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China Defends Coronavirus Action at W.H.O. Meeting: Live Coverage China Defends Its Handling of Coronavirus at W.H.O. Meeting: Live Coverage
(32 minutes later)
As the World Health Organization’s decision-making body holds a virtual meeting starting on Monday with all 194 member states, a key question is whether the United States and others will call for the W.H.O. to investigate China’s response to the coronavirus.As the World Health Organization’s decision-making body holds a virtual meeting starting on Monday with all 194 member states, a key question is whether the United States and others will call for the W.H.O. to investigate China’s response to the coronavirus.
But China’s leader, Xi Jinping, defended his country’s actions in a video address to the assembly on Monday. He also pledged $2 billion to help fund the global public health body, one month after President Trump halted U.S. funding for the agency.But China’s leader, Xi Jinping, defended his country’s actions in a video address to the assembly on Monday. He also pledged $2 billion to help fund the global public health body, one month after President Trump halted U.S. funding for the agency.
“After making painstaking efforts and sacrifices, we have turned the tide on the virus and protected lives,” Mr. Xi said. “All along, we have acted with openness, transparency and responsibility.”“After making painstaking efforts and sacrifices, we have turned the tide on the virus and protected lives,” Mr. Xi said. “All along, we have acted with openness, transparency and responsibility.”
He also said that China had been quick to release the coronavirus’s genome sequence and had taken strong steps to support other countries in their responses to the pandemic. Mr. Xi said that China would support a W.H.O. review of the outbreak once the virus is under control, as opposed to an independent investigation that many are calling for.He also said that China had been quick to release the coronavirus’s genome sequence and had taken strong steps to support other countries in their responses to the pandemic. Mr. Xi said that China would support a W.H.O. review of the outbreak once the virus is under control, as opposed to an independent investigation that many are calling for.
Mr. Trump and other world leaders have accused China of allowing the global spread of the virus by suppressing or withholding information about it after it emerged in Wuhan in December. In recent weeks, European and Australian officials have joined Mr. Trump in calling for an investigation.Mr. Trump and other world leaders have accused China of allowing the global spread of the virus by suppressing or withholding information about it after it emerged in Wuhan in December. In recent weeks, European and Australian officials have joined Mr. Trump in calling for an investigation.
The United States has by far the world’s worst known outbreak, and Mr. Trump’s response to the pandemic has been criticized as slow and ineffective.The United States has by far the world’s worst known outbreak, and Mr. Trump’s response to the pandemic has been criticized as slow and ineffective.
But he has sought to deflect some of that criticism by stirring anger at China and the W.H.O. Last month, he ordered his administration to halt funding for the organization — a loss of hundreds of millions of dollars, although his administration has raised the possibility of partly restoring it.But he has sought to deflect some of that criticism by stirring anger at China and the W.H.O. Last month, he ordered his administration to halt funding for the organization — a loss of hundreds of millions of dollars, although his administration has raised the possibility of partly restoring it.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the W.H.O., on Monday emphasized the need for unity in working to stop the pandemic. “The only way is together,” he wrote on Twitter.Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the W.H.O., on Monday emphasized the need for unity in working to stop the pandemic. “The only way is together,” he wrote on Twitter.
In the meeting, which is the annual gathering of the organization’s World Health Assembly, he said the W.H.O. welcomed the calls for an “impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation” that takes into account the “entirety of the response by all actors” responding to the pandemic.In the meeting, which is the annual gathering of the organization’s World Health Assembly, he said the W.H.O. welcomed the calls for an “impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation” that takes into account the “entirety of the response by all actors” responding to the pandemic.
The meeting had been slated to include a vote on another contentious topic: whether Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its territory, should be allowed to participate as an observer. But on Monday, Taiwan’s foreign ministry said it was pausing its bid.The meeting had been slated to include a vote on another contentious topic: whether Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its territory, should be allowed to participate as an observer. But on Monday, Taiwan’s foreign ministry said it was pausing its bid.
