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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
Most people will be required to wear a face mask while in the White House — but not President Trump.Most people will be required to wear a face mask while in the White House — but not President Trump.
Coronavirus cases are climbing around Washington, D.C., as the federal government presses for thousands of employees to return to work.Coronavirus cases are climbing around Washington, D.C., as the federal government presses for thousands of employees to return to work.
New York State will begin a limited reopening in upstate areas as early as this weekend.New York State will begin a limited reopening in upstate areas as early as this weekend.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas, and full coverage.Get the latest updates here, plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas, and full coverage.
Dozens of U.S. states are starting to reopen their economies, hoping to ease the economic pain brought on by pandemic-fighting restrictions. But by doing it now — before meeting even minimal criteria for a safe reopening — they are inviting disaster, our science reporter Donald G. McNeil Jr. writes.Dozens of U.S. states are starting to reopen their economies, hoping to ease the economic pain brought on by pandemic-fighting restrictions. But by doing it now — before meeting even minimal criteria for a safe reopening — they are inviting disaster, our science reporter Donald G. McNeil Jr. writes.
The states lifting restrictions now “are living in a dream world,” Donald told us. “They’re desperate to reopen — and they’re right to feel that. But they have convinced themselves that it’s safe to reopen, and it’s not.”The states lifting restrictions now “are living in a dream world,” Donald told us. “They’re desperate to reopen — and they’re right to feel that. But they have convinced themselves that it’s safe to reopen, and it’s not.”
As a result, the much-feared second wave of infection may not wait until autumn, many scientists told Donald. Premature, scattershot reopenings may instead bring on a storm of wavelets, breaking unpredictably across the country.As a result, the much-feared second wave of infection may not wait until autumn, many scientists told Donald. Premature, scattershot reopenings may instead bring on a storm of wavelets, breaking unpredictably across the country.
“We’re not reopening based on science,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, a former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Obama administration. “We’re reopening based on politics, ideology and public pressure. And I think it’s going to end badly.”“We’re not reopening based on science,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, a former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Obama administration. “We’re reopening based on politics, ideology and public pressure. And I think it’s going to end badly.”
Some key takeaways:Some key takeaways:
Masks. Evidence is mounting that if all people wear masks in public, they are far more effective at stopping transmission than was previously realized. But outside New York, California and a few other states, many Americans resist wearing them.Masks. Evidence is mounting that if all people wear masks in public, they are far more effective at stopping transmission than was previously realized. But outside New York, California and a few other states, many Americans resist wearing them.
Contact tracing. The goal of tracking and testing the contacts of every infected person remains very far out of reach in the United States. To keep up, the country would need 30 or 40 times as many trained contact tracers as it has now, 100 times as much testing and a budget of $1.5 billion a week.Contact tracing. The goal of tracking and testing the contacts of every infected person remains very far out of reach in the United States. To keep up, the country would need 30 or 40 times as many trained contact tracers as it has now, 100 times as much testing and a budget of $1.5 billion a week.
Time lag. The effects of the reopenings will not be immediately apparent, because it takes two or three weeks for newly infected people to become very sick. People may let their guard down — and make the second wave worse.Time lag. The effects of the reopenings will not be immediately apparent, because it takes two or three weeks for newly infected people to become very sick. People may let their guard down — and make the second wave worse.
Having states and territories all doing competing and uncoordinated experiments in reopening is “daring Mother Nature to kill you or someone you love,” Dr. Frieden said. “Mother Nature bats last, and she bats a thousand.”Having states and territories all doing competing and uncoordinated experiments in reopening is “daring Mother Nature to kill you or someone you love,” Dr. Frieden said. “Mother Nature bats last, and she bats a thousand.”
The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.
Countries across Europe took some of their biggest steps toward easing restrictions on Monday. But they did it mostly region by region, calibrated to local risk. And daily life remains far from the pre-virus norm.Countries across Europe took some of their biggest steps toward easing restrictions on Monday. But they did it mostly region by region, calibrated to local risk. And daily life remains far from the pre-virus norm.
