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Coronavirus Live Updates: Pence Says U.S. Is Not in ‘Second Wave’ While Fauci Warns Country Is Still in First Wave Coronavirus Live Updates: Pence Says U.S. Is Not in ‘Second Wave’ While Fauci Warns Country Is Still in First Wave
(32 minutes later)
Vice President Mike Pence argued in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece that concern over a “second wave” of the coronavirus was “overblown” and that “we are winning the fight against the invisible enemy.” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the government’s top epidemiologist, also said that the country was not in a “second wave,” but for a very different reason: he warned that the nation was still in the first wave.Vice President Mike Pence argued in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece that concern over a “second wave” of the coronavirus was “overblown” and that “we are winning the fight against the invisible enemy.” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the government’s top epidemiologist, also said that the country was not in a “second wave,” but for a very different reason: he warned that the nation was still in the first wave.
“People keep talking about a second wave,” Mr. Fauci said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday. That is not accurate, he said, because “we’re still in a first wave.”“People keep talking about a second wave,” Mr. Fauci said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday. That is not accurate, he said, because “we’re still in a first wave.”
Mr. Pence’s argument appears to have oversimplified a complicated picture, emphasizing regions where the pandemic is waning while explaining away surging infection rates in other states. His rosy picture conformed with President Trump’s desire to reopen the economy and get Americans back to work, but it ignored bad news, especially in the Sun Belt.Mr. Pence’s argument appears to have oversimplified a complicated picture, emphasizing regions where the pandemic is waning while explaining away surging infection rates in other states. His rosy picture conformed with President Trump’s desire to reopen the economy and get Americans back to work, but it ignored bad news, especially in the Sun Belt.
In at least 20 states, new cases are increasing, some at alarming rates. Some states, including Texas, South Carolina and Arizona, are seeing their largest surges yet, according to data compiled by The New York Times.In at least 20 states, new cases are increasing, some at alarming rates. Some states, including Texas, South Carolina and Arizona, are seeing their largest surges yet, according to data compiled by The New York Times.
In his op-ed, Mr. Pence said that expanded testing revealed that fewer than 6 percent of Americans tested every week have the virus. On a call with governors Monday, Mr. Pence encouraged them to adopt the administration’s explanation that a rise in testing was behind new outbreaks, a claim that Dr. Fauci rebutted on Tuesday, when he said that the higher percentages of positive tests “cannot be explained by increased testing.”In his op-ed, Mr. Pence said that expanded testing revealed that fewer than 6 percent of Americans tested every week have the virus. On a call with governors Monday, Mr. Pence encouraged them to adopt the administration’s explanation that a rise in testing was behind new outbreaks, a claim that Dr. Fauci rebutted on Tuesday, when he said that the higher percentages of positive tests “cannot be explained by increased testing.”
Testing capacity has increased significantly since the pandemic’s early days, allowing public health officials to identify a higher percentage of cases. But across the Sun Belt, testing alone does not explain the recent upticks. In Arizona, where the number of known cases has nearly doubled since the start of June, more than 1,500 people believed to have the coronavirus were hospitalized on Monday, the highest number of any date in the pandemic and almost double the number from a month prior. And though far more Arizonans are being tested for the virus now than in early spring, the percentage of people testing positive is also increasing.Testing capacity has increased significantly since the pandemic’s early days, allowing public health officials to identify a higher percentage of cases. But across the Sun Belt, testing alone does not explain the recent upticks. In Arizona, where the number of known cases has nearly doubled since the start of June, more than 1,500 people believed to have the coronavirus were hospitalized on Monday, the highest number of any date in the pandemic and almost double the number from a month prior. And though far more Arizonans are being tested for the virus now than in early spring, the percentage of people testing positive is also increasing.
In Florida, where officials are identifying more cases each day than at any previous point in the pandemic, the percentage of people testing positive has increased slightly since early May. Far more cases are being identified now around Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale than just two weeks ago. In Orange County, which includes Orlando, the number of known cases has more than doubled over the last month.In Florida, where officials are identifying more cases each day than at any previous point in the pandemic, the percentage of people testing positive has increased slightly since early May. Far more cases are being identified now around Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale than just two weeks ago. In Orange County, which includes Orlando, the number of known cases has more than doubled over the last month.
New York City, once the center of the pandemic in the United States, is “on track” to enter its next phase of reopening as soon as Monday if the virus does not resurge there, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Wednesday. New York City, once the center of the pandemic in the United States, is “on track” to enter its next phase of reopening as soon as Monday if the virus does not resurge there, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Wednesday.
