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Coronavirus Live Updates: Cases Worldwide Multiply at Fastest Pace Yet Coronavirus Live Updates: The Number of New Cases Is Growing Faster Than Ever Worldwide
(32 minutes later)
KEY DATA OF THE DAY
The coronavirus pandemic is ebbing in some of the countries that were hit hard early on, but the number of new cases is growing faster than ever worldwide, with more than 100,000 reported each day.The coronavirus pandemic is ebbing in some of the countries that were hit hard early on, but the number of new cases is growing faster than ever worldwide, with more than 100,000 reported each day.
Twice as many countries have reported a rise in new cases over the past two weeks as have reported declines, according to a New York Times database. On May 30, more new cases were reported in a single day worldwide than ever before: 134,064. The increase has been driven by emerging hot spots in Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.Twice as many countries have reported a rise in new cases over the past two weeks as have reported declines, according to a New York Times database. On May 30, more new cases were reported in a single day worldwide than ever before: 134,064. The increase has been driven by emerging hot spots in Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Over all, there have been more than 6.3 million reported cases worldwide and more than 380,000 known deaths. More than a quarter of all known deaths have been in the United States. But the geography of the pandemic is changing quickly.Over all, there have been more than 6.3 million reported cases worldwide and more than 380,000 known deaths. More than a quarter of all known deaths have been in the United States. But the geography of the pandemic is changing quickly.
The increases in some countries can be attributed to improved testing programs. But in many places, it appears that the virus has only now arrived with a wide scope and fatal force. Here is a look at some of the countries where the number of new cases has been doubling every two to three weeks.The increases in some countries can be attributed to improved testing programs. But in many places, it appears that the virus has only now arrived with a wide scope and fatal force. Here is a look at some of the countries where the number of new cases has been doubling every two to three weeks.
The death toll in Brazil, Latin America’s largest country, passed 30,000 on Tuesday, when officials reported 1,262 deaths, which was the nation’s highest one-day total. President Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly minimized the threat, said, “We are sorry for all the dead, but that’s everyone’s destiny.” Brazil now has more than half a million known cases, second only to the United States.The death toll in Brazil, Latin America’s largest country, passed 30,000 on Tuesday, when officials reported 1,262 deaths, which was the nation’s highest one-day total. President Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly minimized the threat, said, “We are sorry for all the dead, but that’s everyone’s destiny.” Brazil now has more than half a million known cases, second only to the United States.
But it has no health minister: Two were forced out in less than a month after they balked at expanding the use of hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug promoted by President Trump and subsequently Mr. Bolsonaro that has not been proved effective against the virus. And despite the growing number of cases and hospitals that are close to capacity, businesses have started reopening in major cities, including Rio de Janeiro, Manaus and Vitória.But it has no health minister: Two were forced out in less than a month after they balked at expanding the use of hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug promoted by President Trump and subsequently Mr. Bolsonaro that has not been proved effective against the virus. And despite the growing number of cases and hospitals that are close to capacity, businesses have started reopening in major cities, including Rio de Janeiro, Manaus and Vitória.
Peru has more than 170,000 confirmed cases, despite taking the virus seriously early on. The president, Martín Vizcarra, ordered one of the first national lockdowns in South America. Though the official virus death toll stands at around 5,000, Peru had 14,000 more deaths than usual in May, suggesting that a growing number of people are dying at home as hospitals struggle to handle a flood of cases.Peru has more than 170,000 confirmed cases, despite taking the virus seriously early on. The president, Martín Vizcarra, ordered one of the first national lockdowns in South America. Though the official virus death toll stands at around 5,000, Peru had 14,000 more deaths than usual in May, suggesting that a growing number of people are dying at home as hospitals struggle to handle a flood of cases.
The pandemic provoked an exodus from Lima, the capital, as people unable to work fled by bus, and even by foot, to family farms. It is widely expected that the number of new cases and of deaths will continue to rise in coming weeks as winter nears and the economy slowly reopens.The pandemic provoked an exodus from Lima, the capital, as people unable to work fled by bus, and even by foot, to family farms. It is widely expected that the number of new cases and of deaths will continue to rise in coming weeks as winter nears and the economy slowly reopens.
