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Coronavirus Live Updates: Surging Cases Push Latin America ‘to the Limit’ Coronavirus Live Updates: Surging Cases Push Latin America ‘to the Limit’
(32 minutes later)
The outbreak is spreading rapidly in Latin America and the Caribbean, prompting Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, the director of the Pan American Health Organization, to warn on Tuesday that the unfolding crisis had “pushed our region to the limit.”The outbreak is spreading rapidly in Latin America and the Caribbean, prompting Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, the director of the Pan American Health Organization, to warn on Tuesday that the unfolding crisis had “pushed our region to the limit.”
Cases are surging in countries that took early isolation measures — like Peru, which is just behind Italy in its case count — and in those that ignored recommendations, like Brazil, which has the second-highest tally worldwide, behind only the United States, according to a New York Times database.Cases are surging in countries that took early isolation measures — like Peru, which is just behind Italy in its case count — and in those that ignored recommendations, like Brazil, which has the second-highest tally worldwide, behind only the United States, according to a New York Times database.
Forced to choose between watching citizens die of the virus or of hunger, governments are loosening lockdowns, even as they watch infections climb.Forced to choose between watching citizens die of the virus or of hunger, governments are loosening lockdowns, even as they watch infections climb.
“We go to bed without eating, giving nothing to our children,” said María Camila Salazar, 22, a mother of two in Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city. The country has more than 40,000 confirmed cases and 1,300 deaths. “We go to bed without eating, giving nothing to our children,” said María Camila Salazar, 22, a mother of two in Medellín, Colombia, who collects cardboard, glass and plastic for a living. The country’s caseload — nearly 41,000 as of Tuesday night — has soared since President Iván Duque of Colombia relaxed lockdown rules.
Ms. Salazar and her family, like millions across Latin America, collect cardboard, glass and plastic for a living, selling it by the kilogram. Their buyers closed during the country’s lockdown, just as she gave birth to her second child. And in Brazil, the crisis has grown so intense that some of the country’s most powerful military figures are warning of instability — an ominous sign for a country that shook off military rule in the 1980s and built a thriving democracy in its wake.
President Iván Duque of Colombia recently relaxed lockdown rules, allowing local officials to make the final call on regulations. The national caseload subsequently surged. Far from denouncing the idea, President Jair Bolsonaro’s inner circle seems to be clamoring for the military to step into the fray. One of his sons, a congressman who has praised the former military dictatorship, has even warned of a looming “rupture” in the country’s democratic system.
Some countries have also suppressed information about the virus. In Mexico, the government is not reporting hundreds, possibly thousands, of deaths in Mexico City. In Brazil, which has confirmed more than 700,000 cases, President Jair Bolsonaro’s government decided to stop reporting the cumulative toll altogether; late Monday, a Supreme Court justice ordered the government to stop suppressing the data.
New cases reached a new single-day global high on Sunday: 136,000, with three-quarters in just 10 countries, mostly in the Americas and South Asia. That adds to a global case tally of more than 7 million people worldwide and more than 400,000 deaths.
Georgia election officials, poll workers and voters reported major trouble with voting in Atlanta and elsewhere in the primaries on Tuesday, a test of the state’s preparations to hold elections during the pandemic.Georgia election officials, poll workers and voters reported major trouble with voting in Atlanta and elsewhere in the primaries on Tuesday, a test of the state’s preparations to hold elections during the pandemic.
Elections have emerged as a major point of contention since the outbreak began, with many states moving to embrace voting by mail even as President Trump has objected strenuously with false charges that such voting is riddled with fraud or that it favors Democrats.Elections have emerged as a major point of contention since the outbreak began, with many states moving to embrace voting by mail even as President Trump has objected strenuously with false charges that such voting is riddled with fraud or that it favors Democrats.
In Georgia, there was a meltdown of new voting systems put in place after widespread claims of voter suppression during the state’s 2018 governor’s election, with scores of new voting machines reported missing or malfunctioning. Hourslong lines formed at polling places across the state, and some people gave up and left before casting ballots.In Georgia, there was a meltdown of new voting systems put in place after widespread claims of voter suppression during the state’s 2018 governor’s election, with scores of new voting machines reported missing or malfunctioning. Hourslong lines formed at polling places across the state, and some people gave up and left before casting ballots.
