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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.
More than five million people worldwide are now known to have contracted the coronavirus. One million new infections have been confirmed in less than two weeks.More than five million people worldwide are now known to have contracted the coronavirus. One million new infections have been confirmed in less than two weeks.
The economic fallout in the U.S. continues, with another 2.4 million Americans filing first-time unemployment claims last week.The economic fallout in the U.S. continues, with another 2.4 million Americans filing first-time unemployment claims last week.
The strongman who rules Chechnya is said to be hospitalized for coronavirus treatment in Moscow.The strongman who rules Chechnya is said to be hospitalized for coronavirus treatment in Moscow.
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.
We now know that in early March, the pandemic was taking hold with a vengeance in the U.S. And without a vaccine, an effective therapy or widely available testing, the only way to fight it was by shutting down, staying home and keeping apart.We now know that in early March, the pandemic was taking hold with a vengeance in the U.S. And without a vaccine, an effective therapy or widely available testing, the only way to fight it was by shutting down, staying home and keeping apart.
But from City Hall to the White House, many elected leaders hesitated to give the orders, with all the disruptions and hardships they would cause, until the mounting toll forced their hands.But from City Hall to the White House, many elected leaders hesitated to give the orders, with all the disruptions and hardships they would cause, until the mounting toll forced their hands.
What was the price for that delay? Tens of thousands of lives, researchers say.What was the price for that delay? Tens of thousands of lives, researchers say.
According to new estimates from Columbia University, if the U.S. had started social distancing measures one week earlier, about 36,000 fewer people would have died by early May. Make it two weeks, and about 54,000 lives — 83 percent — would have been saved.According to new estimates from Columbia University, if the U.S. had started social distancing measures one week earlier, about 36,000 fewer people would have died by early May. Make it two weeks, and about 54,000 lives — 83 percent — would have been saved.
Why? Because acting sooner would have headed off the worst exponential growth in cities like New York and New Orleans. The surge of severely ill patients who flooded hospitals in late March and April caught the virus in early to mid-March.Why? Because acting sooner would have headed off the worst exponential growth in cities like New York and New Orleans. The surge of severely ill patients who flooded hospitals in late March and April caught the virus in early to mid-March.
“That small moment in time, catching it in that growth phase, is incredibly critical in reducing the number of deaths,” said Jeffrey Shaman, an epidemiologist at Columbia and the leader of the research team.“That small moment in time, catching it in that growth phase, is incredibly critical in reducing the number of deaths,” said Jeffrey Shaman, an epidemiologist at Columbia and the leader of the research team.
That is why epidemiologists say that as states reopen, it’s vital to test widely, to monitor infections closely and to clamp down immediately on any new outbreaks. Waiting until people are visibly ill gives the virus too much time to spread.That is why epidemiologists say that as states reopen, it’s vital to test widely, to monitor infections closely and to clamp down immediately on any new outbreaks. Waiting until people are visibly ill gives the virus too much time to spread.
The Columbia modelers’ estimates for the New York metropolitan area, the nation’s largest hot spot, were especially stark. The region recorded 21,800 coronavirus-related deaths by May 3. If it had shut down just a week earlier — on March 8, instead of in stages beginning March 15 — the toll would have been fewer than 4,300.The Columbia modelers’ estimates for the New York metropolitan area, the nation’s largest hot spot, were especially stark. The region recorded 21,800 coronavirus-related deaths by May 3. If it had shut down just a week earlier — on March 8, instead of in stages beginning March 15 — the toll would have been fewer than 4,300.
“Even slightly earlier action in New York could have been game-changing,” said Lauren Ancel Meyers, an epidemiologist at the University of Texas at Austin who was not involved in the research.“Even slightly earlier action in New York could have been game-changing,” said Lauren Ancel Meyers, an epidemiologist at the University of Texas at Austin who was not involved in the research.
Not just the U.S.: A new study of blood donations shows that the virus was circulating widely in northern Italy in early February, at least two weeks before local cases were diagnosed there and regional lockdowns began. And there is evidence of the same in France, where a tissue sample taken from a patient on Dec. 27 recently tested positive for the coronavirus; the country did not lock down until March 17.Not just the U.S.: A new study of blood donations shows that the virus was circulating widely in northern Italy in early February, at least two weeks before local cases were diagnosed there and regional lockdowns began. And there is evidence of the same in France, where a tissue sample taken from a patient on Dec. 27 recently tested positive for the coronavirus; the country did not lock down until March 17.
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.
It may be the “second wave” everyone is worried about: New coronavirus cases have emerged in northeast China, prompting officials to impose many of the same draconian measures seen months ago in Wuhan, where the pandemic began.It may be the “second wave” everyone is worried about: New coronavirus cases have emerged in northeast China, prompting officials to impose many of the same draconian measures seen months ago in Wuhan, where the pandemic began.
The latest outbreak is concentrated in Jilin, a province of 27 million near the border with Russia and North Korea. This one is particularly worrisome because many of the patients have not traveled outside China. The numbers are not large yet —  about 130 infections and two deaths have been reported so far — but experts warn that the situation could explode.The latest outbreak is concentrated in Jilin, a province of 27 million near the border with Russia and North Korea. This one is particularly worrisome because many of the patients have not traveled outside China. The numbers are not large yet —  about 130 infections and two deaths have been reported so far — but experts warn that the situation could explode.
