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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 U.S. Impatience Is Growing
(about 1 hour later)
Health officials have urged Americans to scale back their Fourth of July plans as new coronavirus cases increased 90 percent in the United States in the last two weeks.Health officials have urged Americans to scale back their Fourth of July plans as new coronavirus cases increased 90 percent in the United States in the last two weeks.
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.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 at least five — Alabama, Alaska, Kansas, North Carolina and South Carolina — set single-day case records on Friday, the start of a holiday weekend governed by patchwork restrictions and planning after local leaders shifted policies to try to keep pace with the surge. In South Carolina, where more than 1,800 new cases were announced Friday, the 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 at least five — Alabama, Alaska, Kansas, North Carolina and South Carolina — set single-day case records on Friday, the start of a holiday weekend governed by patchwork restrictions and planning after local leaders shifted policies to try to keep pace with the surge. In South Carolina, where more than 1,850 new cases were announced Saturday, the 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.
For this weekend, 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.For this weekend, 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.
In New York City, instead of the usual hourlong fireworks extravaganza, Macy’s planned 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.In New York City, instead of the usual hourlong fireworks extravaganza, Macy’s planned 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.
At an Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore on Friday, President Trump barely mentioned the pandemic as he delivered a divisive speech to a packed crowd that cast his effort to win a second term as a battle against a “new far-left fascism” that seeks to remake the nation’s heritage.At an Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore on Friday, President Trump barely mentioned the pandemic as he delivered a divisive speech to a packed crowd that cast 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.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.
Mr. Trump planned to follow up his trip with a “Salute to America” event on Saturday on the South Lawn at the White House even as Mayor Muriel E. Bowser of Washington has warned the gathering violates federal health guidelines.Mr. Trump planned to follow up his trip with a “Salute to America” event on Saturday on the South Lawn at the White House even as Mayor Muriel E. Bowser of Washington has warned the gathering violates federal health guidelines.
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, and the state reported 11,400 new cases on Saturday. About one month earlier, Florida had reported 1,317 new cases.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, and the state reported 11,400 new cases on Saturday. About one month earlier, Florida had reported 1,317 new cases.
And in Texas, which had brought a relatively early end to its virus-related lockdown, Gov. Greg Abbott reversed course on Thursday, ordering residents in counties with 20 or more cases to wear masks in public. Mr. Abbott had previously opposed attempts by mayors and local officials to require the wearing of masks in public.And in Texas, which had brought a relatively early end to its virus-related lockdown, Gov. Greg Abbott reversed course on Thursday, ordering residents in counties with 20 or more cases to wear masks in public. Mr. Abbott had previously opposed attempts by mayors and local officials to require the wearing of masks in public.
Texas was one of the worst-hit states in the past week, reaching a record number of hospitalizations on Friday.Texas was one of the worst-hit states in the past week, reaching a record number of hospitalizations on Friday.
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.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.
These new restrictions, still modest relative to those many other states have adopted, will be the focus of several demonstrations organized by individuals’ rights groups.These new restrictions, still modest relative to those many other states have adopted, will be the focus of several demonstrations organized by individuals’ rights groups.
Protests are planned for at least three locations on Saturday, including the State Capitol building in Phoenix, according to The Arizona Republic.Protests are planned for at least three locations on Saturday, including the State Capitol building in Phoenix, according to The Arizona Republic.
The governor’s order has forced the cancellation of a number of parades and holiday events, rankling business owners who otherwise expected patrons and tourists.The governor’s order has forced the cancellation of a number of parades and holiday events, rankling business owners who otherwise expected patrons and tourists.
Some local leaders said they would move forward with Fourth of July celebrations anyway, even if they defy the governor’s order. The mayor of Eagar said the town would “err on the side of freedom,” in holding a parade on Saturday. Thousands are expected to attend.Some local leaders said they would move forward with Fourth of July celebrations anyway, even if they defy the governor’s order. The mayor of Eagar said the town would “err on the side of freedom,” in holding a parade on Saturday. Thousands are expected to attend.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.”
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
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.
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.
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.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 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.”“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 Choe Sang-Hun, Emily Cochrane, Patricia Cohen, Caitlin Dickerson, Fatima Faizi, Tess Felder, Peter S. Goodman, Rachel Knowles, Raphael Minder, Zach Montague, Michael Paulson, Elian Peltier, Alissa J. Rubin, Kirk Semple, Mitch Smith and Elizabeth Williamson. Reporting was contributed by Choe Sang-Hun, Emily Cochrane, Patricia Cohen, Caitlin Dickerson, Fatima Faizi, Tess Felder, Peter S. Goodman, Rachel Knowles, Apoorva Mandavilli, Raphael Minder, Zach Montague, Michael Paulson, Elian Peltier, Alissa J. Rubin, Kirk Semple, Mitch Smith and Elizabeth Williamson.