The office of Brad Raffensperger, Georgia’s secretary of state, blamed the problems on a variety of factors, including a shortage of experienced poll workers because of virus fears and a learning curve in using the new machines.The office of Brad Raffensperger, Georgia’s secretary of state, blamed the problems on a variety of factors, including a shortage of experienced poll workers because of virus fears and a learning curve in using the new machines.
More than one million Georgia voters had already cast ballots before Tuesday, most of them by mail, after Mr. Raffensperger sent absentee ballot applications to all active voters.More than one million Georgia voters had already cast ballots before Tuesday, most of them by mail, after Mr. Raffensperger sent absentee ballot applications to all active voters.
But those who had voted in person before Tuesday at early-voting sites had already reported long waits — in some cases up to seven hours. New rules for social distancing and disinfecting voting machines had caused many of those delays.But those who had voted in person before Tuesday at early-voting sites had already reported long waits — in some cases up to seven hours. New rules for social distancing and disinfecting voting machines had caused many of those delays.
Clarice Kimp, who arrived at her poling place in DeKalb County on Tuesday morning before 7, waited until 9:15 a.m. to vote. “There were supposed to be 12 people working there, and there were only four,” she said. “They could not get the voting machines to register voting cards, and they said they could not reach the technicians.” Clarice Kimp, who arrived at her polling place in DeKalb County on Tuesday morning before 7, waited until 9:15 a.m. to vote. “There were supposed to be 12 people working there, and there were only four,” she said. “They could not get the voting machines to register voting cards, and they said they could not reach the technicians.”
Finally, the poll workers handed out provisional ballots, Ms. Kimp said. But those were also in short supply.Finally, the poll workers handed out provisional ballots, Ms. Kimp said. But those were also in short supply.
By midafternoon, several counties had begun extending voting hours to account for time lost because of the new machines.By midafternoon, several counties had begun extending voting hours to account for time lost because of the new machines.
U.S. roundupU.S. roundup
The top U.S. infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, delivered a grim assessment of the devastation wrought around the world by the coronavirus, describing Covid-19 on Tuesday as his “worst nightmare” — a new, highly contagious respiratory infection that causes a significant rate of illness and death.The top U.S. infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, delivered a grim assessment of the devastation wrought around the world by the coronavirus, describing Covid-19 on Tuesday as his “worst nightmare” — a new, highly contagious respiratory infection that causes a significant rate of illness and death.
“In a period of four months, it has devastated the whole world,” Dr. Fauci told biotech executives during a conference held by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. “And it isn’t over yet.”“In a period of four months, it has devastated the whole world,” Dr. Fauci told biotech executives during a conference held by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. “And it isn’t over yet.”
His discussion with a moderator was conducted remotely and videotaped for conference participants. Although Dr. Fauci said he had known that an outbreak like this could occur, one aspect surprised him: “how rapidly it just took over the planet.”His discussion with a moderator was conducted remotely and videotaped for conference participants. Although Dr. Fauci said he had known that an outbreak like this could occur, one aspect surprised him: “how rapidly it just took over the planet.”
An efficiently transmitted disease can spread worldwide in six months or a year, but “this took about a month,” Dr. Fauci said. He attributed the rapid spread to the contagiousness of the virus and extensive world travel by infected people.An efficiently transmitted disease can spread worldwide in six months or a year, but “this took about a month,” Dr. Fauci said. He attributed the rapid spread to the contagiousness of the virus and extensive world travel by infected people.
Vaccines are widely regarded as the best hope of stopping or at least slowing the pandemic, and Dr. Fauci said he was “almost certain” that more than one would be successful. Several are already being tested in people, and at least one is expected to move into large, Phase 3 trials in July.Vaccines are widely regarded as the best hope of stopping or at least slowing the pandemic, and Dr. Fauci said he was “almost certain” that more than one would be successful. Several are already being tested in people, and at least one is expected to move into large, Phase 3 trials in July.
But much is still unknown about the disease and how it attacks the body, research that Dr. Fauci described as “a work in progress.” Another looming question, he said, was whether survivors who were seriously ill would fully recover.But much is still unknown about the disease and how it attacks the body, research that Dr. Fauci described as “a work in progress.” Another looming question, he said, was whether survivors who were seriously ill would fully recover.
