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Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Deaths Approach 100,000, but Experts Say Toll Is Likely Higher Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Deaths Approach 100,000, but Experts Say Toll Is Likely Higher
(32 minutes later)
The United States is approaching 100,000 known deaths from the coronavirus, far more than any other nation in the world, a stark milestone that could come as soon as Wednesday. But experts say the true death toll from the pandemic is already likely to be even higher. The United States is approaching 100,000 known deaths from the coronavirus, far more than any other nation in the world, a stark milestone that could come as soon as Wednesday. But experts say the true toll from the pandemic is already likely to be even higher.
There are a number of reasons for an undercount in the official tally of deaths: Many early cases were probably overlooked or mislabeled as the flu or pneumonia. In some rural areas, coroners say they don’t have the tests they need to detect the disease. And even virus cases that are confirmed by testing do not always make it onto death certificates. There are a number of reasons for an undercount in the official tally: Many early cases were probably overlooked or mislabeled as the flu or pneumonia. In some rural areas, coroners say they don’t have the tests they need to detect the disease. And cases that are confirmed by testing do not always make it onto death certificates.
“In an ideal world, every Covid-19 death would have ‘Covid-19’ written on the death certificate as the underlying cause,” said Andrew Noymer, an associate professor of public health at the University of California, Irvine. “But that is not happening.‘’ “In an ideal world, every Covid-19 death would have ‘Covid-19’ written on the death certificate as the underlying cause,” said Andrew Noymer, an associate professor of public health at the University of California, Irvine. “But that is not happening.”
As a result, even the miserable milestone of 100,000 deaths fails to fully capture the devastation. As a result, even the grim milestone of 100,000 deaths fails to fully capture the devastation.
Still, this much is known: The virus moved across the country in a matter of weeks and no state was spared. New York and New Jersey have had by far the most deaths, with more than 29,000 and 11,000 respectively. The next highest death totals came from Massachusetts, Michigan and Pennsylvania, which have recorded more than 5,000 deaths each. Still, this much is known: The virus moved across the country in a matter of weeks, and no state was spared. New York and New Jersey have had the most deaths by far, with more than 29,000 and 11,000 each. The next highest totals came from Massachusetts, Michigan and Pennsylvania, which have recorded more than 5,000 deaths each.
On the other end of the spectrum, Alaska has recorded just eight deaths attributed to the virus, the lowest of any state. Hawaii, Montana and Wyoming have also reported fewer than 20 deaths each.On the other end of the spectrum, Alaska has recorded just eight deaths attributed to the virus, the lowest of any state. Hawaii, Montana and Wyoming have also reported fewer than 20 deaths each.
At least 37,000 deaths have been linked to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, accounting for about 37 percent of the national death toll. Nearly 500 more deaths have been tied to outbreaks in correctional facilities. At least 37,000 deaths have been linked to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, accounting for about 37 percent of the national toll. Nearly 500 more have been tied to outbreaks in correctional facilities.
Hundreds of virus deaths continue to be announced every day in the United States. But the pace of death has slowed dramatically since April, when it was common for more than 2,000 deaths to be announced on weekdays. Hundreds of virus deaths continue to be announced every day in the United States. But the pace has slowed significantly since April, when it was common for more than 2,000 deaths to be announced on weekdays.
Only once in the last 10 days have there been more than 1,500 deaths announced in a single day. The 510 deaths announced on Monday were the fewest in a day since late March, though limited reporting on Memorial Day could have contributed to that figure. Only once in the last 10 days have there been more than 1,500 deaths announced in a single day. The 510 announced on Monday were the fewest in a day since late March, though limited reporting on Memorial Day could have contributed to that figure.
Still, the national trendline has been encouraging. Fewer deaths are being announced nationally on some days than were being announced in New York State during the peak of its crisis. Still, the national trend line has been encouraging. Fewer deaths are being announced nationally on some days than were being announced in New York State during the peak of its crisis.
But in other places, the toll remains persistently high. Dozens of deaths are being announced most days in Cook County, Ill., which includes Chicago, and in Los Angeles County, Calif. But in other places, the toll remains persistently high. Dozens of deaths are announced most days in Cook County, Ill., which includes Chicago, and in Los Angeles County.
Some parts of rural America have also reported upticks in deaths. McKinley County, N.M., which includes Gallup and part of the hard-hit Navajo Nation, had 95 deaths by Wednesday, up from 20 at the start of May. Twenty of the 21 deaths in Dakota County, Neb., which has the second-highest infection rate nationally, have been announced in May. Some rural parts of the country have also reported upticks. McKinley County, N.M., which includes Gallup and part of the hard-hit Navajo Nation, had 95 deaths by Wednesday, up from 20 at the start of May. Twenty of the 21 deaths in Dakota County, Neb., which has the second-highest infection rate nationally, were announced in May.
In California, which has become the fourth American state with at least 100,000 known infections, Gov. Gavin Newsom seems to be moving closer to handing the reins of reopening to county public health officials. In California, which has become the fourth state with at least 100,000 known infections, Gov. Gavin Newsom seems to be moving closer to handing the reins of reopening to county public health officials.
It joins Illinois, New Jersey and New York with the highest case count. The state joins Illinois, New Jersey and New York with the highest case counts.