For months, Egypt, the Arab world’s most populous country, seemed to avoid the worst of the pandemic. In early March, Egypt confirmed 45 cases on a Nile tour boat in the area, among both crew and passengers. But recently the number of cases there has been rising significantly, reaching 27,536 on Tuesday.For months, Egypt, the Arab world’s most populous country, seemed to avoid the worst of the pandemic. In early March, Egypt confirmed 45 cases on a Nile tour boat in the area, among both crew and passengers. But recently the number of cases there has been rising significantly, reaching 27,536 on Tuesday.
The recent death of a young doctor, who was denied treatment for Covid-19 at an overwhelmed hospital, ignited a revolt by members of the medical staff. They said the government had failed to provide adequate protective equipment and training to front-line workers.The recent death of a young doctor, who was denied treatment for Covid-19 at an overwhelmed hospital, ignited a revolt by members of the medical staff. They said the government had failed to provide adequate protective equipment and training to front-line workers.
With more than 35,000 confirmed infections, the most in Africa, South Africa still has a growing number of new cases, despite enacting a strict lockdown in March that included a ban on the sale of tobacco and alcohol. The prohibition was lifted this month even though the total number of cases continued to rise.With more than 35,000 confirmed infections, the most in Africa, South Africa still has a growing number of new cases, despite enacting a strict lockdown in March that included a ban on the sale of tobacco and alcohol. The prohibition was lifted this month even though the total number of cases continued to rise.
Bangladesh now has 55,000 known cases, and its troubles were compounded last month by Cyclone Amphan, a deadly storm that tore through communities under lockdown.Bangladesh now has 55,000 known cases, and its troubles were compounded last month by Cyclone Amphan, a deadly storm that tore through communities under lockdown.
This week, the country reported its first death from Covid-19 in a refugee camp: A 71-year-old Rohingya man died May 31 while receiving treatment in an isolation center. His death raised fears about the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees who, after fleeing Myanmar, live in camps with tightly packed tents and shacks.This week, the country reported its first death from Covid-19 in a refugee camp: A 71-year-old Rohingya man died May 31 while receiving treatment in an isolation center. His death raised fears about the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees who, after fleeing Myanmar, live in camps with tightly packed tents and shacks.
Even as more states reopen and some businesses slowly start to rehire, 1.9 million people filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the Labor Department reported today.Even as more states reopen and some businesses slowly start to rehire, 1.9 million people filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week, the Labor Department reported today.
The tally continues to decline from the more than six million who submitted applications in a single week in March. Still, it underlines the persistent strain that the pandemic has had on the economy and the long climb back that lies ahead.The tally continues to decline from the more than six million who submitted applications in a single week in March. Still, it underlines the persistent strain that the pandemic has had on the economy and the long climb back that lies ahead.
In addition, 623,000 new claims were filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, the federal program intended to help freelancers, gig workers, the self-employed and others not normally eligible for state jobless benefits.In addition, 623,000 new claims were filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, the federal program intended to help freelancers, gig workers, the self-employed and others not normally eligible for state jobless benefits.
The job market is “crawling out of the hole now,” said Torsten Slok, chief economist at Deutsche Bank Securities. “We do have the worst behind us,” he said.The job market is “crawling out of the hole now,” said Torsten Slok, chief economist at Deutsche Bank Securities. “We do have the worst behind us,” he said.
But for many jobless workers, stability remains a distant prospect. On Friday, the government will report the unemployment rate for May, which economists expect will have increased from 14.7 percent in April.But for many jobless workers, stability remains a distant prospect. On Friday, the government will report the unemployment rate for May, which economists expect will have increased from 14.7 percent in April.
Companies are still laying off employees, most likely moving from the restaurant workers and hotel employees who lost their jobs early in the pandemic to people in management positions, economists said. And state unemployment offices are wading through a backlog of claims, processing older applications that may only now be appearing in official counts.Companies are still laying off employees, most likely moving from the restaurant workers and hotel employees who lost their jobs early in the pandemic to people in management positions, economists said. And state unemployment offices are wading through a backlog of claims, processing older applications that may only now be appearing in official counts.
And some employees who have been told they can return to work are concerned about the health risks. Raising these concerns with employers has drawn painful reprisals: Some are losing their jobs if they try to stay home, and thousands more are being reported to the state to have their unemployment benefits cut off.And some employees who have been told they can return to work are concerned about the health risks. Raising these concerns with employers has drawn painful reprisals: Some are losing their jobs if they try to stay home, and thousands more are being reported to the state to have their unemployment benefits cut off.
