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Coronavirus Testimony Live Updates: Fauci Says ‘Consequences Could Be Really Serious’ for Reopening Too Soon Coronavirus Testimony Live Updates: Fauci Says ‘Consequences Could Be Really Serious’ for Reopening Too Soon
(32 minutes later)
Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned the Senate Health Committee on Tuesday morning that “we are not out of the woods yet,” a day after President Trump declared, “we have met the moment, and we have prevailed.”Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned the Senate Health Committee on Tuesday morning that “we are not out of the woods yet,” a day after President Trump declared, “we have met the moment, and we have prevailed.”
Dr. Redfield is one of four top health officials testifying remotely by video, three of which in some form of self-isolation after exposure to a White House official who tested positive for the coronavirus, including Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, and Stephen M. Hahn, the Food and Drug Administration commissioner.Dr. Redfield is one of four top health officials testifying remotely by video, three of which in some form of self-isolation after exposure to a White House official who tested positive for the coronavirus, including Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, and Stephen M. Hahn, the Food and Drug Administration commissioner.
Even the panel’s chairman, Lamar Alexander, is quarantined at his Tennessee home after a member of his staff tested positive.Even the panel’s chairman, Lamar Alexander, is quarantined at his Tennessee home after a member of his staff tested positive.
Dr. Fauci on Monday said he would tell the panel that there could be “needless suffering and death” if the country opens prematurely, but steered clear of that language during the early part of the hearing, instead saying, “the consequences could be really serious.” Mr. Trump has pushed for states to reopen and at times has encouraged people to defy governors’ orders.Dr. Fauci on Monday said he would tell the panel that there could be “needless suffering and death” if the country opens prematurely, but steered clear of that language during the early part of the hearing, instead saying, “the consequences could be really serious.” Mr. Trump has pushed for states to reopen and at times has encouraged people to defy governors’ orders.
More than 80,000 people in the United States have died from the virus, and Dr. Fauci cautioned that the number is likely higher and will grow even more if some areas if some areas of the country reopen prematurely.More than 80,000 people in the United States have died from the virus, and Dr. Fauci cautioned that the number is likely higher and will grow even more if some areas if some areas of the country reopen prematurely.
“If that occurs there is a real risk that you will trigger an outbreak that you may not be able to control,” Dr. Fauci said, adding that it would not only lead to deaths but would set the economic recovery back as well.“If that occurs there is a real risk that you will trigger an outbreak that you may not be able to control,” Dr. Fauci said, adding that it would not only lead to deaths but would set the economic recovery back as well.
There was tension from the start. Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the committee, condemned the Trump administration’s response to the virus, saying that Mr. Trump “has been more focused on fighting against the truth than fighting the virus.”There was tension from the start. Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the committee, condemned the Trump administration’s response to the virus, saying that Mr. Trump “has been more focused on fighting against the truth than fighting the virus.”
She criticized “delays” and “missteps” on tests, “corruption and political interference” in the government’s attempts to acquire personal protective equipment, and the White House’s move to put off guidelines the C.D.C. drafted to help schools, restaurants, churches and other establishments safely reopen.She criticized “delays” and “missteps” on tests, “corruption and political interference” in the government’s attempts to acquire personal protective equipment, and the White House’s move to put off guidelines the C.D.C. drafted to help schools, restaurants, churches and other establishments safely reopen.
“Americans have sadly paid the price,” she said.“Americans have sadly paid the price,” she said.
The two-hour hearing, benignly titled “Covid-19: Safely Getting Back to Work and Back to School,” is the first chance lawmakers have had to publicly question the officials in Congress since Mr. Trump declared a national emergency two months ago.The two-hour hearing, benignly titled “Covid-19: Safely Getting Back to Work and Back to School,” is the first chance lawmakers have had to publicly question the officials in Congress since Mr. Trump declared a national emergency two months ago.
“The United States and almost every country so far as I can tell, underestimated this virus,” Mr. Alexander said in his opening statement, subtly defending the Trump administration. He asked his fellow senators not to point fingers.“The United States and almost every country so far as I can tell, underestimated this virus,” Mr. Alexander said in his opening statement, subtly defending the Trump administration. He asked his fellow senators not to point fingers.
The Trump administration officials did not have a quick answer to a question from Senator Bernie Sanders, Independent of Vermont, about whether a free vaccine will be available for everyone. The assistant secretary for health, Adm. Brett P. Giroir, said people “should gain access to it,” but that he was not in control of that aspect. “I will certainly advocate that everyone is able to receive the vaccine regardless of income or other circumstance.”The Trump administration officials did not have a quick answer to a question from Senator Bernie Sanders, Independent of Vermont, about whether a free vaccine will be available for everyone. The assistant secretary for health, Adm. Brett P. Giroir, said people “should gain access to it,” but that he was not in control of that aspect. “I will certainly advocate that everyone is able to receive the vaccine regardless of income or other circumstance.”