Fighting foreign pressure to account for the initial spread of the coronavirus, the Chinese Communist Party deflected in one of its leading journals, saying in effect that the virus could have come from anywhere.Fighting foreign pressure to account for the initial spread of the coronavirus, the Chinese Communist Party deflected in one of its leading journals, saying in effect that the virus could have come from anywhere.
The article, published in the party’s magazine Qiushi over the weekend, is China’s latest effort to push back against demands on multiple fronts for a fuller accounting of where the virus came from and especially how it spread from Wuhan.The article, published in the party’s magazine Qiushi over the weekend, is China’s latest effort to push back against demands on multiple fronts for a fuller accounting of where the virus came from and especially how it spread from Wuhan.
Last week, Xinhua, China’s main state-run news agency, issued a long question-and-answer article disputing that the virus had leaked from a lab in that city and that China had failed to act quickly to stop its spread.Last week, Xinhua, China’s main state-run news agency, issued a long question-and-answer article disputing that the virus had leaked from a lab in that city and that China had failed to act quickly to stop its spread.
The Trump administration has pressed the lab theory, which is viewed skeptically by many scientists in China and abroad. Before the World Health Assembly’s meeting on Monday to discuss the crisis, Australia, the European Union and other governments have called for an international inquiry into the pandemic while keeping distant from the lab theory.The Trump administration has pressed the lab theory, which is viewed skeptically by many scientists in China and abroad. Before the World Health Assembly’s meeting on Monday to discuss the crisis, Australia, the European Union and other governments have called for an international inquiry into the pandemic while keeping distant from the lab theory.
Such calls are discomfiting for the Chinese government, which has been eager to set aside evidence that officials played down the outbreak and restricted reporting, delaying a response from the central government.Such calls are discomfiting for the Chinese government, which has been eager to set aside evidence that officials played down the outbreak and restricted reporting, delaying a response from the central government.
The Qiushi article argues that questions of the coronavirus’s origins are best left to scientists free of political interference. But it uses highly tendentious descriptions of the research to suggest that the coronavirus may not have first spread from China.The Qiushi article argues that questions of the coronavirus’s origins are best left to scientists free of political interference. But it uses highly tendentious descriptions of the research to suggest that the coronavirus may not have first spread from China.
After nearly 10 weeks of a surreal quiet, the familiar refrain of honking cars, buzzing scooters and lumbering buses sounded in Rome’s city center on Monday as many stores, bars and restaurants opened for the first time following a coronavirus lockdown.After nearly 10 weeks of a surreal quiet, the familiar refrain of honking cars, buzzing scooters and lumbering buses sounded in Rome’s city center on Monday as many stores, bars and restaurants opened for the first time following a coronavirus lockdown.
But even as restaurateurs measured the distance between tables and shop owners mopped their stoops, the fallout from months of inactivity was evident in shuttered stores and “For Rent” signs.But even as restaurateurs measured the distance between tables and shop owners mopped their stoops, the fallout from months of inactivity was evident in shuttered stores and “For Rent” signs.
The gradual reopening is being navigated across much of Europe as weeks of lockdowns make way for a return to public life. In most of Spain, restaurants also welcomed back customers on their terraces on Monday.The gradual reopening is being navigated across much of Europe as weeks of lockdowns make way for a return to public life. In most of Spain, restaurants also welcomed back customers on their terraces on Monday.
In Rome, on tables in Trattoria Settimio, Maria Teresa Luciani displayed two laminated sheets: not menus, but a certification that the storied eatery had used cleaning products approved to disinfect against the coronavirus.In Rome, on tables in Trattoria Settimio, Maria Teresa Luciani displayed two laminated sheets: not menus, but a certification that the storied eatery had used cleaning products approved to disinfect against the coronavirus.
Earlier in the day, her husband, the owner, had measured out the mandatory spacing between tables. They hadn’t put down tablecloths yet, because they had no idea how many lunchtime clients would come. “It’s the first day. We have to get used to this,” Ms. Luciani said. “It’s a bit confusing, but slowly, slowly it’ll all work out.”Earlier in the day, her husband, the owner, had measured out the mandatory spacing between tables. They hadn’t put down tablecloths yet, because they had no idea how many lunchtime clients would come. “It’s the first day. We have to get used to this,” Ms. Luciani said. “It’s a bit confusing, but slowly, slowly it’ll all work out.”