Under the state’s plan, outdoor dining, some in-store shopping, hair salons, barbershops, and some offices in the city would be allowed to reopen in the second phase, with restrictions on capacity and social distancing. The move would put the city one step further on its path toward economic recovery from a devastating virus that killed more than 21,000 residents and triggered one of the strictest shutdowns in the United States.
Under the state’s plan, outdoor dining, some in-store shopping, hair salons, barbershops, and some offices in the city would be allowed to reopen in the second phase, with restrictions on capacity and social distancing. Playgrounds will also reopen during Phase 2, city officials have said.
Mr. Cuomo’s announcement comes as other parts of the nation are seeing spikes in new infections. On Tuesday, Florida, Texas and Arizona, which all moved swiftly to begin reopening, all reported their largest one-day increases in new cases.Mr. Cuomo’s announcement comes as other parts of the nation are seeing spikes in new infections. On Tuesday, Florida, Texas and Arizona, which all moved swiftly to begin reopening, all reported their largest one-day increases in new cases.
While New York has shown a steep decline in new cases since the virus peaked in April, when there were more than 10,000 new cases reported on several days, on Tuesday the state still logged 630 more new cases, the ninth-highest total in the nation, to a New York Times database. On Wednesday, the state reported another 567 cases, or about 0.96 percent of all tests processed the day before, the lowest rate since the beginning of the outbreak, according to the governor. While New York has shown a steep decline in new cases since the virus peaked in April, when there were more than 10,000 new cases reported on several days, on Tuesday the state still logged 630 more new cases, the ninth-highest total in the nation, according to a New York Times database. On Wednesday, the state reported another 567 cases, or about 0.96 percent of all tests processed the day before, the lowest rate since the beginning of the outbreak, according to the governor.
Mr. Cuomo has repeatedly emphasized the need for caution as the state eased restrictions, pointing to the rest of the nation and urging New Yorkers to continue wearing masks and social distancing in order to prevent a second wave of infections. Mr. Cuomo has repeatedly emphasized the need for caution as the state eased restrictions, pointing to rises elsewhere in the nation and urging New Yorkers to continue wearing masks and social distancing in order to prevent a second wave of infections.
“You don’t stay smart, it will come back,” he said on Wednesday.“You don’t stay smart, it will come back,” he said on Wednesday.
Earlier this week, Mr. Cuomo threatened to reinstate closures in the city after a number of photos and videos of people flouting social-distancing rules and congregating outside Manhattan bars spread online.Earlier this week, Mr. Cuomo threatened to reinstate closures in the city after a number of photos and videos of people flouting social-distancing rules and congregating outside Manhattan bars spread online.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has sounded a more cautious note in recent days about whether the city will be ready to enter the next phase of easing restrictions by next week. At news briefings this week, he declined to put a specific date on entering Phase 2, though he has previously said that he did not expect the city to do so before early July.Mayor Bill de Blasio has sounded a more cautious note in recent days about whether the city will be ready to enter the next phase of easing restrictions by next week. At news briefings this week, he declined to put a specific date on entering Phase 2, though he has previously said that he did not expect the city to do so before early July.
Both he and Mr. Cuomo have also expressed concerns that the virus might spread as massive protests over systemic racism and police brutality filled New York City streets in recent weeks. Both he and Mr. Cuomo have also expressed concerns that the virus might spread as massive protests over systemic racism and police brutality filled New York City streets in recent weeks. (Mr. de Blasio, who attended at least one such demonstration, fell ill on Monday but tested negative for the virus, he said on Wednesday.)
“We’re all mindful that we had a very unusual situation with the protests,” Mr. de Blasio said on Wednesday morning. “And we’re going to see, we believe, the fuller impact, if any, of the protests, in terms of our health indicators around this weekend.”“We’re all mindful that we had a very unusual situation with the protests,” Mr. de Blasio said on Wednesday morning. “And we’re going to see, we believe, the fuller impact, if any, of the protests, in terms of our health indicators around this weekend.”
But an hour later, Mr. Cuomo said that state officials ultimately decided to follow the same precedent set in other regions: allowing Phase 2 to proceed 14 days after the start of Phase 1.But an hour later, Mr. Cuomo said that state officials ultimately decided to follow the same precedent set in other regions: allowing Phase 2 to proceed 14 days after the start of Phase 1.
“It’s one set of rules for everyone,” Mr. Cuomo said. “And they have worked everywhere in the state.”“It’s one set of rules for everyone,” Mr. Cuomo said. “And they have worked everywhere in the state.”