At least 47 of California’s 58 counties have filed their “county variance attestations” to prove that they meet the state’s criteria to reopen more quickly than the rest of the state, he said. And he has been in talks with leaders in Los Angeles County, by most measures the hardest-hit part of the state, about the possibility of allowing some areas of the county to reopen more quickly than others. At least 47 of California’s 58 counties have filed their so-called county variance attestations to prove that they meet the criteria to reopen more quickly than the rest of the state, the governor said. And he has been in talks with leaders in Los Angeles County, by most measures the hardest-hit part of the state, about the possibility of allowing some areas there to reopen more quickly than others.
For now, Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles announced on Tuesday evening that “lower risk” in-store shopping could resume, many pools could open and houses of worship could avail themselves of the new state guidelines. For now, Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles announced on Tuesday evening that “lower risk” in-store shopping could resume, many pools could open, and houses of worship could avail themselves of the new state guidelines.
The growing emphasis on local influence — on Monday, state officials announced that places of worship across the state could reopen at lower capacity only with the approval of their county public health department — could help Mr. Newsom mute his critics, some of whom have gone to court to challenge California’s restrictions. The growing emphasis on local influence — state officials on Monday announced that places of worship could reopen at lower capacity only with the approval of county public health departments — could help Mr. Newsom mute his critics, some of whom have gone to court to challenge California’s restrictions.
The gradual changes in California reflect a national shift as states that had previously been among the most locked down begin loosening restrictions, often on a regional basis.The gradual changes in California reflect a national shift as states that had previously been among the most locked down begin loosening restrictions, often on a regional basis.
The rising case counts in parts of California has come as other sections of the country, including the Minneapolis area, Wisconsin and parts of the South, have reported more infections. And the increasing number of infections is certain to intensify debates over when and how the country should ease restrictions that were imposed to try to slow the spread of the virus. The rising case counts in parts of California come as other sections of the country — including the Minneapolis area, Wisconsin and parts of the South — have reported more infections. Those increasing numbers are certain to intensify debates over when and how the country should ease restrictions that were imposed to try to slow the spread of the virus.
After months of lockdown, Illinois plans to lift restrictions on retail stores, gyms and personal care services in some areas on Friday, though the Chicago area will reopen on its own timeline. Washington D.C., which has also been locked down, is also tentatively planning to open certain businesses on Friday. After months of lockdown, Illinois plans to lift restrictions on Friday on retail stores, gyms and personal care services in some areas, though the Chicago area will reopen on its own timeline. Washington, D.C., which has also been locked down, is also tentatively planning to open certain businesses on Friday.
In Atlanta, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced on Wednesday that the city would move to the second phase of its reopening plan and allow private gatherings of no more than 10 people, as long as they follow social distancing guidelines. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta announced on Wednesday that the city would move to the second phase of its reopening plan and allow private gatherings of no more than 10 people, as long as they followed social-distancing guidelines.
“Data shows that we are in a position to move forward,” the mayor said in a statement. “We encourage Atlantans citywide to continue to follow all precautionary guidelines as community transmission of Covid-19 still poses a threat to our city.”“Data shows that we are in a position to move forward,” the mayor said in a statement. “We encourage Atlantans citywide to continue to follow all precautionary guidelines as community transmission of Covid-19 still poses a threat to our city.”
The United States, already wrestling with an economic collapse not seen in a generation, is on the precipice of a compounding crisis of evictions, as protections and payments extended to millions of people out of work begin to run out.The United States, already wrestling with an economic collapse not seen in a generation, is on the precipice of a compounding crisis of evictions, as protections and payments extended to millions of people out of work begin to run out.
The fallout is predicted to be devastating for the nation’s renters, who entered the pandemic with lower incomes, significantly less in savings and housing costs that ate up more of their paychecks. They also were more likely to work in industries where job losses have been particularly severe.The fallout is predicted to be devastating for the nation’s renters, who entered the pandemic with lower incomes, significantly less in savings and housing costs that ate up more of their paychecks. They also were more likely to work in industries where job losses have been particularly severe.
Many have been scraping by because of temporary government assistance and emergency orders that put many evictions on hold. But evictions will soon be allowed in about half of the states, according to Emily A. Benfer, a housing expert and associate professor at Columbia Law School who is tracking eviction policies.Many have been scraping by because of temporary government assistance and emergency orders that put many evictions on hold. But evictions will soon be allowed in about half of the states, according to Emily A. Benfer, a housing expert and associate professor at Columbia Law School who is tracking eviction policies.
“I think we will enter into a severe renter crisis, and very quickly,” Professor Benfer said. Without a new round of government intervention, she added, “we will have an avalanche of evictions across the country.”“I think we will enter into a severe renter crisis, and very quickly,” Professor Benfer said. Without a new round of government intervention, she added, “we will have an avalanche of evictions across the country.”
That means more and more families may soon face displacement at a time when people are still being urged to stay at home.That means more and more families may soon face displacement at a time when people are still being urged to stay at home.
In many places, that has already begun. The Texas Supreme Court recently ruled that evictions could begin again. In the Oklahoma City area, sheriffs apologetically announced that they planned to start enforcing eviction notices this week. And a handful of states had few statewide protections in place to begin with, leaving residents particularly vulnerable as eviction cases stacked up.In many places, that has already begun. The Texas Supreme Court recently ruled that evictions could begin again. In the Oklahoma City area, sheriffs apologetically announced that they planned to start enforcing eviction notices this week. And a handful of states had few statewide protections in place to begin with, leaving residents particularly vulnerable as eviction cases stacked up.
