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Coronavirus Live Updates: Is This a ‘Second Wave’? Pence and Fauci Say No, for Different Reasons Coronavirus Live Updates: Is This a ‘Second Wave’? Pence and Fauci Say No, for Different Reasons
(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 Wednesday. New York City, once the center of the U.S. outbreak, is “on track” to enter its next phase of reopening as soon as Monday if there isn’t a resurge there, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Wednesday.
The move would put the city one step further on its path to economic recovery from a devastating virus that killed more than 21,000 residents and triggered one of the strictest shutdowns in the United States. It would move the city one step further along its path to recovery after the virus killed more than 21,000 residents.
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 social distancing and restrictions on capacity. Playgrounds will also reopen during Phase 2, city officials have said. 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 social distancing and restrictions on capacity. Playgrounds will also reopen then, city officials have said.
Mr. Cuomo’s announcement comes as other states are seeing spikes in new infections. On Tuesday, Florida, Texas and Arizona, which all moved swiftly to begin reopening, each reported their largest one-day increases in new cases. While New York has shown a steep decline in new cases, on Tuesday the state still logged 630 more new cases, the ninth-highest total in the nation, according to a 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, and just 17 new deaths.
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 issues elsewhere other states see new spikes, and urging New Yorkers to continue wearing masks and social distancing.
Mr. Cuomo has repeatedly emphasized the need for caution as the state eased restrictions, pointing to issues in other states 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 spread online of people flouting social-distancing rules and congregating outside Manhattan bars. Earlier this week, Mr. Cuomo threatened to reinstate closures in the city after photos and videos spread online of people flouting social distancing and congregating outside Manhattan bars.
Both he and Mayor Bill de Blasio also left open the possibility that the city would delay reopening if test results in the coming days showed a new spike in cases.Both he and Mayor Bill de Blasio also left open the possibility that the city would delay reopening if test results in the coming days showed a new spike in cases.
Mr. de Blasio has generally sounded a more cautious note in recent days about whether the city will be ready to ease more restrictions by next week, declining several times this week to put a specific date on it. Mr. de Blasio has generally sounded a more cautious note about whether the city would be ready to ease more restrictions by next week, declining several times this week to specify a date.
On Wednesday, he again repeated concerns that the virus might have spread as massive protests over systemic racism and police brutality recently filled city streets. (Mr. de Blasio, who attended at least one such demonstration, fell ill on Monday, but tested negative for the virus, he said.) On Wednesday, he reiterated concerns about the virus spreading during the recent huge protests over systemic racism and police brutality. (Mr. de Blasio, who attended at least one such demonstration, fell ill on Monday, but tested negative, he said.)
“We’re all mindful that we had a very unusual situation with the protests,” Mr. de Blasio said. “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 going to see, we believe, the fuller impact, if any, of the protests, in terms of our health indicators around this weekend,” Mr. de Blasio said.
But an hour later, Mr. Cuomo said that state officials currently expected to follow the same precedent set in other regions: allowing Phase 2 to proceed 14 days after the start of Phase 1. Freddi Goldstein, a mayoral spokeswoman, said that City Hall officials spoke with officials from the governor’s office earlier in the day, and that they were “all on the same page.”
“It’s one set of rules for everyone,” Mr. Cuomo said. “And they have worked everywhere in the state.”
Freddi Goldstein, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said that City Hall officials spoke with officials from the governor’s office earlier in the day, and that they were “all on the same page.”
“The mayor has wanted to leave the possibility open that we might see something we don’t like and then we would have to consider moving to Phase 2 later than originally planned,” Ms. Goldstein said. “But, from what we see now, everything looks good.”“The mayor has wanted to leave the possibility open that we might see something we don’t like and then we would have to consider moving to Phase 2 later than originally planned,” Ms. Goldstein said. “But, from what we see now, everything looks good.”
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, Mr. Cuomo said that, on Friday, he would end his daily briefings, which have drawn national attention. He would hold them afterward as needed, he said.Given the state’s progress, Mr. Cuomo said that, on Friday, he would end his daily briefings, which have drawn national attention. He would hold them afterward as needed, he said.
Arizona did not record its first 20,000 cases until June 1, but it took less than three weeks for the state to record its second 20,000 cases. Arizona announced 1,827 new cases on Wednesday, bringing its total to 40,924 — double what it was at the beginning of the month. Arizona did not record its first 20,000 cases until June 1, but it took less than three weeks for the state to record its second 20,000 cases. Arizona announced 1,827 new cases on Wednesday, bringing its total to 40,924.