Senators at Tuesday’s hearing emphasized the importance of ramping up testing, as the Trump administration said it was preparing to provide to states supplies for millions of tests.Senators at Tuesday’s hearing emphasized the importance of ramping up testing, as the Trump administration said it was preparing to provide to states supplies for millions of tests.
In his opening remarks, Senator Alexander described a future vaccine or treatment as the “ultimate solution,” but said “until we have them, all roads back to work and school go through testing. The more tests we conduct, the better we can identify those who are sick and exposed.”In his opening remarks, Senator Alexander described a future vaccine or treatment as the “ultimate solution,” but said “until we have them, all roads back to work and school go through testing. The more tests we conduct, the better we can identify those who are sick and exposed.”
Admiral Giroir, the assistant secretary of health who is overseeing the government’s testing response, testified that the administration is planning to send enough testing swabs for 12.9 million tests to states over the next four weeks, and that by September, the country will have the ability to conduct 40 to 50 million tests per month.Admiral Giroir, the assistant secretary of health who is overseeing the government’s testing response, testified that the administration is planning to send enough testing swabs for 12.9 million tests to states over the next four weeks, and that by September, the country will have the ability to conduct 40 to 50 million tests per month.
He also pointed to new technologies, such as a recently approved antigen test, that could further increase the capacity. But his remarks drew skepticism from Democratic senators, including Senator Murray of Washington, the committee’s top Democrat. “This administration has had a record of bringing us broken promises that more supplies and testing are coming and they don’t,” she said. “And we know that testing needs will persist long past June, long past.”He also pointed to new technologies, such as a recently approved antigen test, that could further increase the capacity. But his remarks drew skepticism from Democratic senators, including Senator Murray of Washington, the committee’s top Democrat. “This administration has had a record of bringing us broken promises that more supplies and testing are coming and they don’t,” she said. “And we know that testing needs will persist long past June, long past.”
The amount of testing in the United States has been steadily increasing, with nearly 400,000 tests processed on Monday, a daily record, according the Covid Tracking Project. But that is still not at the level that many public health experts say will be needed to safely reopen society. Some experts have said that 2 to 3 million people per day must be tested in order to quickly identify hot spots and get the virus under control.The amount of testing in the United States has been steadily increasing, with nearly 400,000 tests processed on Monday, a daily record, according the Covid Tracking Project. But that is still not at the level that many public health experts say will be needed to safely reopen society. Some experts have said that 2 to 3 million people per day must be tested in order to quickly identify hot spots and get the virus under control.
Shipping millions of swabs to states doesn’t guarantee that they will immediately begin to scale up testing. In recent weeks, the availability of supplies has eased and many testing sites are no longer experiencing shortages. Other bottlenecks have also limited the number of tests that can be done, including having enough workers to take samples from patients and enough protective equipment to keep the workers safe.Shipping millions of swabs to states doesn’t guarantee that they will immediately begin to scale up testing. In recent weeks, the availability of supplies has eased and many testing sites are no longer experiencing shortages. Other bottlenecks have also limited the number of tests that can be done, including having enough workers to take samples from patients and enough protective equipment to keep the workers safe.
On Monday, a coalition of public health organizations sent a letter to Congress asking for at least $7.6 billion to increase the contact tracing work force in the United States. The organizations say they need at least 100,000 additional contact tracers, 10,000 supervisors, and 1,600 epidemiologists to rapidly build contact tracing capacity in response to the coronavirus pandemic.On Monday, a coalition of public health organizations sent a letter to Congress asking for at least $7.6 billion to increase the contact tracing work force in the United States. The organizations say they need at least 100,000 additional contact tracers, 10,000 supervisors, and 1,600 epidemiologists to rapidly build contact tracing capacity in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a tense exchange about whether children should go back to school, Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, noted that the mortality rate in children is low, and suggested that schools should be reopened district by district.In a tense exchange about whether children should go back to school, Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, noted that the mortality rate in children is low, and suggested that schools should be reopened district by district.
“As much as I respect you Dr. Fauci, I don’t think you’re the end all. I don’t think you’re the one person who gets to make the decision,” Mr. Paul said. “We can listen to your advice but there are people on the other side saying there won’t be a surge.”“As much as I respect you Dr. Fauci, I don’t think you’re the end all. I don’t think you’re the one person who gets to make the decision,” Mr. Paul said. “We can listen to your advice but there are people on the other side saying there won’t be a surge.”
To that, Dr. Fauci gave a pointed response. “I have never made myself out to be the end all and only voice in this,” he said. “I’m a scientist a physician and a public health official. I give advice on the best scientific evidence.”To that, Dr. Fauci gave a pointed response. “I have never made myself out to be the end all and only voice in this,” he said. “I’m a scientist a physician and a public health official. I give advice on the best scientific evidence.”