The No. 3 House Republican on Wednesday criticized President Trump for pushing a false conspiracy theory about Joe Scarborough, the MSNBC host, saying he should drop the matter and focus on leading the country through the pandemic.The No. 3 House Republican on Wednesday criticized President Trump for pushing a false conspiracy theory about Joe Scarborough, the MSNBC host, saying he should drop the matter and focus on leading the country through the pandemic.
In unprompted remarks to reporters following a news conference on Capitol Hill, Representative Liz Cheney, Republican of Wyoming, said that Mr. Trump should stop spreading the false allegation that Mr. Scarborough, a former Republican congressman, was involved in the death of an aide in 2001, which the police ruled an accident. In unprompted remarks to reporters after a news conference on Capitol Hill, Representative Liz Cheney, Republican of Wyoming, said that Mr. Trump should stop spreading the false claim that Mr. Scarborough, a former Republican congressman, was involved in the death of an aide in 2001, which the police ruled an accident.
“I do think the president should stop tweeting about Joe Scarborough,” Ms. Cheney said. “We’re in the middle of a pandemic. He’s the commander in chief of this nation, and it’s causing great pain to the family of the young woman who died, so I would urge him to stop it.” “I do think the president should stop tweeting about Joe Scarborough,” Ms. Cheney said. “We’re in the middle of a pandemic. He’s the commander-in-chief of this nation, and it’s causing great pain to the family of the young woman who died, so I would urge him to stop it.”
It was a striking line of criticism from Ms. Cheney, who is one of just a few Republicans who have rebuked the president for his barrage against Mr. Scarborough, which has continued even as the family of Lori Klausutis, the aide who died after a heart attack caused her to fall and hit her head on a desk, begged him publicly to stop. It was a striking line of criticism from Ms. Cheney, who is one of just a few Republicans who have rebuked the president for his barrage against Mr. Scarborough. The president’s attacks have continued even as the family of Lori Klausutis, the aide who died after a heart attack caused her to fall and hit her head on a desk, begged him publicly to stop.
Senator Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah and one of the most frequent critics of the president, tweeted on Wednesday that he considered Mr. Scarborough a friend and knew him to be capable of weathering “vile, baseless accusations.”Senator Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah and one of the most frequent critics of the president, tweeted on Wednesday that he considered Mr. Scarborough a friend and knew him to be capable of weathering “vile, baseless accusations.”
“But T.J.?” Mr. Romney said of Ms. Klausutis’s widower, who pleaded unsuccessfully with Twitter to take down the posts. “His heart is breaking. Enough already.”“But T.J.?” Mr. Romney said of Ms. Klausutis’s widower, who pleaded unsuccessfully with Twitter to take down the posts. “His heart is breaking. Enough already.”
Another House Republican, Representative Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, also used Twitter to implore Mr. Trump to halt his attacks. “Completely unfounded conspiracy,” he wrote earlier this week. “Just stop. Stop spreading it, stop creating paranoia. It will destroy us.” Another House Republican, Representative Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, also used Twitter to implore Mr. Trump to halt his attacks. “Completely unfounded conspiracy,” he wrote this week. “Just stop. Stop spreading it, stop creating paranoia. It will destroy us.”
The vast majority Republicans, however, have remained silent about the president’s Twitter campaign against Mr. Scarborough. Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the minority leader, sidestepped a question about it on Wednesday, telling reporters that he had not served in Congress with the cable news host, who represented Florida in the House from 1995 until 2001. A vast majority Republicans, however, have remained silent about the president’s Twitter campaign against Mr. Scarborough. Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the minority leader, sidestepped a question about it on Wednesday, telling reporters that he had not served in Congress with the cable news host, who represented Florida in the House from 1995 to 2001.
“My focus right now is the House of Representatives,” Mr. McCarthy said. “I did not serve with Scarborough.” “My focus right now is the House of Representatives,” Mr. McCarthy said.
Asked whether she knew Mr. Scarborough personally, Ms. Cheney simply repeated: “The president should stop tweeting about it.”Asked whether she knew Mr. Scarborough personally, Ms. Cheney simply repeated: “The president should stop tweeting about it.”
First-quarter profits shrank at the fastest rate in over a decade, and analysts don’t like what they see coming. In fact, they think things will get worse before they get better, and have revised their forecasts accordingly. Yet investors keep pushing stocks higher.
Any finance textbook’s section on equity prices holds that the direction of the stock market is determined, to a large extent, by the profits and dividends that shareholders expect companies to produce in the future. And academic research has repeatedly shown that when Wall Street analysts revise their forecasts for a company’s profits, it can move share prices.
So going by the conventional wisdom, the current collapse in profit expectations — and analysts’ woeful prognoses for future earnings — should be clobbering share prices. But investors don’t appear to be taking their cues from analysts. The S&P 500 has soared more than 30 percent over the past two months.
Why? Matt Phillips explains the forces at play in a confusing, and confounding, moment in the markets.
It’s been a turbulent period for stocks, with the S&P 500 alternating between gains and losses on a daily basis last week. Wall Street’s turbulent stretch continued Wednesday, and an early rally faded, as shares of large technology stocks declined.
The S&P 500 was slightly lower, giving back some of its gains from the day before. The drop in large technology stocks like Amazon and Microsoft was particularly evident in the Nasdaq composite, which fell about 2 percent.
A retreat in oil prices also weighed on shares of energy producers. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, fell about 6 percent to just above $32 a barrel.
On Wednesday, investors were initially cheered by the news of fiscal stimulus proposals from the European Union and Japan. In Japan, the cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe approved more than a trillion dollars in stimulus money. In Brussels, the European Commission seemed on the verge of introducing expansive financial measures to support the bloc.
