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Coronavirus Live Updates: The Outbreak Is Worsening Globally, the W.H.O. Warns Coronavirus Live Updates: Cases Are Climbing Globally, the W.H.O. Says
(about 1 hour later)
The number of new daily cases worldwide hit a new high on Sunday, the World Health Organization reported on Monday, warning that the pandemic appeared to be worsening and urging countries that had seen improvement to remain vigilant.The number of new daily cases worldwide hit a new high on Sunday, the World Health Organization reported on Monday, warning that the pandemic appeared to be worsening and urging countries that had seen improvement to remain vigilant.
“More than 100,000 cases have been reported on nine of the past 10 days,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organization’s director general, said at a briefing on Monday. “Yesterday, more than 136,000 cases were reported — the most in a single day so far.”“More than 100,000 cases have been reported on nine of the past 10 days,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organization’s director general, said at a briefing on Monday. “Yesterday, more than 136,000 cases were reported — the most in a single day so far.”
He said that three-quarters of the new cases reported on Sunday came from just 10 countries, mostly in the Americas and South Asia. While the situation in Europe has improved, Dr. Tedros issued an appeal to countries that had been seeing positive signs, warning them that “the biggest threat now is complacency.”He said that three-quarters of the new cases reported on Sunday came from just 10 countries, mostly in the Americas and South Asia. While the situation in Europe has improved, Dr. Tedros issued an appeal to countries that had been seeing positive signs, warning them that “the biggest threat now is complacency.”
The pandemic has sickened more than 7,033,100 people worldwide, according to a New York Times database, and as of Monday afternoon, at least 403,300 people had died. More than a quarter of the deaths have been in the United States.The pandemic has sickened more than 7,033,100 people worldwide, according to a New York Times database, and as of Monday afternoon, at least 403,300 people had died. More than a quarter of the deaths have been in the United States.
Dr. Tedros urged people to take care as protests against racism drew crowds around the world, calling for demonstrators to practice social distancing, wear masks, wash their hands, cover their coughs and stay home if they were sick.Dr. Tedros urged people to take care as protests against racism drew crowds around the world, calling for demonstrators to practice social distancing, wear masks, wash their hands, cover their coughs and stay home if they were sick.
“We continue to urge active surveillance to ensure the virus does not rebound, especially as mass gatherings of all kinds are starting to resume in some countries,” Dr. Tedros said. “W.H.O. fully supports equality and the global movement against racism. We reject discrimination of all kinds. We encourage all those protesting around the world to do so safely.”“We continue to urge active surveillance to ensure the virus does not rebound, especially as mass gatherings of all kinds are starting to resume in some countries,” Dr. Tedros said. “W.H.O. fully supports equality and the global movement against racism. We reject discrimination of all kinds. We encourage all those protesting around the world to do so safely.”
Here are other developments from around the world:Here are other developments from around the world:
A 14-day quarantine period for all travelers arriving in Britain took effect on Monday, to the anger of the country’s travel industry and doubts over the practicality of the new rules. Those entering Britain by air, ferry or train will have to provide an address at which they will isolate, with a fine of up to £1,000, or about $1,200, for violations.A 14-day quarantine period for all travelers arriving in Britain took effect on Monday, to the anger of the country’s travel industry and doubts over the practicality of the new rules. Those entering Britain by air, ferry or train will have to provide an address at which they will isolate, with a fine of up to £1,000, or about $1,200, for violations.
With cases rising sharply in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that the country would “put the brakes” on plans to relax more restrictions in the days to come. He urged Israelis, many of whom have stopped wearing masks, to follow the Health Ministry’s guidelines. “For the sake of our economy, health and lives, I ask you to heed the rules,” he said.With cases rising sharply in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that the country would “put the brakes” on plans to relax more restrictions in the days to come. He urged Israelis, many of whom have stopped wearing masks, to follow the Health Ministry’s guidelines. “For the sake of our economy, health and lives, I ask you to heed the rules,” he said.
Canada reopened its border on Monday to immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Anyone showing symptoms will remain barred, and everyone will be required to quarantine for 14 days. A border agreement between Canada and the United States is set to expire June 21.Canada reopened its border on Monday to immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Anyone showing symptoms will remain barred, and everyone will be required to quarantine for 14 days. A border agreement between Canada and the United States is set to expire June 21.
The Polish Health Ministry reported 1,151 new cases over the weekend, a record for the country. More than half came from the Silesia region in southwest Poland, an area famous for its coal mines.The Polish Health Ministry reported 1,151 new cases over the weekend, a record for the country. More than half came from the Silesia region in southwest Poland, an area famous for its coal mines.
Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan said he expected the virus to peak in the country by the end of July or August and urged residents to take precautions. Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in cases over the last week, surpassing 100,000 confirmed infections and more than 2,000 deaths.Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan said he expected the virus to peak in the country by the end of July or August and urged residents to take precautions. Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in cases over the last week, surpassing 100,000 confirmed infections and more than 2,000 deaths.