Mr. Fauci warned that in making decisions about school openings, officials should not be “cavalier in thinking that children are completely immune to the deleterious effects” of Covid-19.Mr. Fauci warned that in making decisions about school openings, officials should not be “cavalier in thinking that children are completely immune to the deleterious effects” of Covid-19.
Mr. Paul also cited a series of studies suggesting that recovered Covid-19 patients have some form of immunity, and said that the findings were not being reported by the media. In fact, they have been covered widely by The Times and other outlets. Governments worldwide have seized on the findings to suggest that widespread use of antibody testing could be the key to reopening economies.Mr. Paul also cited a series of studies suggesting that recovered Covid-19 patients have some form of immunity, and said that the findings were not being reported by the media. In fact, they have been covered widely by The Times and other outlets. Governments worldwide have seized on the findings to suggest that widespread use of antibody testing could be the key to reopening economies.
The few antibody surveys available suggest that fewer than 5 percent of Americans have been exposed and may have antibodies, except in places like New York City and the Bay Area. That means that the vast majority of Americans are still vulnerable to the virus.The few antibody surveys available suggest that fewer than 5 percent of Americans have been exposed and may have antibodies, except in places like New York City and the Bay Area. That means that the vast majority of Americans are still vulnerable to the virus.
Dr. Paul pointed to Sweden as a model for coping with the pandemic. But the jury is still out: The Covid-19 death rate in Sweden is actually higher than that in the United States.Dr. Paul pointed to Sweden as a model for coping with the pandemic. But the jury is still out: The Covid-19 death rate in Sweden is actually higher than that in the United States.
Scientists hope to know by late fall or early winter whether they have at least one possible effective vaccine, Dr. Fauci told the senators. But he cautioned, “Even at the top speed we’re going, we don’t see a vaccine playing in the ability of individuals to get back to school this term.”Scientists hope to know by late fall or early winter whether they have at least one possible effective vaccine, Dr. Fauci told the senators. But he cautioned, “Even at the top speed we’re going, we don’t see a vaccine playing in the ability of individuals to get back to school this term.”
He emphasized the importance of having “multiple winners,” more than one vaccine available, to provide “global availability.” Although Dr. Fauci said he was “cautiously optimistic” that an effective vaccine would be developed, he said there was no guarantee that would happen. “You can have everything you think that’s in place, and you don’t induce the kind of immune response that turns out to be protective, and durably protective,” he said.He emphasized the importance of having “multiple winners,” more than one vaccine available, to provide “global availability.” Although Dr. Fauci said he was “cautiously optimistic” that an effective vaccine would be developed, he said there was no guarantee that would happen. “You can have everything you think that’s in place, and you don’t induce the kind of immune response that turns out to be protective, and durably protective,” he said.
“So, one, the big unknown is it will be effective. Given the way the body responds to viruses of this type, I’m cautiously optimistic that we will, with one of the candidates, get an efficacy signal.” Another concern is “disease enhancement,” the possibility that a vaccine could induce an immune response that would make the illness worse instead of protecting people from the virus.“So, one, the big unknown is it will be effective. Given the way the body responds to viruses of this type, I’m cautiously optimistic that we will, with one of the candidates, get an efficacy signal.” Another concern is “disease enhancement,” the possibility that a vaccine could induce an immune response that would make the illness worse instead of protecting people from the virus.
“We want to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Dr. Fauci said, adding, “I still feel cautiously optimistic that we will have a candidate that will give some degree of efficacy, hopefully a percentage high enough that will induce the kind of herd immunity that would give protection to the population as a whole.”“We want to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Dr. Fauci said, adding, “I still feel cautiously optimistic that we will have a candidate that will give some degree of efficacy, hopefully a percentage high enough that will induce the kind of herd immunity that would give protection to the population as a whole.”
Dr. Redfield said that an expansive new set of C.D.C. guidelines for states to reopen schools, businesses and religious institutions would be released “soon,” but would not get more specific about a White House effort to revise or scuttle them.Dr. Redfield said that an expansive new set of C.D.C. guidelines for states to reopen schools, businesses and religious institutions would be released “soon,” but would not get more specific about a White House effort to revise or scuttle them.
“Soon isn’t terribly helpful,” Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut, replied in a heated exchange about whether his state, which has a stay-at-home order expiring in the coming days, would know how to properly reopen.“Soon isn’t terribly helpful,” Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut, replied in a heated exchange about whether his state, which has a stay-at-home order expiring in the coming days, would know how to properly reopen.
White House and senior health officials rejected the C.D.C. recommendations over concerns that they were overly prescriptive, infringed on religious rights and risked further damaging the economy.White House and senior health officials rejected the C.D.C. recommendations over concerns that they were overly prescriptive, infringed on religious rights and risked further damaging the economy.