The mayor of Washington, D.C., said Wednesday that the city on Friday would begin to loosen stay-at-home restrictions, even though the chief White House official overseeing the virus response said this week that the suburban region around the nation’s capital remains among the most worrisome metropolitan areas in the country.The mayor of Washington, D.C., said Wednesday that the city on Friday would begin to loosen stay-at-home restrictions, even though the chief White House official overseeing the virus response said this week that the suburban region around the nation’s capital remains among the most worrisome metropolitan areas in the country.
“The bottom line we do want to emphasize is this virus is still in our city and our region and our country,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said as she announced that restaurants would be able to allow outdoor seating for groups or six or fewer, hair styling salons could provide services by appointment only and stores could open curbside pickup. Gatherings of more than ten people will remain prohibited.“The bottom line we do want to emphasize is this virus is still in our city and our region and our country,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said as she announced that restaurants would be able to allow outdoor seating for groups or six or fewer, hair styling salons could provide services by appointment only and stores could open curbside pickup. Gatherings of more than ten people will remain prohibited.
On Tuesday, the city had 72 new cases, bringing the total to 8,406, and five new deaths for a total of 445. Although Ms. Bowser said that the city had maintained 14 days of sustained decline in community transmission, there was a one-day increase last weekend.On Tuesday, the city had 72 new cases, bringing the total to 8,406, and five new deaths for a total of 445. Although Ms. Bowser said that the city had maintained 14 days of sustained decline in community transmission, there was a one-day increase last weekend.
Dr. Deborah Birx, the lead coordinator of the White House virus task force, told the nation’s governors on Tuesday that Washington and its suburbs, as well as Baltimore, are among a handful of metropolitan areas that have expanded testing but failed to break ten percent positive results. Northern Virginia is also expected to begin a first phase of reopening in that state, even as cases there continue to rise. The Maryland suburbs near Washington — where cases have been highest — have moved more cautiously.Dr. Deborah Birx, the lead coordinator of the White House virus task force, told the nation’s governors on Tuesday that Washington and its suburbs, as well as Baltimore, are among a handful of metropolitan areas that have expanded testing but failed to break ten percent positive results. Northern Virginia is also expected to begin a first phase of reopening in that state, even as cases there continue to rise. The Maryland suburbs near Washington — where cases have been highest — have moved more cautiously.
“I want to make sure we all understand that moving into phase one means that more people can get infected,” Ms. Bowser said, emphasizing that residents were expected to use masks, maintain social distancing and maintain aggressive hand washing. “We know that without a vaccine or a cure that we will see new infections.”“I want to make sure we all understand that moving into phase one means that more people can get infected,” Ms. Bowser said, emphasizing that residents were expected to use masks, maintain social distancing and maintain aggressive hand washing. “We know that without a vaccine or a cure that we will see new infections.”
She added that City Hall would continue to encourage remote work for city businesses and the federal government. “It cannot be said enough every single one of us has a role to play,” she said.She added that City Hall would continue to encourage remote work for city businesses and the federal government. “It cannot be said enough every single one of us has a role to play,” she said.
When hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Minneapolis on Tuesday night to protest the death of George Floyd, a black man who died while in police custody, the large crowd was both a powerful call for action in the case and a precarious act at a time when the virus is still flaring in the region.When hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Minneapolis on Tuesday night to protest the death of George Floyd, a black man who died while in police custody, the large crowd was both a powerful call for action in the case and a precarious act at a time when the virus is still flaring in the region.
The number of newly reported virus cases continues to climb in Minnesota, and the counties that make up the Minneapolis-St. Paul area lead the state in both total and newly reported cases. The Twin Cities metro area also accounted for a surge in patients requiring hospitalization in intensive care.The number of newly reported virus cases continues to climb in Minnesota, and the counties that make up the Minneapolis-St. Paul area lead the state in both total and newly reported cases. The Twin Cities metro area also accounted for a surge in patients requiring hospitalization in intensive care.
Still, demonstrators gathered for a rare large protest since the pandemic began.Still, demonstrators gathered for a rare large protest since the pandemic began.
Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis said he understood and supported the rights of people who would protest the episode but asked that protesters wear masks and respect social distancing procedures.Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis said he understood and supported the rights of people who would protest the episode but asked that protesters wear masks and respect social distancing procedures.
“I encourage people to voice their opinions and anger, their heartbreak and their sadness, because undoubtedly it will be there,” he said.“I encourage people to voice their opinions and anger, their heartbreak and their sadness, because undoubtedly it will be there,” he said.
Many people wore face coverings, and some brought hand sanitizer to help keep people safe. But the group as a whole seemed to send a message that their desire for justice had outweighed any potential safety concerns, as they gathered at the intersection where Mr. Floyd, 46, had been pinned down by the police a day earlier and captured on video saying, “I can’t breathe.”Many people wore face coverings, and some brought hand sanitizer to help keep people safe. But the group as a whole seemed to send a message that their desire for justice had outweighed any potential safety concerns, as they gathered at the intersection where Mr. Floyd, 46, had been pinned down by the police a day earlier and captured on video saying, “I can’t breathe.”
Protesters yelled full-faced and full throated about Mr. Floyd’s death, and some pulled their masks aside to be fully heard. One woman said, “anyone worried about social distancing should have just stayed home.”Protesters yelled full-faced and full throated about Mr. Floyd’s death, and some pulled their masks aside to be fully heard. One woman said, “anyone worried about social distancing should have just stayed home.”
