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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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The Democratic governors of Michigan and Colorado testified that the Trump administration failed to support testing efforts in their states.The Democratic governors of Michigan and Colorado testified that the Trump administration failed to support testing efforts in their states.
Wuhan, China, finished its push to test almost all of its 11 million residents. Officials said they found about 300 infections, all asymptomatic.Wuhan, China, finished its push to test almost all of its 11 million residents. Officials said they found about 300 infections, all asymptomatic.
Get the latest updates here, as well as maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.Get the latest updates here, as well as maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.
It has been at least six months since the novel coronavirus began replicating in human beings.It has been at least six months since the novel coronavirus began replicating in human beings.
To mark the moment, our colleague Alan Burdick, a science editor, wrote a sweeping profile of the virus that explores its origins in Earth’s primordial protein soup, as well as its possible future.To mark the moment, our colleague Alan Burdick, a science editor, wrote a sweeping profile of the virus that explores its origins in Earth’s primordial protein soup, as well as its possible future.
“I approached this as if I were writing a magazine profile of a celebrity and I needed to talk to the people who know this person,” Alan told us. “And one of the questions that I asked the scientists that I spoke to was, ‘How do you picture this thing?’”“I approached this as if I were writing a magazine profile of a celebrity and I needed to talk to the people who know this person,” Alan told us. “And one of the questions that I asked the scientists that I spoke to was, ‘How do you picture this thing?’”
While President Trump has described the virus as a “genius,” “a hidden enemy” and a “monster,” Alan told us that a better description is a microscopic photocopy machine, model SARS-CoV-2.While President Trump has described the virus as a “genius,” “a hidden enemy” and a “monster,” Alan told us that a better description is a microscopic photocopy machine, model SARS-CoV-2.
We asked Alan to share a few more thoughts on the virus.We asked Alan to share a few more thoughts on the virus.
What was your biggest ‘aha moment’ while reporting?What was your biggest ‘aha moment’ while reporting?
Unlike previous SARS viruses, which tended to settle deeper in the respiratory system, this one tends to settle in the upper respiratory system — in your nose and throat. That means that it tends to spread with your voice, in addition to coughs and sneezes. And when you look at where a lot of the major super-spreader events have occurred, it’s places like churches where folks are singing. It’s meatpacking plants where people have to talk really loud. It’s sports arenas. It’s call centers. And I realized, holy cow, this is a virus that is ideally adapted to human conversation.Unlike previous SARS viruses, which tended to settle deeper in the respiratory system, this one tends to settle in the upper respiratory system — in your nose and throat. That means that it tends to spread with your voice, in addition to coughs and sneezes. And when you look at where a lot of the major super-spreader events have occurred, it’s places like churches where folks are singing. It’s meatpacking plants where people have to talk really loud. It’s sports arenas. It’s call centers. And I realized, holy cow, this is a virus that is ideally adapted to human conversation.
And yet, you write that the virus isn’t perfect.And yet, you write that the virus isn’t perfect.
That’s right. All viruses make mistakes when they make copies of themselves, but this one doesn’t make as many mistakes, or mutations — around two a month on average. Which is good for us because we are working really hard to make vaccines and drugs that would target specific aspects of this virus. And we can be pretty confident that whatever we cook up won’t be outdated six months from now because the virus has mutated again and become resistant.That’s right. All viruses make mistakes when they make copies of themselves, but this one doesn’t make as many mistakes, or mutations — around two a month on average. Which is good for us because we are working really hard to make vaccines and drugs that would target specific aspects of this virus. And we can be pretty confident that whatever we cook up won’t be outdated six months from now because the virus has mutated again and become resistant.
Scientists have managed to learn a lot about the coronavirus in six months, but much remains a mystery. Our colleagues on the health and science desk have rounded up what we know and still don’t know about the virus.Scientists have managed to learn a lot about the coronavirus in six months, but much remains a mystery. Our colleagues on the health and science desk have rounded up what we know and still don’t know about the virus.
One insight: Even when a vaccine becomes available, it may not lead to herd immunity. That’s because antibodies for viruses that infect mucosal surfaces, as the coronavirus does, tend to be short-lived. Historically, vaccines against respiratory illnesses have not been very effective — hence why we still catch the flu, despite widespread vaccination.One insight: Even when a vaccine becomes available, it may not lead to herd immunity. That’s because antibodies for viruses that infect mucosal surfaces, as the coronavirus does, tend to be short-lived. Historically, vaccines against respiratory illnesses have not been very effective — hence why we still catch the flu, despite widespread vaccination.
One unknown: Who was patient zero? At least one genetic scientist has argued that the virus could have started infecting humans long before late last year — when the first outbreak, in Wuhan, China, emerged — in a form that did not cause illness. It might have then spread while evolving into the version we know today. If that’s the case, we may not know the true patient zero for a very long time, if ever.One unknown: Who was patient zero? At least one genetic scientist has argued that the virus could have started infecting humans long before late last year — when the first outbreak, in Wuhan, China, emerged — in a form that did not cause illness. It might have then spread while evolving into the version we know today. If that’s the case, we may not know the true patient zero for a very long time, if ever.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 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. 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.
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.
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.
France has allowed cafes and restaurants to open their outdoor terraces, lifted domestic travel restrictions and permitted sunbathing on beaches.France has allowed cafes and restaurants to open their outdoor terraces, lifted domestic travel restrictions and permitted sunbathing on beaches.
Louisiana will start easing restrictions on Friday, allowing churches, malls, bars, theaters and other venues to increase capacity to 50 percent, but New Orleans will not follow the state’s lead.Louisiana will start easing restrictions on Friday, allowing churches, malls, bars, theaters and other venues to increase capacity to 50 percent, but New Orleans will not follow the state’s lead.
The British Parliament has returned to pre-pandemic rules that require in-person voting, leading lawmakers to wait in a socially distanced line about a half-mile long.The British Parliament has returned to pre-pandemic rules that require in-person voting, leading lawmakers to wait in a socially distanced line about a half-mile long.
Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states.
The four large countries where cases have recently been increasing fastest — Brazil, the U.S., Russia and Britain — have something in common: populist male leaders who cast themselves as anti-elite and anti-establishment.The four large countries where cases have recently been increasing fastest — Brazil, the U.S., Russia and Britain — have something in common: populist male leaders who cast themselves as anti-elite and anti-establishment.
In our Opinion section, two epidemiologists present a study that found 20 percent of Covid-19 cases had accounted for 80 percent of transmissions.In our Opinion section, two epidemiologists present a study that found 20 percent of Covid-19 cases had accounted for 80 percent of transmissions.
In China, the virus has fueled racism against black Americans, who have gotten little help from the State Department.In China, the virus has fueled racism against black Americans, who have gotten little help from the State Department.
Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world, will not allow its citizens to travel to Mecca for the hajj this year.Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world, will not allow its citizens to travel to Mecca for the hajj this year.
Brian Brooks, the acting head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, warned that requiring masks could lead to more bank robberies.Brian Brooks, the acting head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, warned that requiring masks could lead to more bank robberies.
I have been writing letters to my loved ones with anecdotes, questions, musings and prompts. I fold and seal every one with wax. Each letter is a reminder of why I care for the person receiving it, and the responses keep my spirits high and give me something to look forward to.I have been writing letters to my loved ones with anecdotes, questions, musings and prompts. I fold and seal every one with wax. Each letter is a reminder of why I care for the person receiving it, and the responses keep my spirits high and give me something to look forward to.
— Camille Okhio, Brooklyn— Camille Okhio, Brooklyn
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.
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