This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/27/us/coronavirus-today.html

The article has changed 32 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
(3 days later)
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.
Deaths from the coronavirus in the U.S. have passed 100,000, according to a Times database.Deaths from the coronavirus in the U.S. have passed 100,000, according to a Times database.
Disney announced that its Florida theme parks would reopen in mid-July.Disney announced that its Florida theme parks would reopen in mid-July.
California became the fourth state with at least 100,000 known cases.California became the fourth state with at least 100,000 known cases.
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.
This afternoon we received a grim note from Mitch Smith, one of the reporters who keep track of The Times’s database of coronavirus-related deaths: “We crossed 100,000 known deaths at about 3:40 E.T. with new data from Illinois.”This afternoon we received a grim note from Mitch Smith, one of the reporters who keep track of The Times’s database of coronavirus-related deaths: “We crossed 100,000 known deaths at about 3:40 E.T. with new data from Illinois.”
One hundred thousand deaths. It’s a staggering toll, larger than the number of American casualties in every military conflict since the Korean War. As we pass this milestone — one that, just last month, President Trump predicted we would never reach — we are reminded how quickly this all happened, and how incomplete our knowledge of the virus remains.One hundred thousand deaths. It’s a staggering toll, larger than the number of American casualties in every military conflict since the Korean War. As we pass this milestone — one that, just last month, President Trump predicted we would never reach — we are reminded how quickly this all happened, and how incomplete our knowledge of the virus remains.
A new study revises the timeline for when the virus began to spread in the West. According to an analysis of the virus’s genome, the earliest known infections in the United States and Europe petered out before they could ignite outbreaks. Instead, the study says, the pandemic was seeded weeks later by a different set of infections.A new study revises the timeline for when the virus began to spread in the West. According to an analysis of the virus’s genome, the earliest known infections in the United States and Europe petered out before they could ignite outbreaks. Instead, the study says, the pandemic was seeded weeks later by a different set of infections.
Carl Zimmer, who writes about science for The Times, said the study demonstrated that most people who get the virus do not end up passing it on; rather, outbreaks stem from a small number of super-spreaders.Carl Zimmer, who writes about science for The Times, said the study demonstrated that most people who get the virus do not end up passing it on; rather, outbreaks stem from a small number of super-spreaders.
“The virus probably arrived a number of times in the United States, before the virus showed up that really set off some of these big outbreaks,” Carl told us.“The virus probably arrived a number of times in the United States, before the virus showed up that really set off some of these big outbreaks,” Carl told us.
If correct, the study backs up what public health experts have been arguing for months: that in order to identify the people who could become super-spreaders, we needed rigorous contact tracing and testing early on.If correct, the study backs up what public health experts have been arguing for months: that in order to identify the people who could become super-spreaders, we needed rigorous contact tracing and testing early on.
“If there had been large-scale testing in the United States, as there was in South Korea, we could have seen these little sparks of the virus showing up and could have kept an eye on them to see if any were leading to outbreaks,” Carl said. “Instead, scientists are having to be historians now.”“If there had been large-scale testing in the United States, as there was in South Korea, we could have seen these little sparks of the virus showing up and could have kept an eye on them to see if any were leading to outbreaks,” Carl said. “Instead, scientists are having to be historians now.”
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.
They saw it coming over a decade ago: Government-supported researchers predicted that a pandemic would one day cause a severe shortage of medical masks. To prepare, multiple federal agencies urged hospitals and policymakers to consider stockpiling elastomeric respirators — industrial masks that can be cleaned and reused, and are certified to protect as well as N95 masks. But the warnings went unheeded.They saw it coming over a decade ago: Government-supported researchers predicted that a pandemic would one day cause a severe shortage of medical masks. To prepare, multiple federal agencies urged hospitals and policymakers to consider stockpiling elastomeric respirators — industrial masks that can be cleaned and reused, and are certified to protect as well as N95 masks. But the warnings went unheeded.
Now, even as U.S. hospitals face a severe shortage of N95s, the Trump administration has not tried to produce or distribute more elastomerics, a Times investigation found. At the same time, federal regulators have allowed single-use N95s to be worn multiple times and cleaned using unproven decontamination methods.Now, even as U.S. hospitals face a severe shortage of N95s, the Trump administration has not tried to produce or distribute more elastomerics, a Times investigation found. At the same time, federal regulators have allowed single-use N95s to be worn multiple times and cleaned using unproven decontamination methods.
While elastomerics have practical challenges, like fitting and cleaning, they have failed to catch on largely because of their industrial look and a general reluctance to consider alternatives to N95s, which had been cheap and plentiful before the coronavirus struck.While elastomerics have practical challenges, like fitting and cleaning, they have failed to catch on largely because of their industrial look and a general reluctance to consider alternatives to N95s, which had been cheap and plentiful before the coronavirus struck.
But administrators at hospitals where elastomerics are being used have credited them with helping to prevent shortages of protective equipment, and health care workers have praised them.But administrators at hospitals where elastomerics are being used have credited them with helping to prevent shortages of protective equipment, and health care workers have praised them.