New York City was the last region of the state to begin the reopening process, on June 8. Its suburbs entered Phase 2 this week, and the rest of the state has already moved on to Phase 3, which allows indoor dining at restaurants and personal-care services. New York City was the last region of the state to begin the reopening process, on June 8. Its suburbs entered Phase 2 this week, and the rest of the state has already moved on to Phase 3, which allows indoor dining at restaurants and personal-care services. The state reported 17 new deaths, Mr. Cuomo said.
Given the state’s progress in reopening and fighting the virus, Mr. Cuomo said that he would end his daily briefings, which drew national attention, on Friday. He would hold them afterward as needed, he said.
Mass flight cancellations. Abrupt farewells among students whose classes have been called off. Frustration about work and food in sealed-off neighborhoods. And unnerving uncertainty about plans for exams, work, vacation and travel.Mass flight cancellations. Abrupt farewells among students whose classes have been called off. Frustration about work and food in sealed-off neighborhoods. And unnerving uncertainty about plans for exams, work, vacation and travel.
With a fresh outbreak of coronavirus infections tied to a market — 137 cases after an additional 31 were reported on Wednesday — Beijing has started living through a milder, and so far limited, version of the disruptive restrictions that China enforced earlier this year to stifle its first tidal wave of infections. Residents in the capital have been sharply reminded that even in China — with its array of authoritarian powers — the virus can leap back to life, triggering new rounds of limits on their lives. With a fresh outbreak of coronavirus infections tied to a market — 137 cases after an additional 31 were reported on Wednesday — Beijing has started living through a milder, and so far limited, version of the disruptive restrictions that China enforced earlier this year to stifle its first tidal wave of infections. Residents in the capital have been sharply reminded that even in China, with its array of authoritarian powers, the virus can leap back to life, triggering new rounds of limits on their lives.
The new outbreak in Beijing has brought embarrassment and a tough response from the Chinese Communist Party. Officials had been proud to the point of gloating in recent weeks about their success in stifling the pandemic in the country. Now the virus is back.The new outbreak in Beijing has brought embarrassment and a tough response from the Chinese Communist Party. Officials had been proud to the point of gloating in recent weeks about their success in stifling the pandemic in the country. Now the virus is back.
The Communist Party officials in charge of the city, including the party secretary, Cai Qi, sounded slightly penitent in a meeting on Tuesday.The Communist Party officials in charge of the city, including the party secretary, Cai Qi, sounded slightly penitent in a meeting on Tuesday.
“This group outbreak at the city’s Xinfadi market has already spread to multiple districts of the city and led to associated cases outside the city,” read an official summary of the meeting in The Beijing Daily. “The lessons run very deep, the situation for epidemic control is very grim, and this has sounded a warning to us.”“This group outbreak at the city’s Xinfadi market has already spread to multiple districts of the city and led to associated cases outside the city,” read an official summary of the meeting in The Beijing Daily. “The lessons run very deep, the situation for epidemic control is very grim, and this has sounded a warning to us.”
Most Beijing streets flowed with traffic on Wednesday, though less than usual. Restaurants were still open for business, though the government has ordered them to disinfect and to check employees.Most Beijing streets flowed with traffic on Wednesday, though less than usual. Restaurants were still open for business, though the government has ordered them to disinfect and to check employees.
But the flight cancellations from Beijing airports — about 60 percent, or more than 1,200 flights — and other signs of disruption have underscored how easily even a limited flare-up can ripple across society. The bulk of the flights in and out of the city were canceled, and so were many trains.But the flight cancellations from Beijing airports — about 60 percent, or more than 1,200 flights — and other signs of disruption have underscored how easily even a limited flare-up can ripple across society. The bulk of the flights in and out of the city were canceled, and so were many trains.
The flight cancellations were triggered by passengers pulling out of travel because of worry over infections or fear of being caught up in quarantine, Chinese news reports said.The flight cancellations were triggered by passengers pulling out of travel because of worry over infections or fear of being caught up in quarantine, Chinese news reports said.
The virus continues its steady spread across the Sun Belt, with state officials in Arizona, Florida and Texas all reporting their largest one-day increases on Tuesday in new cases yet.The virus continues its steady spread across the Sun Belt, with state officials in Arizona, Florida and Texas all reporting their largest one-day increases on Tuesday in new cases yet.
Florida reported 2,783 new cases, Texas 2,622, and Arizona 2,392.Florida reported 2,783 new cases, Texas 2,622, and Arizona 2,392.
