with the condition may have prolonged high fevers, rash, severe abdominal pain, racing hearts and a change in skin color, such as redness of the tongue.
“This is still evolving,” Dr. Barbot said at the Mr. de Blasio’s briefing on Sunday. She called for the federal government to assist with increased virus testing citywide to help identify children at risk.“This is still evolving,” Dr. Barbot said at the Mr. de Blasio’s briefing on Sunday. She called for the federal government to assist with increased virus testing citywide to help identify children at risk.
A handful of cases have been reported in other states, including California, Louisiana, and Mississippi. At least 50 cases have been reported in European countries, including Britain, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.A handful of cases have been reported in other states, including California, Louisiana, and Mississippi. At least 50 cases have been reported in European countries, including Britain, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.
A ban on large gatherings in New York City and the widespread closures of nonessential businesses were not likely to end before June, Mr. de Blasio said on Monday.
“June is when we’re potentially going to be able to make some real changes if we can continue our progress,” he said at his daily news briefing.
Both city and state data have suggested that the city has made progress in containing the outbreak of the virus and reducing transmission. Mr. de Blasio has said that social distancing and other efforts to limit the outbreak were making a difference, pointing to decreases in the number of those being hospitalized with the virus and the percentage of people testing positive.
But he said that he and other officials needed to see the trend continue before they could consider any major reopening.
Angela Alvarado, a veteran prosecutor in the district attorney’s office in Santa Clara, Calif., spends her days fielding complaints about businesses and residents violating the strict lockdown order in the county, one of the nation’s first hot spots.Angela Alvarado, a veteran prosecutor in the district attorney’s office in Santa Clara, Calif., spends her days fielding complaints about businesses and residents violating the strict lockdown order in the county, one of the nation’s first hot spots.
Hundreds of complaints arrive each week and she is relieved when complaints come in with too little information for her to take action. “I don’t feel comfortable being in that position of saying, ‘You know, your constitutional rights don’t really matter right now,’ but I’ve had to,’’ she said.Hundreds of complaints arrive each week and she is relieved when complaints come in with too little information for her to take action. “I don’t feel comfortable being in that position of saying, ‘You know, your constitutional rights don’t really matter right now,’ but I’ve had to,’’ she said.
The earliest known death from Covid-19 in the United States happened in Santa Clara on Feb. 6, just a week after the county reported its first infection. It now appears likely that the virus was circulating in the area for much of January, which may explain why the county emerged as the initial center of the outbreak in California.The earliest known death from Covid-19 in the United States happened in Santa Clara on Feb. 6, just a week after the county reported its first infection. It now appears likely that the virus was circulating in the area for much of January, which may explain why the county emerged as the initial center of the outbreak in California.
Along with five other Bay Area counties, Santa Clara County responded by imposing the nation’s first shelter-in-place order on Mar. 17. Soon after, the county assembled a team to manage enforcement, dedicating about two dozen staff members from the district attorney’s office, prosecutors and investigators whose usual beats include prostitution, child abuse and truancy violations.Along with five other Bay Area counties, Santa Clara County responded by imposing the nation’s first shelter-in-place order on Mar. 17. Soon after, the county assembled a team to manage enforcement, dedicating about two dozen staff members from the district attorney’s office, prosecutors and investigators whose usual beats include prostitution, child abuse and truancy violations.
Each of the team’s seven attorneys — Ms. Alvarado included — takes turns monitoring and responding to complaints. The experience offers a glimpse at the growing discomfort felt among those responsible for enforcing orders that so plainly deprive their fellow citizens of bedrock freedoms.Each of the team’s seven attorneys — Ms. Alvarado included — takes turns monitoring and responding to complaints. The experience offers a glimpse at the growing discomfort felt among those responsible for enforcing orders that so plainly deprive their fellow citizens of bedrock freedoms.
Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, criticized Mr. Trump’s response to the virus in an op-ed and called his strategy of deflecting blame “childish” and divisive.Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, criticized Mr. Trump’s response to the virus in an op-ed and called his strategy of deflecting blame “childish” and divisive.