New Zealand has no active cases and no new cases, officials announced on Monday, declaring that life could now return to a form of pre-pandemic normal.New Zealand has no active cases and no new cases, officials announced on Monday, declaring that life could now return to a form of pre-pandemic normal.
Commuters wearing face masks waited for freshly scrubbed trains on a subway platform in Manhattan. Construction workers lined up to get their temperatures checked so they could get back on the job. The lights were back on in some neighborhood stores, and their doors were unlocked for curbside and in-store pickup — though many others remained shuttered and boarded up.Commuters wearing face masks waited for freshly scrubbed trains on a subway platform in Manhattan. Construction workers lined up to get their temperatures checked so they could get back on the job. The lights were back on in some neighborhood stores, and their doors were unlocked for curbside and in-store pickup — though many others remained shuttered and boarded up.
For the first time in months, New York City was officially back in business on Monday, with as many as 400,000 people returning to work in construction, manufacturing and limited retail operations.For the first time in months, New York City was officially back in business on Monday, with as many as 400,000 people returning to work in construction, manufacturing and limited retail operations.
“We’re not out of the woods, but we are on the other side, certainly,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.“We’re not out of the woods, but we are on the other side, certainly,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.
The first coronavirus case was confirmed 100 days ago in the city that became a center of the pandemic, where more than 205,000 people were infected and 22,000 people died. On Sunday, there were an additional 35 deaths statewide, and the city’s health commissioner said on Monday that the city was still in “a moderate transmission phase.”The first coronavirus case was confirmed 100 days ago in the city that became a center of the pandemic, where more than 205,000 people were infected and 22,000 people died. On Sunday, there were an additional 35 deaths statewide, and the city’s health commissioner said on Monday that the city was still in “a moderate transmission phase.”
Major challenges remain. More than 885,000 jobs vanished, and the city budget hemorrhaged tax revenue and now faces a $9 billion shortfall over the next year. Here’s what reopening looks like on Day 1:Major challenges remain. More than 885,000 jobs vanished, and the city budget hemorrhaged tax revenue and now faces a $9 billion shortfall over the next year. Here’s what reopening looks like on Day 1:
To allay concerns about a typically crowded subway system, Mr. Cuomo rode the 7 line on Monday morning. “If the subway isn’t safe for me, then I wouldn’t ask anyone else go on the subway,” he said afterward.To allay concerns about a typically crowded subway system, Mr. Cuomo rode the 7 line on Monday morning. “If the subway isn’t safe for me, then I wouldn’t ask anyone else go on the subway,” he said afterward.
To provide alternatives, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city would add more bus lanes and close some streets to cars to allow buses to move more quickly, though it was not as many miles as the transit agency had requested.To provide alternatives, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city would add more bus lanes and close some streets to cars to allow buses to move more quickly, though it was not as many miles as the transit agency had requested.
Hospitals in the city can now resume elective surgeries, Mr. Cuomo said, as the need for hospital beds has lessened.Hospitals in the city can now resume elective surgeries, Mr. Cuomo said, as the need for hospital beds has lessened.
The reopening has also been complicated by the vast, mostly peaceful protests for racial justice. The governor reiterated that protesters should get tested and to consider themselves exposed. He also urged police officers to wear masks after photographs showed that many were not.The reopening has also been complicated by the vast, mostly peaceful protests for racial justice. The governor reiterated that protesters should get tested and to consider themselves exposed. He also urged police officers to wear masks after photographs showed that many were not.
Some retailers are waiting for tensions to ease, and many stores in the city remain closed. “I think New York City needs a week or two of healing before a week or two of selling,” said Ken Giddon, a co-owner of Rothmans, a small clothing chain with a flagship near Union Square.Some retailers are waiting for tensions to ease, and many stores in the city remain closed. “I think New York City needs a week or two of healing before a week or two of selling,” said Ken Giddon, a co-owner of Rothmans, a small clothing chain with a flagship near Union Square.
Many businesses that rely on commuters and office workers anticipated slow traffic until more people went back to work. At Rainbow Bakery in Jackson Heights in Queens, “normally, we have a lot of people picking up things on the way to work,” said Colleen Lau, a server wearing a plastic face shield over a surgical mask, while standing behind a plexiglass counter barrier.Many businesses that rely on commuters and office workers anticipated slow traffic until more people went back to work. At Rainbow Bakery in Jackson Heights in Queens, “normally, we have a lot of people picking up things on the way to work,” said Colleen Lau, a server wearing a plastic face shield over a surgical mask, while standing behind a plexiglass counter barrier.