Mr. Murphy referred to previous guidelines the White House has released for opening the country as “criminally vague.” The directions, which were released in April, called for states to have a “downward trajectory of positive tests” or a “downward trajectory of documented cases” of the coronavirus over two weeks.Mr. Murphy referred to previous guidelines the White House has released for opening the country as “criminally vague.” The directions, which were released in April, called for states to have a “downward trajectory of positive tests” or a “downward trajectory of documented cases” of the coronavirus over two weeks.
President Trump has publicly encouraged some states that have not met those standards to begin the process for reopening. In more than half of states easing restrictions last week, case counts were trending upward, the proportion of positive test results was rising, or both.President Trump has publicly encouraged some states that have not met those standards to begin the process for reopening. In more than half of states easing restrictions last week, case counts were trending upward, the proportion of positive test results was rising, or both.
“I worry that you’re trying to have it both ways,” Mr. Murphy told Dr. Redfield. “You say that states should not open too early but then you don’t give us the resources to succeed. You work for a president who is frankly undermining our efforts to comply with the guidelines that you have given us.”“I worry that you’re trying to have it both ways,” Mr. Murphy told Dr. Redfield. “You say that states should not open too early but then you don’t give us the resources to succeed. You work for a president who is frankly undermining our efforts to comply with the guidelines that you have given us.”
Senators and witnesses participated in Tuesday’s hearing from around the country, with only a small group of lawmakers attending in Washington but most beaming in by video from their homes, creating an unusual backdrop for the proceedings.Senators and witnesses participated in Tuesday’s hearing from around the country, with only a small group of lawmakers attending in Washington but most beaming in by video from their homes, creating an unusual backdrop for the proceedings.
Mr. Alexander, the chairman of the committee, who is self-isolating, led the hearing from his rustically decorated den in Tennessee, his dog Rufus just visible in the corner of his screen. At several points during the hearing, a dog could be heard barking as senators attempted to ask questions, most notably for the duration of an entire question posed by Mr. Burr.Mr. Alexander, the chairman of the committee, who is self-isolating, led the hearing from his rustically decorated den in Tennessee, his dog Rufus just visible in the corner of his screen. At several points during the hearing, a dog could be heard barking as senators attempted to ask questions, most notably for the duration of an entire question posed by Mr. Burr.
Ms. Murray, the ranking Democrat, was at her home as well, while about a half-dozen senators were on Capitol Hill, sitting six feet apart at a special dais draped in black covering, some of them wearing masks.Ms. Murray, the ranking Democrat, was at her home as well, while about a half-dozen senators were on Capitol Hill, sitting six feet apart at a special dais draped in black covering, some of them wearing masks.
Dr. Fauci appeared from his cluttered home office, where viewers could spy many stacks of books and a leather easy chair.Dr. Fauci appeared from his cluttered home office, where viewers could spy many stacks of books and a leather easy chair.
Dr. Redfield of the C.D.C. also testified from his home office, while Brett P. Giroir, the assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services, appeared to be speaking from the agency’s headquarters in Southwest Washington, blocks away from the hearing room. Dr. Hahn’s office background was blurred, lending his image the look of a slick pharmaceutical ad.Dr. Redfield of the C.D.C. also testified from his home office, while Brett P. Giroir, the assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services, appeared to be speaking from the agency’s headquarters in Southwest Washington, blocks away from the hearing room. Dr. Hahn’s office background was blurred, lending his image the look of a slick pharmaceutical ad.
A video screen in the hearing room displayed the remote attendees in checkerboard fashion, along with an image of a digital countdown clock showing how much time each speaker had remaining. Most senators and officials had their full names displayed in the bottom corner of their video feed squares, but the one for Senator Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah, was labeled simply, “mitt.”A video screen in the hearing room displayed the remote attendees in checkerboard fashion, along with an image of a digital countdown clock showing how much time each speaker had remaining. Most senators and officials had their full names displayed in the bottom corner of their video feed squares, but the one for Senator Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah, was labeled simply, “mitt.”
The lives of tens of thousands of foreign workers on skilled-worker visas, such as H-1Bs, have been upended by the pandemic’s economic fallout. Many have been waiting in a backlog for several years to obtain permanent legal residency through their employer. Now, they face the prospect of swift deportation if they are furloughed or laid off from their jobs.
The Trump administration is also expected within the next few weeks to halt the issuance of new work visas such as the H-1B, for high skilled foreigners, and the H-2B, for seasonal employment. The new measures under review, according to two current and two former government immigration officials, would also eliminate a program that enables foreign graduates of American universities to remain in the country and work.
The tightening work rules come as unemployment in the U.S. soared last month to 14.7 percent, the highest level on record, and as calls escalated in Congress for Americans to be given priority for jobs.