The new daily highs came as all three states have increased testing and moved swiftly to ease social distancing restrictions and allow more businesses to reopen. They were among 20 states that have seen the number of newly reported cases grow over the last two weeks, according to a New York Times database.The new daily highs came as all three states have increased testing and moved swiftly to ease social distancing restrictions and allow more businesses to reopen. They were among 20 states that have seen the number of newly reported cases grow over the last two weeks, according to a New York Times database.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, a Republican, attributed the uptick to more widespread testing, noting at a news conference Tuesday that the state was not only testing far more people than it did earlier in the spring, but was also going into high-risk environments, testing farm workers and migrant workers, and finding new cases.Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, a Republican, attributed the uptick to more widespread testing, noting at a news conference Tuesday that the state was not only testing far more people than it did earlier in the spring, but was also going into high-risk environments, testing farm workers and migrant workers, and finding new cases.
But epidemiologists have said that the numbers recorded in the state in recent days suggest increased transmissions, and the governor acknowledged Tuesday that community transmission remained a factor.But epidemiologists have said that the numbers recorded in the state in recent days suggest increased transmissions, and the governor acknowledged Tuesday that community transmission remained a factor.
“There’s been community spread the whole time,” Mr. DeSantis said, adding that there were pockets of the state with higher rates, particularly lower-income areas.“There’s been community spread the whole time,” Mr. DeSantis said, adding that there were pockets of the state with higher rates, particularly lower-income areas.
He dismissed the idea that the recent infections stemmed from the reopening of businesses including bars and restaurants and said the state would not shutter activity again.He dismissed the idea that the recent infections stemmed from the reopening of businesses including bars and restaurants and said the state would not shutter activity again.
Epidemiologists have said that even taking into account the increase in testing, the rise in confirmed cases in several Sun Belt states suggested increased transmissions. Other measures, such as the percentage of positive tests and hospitalizations, reflect that worsening outlook. In Florida more than 4.5 percent of those who tested between May 31 and June 6 had the virus, compared with about 2.3 percent of people who tested in mid-May. Rates in Arizona and Texas have also risen in recent weeks.Epidemiologists have said that even taking into account the increase in testing, the rise in confirmed cases in several Sun Belt states suggested increased transmissions. Other measures, such as the percentage of positive tests and hospitalizations, reflect that worsening outlook. In Florida more than 4.5 percent of those who tested between May 31 and June 6 had the virus, compared with about 2.3 percent of people who tested in mid-May. Rates in Arizona and Texas have also risen in recent weeks.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas said that Tuesday’s new high reflected several anomalies, and that some counties may have reported a backlog of cases that were not reported in recent days. But he also put some of the blame for Texas’s increase in cases on people under 30, suggesting that they were being too casual about wearing masks and social distancing. He said that the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission had issued a warning this week to bars and restaurants that they face the suspension of their liquor licenses if they violate protocols.Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas said that Tuesday’s new high reflected several anomalies, and that some counties may have reported a backlog of cases that were not reported in recent days. But he also put some of the blame for Texas’s increase in cases on people under 30, suggesting that they were being too casual about wearing masks and social distancing. He said that the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission had issued a warning this week to bars and restaurants that they face the suspension of their liquor licenses if they violate protocols.
Tension between the state and local governments escalated again on Tuesday as nine Texas mayors, including those for the state’s largest cities, asked Mr. Abbott to give them the authority to mandate the use of face masks for their communities. In April, he ordered that local jurisdictions could not penalize residents who do not wear face coverings, and his administration has not set a statewide policy beyond encouraging people to wear them.Tension between the state and local governments escalated again on Tuesday as nine Texas mayors, including those for the state’s largest cities, asked Mr. Abbott to give them the authority to mandate the use of face masks for their communities. In April, he ordered that local jurisdictions could not penalize residents who do not wear face coverings, and his administration has not set a statewide policy beyond encouraging people to wear them.
In Arizona, interest in the new one-day high was so great that the state’s health department’s website reported problems that it attributed to increased traffic. The state said that its daily increase of positive cases was 2,392, bringing its total to 39,097, and that another 25 people had died, bringing the state’s death toll to 1,219.In Arizona, interest in the new one-day high was so great that the state’s health department’s website reported problems that it attributed to increased traffic. The state said that its daily increase of positive cases was 2,392, bringing its total to 39,097, and that another 25 people had died, bringing the state’s death toll to 1,219.
