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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.
U.S. retail sales fell 16.4 percent in April, part of the biggest two-month decline on record.U.S. retail sales fell 16.4 percent in April, part of the biggest two-month decline on record.
The House will vote tonight on a $3 trillion relief package, effectively Democrats’ opening offer in negotiations with the White House and Republicans in the Senate.The House will vote tonight on a $3 trillion relief package, effectively Democrats’ opening offer in negotiations with the White House and Republicans in the Senate.
The Food and Drug Administration halted a testing program backed by Bill Gates.The Food and Drug Administration halted a testing program backed by Bill Gates.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.Get the latest updates here, plus maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.
Sweden is an outlier with its coronavirus response, forgoing the strict lockdowns of its European neighbors. A new Times analysis looked at how that strategy is playing out.Sweden is an outlier with its coronavirus response, forgoing the strict lockdowns of its European neighbors. A new Times analysis looked at how that strategy is playing out.
While Sweden has avoided the devastating toll of outbreaks in Italy, Spain and Britain, it has also seen an extraordinary increase in deaths, mortality data show. Almost 30 percent more people than usual have died during the country’s epidemic — a far greater increase than in the rest of Scandinavia.While Sweden has avoided the devastating toll of outbreaks in Italy, Spain and Britain, it has also seen an extraordinary increase in deaths, mortality data show. Almost 30 percent more people than usual have died during the country’s epidemic — a far greater increase than in the rest of Scandinavia.
Maud Cordenius is a Stockholm-based journalist whose daughters still attend preschool, allowing her to work — a resource many parents around the world sorely miss. “Life here has changed, but it hasn’t ground to a halt,” she wrote in a Times Op-Ed.Maud Cordenius is a Stockholm-based journalist whose daughters still attend preschool, allowing her to work — a resource many parents around the world sorely miss. “Life here has changed, but it hasn’t ground to a halt,” she wrote in a Times Op-Ed.
Other factors are helping Sweden: low population density, a high share of single-person households, a strong public health care system and low levels of chronic diseases like obesity that have made the virus more deadly. And even without a lockdown, its economy has taken a substantial hit.Other factors are helping Sweden: low population density, a high share of single-person households, a strong public health care system and low levels of chronic diseases like obesity that have made the virus more deadly. And even without a lockdown, its economy has taken a substantial hit.
Ultimately, one demographer said: “Sweden will be judged at the finish line. But it’s a very high-stakes risk, and the consequences are people’s lives.”Ultimately, one demographer said: “Sweden will be judged at the finish line. But it’s a very high-stakes risk, and the consequences are people’s lives.”
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.
Moncef Slaoui, picked this week to lead a crash U.S. program to develop a coronavirus vaccine, insisted that mass production by January 2021 was a “credible objective,” The Times’s Maggie Haberman and Noah Weiland report.Moncef Slaoui, picked this week to lead a crash U.S. program to develop a coronavirus vaccine, insisted that mass production by January 2021 was a “credible objective,” The Times’s Maggie Haberman and Noah Weiland report.
But Mr. Slaoui, a former chairman of vaccines at GlaxoSmithKline, conceded an even longer timeline — cited by Dr. Anthony Fauci and rejected by President Trump — would still outpace what many scientists believe is possible.But Mr. Slaoui, a former chairman of vaccines at GlaxoSmithKline, conceded an even longer timeline — cited by Dr. Anthony Fauci and rejected by President Trump — would still outpace what many scientists believe is possible.
“Frankly, 12 to 18 months is already a very aggressive timeline. I don’t think Dr. Fauci was wrong,” Mr. Slaoui said. He will serve as the chief adviser on the vaccine effort, and Gen. Gustave F. Perna, a four-star general who is in charge of the Army’s readiness as head of the Army Matériel Command, will be the chief operating officer.“Frankly, 12 to 18 months is already a very aggressive timeline. I don’t think Dr. Fauci was wrong,” Mr. Slaoui said. He will serve as the chief adviser on the vaccine effort, and Gen. Gustave F. Perna, a four-star general who is in charge of the Army’s readiness as head of the Army Matériel Command, will be the chief operating officer.
As warmer weather arrives, there is a growing consensus among public health experts that spending time outdoors during the pandemic can be safe, especially if you maintain social distance and wear a mask.As warmer weather arrives, there is a growing consensus among public health experts that spending time outdoors during the pandemic can be safe, especially if you maintain social distance and wear a mask.
Wind makes the virus less transmissible, and open spaces allow people to stay farther apart. In a study of more than 7,300 coronavirus cases in China, only one was transmitted outdoors.Wind makes the virus less transmissible, and open spaces allow people to stay farther apart. In a study of more than 7,300 coronavirus cases in China, only one was transmitted outdoors.