As the U.S. caseload approaches two million, here’s a look at other important developments around the country:As the U.S. caseload approaches two million, here’s a look at other important developments around the country:
Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey — one of the hardest-hit states in the U.S. — said on Tuesday that he was lifting the stay-at-home order that he issued in March and increasing the limits on how many people can gather indoors and outdoors.Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey — one of the hardest-hit states in the U.S. — said on Tuesday that he was lifting the stay-at-home order that he issued in March and increasing the limits on how many people can gather indoors and outdoors.
Harvard University said that it would dip into its endowment, the largest university endowment in the world, to avoid furloughing or laying off employees and to cover other costs during the pandemic, which is projected to cost more than $1 billion in revenue.Harvard University said that it would dip into its endowment, the largest university endowment in the world, to avoid furloughing or laying off employees and to cover other costs during the pandemic, which is projected to cost more than $1 billion in revenue.
Senators are debating whether to extend a substantial package of unemployment benefits enacted as part of the stimulus bill to help Americans weather the pandemic, after the latest jobs report showed an unexpected rebound in hiring.Senators are debating whether to extend a substantial package of unemployment benefits enacted as part of the stimulus bill to help Americans weather the pandemic, after the latest jobs report showed an unexpected rebound in hiring.
In Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam moved on Tuesday to ease some restrictions in the northern part of the state. Beginning Friday, he said, restaurants in Northern Virginia could offer indoor dining at half capacity, gyms could reopen at 30 percent capacity, and social gatherings of up to 50 people would be allowed. .In Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam moved on Tuesday to ease some restrictions in the northern part of the state. Beginning Friday, he said, restaurants in Northern Virginia could offer indoor dining at half capacity, gyms could reopen at 30 percent capacity, and social gatherings of up to 50 people would be allowed. .
Regular testing of nursing home employees is seen as one of the most important ways to contain outbreaks, and a debate has emerged over who should pay for it. Nursing homes, which have received nearly $5 billion in federal stimulus funding to cover virus expenses — including testing — have asked for more help. Insurers have also said they should not be required to pay.Regular testing of nursing home employees is seen as one of the most important ways to contain outbreaks, and a debate has emerged over who should pay for it. Nursing homes, which have received nearly $5 billion in federal stimulus funding to cover virus expenses — including testing — have asked for more help. Insurers have also said they should not be required to pay.
Connecticut’s top health official on Tuesday ordered hospitals that were barring visitors because of the coronavirus to make exceptions for patients with disabilities.Connecticut’s top health official on Tuesday ordered hospitals that were barring visitors because of the coronavirus to make exceptions for patients with disabilities.
The U.S. Defense Department on Monday started lifting travel restrictions. Thirty-nine states and five host nations — Bahrain, Belgium, Britain, Germany, Japan — were part of the first wave of openings, allowing personnel to travel on business farther than the 100-mile restriction that had been in place if conditions at bases there met specific benchmarks.The U.S. Defense Department on Monday started lifting travel restrictions. Thirty-nine states and five host nations — Bahrain, Belgium, Britain, Germany, Japan — were part of the first wave of openings, allowing personnel to travel on business farther than the 100-mile restriction that had been in place if conditions at bases there met specific benchmarks.
In a sign of the economic pressure on local newspapers, The Miami Herald announced it would move out of its Doral, Fla., headquarters in August, ending its lease and directing its employees to continue working from home until year’s end.In a sign of the economic pressure on local newspapers, The Miami Herald announced it would move out of its Doral, Fla., headquarters in August, ending its lease and directing its employees to continue working from home until year’s end.
Global RoundupGlobal Roundup
South Korea on Wednesday began requiring gyms, nightclubs, karaoke bars and concert halls to register visitors through smartphone QR codes, in the country’s latest effort to fight a new wave of coronavirus infections linked to entertainment venues.South Korea on Wednesday began requiring gyms, nightclubs, karaoke bars and concert halls to register visitors through smartphone QR codes, in the country’s latest effort to fight a new wave of coronavirus infections linked to entertainment venues.
Until now, these facilities have mostly asked their customers to write down their identities and contact information in rosters before entering. But when the authorities tried to track down customers after the new infections began cropping up last month, they found that much of the information was fake.Until now, these facilities have mostly asked their customers to write down their identities and contact information in rosters before entering. But when the authorities tried to track down customers after the new infections began cropping up last month, they found that much of the information was fake.