“Given the extreme lack of available jobs for American job-seekers as portions of our economy begin to reopen, it defies common sense to admit additional foreign guest workers to compete for such limited employment,” a group of Republican senators said in a letter this week calling for a suspension of new visas to guest workers who have not yet entered the country.
For those already rooted in the country, the consequences of canceling the existing visas are “life altering,” said Shev Dalal-Dheini, director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “They have been thrown into limbo.”
California’s system of community colleges has sued the Education Department, seeking to overturn guidelines issued by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos that would deny coronavirus relief to to undocumented students, including those under federal protection who are known as Dreamers.
Filed in Federal District Court in San Francisco on Monday, the lawsuit says that Ms. DeVos’s guidance to colleges and universities about distributing more than $6 billion in emergency relief for students is in violation of the intent of Congress.
The guidance was issued by the department last month, after Congress passed the $2 trillion CARES Act to help Americans recoup financial damages caused by the pandemic.
The act includes aid to help students impacted by campus closures pay for food, housing, childcare and other expenses.
The Education Department said that only students who are eligible for federal financial aid could share in the $6.25 billion pot — a restriction that effectively excludes more than half of the 1.5 million students enrolled in California’s 115 community colleges for the spring semester, according to Eloy Ortiz Oakley, the system’s chancellor.
Among them, Mr. Oakley said in a statement, are veterans, citizens who never completed a financial aid application, students who lack high school diplomas and some 70,000 undocumented students, including many who are federally protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, an Obama-era policy that protects hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children.
The suit says the community colleges, which make up the nation’s largest higher education system, have had to divert money from other places to assist students who had originally been eligible for federal stimulus funds.
Education Department Press Secretary Angela Morabito disputed the contention that Congress intended to include DACA recipients in the aid package.
“States, colleges and universities have every right to help their DACA students financially,” she said, “but they cannot use U.S. federal taxpayer dollars in order to do so.”
The United States did not shut down all at once. And it is not opening up all at once. The political, economic and social pressures, as well as the public health dangers, are varied and nuanced.The United States did not shut down all at once. And it is not opening up all at once. The political, economic and social pressures, as well as the public health dangers, are varied and nuanced.
In a case study, Nicholas Casey reports from Farmington, N.M., about why Mayor Nate Duckett wants to reopen, while the governor wants the state to stay closed. To understand the conflicting viewpoints, Mr. Casey writes, it helps to know something about what the mayor calls his city’s “death spiral.”In a case study, Nicholas Casey reports from Farmington, N.M., about why Mayor Nate Duckett wants to reopen, while the governor wants the state to stay closed. To understand the conflicting viewpoints, Mr. Casey writes, it helps to know something about what the mayor calls his city’s “death spiral.”
Perched in a rural corner of northwestern New Mexico, Farmington watched its wealth vanish as its oil and gas industries went elsewhere. Its population is one of the fastest-shrinking in the United States. What keeps the lights on in Farmington is a coal-fired power plant whose fate remains uncertain.Perched in a rural corner of northwestern New Mexico, Farmington watched its wealth vanish as its oil and gas industries went elsewhere. Its population is one of the fastest-shrinking in the United States. What keeps the lights on in Farmington is a coal-fired power plant whose fate remains uncertain.
And all of that was before the virus leveled what remained of Farmington’s economy.And all of that was before the virus leveled what remained of Farmington’s economy.
So in April, Mr. Duckett went to his office in City Hall to write new orders for his town. They amounted to no less than an existential plea, warning of crime, hunger, violence and homelessness if the lockdown continued.So in April, Mr. Duckett went to his office in City Hall to write new orders for his town. They amounted to no less than an existential plea, warning of crime, hunger, violence and homelessness if the lockdown continued.
The mayor’s appeal reflects anxieties shared in small cities and towns across the West, which have far fewer cases of Covid-19 per capita than the eastern United States. In Farmington, few people say they know anyone who is ill from the virus, but almost everyone knows someone unemployed by it.The mayor’s appeal reflects anxieties shared in small cities and towns across the West, which have far fewer cases of Covid-19 per capita than the eastern United States. In Farmington, few people say they know anyone who is ill from the virus, but almost everyone knows someone unemployed by it.
But in places affected more deeply by the virus, there is more palpable fear and confusion.But in places affected more deeply by the virus, there is more palpable fear and confusion.
Noam Scheiber reports on how many workers, concerned about returning to their jobs, are pressing for more generous and accessible sick-leave policies, more protective equipment and better hazard pay.Noam Scheiber reports on how many workers, concerned about returning to their jobs, are pressing for more generous and accessible sick-leave policies, more protective equipment and better hazard pay.