Iran has freed Michael R. White, a Navy veteran who had been held in that country for nearly two years, his mother announced on Thursday.Iran has freed Michael R. White, a Navy veteran who had been held in that country for nearly two years, his mother announced on Thursday.
Mr. White, a cancer patient who was infected with the coronavirus while in prison, had been temporarily released in late March as part of a furlough to help control the contagion, which is raging through Iran. He had been in the custody of the Switzerland Embassy in Tehran.Mr. White, a cancer patient who was infected with the coronavirus while in prison, had been temporarily released in late March as part of a furlough to help control the contagion, which is raging through Iran. He had been in the custody of the Switzerland Embassy in Tehran.
His release came a day after an Iranian scientist held in the United States was returned to Iran. The scientist, Sirous Asgari, 59, had also tested positive for the coronavirus while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.His release came a day after an Iranian scientist held in the United States was returned to Iran. The scientist, Sirous Asgari, 59, had also tested positive for the coronavirus while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
American officials had insisted the two cases were not linked. But Iranian officials had suggested that once Mr. Asgari was back in Iran, they would look favorably at permitting Mr. White to go home.American officials had insisted the two cases were not linked. But Iranian officials had suggested that once Mr. Asgari was back in Iran, they would look favorably at permitting Mr. White to go home.
Mr. White had been convicted in 2018 on charges of insulting Iran’s supreme leader and for privacy violations. He had traveled to Iran to meet a woman whom his family said he had met and fallen in love with on the internet.Mr. White had been convicted in 2018 on charges of insulting Iran’s supreme leader and for privacy violations. He had traveled to Iran to meet a woman whom his family said he had met and fallen in love with on the internet.
Mr. Asgari was acquitted in federal court on charges of stealing trade secrets in violation of sanctions while on a sabbatical visit at an American university in Ohio. ICE agents detained him for deportation after his case had been dismissed.Mr. Asgari was acquitted in federal court on charges of stealing trade secrets in violation of sanctions while on a sabbatical visit at an American university in Ohio. ICE agents detained him for deportation after his case had been dismissed.
U.S. Round Up
Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City said on Thursday that the city could begin a second phase of reopening “as early as the beginning of July,” in which offices, stores and personal-service businesses like barber shops could reopen with restrictions, and restaurants could offer outdoor dining.Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City said on Thursday that the city could begin a second phase of reopening “as early as the beginning of July,” in which offices, stores and personal-service businesses like barber shops could reopen with restrictions, and restaurants could offer outdoor dining.
The city has yet to begin the first phase of the state-governed reopening process, but the mayor has reiterated that the city was on track to do so on Monday. The city has yet to start reopening at all, but the mayor has reiterated that the city was on track to begin the first phase on Monday.
In Phase 1, many nonessential retail stores can open for curbside pickup, and construction and manufacturing can resume. Under state guidelines, regions in Phase 1 that continue to meet health-related benchmarks can enter Phase 2 after two weeks. After seven days of crowded, mostly peaceful protests against racism and police brutality in New York City, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said that the state’s testing criteria were being expanded to include anyone who had participated in the protests and encouraged people to tested. The city announced universal testing earlier this week. Mr. Cuomo also said that protesters should inform others that they had been to a protest and to behave as if they had been exposed. Statewide, there were an additional 52 virus-related deaths, the governor said.
After several days of crowded, mostly peaceful protests against racism and police brutality, Mr. Cuomo said that the state’s testing criteria was being expanded to everyone who had participated in the protests and encouraged people to tested. The city announced universal testing earlier this week. The governor also said that protesters should inform others that they had been to a protest and to behave as if they had been exposed. As more Americans return to offices and stores after months stuck indoors, new coronavirus clusters continue to emerge. Here’s a look around the rest of the country.
Statewide, there were an additional 52 virus-related deaths, the governor said. In northeastern Mississippi, a recent funeral spread the virus to at least nine people, some of whom were from other states. In Arkansas, at least 35 people at a factory that makes boots became ill. And in Kansas City, Mo., health officials announced a cluster this week of more than 200 employees at a facility that makes paper plates and cups.
Most of the largest case groupings remain in nursing homes, prisons and food processing facilities, all places where social distancing is difficult. But as more of the country reopens, and as testing and contact tracing capabilities expand, outbreaks are emerging in new settings.