Under the new system, nightclubs and other facilities must install QR scanners, and customers must download a QR code that contains their basic personal information. Any QR codes that the government collects are to be automatically destroyed after four weeks.Under the new system, nightclubs and other facilities must install QR scanners, and customers must download a QR code that contains their basic personal information. Any QR codes that the government collects are to be automatically destroyed after four weeks.
South Korea’s project is just the latest effort worldwide to harness common consumer technology to track new cases. But privacy concerns have made the approach slower to catch on in the United States and Britain. And in China, the government’s virus-tracking software has prompted fears that it will randomly collect citizens’ information in the name of disease prevention.South Korea’s project is just the latest effort worldwide to harness common consumer technology to track new cases. But privacy concerns have made the approach slower to catch on in the United States and Britain. And in China, the government’s virus-tracking software has prompted fears that it will randomly collect citizens’ information in the name of disease prevention.
There has not yet been a significant public debate over South Korea’s new QR code tracking system, although that may come as the government rolls it out.There has not yet been a significant public debate over South Korea’s new QR code tracking system, although that may come as the government rolls it out.
Since last month, South Korea has eased its social-distancing restrictions, saying it was confident in its virus-containment strategy. But it has also urged the people to stick to preventive measures, and acknowledged that its goal is to keep the daily caseload below 50 until a vaccine is available.Since last month, South Korea has eased its social-distancing restrictions, saying it was confident in its virus-containment strategy. But it has also urged the people to stick to preventive measures, and acknowledged that its goal is to keep the daily caseload below 50 until a vaccine is available.
South Korea’s daily caseload has fluctuated between 38 and 57 over the past week, and the country reported 50 new cases on Wednesday.South Korea’s daily caseload has fluctuated between 38 and 57 over the past week, and the country reported 50 new cases on Wednesday.
Here are other developments from around the world:Here are other developments from around the world:
As India continued to ease its lockdown on Wednesday, officials reported almost 10,000 new cases over the past 24 hours. Nearly 8,000 people in the country have died, and the total number of infections is approaching 300,000.
In Russia, where the number of cases is approaching 500,000, Moscow’s tough lockdown ended abruptly on Tuesday as a nationwide vote on extending President Vladimir V. Putin’s rule loomed. The Russian capital continues to report more than 1,000 new virus cases a day.In Russia, where the number of cases is approaching 500,000, Moscow’s tough lockdown ended abruptly on Tuesday as a nationwide vote on extending President Vladimir V. Putin’s rule loomed. The Russian capital continues to report more than 1,000 new virus cases a day.
The U.S. Agency for International Development issued regulations on Tuesday that broadly restrict its workers from using federal funding to buy surgical masks, gloves and other protective medical gear to confront the virus overseas, in order to keep that equipment available for health providers in the United States.The U.S. Agency for International Development issued regulations on Tuesday that broadly restrict its workers from using federal funding to buy surgical masks, gloves and other protective medical gear to confront the virus overseas, in order to keep that equipment available for health providers in the United States.
Britain on Tuesday abandoned plans to bring back all primary school students before the summer holidays. The Department of Education had aimed for the pupils to spend four weeks in classes, but many schools have said they are already full and cannot safely accommodate more.Britain on Tuesday abandoned plans to bring back all primary school students before the summer holidays. The Department of Education had aimed for the pupils to spend four weeks in classes, but many schools have said they are already full and cannot safely accommodate more.
Residents of Spain will have to continue to wear face masks even after the country officially lifts its state of emergency on June 21, the health minister, Salvador Illa, announced on Tuesday as the government presented its “new normalcy” plan.Residents of Spain will have to continue to wear face masks even after the country officially lifts its state of emergency on June 21, the health minister, Salvador Illa, announced on Tuesday as the government presented its “new normalcy” plan.
In France, where the virus has killed over 29,000 people, the Paris prosecutor has opened an investigation into dozens of complaints over the authorities’ response to the epidemic.In France, where the virus has killed over 29,000 people, the Paris prosecutor has opened an investigation into dozens of complaints over the authorities’ response to the epidemic.
Officials at the World Health Organization on Tuesday walked back an earlier claim by one of their colleagues that transmission of the virus by people without symptoms is “very rare.”Officials at the World Health Organization on Tuesday walked back an earlier claim by one of their colleagues that transmission of the virus by people without symptoms is “very rare.”
The officials called it a “misunderstanding,” but it’s not the first time the W.H.O.’s assessment has seemed to lag behind scientific opinion.The officials called it a “misunderstanding,” but it’s not the first time the W.H.O.’s assessment has seemed to lag behind scientific opinion.