At Gift Man in Park Slope in Brooklyn, Maggie Russo was worried about paying rent after weeks of online sales and with few shoppers looking for souvenirs. “I’m happy I’m alive and I didn’t get the virus, but do you want to be alive and broke and not have money to pay the rent?” she said.At Gift Man in Park Slope in Brooklyn, Maggie Russo was worried about paying rent after weeks of online sales and with few shoppers looking for souvenirs. “I’m happy I’m alive and I didn’t get the virus, but do you want to be alive and broke and not have money to pay the rent?” she said.
Some New Yorkers were thrilled to be out again. “Like a lot of people in my situation, I’m so fed up being in my apartment, eating my own cooking,” said Michael Gilsenan, a college professor, after finishing his coffee and cake outside a bakery in Greenwich Village. “I don’t even like cheesecake!”Some New Yorkers were thrilled to be out again. “Like a lot of people in my situation, I’m so fed up being in my apartment, eating my own cooking,” said Michael Gilsenan, a college professor, after finishing his coffee and cake outside a bakery in Greenwich Village. “I don’t even like cheesecake!”
While areas surrounding the city will enter the next reopening phase this week, Mr. Cuomo was cautious about the city’s timeline. He also warned in an interview on NY1 that officials could reimpose restrictions if the virus showed signs of returning.While areas surrounding the city will enter the next reopening phase this week, Mr. Cuomo was cautious about the city’s timeline. He also warned in an interview on NY1 that officials could reimpose restrictions if the virus showed signs of returning.
For months, scientists have warned that asymptomatic people infected with the virus are still capable of spreading Covid-19. It has been seen as one of the insidious characteristics of the contagion and a factor in its ability to have infected now more than 7 million people globally.For months, scientists have warned that asymptomatic people infected with the virus are still capable of spreading Covid-19. It has been seen as one of the insidious characteristics of the contagion and a factor in its ability to have infected now more than 7 million people globally.
But on Monday, a scientist for the World Health Organization said that asymptomatic transmission was not a significant factor in the spread of the virus, a statement with far-reaching implications. It has created some confusion among experts seeking more information from the W.H.O.But on Monday, a scientist for the World Health Organization said that asymptomatic transmission was not a significant factor in the spread of the virus, a statement with far-reaching implications. It has created some confusion among experts seeking more information from the W.H.O.
“That fundamentally changes our understanding of how this virus is spread and what we should do as a response,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, the director of Harvard’s Global Health Institute. “This is not a minor, technical clarification. The implications of what is being said are very, very substantial, and it requires a lot more context and explanation than W.H.O. is providing right now.”“That fundamentally changes our understanding of how this virus is spread and what we should do as a response,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, the director of Harvard’s Global Health Institute. “This is not a minor, technical clarification. The implications of what is being said are very, very substantial, and it requires a lot more context and explanation than W.H.O. is providing right now.”
On Monday, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the W.H.O.’s technical lead for Covid-19, said, “It still appears to be rare that an asymptomatic individual actually transmits onward.”On Monday, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the W.H.O.’s technical lead for Covid-19, said, “It still appears to be rare that an asymptomatic individual actually transmits onward.”
Instead, Dr. Van Kerkhove said governments should focus more attention on controlling the spread among people with symptoms.Instead, Dr. Van Kerkhove said governments should focus more attention on controlling the spread among people with symptoms.
“We have a number of reports from countries who are doing very detailed contact tracing,” she said. “They are following asymptomatic cases, they are following contacts, and they are not finding secondary transmission onward. It’s very rare. Much of that is not published in the literature.”“We have a number of reports from countries who are doing very detailed contact tracing,” she said. “They are following asymptomatic cases, they are following contacts, and they are not finding secondary transmission onward. It’s very rare. Much of that is not published in the literature.”
Later on Monday she cited a W.H.O. report published June 5, which said that based on evidence from contact tracing, “asymptomatically infected individuals are much less likely to transmit the virus than those who develop symptoms.”Later on Monday she cited a W.H.O. report published June 5, which said that based on evidence from contact tracing, “asymptomatically infected individuals are much less likely to transmit the virus than those who develop symptoms.”
Dr. Jha said that a finding of that magnitude, if true, should not have been casually revealed in the middle of an hourlong news conference. It deserves an entire briefing on its own.Dr. Jha said that a finding of that magnitude, if true, should not have been casually revealed in the middle of an hourlong news conference. It deserves an entire briefing on its own.
“Asymptomatic spread is what makes controlling this disease so incredibly hard,” Dr. Jha said. If that’s not the case, he added, “then that changes the ballgame. It’s too big a finding to be shared in passing.”“Asymptomatic spread is what makes controlling this disease so incredibly hard,” Dr. Jha said. If that’s not the case, he added, “then that changes the ballgame. It’s too big a finding to be shared in passing.”
According to Dr. Avantika Singh, a researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital and co-author of a study on asymptomatic transmission, an infected person is most likely to spread the virus in the few days prior to the onset of symptoms. She said she was “highly curious” to hear more from the W.H.O., and to see the evidence behind Dr. Kerkhove’s statements, which seem to contradict the commonly held belief.