At least 26 workers on a construction site in Augusta, Maine, tested positive, along with at least 24 people at a Walmart distribution center in Colorado and at least 16 at a convenience store in Kansas. In Macon County, N.C., the site of recent outbreaks at a church and an inn, officials last week urged people to maintain social distancing even as restrictions eased.
Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is testifying Thursday in front of a House health subcommittee, a rare congressional appearance by a top federal health official. The hearing, which will cover the coronavirus, comes as the C.D.C. is under increasing scrutiny by lawmakers over a halting response to the pandemic.Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is testifying Thursday in front of a House health subcommittee, a rare congressional appearance by a top federal health official. The hearing, which will cover the coronavirus, comes as the C.D.C. is under increasing scrutiny by lawmakers over a halting response to the pandemic.
Members of the House Appropriations Committee’s panel that oversees health spending will likely drill down on a series of significant early mistakes the C.D.C. made dating back to February, including shipping faulty test kits, that contributed to a cascade of problems. The New York Times reported this week that the agency was also hindered by slow and dated technology, failing to provide timely counts of infections and deaths. And it hesitated to recommend new guidelines as it learned more about how silent carriers spread the infection.Members of the House Appropriations Committee’s panel that oversees health spending will likely drill down on a series of significant early mistakes the C.D.C. made dating back to February, including shipping faulty test kits, that contributed to a cascade of problems. The New York Times reported this week that the agency was also hindered by slow and dated technology, failing to provide timely counts of infections and deaths. And it hesitated to recommend new guidelines as it learned more about how silent carriers spread the infection.
Congress has also repeatedly questioned Dr. Redfield in the past year about improving the agency’s surveillance systems. In February, the C.D.C. announced plans to test samples from people with flulike symptoms to determine whether the virus was spreading undetected. But after disagreements over how to proceed, it did not start.Congress has also repeatedly questioned Dr. Redfield in the past year about improving the agency’s surveillance systems. In February, the C.D.C. announced plans to test samples from people with flulike symptoms to determine whether the virus was spreading undetected. But after disagreements over how to proceed, it did not start.
Dr. Redfield and the top federal scientists at the C.D.C. have been largely quiet in recent months, and his appearance in the Democratic-led House is unusual given that Mr. Trump has suggested he is only inclined to cooperate with oversight requests from the Republican-controlled Senate. The White House has strictly limited the congressional and media appearances of federal health officials in charge of the coronavirus response, saying they must focus on confronting the virus.Dr. Redfield and the top federal scientists at the C.D.C. have been largely quiet in recent months, and his appearance in the Democratic-led House is unusual given that Mr. Trump has suggested he is only inclined to cooperate with oversight requests from the Republican-controlled Senate. The White House has strictly limited the congressional and media appearances of federal health officials in charge of the coronavirus response, saying they must focus on confronting the virus.
Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset, was suspended Thursday, and lawmakers and workers were told to stay away after a lawmaker said he had tested positive for the virus.Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset, was suspended Thursday, and lawmakers and workers were told to stay away after a lawmaker said he had tested positive for the virus.
Officials said they had begun an epidemiological investigation and would examine security-camera images to identify anyone who had come into close contact with the lawmaker, Sami Abou Shahadeh, a member of the predominantly Arab political alliance known as the Joint List.Officials said they had begun an epidemiological investigation and would examine security-camera images to identify anyone who had come into close contact with the lawmaker, Sami Abou Shahadeh, a member of the predominantly Arab political alliance known as the Joint List.
Shmulik Dahan, a Knesset spokesman, said the day’s two scheduled committee hearings were canceled but that the building had not been completely shut down. Normal activity would resume depending on the results of the epidemiological investigation, he said.Shmulik Dahan, a Knesset spokesman, said the day’s two scheduled committee hearings were canceled but that the building had not been completely shut down. Normal activity would resume depending on the results of the epidemiological investigation, he said.
Mr. Abou Shahadeh, 44, had been photographed in crowds without a mask at a protest over the fatal police shooting of Iyad Halak, an unarmed, autistic Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem who was killed Saturday, and while paying his respects at the Halak family’s mourning tent.Mr. Abou Shahadeh, 44, had been photographed in crowds without a mask at a protest over the fatal police shooting of Iyad Halak, an unarmed, autistic Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem who was killed Saturday, and while paying his respects at the Halak family’s mourning tent.