The uptick of cases in Arizona came as states across the Sun Belt continue to grapple with concerning numbers of new infections. Officials in Arizona, Florida and Texas, which all moved swiftly to reopen, all reported their largest one-day increases in new cases on Tuesday. The uptick came as states across the Sun Belt continued to grapple with concerning numbers of new infections. Officials in Arizona, Florida and Texas, which all moved swiftly to reopen, reported their largest one-day increases in new cases on Tuesday.
Florida reported another 2,610 new cases Wednesday, just shy of the record it set a day earlier. The state said it had now seen 3,018 virus-related deaths. Florida reported 2,610 new cases Wednesday, just shy of the record it set a day earlier. The state said it had now seen 3,018 virus-related deaths.
Despite the jump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has said that the state will continue to reopen. He attributed the rise to expanded testing, but epidemiologists have said that even taking into account the increase in testing, the rise in confirmed cases in Florida and several other Sun Belt states suggested increased transmissions. Despite the jump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has said that the state will continue to reopen. He attributed the rise to expanded testing, but epidemiologists have said that even accounting for the increase in testing, the rise in confirmed cases in Florida and several other Sun Belt states suggested increased transmissions.
And hospitalizations have gone up. “There is no way to sugarcoat what we’re seeing today,” Dr. Lawrence Antonucci, chief executive of the Lee Health hospital system in Fort Myers, said on Wednesday. “Coronavirus is rising in our community, and we’re seeing an increased number of Covd-19 patients in our hospital.” And hospitalizations have gone up. “There is no way to sugarcoat what we’re seeing today,” Dr. Lawrence Antonucci, the chief of the Lee Health hospital system in Fort Myers, said on Wednesday. “Coronavirus is rising in our community, and we’re seeing an increased number of Covid-19 patients in our hospital.”
Lee Health had 219 patients on Wednesday, more than double what it had three weeks ago. Dr. Antonucci said people tired of being cooped up inside have tried to resume their normal lives.Lee Health had 219 patients on Wednesday, more than double what it had three weeks ago. Dr. Antonucci said people tired of being cooped up inside have tried to resume their normal lives.
“I am concerned that this fatigue is leading to more and more people not wearing masks and not practicing social distancing,” he said, noting that he had seen unmasked customers in local shops and grocery stores.“I am concerned that this fatigue is leading to more and more people not wearing masks and not practicing social distancing,” he said, noting that he had seen unmasked customers in local shops and grocery stores.
The governor has said public schools should plan to reopen with in-person instruction in August. A few universities, including the University of Miami and Florida International University, have said this week that they intend to have students on campus this fall.The governor has said public schools should plan to reopen with in-person instruction in August. A few universities, including the University of Miami and Florida International University, have said this week that they intend to have students on campus this fall.
In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott said that he had been concerned to see photos emerging from bars, restaurants and Memorial Day celebrations showing that people — especially young ones — were not social distancing.In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott said that he had been concerned to see photos emerging from bars, restaurants and Memorial Day celebrations showing that people — especially young ones — were not social distancing.
“There are certain counties where a majority of the people who were tested positive in that county are under the age of 30, and this typically results from people going to bar-type settings,” he said Tuesday, naming Hays, Bexar, Lubbock and Cameron counties, and warning bars that violate protocols could face the suspension of their liquor licenses. “There are certain counties where a majority of the people who were tested positive in that county are under the age of 30, and this typically results from people going to bar-type settings,” he said Tuesday. Texas currently allows restaurants to open their dining areas at 75 percent capacity as long as people follow social-distancing rules, which include maintaining six feet of distance or physical barriers between tables.
Texas currently allows restaurants to open their dining areas at 75 percent capacity as long as people follow social distancing rules, which include maintaining six feet of distance or physical barriers between tables. Facing its own surge in cases, Bexar County, which includes San Antonio, will order businesses to require employees and customers to wear face masks when they are unable to observe social distancing. The county judge Nelson Wolff issued the order Wednesday, a day after the county reported 436 cases, its biggest single-day increase.