“We are not commenting specifically on the W.H.O.’s findings because we haven’t seen them,” said Dr. Hanalise V. Huff, the other author of the study. “But given the evidence, it’s pretty convincing that asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic spread exists.”
On Monday the S&P 500 climbed back above where it began the year — before the pandemic brought the United States economy to a grinding halt, before more than 110,000 Americans died from the coronavirus.
A late-day rally pushed the index into positive territory for 2020, effectively erasing one of the most tumultuous periods in recent American history from the financial record. Stocks rose 1.2 percent, on the same day that economists said the United States fell into a recession in February.
Even though the economy has begun to reopen, it is hard to overstate how disastrous the past three months have been. Tens of millions of people are unemployed, corporate earnings have plummeted, and industries like tourism, retail and entertainment may never fully recover.
But in the stock market, it’s like the pandemic never happened.
“Investors seem to have decided that the past three months were just a bad dream that we’re waking up from,” said Scott Clemons, the chief investment strategist for private banking at Brown Brothers Harriman, an investment bank.
The actions of the federal government have helped. Early on, the Federal Reserve announced it would provide a backstop by using its emergency lending powers to buy assets — from municipal to corporate debt — with newly printed money. Also, it began snapping up government-backed bonds.
That had the effect of keeping bond prices up and yields low. Investors, looking for better returns, began putting their money into the stock market.
“It’s the only way that you can kind of explain what’s going on, is that people really do believe that there is no downside in equity ownership,” said James Montier, a member of the asset management team at Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Company, a Boston-based asset management company.
As the virus tore through Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro came under blistering criticism for sabotaging the isolation measures imposed by states, encouraging mass rallies by his supporters and lashing out about the soaring death toll, saying, “What do you want me to do?”As the virus tore through Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro came under blistering criticism for sabotaging the isolation measures imposed by states, encouraging mass rallies by his supporters and lashing out about the soaring death toll, saying, “What do you want me to do?”
Now that the outbreak in the country has gotten even worse — it has more confirmed infections than any country but the United States, and the highest daily death tolls in the world — Mr. Bolsonaro’s government has decided to stop reporting the cumulative toll of the virus altogether. Now that the outbreak in the country has gotten even worse — it has more confirmed infections than any country but the United States, and the highest daily death tolls in the world — Mr. Bolsonaro’s government has decided to stop reporting the cumulative toll of the virus altogether.
Brazil’s health ministry on Friday took down the website where it had been reporting virus statistics. And then, when it came back online on Saturday, the site omitted the historical data, leaving out how many people had already been infected or killed.Brazil’s health ministry on Friday took down the website where it had been reporting virus statistics. And then, when it came back online on Saturday, the site omitted the historical data, leaving out how many people had already been infected or killed.
Lawmakers and health experts quickly attacked Mr. Bolsonaro, condemning the government’s decision to withhold statistics and criticizing his administration’s practice of downplaying the danger of the virus.Lawmakers and health experts quickly attacked Mr. Bolsonaro, condemning the government’s decision to withhold statistics and criticizing his administration’s practice of downplaying the danger of the virus.
Mr. Bolsonaro, who initially described the virus as a “measly flu,” says the challenge of the outbreak is dwarfed by the economic fallout of stay-at-home measures, and that the real danger is rising unemployment.Mr. Bolsonaro, who initially described the virus as a “measly flu,” says the challenge of the outbreak is dwarfed by the economic fallout of stay-at-home measures, and that the real danger is rising unemployment.
He has come under withering criticism for joining crowded protests; ordering the armed forces to produce hydroxychloroquine, an unproven medication for the virus; and fighting with his own health officials as the crisis intensified.He has come under withering criticism for joining crowded protests; ordering the armed forces to produce hydroxychloroquine, an unproven medication for the virus; and fighting with his own health officials as the crisis intensified.
President Trump has instructed campaign aides to arrange for him to resume his political rallies in the coming weeks, people familiar with his plans said on Monday, asking them to figure out how to deliver the crowds he wants even though cases are rising throughout the country.President Trump has instructed campaign aides to arrange for him to resume his political rallies in the coming weeks, people familiar with his plans said on Monday, asking them to figure out how to deliver the crowds he wants even though cases are rising throughout the country.
Mr. Trump’s obsession with restarting packed events has put him at odds with health experts, including those in his own administration, who have urged caution. It has also created a conflict between him and Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina, a Democrat, who has so far resisted the president’s demands to relax social-distancing measures before the Republican National Convention, which was initially set to be held in Charlotte in August.Mr. Trump’s obsession with restarting packed events has put him at odds with health experts, including those in his own administration, who have urged caution. It has also created a conflict between him and Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina, a Democrat, who has so far resisted the president’s demands to relax social-distancing measures before the Republican National Convention, which was initially set to be held in Charlotte in August.