In an interview, Mr. Abou Shahadeh said that he had been urging Israelis for weeks to follow the government’s rules for curbing the virus, even as the public’s diligence ebbed.In an interview, Mr. Abou Shahadeh said that he had been urging Israelis for weeks to follow the government’s rules for curbing the virus, even as the public’s diligence ebbed.
“I did everything I could,” he said. “People are seizing on those two photos, but it was right after I’d done interviews. There are dozens of other photos where I am wearing a mask.”“I did everything I could,” he said. “People are seizing on those two photos, but it was right after I’d done interviews. There are dozens of other photos where I am wearing a mask.”
Mr. Abou Shahadeh said he and an aide, who tested positive after feeling tired last week, were not showing symptoms. “It could be that I’m just at the beginning, but I’m feeling well right now,” he said.Mr. Abou Shahadeh said he and an aide, who tested positive after feeling tired last week, were not showing symptoms. “It could be that I’m just at the beginning, but I’m feeling well right now,” he said.
He said he had mixed with large numbers of people, including at two large funerals on May 28. One of them was for Ayman Safiah, a well-known dancer whose body was found on the beach near Haifa.He said he had mixed with large numbers of people, including at two large funerals on May 28. One of them was for Ayman Safiah, a well-known dancer whose body was found on the beach near Haifa.
“I wore the mask at both funerals, except when Ayman’s mother spoke and I started to cry,” Mr. Abou Shahadeh said.“I wore the mask at both funerals, except when Ayman’s mother spoke and I started to cry,” Mr. Abou Shahadeh said.
Mr. Abou Shahadeh announced his diagnosis on Twitter on Wednesday night, appealing “to anyone who was in my immediate area to go into isolation and get tested.”Mr. Abou Shahadeh announced his diagnosis on Twitter on Wednesday night, appealing “to anyone who was in my immediate area to go into isolation and get tested.”
George Floyd had the virus in early April, nearly two months before he died in police custody, according to a full autopsy released by the Hennepin County medical examiner on Wednesday.George Floyd had the virus in early April, nearly two months before he died in police custody, according to a full autopsy released by the Hennepin County medical examiner on Wednesday.
Dr. Andrew M. Baker, the county’s top medical examiner, said that the Minnesota Department of Health had swabbed Mr. Floyd’s nose after his death, and that he had tested positive for the virus, but that it was likely a lasting positive result from his previous infection.Dr. Andrew M. Baker, the county’s top medical examiner, said that the Minnesota Department of Health had swabbed Mr. Floyd’s nose after his death, and that he had tested positive for the virus, but that it was likely a lasting positive result from his previous infection.
There is no indication that the virus played any role in his death, and Dr. Baker said Mr. Floyd was likely asymptomatic at the time of his death.There is no indication that the virus played any role in his death, and Dr. Baker said Mr. Floyd was likely asymptomatic at the time of his death.
Dr. Michael Baden, a former New York City medical examiner who was among two doctors who conducted a private autopsy for Mr. Floyd’s family last week, said county officials did not tell him that Mr. Floyd had tested positive.Dr. Michael Baden, a former New York City medical examiner who was among two doctors who conducted a private autopsy for Mr. Floyd’s family last week, said county officials did not tell him that Mr. Floyd had tested positive.
“The funeral director wasn’t told, and we weren’t told, and now a lot of people are running around trying to get tested,” Dr. Baden said. “If you do the autopsy and it’s positive for the coronavirus, it’s usual to tell everyone who is going to be in touch with the body. There would have been more care.”“The funeral director wasn’t told, and we weren’t told, and now a lot of people are running around trying to get tested,” Dr. Baden said. “If you do the autopsy and it’s positive for the coronavirus, it’s usual to tell everyone who is going to be in touch with the body. There would have been more care.”
The four police officers who were charged in Mr. Floyd’s death should also get tested, as should some of the witnesses, Dr. Baden said. “I’m not angry,” he said. “But there would have been more care.”The four police officers who were charged in Mr. Floyd’s death should also get tested, as should some of the witnesses, Dr. Baden said. “I’m not angry,” he said. “But there would have been more care.”
The traditional Bastille Day parade down the Champs-Élysées in Paris will be replaced by a smaller military ceremony because of the pandemic and will include a tribute to health workers, the French president’s office said on Thursday.The traditional Bastille Day parade down the Champs-Élysées in Paris will be replaced by a smaller military ceremony because of the pandemic and will include a tribute to health workers, the French president’s office said on Thursday.