For months, Charleston, S.C., Joplin, Mo., and Portland, Ore., avoided the worst of the virus. Now, they are seeing major surges, raising concerns among state officials about easing restrictions too soon.For months, Charleston, S.C., Joplin, Mo., and Portland, Ore., avoided the worst of the virus. Now, they are seeing major surges, raising concerns among state officials about easing restrictions too soon.
In Charleston County, S.C., more than half the total cases have been reported in the last three weeks. The Oregon governor has paused the state’s reopening plans as new virus cases are emerging at their highest levels yet across the state. And in Joplin, Mo., where case numbers have doubled over the last two weeks, the City Council decided to keep in place occupancy limits at businesses.In Charleston County, S.C., more than half the total cases have been reported in the last three weeks. The Oregon governor has paused the state’s reopening plans as new virus cases are emerging at their highest levels yet across the state. And in Joplin, Mo., where case numbers have doubled over the last two weeks, the City Council decided to keep in place occupancy limits at businesses.
Cases are also rising around Tulsa, Okla., Honolulu and Wichita, Kan., none of which were hit especially hard in the pandemic’s early months.Cases are also rising around Tulsa, Okla., Honolulu and Wichita, Kan., none of which were hit especially hard in the pandemic’s early months.
Gov. Laura Kelly of Kansas said this week that cases around Wichita spiked shortly after county leaders relaxed social distancing rules.Gov. Laura Kelly of Kansas said this week that cases around Wichita spiked shortly after county leaders relaxed social distancing rules.
“This is not a coincidence,” Ms. Kelly said. She added: “If we do not treat this threat seriously, more lives will be lost.”“This is not a coincidence,” Ms. Kelly said. She added: “If we do not treat this threat seriously, more lives will be lost.”
And Oklahoma officials fear that a large Trump campaign rally slated for Saturday could lead to massive increases in new cases.And Oklahoma officials fear that a large Trump campaign rally slated for Saturday could lead to massive increases in new cases.
GLOBAL ROUNDUPGLOBAL ROUNDUP
Efforts in New Delhi and Mumbai to account for previously unrecorded virus-related deaths led to a surge in India’s death toll on Tuesday, bringing the total to nearly 12,000.Efforts in New Delhi and Mumbai to account for previously unrecorded virus-related deaths led to a surge in India’s death toll on Tuesday, bringing the total to nearly 12,000.
Mumbai recorded 1,409 deaths on Tuesday, and the capital, New Delhi, added 437 fatalities, according to data from the federal health ministry. The country now has the eighth-highest death toll worldwide.Mumbai recorded 1,409 deaths on Tuesday, and the capital, New Delhi, added 437 fatalities, according to data from the federal health ministry. The country now has the eighth-highest death toll worldwide.
Officials in the two cities had been accused of underreporting the death toll. The Delhi health minister, Satyendar Jain, blamed insufficient information from hospitals.Officials in the two cities had been accused of underreporting the death toll. The Delhi health minister, Satyendar Jain, blamed insufficient information from hospitals.
“Every death count must have corresponding documents to back the death, otherwise they are just figures,” Mr. Jain said in a TV interview. On Tuesday, he was hospitalized for a high fever and respiratory symptoms, and later said he had tested positive for the virus.“Every death count must have corresponding documents to back the death, otherwise they are just figures,” Mr. Jain said in a TV interview. On Tuesday, he was hospitalized for a high fever and respiratory symptoms, and later said he had tested positive for the virus.
In other world news:In other world news:
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand said the military would oversee quarantine facilities after an “unacceptable failure” of protocol. Two women who had returned from Britain — and who were not tested before leaving quarantine early — have tested positive, and the authorities were tracing 320 of their potential contacts. The cases ended the country’s 24-day streak without new infections.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand said the military would oversee quarantine facilities after an “unacceptable failure” of protocol. Two women who had returned from Britain — and who were not tested before leaving quarantine early — have tested positive, and the authorities were tracing 320 of their potential contacts. The cases ended the country’s 24-day streak without new infections.
The Israeli military announced that several generals have been quarantined after being exposed to people who tested positive for the coronavirus. All will continue to work remotely, and none has yet developed symptoms, the military said Wednesday.The Israeli military announced that several generals have been quarantined after being exposed to people who tested positive for the coronavirus. All will continue to work remotely, and none has yet developed symptoms, the military said Wednesday.
Australia’s tourism minister, Simon Birmingham, told the Australian Financial Review that the country’s borders would probably not reopen until next year. Australia emerged from lockdown last month, but its borders have remained closed to nonresidents and noncitizens.Australia’s tourism minister, Simon Birmingham, told the Australian Financial Review that the country’s borders would probably not reopen until next year. Australia emerged from lockdown last month, but its borders have remained closed to nonresidents and noncitizens.