Campaign rallies became a topic of discussion last week, when Mr. Trump assembled key members of his re-election effort to discuss recent polling that showed him losing ground to former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., his Democratic challenger.Campaign rallies became a topic of discussion last week, when Mr. Trump assembled key members of his re-election effort to discuss recent polling that showed him losing ground to former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., his Democratic challenger.
A senior White House official said the president had been frustrated by his internal polling, and resuming campaign events were one way his team hoped that Mr. Trump could recapture momentum. The official said Mr. Trump’s campaign team was closely monitoring state reopenings to determine which potential venues were increasing seating capacity. The typical Trump rally venue holds at least 8,000 people.A senior White House official said the president had been frustrated by his internal polling, and resuming campaign events were one way his team hoped that Mr. Trump could recapture momentum. The official said Mr. Trump’s campaign team was closely monitoring state reopenings to determine which potential venues were increasing seating capacity. The typical Trump rally venue holds at least 8,000 people.
“Americans are ready to get back to action, and so is President Trump,” Brad Parscale, Mr. Trump’s campaign manager, said in a statement on the development, which was first reported by Politico. “The great American comeback is real, and the rallies will be tremendous.”“Americans are ready to get back to action, and so is President Trump,” Brad Parscale, Mr. Trump’s campaign manager, said in a statement on the development, which was first reported by Politico. “The great American comeback is real, and the rallies will be tremendous.”
Before the convention, Mr. Cooper wanted to require social distancing and face masks, both of which are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mr. Trump, bristling that the terms of his own event were being dictated to him, wanted a full stadium with a previrus look and feel, or nothing at all.Before the convention, Mr. Cooper wanted to require social distancing and face masks, both of which are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mr. Trump, bristling that the terms of his own event were being dictated to him, wanted a full stadium with a previrus look and feel, or nothing at all.
Republican officials are now on the hunt for a new venue. Mr. Trump is scheduled to travel to Dallas on Thursday for a fund-raiser.Republican officials are now on the hunt for a new venue. Mr. Trump is scheduled to travel to Dallas on Thursday for a fund-raiser.
U.s. roundupU.s. roundup
Thirty-nine of the 40 largest known virus clusters in the United States are in food processing or correctional facilities, according to a New York Times database. As the number of new cases in the country has plateaued at about 20,000 each day, major clusters have continued to emerge in prisons, jails and meatpacking plants.Thirty-nine of the 40 largest known virus clusters in the United States are in food processing or correctional facilities, according to a New York Times database. As the number of new cases in the country has plateaued at about 20,000 each day, major clusters have continued to emerge in prisons, jails and meatpacking plants.
Around Austin, Minn., where cases have grown to 504 from 36 a month ago, at least 186 cases have been tied to a local pork processing facility. In Kings County, Calif., at least 918 people have been infected at three state prisons, accounting for more than half the county’s total cases. And in northern Utah, the site of an outbreak at a meat processing plant, case numbers have exploded over the last week.Around Austin, Minn., where cases have grown to 504 from 36 a month ago, at least 186 cases have been tied to a local pork processing facility. In Kings County, Calif., at least 918 people have been infected at three state prisons, accounting for more than half the county’s total cases. And in northern Utah, the site of an outbreak at a meat processing plant, case numbers have exploded over the last week.
In Dodge County, Wis., where there are 400 total cases, at least 245 people have tested positive at Waupun Correctional Institution. And in the county that includes Storm Lake, Iowa, case numbers have grown to 1,142 from 18 over the course of a month. At least 591 employees of a Tyson plant in that city have tested positive.In Dodge County, Wis., where there are 400 total cases, at least 245 people have tested positive at Waupun Correctional Institution. And in the county that includes Storm Lake, Iowa, case numbers have grown to 1,142 from 18 over the course of a month. At least 591 employees of a Tyson plant in that city have tested positive.
Here are other developments from around the United States:Here are other developments from around the United States:
There are some hopeful signs in the data. In most of the Northeast, infection numbers continue to fall. Parts of the Midwest, including Illinois and Ohio, have seen new case reports trend steadily downward. And some of the counties with the most cases per capita — including Cass County, Ind., the site of a large meatpacking outbreak, and Trousdale County, Tenn., where more than 1,300 people at a prison became ill — have reported fewer than 10 new cases in June.There are some hopeful signs in the data. In most of the Northeast, infection numbers continue to fall. Parts of the Midwest, including Illinois and Ohio, have seen new case reports trend steadily downward. And some of the counties with the most cases per capita — including Cass County, Ind., the site of a large meatpacking outbreak, and Trousdale County, Tenn., where more than 1,300 people at a prison became ill — have reported fewer than 10 new cases in June.