In France, residents were allowed the leave their homes without government paperwork for the first time in eight weeks — except in Paris during the morning and evening rush hours. Some “nonessential” businesses reopened, some schools welcomed back students and some hair salons were fully booked. Cafes, restaurants, bars and theaters remain closed at least until June.In France, residents were allowed the leave their homes without government paperwork for the first time in eight weeks — except in Paris during the morning and evening rush hours. Some “nonessential” businesses reopened, some schools welcomed back students and some hair salons were fully booked. Cafes, restaurants, bars and theaters remain closed at least until June.
Germany eased restrictions in most areas, but not in three states where the number of new infections was deemed too high. Gyms were allowed to reopen in the country’s most populous region. Many houses of worship are open again, although congregants are asked to maintain social distance and to refrain from singing. Germany is also reopening some schools (see next item).Germany eased restrictions in most areas, but not in three states where the number of new infections was deemed too high. Gyms were allowed to reopen in the country’s most populous region. Many houses of worship are open again, although congregants are asked to maintain social distance and to refrain from singing. Germany is also reopening some schools (see next item).
Half the population of Spain can now meet in groups of up to 10 people, eat at outdoor bars and restaurants and visit shops. The other half — largely those in densely populated cities like Barcelona and Madrid — remain under tight restrictions.Half the population of Spain can now meet in groups of up to 10 people, eat at outdoor bars and restaurants and visit shops. The other half — largely those in densely populated cities like Barcelona and Madrid — remain under tight restrictions.
Reviving global economies may hinge on the safe return of students to school, allowing parents to fully re-enter the work force. But there’s no consensus on how to go about it — and we still don’t know how readily young people transmit the virus.Reviving global economies may hinge on the safe return of students to school, allowing parents to fully re-enter the work force. But there’s no consensus on how to go about it — and we still don’t know how readily young people transmit the virus.
Germany’s approach may prove to be a model. Some schools there are offering free self-administered coronavirus tests. The testing will help reassure students and teachers about their safety, and perhaps help answer whether schoolchildren can be “super spreaders” who can infect many others while showing few, if any, symptoms themselves.Germany’s approach may prove to be a model. Some schools there are offering free self-administered coronavirus tests. The testing will help reassure students and teachers about their safety, and perhaps help answer whether schoolchildren can be “super spreaders” who can infect many others while showing few, if any, symptoms themselves.
Older students have been allowed to return first, on the assumption that they will be better at following rules on masks and social distancing. They’ve been told to dress warmly, because windows and doors are being kept open to circulate fresh air. Smaller classes, one-way hall traffic and staggered breaks are also part of the plan.Older students have been allowed to return first, on the assumption that they will be better at following rules on masks and social distancing. They’ve been told to dress warmly, because windows and doors are being kept open to circulate fresh air. Smaller classes, one-way hall traffic and staggered breaks are also part of the plan.
Coronavirus and children: A new study paints the most detailed picture yet of the virus’s toll on young people. Only a small percentage of children are severely affected, but some can become devastatingly ill.Coronavirus and children: A new study paints the most detailed picture yet of the virus’s toll on young people. Only a small percentage of children are severely affected, but some can become devastatingly ill.
Updated June 1, 2020 Updated June 2, 2020
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
The Shanghai Disneyland theme park reopened. Masks were required, and even costumed characters had to maintain social distancing.The Shanghai Disneyland theme park reopened. Masks were required, and even costumed characters had to maintain social distancing.
Russia ended the nationwide “nonworking period” it imposed six weeks ago. Regional governors are allowed to strengthen or relax lockdowns.Russia ended the nationwide “nonworking period” it imposed six weeks ago. Regional governors are allowed to strengthen or relax lockdowns.
The national train network in India will start to resume service on Tuesday.The national train network in India will start to resume service on Tuesday.
