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Coronavirus Live Updates: Contact Tracing in Britain Falls Short of Promises Coronavirus Live Updates: Contact Tracing in Britain Falls Short of Promises
(about 1 hour later)
When Britain unveiled an ambitious new contact-tracing system to help pinpoint clusters of infections as they emerge, Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as a “world beating” operation.When Britain unveiled an ambitious new contact-tracing system to help pinpoint clusters of infections as they emerge, Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as a “world beating” operation.
As with much of the government’s response to the pandemic, however, the results have fallen short of the promises, jeopardizing the reopening of Britain’s hobbled economy and risking a new wave of death in one of the countries most debilitated by the virus.As with much of the government’s response to the pandemic, however, the results have fallen short of the promises, jeopardizing the reopening of Britain’s hobbled economy and risking a new wave of death in one of the countries most debilitated by the virus.
The system, staffed by thousands of poorly trained, low-paid workers, was rushed out of the gate on May 28 before it was ready, according to interviews with more than a dozen contact tracers, public health officials and local government leaders.The system, staffed by thousands of poorly trained, low-paid workers, was rushed out of the gate on May 28 before it was ready, according to interviews with more than a dozen contact tracers, public health officials and local government leaders.
In the almost three weeks since it began, some contact tracers have failed to reach a single person, filling their days instead with internet exercise classes and bookshelf organizing. And some call handlers, scattered in offices and homes far from the people they speak with, have mistakenly tried to send patients in England to testing sites across the sea in Northern Ireland.In the almost three weeks since it began, some contact tracers have failed to reach a single person, filling their days instead with internet exercise classes and bookshelf organizing. And some call handlers, scattered in offices and homes far from the people they speak with, have mistakenly tried to send patients in England to testing sites across the sea in Northern Ireland.
One government minister threatened on a conference call to stop coordinating with local leaders on the virus-tracking system if they spoke publicly about its failings, according to three officials briefed on the call.One government minister threatened on a conference call to stop coordinating with local leaders on the virus-tracking system if they spoke publicly about its failings, according to three officials briefed on the call.
The United Kingdom has nearly 300,000 confirmed infections, and more than 40,000 people have died. Contact tracing was supposed to be the bridge between lockdown and a vaccine. Without it, a World Health Organization official said recently, England would be remiss in reopening its economy.The United Kingdom has nearly 300,000 confirmed infections, and more than 40,000 people have died. Contact tracing was supposed to be the bridge between lockdown and a vaccine. Without it, a World Health Organization official said recently, England would be remiss in reopening its economy.
Now, the troubled debut has left public health officials across England trying to battle a virus they still cannot locate.Now, the troubled debut has left public health officials across England trying to battle a virus they still cannot locate.
Arizona did not record its first 20,000 cases until June 1, but it took less than three weeks for the state to record 20,000 more. So on Wednesday, its governor, Doug Ducey, said he would switch gears and allow mayors to require mask wearing if they see the need.Arizona did not record its first 20,000 cases until June 1, but it took less than three weeks for the state to record 20,000 more. So on Wednesday, its governor, Doug Ducey, said he would switch gears and allow mayors to require mask wearing if they see the need.
“The trend is headed in the wrong direction,” Mr. Ducey said at a news conference.“The trend is headed in the wrong direction,” Mr. Ducey said at a news conference.
The state has merely recommended masks, and localities were precluded from drafting more restrictive rules.The state has merely recommended masks, and localities were precluded from drafting more restrictive rules.
But with cases rising swiftly and the mayors of Phoenix and Tucson urging him to let them mandate masks, Mr. Ducey said he would allow local governments to set their own mask policies.But with cases rising swiftly and the mayors of Phoenix and Tucson urging him to let them mandate masks, Mr. Ducey said he would allow local governments to set their own mask policies.
The governor noted that the rise in cases was not due solely to increased testing.The governor noted that the rise in cases was not due solely to increased testing.
Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix and Mayor Regina Romero of Tucson both said they would move to mandate masks in their cities.Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix and Mayor Regina Romero of Tucson both said they would move to mandate masks in their cities.
In Texas, which also saw record case increases this week, similar tensions have arisen between local officials and the governor, whose statewide reopening orders take precedence. The mayors of nine cities sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott urging him to give them the authority to require masks.In Texas, which also saw record case increases this week, similar tensions have arisen between local officials and the governor, whose statewide reopening orders take precedence. The mayors of nine cities sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott urging him to give them the authority to require masks.
“A one-size-fits-all approach is not the best option,” said the letter, whose signers included the mayors of Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. “We should trust local officials to make informed choices about health policy.”“A one-size-fits-all approach is not the best option,” said the letter, whose signers included the mayors of Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. “We should trust local officials to make informed choices about health policy.”
Although Mr. Abbott has strongly urged wearing face masks, the state’s policies do not require their use, and the governor has resisted calls to do so, saying that he believed in “individual responsibility” and not “government mandates.”Although Mr. Abbott has strongly urged wearing face masks, the state’s policies do not require their use, and the governor has resisted calls to do so, saying that he believed in “individual responsibility” and not “government mandates.”
But at least one Texas county got permission to go ahead with a limited mask requirement.But at least one Texas county got permission to go ahead with a limited mask requirement.
Bexar County, which includes San Antonio, is ordering businesses to require employees and customers to wear face masks when they are unable to observe social distancing. County Judge Nelson Wolff issued the order Wednesday, a day after the county confirmed 436 new cases, its biggest single-day increase.Bexar County, which includes San Antonio, is ordering businesses to require employees and customers to wear face masks when they are unable to observe social distancing. County Judge Nelson Wolff issued the order Wednesday, a day after the county confirmed 436 new cases, its biggest single-day increase.
In a television interview on Wednesday, the governor said he has no quarrel with the Bexar County order since it applies to businesses and not individuals.In a television interview on Wednesday, the governor said he has no quarrel with the Bexar County order since it applies to businesses and not individuals.
“I was surprised that he was OK with it,” Judge Wolff said in a telephone interview. “I’m very pleased. I think it’s going to make a difference.”“I was surprised that he was OK with it,” Judge Wolff said in a telephone interview. “I’m very pleased. I think it’s going to make a difference.”
U.S. ROUNDUPU.S. ROUNDUP
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.”
In other U.S. news:In other U.S. news:
With the entire college football season looking tenuous just over two months before its scheduled start, four games involving historically black colleges and universities became the first Division I matches to be canceled because of the pandemic. Southern University and Jackson State each canceled its first two games, including a pair of neutral-site contests: Southern vs. Tennessee State in Detroit on Sept. 5 and Jackson State vs. Tennessee State a week later in Memphis.With the entire college football season looking tenuous just over two months before its scheduled start, four games involving historically black colleges and universities became the first Division I matches to be canceled because of the pandemic. Southern University and Jackson State each canceled its first two games, including a pair of neutral-site contests: Southern vs. Tennessee State in Detroit on Sept. 5 and Jackson State vs. Tennessee State a week later in Memphis.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan announced on Wednesday that she would extend her state-of-emergency order, joining at least five other governors — in Vermont, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri and South Carolina — who took the same step during the last week. Along with control over travel restrictions and business closures, the emergency declarations provide a direct line to federal funding for disaster relief. In Michigan, confirmed cases of the virus have steadily declined this month. Restaurants have reopened at limited capacity. Major industries, including construction and manufacturing, have also restarted operations.Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan announced on Wednesday that she would extend her state-of-emergency order, joining at least five other governors — in Vermont, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri and South Carolina — who took the same step during the last week. Along with control over travel restrictions and business closures, the emergency declarations provide a direct line to federal funding for disaster relief. In Michigan, confirmed cases of the virus have steadily declined this month. Restaurants have reopened at limited capacity. Major industries, including construction and manufacturing, have also restarted operations.