A man who attended “multiple house gatherings” on the New Jersey shore infected at least a dozen people in Pennsylvania with the virus, health officials said. Officials in Bucks County, Pa., said in a statement on Saturday that of the 33 new cases in the county, 11 were tied to an individual who visited a New Jersey beach “during the past two weeks.” On Monday, an official said that a 12th infection had been linked to the man. “This is exactly why we can’t let our guard down now, even if it feels ‘safe’ to be at the beach,” said Dr. David Damsker, the director of the Bucks County Health Department. New Jersey’s governor said the state would allow public and private swimming pools to reopen on June 22.A man who attended “multiple house gatherings” on the New Jersey shore infected at least a dozen people in Pennsylvania with the virus, health officials said. Officials in Bucks County, Pa., said in a statement on Saturday that of the 33 new cases in the county, 11 were tied to an individual who visited a New Jersey beach “during the past two weeks.” On Monday, an official said that a 12th infection had been linked to the man. “This is exactly why we can’t let our guard down now, even if it feels ‘safe’ to be at the beach,” said Dr. David Damsker, the director of the Bucks County Health Department. New Jersey’s governor said the state would allow public and private swimming pools to reopen on June 22.
Stocks on Wall Street erased their losses for the year, a remarkable milestone for a market that was reeling just a few months ago. The S&P 500 rose more than 1 percent on Monday, adding to a weekslong rebound that has been fueled by hopes for a quick economic recovery, significant intervention by the Federal Reserve and a disregard for the serious risks that businesses and consumers still face.
The United States officially entered a recession in February, before the pandemic shut down broad swaths of the economy, the association of economists that officially designates downturns said on Monday. This downturn is the first since 2009, when the previous recession ended, and stopped the longest expansion — 128 months — in records dating back to 1854. Most economists expect this recession to be both particularly deep and exceptionally short, perhaps just a few months, as states reopen and economic activity resumes.
Florida’s last remaining closed beaches, in Miami-Dade County, will reopen on Wednesday, the mayor’s office announced. The beaches, which closed 81 days ago, were supposed to reopen on June 1 but did not because of a nightly curfew imposed after protests over the killing of George Floyd.Florida’s last remaining closed beaches, in Miami-Dade County, will reopen on Wednesday, the mayor’s office announced. The beaches, which closed 81 days ago, were supposed to reopen on June 1 but did not because of a nightly curfew imposed after protests over the killing of George Floyd.
Casinos along the Las Vegas Strip reopened their doors last week to a flood of visitors after a 78-day hiatus. But figuring out when and where people contract the virus and then quickly tracing their contacts poses a particular challenge in Las Vegas, where guests outnumbered residents by 20 to 1 last year.Casinos along the Las Vegas Strip reopened their doors last week to a flood of visitors after a 78-day hiatus. But figuring out when and where people contract the virus and then quickly tracing their contacts poses a particular challenge in Las Vegas, where guests outnumbered residents by 20 to 1 last year.
As some of the wealthiest health care companies in the United States received billions of dollars in taxpayer funds to help them cope with lost revenue from the pandemic, they laid off or cut the pay of tens of thousands of doctors, nurses and lower-paid workers while continuing to pay their top executives millions.As some of the wealthiest health care companies in the United States received billions of dollars in taxpayer funds to help them cope with lost revenue from the pandemic, they laid off or cut the pay of tens of thousands of doctors, nurses and lower-paid workers while continuing to pay their top executives millions.
The New York Times analyzed tax and securities filings by 60 of the country’s largest hospital chains, which have received a total of more than $15 billion in emergency funds through the economic stimulus package in the federal CARES Act.The New York Times analyzed tax and securities filings by 60 of the country’s largest hospital chains, which have received a total of more than $15 billion in emergency funds through the economic stimulus package in the federal CARES Act.
The hospitals — including publicly traded juggernauts like HCA and Tenet Healthcare, elite nonprofits like the Mayo Clinic, and regional chains with thousands of beds and billions in cash — are collectively sitting on tens of billions of dollars of cash reserves that are supposed to help them weather an unanticipated storm. They awarded their five highest-paid officials about $874 million in the most recent year for which they have disclosed their finances.The hospitals — including publicly traded juggernauts like HCA and Tenet Healthcare, elite nonprofits like the Mayo Clinic, and regional chains with thousands of beds and billions in cash — are collectively sitting on tens of billions of dollars of cash reserves that are supposed to help them weather an unanticipated storm. They awarded their five highest-paid officials about $874 million in the most recent year for which they have disclosed their finances.
At least 36 of those hospital chains have laid off, furloughed or reduced the pay of employees as they try to save money during the pandemic.At least 36 of those hospital chains have laid off, furloughed or reduced the pay of employees as they try to save money during the pandemic.