Even as agency leads the worldwide response to the pandemic, several scientists warned on Tuesday, it is failing to take stock of rapidly evolving research findings and to communicate clearly about them.Even as agency leads the worldwide response to the pandemic, several scientists warned on Tuesday, it is failing to take stock of rapidly evolving research findings and to communicate clearly about them.
Another example: The agency delayed endorsing masks for the general public until Friday, claiming there was too little evidence that they prevented transmission of the virus. Virtually all scientists and governments have been recommending masks for months.Another example: The agency delayed endorsing masks for the general public until Friday, claiming there was too little evidence that they prevented transmission of the virus. Virtually all scientists and governments have been recommending masks for months.
The W.H.O. has also said repeatedly that small airborne droplets, or aerosols, are not a significant factor in the pandemic’s spread, although a growing body of evidence suggests that they may be.The W.H.O. has also said repeatedly that small airborne droplets, or aerosols, are not a significant factor in the pandemic’s spread, although a growing body of evidence suggests that they may be.
These scientific disagreements have wide policy implications. Many countries, including the United States, adopted lockdown strategies because they recognized that isolating only people who were sick might not be enough to contain the epidemic.These scientific disagreements have wide policy implications. Many countries, including the United States, adopted lockdown strategies because they recognized that isolating only people who were sick might not be enough to contain the epidemic.
“On the one hand, I do want to cut the W.H.O. some slack, because it is hard to do this in an evolving pandemic,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute. “At the same time, we do rely on the W.H.O. to give us the best scientific data and evidence.”“On the one hand, I do want to cut the W.H.O. some slack, because it is hard to do this in an evolving pandemic,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute. “At the same time, we do rely on the W.H.O. to give us the best scientific data and evidence.”
The agonizing tale of the coronavirus outbreak on the carrier Theodore Roosevelt starting in March led to the infection of hundreds of crew members, an emergency stop in Guam, the removal of the ship’s captain and the resignation of the acting Navy secretary. It became the indispensable book of the pandemic, its French author revealing how society’s weaknesses and human frailties gave way to disaster.
But while the Navy and civic leaders in Guam struggled to quell the spread of the virus, naval officials and researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began a medical investigation into the outbreak, the results of which were released on Tuesday. As the coronavirus tore through France, intellectuals, historians and journalists cracked open their old copies in search of eternal truths in an unsettling time.
The study found that, among a few hundred service members who volunteered to be tested and questioned about their experiences onboard and while in Guam, more than a third had enough functioning antibodies to Covid-19 to indicate they could have some protection against the virus, at least for a limited time. It was not Albert Camus’s “The Plague.’’ “Strange Defeat’’ by Marc Bloch, a scholarly dissection of the fall of France in 1940, has become the reference point to understand the underpinnings of what went wrong this time.
Some were still showing the presence of neutralizing antibodies, which block the virus from binding to cells, three months after the onset of symptoms. Why did France record one of the world’s highest Covid-19 death tolls and mortality rates? Why is it expected to suffer a catastrophic drop of 11 percent in its gross domestic product?
“This is a promising indicator of immunity,” said Daniel C. Payne, an epidemiologist and one of the lead authors of the study, which was undertaken in conjunction with the Navy. “We don’t know how long-lasting, for sure, but it is promising.” “Strange Defeat’’ described a country that, in 1940, believed it had the best army in the world but that was trounced by Hitler’s forces in six short weeks.
In late April, after the outbreak began, naval medical officers began testing the volunteers. Blood samples were sent overnight from Guam to Georgia, where they were tested at the C.D.C. labs, using their own antibody tests. Bloch, a historian and army officer, wrote that an ossified bureaucracy and an out-of-touch elite had left his country without the proper defenses and without the critical capacity to adapt to a rapidly changing situation on the ground.
The first testing found the presence of coronavirus antibodies in 228 (59.7 percent) of the volunteers. Of those, 135 (59.2 percent) had antibodies powerful enough to neutralize the virus and thwart infection. To some readers, the parallels to 2020 cannot be ignored.
In the early months of this year, as the virus ravaged China and then found a European foothold in Italy, France watched with confidence, seemingly secure behind a health care system that it has long believed to be one of the world’s best.