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said she will direct public school districts to share a large portion of federal rescue funding with private school students, regardless of income.Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said she will direct public school districts to share a large portion of federal rescue funding with private school students, regardless of income.
“The CARES Act is a special, pandemic-related appropriation to benefit all American students, teachers and families,” Ms. DeVos wrote in a letter Friday, referring to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. “There is nothing in the act suggesting Congress intended to discriminate between children based on public or nonpublic school attendance, as you seem to do. The virus affects everyone.”“The CARES Act is a special, pandemic-related appropriation to benefit all American students, teachers and families,” Ms. DeVos wrote in a letter Friday, referring to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. “There is nothing in the act suggesting Congress intended to discriminate between children based on public or nonpublic school attendance, as you seem to do. The virus affects everyone.”
A range of education officials say Ms. DeVos’s guidance would divert millions of dollars away from disadvantaged students and force districts to support even the wealthiest private schools.A range of education officials say Ms. DeVos’s guidance would divert millions of dollars away from disadvantaged students and force districts to support even the wealthiest private schools.
The association representing the nation’s schools superintendents told districts to ignore the guidance, and at least two states — Indiana and Maine — said they would.The association representing the nation’s schools superintendents told districts to ignore the guidance, and at least two states — Indiana and Maine — said they would.
Private school leaders say they too are in crisis. Many of those schools serve low-income students whose parents have fled failing public schools. About 5.7 million students attend private schools, 30 percent of them from families with incomes below $75,000 a year. Private school groups say those families are most at-risk without federal aid.Private school leaders say they too are in crisis. Many of those schools serve low-income students whose parents have fled failing public schools. About 5.7 million students attend private schools, 30 percent of them from families with incomes below $75,000 a year. Private school groups say those families are most at-risk without federal aid.
Under federal education law, school districts are required to use funding they receive for their poorest students to provide “equitable services,” such as tutoring and transportation for low-income students attending private schools in their districts. But Ms. DeVos’s guidance would award private schools more services than the law would normally require.Under federal education law, school districts are required to use funding they receive for their poorest students to provide “equitable services,” such as tutoring and transportation for low-income students attending private schools in their districts. But Ms. DeVos’s guidance would award private schools more services than the law would normally require.
Last week, key House and Senate Education Committee leaders, including Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, a Republican, said Ms. DeVos’s interpretation was flawed.Last week, key House and Senate Education Committee leaders, including Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, a Republican, said Ms. DeVos’s interpretation was flawed.
Democratic leaders called on Ms. DeVos to revise her guidance.Democratic leaders called on Ms. DeVos to revise her guidance.
Walt Disney World in Florida, one of the world’s largest tourist sites which draws 93 million people a year, will reopen to the public on a limited basis in mid-July.Walt Disney World in Florida, one of the world’s largest tourist sites which draws 93 million people a year, will reopen to the public on a limited basis in mid-July.
Disney presented its reopening plan on Wednesday to the Orange County Recovery Task Force in Orlando. Two of Disney World’s four main theme parks, the Magic Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom, will reopen on July 11 with reduced capacity and numerous safety precautions, including mandatory face masks for all visitors and employees. Disney World’s remaining major parks, Epcot and Hollywood Studios, will reopen on July 15. The resort has been closed since March 15.Disney presented its reopening plan on Wednesday to the Orange County Recovery Task Force in Orlando. Two of Disney World’s four main theme parks, the Magic Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom, will reopen on July 11 with reduced capacity and numerous safety precautions, including mandatory face masks for all visitors and employees. Disney World’s remaining major parks, Epcot and Hollywood Studios, will reopen on July 15. The resort has been closed since March 15.
Disney said its “thoughtful, methodical and phased” approach to reopening would include increased use of plexiglass barriers and contactless payment systems. All visitors will need a reservation. Temperature checks will be conducted at entrances. Disney also said its parades, fireworks displays and character meet and greets would be suspended because of crowd control concerns.Disney said its “thoughtful, methodical and phased” approach to reopening would include increased use of plexiglass barriers and contactless payment systems. All visitors will need a reservation. Temperature checks will be conducted at entrances. Disney also said its parades, fireworks displays and character meet and greets would be suspended because of crowd control concerns.
Disney did not give reopening dates for its two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Disney Springs, an adjacent 120-acre shopping mall, began to reopen on May 20.Disney did not give reopening dates for its two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Disney Springs, an adjacent 120-acre shopping mall, began to reopen on May 20.
Tourism is Orlando’s largest industry, supporting 41 percent of the city’s work force, according to the trade organization Visit Orlando. Disney’s 25,000-acre, six-park resort southwest of Orlando attracts the bulk of visitors, as millions of people flock to Disney World annually.Tourism is Orlando’s largest industry, supporting 41 percent of the city’s work force, according to the trade organization Visit Orlando. Disney’s 25,000-acre, six-park resort southwest of Orlando attracts the bulk of visitors, as millions of people flock to Disney World annually.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York met with Mr. Trump at the White House, where the two discussed major infrastructure projects that Mr. Cuomo views as crucial to restarting the region’s economy, the governor said. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Wednesday that he had a “good conversation” with Mr. Trump about funding for unfinished local infrastructure projects. But he demurred when asked whether the president shared the view of Republican lawmakers about blocking aid to New York.