“Given the exceptional situation that our country is currently going through and the uncertainties that remain as to the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic in the coming weeks, the July 14 national day celebrations will be maintained but adapted to the circumstances,” the office said in a statement.“Given the exceptional situation that our country is currently going through and the uncertainties that remain as to the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic in the coming weeks, the July 14 national day celebrations will be maintained but adapted to the circumstances,” the office said in a statement.
Every July 14, thousands of people crowd on the Champs-Élysées, the famous avenue that runs from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, to watch soldiers march by, tanks roll past and jets fly overhead. Mr. Trump attended in 2017.Every July 14, thousands of people crowd on the Champs-Élysées, the famous avenue that runs from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, to watch soldiers march by, tanks roll past and jets fly overhead. Mr. Trump attended in 2017.
There have been no signs of a second wave of infections in France so far, and restrictions have gradually been lifted.There have been no signs of a second wave of infections in France so far, and restrictions have gradually been lifted.
GLOBAL ROUND UPGLOBAL ROUND UP
Germans will receive 300 euros, or about $336, per child, pay less tax on daily items and be charged less for electricity, under a €130 billion, or about $146 billion, stimulus plan agreed to by Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government.Germans will receive 300 euros, or about $336, per child, pay less tax on daily items and be charged less for electricity, under a €130 billion, or about $146 billion, stimulus plan agreed to by Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government.
Ms. Merkel called the package, which was agreed to late Wednesday, a “bold response” to the pandemic downturn.Ms. Merkel called the package, which was agreed to late Wednesday, a “bold response” to the pandemic downturn.
The plan also includes €5.3 billion for the social security system, €10 billion to help municipalities cover housing and other costs and €1.9 billion for cultural institutions and nonprofits.The plan also includes €5.3 billion for the social security system, €10 billion to help municipalities cover housing and other costs and €1.9 billion for cultural institutions and nonprofits.
The plan requires new borrowing. Ms. Merkel’s government abandoned its adherence to a balanced budget in March, when it passed a €750 billion rescue package that included taking on more than €150 billion of fresh debt.The plan requires new borrowing. Ms. Merkel’s government abandoned its adherence to a balanced budget in March, when it passed a €750 billion rescue package that included taking on more than €150 billion of fresh debt.
“We need to get out of this crisis with an oomph,” the finance minister, Olaf Scholz, said. Here are some other developments from around the world.“We need to get out of this crisis with an oomph,” the finance minister, Olaf Scholz, said. Here are some other developments from around the world.
The authorities in Ecuador raided the home of former President Abdalá Bucaram on Wednesday as part of an investigation into racketeering and corruption related to the acquisition of medicine and protective equipment for the country’s hospitals during the pandemic.The authorities in Ecuador raided the home of former President Abdalá Bucaram on Wednesday as part of an investigation into racketeering and corruption related to the acquisition of medicine and protective equipment for the country’s hospitals during the pandemic.
Italians, who often have to fight through throngs of tourists just to walk the street, are getting to experience something they had only dreamed of: a tourist-free visit to some of the world’s greatest — and most popular — museums.Italians, who often have to fight through throngs of tourists just to walk the street, are getting to experience something they had only dreamed of: a tourist-free visit to some of the world’s greatest — and most popular — museums.
Turkey reopened border gates with Iran and Iraq to international freight transportation. The gates, Gurbulak, which links to Iran, and Habur, which links to Iraq, are the main crossings between Turkey and the two neighboring countries. After a ban on travel between major Turkish cities was lifted on June 1, about two million people hit the road, most of them going to holiday resorts in the south, the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported.Turkey reopened border gates with Iran and Iraq to international freight transportation. The gates, Gurbulak, which links to Iran, and Habur, which links to Iraq, are the main crossings between Turkey and the two neighboring countries. After a ban on travel between major Turkish cities was lifted on June 1, about two million people hit the road, most of them going to holiday resorts in the south, the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported.
Spain is pushing to reopen borders with France and Portugal on June 22 in a bid to fast-track its economic recovery. The Spanish government is planning to lift the state of emergency, which has been in place since mid-March, on June 21. Spain still has a 14-day quarantine order for visitors, which does not expire until July 1, leading a Portuguese minister to question this week why the border with Spain should open earlier than anticipated.Spain is pushing to reopen borders with France and Portugal on June 22 in a bid to fast-track its economic recovery. The Spanish government is planning to lift the state of emergency, which has been in place since mid-March, on June 21. Spain still has a 14-day quarantine order for visitors, which does not expire until July 1, leading a Portuguese minister to question this week why the border with Spain should open earlier than anticipated.