The cozy seating that was once part of the charm of Ditirambo, another downtown restaurant, has become a drawback amid the pandemic. The owner, Dado Micozzi, has been scrambling for outdoor seating alternatives.The cozy seating that was once part of the charm of Ditirambo, another downtown restaurant, has become a drawback amid the pandemic. The owner, Dado Micozzi, has been scrambling for outdoor seating alternatives.
On Monday he was overseeing a long list of protocols — including installing a traffic light system over the bathroom door — before reopening to the public later this week.On Monday he was overseeing a long list of protocols — including installing a traffic light system over the bathroom door — before reopening to the public later this week.
Efforts to reopen for delivery and takeout in recent weeks were not hugely successful, and without his main tourist clientele on the immediate horizon, Mr. Micozzi wasn’t sure how things would go. But he said he was determined to stay open.Efforts to reopen for delivery and takeout in recent weeks were not hugely successful, and without his main tourist clientele on the immediate horizon, Mr. Micozzi wasn’t sure how things would go. But he said he was determined to stay open.
“Now, we are working not for ourselves,” he said, “but for all those people who have helped us over the years.”“Now, we are working not for ourselves,” he said, “but for all those people who have helped us over the years.”
One month after a lockdown was lifted in Wuhan, China, once the center of the coronavirus outbreak, people are learning how to navigate life on the other side. This is one of their stories.
Spring in Wuhan, China, is the start of crawfish season. Crawfish braised, crawfish fried, crawfish coated with chilies — and always devoured with family and friends.
But Hazel He doesn’t plan to have another feast like that until at least next year.
“Anywhere where there are crowds, there is still some degree of risk,” Ms. He, 33, said.
Avoiding risk shapes everything Ms. He does these days. Though residents are allowed to move around the city again, she still chats with her friends by video. Before going outside with her 6-year-old son, she peers out her window to make sure no one is around. She recently let him play on the swings near their apartment again, but they don’t leave the neighborhood.
The anxiety is not nearly as overwhelming as it had been in the early days of the outbreak, when Ms. He would cry while watching the news and her son would ask her what was wrong.
But, like others in Wuhan, she is still approaching normalcy tentatively, understanding how fragile the victory is. Last week, six new coronavirus cases were reported there, after more than a month of no new reported infections.
“Wuhan has sacrificed so much,” she said. “Taking care of ourselves is our responsibility to everyone else.”
Ms. He is unsure when her company will resume the face-to-face meetings that are core to her job as a recruiter, but she reminds herself that her mortgage is manageable. She will have to wait until at least July to register her son for elementary school. But for now she is content to practice arithmetic with him at home.
“It’s as if we were running a race, and I’m currently 50 meters behind,” she said. “But as long as I catch up later, it’s the same.”
Germany is facing the first major coronavirus outbreak in a refugee center near Cologne, where the authorities said that more than 70 residents had tested positive for the virus and been placed in isolation. Another 60 residents tested negative and were moved to a different center.Germany is facing the first major coronavirus outbreak in a refugee center near Cologne, where the authorities said that more than 70 residents had tested positive for the virus and been placed in isolation. Another 60 residents tested negative and were moved to a different center.
Hundreds of migrants who arrived in Germany in the months before its borders were closed in mid-March live in refugee centers that lack the space needed for effective social distancing and where they often share bathrooms and kitchens.Hundreds of migrants who arrived in Germany in the months before its borders were closed in mid-March live in refugee centers that lack the space needed for effective social distancing and where they often share bathrooms and kitchens.
Rights groups and opposition politicians have long warned that the crowded centers posed a health risk and urged local health authorities to carry out regular tests to prevent an outbreak of the virus. Members of the opposition Greens have criticized the government for inaction.Rights groups and opposition politicians have long warned that the crowded centers posed a health risk and urged local health authorities to carry out regular tests to prevent an outbreak of the virus. Members of the opposition Greens have criticized the government for inaction.