Once again, as in 1940, France’s historical rival, Germany, has come out ahead. Though Germany has recorded nearly 9,000 deaths, France’s death toll is more than 29,000.
After months of being embattled over its response to the coronavirus, Amazon is working to convince the public that its workplaces — specifically, the warehouses where it stores everything from toys to hand sanitizer — are safe during the pandemic.After months of being embattled over its response to the coronavirus, Amazon is working to convince the public that its workplaces — specifically, the warehouses where it stores everything from toys to hand sanitizer — are safe during the pandemic.
The company is spreading its safety message after a period that Jeff Bezos, the chief executive, has called “the hardest time we’ve ever faced.” Amazon struggled to balance a surge of orders with the health concerns of the one million workers and contractors at its warehouses and delivery operations.The company is spreading its safety message after a period that Jeff Bezos, the chief executive, has called “the hardest time we’ve ever faced.” Amazon struggled to balance a surge of orders with the health concerns of the one million workers and contractors at its warehouses and delivery operations.
Workers at hundreds of its facilities became ill with Covid-19, and many blamed the company. At the height of the crisis, one executive said he quit over the firings of workers who had raised questions about workplace safety during the pandemic.Workers at hundreds of its facilities became ill with Covid-19, and many blamed the company. At the height of the crisis, one executive said he quit over the firings of workers who had raised questions about workplace safety during the pandemic.
While Amazon has rolled out safety changes, many workers and officials said the measures were unevenly deployed and came too late.While Amazon has rolled out safety changes, many workers and officials said the measures were unevenly deployed and came too late.
The New York Times agreed to tour a warehouse in Kent, Wash., to see the changes that Amazon and many of its workers around the country had described.The New York Times agreed to tour a warehouse in Kent, Wash., to see the changes that Amazon and many of its workers around the country had described.
The most significant transformation is the building’s entryway. When workers arrive, they are channeled past thermal cameras to take their temperatures. At a small stand enclosed in plexiglass, a worker hands out masks using tongs.The most significant transformation is the building’s entryway. When workers arrive, they are channeled past thermal cameras to take their temperatures. At a small stand enclosed in plexiglass, a worker hands out masks using tongs.
Workers then enter a makeshift testing center and are handed, via forceps, a self-service test kit for the virus. After administering the test, they seal the kit and place it into a green bin.Workers then enter a makeshift testing center and are handed, via forceps, a self-service test kit for the virus. After administering the test, they seal the kit and place it into a green bin.
The agonizing tale of the coronavirus outbreak on the carrier Theodore Roosevelt starting in March led to the infection of hundreds of crew members, an emergency stop in Guam, the removal of the ship’s captain and the resignation of the acting Navy secretary.
But while the Navy and civic leaders in Guam struggled to quell the spread of the virus, naval officials and researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began a medical investigation into the outbreak, the results of which were released on Tuesday.
The study found that, among a few hundred service members who volunteered to be tested and questioned about their experiences onboard and while in Guam, more than a third had enough functioning antibodies to Covid-19 to indicate they could have some protection against the virus, at least for a limited time.
Some were still showing the presence of neutralizing antibodies, which block the virus from binding to cells, three months after the onset of symptoms.
“This is a promising indicator of immunity,” said Daniel C. Payne, an epidemiologist and one of the lead authors of the study, which was undertaken in conjunction with the Navy. “We don’t know how long-lasting, for sure, but it is promising.”
In late April, after the outbreak began, naval medical officers began testing the volunteers. Blood samples were sent overnight from Guam to Georgia, where they were tested at the C.D.C. labs, using their own antibody tests.
The first testing found the presence of coronavirus antibodies in 228 (59.7 percent) of the volunteers. Of those, 135 (59.2 percent) had antibodies powerful enough to neutralize the virus and thwart infection.
Before the pandemic, India’s women were already dropping out of the labor force. Virus restrictions — and one of the worst economic slumps in decades — now threaten even more losses for them.Before the pandemic, India’s women were already dropping out of the labor force. Virus restrictions — and one of the worst economic slumps in decades — now threaten even more losses for them.
One national employment study conducted in May found that a higher proportion of women reported losing their jobs than men. Among Indians who remained employed, women were more likely to report anxiety about their futures.One national employment study conducted in May found that a higher proportion of women reported losing their jobs than men. Among Indians who remained employed, women were more likely to report anxiety about their futures.
