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Coronavirus Live Updates: A More Subdued Fourth, but U.S. Impatience Is Growing Coronavirus Live Updates: A More Subdued Fourth, but Trump Moves Forward With D.C. Event
(32 minutes later)
As new coronavirus cases have increased 89 percent in the United States in the last two weeks, health officials have urged Americans to scale back their Fourth of July plans, and as many as 80 percent of community fireworks displays in large cities and small towns have been canceled over fears that the gathered crowds would become hot spots for new outbreaks.
But in a move squarely at odds with much of the nation, President Trump is planning to proceed with a “Salute to America” celebration on Saturday on the South Lawn at the White House, complete with a military flyover and the launch of 10,000 fireworks on the National Mall for what officials expect to be sizable crowds. After delivering a divisive speech at Mount Rushmore on Friday night, President Trump is looking ahead to a Fourth of July event in Washington on Saturday, again waving away the objections of some officials and public health experts worried the events could spread the virus among crowds.
The event follows Mr. Trump’s trip on Friday to Mount Rushmore, where he delivered a dark and divisive speech to an amphitheater packed with mostly unmasked supporters, casting his struggling effort to win a second term as a battle against a “new far-left fascism.” He barely mentioned the pandemic, but it is hitting close by. Before the event, Kimberly Guilfoyle, the girlfriend of Mr. Trump’s eldest son and a fund-raiser for Mr. Trump’s re-election campaign, tested positive for the coronavirus. Washington’s mayor, Muriel E. Bowser, is among the many officials urging Americans to scale back their Fourth of July plans. As many as 80 percent of community fireworks displays in large cities and small towns have been canceled to over fears that large gatherings could worsen the already alarming outbreaks happening across dozens of states. New coronavirus cases have increased 89 percent in the United States in the last two weeks.
According to a New York Times database, more than 53,000 new daily cases were reported in the country on Friday. That figure exceeded all previous daily counts aside from the 55,595 new cases on Thursday, the first time the number had passed 50,000. More than 53,000 new daily cases were reported in the country on Friday, according to a New York Times database. That figure exceeded all previous daily counts aside from the 55,595 new cases on Thursday, the first time the number had passed 50,000.
Cases are trending upward in 39 states, and regularly reaching new single-day records. Florida announced more than 11,400 new cases on Saturday, its fourth record in 10 days and the second time in three days that the daily count was over 10,000. South Carolina hit a record on Friday only to break it on Saturday with more than 1,850 new cases. The state’s positivity rate — the percentage of overall coronavirus tests that come back positive — has hovered around 20 percent this week, up from about 10 percent in early June.Cases are trending upward in 39 states, and regularly reaching new single-day records. Florida announced more than 11,400 new cases on Saturday, its fourth record in 10 days and the second time in three days that the daily count was over 10,000. South Carolina hit a record on Friday only to break it on Saturday with more than 1,850 new cases. The state’s positivity rate — the percentage of overall coronavirus tests that come back positive — has hovered around 20 percent this week, up from about 10 percent in early June.
Washington’s mayor, Muriel E. Bowser, has opposed Saturday’s gathering, warning that it violates federal health guidelines, but the Trump administration controls the federal property of the National Mall. Officials noted that the event would be scaled back from last year’s, when Mr. Trump turned the holiday into a salute to the military, with tanks and flyovers from Air Force One and aircraft from each branch of the armed forces. In New York City, instead of the usual hourlong fireworks extravaganza, Macy’s has been running five-minute displays in undisclosed locations across the five boroughs throughout the week. A grand finale on Saturday, also at an undisclosed location, will be televised.
The National Park Service said it was installing more than 100 hand-washing stations throughout the Mall area. Officials also said they had 300,000 cloth facial coverings to distribute. In Los Angeles County, the public health department ordered beaches closed and fireworks shows canceled. The police in Chicago were seen dispersing crowds gathered by waterfronts in defiance of an order to keep beaches in the city closed, according to a report from ABC.
“We are committed to providing the American people with a safe and spectacular celebration of our nation’s birthday,” a spokesman for the park service said. “We are doing so consistent with our mission and historical practices.” In Florida, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties had already announced that they were closing beaches for the Fourth of July weekend. A countywide curfew, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., in Miami-Dade went into effect on Friday.
There are other kinds of gatherings planned for the capital. Black Lives Matter DC and two other groups, Sunrise and the Black Youth Project 100, announced several events over the weekend focused on defunding the police. The Instagram account #dcteensaction lists at least nine protests for Saturday, including a march near the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and an evening protest beginning in Malcolm X Park. During his event at Mount Rushmore on Friday, Mr. Trump barely mentioned the pandemic as he spoke to a packed, largely mask-free crowd, casting his effort to win a second term as a battle against a “new far-left fascism” that seeks to remake the nation’s heritage.
The pandemic’s reach was still apparent, however: Before the event, Kimberly Guilfoyle, the girlfriend of Mr. Trump’s eldest son and a top fund-raising official for the Trump re-election campaign, tested positive for the coronavirus.
There are other kinds of gatherings planned for the capital on Saturday. Black Lives Matter DC and two other groups, Sunrise and the Black Youth Project 100, announced several events over the weekend focused on defunding the police. The Instagram account #dcteensaction lists at least nine protests for Saturday, including a march near the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and an evening protest beginning in Malcolm X Park.