Thousands of citizens-in-waiting may be unable to complete their naturalizations in time to vote in the 2020 election, after the ceremonies 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 the ceremonies were put on hold amid the pandemic.
U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday, giving up an early gain, as investors regrouped after days of turbulent trading fueled by a cascade of news about the coronavirus and its impact on the global economy.
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.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. The suit aims to force the Mine Safety and Health Administration to adopt 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. The suit aims to force the Mine Safety and Health Administration to adopt 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.
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.
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, and 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, and large lectures will be offered remotely through an online “Semester in the Cloud” program.
When Premier League soccer returned to England on Wednesday after a 100-day shutdown, players knelt in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and observed a minute of silence in memory of coronavirus victims.
Two games were played, in Manchester and Birmingham, and a full slate of matches is scheduled for the weekend. For the rest of the season, Premier League jerseys will feature a Black Lives Matter logo and a badge thanking Britain’s overburdened National Health Service — a show of appreciation for medics who have treated coronavirus patients.
Also on Wednesday, the Champions League took its first concrete steps toward returning. Officials from European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, announced that the competition — suspended three months ago — would be completed as an eight-team knockout tournament in August in Portugal.
During the 100 days without the Premier League, England did not seem to stop talking about it, our soccer columnist Rory Smith writes. For example: Were players doing enough to help the N.H.S.? And should clubs be allowed to use the government’s furlough scheme?
“Most of all, though,” Rory writes, “as the death tolls mounted and the lockdown gripped, it asked again and again if soccer could return in the world of the coronavirus, or, more pertinent, whether it should. And then it asked, again and again, why everyone was talking about soccer so much.”
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.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.
It would move the city one step further along its path to recovery after the virus killed more than 21,000 residents.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 then, 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.
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.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.
Mr. Cuomo has repeatedly emphasized the need for caution as the state eased restrictions, pointing to other states seeing 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 other states seeing new spikes, and urging New Yorkers to continue wearing masks and social distancing.
“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 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.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.
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.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 reiterated concerns about the virus spreading during the recent huge protests over systemic racism and police brutality.On Wednesday, he reiterated concerns about the virus spreading during the recent huge protests over systemic racism and police brutality.
“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 Mr. Cuomo later 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.But Mr. Cuomo later 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.
“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.”
The federal government’s leadership in the coronavirus crisis has so faded that state and local health officials have been left to figure out on their own how to handle rising infections and to navigate conflicting signals from the White House.The federal government’s leadership in the coronavirus crisis has so faded that state and local health officials have been left to figure out on their own how to handle rising infections and to navigate conflicting signals from the White House.
About 800 Americans a day are still dying of Covid-19, a pace that, if sustained over the next few months, would yield more than 200,000 dead by the end of September. Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Oregon and Texas all reported their largest one-day increases in new cases on Tuesday.About 800 Americans a day are still dying of Covid-19, a pace that, if sustained over the next few months, would yield more than 200,000 dead by the end of September. Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Oregon and Texas all reported their largest one-day increases in new cases on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Oklahoma recorded 259 new cases, a single-day record for the second day in a row, and just three days before President Trump is scheduled to hold an indoor campaign rally in Tulsa in defiance of his own administration’s guidelines for “phased reopening.”On Wednesday, Oklahoma recorded 259 new cases, a single-day record for the second day in a row, and just three days before President Trump is scheduled to hold an indoor campaign rally in Tulsa in defiance of his own administration’s guidelines for “phased reopening.”
That rally is not the only confusing signal from Washington. The Trump campaign is requiring rally-goers to sign a statement waiving their right to sue the campaign if they get sick.That rally is not the only confusing signal from Washington. The Trump campaign is requiring rally-goers to sign a statement waiving their right to sue the campaign if they get sick.
While the president refuses to wear a mask, Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams has spent this week doing a round of television interviews to implore Americans to do so. Meantime, Vice President Mike Pence insisted in an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal this week that panic over a second wave was “overblown.”While the president refuses to wear a mask, Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams has spent this week doing a round of television interviews to implore Americans to do so. Meantime, Vice President Mike Pence insisted in an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal this week that panic over a second wave was “overblown.”