The center where the outbreak arose was home to 489 people from dozens of countries. After one resident tested positive for the virus on Thursday, others were given protective masks and disinfectant as tests were carried out on everyone else at the facility.The center where the outbreak arose was home to 489 people from dozens of countries. After one resident tested positive for the virus on Thursday, others were given protective masks and disinfectant as tests were carried out on everyone else at the facility.
Germany has recorded 174,697 coronavirus cases and 7,935 fatalities since the outbreak began. Several of the worst outbreaks have been in nursing homes, hospitals and among migrant workers in meatpacking facilities.Germany has recorded 174,697 coronavirus cases and 7,935 fatalities since the outbreak began. Several of the worst outbreaks have been in nursing homes, hospitals and among migrant workers in meatpacking facilities.
When Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès of Belgium visited the Saint-Pierre hospital in Brussels this weekend, she was not met with praise. Instead, members of the hospital’s nursing staff lined the roadway and turned their backs on her approaching car in a silent protest over the government’s handling of the coronavirus.When Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès of Belgium visited the Saint-Pierre hospital in Brussels this weekend, she was not met with praise. Instead, members of the hospital’s nursing staff lined the roadway and turned their backs on her approaching car in a silent protest over the government’s handling of the coronavirus.
The hospital has played a central role in Belgium’s response, taking in the most Covid-19 patients in the country, and it was Ms. Wilmès’s first visit to the hospital to thank the staff since the crisis began.The hospital has played a central role in Belgium’s response, taking in the most Covid-19 patients in the country, and it was Ms. Wilmès’s first visit to the hospital to thank the staff since the crisis began.
Arriving at the hospital grounds, Ms. Wilmès was greeted by a double row of nurses and other health workers with their backs turned to her, in what has been described as “guard of dishonor.”Arriving at the hospital grounds, Ms. Wilmès was greeted by a double row of nurses and other health workers with their backs turned to her, in what has been described as “guard of dishonor.”
“Nobody can ignore the distress of the nursing staff, which was already there before the crisis and was increased with the difficulties,” Ms Wilmès told RTBF, the public broadcaster, after visiting the hospital. “We need to reassess the nursing profession.”“Nobody can ignore the distress of the nursing staff, which was already there before the crisis and was increased with the difficulties,” Ms Wilmès told RTBF, the public broadcaster, after visiting the hospital. “We need to reassess the nursing profession.”
The protesting workers were expressing disappointment with the government’s broader health care policy, which has involved budget cuts and staff shortages, and their actions during the pandemic, representatives said.The protesting workers were expressing disappointment with the government’s broader health care policy, which has involved budget cuts and staff shortages, and their actions during the pandemic, representatives said.
Belgium, with a population of 11.5 million, has had more than 55,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 9,000 deaths, making it one of the worst per capita death rates in Europe. Those figures include suspected cases and cases in care homes, which is not the case in some other countries.Belgium, with a population of 11.5 million, has had more than 55,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 9,000 deaths, making it one of the worst per capita death rates in Europe. Those figures include suspected cases and cases in care homes, which is not the case in some other countries.
“There is fatigue and a lot of anxiety,” Philippe Leroy, the hospital’s head, said of medical workers, though he said that the prime minister’s visit was appreciated. “I think they needed to express a lot of things.”“There is fatigue and a lot of anxiety,” Philippe Leroy, the hospital’s head, said of medical workers, though he said that the prime minister’s visit was appreciated. “I think they needed to express a lot of things.”
Japan has fallen into a recession for the first time since 2015, as its already weakened economy was dragged down by the coronavirus’s impact on businesses at home and abroad.Japan has fallen into a recession for the first time since 2015, as its already weakened economy was dragged down by the coronavirus’s impact on businesses at home and abroad.