Citing the Americans who continue to fall ill and die from the disease, the devastated economy and false promises about how much the federal government would help the states, Mr. Biden made the case that Mr. Trump is not equipped to lead the country at such a critical time.Citing the Americans who continue to fall ill and die from the disease, the devastated economy and false promises about how much the federal government would help the states, Mr. Biden made the case that Mr. Trump is not equipped to lead the country at such a critical time.
“It is an extraordinary moment — the kind that begs for urgent, steady, empathetic, unifying leadership,” Mr. Biden wrote in the opinion piece, which was published by The Washington Post.“It is an extraordinary moment — the kind that begs for urgent, steady, empathetic, unifying leadership,” Mr. Biden wrote in the opinion piece, which was published by The Washington Post.
Mr. Biden’s comments come as states are grappling with striking the appropriate balance between physical and economic health. Many states are struggling without sufficient federal support, he said, something the president has the power to provide.Mr. Biden’s comments come as states are grappling with striking the appropriate balance between physical and economic health. Many states are struggling without sufficient federal support, he said, something the president has the power to provide.
“That responsibility falls on Trump’s shoulders — but he isn’t up to the task.”“That responsibility falls on Trump’s shoulders — but he isn’t up to the task.”
Mr. Biden also criticized Mr. Trump for not following through on a promise to get testing equipment to states — a key tool for governors who are considering easing restrictions.Mr. Biden also criticized Mr. Trump for not following through on a promise to get testing equipment to states — a key tool for governors who are considering easing restrictions.
“It was a baldfaced lie when he said it, and it still isn’t remotely true,” Mr. Biden wrote.“It was a baldfaced lie when he said it, and it still isn’t remotely true,” Mr. Biden wrote.
Delta Air Lines started 2020 celebrating what it said was the most successful year in company history. Not long after, it shared a record $1.6 billion in profits with its 90,000 employees. But with air travel nearly shut down by the coronavirus, the airline is now bleeding money and will drop 10 more airports from its already skeletal network on Wednesday.Delta Air Lines started 2020 celebrating what it said was the most successful year in company history. Not long after, it shared a record $1.6 billion in profits with its 90,000 employees. But with air travel nearly shut down by the coronavirus, the airline is now bleeding money and will drop 10 more airports from its already skeletal network on Wednesday.
Even as Delta and other major airlines in the United States drastically slash schedules, they are averaging an anemic 23 passengers on each domestic flight and losing $350 million to $400 million a day as expenses like payroll, rent and aircraft maintenance far exceed the money they are bringing in. Passenger traffic is down about 94 percent and half of the industry’s 6,215 planes are parked at major airports and desert airstrips, according to Airlines for America, a trade group.Even as Delta and other major airlines in the United States drastically slash schedules, they are averaging an anemic 23 passengers on each domestic flight and losing $350 million to $400 million a day as expenses like payroll, rent and aircraft maintenance far exceed the money they are bringing in. Passenger traffic is down about 94 percent and half of the industry’s 6,215 planes are parked at major airports and desert airstrips, according to Airlines for America, a trade group.
Yet, devastating as the downturn has been, the future is even more bleak. With much of the world closed for business, and no widely available vaccine in sight, it may be months, if not years, before airlines operate as many flights as they did before the crisis. Even when people start flying again, the industry could be transformed, much as it was after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. And airline executives need only look in the not-too-distant past to see how lesser crises sank carriers that were household names, such as Pan Am and Trans World Airlines.Yet, devastating as the downturn has been, the future is even more bleak. With much of the world closed for business, and no widely available vaccine in sight, it may be months, if not years, before airlines operate as many flights as they did before the crisis. Even when people start flying again, the industry could be transformed, much as it was after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. And airline executives need only look in the not-too-distant past to see how lesser crises sank carriers that were household names, such as Pan Am and Trans World Airlines.
Assisted living facilities and their residents rely on routines. Meals are shared three times a day in a dining room. Television sets play daytime shows, the news, a home-shopping channel. An activity hour may break up the day.