“It was about, how do we supercharge the reopening, especially in New York, which has been hardest hit,” Mr. Cuomo said at his daily news briefing. Reminding reporters gathered for his briefing in Washington that Mr. Trump was a native New Yorker, Mr. Cuomo said the president “understood what we were talking about, understood what we need.”
Among the projects on the agenda was the plan to build new rail tunnels under the Hudson River, a project known as Gateway; the expansion of the Second Avenue Subway; and an AirTrain to La Guardia Airport, he said. Among the projects on the agenda, which the governor said would be key to the state’s economy, was the plan to build new rail tunnels under the Hudson River, a project known as Gateway; the expansion of the Second Avenue Subway; and an AirTrain to La Guardia Airport. All the projects discussed required some level of federal funding or approval.
The governor has said that the projects would be a key factor in boosting New York’s economy as it recovers; an additional 74 deaths were reported statewide on Wednesday. “He said we’ll talk next week,” Mr. Cuomo said after his meeting at the White House, his second in recent weeks.
“We have major infrastructure projects in New York that are ready to go, that are desperately needed, that were desperately needed 30 years ago,” Mr. Cuomo said on Wednesday. “Build them now. Supercharge the reopening, grow the economy.” The governor was far less sanguine about Republican senators who had questioned the need to give additional funding to states like New York and California, which have been hit hard by the virus.
All the projects discussed required some level of federal funding or approval, he said. “I know what the Republican senators are saying, and first of all, it’s a lie,” Mr. Cuomo said.
Mr. Trump, a Republican, and Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, have had a bumpy public relationship throughout the pandemic, with the two exchanging praise for each other’s virus response efforts one week and trading criticism the next. He said that Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, and other senators “take more money” from the federal government than they provide in revenue.
They met last month at the White House and had what Mr. Cuomo called “a very good conversation.” When they ask why they should give money to states to deal with the pandemic, Mr. Cuomo said, “Why not? What better national purpose?”
The governor has recently begun easing some restrictions around most of the state, while leaving the city on what he has labeled a “pause.” New York City’s mayor has said he hoped it could begin reopening in the first half of June. The city has yet to meet two benchmarks, on available hospital beds and contact tracers, though the mayor said on Wednesday that the city would have more than 1,700 contact tracers working by June 1. He would not say whether Mr. Trump said he was aligned with Mr. McConnell.
“I think the president is focused on the reopening, on stimulating the economy and getting the economy back,” Mr. Cuomo said, saying it was “the correct focus.”
But he said he believed the president understood discreet and specific projects, such as infrastructure. “He’s a builder. He’s a developer,” Mr. Cuomo said. “He gets it.”
The governor has recently begun easing some restrictions around most of the state; an additional 74 deaths were reported on Wednesday. New York City’s mayor has said he hoped the city could begin reopening in the first half of June, but it has yet to meet two benchmarks, on available hospital beds and contact tracers. On Wednesday, the mayor said the city would have more than 1,700 contact tracers working by June 1.
A group of Democratic lawmakers from the Washington area told the Trump administration this week that they believed it would be “impossible” to safely stage a major celebration around Independence Day in the nation’s capital this summer.A group of Democratic lawmakers from the Washington area told the Trump administration this week that they believed it would be “impossible” to safely stage a major celebration around Independence Day in the nation’s capital this summer.
“Given the current Covid-19 crisis, we believe such an event would needlessly risk the health and safety of thousands of Americans,” the lawmakers — two senators, seven representatives and the District of Columbia’s non-voting House delegate — wrote in a letter to the defense and interior secretaries.“Given the current Covid-19 crisis, we believe such an event would needlessly risk the health and safety of thousands of Americans,” the lawmakers — two senators, seven representatives and the District of Columbia’s non-voting House delegate — wrote in a letter to the defense and interior secretaries.
Mr. Trump, a vocal proponent of patriotic displays that critics have sometimes condemned as extravagant or politically motivated, suggested in April that Fourth of July festivities in Washington would have more limited attendance.Mr. Trump, a vocal proponent of patriotic displays that critics have sometimes condemned as extravagant or politically motivated, suggested in April that Fourth of July festivities in Washington would have more limited attendance.
“This year, most likely, we’ll be standing six feet apart,” Mr. Trump said. “We’ll have to do that in a very, very interesting way. And we’ll even do it greater, so we’ll leave a little extra distance.”“This year, most likely, we’ll be standing six feet apart,” Mr. Trump said. “We’ll have to do that in a very, very interesting way. And we’ll even do it greater, so we’ll leave a little extra distance.”
This week, though, the lawmakers asked the administration to shelve any plans entirely. The Washington area has struggled to contain the virus, and they warned that holding a mass gathering along the National Mall would be perilous.This week, though, the lawmakers asked the administration to shelve any plans entirely. The Washington area has struggled to contain the virus, and they warned that holding a mass gathering along the National Mall would be perilous.
Thousands of people attended a “Salute to America” event last year, which Mr. Trump had pledged would be a “show of a lifetime.” The president was flanked by Bradley armored vehicles and M1A2 tanks at the event, held at the Lincoln Memorial.Thousands of people attended a “Salute to America” event last year, which Mr. Trump had pledged would be a “show of a lifetime.” The president was flanked by Bradley armored vehicles and M1A2 tanks at the event, held at the Lincoln Memorial.
“The administration, including your agencies, should be focusing on helping American families, not on a vanity project for the president,” the lawmakers wrote.“The administration, including your agencies, should be focusing on helping American families, not on a vanity project for the president,” the lawmakers wrote.