The country — whose economy is the world’s third-largest after that of the United States and China — shrank by an annualized rate of 3.4 percent in the first three months of the year, Japan’s government said on Monday.The country — whose economy is the world’s third-largest after that of the United States and China — shrank by an annualized rate of 3.4 percent in the first three months of the year, Japan’s government said on Monday.
That makes it the largest economy to officially enter a recession, often defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth. Other major economies around the world are set to follow as efforts to contain the outbreak ripple around the globe.That makes it the largest economy to officially enter a recession, often defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth. Other major economies around the world are set to follow as efforts to contain the outbreak ripple around the globe.
Businesses had already been staggering before the coronavirus hit.Businesses had already been staggering before the coronavirus hit.
Consumer spending dropped after the Japanese government in October increased a tax on consumption to 10 percent from 8 percent, a move that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration said would help pay down the national debt — the highest among developed nations — and fund the growing demand for social services as the country’s workers age.Consumer spending dropped after the Japanese government in October increased a tax on consumption to 10 percent from 8 percent, a move that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration said would help pay down the national debt — the highest among developed nations — and fund the growing demand for social services as the country’s workers age.
Days later, a typhoon hit the country’s main island, inflicting enormous damage and further driving down economic activity.Days later, a typhoon hit the country’s main island, inflicting enormous damage and further driving down economic activity.
This year, the pandemic crushed Japan’s exports, forced it to postpone the Olympics and then put the country on a soft lockdown.This year, the pandemic crushed Japan’s exports, forced it to postpone the Olympics and then put the country on a soft lockdown.
On the health front, the efforts seem to have paid off. The total number of deaths attributed to the outbreak was 756 as of Monday, far lower than in other major developed nations. But each of those decisions has had a profound economic impact.On the health front, the efforts seem to have paid off. The total number of deaths attributed to the outbreak was 756 as of Monday, far lower than in other major developed nations. But each of those decisions has had a profound economic impact.
As a handful of the world’s sports leagues come back to life, they have searched for ways to maintain the feeling of crowded stadiums, even in places devoid of spectators.As a handful of the world’s sports leagues come back to life, they have searched for ways to maintain the feeling of crowded stadiums, even in places devoid of spectators.
One popular choice, from Germany’s top soccer league to Taiwanese professional baseball, has been to fill seats with figures not subject to social distancing rules: cardboard cutouts that depict hometown supporters holding signs and smiling.One popular choice, from Germany’s top soccer league to Taiwanese professional baseball, has been to fill seats with figures not subject to social distancing rules: cardboard cutouts that depict hometown supporters holding signs and smiling.
Over the weekend, a soccer team in South Korea opted for something a little more lifelike — to its deep embarrassment. The club F.C. Seoul apologized on Monday after placing what it believed were ordinary mannequins in the stands for a match against Gwangju F.C., but which were quickly recognized by many fans as sex dolls.Over the weekend, a soccer team in South Korea opted for something a little more lifelike — to its deep embarrassment. The club F.C. Seoul apologized on Monday after placing what it believed were ordinary mannequins in the stands for a match against Gwangju F.C., but which were quickly recognized by many fans as sex dolls.
On social media, some noted the telltale signs, like the business logos for sex toy marketers on the dolls’ clothing and their physiques. Of the roughly two dozen dolls in the stands, nearly all were women.On social media, some noted the telltale signs, like the business logos for sex toy marketers on the dolls’ clothing and their physiques. Of the roughly two dozen dolls in the stands, nearly all were women.
“We had tried to add some fun in the no-spectator match,” the club said in a statement. “But we have not checked all the details, and that is clearly our fault.”“We had tried to add some fun in the no-spectator match,” the club said in a statement. “But we have not checked all the details, and that is clearly our fault.”
The incident was a blemish for the K League, the top professional soccer league in South Korea. After a weekslong delay, it resumed play on May 8, as the country has waged a successful fight against the coronavirus.The incident was a blemish for the K League, the top professional soccer league in South Korea. After a weekslong delay, it resumed play on May 8, as the country has waged a successful fight against the coronavirus.