Juan Orlando Hernández, the president of Honduras, announced late Tuesday that he, the first lady and two aides had tested positive for Covid-19. In a televised statement, Mr. Hernández urged Hondurans to follow social-distancing guidelines, which he said he was not able to do because of his job.Juan Orlando Hernández, the president of Honduras, announced late Tuesday that he, the first lady and two aides had tested positive for Covid-19. In a televised statement, Mr. Hernández urged Hondurans to follow social-distancing guidelines, which he said he was not able to do because of his job.
Germans will be required to register pets that contract the virus. Registration will help scientists studying the virus, said Julia Klöckner, the agriculture minister. She stressed that there was no need to test animals without symptoms. Separately, the authorities closed schools and day care centers in the northwestern state of North Rhine-Westphalia after a new cluster of 400 cases tied to a meatpacking plant emerged.Germans will be required to register pets that contract the virus. Registration will help scientists studying the virus, said Julia Klöckner, the agriculture minister. She stressed that there was no need to test animals without symptoms. Separately, the authorities closed schools and day care centers in the northwestern state of North Rhine-Westphalia after a new cluster of 400 cases tied to a meatpacking plant emerged.
Premier League soccer returns on Wednesday in England, after a three-month hiatus. Two games will be played on Wednesday, before a full slate of matches scheduled for this weekend.Premier League soccer returns on Wednesday in England, after a three-month hiatus. Two games will be played on Wednesday, before a full slate of matches scheduled for this weekend.
As the coronavirus spreads across Latin America and the Caribbean, public health officials are flagging outbreaks cropping up in several border regions, particularly the one between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
The Pan American Health Organization said this week that it was focusing its efforts in these rural frontier areas, where populations are on the move and medical facilities are lacking. Indigenous people and migrants, vulnerable under normal circumstances, face even greater risks now.
Many Haitians live and work in the Dominican Republic, but after the outbreak there, thousands lost their jobs and moved back to Haiti. Some may have brought the virus with them.
According to the International Organization of Migration, there were more than 278,000 border crossings from March 17 to June 7, with a total of 51,000 going to Haiti, an unusually high number, according to Giuseppe Loprete, the I.O.M.’s chief of mission in Haiti. He added that the weekly average of 4,000 crossings is about double the normal figure.
For many migrants, the stigma associated with the disease has made some of those safeguards, like contact tracing, even more difficult. Mr. Loprete said that many people returning to Haiti leave inaccurate contact numbers because they do not want community members to treat them as sick.
In addition to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, the director of the P.A.H.O, cited spikes in other border areas, including the one between Costa Rica and Nicaragua and the Amazon region that Brazil shares with its neighbors.
US ROUNDUPUS ROUNDUP
Thousands of citizens-in-waiting may be unable to complete their naturalizations in time to vote in the 2020 election, after naturalizations were put on hold amid the pandemic.Thousands of citizens-in-waiting may be unable to complete their naturalizations in time to vote in the 2020 election, after naturalizations were put on hold amid the pandemic.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services suspended most activity on March 18. Now service is resuming, but at a much slower pace. The agency recently began holding naturalization ceremonies in small groups, compared with the hundreds who typically gather to be sworn in at one time.U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services suspended most activity on March 18. Now service is resuming, but at a much slower pace. The agency recently began holding naturalization ceremonies in small groups, compared with the hundreds who typically gather to be sworn in at one time.
Before the pandemic, about 63,000 applicants took the oath of allegiance each month around the country. Virus restrictions postponed the final steps in the process — interviews and ceremonies — potentially delaying citizenship for several hundred thousand people before the end of 2020, according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, which leads a network of nonprofits helping green-card holders become naturalized citizens.Before the pandemic, about 63,000 applicants took the oath of allegiance each month around the country. Virus restrictions postponed the final steps in the process — interviews and ceremonies — potentially delaying citizenship for several hundred thousand people before the end of 2020, according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, which leads a network of nonprofits helping green-card holders become naturalized citizens.
An estimated 650,000 citizenship applications were pending in the first quarter of the 2020 fiscal year, which ended Dec. 31.An estimated 650,000 citizenship applications were pending in the first quarter of the 2020 fiscal year, which ended Dec. 31.