Thousands of people in Jilin have been quarantined, and tens of thousands are being tested. But the behavior of the virus in this part of China has complicated efforts to stamp it out: Symptoms are taking longer to appear than the usual one to two weeks, and people are carrying the virus longer, Chinese medical experts say.Thousands of people in Jilin have been quarantined, and tens of thousands are being tested. But the behavior of the virus in this part of China has complicated efforts to stamp it out: Symptoms are taking longer to appear than the usual one to two weeks, and people are carrying the virus longer, Chinese medical experts say.
As state health departments across the U.S. build contact tracing programs to try to contain outbreaks, they may want to emulate Paterson, a largely nonwhite working-class city in New Jersey.As state health departments across the U.S. build contact tracing programs to try to contain outbreaks, they may want to emulate Paterson, a largely nonwhite working-class city in New Jersey.
Paterson’s approach is decidedly low-tech, relying on a few dozen employees who work the phones, calling anyone who may have come into contact with an infected individual and asking them to self-quarantine.Paterson’s approach is decidedly low-tech, relying on a few dozen employees who work the phones, calling anyone who may have come into contact with an infected individual and asking them to self-quarantine.
The tracers say it’s more an art than a science, gently persuading people to reveal intimate details of their lives. But it seems to work: The tracers have been able to successfully track about 90 percent of the city’s roughly 6,000 coronavirus cases.The tracers say it’s more an art than a science, gently persuading people to reveal intimate details of their lives. But it seems to work: The tracers have been able to successfully track about 90 percent of the city’s roughly 6,000 coronavirus cases.
Paterson had a lucky head start: It received a grant last year to train communicable-disease investigators. At the time, the main concern was a potential outbreak of a food-borne illness at one of the large catering halls in the city.Paterson had a lucky head start: It received a grant last year to train communicable-disease investigators. At the time, the main concern was a potential outbreak of a food-borne illness at one of the large catering halls in the city.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
Perry N. Halkitis, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health, said it was impossible to know how much help contact tracing had been in containing the virus. But it “is one of the few tools that we actually have in the absence of a vaccine,” he said. And Paterson’s death rate has been lower than the state’s as a whole.Perry N. Halkitis, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health, said it was impossible to know how much help contact tracing had been in containing the virus. But it “is one of the few tools that we actually have in the absence of a vaccine,” he said. And Paterson’s death rate has been lower than the state’s as a whole.
Domestic air travel will resume in India on Monday after two months.Domestic air travel will resume in India on Monday after two months.
At some shopping malls in Bangkok, robots are being used to enforce social distancing and mask protocols.At some shopping malls in Bangkok, robots are being used to enforce social distancing and mask protocols.
Denmark expected an uptick in cases after reopening a month ago, but hospital admissions related to the virus have actually fallen.Denmark expected an uptick in cases after reopening a month ago, but hospital admissions related to the virus have actually fallen.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand endorsed a four-day workweek, in part to encourage leisure travel and help the tourism industry.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand endorsed a four-day workweek, in part to encourage leisure travel and help the tourism industry.
Here’s a roundup of reopenings and remaining restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of reopenings and remaining restrictions in all 50 states.
Stretch it out. Ease the aches and pains of working from home with simple exercises for your wrists, back, neck and arms.Stretch it out. Ease the aches and pains of working from home with simple exercises for your wrists, back, neck and arms.
Pick up a new hobby. Sales for how-to books have surged. Whatever D.I.Y. activity you’d like to explore — butchery, cheese-making, knitting — there is probably a title to guide you.Pick up a new hobby. Sales for how-to books have surged. Whatever D.I.Y. activity you’d like to explore — butchery, cheese-making, knitting — there is probably a title to guide you.
Visit the grandkids. One of the safer strategies is to reunite outdoors, with everyone, including children, wearing a mask. Some experts suggest keeping 10 to 12 feet apart if the grandparents are very elderly or have health issues.Visit the grandkids. One of the safer strategies is to reunite outdoors, with everyone, including children, wearing a mask. Some experts suggest keeping 10 to 12 feet apart if the grandparents are very elderly or have health issues.
The Department of Health and Human Services said it would provide up to $1.2 billion to the drug company AstraZeneca to develop a potential coronavirus vaccine. It’s the fourth and largest vaccine research agreement disclosed so far.The Department of Health and Human Services said it would provide up to $1.2 billion to the drug company AstraZeneca to develop a potential coronavirus vaccine. It’s the fourth and largest vaccine research agreement disclosed so far.
Coronavirus testing in the U.S. has been hampered by the fragmented health care system, which makes it difficult for hospitals to switch to new labs with spare capacity.Coronavirus testing in the U.S. has been hampered by the fragmented health care system, which makes it difficult for hospitals to switch to new labs with spare capacity.
American nursing homes with significant numbers of black and Latino residents have been twice as likely to be hit by coronavirus outbreaks as nursing homes whose residents are predominantly white.American nursing homes with significant numbers of black and Latino residents have been twice as likely to be hit by coronavirus outbreaks as nursing homes whose residents are predominantly white.
The Times’s Scratch column illustrates the new realities facing 14 public school teachers, who described the challenges of remote education in a pandemic.The Times’s Scratch column illustrates the new realities facing 14 public school teachers, who described the challenges of remote education in a pandemic.
I have an app that alerts me to when the International Space Station will be flying overhead at night. At each ping, I drop everything and head for the highest vantage point in my complex to watch it drift across the sky (or follow the path through my phone, if it’s cloudy).I have an app that alerts me to when the International Space Station will be flying overhead at night. At each ping, I drop everything and head for the highest vantage point in my complex to watch it drift across the sky (or follow the path through my phone, if it’s cloudy).
— Holly Swenson, Winston-Salem, N.C.— Holly Swenson, Winston-Salem, N.C.
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Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.