More than a dozen workers at the wealthy hospitals said in interviews that their employers had put the heaviest financial burdens on front-line staff, including low-paid cafeteria workers, janitors and nursing assistants. They said pay cuts and furloughs made it even harder for members of the medical staff to do their jobs, forcing them to treat more patients in less time.More than a dozen workers at the wealthy hospitals said in interviews that their employers had put the heaviest financial burdens on front-line staff, including low-paid cafeteria workers, janitors and nursing assistants. They said pay cuts and furloughs made it even harder for members of the medical staff to do their jobs, forcing them to treat more patients in less time.
The bailout money, which hospitals received from the Health and Human Services Department without having to apply for it, came with few strings attached.The bailout money, which hospitals received from the Health and Human Services Department without having to apply for it, came with few strings attached.
Katherine McKeogh, a department spokeswoman, said it “encourages providers to use these funds to maintain delivery capacity by paying and protecting doctors, nurses and other health care workers.” The legislation restricts hospitals’ ability to use the bailout funds to pay top executives, although it doesn’t stop recipients from continuing to award large bonuses.Katherine McKeogh, a department spokeswoman, said it “encourages providers to use these funds to maintain delivery capacity by paying and protecting doctors, nurses and other health care workers.” The legislation restricts hospitals’ ability to use the bailout funds to pay top executives, although it doesn’t stop recipients from continuing to award large bonuses.
The largest U.S. airlines are preparing for a limited rebound next month as more Americans book vacations in places like Florida and national parks in the West.The largest U.S. airlines are preparing for a limited rebound next month as more Americans book vacations in places like Florida and national parks in the West.
After cratering in April as a result of the pandemic, the number of travelers and airline and airport employees filtering through the Transportation Security Administration’s airport checkpoints has steadily climbed in recent weeks. The low point arrived on April 14, when the agency screened fewer than 90,000 people, just 4 percent of those screened on the same date last year. On Sunday, the agency screened more than 440,000 people, about 17 percent of last year’s number and the best day since March.After cratering in April as a result of the pandemic, the number of travelers and airline and airport employees filtering through the Transportation Security Administration’s airport checkpoints has steadily climbed in recent weeks. The low point arrived on April 14, when the agency screened fewer than 90,000 people, just 4 percent of those screened on the same date last year. On Sunday, the agency screened more than 440,000 people, about 17 percent of last year’s number and the best day since March.
Investors appear to have noticed those numbers, and airline stock prices have surged. American Airlines is up nearly 90 percent since Monday morning last week, United Airlines is more than 70 percent higher, and Delta Air Lines is up more than 45 percent.Investors appear to have noticed those numbers, and airline stock prices have surged. American Airlines is up nearly 90 percent since Monday morning last week, United Airlines is more than 70 percent higher, and Delta Air Lines is up more than 45 percent.
Still, the airline industry’s reckoning is far from over.Still, the airline industry’s reckoning is far from over.
Industry executives and analysts generally agree that it is likely to be several years before airlines fly as many people as they did before the pandemic. Airlines are still losing tens of millions of dollars every day. That number is shrinking, but the losses are expected to continue through the end of the year.Industry executives and analysts generally agree that it is likely to be several years before airlines fly as many people as they did before the pandemic. Airlines are still losing tens of millions of dollars every day. That number is shrinking, but the losses are expected to continue through the end of the year.
Generally, a flight needs to be about three-fourths full for an airline to turn a profit; most are far from it because airlines can’t or won’t fill up planes.Generally, a flight needs to be about three-fourths full for an airline to turn a profit; most are far from it because airlines can’t or won’t fill up planes.
Despite all 50 states starting to reopen, many older adults are still feeling the effects of their prolonged isolation, which is likely to continue. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has urged that “extreme caution” be taken before allowing visitors to enter long-term care facilities.
In the interim, it helps Sally Love Saunders, 80, who lives in a retirement home in San Francisco, to speak regularly over Zoom with Sarah Hinkfuss, 32. Both women joined the volunteer phone bank of Mon Ami, which has connected thousands of older adults with younger volunteers across the country.
Ms. Saunders and Ms. Hinkfuss had their first conversation on April 12 and quickly bonded. Without her friends, nature walks and poetry readings, Ms. Saunders said she felt disconnected, bored and anxious.
“That’s why Sarah is good,” Ms. Saunders said. “She’s teaching me how to communicate with people in this dark age.”
Similar programs have sprouted up elsewhere. Henrico County in Virginia has an outreach call center to find adults 65 and older, a group that makes up about 30 percent of its population, according to Sara Morris, the county’s advocate for the aging.
And in Los Angeles, Margaret Irwin, the elder director of a neighborhood council, said she compiled a list of 3,000 older residents who had been called by 25 volunteers.
“Speaking to a stranger is the only antidote to the anxiety and fear that’s coming at this time,” said Madeline Dangerfield-Cha, a co-founder of Mon Ami. “It breaks down the feeling of being in a bubble.”