As coronavirus cases in Texas have soared to new heights in recent days,As coronavirus cases in Texas have soared to new heights in recent days,
a number of hospitals in Houston have seen a steep rise in caseloads, filling intensive care units, overburdening staff, and straining testing capacity and the availability of other medical services. Protective gear, and other medical devices for testing and treating patients have been scarce.a number of hospitals in Houston have seen a steep rise in caseloads, filling intensive care units, overburdening staff, and straining testing capacity and the availability of other medical services. Protective gear, and other medical devices for testing and treating patients have been scarce.
Our correspondent Sheri Fink went behind the scenes at Houston Methodist, a top-ranked system of eight hospitals, and found that the staff is armed with the most up-to-date understanding of how to treat patients with Covid-19, and prepared with hindsight to avoid some of the mistakes that hospitals in New York made as they scrambled to handle a cascading outbreak in March.Our correspondent Sheri Fink went behind the scenes at Houston Methodist, a top-ranked system of eight hospitals, and found that the staff is armed with the most up-to-date understanding of how to treat patients with Covid-19, and prepared with hindsight to avoid some of the mistakes that hospitals in New York made as they scrambled to handle a cascading outbreak in March.
Many of Houston’s hospitals have already begun beefing up staff, and getting workers trained to handle patients as efficiently as possible. Some have also taken steps to keep elective procedures running to avoid the massive financial losses hospitals around the country faced earlier in the year when they adapted to focus nearly exclusively on patients with the coronavirus.Many of Houston’s hospitals have already begun beefing up staff, and getting workers trained to handle patients as efficiently as possible. Some have also taken steps to keep elective procedures running to avoid the massive financial losses hospitals around the country faced earlier in the year when they adapted to focus nearly exclusively on patients with the coronavirus.
“What’s been disheartening over the past week or two has been that it feels like we’re back at square one,” Dr. Mir M. Alikhan, a pulmonary and critical care specialist, said to his medical team before rounds. “It’s really a terrible kind of sinking feeling. But we’re not truly back at square one, right? Because we have the last three months of expertise that we’ve developed.”“What’s been disheartening over the past week or two has been that it feels like we’re back at square one,” Dr. Mir M. Alikhan, a pulmonary and critical care specialist, said to his medical team before rounds. “It’s really a terrible kind of sinking feeling. But we’re not truly back at square one, right? Because we have the last three months of expertise that we’ve developed.”
With a number of advantages on their side, many hospitals in the city hope to be able to weather the recent surge while keeping deaths to a minimum. To date, Harris Country which contains most of the Houston metro area and has recorded the highest number of cases in Texas over all, has held its death count to 387.With a number of advantages on their side, many hospitals in the city hope to be able to weather the recent surge while keeping deaths to a minimum. To date, Harris Country which contains most of the Houston metro area and has recorded the highest number of cases in Texas over all, has held its death count to 387.
Several states that were previously reluctant to impose broad public safety measures have reacted to the country’s growing surge of cases by moving to adopt them, particularly in anticipation of Independence Day celebrations on Saturday.Several states that were previously reluctant to impose broad public safety measures have reacted to the country’s growing surge of cases by moving to adopt them, particularly in anticipation of Independence Day celebrations on Saturday.
But while some people will gather for a traditional celebration, others will be assembling to protest the new restrictions.But while some people will gather for a traditional celebration, others will be assembling to protest the new restrictions.
Arizona had strongly resisted sweeping regulations on businesses and individuals, making it one of the most cavalier states regarding Covid-19. But as cases there have skyrocketed and its intensive care beds have filled to near capacity, Arizona’s leaders have been rethinking their hands-off approach.Arizona had strongly resisted sweeping regulations on businesses and individuals, making it one of the most cavalier states regarding Covid-19. But as cases there have skyrocketed and its intensive care beds have filled to near capacity, Arizona’s leaders have been rethinking their hands-off approach.
At least 91,894 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Arizona to date, reached a single-day high of 4,797 new cases on June 30, according to data compiled by The New York Times.At least 91,894 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Arizona to date, reached a single-day high of 4,797 new cases on June 30, according to data compiled by The New York Times.
On Monday, Gov. Doug Ducey signed an executive order prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people and pausing reopenings of bars, gyms, and movie theaters. The governor’s office has also allowed local jurisdictions to set stricter limits of their own, including ordinances requiring masks. Maricopa County — which has averaged more than 2,500 new cases over the last week — passed its own regulations requiring face coverings in public.On Monday, Gov. Doug Ducey signed an executive order prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people and pausing reopenings of bars, gyms, and movie theaters. The governor’s office has also allowed local jurisdictions to set stricter limits of their own, including ordinances requiring masks. Maricopa County — which has averaged more than 2,500 new cases over the last week — passed its own regulations requiring face coverings in public.
Other localities are also seeing resistance to statewide measures.Other localities are also seeing resistance to statewide measures.
In Kansas, the Board of Sedgwick County Commissioners voted not to mandate that people wear masks in public but just to recommend it, despite a statewide mask ordinance issued by Gov. Laura Kelly.In Kansas, the Board of Sedgwick County Commissioners voted not to mandate that people wear masks in public but just to recommend it, despite a statewide mask ordinance issued by Gov. Laura Kelly.
“It’s probably the most innocuous, painless, relatively speaking, intervention we can do,” Dr. Garold Minns, the county’s public health officer, said at a commission meeting, voicing support for the state initiative. Still, county officials decided that individuals had the ability to make responsible decisions without government-imposed rules, especially if residents could maintain a six-foot distance.“It’s probably the most innocuous, painless, relatively speaking, intervention we can do,” Dr. Garold Minns, the county’s public health officer, said at a commission meeting, voicing support for the state initiative. Still, county officials decided that individuals had the ability to make responsible decisions without government-imposed rules, especially if residents could maintain a six-foot distance.