It won global attention as one of the first major soccer leagues to retake the field. A dozen broadcasters abroad have bought rights for the season, eager to show games to fans starved for sports.It won global attention as one of the first major soccer leagues to retake the field. A dozen broadcasters abroad have bought rights for the season, eager to show games to fans starved for sports.
On Monday, though, the spotlight was an uneasy one. The Instagram page of F.C. Seoul was filled with messages from fans outraged that the club had not noticed that the mannequins were “so obviously” sex dolls. Some derided the team’s management as clueless and lamented the global humiliation that ensued.On Monday, though, the spotlight was an uneasy one. The Instagram page of F.C. Seoul was filled with messages from fans outraged that the club had not noticed that the mannequins were “so obviously” sex dolls. Some derided the team’s management as clueless and lamented the global humiliation that ensued.
One month after a lockdown was lifted in Wuhan, China, once the center of the coronavirus outbreak, people are learning how to navigate life on the other side. This is one of their stories.
Spring in Wuhan, China, is the start of crawfish season. Crawfish braised, crawfish fried, crawfish coated with chilies — and always devoured with family and friends.
But Hazel He doesn’t plan to have another feast like that until at least next year.
“Anywhere where there are crowds, there is still some degree of risk,” Ms. He, 33, said.
Avoiding risk shapes everything Ms. He does these days. Though residents are allowed to move around the city again, she still chats with her friends by video. Before going outside with her 6-year-old son, she peers out her window to make sure no one is around. She recently let him play on the swings near their apartment again, but they don’t leave the neighborhood.
The anxiety is not nearly as overwhelming as it had been in the early days of the outbreak, when Ms. He would cry while watching the news and her son would ask her what was wrong.
But, like others in Wuhan, she is still approaching normalcy tentatively, understanding how fragile the victory is. Last week, six new coronavirus cases were reported there, after more than a month of no new reported infections.
“Wuhan has sacrificed so much,” she said. “Taking care of ourselves is our responsibility to everyone else.”
Ms. He is unsure when her company will resume the face-to-face meetings that are core to her job as a recruiter, but she reminds herself that her mortgage is manageable. She will have to wait until at least July to register her son for elementary school. But for now she is content to practice arithmetic with him at home.
“It’s as if we were running a race, and I’m currently 50 meters behind,” she said. “But as long as I catch up later, it’s the same.”
Governments across the globe are in an unusual position of discouraging people from using public transit, an urban staple that has long been considered an essential tool in fighting congestion and climate change but is now a risk in the spread of the coronavirus.Governments across the globe are in an unusual position of discouraging people from using public transit, an urban staple that has long been considered an essential tool in fighting congestion and climate change but is now a risk in the spread of the coronavirus.
Scenes of commuters packed elbow-to-elbow are now a major public health risk, as one cough or sneeze could expose dozens to infectious respiratory droplets. But governments have also acknowledged that many people, including medical workers, have no viable alternatives.Scenes of commuters packed elbow-to-elbow are now a major public health risk, as one cough or sneeze could expose dozens to infectious respiratory droplets. But governments have also acknowledged that many people, including medical workers, have no viable alternatives.
Officials have asked passengers to stay away if possible, leaving room for those who need it to safely practice social distancing, even if that means drying up some of the revenue that keeps the systems running.Officials have asked passengers to stay away if possible, leaving room for those who need it to safely practice social distancing, even if that means drying up some of the revenue that keeps the systems running.
Some, like Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio in New York, have discouraged use of public transportation, while others are taking direct steps to thin out the crowds.Some, like Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio in New York, have discouraged use of public transportation, while others are taking direct steps to thin out the crowds.
In Australia, Sydney’s central business district will add bike lanes and pop-up parking lots to deal with an increase in automobile traffic. And in, London the subway’s capacity will be capped at around 13 to 15 percent so that passengers can stay six feet apart. Some may be asked to wait to enter a station until it empties out.In Australia, Sydney’s central business district will add bike lanes and pop-up parking lots to deal with an increase in automobile traffic. And in, London the subway’s capacity will be capped at around 13 to 15 percent so that passengers can stay six feet apart. Some may be asked to wait to enter a station until it empties out.