The global slowdown could have especially stark consequences in developing economies, where about 70 percent of working women are employed in the informal economy, with few protections.The global slowdown could have especially stark consequences in developing economies, where about 70 percent of working women are employed in the informal economy, with few protections.
Although India recently lifted most of its lockdown measures in an effort to ease pressure on the economy, many women fear that even a limited degree of freedom will be difficult to regain.Although India recently lifted most of its lockdown measures in an effort to ease pressure on the economy, many women fear that even a limited degree of freedom will be difficult to regain.
Seema Munda, 21, kept refusing her parents’ pleas to get married. She slipped out of her conservative village in northern India and found work stitching shirts at a factory in Bengaluru, 1,000 miles to the south.Seema Munda, 21, kept refusing her parents’ pleas to get married. She slipped out of her conservative village in northern India and found work stitching shirts at a factory in Bengaluru, 1,000 miles to the south.
“This job liberated me,” she said.“This job liberated me,” she said.
But when the pandemic hit, Ms. Munda’s life of independence shattered as she became one of the 120 million Indians left jobless. After first being forced to take shelter in a school after losing her hostel room, Ms. Munda made a wrenching decision and boarded a train home.But when the pandemic hit, Ms. Munda’s life of independence shattered as she became one of the 120 million Indians left jobless. After first being forced to take shelter in a school after losing her hostel room, Ms. Munda made a wrenching decision and boarded a train home.
Since the virus began spreading in the United States, there has been an uptick in acts of violence and prejudice toward Asian-Americans. For many, these episodes represent a compounded bigotry: They are wrongly blamed for the pandemic, and they are lumped together as a single group.Since the virus began spreading in the United States, there has been an uptick in acts of violence and prejudice toward Asian-Americans. For many, these episodes represent a compounded bigotry: They are wrongly blamed for the pandemic, and they are lumped together as a single group.
The term “Asian-American” masks profound national and cultural differences in the name of representation. The Times asked 11 illustrators of Asian descent to create a self-portrait, reflecting on their heritage, their stories of immigration and how they identify as Asian-American.The term “Asian-American” masks profound national and cultural differences in the name of representation. The Times asked 11 illustrators of Asian descent to create a self-portrait, reflecting on their heritage, their stories of immigration and how they identify as Asian-American.
“In the last couple of years we have become more visible and more heard,” writes Joan Wong, above, an American artist born to parents from Hong Kong. “It has made me feel less alone and injected me with more pride.”“In the last couple of years we have become more visible and more heard,” writes Joan Wong, above, an American artist born to parents from Hong Kong. “It has made me feel less alone and injected me with more pride.”
With all of New York State now reopened in some capacity, officials on Tuesday preached caution, warning that as hundreds of thousands of people returned to work, the risk of spreading the virus remained.With all of New York State now reopened in some capacity, officials on Tuesday preached caution, warning that as hundreds of thousands of people returned to work, the risk of spreading the virus remained.
“We’re in a new phase,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said. “Reopening resets the whole game.”“We’re in a new phase,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said. “Reopening resets the whole game.”
The governor unveiled a new online dashboard that he said would show the percentage of positive cases by region and county. The information would signal “tremors of a spike” in infections if one were on the horizon, he said.The governor unveiled a new online dashboard that he said would show the percentage of positive cases by region and county. The information would signal “tremors of a spike” in infections if one were on the horizon, he said.
In New York City, which began reopening this week, Mayor Bill de Blasio offered a similar message. Based on the timeline outlined by the state, it is technically possible that the city could move into Phase 2 on June 22. But the mayor has targeted early July for that next step, and on Tuesday he continued to emphasize patience.In New York City, which began reopening this week, Mayor Bill de Blasio offered a similar message. Based on the timeline outlined by the state, it is technically possible that the city could move into Phase 2 on June 22. But the mayor has targeted early July for that next step, and on Tuesday he continued to emphasize patience.
Any missteps, he added, could lead to a resurgence of the virus that would put the city under “fuller restrictions or worse.” “I do not want to unduly raise expectations,” the mayor said. “We are not like the other regions of state.”Any missteps, he added, could lead to a resurgence of the virus that would put the city under “fuller restrictions or worse.” “I do not want to unduly raise expectations,” the mayor said. “We are not like the other regions of state.”