The British government is hosting an online gathering that aims to raise at least $7.4 billion for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, an initiative founded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 20 years ago, the alliance said in a statement.The British government is hosting an online gathering that aims to raise at least $7.4 billion for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, an initiative founded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 20 years ago, the alliance said in a statement.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who will be a keynote speaker at the meeting, is expected to say that the vaccine effort is the most “essential shared endeavor of our lifetimes.”Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who will be a keynote speaker at the meeting, is expected to say that the vaccine effort is the most “essential shared endeavor of our lifetimes.”
“I hope this summit will be the moment when the world comes together to unite humanity in the fight against disease,” Mr. Johnson will say, according to prepared remarks. The gathering will bring together heads of state and leading figures such as Mr. Gates and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, chairwoman of the vaccine alliance’s board, who said in a tweet that the coronavirus “is a reminder of the importance of resilient health systems.”“I hope this summit will be the moment when the world comes together to unite humanity in the fight against disease,” Mr. Johnson will say, according to prepared remarks. The gathering will bring together heads of state and leading figures such as Mr. Gates and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, chairwoman of the vaccine alliance’s board, who said in a tweet that the coronavirus “is a reminder of the importance of resilient health systems.”
At least 39,728 people have died in Britain because of the virus, according to the British government, but the country has been gradually reopening. Lawmakers returned to Parliament on Tuesday. That decision was criticized after Alok Sharma, the business secretary, seemed unwell and sweated profusely during a statement he made in the House of Commons on Wednesday.At least 39,728 people have died in Britain because of the virus, according to the British government, but the country has been gradually reopening. Lawmakers returned to Parliament on Tuesday. That decision was criticized after Alok Sharma, the business secretary, seemed unwell and sweated profusely during a statement he made in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Mr. Sharma was subsequently tested and went home to self-isolate, a spokeswoman said today, adding that he had begun to feel unwell when he was in the chamber.Mr. Sharma was subsequently tested and went home to self-isolate, a spokeswoman said today, adding that he had begun to feel unwell when he was in the chamber.
More and more people in New York City, the center of the U.S. outbreak, are getting tested for virus antibodies these days. And because there is little clarity on what the test results actually mean, different people interpret them differently.More and more people in New York City, the center of the U.S. outbreak, are getting tested for virus antibodies these days. And because there is little clarity on what the test results actually mean, different people interpret them differently.
When Catherine Zito of Manhattan tested positive on May 4, she texted at least 15 friends to share the good news.When Catherine Zito of Manhattan tested positive on May 4, she texted at least 15 friends to share the good news.
“I’ve never been so happy for a positive test in my life,” said Ms. Zito, who didn’t experience symptoms and works in finance. “Usually you want these tests to be negative.”“I’ve never been so happy for a positive test in my life,” said Ms. Zito, who didn’t experience symptoms and works in finance. “Usually you want these tests to be negative.”
Some with positive antibody results, like Ms. Zito, feel triumphant they came into contact with the virus and it didn’t cripple them.Some with positive antibody results, like Ms. Zito, feel triumphant they came into contact with the virus and it didn’t cripple them.
Some who test negative see it as validation that their social distancing measures are working, and that they should stay the course.Some who test negative see it as validation that their social distancing measures are working, and that they should stay the course.
Judith Kafka, a professor who lives in Brooklyn, saw an upside to testing negative. Her husband had Covid-19, but the family was quick to isolate him. “We were really, really careful after he was sick, so I guess this means we did a good job,” she said.Judith Kafka, a professor who lives in Brooklyn, saw an upside to testing negative. Her husband had Covid-19, but the family was quick to isolate him. “We were really, really careful after he was sick, so I guess this means we did a good job,” she said.
Scientists agree that having the antibodies means that a patient has been exposed to the virus. But they aren’t sure what that means. Could those with antibodies get Covid-19 again? Could they still pass the virus to someone else?Scientists agree that having the antibodies means that a patient has been exposed to the virus. But they aren’t sure what that means. Could those with antibodies get Covid-19 again? Could they still pass the virus to someone else?