Some common-sense rules still apply. Experts told The Times you should still ideally socialize with people who live in your home. If you do meet others, keep gatherings small and don’t share food, utensils or beverages. And arguing with a stranger about maintaining social distance is not a good idea — especially because confrontation increases your risk of exposure.Some common-sense rules still apply. Experts told The Times you should still ideally socialize with people who live in your home. If you do meet others, keep gatherings small and don’t share food, utensils or beverages. And arguing with a stranger about maintaining social distance is not a good idea — especially because confrontation increases your risk of exposure.
Food al fresco: Many states are also now allowing restaurants to reopen. If you decide to go, our food critic Pete Wells suggests considering a table outdoors where there’s more space to spread out.Food al fresco: Many states are also now allowing restaurants to reopen. If you decide to go, our food critic Pete Wells suggests considering a table outdoors where there’s more space to spread out.
Slovenia became the first European country to declare an end to its epidemic, easing border restrictions and announcing that some schools and day care centers will reopen as early as Monday.Slovenia became the first European country to declare an end to its epidemic, easing border restrictions and announcing that some schools and day care centers will reopen as early as Monday.
In the United States, there is growing fear of new outbreaks as more states lift restrictions on bars, beauty shops and other businesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released guidelines to organizations to decide when to reopen.In the United States, there is growing fear of new outbreaks as more states lift restrictions on bars, beauty shops and other businesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released guidelines to organizations to decide when to reopen.
Five regions of New York State have been cleared to start reopening; beaches in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware are set to open, with restrictions, next Friday.Five regions of New York State have been cleared to start reopening; beaches in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware are set to open, with restrictions, next Friday.
Restaurants and cafes are beginning to reopen in Austria, Switzerland and parts of Australia and Germany.Restaurants and cafes are beginning to reopen in Austria, Switzerland and parts of Australia and Germany.
Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
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.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.)
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.
Help kids grieve. As more children lose loved ones to the virus, it’s important to talk honestly about illness and death. Avoid euphemisms, correct misconceptions and find ways to memorialize the person who died.Help kids grieve. As more children lose loved ones to the virus, it’s important to talk honestly about illness and death. Avoid euphemisms, correct misconceptions and find ways to memorialize the person who died.
Have you relocated? If you’re sheltering in place in another state, you could face unforeseen tax bills next year. Advisers recommend preparing for residency questions with detailed records that explain where you’ve lived, for how long and why.Have you relocated? If you’re sheltering in place in another state, you could face unforeseen tax bills next year. Advisers recommend preparing for residency questions with detailed records that explain where you’ve lived, for how long and why.
Indulge in a cold treat. With just heavy cream, a Mason jar and strong forearms, you can make your own ice cream. Try adding extras like rosemary and olive oil or peanut butter and chocolate syrup for a twist.Indulge in a cold treat. With just heavy cream, a Mason jar and strong forearms, you can make your own ice cream. Try adding extras like rosemary and olive oil or peanut butter and chocolate syrup for a twist.
A Times analysis of smartphone location data found that as the pandemic hit New York City, hundreds of thousands of residents, especially from the wealthiest neighborhoods, left the city.A Times analysis of smartphone location data found that as the pandemic hit New York City, hundreds of thousands of residents, especially from the wealthiest neighborhoods, left the city.
Domestic violence hotlines in the U.S. have seen an uptick in calls, as stay-at-home orders exacerbate abusive living situations.Domestic violence hotlines in the U.S. have seen an uptick in calls, as stay-at-home orders exacerbate abusive living situations.
The New York Times Magazine explores how funeral homes are struggling to find ways to maintain dignity for the dead during the pandemic.The New York Times Magazine explores how funeral homes are struggling to find ways to maintain dignity for the dead during the pandemic.
Many retail workers have reluctantly turned into de facto enforcers of public health guidelines, confronting customers who refuse to wear masks or maintain social distance.Many retail workers have reluctantly turned into de facto enforcers of public health guidelines, confronting customers who refuse to wear masks or maintain social distance.
Each night when our family sits down for dinner, we go around the table and say three things that went well for the day. The point is to try to teach my teenage daughters to find the good and something positive even in the midst of a pandemic. It has been amazing how their outlook has changed.Each night when our family sits down for dinner, we go around the table and say three things that went well for the day. The point is to try to teach my teenage daughters to find the good and something positive even in the midst of a pandemic. It has been amazing how their outlook has changed.
— Sally Head, Stratford, Conn.— Sally Head, Stratford, Conn.
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