Some Texas counties have pushed back on Gov. Greg Abbott’s mask-wearing mandate, announced Thursday, under which residents could be fined up to $250 for noncompliance. In Nacogdoches County, Sheriff Jason Bridges made clear that his office would not be issuing citations for those who didn’t wear masks. “We are not keeping a database of people who wear a mask and who are not. I mean we don’t have the time or the energy to do that,” Mr. Bridges said.Some Texas counties have pushed back on Gov. Greg Abbott’s mask-wearing mandate, announced Thursday, under which residents could be fined up to $250 for noncompliance. In Nacogdoches County, Sheriff Jason Bridges made clear that his office would not be issuing citations for those who didn’t wear masks. “We are not keeping a database of people who wear a mask and who are not. I mean we don’t have the time or the energy to do that,” Mr. Bridges said.
An international group of 239 experts is calling on the World Health Organization to recognize that the coronavirus can be spread through the air, especially in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation.An international group of 239 experts is calling on the World Health Organization to recognize that the coronavirus can be spread through the air, especially in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation.
In an open letter the researchers plan to publish, they say there is clear evidence that the virus can be transmitted by microdroplets, called aerosols. The W.H.O.’s official guidance discounts aerosols as a major form of transmission, saying the virus is spreading mostly through larger respiratory droplets that don’t travel far.In an open letter the researchers plan to publish, they say there is clear evidence that the virus can be transmitted by microdroplets, called aerosols. The W.H.O.’s official guidance discounts aerosols as a major form of transmission, saying the virus is spreading mostly through larger respiratory droplets that don’t travel far.
But most of the recent research suggests the scientists are correct, with enormous implications for how people should protect themselves. For example, ventilation systems in schools, nursing homes, residences and businesses may need to minimize recirculating air, aim to provide clean outside air, and add powerful filters or ultraviolet lights that can destroy the virus.But most of the recent research suggests the scientists are correct, with enormous implications for how people should protect themselves. For example, ventilation systems in schools, nursing homes, residences and businesses may need to minimize recirculating air, aim to provide clean outside air, and add powerful filters or ultraviolet lights that can destroy the virus.
Health care workers may need to wear N95 masks that filter the smallest respiratory droplets whenever they care for Covid-19 patients.Health care workers may need to wear N95 masks that filter the smallest respiratory droplets whenever they care for Covid-19 patients.
“If we started revisiting airflow, we would have to be prepared to change a lot of what we do,” said Mary-Louise McLaws, an epidemiologist at the University of New South Wales in Sydney who sits on the W.H.O.’s infection control committee. “I think it’s a good idea, a very good idea, but it will cause an enormous shudder through the infection control society.”“If we started revisiting airflow, we would have to be prepared to change a lot of what we do,” said Mary-Louise McLaws, an epidemiologist at the University of New South Wales in Sydney who sits on the W.H.O.’s infection control committee. “I think it’s a good idea, a very good idea, but it will cause an enormous shudder through the infection control society.”
Even in its latest update on the coronavirus, released June 29, the W.H.O. said airborne transmission of the virus was possible only after medical procedures that produced aerosols, or droplets smaller than 5 microns. Proper ventilation and N95 masks are only of concern in those circumstances, according to the guidance.Even in its latest update on the coronavirus, released June 29, the W.H.O. said airborne transmission of the virus was possible only after medical procedures that produced aerosols, or droplets smaller than 5 microns. Proper ventilation and N95 masks are only of concern in those circumstances, according to the guidance.
Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi, the W.H.O.’s technical lead for infection prevention and control, said the evidence for the virus spreading by air was unconvincing.Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi, the W.H.O.’s technical lead for infection prevention and control, said the evidence for the virus spreading by air was unconvincing.
“Especially in the last couple of months, we have been stating several times that we think airborne transmission is possible but certainly not supported by solid or even clear evidence,” she said. “There is a strong debate on this.”“Especially in the last couple of months, we have been stating several times that we think airborne transmission is possible but certainly not supported by solid or even clear evidence,” she said. “There is a strong debate on this.”
In North Carolina, the governor vetoed efforts by lawmakers to reopen skating rinks, bowling alleys and amusement parks. In Alaska, new workplace clusters are emerging, social distancing is on the decline and contact tracers are overwhelmed. And in Kansas, state and local leaders are squabbling over whether masks are required.In North Carolina, the governor vetoed efforts by lawmakers to reopen skating rinks, bowling alleys and amusement parks. In Alaska, new workplace clusters are emerging, social distancing is on the decline and contact tracers are overwhelmed. And in Kansas, state and local leaders are squabbling over whether masks are required.
“Early on, people who tested positive usually had a short list of close contacts,” Dr. Joe McLaughlin, Alaska’s state epidemiologist, said in a statement. “Now, as people are mixing more with others, it’s not uncommon for someone who tests positive to have had dozens of close contacts, sometimes too many to name and call.”“Early on, people who tested positive usually had a short list of close contacts,” Dr. Joe McLaughlin, Alaska’s state epidemiologist, said in a statement. “Now, as people are mixing more with others, it’s not uncommon for someone who tests positive to have had dozens of close contacts, sometimes too many to name and call.”
The struggles in those three states, all of which set single-day case records on Friday, exemplify the challenges officials across the country face as cases surge. Unlike the first spike in March and April, when most places were on lockdown, case numbers are now exploding after many Americans have returned to their routines and grown frustrated with restrictions.The struggles in those three states, all of which set single-day case records on Friday, exemplify the challenges officials across the country face as cases surge. Unlike the first spike in March and April, when most places were on lockdown, case numbers are now exploding after many Americans have returned to their routines and grown frustrated with restrictions.