Though the spread of the virus has intensified in Afghanistan, several cities there have ended lockdowns because officials say the economy has been hit too hard.Though the spread of the virus has intensified in Afghanistan, several cities there have ended lockdowns because officials say the economy has been hit too hard.
In Bangkok, a city that is crazy for purebred dogs, pet salons are among the businesses that have been allowed to reopen.In Bangkok, a city that is crazy for purebred dogs, pet salons are among the businesses that have been allowed to reopen.
Here’s a roundup of reopening plans and restrictions in all 50 U.S. states.Here’s a roundup of reopening plans and restrictions in all 50 U.S. states.
Prevent childhood trauma. Here’s how parents can help children use the stress of coronavirus shutdowns, which can leave them traumatized, as an opportunity for growth.Prevent childhood trauma. Here’s how parents can help children use the stress of coronavirus shutdowns, which can leave them traumatized, as an opportunity for growth.
Rethink your wedding. In the podcast “Together Apart,” Priya Parker, a professional conflict facilitator, talks about celebrating your big day during a pandemic.Rethink your wedding. In the podcast “Together Apart,” Priya Parker, a professional conflict facilitator, talks about celebrating your big day during a pandemic.
Find a new way to cope. Try your hand at making a papier-mâché “coroñata” — a piñata shaped like a coronavirus particle, naturally — and then smash it to smithereens.Find a new way to cope. Try your hand at making a papier-mâché “coroñata” — a piñata shaped like a coronavirus particle, naturally — and then smash it to smithereens.
Airlines in the U.S. are losing $350 million to $400 million a day, with an average of just 23 passengers on each domestic flight.Airlines in the U.S. are losing $350 million to $400 million a day, with an average of just 23 passengers on each domestic flight.
Georgia’s case numbers remain steady two weeks after the state eased social-distancing measures. Experts say it’s too soon to assess the public health effects of the reopening.Georgia’s case numbers remain steady two weeks after the state eased social-distancing measures. Experts say it’s too soon to assess the public health effects of the reopening.
How do pandemics end? Historians say it depends on whether you mean the medical ending, when rates of infection and death plummet, or the social ending, when people stop being afraid. They can come at very different times.How do pandemics end? Historians say it depends on whether you mean the medical ending, when rates of infection and death plummet, or the social ending, when people stop being afraid. They can come at very different times.
The Times gave disposable cameras to six residents at an assisted-living center on lockdown in Colorado. See their photos and hear how they’re coping with the pandemic in their own words.The Times gave disposable cameras to six residents at an assisted-living center on lockdown in Colorado. See their photos and hear how they’re coping with the pandemic in their own words.
The internet has taken public shaming to new levels during the pandemic, our critic-at-large Amanda Hess writes.The internet has taken public shaming to new levels during the pandemic, our critic-at-large Amanda Hess writes.
Americans who ordered food in bulk when store shelves were empty are wondering what to do with all those potatoes and beans and sacks of flour.Americans who ordered food in bulk when store shelves were empty are wondering what to do with all those potatoes and beans and sacks of flour.
We’ve been exploring new ways of cooking and eating, out of necessity. I’m keeping a hard-copy file of all our new recipes and meal hacks, annotated with the date made and level of lockdown we were in, as well as ingredient substitutions, etc. I’m going to scan these into a PDF to preserve all the notes and splatters, and make a Covid-19 recipe book to hand down through the family.We’ve been exploring new ways of cooking and eating, out of necessity. I’m keeping a hard-copy file of all our new recipes and meal hacks, annotated with the date made and level of lockdown we were in, as well as ingredient substitutions, etc. I’m going to scan these into a PDF to preserve all the notes and splatters, and make a Covid-19 recipe book to hand down through the family.
— Billie Lythberg, Auckland, New Zealand— Billie Lythberg, Auckland, New Zealand
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
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Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s briefing, and Melina Delkic contributed reporting.Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s briefing, and Melina Delkic contributed reporting.