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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today	Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
2020-06-24 09:26:18 UTC	2020-06-24 14:34:58 UTC (about 5 hours later)
This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.	This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
U.S. travelers may be blocked from entering the European Union when its borders reopen next month.	U.S. travelers may be blocked from entering the European Union when its borders reopen next month.
The governor of Texas urged residents to stay home as the state reported a record number of new cases on Tuesday.	The governor of Texas urged residents to stay home as the state reported a record number of new cases on Tuesday.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says another stimulus package could pass by the end of July.	Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says another stimulus package could pass by the end of July.
Novak Djokovic, the world’s No. 1 men’s tennis player, is the fourth player to test positive after taking part in a tournament he organized.	Novak Djokovic, the world’s No. 1 men’s tennis player, is the fourth player to test positive after taking part in a tournament he organized.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.	Get the latest updates here, plus maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.
For the first time in more than a month, four top public health officials leading the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus testified before Congress.	For the first time in more than a month, four top public health officials leading the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus testified before Congress.
Our colleague Noah Weiland, who covers health care for The Times, watched the hearing and said he was struck by the scene — the officials sat far apart, in front of Lysol containers and hand sanitizer bottles, and wore masks nearly the entire time — as well as by how much the officials refuted President Trump’s rosy assessment of the state of the virus.	Our colleague Noah Weiland, who covers health care for The Times, watched the hearing and said he was struck by the scene — the officials sat far apart, in front of Lysol containers and hand sanitizer bottles, and wore masks nearly the entire time — as well as by how much the officials refuted President Trump’s rosy assessment of the state of the virus.
“What you saw today was the four officials acting very independently on behalf of themselves and their agencies,” Noah told us. “They looked like they were operating kind of on a parallel track to the president.”	“What you saw today was the four officials acting very independently on behalf of themselves and their agencies,” Noah told us. “They looked like they were operating kind of on a parallel track to the president.”
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, told lawmakers that the U.S. was experiencing a “disturbing surge” of infections after states reopened too quickly and without adequate plans for testing and contact tracing. Over all, he said, the situation in the U.S. was a “mixed bag,” with areas like New York substantially reducing cases, while infections spike in other states.	Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, told lawmakers that the U.S. was experiencing a “disturbing surge” of infections after states reopened too quickly and without adequate plans for testing and contact tracing. Over all, he said, the situation in the U.S. was a “mixed bag,” with areas like New York substantially reducing cases, while infections spike in other states.
“The next couple of weeks are going to be critical in our ability to address those surges we are seeing in Florida, Texas, Arizona and other states,” Dr. Fauci said.	“The next couple of weeks are going to be critical in our ability to address those surges we are seeing in Florida, Texas, Arizona and other states,” Dr. Fauci said.
The officials were also asked to respond to Mr. Trump’s recent claim that he had asked “my people” to “slow the testing down” because the number of cases was making the country look bad. Dr. Fauci said that no one asked him to slow down testing. Adm. Brett P. Giroir, once the administration’s testing czar, said they were doing “just the opposite — we want to do more testing and of higher quality.”	The officials were also asked to respond to Mr. Trump’s recent claim that he had asked “my people” to “slow the testing down” because the number of cases was making the country look bad. Dr. Fauci said that no one asked him to slow down testing. Adm. Brett P. Giroir, once the administration’s testing czar, said they were doing “just the opposite — we want to do more testing and of higher quality.”
Noah said the officials also warned Americans — who may have relaxed on social distancing measures in recent weeks — that they needed to continue following guidelines.	Noah said the officials also warned Americans — who may have relaxed on social distancing measures in recent weeks — that they needed to continue following guidelines.
“What we saw today was these officials saying we’re basically in the third inning. Several of them indicated that there’s likely to be a pretty vicious second wave of this virus in some form later this year,” Noah said. “They were setting expectations for how long the pandemic may take to wither, telling people that participation in various kinds of mass gatherings is just not safe yet.”	“What we saw today was these officials saying we’re basically in the third inning. Several of them indicated that there’s likely to be a pretty vicious second wave of this virus in some form later this year,” Noah said. “They were setting expectations for how long the pandemic may take to wither, telling people that participation in various kinds of mass gatherings is just not safe yet.”