Relief workers are broadly restricted from using federal funding to buy surgical masks, gloves and other protective medical gear to confront the virus overseas, in order to keep that equipment available for health providers in the United States, according to regulations issued Tuesday by the U.S. Agency for International Development.Relief workers are broadly restricted from using federal funding to buy surgical masks, gloves and other protective medical gear to confront the virus overseas, in order to keep that equipment available for health providers in the United States, according to regulations issued Tuesday by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
The new rules did grant an exception: The money can be used to buy equipment if it is produced in the part of the world where it would be used, a key provision that helps local economies that also are struggling because of the virus.The new rules did grant an exception: The money can be used to buy equipment if it is produced in the part of the world where it would be used, a key provision that helps local economies that also are struggling because of the virus.
Humanitarian aid groups have waited for months for the guidance, a topic of intense debate within the Trump administration, as masks, gloves, ventilators and respirators were desperately needed by American health workers to care for U.S. patients.Humanitarian aid groups have waited for months for the guidance, a topic of intense debate within the Trump administration, as masks, gloves, ventilators and respirators were desperately needed by American health workers to care for U.S. patients.
As they waited, the groups received only a fraction of nearly $1.6 billion that Congress approved in March to send to aid workers in foreign countries.As they waited, the groups received only a fraction of nearly $1.6 billion that Congress approved in March to send to aid workers in foreign countries.
The new guidance, a copy of which was obtained by The Times, requires that humanitarian aid groups that are distributing support to some of the poorest or most unstable countries seek written approval before using federal funding to buy N95 respirators or other surgical face masks, medical gloves, ventilators, certain air purifiers and filters and American-made testing kits.The new guidance, a copy of which was obtained by The Times, requires that humanitarian aid groups that are distributing support to some of the poorest or most unstable countries seek written approval before using federal funding to buy N95 respirators or other surgical face masks, medical gloves, ventilators, certain air purifiers and filters and American-made testing kits.
The limits on the protective medical gear will remain in place until there is a surplus of supplies in the United States.The limits on the protective medical gear will remain in place until there is a surplus of supplies in the United States.
Reporting was contributed by Ian Austen, Ken Belson, Ronen Bergman, Aurelien Breeden, Choe Sang-Hun, Emily Cochrane, Michael Cooper, Maria Cramer, Abdi Latif Dahir, Reid J. Epstein, Jack Ewing, Richard Fausset, Sheri Fink, Jerry Garrett, Denise Grady, Anemona Hartocollis, Mike Ives, Lara Jakes, David D. Kirkpatrick, Aaron Krolik, John Leland, Antonio de Luca, Iliana Magra, Apoorva Mandavilli, Alex Marshall, Patricia Mazzei, Jesse McKinley, Raphael Minder, Paul Mozur, Aimee Ortiz, Bill Pennington, Elisabetta Povoledo, Suhasini Raj, Scott Reyburn, Jaspal Riyait, Rick Rojas, Kai Schultz, Jeanna Smialek, Kaly Soto, Matt Stevens, Alexandra Stevenson, Nikita Stewart, Katie Thomas, Anton Troianovski, Julie Turkewitz, David Waldstein, Karen Weise, Edward Wong, Sameer Yasir, Ceylan Yeginsu, Raymond Zhong and Karen Zraick. Reporting was contributed by Ian Austen, Ken Belson, Ronen Bergman, Aurelien Breeden, Choe Sang-Hun, Emily Cochrane, Michael Cooper, Maria Cramer, Abdi Latif Dahir, Reid J. Epstein, Jack Ewing, Richard Fausset, Sheri Fink, Jerry Garrett, Denise Grady, Anemona Hartocollis, Mike Ives, Lara Jakes, David D. Kirkpatrick, Aaron Krolik, John Leland, Antonio de Luca, Iliana Magra, Apoorva Mandavilli, Alex Marshall, Patricia Mazzei, Jesse McKinley, Raphael Minder, Paul Mozur, Norimitsu Onishi, Aimee Ortiz, Bill Pennington, Elisabetta Povoledo, Suhasini Raj, Scott Reyburn, Jaspal Riyait, Rick Rojas, Kai Schultz, Jeanna Smialek, Kaly Soto, Matt Stevens, Alexandra Stevenson, Nikita Stewart, Katie Thomas, Anton Troianovski, Julie Turkewitz, David Waldstein, Karen Weise, Edward Wong, Jin Wu, Sameer Yasir, Ceylan Yeginsu, Raymond Zhong and Karen Zraick.