Maggie Astor, one of our political reporters based in New York, became sick with Covid-19 in late March. She wrote about the ordeal and shared some valuable insight, especially on how to maintain a healthy state of mind during the illness:Maggie Astor, one of our political reporters based in New York, became sick with Covid-19 in late March. She wrote about the ordeal and shared some valuable insight, especially on how to maintain a healthy state of mind during the illness:
Having Covid-19 is intensely stressful. It’s not unusual to feel depressed or anxious, or to have panic attacks. Don’t be embarrassed to talk to your doctor about your mental health — it’s just as important as your physical health.Having Covid-19 is intensely stressful. It’s not unusual to feel depressed or anxious, or to have panic attacks. Don’t be embarrassed to talk to your doctor about your mental health — it’s just as important as your physical health.
It’s also OK to not be OK. You don’t have to handle this “well,” whatever that means. You just have to get through each day. So go ahead and cry, binge Netflix, do a jigsaw puzzle, reread the entire “Animorphs” series — whatever gets you through the day.It’s also OK to not be OK. You don’t have to handle this “well,” whatever that means. You just have to get through each day. So go ahead and cry, binge Netflix, do a jigsaw puzzle, reread the entire “Animorphs” series — whatever gets you through the day.
Some people have mild symptoms for the first few days and then suddenly get sicker. Some have fevers that go up and down repeatedly. Some are sick for two weeks straight, then have a few symptom-free days, then relapse. Some have lingering symptoms for months.Some people have mild symptoms for the first few days and then suddenly get sicker. Some have fevers that go up and down repeatedly. Some are sick for two weeks straight, then have a few symptom-free days, then relapse. Some have lingering symptoms for months.
This is both maddening and very common. Give yourself as much time to rest as your job and financial situation will allow.This is both maddening and very common. Give yourself as much time to rest as your job and financial situation will allow.
The National Hockey League announced a plan to complete its season, with a 24-team playoff tournament hosted in empty arenas in two hub cities.The National Hockey League announced a plan to complete its season, with a 24-team playoff tournament hosted in empty arenas in two hub cities.
Spain began 10 days of national mourning for victims of the virus. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez waited to begin the period until the whole country had entered its first reopening phase.Spain began 10 days of national mourning for victims of the virus. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez waited to begin the period until the whole country had entered its first reopening phase.
After months of lockdown, many people in Italy are hitting the beach, and some are flouting social-distancing measures.After months of lockdown, many people in Italy are hitting the beach, and some are flouting social-distancing measures.
In Switzerland, events of up to 300 people and spontaneous gatherings of up to 30 will be allowed starting June 6.In Switzerland, events of up to 300 people and spontaneous gatherings of up to 30 will be allowed starting June 6.
Here’s a roundup of reopenings and restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of reopenings and restrictions in all 50 states.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
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.
Take time to disconnect. Overcome Zoom fatigue by designating certain times of the day to be device-free. If you want to decline a call, you don’t need a big excuse — just be honest.Take time to disconnect. Overcome Zoom fatigue by designating certain times of the day to be device-free. If you want to decline a call, you don’t need a big excuse — just be honest.
Have a good first date. Getting to know someone virtually? It’s helpful to start with your cameras off, come prepared with a few questions and have a loose plan for the meetup.Have a good first date. Getting to know someone virtually? It’s helpful to start with your cameras off, come prepared with a few questions and have a loose plan for the meetup.
Prepare your pup for alone time. Dogs may experience behavioral issues once their owners start leaving home more often. Help transition them to a less social life by leaving them in a familiar safe space and finding new ways to engage their brains.Prepare your pup for alone time. Dogs may experience behavioral issues once their owners start leaving home more often. Help transition them to a less social life by leaving them in a familiar safe space and finding new ways to engage their brains.
Only half of Americans say they plan to get a coronavirus vaccination when one arrives, according to a survey by The Associated Press and the National Opinion Research Center.Only half of Americans say they plan to get a coronavirus vaccination when one arrives, according to a survey by The Associated Press and the National Opinion Research Center.
France is no longer allowing hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for Covid-19 patients.France is no longer allowing hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for Covid-19 patients.
The United States is on the precipice of a compounding crisis of evictions, as protections and payments extended to millions of renters begin to run out.The United States is on the precipice of a compounding crisis of evictions, as protections and payments extended to millions of renters begin to run out.
The U.S. House of Representatives held its first partly remote vote, using a new proxy voting system instituted for the pandemic.The U.S. House of Representatives held its first partly remote vote, using a new proxy voting system instituted for the pandemic.
A Michelin-starred chef is helping to feed the destitute in India who have suffered during coronavirus lockdowns.A Michelin-starred chef is helping to feed the destitute in India who have suffered during coronavirus lockdowns.
I shop for two other senior families. When shopping, I take my iPhone and do FaceTime with one of the family members, walk around the store, and they can see the products. It’s like they’re right there with me in a virtual sense, picking out their own groceries.I shop for two other senior families. When shopping, I take my iPhone and do FaceTime with one of the family members, walk around the store, and they can see the products. It’s like they’re right there with me in a virtual sense, picking out their own groceries.
— Lynne Shapiro, Brea, Calif.— Lynne Shapiro, Brea, Calif.
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
Sign up here to get the briefing by email.Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
Carole Landry contributed reporting.Carole Landry contributed reporting.