“If you can, please walk or cycle for all or part of your journey, including to complete your journey if traveling into central London,” Vernon Everitt, a managing director for the city’s transit network, said in an email to passengers on Sunday.“If you can, please walk or cycle for all or part of your journey, including to complete your journey if traveling into central London,” Vernon Everitt, a managing director for the city’s transit network, said in an email to passengers on Sunday.
Governors across the United States are weighing the risks of reopening, particularly if it produces a surge of new coronavirus cases and deaths.Governors across the United States are weighing the risks of reopening, particularly if it produces a surge of new coronavirus cases and deaths.
“This is really the most crucial time, and the most dangerous time,” Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio, a Republican, said Sunday on the CNN program “State of the Union.”“This is really the most crucial time, and the most dangerous time,” Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio, a Republican, said Sunday on the CNN program “State of the Union.”
Pressure is building for officials to revive commerce and chart a path for states to edge toward a semblance of normalcy, and some are discussing plans for starting school in the fall.Pressure is building for officials to revive commerce and chart a path for states to edge toward a semblance of normalcy, and some are discussing plans for starting school in the fall.
The push to reopen has been fueled by swelling frustration as unemployment soars, businesses declare bankruptcy or announce that they will not survive the shutdowns. Some businesses have reopened in defiance of state orders.The push to reopen has been fueled by swelling frustration as unemployment soars, businesses declare bankruptcy or announce that they will not survive the shutdowns. Some businesses have reopened in defiance of state orders.
On Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, a Democrat, filed an emergency rule allowing for the owners of restaurants, bars and other establishments that open prematurely to be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a punishment of up to a year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine.On Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, a Democrat, filed an emergency rule allowing for the owners of restaurants, bars and other establishments that open prematurely to be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a punishment of up to a year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine.
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, a Democrat, said on CNN that he understood the stress and anxiety that the pandemic and associated restrictions are causing. “The question is,” he added, “how do you toggle back and make meaningful modifications to the stay-at-home order?”Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, a Democrat, said on CNN that he understood the stress and anxiety that the pandemic and associated restrictions are causing. “The question is,” he added, “how do you toggle back and make meaningful modifications to the stay-at-home order?”
The moves come as reported new coronavirus cases in the country have declined in recent weeks, and as more states have allowed a wider array of businesses to resume.The moves come as reported new coronavirus cases in the country have declined in recent weeks, and as more states have allowed a wider array of businesses to resume.
In New York, state and city officials are calling on many more residents to get tested to help the state reopen. To underscore this point, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York was tested during his live news briefing on Sunday. He also announced a new website that would help New Yorkers identify testing sites near where they live.In New York, state and city officials are calling on many more residents to get tested to help the state reopen. To underscore this point, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York was tested during his live news briefing on Sunday. He also announced a new website that would help New Yorkers identify testing sites near where they live.
And President Trump continued to express eagerness to see a resumption of some activities. In phone comments during a golf broadcast on Sunday, he said he missed sports and wanted “big, big stadiums loaded with people.”And President Trump continued to express eagerness to see a resumption of some activities. In phone comments during a golf broadcast on Sunday, he said he missed sports and wanted “big, big stadiums loaded with people.”
When a sprinkling of a reddish rash appeared on Jack McMorrow’s hands in mid-April, his father figured that the 14-year-old was overusing hand sanitizer — not necessarily a bad thing during a pandemic.
But over the next 10 days, Jack, a ninth-grader in New York City, felt increasingly unwell. Then, one morning, he awoke unable to move.
He had a tennis-ball-size lymph node, raging fever, racing heartbeat and dangerously low blood pressure. Pain deluged his body in “a throbbing, stinging rush,” he said.
“You could feel it going through your veins,” he said, “and it was almost like someone injected you with straight-up fire.”
Jack, who was previously healthy, was hospitalized with heart failure that day, in a stark example of the newly discovered severe inflammatory syndrome linked to the coronavirus that has been identified in about 200 children in the United States and Europe and killed several.