This weekend, bars and restaurants in several major cities in Texas announced closures after employees or customers tested positive. Although Mr. Abbott has strongly urged wearing face masks, the state’s policies do not mandate their use, and the governor has resisted calls from some big-city mayors who wanted to be allowed to require face masks at the local level. In a television interview on Wednesday, the governor said he had no quarrel with the Bexar County order since it applied to businesses and not individuals.
In a Facebook post on Friday, the R&J Saloon in San Antonio said it had temporarily closed its doors for a deep clean after a customer tested positive. In another Facebook post on Saturday, Taste of Texas in Houston announced that it had closed temporarily “out of an abundance of caution” due to a positive test by a team member. And on Sunday, Yaga’s Cafe in Galveston said it closed its doors and hired a cleaning service to sanitize the facility after multiple employees tested positive, mostly without symptoms. ‘“I was surprised that he was OK with it,” Judge Wolff said of the governor in a telephone interview. “I’m very pleased. I think it’s going to make a difference.”
The top health official in Tulsa, Okla., on Wednesday expressed concerns about hosting Mr. Trump’s first campaign rally since March, a huge indoor gathering expected to bring tens of thousands of people to the area on Saturday, just days after the city announced 96 new cases, its largest single-day increase. State officials also reported a new one-day high of cases on Wednesday, 259.
The top health official in Tulsa, Okla., expressed concerns on Wednesday about hosting Mr. Trump’s first campaign rally since March, a huge indoor gathering expected to bring tens of thousands of people to the area on Saturday, just days after the city announced 96 new cases, its largest single-day increase. State officials also reported a new one-day high of cases on Wednesday, 259.
Bruce Dart, the executive director of the city’s health department, said he was “absolutely” concerned that Mr. Trump’s rally could become a “super spreader” event that would lead to more deaths. Mr. Dart noted that he had recommended the event be postponed until it was safer to bring large groups together indoors. He also urged people over 60 who wanted to attend to “please stay home. Seek other ways to participate virtually.”Bruce Dart, the executive director of the city’s health department, said he was “absolutely” concerned that Mr. Trump’s rally could become a “super spreader” event that would lead to more deaths. Mr. Dart noted that he had recommended the event be postponed until it was safer to bring large groups together indoors. He also urged people over 60 who wanted to attend to “please stay home. Seek other ways to participate virtually.”
“We’re in the middle of a pandemic,” Mr. Dart said at a news conference. “If you want to use your voice, do it safely, wear a mask, social distance. Coming together is a definite possibility of seeing increased infections and increased deaths from those infections.”“We’re in the middle of a pandemic,” Mr. Dart said at a news conference. “If you want to use your voice, do it safely, wear a mask, social distance. Coming together is a definite possibility of seeing increased infections and increased deaths from those infections.”
But Tulsa’s mayor, G.T. Bynum, a Republican who is friendly with the Trump campaign, said he was “honored” that his city was chosen to host the president as he returns to the campaign trail. He noted that the event would be the first presidential rally in Tulsa since President George Bush visited more than 20 years ago.But Tulsa’s mayor, G.T. Bynum, a Republican who is friendly with the Trump campaign, said he was “honored” that his city was chosen to host the president as he returns to the campaign trail. He noted that the event would be the first presidential rally in Tulsa since President George Bush visited more than 20 years ago.
“The fact that this president, coming out of this event, would single out our city and say, ‘That’s a city that did it the right way, that’s a city that’s reopening the right way,’ and want to come here? I do take it as an honor,” Mr. Bynum said. He added that “any rational person looking at any large group of people” would have concerns about the weekend event, but that it would be up to rally-goers to wear masks and use hand sanitizer to reduce risks. “The fact that this president, coming out of this event, would single out our city and say, ‘That’s a city that did it the right way, that’s a city that’s reopening the right way,’ and want to come here? I do take it as an honor,” Mr. Bynum said. He added that “any rational person looking at any large group of people” would have concerns about the weekend event, but that it would be up to attendees to wear masks and use hand sanitizer.
When asked why he had disregarded his top health official’s advice to postpone the rally, Mr. Bynum said that it was not his decision and that he did not control bookings at the BOK Center, the sports arena that signed a contract with the Trump campaign. Asked why he had disregarded his top health official’s advice to postpone the rally, Mr. Bynum said that it was not his decision and that he did not control bookings at the BOK Center, the sports arena that signed a contract with the Trump campaign.