To public health experts, it is little mystery why Americans are confused. As the White House sends mixed messages, Washington’s public health bully pulpit has largely fallen silent.To public health experts, it is little mystery why Americans are confused. As the White House sends mixed messages, Washington’s public health bully pulpit has largely fallen silent.
GLOBAL ROUNDUPGLOBAL ROUNDUP
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 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.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 party officials in charge of the city, including the 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.
In other world news:In other world news:
Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia said on Thursday that the economic blow from lockdowns had been “devastating,” as data showed that the country’s unemployment rate had surged to a 19-year high.Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia said on Thursday that the economic blow from lockdowns had been “devastating,” as data showed that the country’s unemployment rate had surged to a 19-year high.
New Zealand on Thursday recorded its third new case this week, days after declaring itself among the first countries to be free of the virus.
India had at least 354,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus as of Wednesday, as efforts in New Delhi and Mumbai to account for previously unrecorded virus-related deaths led to a surge.India had at least 354,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus as of Wednesday, as efforts in New Delhi and Mumbai to account for previously unrecorded virus-related deaths led to a surge.
The Israeli military announced that several generals had 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 had 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.
Daily fossil fuel emissions worldwide were roughly 17 percent lower in early April than they were in 2019, a drastic decline, a new study found. But they have rebounded sharply as countries relax their lockdowns and traffic surges back onto roads.Daily fossil fuel emissions worldwide were roughly 17 percent lower in early April than they were in 2019, a drastic decline, a new study found. But they have rebounded sharply as countries relax their lockdowns and traffic surges back onto roads.
Juan Orlando Hernández, the president of Honduras, announced on Tuesday that he, the first lady and two aides had tested positive. A government official said that he had been hospitalized on Wednesday and was being treated for pneumonia.Juan Orlando Hernández, the president of Honduras, announced on Tuesday that he, the first lady and two aides had tested positive. A government official said that he had been hospitalized on Wednesday and was being treated for pneumonia.
The top health official in Tulsa, Okla., expressed concerns on Wednesday about hosting President Trump’s first campaign rally since March.The top health official in Tulsa, Okla., expressed concerns on Wednesday about hosting President Trump’s first campaign rally since March.
The huge indoor gathering is 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 huge indoor gathering is 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 the rally could become a “superspreader” event leading to more deaths. Mr. He noted that he had recommended the event be postponed until it was safer to bring large groups together indoors.Bruce Dart, the executive director of the city’s health department, said he was “absolutely” concerned that the rally could become a “superspreader” event leading to more deaths. Mr. He noted that he had recommended the event be postponed until it was safer to bring large groups together indoors.
Mr. Dart urged people over 60 who are considering attending to “please stay home” and said they should “seek other ways to participate virtually.”Mr. Dart urged people over 60 who are considering attending to “please stay home” and said they should “seek other ways to participate virtually.”
“We’re in the middle of a pandemic,” he 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,” he 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 H.W. Bush visited decades 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 H.W. Bush visited decades 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.“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 said that “any rational person looking at any large group of people” would have concerns about the event, but that it would be up to attendees to wear masks and use hand sanitizer.He said that “any rational person looking at any large group of people” would have concerns about the event, but that it would be up to attendees to wear masks and use hand sanitizer.
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 Trump campaign manager has said the campaign will distribute masks at the venue, but campaign officials said they would not require people to wear them inside. Attendees have had to waive their right to sue if they contract the virus at the rally.The Trump campaign manager has said the campaign will distribute masks at the venue, but campaign officials said they would not require people to wear them inside. Attendees have had to waive their right to sue if they contract the virus at the rally.
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.
Mr. Franklin also raised the possibility of mass protests.Mr. Franklin also raised the possibility of mass protests.