He has since recovered. But New York state has reported three deaths and, as of this weekend, 137 cases were being investigated in the city alone.
The condition, which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, has shaken widespread confidence that children were largely spared from the pandemic.
Appearing mostly in school-age children, the syndrome causes inflammation throughout the body and can cripple the heart. It often appears weeks after infection in children who did not experience first-phase coronavirus symptoms.
Thirteen sailors aboard the coronavirus-stricken aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt have retested positive for Covid-19 after appearing to have recovered from the disease, Navy officials said on Sunday.Thirteen sailors aboard the coronavirus-stricken aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt have retested positive for Covid-19 after appearing to have recovered from the disease, Navy officials said on Sunday.
The infected sailors, who had all tested negative twice before reboarding the Roosevelt in recent days, have been removed from the warship to self-quarantine. The Roosevelt has been docked in Guam since March 27 as Navy officials wrestle with how to deal with sickened sailors, disinfect the vessel and prepare for it to resume operations in the Western Pacific.The infected sailors, who had all tested negative twice before reboarding the Roosevelt in recent days, have been removed from the warship to self-quarantine. The Roosevelt has been docked in Guam since March 27 as Navy officials wrestle with how to deal with sickened sailors, disinfect the vessel and prepare for it to resume operations in the Western Pacific.
Navy officials have said they are aggressively screening and testing as crew members return to the Roosevelt after quarantining at the U.S. military base in Guam, as well as at hotels and in other lodging there. Officials on the ship are requiring masks and repeatedly cleaning and sanitizing to prevent another outbreak of the virus, which has infected about 1,100 crew members since March. One sailor has died.Navy officials have said they are aggressively screening and testing as crew members return to the Roosevelt after quarantining at the U.S. military base in Guam, as well as at hotels and in other lodging there. Officials on the ship are requiring masks and repeatedly cleaning and sanitizing to prevent another outbreak of the virus, which has infected about 1,100 crew members since March. One sailor has died.
About 2,900 of the 4,800 crew members are now back onboard. They are under strict orders to report any symptoms. In the past week or so, screening has even turned up a sailor who tested positive for tuberculosis. That set off a contact-tracing scramble that found no other cases onboard, Navy officials said.About 2,900 of the 4,800 crew members are now back onboard. They are under strict orders to report any symptoms. In the past week or so, screening has even turned up a sailor who tested positive for tuberculosis. That set off a contact-tracing scramble that found no other cases onboard, Navy officials said.
Recent research in South Korea suggested that dozens of patients there who tested positive a second time after recovering from the illness appeared to be “false positives” caused by lingering — but probably not infectious — elements of the virus.Recent research in South Korea suggested that dozens of patients there who tested positive a second time after recovering from the illness appeared to be “false positives” caused by lingering — but probably not infectious — elements of the virus.
The results of the Navy’s latest investigation into events surrounding the Roosevelt are due by the end of this month.The results of the Navy’s latest investigation into events surrounding the Roosevelt are due by the end of this month.
Reporting was contributed by Pam Belluck, Christopher Buckley, Ben Dooley, Melissa Eddy, Sheera Frenkel, Sandra E. Garcia, Abby Goodnough, Javier C. Hernandez, Makiko Inoue, Mike Isaac, Cecilia Kang, Raphael Minder, Steven Lee Myers, Sharon Otterman, Elisabetta Povoledo, Monika Pronczuk, Choe Sang-Hun, Eric Schmitt, Megan Specia, Daniel Victor and Neil Vigdor.Reporting was contributed by Pam Belluck, Christopher Buckley, Ben Dooley, Melissa Eddy, Sheera Frenkel, Sandra E. Garcia, Abby Goodnough, Javier C. Hernandez, Makiko Inoue, Mike Isaac, Cecilia Kang, Raphael Minder, Steven Lee Myers, Sharon Otterman, Elisabetta Povoledo, Monika Pronczuk, Choe Sang-Hun, Eric Schmitt, Megan Specia, Daniel Victor and Neil Vigdor.