The Tulsa police chief, Wendell Franklin, said he expected Mr. Trump’s rally to bring an “amount of people that probably Tulsa has never seen before” and noted that the temperature for Saturday was expected to reach 90 degrees. “Prepare for hours and hours inside of a concrete jungle, if you will,” he said.The Tulsa police chief, Wendell Franklin, said he expected Mr. Trump’s rally to bring an “amount of people that probably Tulsa has never seen before” and noted that the temperature for Saturday was expected to reach 90 degrees. “Prepare for hours and hours inside of a concrete jungle, if you will,” he said.
The consensus among scientists is that the risk of crowded indoor spaces is greater than the risk of crowded outdoor spaces because indoor airflow may not disperse virus particles as well as outdoor breezes. But scientists have also warned of the dangers of outdoor crowds.The consensus among scientists is that the risk of crowded indoor spaces is greater than the risk of crowded outdoor spaces because indoor airflow may not disperse virus particles as well as outdoor breezes. But scientists have also warned of the dangers of outdoor crowds.
Dr. Howard Markel, a medical historian, said parades during the 1918 flu caused spikes in that disease and also pointed out that events like baseball games, with their outdoor crowds, have been canceled.Dr. Howard Markel, a medical historian, said parades during the 1918 flu caused spikes in that disease and also pointed out that events like baseball games, with their outdoor crowds, have been canceled.
Some officials also expressed concern over the outdoor national protests against police brutality. Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles worried about protests becoming “super spreader events,” and health officials have urged protesters to get tested for the coronavirus. So far, a spike in cases from the protests has not been reported.Some officials also expressed concern over the outdoor national protests against police brutality. Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles worried about protests becoming “super spreader events,” and health officials have urged protesters to get tested for the coronavirus. So far, a spike in cases from the protests has not been reported.
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 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, inciting 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 party officials in charge of the city, including the 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.
For Beijing residents, the outbreak is a reminder that even in China — with its arsenal of high-tech surveillance tools and other authoritarian powers — the virus that causes Covid-19 can reinvade everyday life, triggering new and disruptive restrictions. For Beijing residents, the outbreak is a reminder that even in China — with its arsenal of high-tech surveillance tools and other authoritarian powers — the virus that causes Covid-19 can reinvade everyday life.
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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:
Some U.S. cities that initially avoided the worst of the virus are seeing a surge in cases since reopening. Charleston, S.C., Joplin, Mo., and Portland, Ore., are seeing major increases, raising concerns among state officials about easing restrictions too soon. Cases are also rising around Tulsa, Okla., Honolulu and Wichita, Kan., none of which were previously hit especially hard. Some cities that initially avoided the worst of the virus are seeing a surge in cases since reopening. Charleston, S.C., Joplin, Mo., and Portland, Ore., are seeing major increases, raising concerns among state officials about easing restrictions too soon. Cases are also rising around Tulsa, Okla., Honolulu and Wichita, Kan., none of which were previously hit especially hard.
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 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 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. 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. The S&P 500 wavered between positive and negative territory.
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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:
Juan Orlando Hernández, the president of Honduras, announced late Tuesday that he, the first lady and two aides had tested positive. Reuters reported on Wednesday that he had been hospitalized and was being treated for pneumonia.Juan Orlando Hernández, the president of Honduras, announced late Tuesday that he, the first lady and two aides had tested positive. Reuters reported on Wednesday that he had been hospitalized and was being treated for pneumonia.
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 — were infected, 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 — were infected, 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.
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.
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.
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.
Students will not be required to return to campus of the University of California, Berkeley, next fall. Those who choose to live in dorms will have to self-isolate at first. Large lectures will be offered remotely through an online “Semester in the Cloud” program.Students will not be required to return to campus of the University of California, Berkeley, next fall. Those who choose to live in dorms will have to self-isolate at first. Large lectures will be offered remotely through an online “Semester in the Cloud” program.
As colleges across the country grapple with how and whether to bring students back to campus, leaders at the Berkeley laid out a menu of options on Wednesday.As colleges across the country grapple with how and whether to bring students back to campus, leaders at the Berkeley laid out a menu of options on Wednesday.
“You and your family will need to decide which course of action is right for you based on your circumstances, your preferences, your goals, and your judgment of the risk,” campus leaders including Chancellor Carol Christ said in a statement.“You and your family will need to decide which course of action is right for you based on your circumstances, your preferences, your goals, and your judgment of the risk,” campus leaders including Chancellor Carol Christ said in a statement.