In Kansas, where more than 780 cases were announced on Friday, residents have heard mixed messages from their leaders. This week, Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, ordered residents to wear masks in public. Commissioners in Sedgwick County, which includes Wichita, then voted to make Ms. Kelly’s mask mandate a recommendation, not a requirement. But on Friday, the Wichita City Council convened in a special meeting and approved a mask mandate, effective immediately, with the possibility of fines for those who refuse.In Kansas, where more than 780 cases were announced on Friday, residents have heard mixed messages from their leaders. This week, Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, ordered residents to wear masks in public. Commissioners in Sedgwick County, which includes Wichita, then voted to make Ms. Kelly’s mask mandate a recommendation, not a requirement. But on Friday, the Wichita City Council convened in a special meeting and approved a mask mandate, effective immediately, with the possibility of fines for those who refuse.
“We have a shot of avoiding another shut down, of ensuring our kids have school & protecting folks,” Mayor Brandon Whipple of Wichita said on Twitter after the city’s mask rule was approved.“We have a shot of avoiding another shut down, of ensuring our kids have school & protecting folks,” Mayor Brandon Whipple of Wichita said on Twitter after the city’s mask rule was approved.
Similar whiplash was seen in North Carolina, where the Republican-controlled Legislature passed bills that would have curtailed business restrictions enacted by Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat. But Mr. Cooper stepped in and vetoed the measures, meaning roller skating rinks and bowling alleys, along with some other businesses, must remain closed.Similar whiplash was seen in North Carolina, where the Republican-controlled Legislature passed bills that would have curtailed business restrictions enacted by Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat. But Mr. Cooper stepped in and vetoed the measures, meaning roller skating rinks and bowling alleys, along with some other businesses, must remain closed.
“Opening these higher-risk facilities would spread Covid-19 and endanger the state’s flexibility to open the public schools,” Mr. Cooper said in a veto statement.“Opening these higher-risk facilities would spread Covid-19 and endanger the state’s flexibility to open the public schools,” Mr. Cooper said in a veto statement.
Iraq’s caseload has increased eightfold in the last month, rising from about 250 new cases daily to 2,000 at the end of June. Deaths have increased as well, with about 100 people dying daily compared to fewer than 50 daily a month ago.Iraq’s caseload has increased eightfold in the last month, rising from about 250 new cases daily to 2,000 at the end of June. Deaths have increased as well, with about 100 people dying daily compared to fewer than 50 daily a month ago.
And signs are piling up that the country’s health care system is on the verge of breaking down.And signs are piling up that the country’s health care system is on the verge of breaking down.
The director of public health for Najaf Province, Dr. Radwan al-Kindi, said: “I am tired, so tired. We have 250 doctors, nurses and paramedics in quarantine or in the hospital because they have Covid.” He listed close colleagues who had been infected, ending with “and now my bodyguard just tested positive.” He knows he could well be next.The director of public health for Najaf Province, Dr. Radwan al-Kindi, said: “I am tired, so tired. We have 250 doctors, nurses and paramedics in quarantine or in the hospital because they have Covid.” He listed close colleagues who had been infected, ending with “and now my bodyguard just tested positive.” He knows he could well be next.
Already 1,000 doctors, most of them mainstays at hospitals around the country where they are exposed to the virus, are infected, according to the head of the Iraqi doctor’s union, Dr. Abdul Ameer al-Shimmeri. There were already relatively few medical staff willing to work directly with infected patients. Now the situation is dire.Already 1,000 doctors, most of them mainstays at hospitals around the country where they are exposed to the virus, are infected, according to the head of the Iraqi doctor’s union, Dr. Abdul Ameer al-Shimmeri. There were already relatively few medical staff willing to work directly with infected patients. Now the situation is dire.
“We are in crisis and we have no control over the virus,” Dr. al-Shimmeri said. “There is an absence of preventative equipment for doctors. Most of them are paying for their own and using it more than once.”“We are in crisis and we have no control over the virus,” Dr. al-Shimmeri said. “There is an absence of preventative equipment for doctors. Most of them are paying for their own and using it more than once.”
Oxygen is in such short supply that a prominent Shiite cleric and politician tweeted about Iraq’s fourth-largest city: “Nasiriyah can’t breathe.”Oxygen is in such short supply that a prominent Shiite cleric and politician tweeted about Iraq’s fourth-largest city: “Nasiriyah can’t breathe.”
The country’s number of confirmed cases is at least 56,000 but could be more because labs are having difficulty handling the number of samples that come in. Some doctors complain that it takes 11 days or more to get test results, which are delayed by a lack of staff and the volume of tests.The country’s number of confirmed cases is at least 56,000 but could be more because labs are having difficulty handling the number of samples that come in. Some doctors complain that it takes 11 days or more to get test results, which are delayed by a lack of staff and the volume of tests.
Mohammed Ghanem, who runs the busy lab at Sadr Medical City Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, said, “Most of my staff is sick, so I am trying to train new staff, but they do not have experience.”Mohammed Ghanem, who runs the busy lab at Sadr Medical City Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, said, “Most of my staff is sick, so I am trying to train new staff, but they do not have experience.”
Global RoundupGlobal Roundup
Thailand on Saturday marked 40 days without any locally transmitted cases of the coronavirus, a feat that mirrors those of regional counterparts, like Vietnam and Laos.Thailand on Saturday marked 40 days without any locally transmitted cases of the coronavirus, a feat that mirrors those of regional counterparts, like Vietnam and Laos.