Travelers from the U.S. may be barred from entering the European Union when the bloc reopens on July 1 — a consequence of the country’s failure to control the virus. A final decision is expected early next week, but on draft lists of acceptable visitors shared with The Times, Americans are in the same boat as Brazilians and Russians.	Travelers from the U.S. may be barred from entering the European Union when the bloc reopens on July 1 — a consequence of the country’s failure to control the virus. A final decision is expected early next week, but on draft lists of acceptable visitors shared with The Times, Americans are in the same boat as Brazilians and Russians.
Diplomats are debating two lists, both of which exclude the U.S. but allow travel from China and developing countries like Cuba and Uganda. Their main epidemiological criterion is each nation’s average rate of new infections over the past 14 days per 100,000 people (that number is currently 16 for the E.U. and 107 for the U.S.).	Diplomats are debating two lists, both of which exclude the U.S. but allow travel from China and developing countries like Cuba and Uganda. Their main epidemiological criterion is each nation’s average rate of new infections over the past 14 days per 100,000 people (that number is currently 16 for the E.U. and 107 for the U.S.).
~~Updated June ~~22,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 24, 2020
	Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.	A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.	The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.	The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.	So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.	A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Excluding American travelers would result in significant economic, cultural and geopolitical blowback, and it’s a dramatic turning of the tables after President Trump in March blocked most Europeans from entering the U.S. Officials have said the final list would be revised every two weeks.	Excluding American travelers would result in significant economic, cultural and geopolitical blowback, and it’s a dramatic turning of the tables after President Trump in March blocked most Europeans from entering the U.S. Officials have said the final list would be revised every two weeks.
In Germany, a temporary lockdown on the district of Gütersloh was announced after a pork processing plant there registered 1,550 new cases.	In Germany, a temporary lockdown on the district of Gütersloh was announced after a pork processing plant there registered 1,550 new cases.
Even as Britain logs more than 1,000 new cases a day, Prime Minister Boris Johnson shortened the required length for social distancing to one meter and said pubs, restaurants, museums and hair salons could reopen on July 4.	Even as Britain logs more than 1,000 new cases a day, Prime Minister Boris Johnson shortened the required length for social distancing to one meter and said pubs, restaurants, museums and hair salons could reopen on July 4.
Gov. John Bel Edwards of Louisiana announced that business occupancy limits would be extended, noting that 90 percent of the state’s new cases resulted from community spread.	Gov. John Bel Edwards of Louisiana announced that business occupancy limits would be extended, noting that 90 percent of the state’s new cases resulted from community spread.
In Riley County, Kan., where new cases grew more than 50 percent over the past week, officials said they would tighten restrictions on mass gatherings.	In Riley County, Kan., where new cases grew more than 50 percent over the past week, officials said they would tighten restrictions on mass gatherings.
President Trump is holding an event in Phoenix today at one of the nation’s biggest megachurches, which claimed to have an ionization system that “kills 99.9 percent of Covid within 10 minutes.” Experts say that does not seem scientifically plausible.	President Trump is holding an event in Phoenix today at one of the nation’s biggest megachurches, which claimed to have an ionization system that “kills 99.9 percent of Covid within 10 minutes.” Experts say that does not seem scientifically plausible.
As the virus surges in developing countries, where hospitals are often poorly equipped and lack ventilators, aid organizations are scrambling to deliver oxygen equipment.	As the virus surges in developing countries, where hospitals are often poorly equipped and lack ventilators, aid organizations are scrambling to deliver oxygen equipment.
The virus has reshaped the experience of childbirth in New York hospitals, adding more tension into what is an already uncertain event.	The virus has reshaped the experience of childbirth in New York hospitals, adding more tension into what is an already uncertain event.