Smaller discussion groups or other coursework involving smaller gatherings would be available in-person, as long as students and educators adhere to social distancing and other public health guidelines, including wearing masks.Smaller discussion groups or other coursework involving smaller gatherings would be available in-person, as long as students and educators adhere to social distancing and other public health guidelines, including wearing masks.
Tuition and fees will be the same no matter how a student chooses to take classes, the statement said.Officials said as many as 6,500 students will be able to live in dorms and other on-campus housing, but move-in dates will be staggered, and space will be reserved for quarantine. Tuition and fees will be the same no matter how a student chooses to take classes, the statement said. Officials said as many as 6,500 students will be able to live in dorms and other on-campus housing, but move-in dates will be staggered, and space will be reserved for quarantine.
Students will be prioritized based on their need for housing, according to the statement.Students will be prioritized based on their need for housing, according to the statement.
Students moving in will have to be tested for the virus immediately and will have to isolate for a week to 10 days after they arrive. And to avoid the risk of exposure from students traveling home for Thanksgiving, all instruction, and final exams, will be online after the holiday.Students moving in will have to be tested for the virus immediately and will have to isolate for a week to 10 days after they arrive. And to avoid the risk of exposure from students traveling home for Thanksgiving, all instruction, and final exams, will be online after the holiday.
U.C. Berkeley’s announcement comes more than a month after the California State University, the largest four-year public university system in the country, said classes at its 23 campuses would be canceled, and instruction would take place almost exclusively online.U.C. Berkeley’s announcement comes more than a month after the California State University, the largest four-year public university system in the country, said classes at its 23 campuses would be canceled, and instruction would take place almost exclusively online.
“What’s happened is that with the partial closure of the economy, the flow of coins through the economy, it has gotten all — it’s kind of stopped,” Jerome H. Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, told lawmakers while testifying on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, noting that places where people exchange their quarters and pennies for cash and stores have closed, disrupting the normal flow. Reporting was contributed by Keith Bradsher, Chris Buckley, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Cooper, Jill Cowan, Jacey Fortin, Michael Gold, Joseph Goldstein, James Gorman, David M. Halbfinger, Andrew Higgins, Carl Hulse, Miriam Jordan, Annie Karni, Sarah Kliff, Jeff Mays, Patricia Mazzei, Raphael Minder, David Montgomery, Brad Plumer, Nadja Popovich, Frances Robles, Dagny Salas, Christopher Schuetze, Robert Simonson, Karan Deep Singh, Jeanna Smialek, Rory Smith, Mitch Smith, Kaly Soto, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Daniel Victor, David Waldstein, Noah Weiland, Will Wright and Karen Zraick.
“We’ve been aware of it, we’re working with the Mint to increase supply, we’re working with the reserve banks to get the supply to where it needs to be,” he said.
Mr. Powell was responding to questions from Rep. John Rose, a Republican from Tennessee, who said a bank in his district had reported that the Fed had notified them that they would receive only a “small portion” of their weekly coinage order.
“His institution will likely run out of coins by Friday,” Mr. Rose said, and after some research, he found that many banks were having similar problems. “I know we don’t want to wake up to headlines in the near future, such as: ‘Banks out of money.’”
The Fed said in a June 15 notice that coin circulation has been disrupted by the pandemic, and the U.S. Mint’s production of coin also decreased due to measures to protect employees. Bank coin orders have increased as states reopen, causing the coin inventory — which the Mint prints but the Fed manages — to dip below normal levels.
“It’s something we’ve been working on,” Mr. Powell said. “We believe it’s just temporary.”
For now, the Fed’s regional banks are allocating pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters to banks “as a temporary measure,” the Fed said in its notice, based on historical order volume and other factors.
Reporting was contributed by Keith Bradsher, Chris Buckley, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Cooper, Jill Cowan, Jacey Fortin, Michael Gold, Joseph Goldstein, James Gorman, David M. Halbfinger, Andrew Higgins, Carl Hulse, Miriam Jordan, Annie Karni, Sarah Kliff, Jeff Mays, Patricia Mazzei, Raphael Minder, Brad Plumer, Nadja Popovich, Frances Robles, Dagny Salas, Christopher Schuetze, Robert Simonson, Karan Deep Singh, Jeanna Smialek, Rory Smith, Mitch Smith, Kaly Soto, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Daniel Victor, David Waldstein, Noah Weiland, Will Wright and Karen Zraick.