As colleges and universities deliberate whether to reopen for the fall, athletic administrators face one of the thorniest decisions in sports, with millions of dollars and the health of thousands of young people at stake: Should there be a football season?As colleges and universities deliberate whether to reopen for the fall, athletic administrators face one of the thorniest decisions in sports, with millions of dollars and the health of thousands of young people at stake: Should there be a football season?
For months, college sports leaders have declared that if classes do not resume on campus this fall, football and other sports would not be played. But even then, some believe exceptions can be made if there is other limited student activity, and there is increasing pressure to find ways to play.For months, college sports leaders have declared that if classes do not resume on campus this fall, football and other sports would not be played. But even then, some believe exceptions can be made if there is other limited student activity, and there is increasing pressure to find ways to play.
Though campuses remain largely shuttered for the summer, signs of reopening for football have emerged in the last two weeks.Though campuses remain largely shuttered for the summer, signs of reopening for football have emerged in the last two weeks.
The Southeastern and Big 12 conferences voted Friday to open their training facilities in early June for voluntary workouts, following the end of an N.C.A.A. ban on on-campus sports activities. The Pac-12 joined them Tuesday, after Commissioner Larry Scott suggested in a CNN interview that athletes would be safer on campuses than at home. The expectation is that by mid-July, teams could begin practicing.The Southeastern and Big 12 conferences voted Friday to open their training facilities in early June for voluntary workouts, following the end of an N.C.A.A. ban on on-campus sports activities. The Pac-12 joined them Tuesday, after Commissioner Larry Scott suggested in a CNN interview that athletes would be safer on campuses than at home. The expectation is that by mid-July, teams could begin practicing.
This push to reopen, coming when about two-thirds of states are not showing a decline in cases, demands extraordinary steps: sanitizing facilities, widespread testing and social distancing in a sport whose very essence is contact.This push to reopen, coming when about two-thirds of states are not showing a decline in cases, demands extraordinary steps: sanitizing facilities, widespread testing and social distancing in a sport whose very essence is contact.
And there’s no guarantee that if the season begins on time, it will finish as scheduled.And there’s no guarantee that if the season begins on time, it will finish as scheduled.
As Bob Bowlsby, the Big 12 commissioner, said in a webinar with other college administrators, in which he described college campuses as petri dishes for the transmission of infectious diseases: “It isn’t a matter of when we’re going to have outbreaks, it’s a matter of how big they are and how we go about triaging.”As Bob Bowlsby, the Big 12 commissioner, said in a webinar with other college administrators, in which he described college campuses as petri dishes for the transmission of infectious diseases: “It isn’t a matter of when we’re going to have outbreaks, it’s a matter of how big they are and how we go about triaging.”
Other sports executives have been grappling with how they can stage competitions. On Wednesday, the National Women’s Soccer League laid out an ambitious, and potentially risky, plan to return to the field late next month for its first games since the pandemic interrupted the start of its 2020 season.Other sports executives have been grappling with how they can stage competitions. On Wednesday, the National Women’s Soccer League laid out an ambitious, and potentially risky, plan to return to the field late next month for its first games since the pandemic interrupted the start of its 2020 season.
Under the schedule that league officials outlined Wednesday morning, the nine teams would gather in Utah in late June and complete their entire seasons as a 25-game tournament over 30 days.Under the schedule that league officials outlined Wednesday morning, the nine teams would gather in Utah in late June and complete their entire seasons as a 25-game tournament over 30 days.
The tournament — the first game is set for June 27 — will be the league’s first competition since last October’s championship game, and will succeed only through a mix of careful planning, extensive virus testing, strict health protocols and no small amount of good fortune.The tournament — the first game is set for June 27 — will be the league’s first competition since last October’s championship game, and will succeed only through a mix of careful planning, extensive virus testing, strict health protocols and no small amount of good fortune.
And all of it hinges on the players’ willingness to participate, the absence of new outbreaks and hundreds of tests before and after the games arrive in Utah.And all of it hinges on the players’ willingness to participate, the absence of new outbreaks and hundreds of tests before and after the games arrive in Utah.
France revoked the authorization allowing the use of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for Covid-19 patients on Wednesday, a day after halting its use in clinical trials.France revoked the authorization allowing the use of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for Covid-19 patients on Wednesday, a day after halting its use in clinical trials.
The drug, which has been heavily promoted by Mr. Trump despite the lack of evidence that it is effective against the virus, was temporarily removed from global safety trials earlier this week by the World Health Organization, which called for a review of new safety concerns.The drug, which has been heavily promoted by Mr. Trump despite the lack of evidence that it is effective against the virus, was temporarily removed from global safety trials earlier this week by the World Health Organization, which called for a review of new safety concerns.
In France, the drug was promoted as a miracle cure by a maverick infectious diseases specialist based in Marseille, Didier Raoult, who rose to prominence by conducting several questionable experiments that he said had proved its efficacy in combating the virus.In France, the drug was promoted as a miracle cure by a maverick infectious diseases specialist based in Marseille, Didier Raoult, who rose to prominence by conducting several questionable experiments that he said had proved its efficacy in combating the virus.
France had authorized limited use of the drug on patients in serious condition and had included it in several clinical trials. But now the country has joined the ranks of others moving away from the use of the drug.France had authorized limited use of the drug on patients in serious condition and had included it in several clinical trials. But now the country has joined the ranks of others moving away from the use of the drug.
An observational study published in the The Lancet last week found that virus patients who received the drug were more likely to have abnormal heart rhythms, and also more likely to die.An observational study published in the The Lancet last week found that virus patients who received the drug were more likely to have abnormal heart rhythms, and also more likely to die.