Earlier this year, it didn’t look so promising for a country that was one of the most popular tourist destinations on Earth. In mid-January, Thailand confirmed the first case of the coronavirus outside of China, in a visitor from Wuhan, the Chinese city where the outbreak first emerged.Earlier this year, it didn’t look so promising for a country that was one of the most popular tourist destinations on Earth. In mid-January, Thailand confirmed the first case of the coronavirus outside of China, in a visitor from Wuhan, the Chinese city where the outbreak first emerged.
Foreign tourists continued to arrive for months, until Thailand shut its airports to most international flights in early April. But even before the flight lockdown, many Thais were vigilant about wearing face masks. Social greetings in the country aren’t of the hug and kiss variety, perhaps creating fewer opportunities for the virus to spread. So far, Thailand has recorded fewer than 3,200 cases of the coronavirus, with 58 deaths.Foreign tourists continued to arrive for months, until Thailand shut its airports to most international flights in early April. But even before the flight lockdown, many Thais were vigilant about wearing face masks. Social greetings in the country aren’t of the hug and kiss variety, perhaps creating fewer opportunities for the virus to spread. So far, Thailand has recorded fewer than 3,200 cases of the coronavirus, with 58 deaths.
With local transmission seemingly under control, schools reopened on July 1. The country’s notorious nightlife has revved up again, with entertainers required to wear face masks with their often brief costumes. This weekend, Thais began traveling by the millions for a four-day holiday, crowding airports and train and bus stations that had been largely empty for three months.With local transmission seemingly under control, schools reopened on July 1. The country’s notorious nightlife has revved up again, with entertainers required to wear face masks with their often brief costumes. This weekend, Thais began traveling by the millions for a four-day holiday, crowding airports and train and bus stations that had been largely empty for three months.
But with limits on international visitors still in place, Thailand’s tourism-dependent economy is likely to suffer the worst hit of any regional economy this year. A maximum of 200 foreigners are being allowed in to Thailand each day.But with limits on international visitors still in place, Thailand’s tourism-dependent economy is likely to suffer the worst hit of any regional economy this year. A maximum of 200 foreigners are being allowed in to Thailand each day.
Other coronavirus news from around the world:Other coronavirus news from around the world:
Two weeks after Spain lifted a state of emergency and began allowing in visitors from European countries, the authorities in Catalonia have imposed a lockdown on 200,000 residents in the Segria area to curb a rise in coronavirus cases. The authorities have also set up a field hospital in the city of Leida, east of Barcelona, to help handle a coronavirus caseload that has more than doubled in a week. Elsewhere, new clusters have emerged in Granada, a refugee camp in Málaga Province and Galicia.Two weeks after Spain lifted a state of emergency and began allowing in visitors from European countries, the authorities in Catalonia have imposed a lockdown on 200,000 residents in the Segria area to curb a rise in coronavirus cases. The authorities have also set up a field hospital in the city of Leida, east of Barcelona, to help handle a coronavirus caseload that has more than doubled in a week. Elsewhere, new clusters have emerged in Granada, a refugee camp in Málaga Province and Galicia.
A senior adviser to Afghanistan’s president died from the coronavirus late Friday as the country grapples with the virus’s spread amid a lack of reliable data and an overwhelmed health sector. The adviser, Mohammad Yousuf Ghazanfar, was a presidential envoy for economic development and poverty alleviation. Although experts say Afghanistan’s official numbers are not even close to an indication of the true spread, the country’s health ministry has recorded 32,000 positive cases and over 800 deaths.A senior adviser to Afghanistan’s president died from the coronavirus late Friday as the country grapples with the virus’s spread amid a lack of reliable data and an overwhelmed health sector. The adviser, Mohammad Yousuf Ghazanfar, was a presidential envoy for economic development and poverty alleviation. Although experts say Afghanistan’s official numbers are not even close to an indication of the true spread, the country’s health ministry has recorded 32,000 positive cases and over 800 deaths.
Although Paris’s official Pride march was postponed until November because of the pandemic, several organizations planned to hold a smaller version in the French capital on Saturday. Organizers said they intended to give it a political tone and speak out against the “silent capitalization” of Pride events.Although Paris’s official Pride march was postponed until November because of the pandemic, several organizations planned to hold a smaller version in the French capital on Saturday. Organizers said they intended to give it a political tone and speak out against the “silent capitalization” of Pride events.
The Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, moved to reopen on Saturday, giving exclusive access to front-line workers who aided in the city’s coronavirus response.The Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, moved to reopen on Saturday, giving exclusive access to front-line workers who aided in the city’s coronavirus response.
Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh on Saturday rejected a request from Illinois Republicans to allow large political gatherings, including a Fourth of July picnic, leaving them without a reprieve from an order from the state’s governor barring most gatherings of more than 50 people.
In their emergency application to the Supreme Court, the Illinois Republican Party and other Republican groups said the order from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, interfered with their First Amendment rights.
The application said Mr. Pritzker had drawn unconstitutional distinctions by exempting religious services but not political gatherings from his order. The First Amendment, they said, prohibits the government from discrimination based on the content of speech unless it can meet a demanding standard of review.
Judge Sara L. Ellis of the Federal District Court in Chicago rejected the Republicans’ request for an injunction. “The Constitution,” she wrote, “does not accord a political party the same express protections as it provides to religion.”
A unanimous panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, in Chicago, refused to stay Judge Ellis’s ruling while the case moved forward.