The Common Application, the system used by more than 900 colleges in the United States, is giving high school students who are applying to college in the fall a chance to talk about how the virus has changed the course of their lives and education.The Common Application, the system used by more than 900 colleges in the United States, is giving high school students who are applying to college in the fall a chance to talk about how the virus has changed the course of their lives and education.
The application is known for its personal essay question, in which students are invited to write about their backgrounds, interests, successes and obstacles they have surmounted. Admissions officers say a strong essay can help tip the scales for admission.The application is known for its personal essay question, in which students are invited to write about their backgrounds, interests, successes and obstacles they have surmounted. Admissions officers say a strong essay can help tip the scales for admission.
The additional virus essay, which is optional, is for hardships caused by the pandemic, like a family member becoming sick or dying, schoolwork disrupted by poor internet service or a parent’s job loss because of the economic crisis.The additional virus essay, which is optional, is for hardships caused by the pandemic, like a family member becoming sick or dying, schoolwork disrupted by poor internet service or a parent’s job loss because of the economic crisis.
The pandemic has shuttered schools, moved classes online and canceled extracurricular activities and graduation ceremonies for millions of high school students. Many standardized test dates were canceled, leaving students scrambling to sign up for scarce makeup exams.The pandemic has shuttered schools, moved classes online and canceled extracurricular activities and graduation ceremonies for millions of high school students. Many standardized test dates were canceled, leaving students scrambling to sign up for scarce makeup exams.
Officials at the Common App, as it is known, said the question was adopted in response to demand from college admissions officers. They have also added a space for high school counselors to describe the effects of the pandemic on their schools.Officials at the Common App, as it is known, said the question was adopted in response to demand from college admissions officers. They have also added a space for high school counselors to describe the effects of the pandemic on their schools.
Jenny Rickard, the chief executive of the Common App, said the new essay also allowed students to write about communal calamities like forest fires or hurricanes, and that the topic might be expanded to include the recent protests against police brutality.Jenny Rickard, the chief executive of the Common App, said the new essay also allowed students to write about communal calamities like forest fires or hurricanes, and that the topic might be expanded to include the recent protests against police brutality.
“It’s already such an anxious time applying to college, and then you add a pandemic into the mix,” Ms. Rickard said. “We wanted to provide that space.”“It’s already such an anxious time applying to college, and then you add a pandemic into the mix,” Ms. Rickard said. “We wanted to provide that space.”
The pandemic has caused the way we communicate to evolve, and our relationship with technology is being pushed into new territory. Although states are slowly reopening, much of our professional and personal lives will continue to be lived almost entirely online for the foreseeable future.The pandemic has caused the way we communicate to evolve, and our relationship with technology is being pushed into new territory. Although states are slowly reopening, much of our professional and personal lives will continue to be lived almost entirely online for the foreseeable future.
Reporting was contributed by Azam Ahmed, Ian Austen, Kim Barker, Jo Becker, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Keith Bradsher, Quoctrung Bui, Letícia Casado, Stephen Castle, Damien Cave, Niraj Chokshi, Michael Cooper, Jesse Drucker, David Enrich, Vanessa Friedman, David Gelles, J. David Goodman, Michael Gold, Anemona Hartocollis, Winnie Hu, Ernesto Londoño, Angela Macropoulos, Anatol Magdziarz, Salman Masood, Patricia Mazzei, Jesse McKinley, Claire Cain Miller, Raphael Minder, Derek M. Norman, Aimee Ortiz, Mariel Padilla, Azi Paybarah, Elisabetta Povoledo, Monika Pronczuk, Adam Rasgon, Katie Rogers, Margot Sanger-Katz, Matthew Sedacca, Anna Schaverein, Seth Schiesel, Jessica Silver-Greenberg, Mitch Smith, Kaly Soto, Eileen Sullivan, David Waldstein, Sameer Yasir and Karen Zraick. Reporting was contributed by Azam Ahmed, Ian Austen, Kim Barker, Jo Becker, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Keith Bradsher, Quoctrung Bui, Letícia Casado, Stephen Castle, Damien Cave, Niraj Chokshi, Michael Cooper, Jesse Drucker, David Enrich, Vanessa Friedman, David Gelles, J. David Goodman, Michael Gold, Anemona Hartocollis, Winnie Hu, Ernesto Londoño, Angela Macropoulos, Anatol Magdziarz, Salman Masood, Patricia Mazzei, Jesse McKinley, Claire Cain Miller, Raphael Minder, Derek M. Norman, Aimee Ortiz, Mariel Padilla, Azi Paybarah, Matt Phillips, Elisabetta Povoledo, Monika Pronczuk, Adam Rasgon, Katie Rogers, Margot Sanger-Katz, Matthew Sedacca, Anna Schaverein, Seth Schiesel, Jessica Silver-Greenberg, Mitch Smith, Kaly Soto, Eileen Sullivan, David Waldstein, Sameer Yasir and Karen Zraick.