Riley Breakell, who works in a Starbucks in Connecticut, was reassured in mid-March when the company sent a letter announcing expanded catastrophe pay for those absent because of the pandemic. Even though she couldn’t live on the roughly $250 per week she received from Starbucks while her store was closed for a month and a half, she appreciated the company’s effort to do right by its employees.Riley Breakell, who works in a Starbucks in Connecticut, was reassured in mid-March when the company sent a letter announcing expanded catastrophe pay for those absent because of the pandemic. Even though she couldn’t live on the roughly $250 per week she received from Starbucks while her store was closed for a month and a half, she appreciated the company’s effort to do right by its employees.
But after the company said that those provisions would cease for those who were able but “unwilling to work” as stores reopened last week, Ms. Breakell became increasingly frustrated, questioning her managers about the risks that workers would encounter.But after the company said that those provisions would cease for those who were able but “unwilling to work” as stores reopened last week, Ms. Breakell became increasingly frustrated, questioning her managers about the risks that workers would encounter.
“The first letter they sent said you should not have to choose between your health and a job, and now they’re like, ‘Well, if you don’t want to go back, you have to quit,’” she said last week, shortly before her first day back. “I’m very anxious.”“The first letter they sent said you should not have to choose between your health and a job, and now they’re like, ‘Well, if you don’t want to go back, you have to quit,’” she said last week, shortly before her first day back. “I’m very anxious.”
U.S. stocks were flat and global markets mixed on Tuesday as reports from China, South Korea and the United States offered sobering reminders to investors of how long and difficult the coronavirus recovery is likely to be.U.S. stocks were flat and global markets mixed on Tuesday as reports from China, South Korea and the United States offered sobering reminders to investors of how long and difficult the coronavirus recovery is likely to be.
The S&P 500 rose about half a percent in early trading before paring gains. European markets were broadly higher after a drop in the Asia-Pacific region.The S&P 500 rose about half a percent in early trading before paring gains. European markets were broadly higher after a drop in the Asia-Pacific region.
The U.S. government also released fresh data on consumer prices that showed that the Labor Department’s index fell 0.8 percent in April, the largest monthly decline since December 2008. The index was weighed down by the collapse in oil prices as airlines canceled flights and drivers stayed home.The U.S. government also released fresh data on consumer prices that showed that the Labor Department’s index fell 0.8 percent in April, the largest monthly decline since December 2008. The index was weighed down by the collapse in oil prices as airlines canceled flights and drivers stayed home.
Oil prices rose slightly on Tuesday, after Saudi Arabia said it had instructed Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, to deepen production cuts to help with the world’s glut of crude. Brent, the international benchmark, was up about 1 percent to over $30 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. standard, was up more than 4 percent to a little over $25.60 a barrel.Oil prices rose slightly on Tuesday, after Saudi Arabia said it had instructed Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, to deepen production cuts to help with the world’s glut of crude. Brent, the international benchmark, was up about 1 percent to over $30 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. standard, was up more than 4 percent to a little over $25.60 a barrel.
Albany, a city of 75,000 in the southwest part of Georgia, emerged as a virus hot spot after a pair of funerals led to hundreds of cases. In response to a push by Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, to reopen the state, pastors across Albany have united to keep their doors closed.Albany, a city of 75,000 in the southwest part of Georgia, emerged as a virus hot spot after a pair of funerals led to hundreds of cases. In response to a push by Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, to reopen the state, pastors across Albany have united to keep their doors closed.
“We cannot go back to business as usual,” said Orson Burton, a pastor who lost members of his congregation, including his father-in-law. “These are not numbers, these are souls.”“We cannot go back to business as usual,” said Orson Burton, a pastor who lost members of his congregation, including his father-in-law. “These are not numbers, these are souls.”
Mr. Burton is on a mission to keep people at home, through door-to-door visits and online sermons, and he has joined a coalition of about 30 pastors who have decided to keep their churches closed until the crisis eases. Otherwise, they fear, they will be hit with a second wave of the virus.Mr. Burton is on a mission to keep people at home, through door-to-door visits and online sermons, and he has joined a coalition of about 30 pastors who have decided to keep their churches closed until the crisis eases. Otherwise, they fear, they will be hit with a second wave of the virus.
Their effort is backed by the city’s elected leaders — who passed a resolution encouraging people to continue staying at home — and by doctors at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, the only hospital in the Albany region.Their effort is backed by the city’s elected leaders — who passed a resolution encouraging people to continue staying at home — and by doctors at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, the only hospital in the Albany region.
“It could happen again in a heartbeat,” said Dr. James Black, the head of the emergency department at the hospital.“It could happen again in a heartbeat,” said Dr. James Black, the head of the emergency department at the hospital.
In the early days of the outbreak, the United States, like many countries, had a very brief chance to limit the spread of the disease at its borders. Identifying travelers from high-risk countries and tracing their contacts with others would have been critical measures, if put in place early enough.In the early days of the outbreak, the United States, like many countries, had a very brief chance to limit the spread of the disease at its borders. Identifying travelers from high-risk countries and tracing their contacts with others would have been critical measures, if put in place early enough.