Justice Kavanaugh, the member of the Supreme Court who oversees the Seventh Circuit, denied the Republicans’ application without comment.
As pubs across England reopened on Saturday after three months of being shuttered because of the pandemic, the authorities offered the public double-edged instructions: Support local businesses, but “enjoy summer safely.”As pubs across England reopened on Saturday after three months of being shuttered because of the pandemic, the authorities offered the public double-edged instructions: Support local businesses, but “enjoy summer safely.”
The dual messaging come as the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sought to revive the economy while also trying to tackle the coronavirus, which has claimed the lives of over 44,000 people in Britain — the world’s third largest reported death toll.The dual messaging come as the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sought to revive the economy while also trying to tackle the coronavirus, which has claimed the lives of over 44,000 people in Britain — the world’s third largest reported death toll.
“We need to relearn what it’s like to go out again,” Finance Minister Rishi Sunak told The Times of London.“We need to relearn what it’s like to go out again,” Finance Minister Rishi Sunak told The Times of London.
England’s pubs were allowed to resume business on Saturday at 6 a.m., an early hour chosen as the authorities aimed to prevent a rush of late-night crowds that might accompany a midnight reopening.England’s pubs were allowed to resume business on Saturday at 6 a.m., an early hour chosen as the authorities aimed to prevent a rush of late-night crowds that might accompany a midnight reopening.
Pubs, which had never before closed in the country’s history, even during the two world wars, served to-go drinks while Britain was under lockdown but were not allowed to welcome patrons inside. On Saturday, questions about how crowded they would be were the subject of widespread speculation.Pubs, which had never before closed in the country’s history, even during the two world wars, served to-go drinks while Britain was under lockdown but were not allowed to welcome patrons inside. On Saturday, questions about how crowded they would be were the subject of widespread speculation.
“Ah, the classic pub experience,” the Guardian reporter Rob Davies wrote in a tweet, alongside a picture of a National Health Service form that patrons must fill in to help trace potential coronavirus outbreaks.“Ah, the classic pub experience,” the Guardian reporter Rob Davies wrote in a tweet, alongside a picture of a National Health Service form that patrons must fill in to help trace potential coronavirus outbreaks.
England’s restaurants, hair salons and hotels were also allowed to reopen, but bars remain closed in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, and the authorities there have urged people not to travel to England for a drink.England’s restaurants, hair salons and hotels were also allowed to reopen, but bars remain closed in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, and the authorities there have urged people not to travel to England for a drink.
In a bid to revive tourism, the authorities also said on Friday that travelers from over 50 countries would no longer have to isolate for 14 days when arriving in England. The rules, which will come into effect on July 10, do not apply to travelers arriving from the United States or China, but include most European countries.In a bid to revive tourism, the authorities also said on Friday that travelers from over 50 countries would no longer have to isolate for 14 days when arriving in England. The rules, which will come into effect on July 10, do not apply to travelers arriving from the United States or China, but include most European countries.
When the U.S. economy ground to a halt this spring, economists warned that an avalanche of evictions was looming. The federal government and many states rushed to ban them temporarily, placing moratoriums on mortgage foreclosures to relieve financial pressure on landlords.When the U.S. economy ground to a halt this spring, economists warned that an avalanche of evictions was looming. The federal government and many states rushed to ban them temporarily, placing moratoriums on mortgage foreclosures to relieve financial pressure on landlords.
But 20 states, including Louisiana, Texas, Colorado and Wisconsin, have since lifted their restrictions, and researchers have tracked thousands of recent eviction filings in places where data is available. Eviction bans in nine other states and at the federal level are set to expire by the end of the month.But 20 states, including Louisiana, Texas, Colorado and Wisconsin, have since lifted their restrictions, and researchers have tracked thousands of recent eviction filings in places where data is available. Eviction bans in nine other states and at the federal level are set to expire by the end of the month.
All told, Amherst College anticipates that nearly 28 million households are at risk of being turned out onto the streets because of job losses tied to the pandemic.All told, Amherst College anticipates that nearly 28 million households are at risk of being turned out onto the streets because of job losses tied to the pandemic.
Even in places with ordinances barring evictions, the protections have been of little help to unauthorized immigrants, who fear that complaining to the authorities about their landlord could lead to a consequence worse than homelessness: deportation.Even in places with ordinances barring evictions, the protections have been of little help to unauthorized immigrants, who fear that complaining to the authorities about their landlord could lead to a consequence worse than homelessness: deportation.
Immigrant and renter advocates in cities across the country say they are being inundated with complaints about landlords pressuring tenants to pay rent money. They say landlords use harassment, illegal fees for late payments or repairs, or simply change the locks as a way to force out vulnerable renters.Immigrant and renter advocates in cities across the country say they are being inundated with complaints about landlords pressuring tenants to pay rent money. They say landlords use harassment, illegal fees for late payments or repairs, or simply change the locks as a way to force out vulnerable renters.
Norieliz Dejesus is a program manager with the organization Chelsea Collaborative, in Chelsea, Mass., a hub for incoming migrants from Eastern Europe and Central America.Norieliz Dejesus is a program manager with the organization Chelsea Collaborative, in Chelsea, Mass., a hub for incoming migrants from Eastern Europe and Central America.
“I had one tenant whose landlord wants her out by the end of the month,” Ms. Dejesus said, “The tenant explained the new laws. The landlord acknowledged the new laws and was like, ‘I don’t care — you have to leave.’”“I had one tenant whose landlord wants her out by the end of the month,” Ms. Dejesus said, “The tenant explained the new laws. The landlord acknowledged the new laws and was like, ‘I don’t care — you have to leave.’”