In Tulsa, which in 1921 was the site of one of the country’s bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence, Juneteenth protests are expected to be more intense because of Mr. Trump’s initial decision to schedule a rally there on the holiday, which honors the end of slavery in the United States and is celebrated as African-Americans’ Independence Day. After a backlash, Mr. Trump said he would delay his rally by a day. But his visit will still coincide with planned protests and celebrations across the city all weekend.In Tulsa, which in 1921 was the site of one of the country’s bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence, Juneteenth protests are expected to be more intense because of Mr. Trump’s initial decision to schedule a rally there on the holiday, which honors the end of slavery in the United States and is celebrated as African-Americans’ Independence Day. After a backlash, Mr. Trump said he would delay his rally by a day. But his visit will still coincide with planned protests and celebrations across the city all 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 organization’s chief of mission in Haiti. He added that the weekly average of 4,000 crossings was 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 organization’s chief of mission in Haiti. He added that the weekly average of 4,000 crossings was 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.
The World Health Organization announced on Wednesday that it was halting its major trial of hydroxychloroquine, the malaria drug hailed by Mr. Trump as a possible treatment for Covid-19. It said there was no evidence that the drug was effective.The World Health Organization announced on Wednesday that it was halting its major trial of hydroxychloroquine, the malaria drug hailed by Mr. Trump as a possible treatment for Covid-19. It said there was no evidence that the drug was effective.
Dr. Henao Restrepo, a W.H.O. official, said the decision was based on evidence from the trial and from others conducted elsewhere that showed the drug “does not result in the reduction of the mortality of those patients.”Dr. Henao Restrepo, a W.H.O. official, said the decision was based on evidence from the trial and from others conducted elsewhere that showed the drug “does not result in the reduction of the mortality of those patients.”
The decision came two days after the United States Food and Drug Administration revoked emergency-use authorization for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, a related drug, after a review determined that the drugs were not effective as a treatment. It also found more than 100 cases of serious heart disorders in Covid-19 patients who took the drugs, including 25 that were fatal, and it found other problems, too.The decision came two days after the United States Food and Drug Administration revoked emergency-use authorization for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, a related drug, after a review determined that the drugs were not effective as a treatment. It also found more than 100 cases of serious heart disorders in Covid-19 patients who took the drugs, including 25 that were fatal, and it found other problems, too.
The F.D.A.’s abrupt decision to revoke the waiver for the drugs has left 66 million doses stranded in the federal stockpile — and officials do not yet know what they will do with them.The F.D.A.’s abrupt decision to revoke the waiver for the drugs has left 66 million doses stranded in the federal stockpile — and officials do not yet know what they will do with them.
Reporting was contributed by Jane Bradley, 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, Mike Ives, Miriam Jordan, Annie Karni, Sarah Kliff, Jeff Mays, Patricia Mazzei, Sarah Mervosh, Raphael Minder, David Montgomery, Benjamin Mueller, Aimee Ortiz, Brad Plumer, Nadja Popovich, Frances Robles, Dagny Salas, David E. Sanger, Christopher Schuetze, Robert Simonson, Karan Deep Singh, Kirk Semple, Jeanna Smialek, Rory Smith, Mitch Smith, Kaly Soto, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Daniel Victor, David Waldstein, Billy Witz, Noah Weiland, Will Wright and Karen Zraick. Reporting was contributed by Jane Bradley, 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, Mike Ives, Miriam Jordan, Annie Karni, Sarah Kliff, Jeff Mays, Patricia Mazzei, Sarah Mervosh, Raphael Minder, David Montgomery, Benjamin Mueller, Aimee Ortiz, Tariq Panja, Brad Plumer, Nadja Popovich, Frances Robles, Dagny Salas, David E. Sanger, Christopher Schuetze, Robert Simonson, Karan Deep Singh, Kirk Semple, Jeanna Smialek, Rory Smith, Mitch Smith, Kaly Soto, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, Eileen Sullivan, Daniel Victor, David Waldstein, Billy Witz, Noah Weiland, Will Wright and Karen Zraick.