Then, at night, there’s “Jeopardy!” Friends sit together, sharing photos of their grandchildren, telling old stories. Sometimes family members visit, a bright spot in an otherwise mundane daily schedule.
Now those visits are on hold, and a quiet hum of anxiety fills the halls: What happens if the coronavirus were to come here? Some long-term-care facilities have already suffered devastating outbreaks, and together they have accounted for one-third of the country’s Covid-19 deaths.
We wanted to know what life looks like these days for people under these shared roofs, many of whom are at a higher risk of dying from the virus. So we asked them to take pictures, then tell us about them.
We mailed disposable cameras to six residents of Evergreen Gardens, an assisted living facility in La Junta, Colo. The participants were told to photograph themselves, the world outside their window and their daily routines.
Business leaders are racing to deploy employee health-tracking technologies in an effort to reopen the U.S. economy and make it safer for tens of millions of people to return to work.Business leaders are racing to deploy employee health-tracking technologies in an effort to reopen the U.S. economy and make it safer for tens of millions of people to return to work.
Some employers are requiring workers to fill out virus-screening questionnaires or asking them to try out social-distancing wristbands. Some even hope to soon issue digital “immunity” badges to employees who have developed coronavirus antibodies.Some employers are requiring workers to fill out virus-screening questionnaires or asking them to try out social-distancing wristbands. Some even hope to soon issue digital “immunity” badges to employees who have developed coronavirus antibodies.
But such intensified workplace surveillance comes with a hitch: The technology may not do much to keep people safer.But such intensified workplace surveillance comes with a hitch: The technology may not do much to keep people safer.
Public health experts and bioethicists said it was important for employers to find ways to protect their workers during the pandemic. But they cautioned that there was little evidence to suggest that the new tools could accurately determine employees’ health status or contain virus outbreaks, even as they enabled companies to amass private health details on their workers.Public health experts and bioethicists said it was important for employers to find ways to protect their workers during the pandemic. But they cautioned that there was little evidence to suggest that the new tools could accurately determine employees’ health status or contain virus outbreaks, even as they enabled companies to amass private health details on their workers.
“I think employers need to look carefully before they jump into any of this,” said Michael T. Osterholm, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. “Some companies are embarking upon things that are not going to help and may actually set us back.”“I think employers need to look carefully before they jump into any of this,” said Michael T. Osterholm, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. “Some companies are embarking upon things that are not going to help and may actually set us back.”
The Times was given exclusive access to follow two caregivers — and their blood — through the testing process.The Times was given exclusive access to follow two caregivers — and their blood — through the testing process.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain announced on Sunday that the country would soon impose a mandatory quarantine on travelers arriving by air to try to avert a new wave of infections after the government slightly relaxed the rules of the seven-week lockdown.Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain announced on Sunday that the country would soon impose a mandatory quarantine on travelers arriving by air to try to avert a new wave of infections after the government slightly relaxed the rules of the seven-week lockdown.
Reporting was contributed by Eric Schmitt, Emily Flitter, Emily Cochrane, Dana Goldstein, Julie Bosman, Neil Vigdor, Maggie Haberman, Michael D. Shear, John Eligon, Audra D. S. Burch, Marc Santora, Tracey Tully, Jim Tankersley, Matt Phillips, Natasha Singer, David E. Sanger, Nicole Perlroth, Pam Belluck, Eileen Sullivan, Michael Gold, Amelia Nierenberg, Katey Rusch, Casey Smith and Elliot Ross. Reporting was contributed by Eric Schmitt, Emily Flitter, Emily Cochrane, Dana Goldstein, Julie Bosman, Neil Vigdor, Maggie Haberman, Michael D. Shear, Sarah Mervosh, John Eligon, Audra D. S. Burch, Marc Santora, Tracey Tully, Jim Tankersley, Matt Phillips, Natasha Singer, David E. Sanger, Nicole Perlroth, Pam Belluck, Eileen Sullivan, Michael Gold, Amelia Nierenberg, Katey Rusch, Casey Smith, Elliot Ross, Emily Cochrane and Campbell Robertson.