The delays caused by the pandemic follow moves by the Trump administration to tighten scrutiny of naturalization applications, making the process more cumbersome. There are also financial troubles engulfing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is expected to start furloughing workers in coming weeks.The delays caused by the pandemic follow moves by the Trump administration to tighten scrutiny of naturalization applications, making the process more cumbersome. There are also financial troubles engulfing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is expected to start furloughing workers in coming weeks.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in recent weeks have urged U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to administer the oath remotely or waive it altogether.Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in recent weeks have urged U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to administer the oath remotely or waive it altogether.
In other U.S. news:In other U.S. news:
Two major labor unions — the United Mine Workers of America and United Steelworkers — filed suit against the Trump administration in a bid to force regulators to protect mine workers from Covid-19. The suit aims to force the Mine Safety and Health Administration to adopt new rules to prevent virus transmission, which the unions argue could pose a serious risk to miners who work in close quarters and often already suffer from respiratory illnesses.Two major labor unions — the United Mine Workers of America and United Steelworkers — filed suit against the Trump administration in a bid to force regulators to protect mine workers from Covid-19. The suit aims to force the Mine Safety and Health Administration to adopt new rules to prevent virus transmission, which the unions argue could pose a serious risk to miners who work in close quarters and often already suffer from respiratory illnesses.
The Senate passed a bill permanently guaranteeing funding for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and adding billions to address a maintenance backlog in the national parks. The bill earned rare bipartisan support, with backers saying stay-at-home orders during the pandemic have made Americans much more appreciative of outdoor recreation. But it was also seen as a way to help two embattled Republican senators hold onto their seats.The Senate passed a bill permanently guaranteeing funding for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and adding billions to address a maintenance backlog in the national parks. The bill earned rare bipartisan support, with backers saying stay-at-home orders during the pandemic have made Americans much more appreciative of outdoor recreation. But it was also seen as a way to help two embattled Republican senators hold onto their seats.
The Food and Drug Administration’s abrupt decision this week to revoke an emergency waiver for two malaria drugs has left 66 million doses stranded in the federal stockpile — and officials do not yet know what they will do with them. Mr. Trump had promoted the drugs as potential “game changers” against the virus.The Food and Drug Administration’s abrupt decision this week to revoke an emergency waiver for two malaria drugs has left 66 million doses stranded in the federal stockpile — and officials do not yet know what they will do with them. Mr. Trump had promoted the drugs as potential “game changers” against the virus.
New Jersey will allow colleges and universities to resume in-person clinical, laboratory and hands-on programming as soon as July 1, the governor said. The schools must require masks and need to submit a plan to the state detailing safety procedures. There were an additional 47 deaths.New Jersey will allow colleges and universities to resume in-person clinical, laboratory and hands-on programming as soon as July 1, the governor said. The schools must require masks and need to submit a plan to the state detailing safety procedures. There were an additional 47 deaths.
Washington, D.C., is scheduled to enter it second phase of reopening next week. It will now allow gatherings of up to 50 people and indoor dining at restaurants, as long as they operate at no more than 50 percent capacity. Over the past week, the district saw an average of 44 new cases a day. Cases have been dropping since late April. Washington is scheduled to enter it second phase of reopening next week. It will now allow gatherings of up to 50 people and indoor dining at restaurants, as long as they operate at no more than 50 percent capacity. Over the past week, the district saw an average of 44 new cases a day. Cases have been dropping since late April.
Stocks drifted on Wednesday, as investors regrouped after a week of turbulent trading fueled by a cascade of news about the impact of the virus on the global economy. Stocks drifted on Wednesday, as investors regrouped a fter a week of turbulent trading fueled by a cascade of news about the impact of the virus on the global economy. The S&P 500 wavered between positive and negative territory.
The S&P 500 wavered between positive and negative territory in early trading, while European stocks were also slightly higher.
Markets have been on a wild ride in the past week, plunging last week as investors grew concerned about the rising infections in Florida and Texas. The outbreak in Beijing has also raised questions.
At the same time, investors also reacted positively to reports of efforts by governments to address the economic damage, as well as data signaling improvement. The latest data point came on Tuesday, when stocks were buoyed by a report showing retail sales in the United States jumped 18 percent in May, a stronger-than-expected bounce.
After a drastic decline this spring, global greenhouse gas emissions are now rebounding sharply, scientists reported, as countries relax their lockdowns and traffic surges back onto roads.After a drastic decline this spring, global greenhouse gas emissions are now rebounding sharply, scientists reported, as countries relax their lockdowns and traffic surges back onto roads.