Mr. Trump said earlier this month that he had taken the drug to try to ward off the virus, despite the lack of evidence that it works against Covid-19 and an earlier safety warnings about the drug issued by the Food and Drug Administration.Mr. Trump said earlier this month that he had taken the drug to try to ward off the virus, despite the lack of evidence that it works against Covid-19 and an earlier safety warnings about the drug issued by the Food and Drug Administration.
The president of El Salvador on Tuesday said that he is taking the drug in hopes of warding off the coronavirus.The president of El Salvador on Tuesday said that he is taking the drug in hopes of warding off the coronavirus.
“I use it as a prophylaxis, President Trump uses it as a prophylaxis, most of the world’s leaders use it as a prophylaxis,” Reuters quoted the Salvadoran president, Nayib Bukele, as saying on Tuesday. (In fact, few if any other world leaders have said they take the drug.)“I use it as a prophylaxis, President Trump uses it as a prophylaxis, most of the world’s leaders use it as a prophylaxis,” Reuters quoted the Salvadoran president, Nayib Bukele, as saying on Tuesday. (In fact, few if any other world leaders have said they take the drug.)
Two of the world’s biggest economies said that they would pump trillions of dollars into propping up hard-hit businesses, industries and individuals.Two of the world’s biggest economies said that they would pump trillions of dollars into propping up hard-hit businesses, industries and individuals.
“The sheer volume of panic attacks, nightmares and tears that have been related to me in the past two weeks is staggering,” Joshua McCartney, a senior at Denison University, wrote to the school provost in a letter signed by 23 other students.“The sheer volume of panic attacks, nightmares and tears that have been related to me in the past two weeks is staggering,” Joshua McCartney, a senior at Denison University, wrote to the school provost in a letter signed by 23 other students.
Stress and college seem to go hand in hand, but the sudden emptying out of campuses has increased the anxiety for many students, who find themselves isolated from peers, packed together with parents and worried about the future.Stress and college seem to go hand in hand, but the sudden emptying out of campuses has increased the anxiety for many students, who find themselves isolated from peers, packed together with parents and worried about the future.
Most people are resilient, and sadness and anxiety can be an understandable reaction to this wrenching moment.Most people are resilient, and sadness and anxiety can be an understandable reaction to this wrenching moment.
Still, Mr. McCartney said his friends could testify to these feelings.Still, Mr. McCartney said his friends could testify to these feelings.
“I have lost my support network,” one said. “I just spent an hour crying,” said another. “I don’t think I can do this much more,” said a third.“I have lost my support network,” one said. “I just spent an hour crying,” said another. “I don’t think I can do this much more,” said a third.
The provost responded to Mr. McCartney, telling him that she, too, was having adjustment problems.The provost responded to Mr. McCartney, telling him that she, too, was having adjustment problems.
Mr. McCartney is sheltering in a little room in an empty summer camp his family operates. In some ways, it is a cozy setup. But he still feels trapped.Mr. McCartney is sheltering in a little room in an empty summer camp his family operates. In some ways, it is a cozy setup. But he still feels trapped.
“I spend all day in this room,” he said.“I spend all day in this room,” he said.
About a week ago, Mr. McCartney celebrated his commencement online, with family members dropping in remotely. It was a happy event, but he felt anxious as soon as it was over. Medical school beckons in the future, but he is not sure what to do right now.About a week ago, Mr. McCartney celebrated his commencement online, with family members dropping in remotely. It was a happy event, but he felt anxious as soon as it was over. Medical school beckons in the future, but he is not sure what to do right now.
“Everything has been ended — closed or canceled or disallowed,” he said.“Everything has been ended — closed or canceled or disallowed,” he said.
All this time with your family may have led to greater feelings of connectedness. Or maybe you are experiencing the opposite: more bickering, fighting and frustrations. Here is some advice for getting through those rough patches.All this time with your family may have led to greater feelings of connectedness. Or maybe you are experiencing the opposite: more bickering, fighting and frustrations. Here is some advice for getting through those rough patches.
Reporting was contributed by Maggie Astor, Brookes Barnes, Karen Barrow, Alan Blinder, Emily Cochrane, Lindsey Rogers Cook, Michael Cooper, Jill Cowan, Andrew Das, Nicholas Fandos, Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura, Matt Furber, Michael Gold, Erica L. Green, Chris Hamby, Amy Harmon, Anemona Hartocollis, Winnie Hu, Julia Jacobs, Sarah Mervosh, Claire Cain Miller, Matt Phillips, Michael S. Schmidt, Mitch Smith, Kaly Soto, Jennifer Steinhauer, Matt Stevens, Eileen Sullivan, David Waldstein and Billy Witz. Reporting was contributed by Maggie Astor, Brookes Barnes, Karen Barrow, Alan Blinder, Emily Cochrane, Lindsey Rogers Cook, Michael Cooper, Jill Cowan, Andrew Das, Nicholas Fandos, Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura, Matt Furber, Michael Gold, Erica L. Green, Chris Hamby, Maggie Haberman, Amy Harmon, Anemona Hartocollis, Winnie Hu, Julia Jacobs, Sarah Mervosh, Claire Cain Miller, Matt Phillips, Michael S. Schmidt, Mitch Smith, Kaly Soto, Jennifer Steinhauer, Matt Stevens, Eileen Sullivan, David Waldstein and Billy Witz.