President Trump on Saturday signed into law a five-week extension of a federal loan program for small businesses, days after the program shuttered.
The initiative — the Paycheck Protection Program, created as part of the $2.2 stimulus law in March — allows small businesses to receive federal loans that can be forgiven if payrolls are maintained at a certain level.
The program had shuttered on Tuesday with more than $130 billion in unspent loan money, after allocating $520 billion in loans to nearly five million businesses nationwide.
But just hours before, senators unexpectedly reached agreement on a five-week extension, to Aug. 8. The House cleared it on Wednesday afternoon without a formal vote.
A much broader and more polarized clash between Republicans and Democrats over whether to extend other assistance programs set to lapse this summer — such as enhanced unemployment benefits that expire at the end of July — will wait until later in the month, with members of both chambers scattered across the country for the Fourth of July and not scheduled to fully return for two weeks.
Ten months after Hurricane Dorian pulverized the northern Bahamas, the islands are still struggling to recover, even as this year’s hurricane season begins. But rebuilding, always a slow process, has been hampered even further this year by the coronavirus.Ten months after Hurricane Dorian pulverized the northern Bahamas, the islands are still struggling to recover, even as this year’s hurricane season begins. But rebuilding, always a slow process, has been hampered even further this year by the coronavirus.
“That brought rebuilding efforts to a complete halt,” said Stafford Symonette, an evangelical pastor whose house on Great Abaco Island was severely damaged during the hurricane — and remains that way. “You still have a lot of people in tents and temporary shelters.”“That brought rebuilding efforts to a complete halt,” said Stafford Symonette, an evangelical pastor whose house on Great Abaco Island was severely damaged during the hurricane — and remains that way. “You still have a lot of people in tents and temporary shelters.”
The Bahamas — like other hurricane-prone countries in the Caribbean and North Atlantic — now find themselves at the convergence of a devastating pandemic and an Atlantic hurricane season that is expected to be more active than usual.The Bahamas — like other hurricane-prone countries in the Caribbean and North Atlantic — now find themselves at the convergence of a devastating pandemic and an Atlantic hurricane season that is expected to be more active than usual.
The pandemic has crippled economies in the region, many of which depend heavily on tourism. It has forced the reallocation of diminished government resources to deal with the public health crisis. And it has meant that, in the event of a major storm, evacuation centers and shelters could turn into dangerous vectors of coronavirus contagion.The pandemic has crippled economies in the region, many of which depend heavily on tourism. It has forced the reallocation of diminished government resources to deal with the public health crisis. And it has meant that, in the event of a major storm, evacuation centers and shelters could turn into dangerous vectors of coronavirus contagion.
These mounting challenges have overwhelmed many of the region’s governments and relief agencies, which are scrambling to make arrangements before the next big storm.These mounting challenges have overwhelmed many of the region’s governments and relief agencies, which are scrambling to make arrangements before the next big storm.
“Are we prepared for this hurricane season?” said Ronald Sanders, ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and to the Organization of American States. “The answer is no. And I don’t care who tells you we are.”“Are we prepared for this hurricane season?” said Ronald Sanders, ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and to the Organization of American States. “The answer is no. And I don’t care who tells you we are.”
“The reality,” he added, “is that we are in dire straits.”“The reality,” he added, “is that we are in dire straits.”
After a minor late-spring lull, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States is again on the rise. States like Arizona, Florida and Texas are seeing some of their highest numbers to date, and as the nation hurtles deeper into summer, the surge shows few signs of stopping.After a minor late-spring lull, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States is again on the rise. States like Arizona, Florida and Texas are seeing some of their highest numbers to date, and as the nation hurtles deeper into summer, the surge shows few signs of stopping.
Yet the virus appears to be killing fewer of the people it infects — a seemingly counterintuitive trend that might not last, experts said.Yet the virus appears to be killing fewer of the people it infects — a seemingly counterintuitive trend that might not last, experts said.
In April and May, Covid-19 led to as many as 3,000 deaths per day and claimed the lives of roughly 7 to 8 percent of Americans known to have been infected. Now, even though cases are rising in most states, the number of daily deaths is closer to 600 and the death rate is less than 5 percent.In April and May, Covid-19 led to as many as 3,000 deaths per day and claimed the lives of roughly 7 to 8 percent of Americans known to have been infected. Now, even though cases are rising in most states, the number of daily deaths is closer to 600 and the death rate is less than 5 percent.
Because death reports can lag behind diagnoses by weeks, the current rise in coronavirus cases could portend increases in mortality in the days to come. However, a few factors can also help explain the apparent drop.Because death reports can lag behind diagnoses by weeks, the current rise in coronavirus cases could portend increases in mortality in the days to come. However, a few factors can also help explain the apparent drop.
One is increased diagnostic testing, which has identified many more infected people with mild or no symptoms. That means those who die with Covid-19 form a smaller overall proportion of cases, said Caitlin Rivers, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.One is increased diagnostic testing, which has identified many more infected people with mild or no symptoms. That means those who die with Covid-19 form a smaller overall proportion of cases, said Caitlin Rivers, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
And with more tests available, infections are often identified earlier, “which allows us to intervene earlier,” said Saskia Popescu, a hospital epidemiologist and infectious disease expert in Arizona.And with more tests available, infections are often identified earlier, “which allows us to intervene earlier,” said Saskia Popescu, a hospital epidemiologist and infectious disease expert in Arizona.
Health experts also noted that treatments had improved and that the virus was now infecting more young people, who are less likely to die of Covid-19.Health experts also noted that treatments had improved and that the virus was now infecting more young people, who are less likely to die of Covid-19.