In California, the largest state and a point of entry for thousands of travelers from Asia, a program was established to do just that. But the system was quickly overwhelmed by a flood of passengers, many with inaccurate contact information, and was understaffed in some cases, rendering the program ineffective, according to a study released on Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which looked exclusively at California.In California, the largest state and a point of entry for thousands of travelers from Asia, a program was established to do just that. But the system was quickly overwhelmed by a flood of passengers, many with inaccurate contact information, and was understaffed in some cases, rendering the program ineffective, according to a study released on Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which looked exclusively at California.
“Despite intensive effort, the traveler screening system did not effectively prevent introduction of Covid-19 into California,” the report said.“Despite intensive effort, the traveler screening system did not effectively prevent introduction of Covid-19 into California,” the report said.
In early February, over 11,000 travelers from China — and later Iran — who landed in California were identified for contact tracing. The hope was to keep track of people traveling from high-risk countries, enabling public health officials to identify possible cases of the coronavirus, quarantine them and contact people who were exposed to them.In early February, over 11,000 travelers from China — and later Iran — who landed in California were identified for contact tracing. The hope was to keep track of people traveling from high-risk countries, enabling public health officials to identify possible cases of the coronavirus, quarantine them and contact people who were exposed to them.
But when the program was begun on Feb. 5, several weeks had already passed since the disease was first identified in Wuhan, China. On March 17, the program was abandoned so that health care officials could shift their focus to mitigating the spread of the disease within the state. By mid-March, the virus had already established a foothold in California; preventing further introduction from overseas was seen as less important than fighting it on the ground.But when the program was begun on Feb. 5, several weeks had already passed since the disease was first identified in Wuhan, China. On March 17, the program was abandoned so that health care officials could shift their focus to mitigating the spread of the disease within the state. By mid-March, the virus had already established a foothold in California; preventing further introduction from overseas was seen as less important than fighting it on the ground.
“This report is a good example of the challenge of trying to use travel screening to contain and prevent pandemic transmission,” said Dr. Timothy Brewer, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of California, Los Angeles.“This report is a good example of the challenge of trying to use travel screening to contain and prevent pandemic transmission,” said Dr. Timothy Brewer, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Fourteen more children in New York City were found to have a rare and dangerous inflammatory syndrome that appears to be connected to the virus, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Tuesday.Fourteen more children in New York City were found to have a rare and dangerous inflammatory syndrome that appears to be connected to the virus, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Tuesday.
So far, the city has reported 52 cases of the illness, which is known as pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome and causes life-threatening inflammation in critical organs and can have serious effects on the heart. Ten potential cases were being evaluated, Mr. de Blasio said.So far, the city has reported 52 cases of the illness, which is known as pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome and causes life-threatening inflammation in critical organs and can have serious effects on the heart. Ten potential cases were being evaluated, Mr. de Blasio said.
One child died of the illness in New York City last week.One child died of the illness in New York City last week.
“We’re seeing something that’s very troubling,” the mayor said at his daily news briefing. “And we’re combining the efforts of health care professionals all over New York City to understand what it is and how to deal with it.”“We’re seeing something that’s very troubling,” the mayor said at his daily news briefing. “And we’re combining the efforts of health care professionals all over New York City to understand what it is and how to deal with it.”
The illness began to appear in the region in recent weeks, and doctors and researchers are still investigating how and why it affects children.The illness began to appear in the region in recent weeks, and doctors and researchers are still investigating how and why it affects children.
Statewide, at least 93 children have the syndrome, and three people have died, officials have said.Statewide, at least 93 children have the syndrome, and three people have died, officials have said.
Mr. de Blasio’s announcement came as Connecticut reported its first cases of the syndrome on Monday. So far, six children in Connecticut are being treated for the ailment, officials said.Mr. de Blasio’s announcement came as Connecticut reported its first cases of the syndrome on Monday. So far, six children in Connecticut are being treated for the ailment, officials said.
There’s always room for a little bit of nature indoors, no matter how small a space you have. And if all else fails, opt for some fake plants. Here are some tips to consider if you want to add a splash of green to your surroundings.There’s always room for a little bit of nature indoors, no matter how small a space you have. And if all else fails, opt for some fake plants. Here are some tips to consider if you want to add a splash of green to your surroundings.
They came in waves throughout the day, large groups in car pools and married couples taking advantage of their newfound health for a road trip through the mountains of eastern Pennsylvania.They came in waves throughout the day, large groups in car pools and married couples taking advantage of their newfound health for a road trip through the mountains of eastern Pennsylvania.
By the time night had fallen, more than 60 Hasidic Jews from New York had arrived to donate blood plasma, rich in the antibodies they generated when they were sick.By the time night had fallen, more than 60 Hasidic Jews from New York had arrived to donate blood plasma, rich in the antibodies they generated when they were sick.