In early April, daily fossil fuel emissions worldwide were roughly 17 percent lower than they were in 2019, as employees stopped driving to work, factories idled and airlines grounded their flights, according to a study published in May in Nature Climate Change.In early April, daily fossil fuel emissions worldwide were roughly 17 percent lower than they were in 2019, as employees stopped driving to work, factories idled and airlines grounded their flights, according to a study published in May in Nature Climate Change.
But by mid-June, as countries eased their lockdowns, emissions had ticked up to just 5 percent below the 2019 average, the authors estimated in a recent update. Emissions in China, which accounts for one-quarter of the world’s carbon pollution, appear to have returned to pre-pandemic levels.But by mid-June, as countries eased their lockdowns, emissions had ticked up to just 5 percent below the 2019 average, the authors estimated in a recent update. Emissions in China, which accounts for one-quarter of the world’s carbon pollution, appear to have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
“We still have the same cars, the same power plants, the same industries that we had before the pandemic,” said Corinne Le Quéré, a climate scientist at the University of East Anglia in England and lead author of the analysis. “Without big structural changes, emissions are going to come back as the restrictions end.”“We still have the same cars, the same power plants, the same industries that we had before the pandemic,” said Corinne Le Quéré, a climate scientist at the University of East Anglia in England and lead author of the analysis. “Without big structural changes, emissions are going to come back as the restrictions end.”
The researchers estimated that global fossil fuel emissions for all of 2020 are likely to be 4 percent to 7 percent lower than in 2019. That would be by far the largest one-year decline since World War II and several times larger than the drop seen in 2009 after the global financial crisis.The researchers estimated that global fossil fuel emissions for all of 2020 are likely to be 4 percent to 7 percent lower than in 2019. That would be by far the largest one-year decline since World War II and several times larger than the drop seen in 2009 after the global financial crisis.
With the peak of the crisis in New York City in the past, hospitals and their medical staff are no longer straining under the number of critically ill patients — once so numerous that ventilators, dialysis machines and even sedatives ran dangerously low. Reporting was contributed by Keith Bradsher, Chris Buckley, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Cooper, Michael Gold, Joseph Goldstein, David M. Halbfinger, Andrew Higgins, Carl Hulse, Miriam Jordan, Sarah Kliff, Raphael Minder, Brad Plumer, Nadja Popovich, Frances Robles, Dagny Salas, Christopher Schuetze, Robert Simonson, Karan Deep Singh, Rory Smith, Mitch Smith, Kaly Soto, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Daniel Victor, David Waldstein, Noah Weiland, Will Wright and Karen Zraick.
The front lines have shifted from intensive care units to recovery areas like 11 North, and similar units at other hospitals, like Rusk Rehabilitation at N.Y.U. Langone Orthopedic Hospital. Here, doctors are finding that for the most severe cases, recovery can be a long and arduous process.
Patients who survive lengthy I.C.U. stays during ordinary times — after heart attacks, car accidents, shootings, sepsis or respiratory failure — often face lengthy recoveries. Some patients report cognitive deficits, including difficulty concentrating. Many struggle to return to their jobs. About one-third have anxiety, depression or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, said Dr. Lindsay Lief, a pulmonologist at Weill Cornell who works with post-I.C.U. patients.
“In the Covid era, I think this will be magnified,” Dr. Lief said.
She noted that the typical Covid-19 patient in an intensive care unit was generally there for an unusually long time — one study suggested at least two weeks. That means more muscle loss and increased risk of other problems as well.
Even those whose lungs are mostly healed may be quite debilitated after long immobilization in an intensive care unit, where they are administered high dosages of sedatives and sometimes paralytics. Some must relearn to swallow without choking. Others have crippling nerve pain. Others have cognitive deficits, including trouble with words.
Elsewhere in New York:
The state reported 17 new deaths, Mr. Cuomo said. Of about 59,000 tests conducted across the state on Tuesday, fewer than one percent were positive. “This one of the best days for New York since we started,” he said.
After canceling public appearances on Monday because he was feeling ill, Mr. de Blasio tested negative for the virus, he said on Wednesday.
Reporting was contributed by Keith Bradsher, Chris Buckley, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Cooper, Michael Gold, Joseph Goldstein, David M. Halbfinger, Andrew Higgins, Carl Hulse, Miriam Jordan, Sarah Kliff, Raphael Minder, Brad Plumer, Nadja Popovich, Frances Robles, Dagny Salas, Christopher Schuetze, Robert Simonson, Karan Deep Singh, Rory Smith, Mitch Smith, Kaly Soto, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Daniel Victor, Noah Weiland, Will Wright and Karen Zraick.