On New Year’s Day, North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, called for a “frontal breakthrough to foil the enemies’ sanctions.” The strategy meant finding new sources of income, legal or illegal, and mainly from China.
But there was one thing Mr. Kim did not foresee: the coronavirus.
Barely three weeks after he unveiled his New Year’s resolution, North Korea shut down ​its border with China to protect itself against the emerging outbreak in the city of Wuhan. It was no ordinary border​ closure.
China accounted for 95 percent of the North’s trade. Consumer goods, raw materials, fuel and machine parts smuggled into the North across their 870-mile border kept North Korean markets and factories sputtering along, despite United Nations sanctions designed to curb the Kim regime’s nuclear ambitions.
Now, with the border sealed, the North’s official exports to China have crashed even further. In March, they were worth just $610,000, according to Chinese customs data — down 96 percent from a year earlier. The North’s newly opened ski and spa resorts are empty of Chinese tourists, and its smuggling ships sit idle in their ports.
North Korea claims to have no coronavirus cases. But it was one of the first countries to shut its border, aware that its woefully underequipped public health system made it particularly vulnerable to mass infection.
“To North Korea, Covid-19 is a black swan,” said Go Myong-hyun, an analyst at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul. “None of its policymakers saw it coming.”
The pandemic has shuttered Broadway through the end of the year (at least), and the United States’ big regional theaters and major outdoor festivals have mostly pivoted to streaming. But many theaters are still finding ways to present live performances before live audiences.The pandemic has shuttered Broadway through the end of the year (at least), and the United States’ big regional theaters and major outdoor festivals have mostly pivoted to streaming. But many theaters are still finding ways to present live performances before live audiences.
Of course, there is social distancing. Also, in some places, masks. Temperature checks. Touchless ticketing. Intermissionless shows. Lots of disinfectant. And at the Footlights Theater, in Falmouth, Maine, actors will perform behind plexiglass.Of course, there is social distancing. Also, in some places, masks. Temperature checks. Touchless ticketing. Intermissionless shows. Lots of disinfectant. And at the Footlights Theater, in Falmouth, Maine, actors will perform behind plexiglass.
But these precautions mean there is dinner theater in Florida, street theater in Chicago, and drive-in theater in Iowa.But these precautions mean there is dinner theater in Florida, street theater in Chicago, and drive-in theater in Iowa.
“Our commitment is to do live theater — there’s a huge difference between that and seeing something on a computer screen,” said Susan Claassen, managing artistic director of Invisible Theater in Tucson, Ariz., a state that has emerged as a Covid-19 hot spot.“Our commitment is to do live theater — there’s a huge difference between that and seeing something on a computer screen,” said Susan Claassen, managing artistic director of Invisible Theater in Tucson, Ariz., a state that has emerged as a Covid-19 hot spot.
There are also financial reasons for continuing: Some theaters say they cannot survive a year without revenue.There are also financial reasons for continuing: Some theaters say they cannot survive a year without revenue.
“We’d rather go down creating good theater than die the slow death behind our desks,” said Bryan Fonseca, the producing director of Fonseca Theater Company in Indianapolis. The company plans to stage “Hype Man,” a three-character play by Idris Goodwin, outdoors, for 65 mask-wearing patrons.“We’d rather go down creating good theater than die the slow death behind our desks,” said Bryan Fonseca, the producing director of Fonseca Theater Company in Indianapolis. The company plans to stage “Hype Man,” a three-character play by Idris Goodwin, outdoors, for 65 mask-wearing patrons.
“I am hopeful and also very cautious,” Fonseca said, “careful that I don’t create a problem.”“I am hopeful and also very cautious,” Fonseca said, “careful that I don’t create a problem.”
And in New York City, Food for Thought Productions, a company that presents staged readings of one-act plays, plans to restart in a private club on July 13, with attendees required to have taken coronavirus tests.And in New York City, Food for Thought Productions, a company that presents staged readings of one-act plays, plans to restart in a private club on July 13, with attendees required to have taken coronavirus tests.
“If we can prove that we can do this safely,” said Susan Charlotte, the founding artistic director, “maybe other groups can do safe theater as well.”“If we can prove that we can do this safely,” said Susan Charlotte, the founding artistic director, “maybe other groups can do safe theater as well.”
Experts say socially distant outdoor activities, like swimming or running along the shore, are some of the safer ways to re-engage with the world. Here are tips for venturing out.Experts say socially distant outdoor activities, like swimming or running along the shore, are some of the safer ways to re-engage with the world. Here are tips for venturing out.
Reporting was contributed by Hannah Beech, Choe Sang-Hun, Emily Cochrane, Patricia Cohen, Caitlin Dickerson, Fatima Faizi, Tess Felder, Sheri Fink, Peter S. Goodman, Rachel Knowles, Apoorva Mandavilli, Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio, Raphael Minder, Zach Montague, Michael Paulson, Elian Peltier, Alissa J. Rubin, Kirk Semple, Mitch Smith and Elizabeth Williamson. Reporting was contributed by Hannah Beech, Choe Sang-Hun, Emily Cochrane, Patricia Cohen, Caitlin Dickerson, Fatima Faizi, Tess Felder, Sheri Fink, Peter S. Goodman, Rachel Knowles, Adam Liptak, Apoorva Mandavilli, Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio, Raphael Minder, Zach Montague, Michael Paulson, Elian Peltier, Alissa J. Rubin, Kirk Semple, Mitch Smith and Elizabeth Williamson.