Marsheen Truesdale, a bus driver in Manhattan, remains wary, even though he tested positive. “I use precautions, but in my head, I have built up anxiety,” he said. “It’s constant questioning, questioning, questioning.”Marsheen Truesdale, a bus driver in Manhattan, remains wary, even though he tested positive. “I use precautions, but in my head, I have built up anxiety,” he said. “It’s constant questioning, questioning, questioning.”
While the National Basketball Association’s team owners are preparing to vote today on a plan to resume play, Major League Baseball’s efforts to return to the field have stalled as owners and the players’ union battle over the length of a reconstituted season.While the National Basketball Association’s team owners are preparing to vote today on a plan to resume play, Major League Baseball’s efforts to return to the field have stalled as owners and the players’ union battle over the length of a reconstituted season.
The N.B.A. plan calls for bringing back 22 of the league’s 30 teams and stationing them all at Walt Disney World in Florida, where they would each play eight games to decide a 16-team playoff field. Fans would not be present. The proposal, which needs approval from 23 of the owners, is expected to pass and then be presented to the union, whose president, Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been working on the proposal with the N.B.A. commissioner, Adam Silver.The N.B.A. plan calls for bringing back 22 of the league’s 30 teams and stationing them all at Walt Disney World in Florida, where they would each play eight games to decide a 16-team playoff field. Fans would not be present. The proposal, which needs approval from 23 of the owners, is expected to pass and then be presented to the union, whose president, Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been working on the proposal with the N.B.A. commissioner, Adam Silver.
For M.L.B., team owners have proposed an 82-game schedule, just over half of the usual 162 regular-season games. The union, long considered the most tenacious in American professional sports, countered with a 114-game proposal, which the owners reportedly rejected on Wednesday. Now the owners are threatening to schedule only 50 games.For M.L.B., team owners have proposed an 82-game schedule, just over half of the usual 162 regular-season games. The union, long considered the most tenacious in American professional sports, countered with a 114-game proposal, which the owners reportedly rejected on Wednesday. Now the owners are threatening to schedule only 50 games.
Like most major U.S. sports organizations, the N.B.A. and M.L.B. shut down in mid-March. At the time, they were in very different positions, the N.B.A. deep into its 82-game regular season and just weeks away starting the playoffs, while M.L.B. was in spring training, two weeks from its first official game of the year.Like most major U.S. sports organizations, the N.B.A. and M.L.B. shut down in mid-March. At the time, they were in very different positions, the N.B.A. deep into its 82-game regular season and just weeks away starting the playoffs, while M.L.B. was in spring training, two weeks from its first official game of the year.
On Wednesday, Major League Soccer players ratified a new labor agreement and agreed to turn this season into a tournament at the site the N.B.A. has also chosen, the Disney World sports complex. The National Hockey League and the National Women’s Soccer League had previously announced plans for abbreviated seasons. All of the plans hinge on approval from public health officials.On Wednesday, Major League Soccer players ratified a new labor agreement and agreed to turn this season into a tournament at the site the N.B.A. has also chosen, the Disney World sports complex. The National Hockey League and the National Women’s Soccer League had previously announced plans for abbreviated seasons. All of the plans hinge on approval from public health officials.
Reporting was contributed by Rachel Abrams, Manuela Andreoni, Aurelien Breeden, José María León Cabrera, Brian X. Chen, Michael Cooper, Farnaz Fassihi, Rick Gladstone, David M. Halbfinger, Tiffany Hsu, Nelson D. Schwartz, Melissa Eddy, Jack Ewing, Joshua Keller, Alyson Kreuger, Iliana Magra, Raphael Minder, Elisabetta Povoledo, Tyler Kepner, Adam Rasgon, Kaly Soto, Marc Stein, Mitra Taj and Safak Timur. Reporting was contributed by Rachel Abrams, Manuela Andreoni, Aurelien Breeden, José María León Cabrera, Brian X. Chen, Michael Cooper, Farnaz Fassihi, Rick Gladstone, David M. Halbfinger, Tiffany Hsu, Nelson D. Schwartz, Melissa Eddy, Jack Ewing, Joshua Keller, Alyson Kreuger, Iliana Magra, Raphael Minder, Andy Newman, Luis Ferré Sadurní, Dagny Salas, Elisabetta Povoledo, Tyler Kepner, Adam Rasgon, Kaly Soto, Marc Stein, Mitra Taj and Safak Timur.