The virus has hit New York State with devastating force, infecting over 340,657 people and killing more than 26,000. And public health data suggests that the Orthodox and Hasidic community may have been affected at a rate that exceeds other ethnic and religious groups, with community estimates placing the number of dead in the hundreds.The virus has hit New York State with devastating force, infecting over 340,657 people and killing more than 26,000. And public health data suggests that the Orthodox and Hasidic community may have been affected at a rate that exceeds other ethnic and religious groups, with community estimates placing the number of dead in the hundreds.
That heavy toll has caused grief and anguish in the tight-knit community. But as people have begun to recover, thousands have donated blood plasma, which public health officials believe may be used to help treat people suffering from Covid-19.That heavy toll has caused grief and anguish in the tight-knit community. But as people have begun to recover, thousands have donated blood plasma, which public health officials believe may be used to help treat people suffering from Covid-19.
Organizers have recruited so many donors from the Hasidic community that appointments at blood banks across New York and New Jersey have filled up, forcing donors to travel to Delaware and Pennsylvania to donate plasma.Organizers have recruited so many donors from the Hasidic community that appointments at blood banks across New York and New Jersey have filled up, forcing donors to travel to Delaware and Pennsylvania to donate plasma.
“I think the Jewish people are a little bit like a rubber band,” said Mordy Serle, an Orthodox Jew who made the trip from Brooklyn to Pennsylvania to donate blood. “You know, the more you pull them down, the more they’re going to snap back up.”“I think the Jewish people are a little bit like a rubber band,” said Mordy Serle, an Orthodox Jew who made the trip from Brooklyn to Pennsylvania to donate blood. “You know, the more you pull them down, the more they’re going to snap back up.”
It’s hard enough to Zoom with your mother.It’s hard enough to Zoom with your mother.
Imagine being one of the more than 200 arts leaders who for the past month have been getting on the same daily Zoom call seeking comfort, counsel and connection as they try to stave off a raft of institutional failures prompted by the pandemic.Imagine being one of the more than 200 arts leaders who for the past month have been getting on the same daily Zoom call seeking comfort, counsel and connection as they try to stave off a raft of institutional failures prompted by the pandemic.
More than just a logistical feat, the phone call has become a singular measurement of how worried, desperate and vulnerable cultural organizations have become since the virus hit. And just as notable, how much they are actually acting these days like the “arts community” to which they often aspire.More than just a logistical feat, the phone call has become a singular measurement of how worried, desperate and vulnerable cultural organizations have become since the virus hit. And just as notable, how much they are actually acting these days like the “arts community” to which they often aspire.
More typically, the city’s cultural institutions compete for audiences, donors and attention. Museums rarely interact with performing arts groups. Manhattan cultural behemoths don’t often communicate with their scrappier counterparts in other boroughs.More typically, the city’s cultural institutions compete for audiences, donors and attention. Museums rarely interact with performing arts groups. Manhattan cultural behemoths don’t often communicate with their scrappier counterparts in other boroughs.
Yet on these calls, cultural organizations that span the city — some from Museum Mile on Fifth Avenue, others from unheralded blocks in Brooklyn and the Bronx — are trading tips for accessing federal funds, strategies for streaming and thoughts about summer programming. The big fish are helping the small, as they both absorb guidance from local and federal officials who periodically join the conversation.Yet on these calls, cultural organizations that span the city — some from Museum Mile on Fifth Avenue, others from unheralded blocks in Brooklyn and the Bronx — are trading tips for accessing federal funds, strategies for streaming and thoughts about summer programming. The big fish are helping the small, as they both absorb guidance from local and federal officials who periodically join the conversation.
“The calls have really been a lifeline,” said Ellen Kodadek, the executive and artistic director of Flushing Town Hall, a multidisciplinary arts center in Queens.“The calls have really been a lifeline,” said Ellen Kodadek, the executive and artistic director of Flushing Town Hall, a multidisciplinary arts center in Queens.
Officials in Wuhan, China, where the virus emerged last year, ordered that all residents be tested after six new cases were found.Officials in Wuhan, China, where the virus emerged last year, ordered that all residents be tested after six new cases were found.
Reporting was contributed by Eileen Sullivan, Alan Blinder, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Noah Weiland, Catie Edmondson, Marc Santora, Katie Thomas, Michael D. Shear, Maggie Haberman, Linda Qiu, David Waldstein, Nicholas Casey, Noam Scheiber, Robin Pogrebin, Michael Paulson, Liam Stack and Matt Stevens.Reporting was contributed by Eileen Sullivan, Alan Blinder, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Noah Weiland, Catie Edmondson, Marc Santora, Katie Thomas, Michael D. Shear, Maggie Haberman, Linda Qiu, David Waldstein, Nicholas Casey, Noam Scheiber, Robin Pogrebin, Michael Paulson, Liam Stack and Matt Stevens.