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Coronavirus Live Updates: Russian Hackers Trying to Steal Vaccine Research, Intelligence Agencies Say Coronavirus Live Updates: Russian Hackers Trying to Steal Vaccine Research, Intelligence Agencies Say
(32 minutes later)
Russian hackers are attempting to steal coronavirus vaccine research, the U.S., British and Canadian governments said Thursday, opening a dangerous new front in the cyberwars and intelligence battles between Moscow and the West.Russian hackers are attempting to steal coronavirus vaccine research, the U.S., British and Canadian governments said Thursday, opening a dangerous new front in the cyberwars and intelligence battles between Moscow and the West.
The National Security Agency said APT29, the hacking group known as Cozy Bear that is associated with Russian intelligence, has been taking advantage of the chaos created by the pandemic to target health care organizations in search of intelligence on vaccines, Julian E. Barnes reports.The National Security Agency said APT29, the hacking group known as Cozy Bear that is associated with Russian intelligence, has been taking advantage of the chaos created by the pandemic to target health care organizations in search of intelligence on vaccines, Julian E. Barnes reports.
The Russian hackers have been targeting British, Canadian and American organizations researching vaccines, using spear-phishing and malware to try to get access to the research.The Russian hackers have been targeting British, Canadian and American organizations researching vaccines, using spear-phishing and malware to try to get access to the research.
“We condemn these despicable attacks against those doing vital work to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” said Paul Chichester, the director of operations for Britain’s National Cyber Security Center.“We condemn these despicable attacks against those doing vital work to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” said Paul Chichester, the director of operations for Britain’s National Cyber Security Center.
Cozy Bear is one of the most high profile, and successful, hacking groups associated with the Russian government, and was implicated alongside the group Fancy Bear in the 2016 hacking of the Democratic National Committee.Cozy Bear is one of the most high profile, and successful, hacking groups associated with the Russian government, and was implicated alongside the group Fancy Bear in the 2016 hacking of the Democratic National Committee.
“APT29 has a long history of targeting governmental, diplomatic, think-tank, health care and energy organizations for intelligence gain so we encourage everyone to take this threat seriously and apply the mitigations issued in the advisory,” said Anne Neuberger, the N.S.A.’s cybersecurity director.“APT29 has a long history of targeting governmental, diplomatic, think-tank, health care and energy organizations for intelligence gain so we encourage everyone to take this threat seriously and apply the mitigations issued in the advisory,” said Anne Neuberger, the N.S.A.’s cybersecurity director.
The British and Canadian governments said Thursday that Cozy Bear is almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services.The British and Canadian governments said Thursday that Cozy Bear is almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services.
In the latest sign of the pandemic’s deepening financial impact on higher education, the University of Akron’s board of trustees voted on Wednesday to lay off nearly 100 full-time professors.In the latest sign of the pandemic’s deepening financial impact on higher education, the University of Akron’s board of trustees voted on Wednesday to lay off nearly 100 full-time professors.
The school is one of the first in the country to make deep cuts to its unionized faculty in response to the coronavirus.The school is one of the first in the country to make deep cuts to its unionized faculty in response to the coronavirus.
Like many universities, Akron, a public research institution with about 19,000 students, was already in a tough financial position before the outbreak. Two years ago, it cut about 80 programs as part of a major academic restructuring. Since the pandemic began, it has merged 11 of its component colleges into five to save money.Like many universities, Akron, a public research institution with about 19,000 students, was already in a tough financial position before the outbreak. Two years ago, it cut about 80 programs as part of a major academic restructuring. Since the pandemic began, it has merged 11 of its component colleges into five to save money.
Akron’s president, Gary L. Miller, said declining enrollment and state budget cuts made the faculty layoffs necessary. Counting previous layoffs and voluntary retirements, the university said it had eliminated nearly one-quarter of its full-time faculty since the outbreak began, saving $16.4 million, or 5 percent of its 2020 budget.Akron’s president, Gary L. Miller, said declining enrollment and state budget cuts made the faculty layoffs necessary. Counting previous layoffs and voluntary retirements, the university said it had eliminated nearly one-quarter of its full-time faculty since the outbreak began, saving $16.4 million, or 5 percent of its 2020 budget.
Katie Stoynoff, the chief negotiator of the Akron chapter of the American Association of University Professors, the union representing faculty, said the university had made poor choices about what to cut.Katie Stoynoff, the chief negotiator of the Akron chapter of the American Association of University Professors, the union representing faculty, said the university had made poor choices about what to cut.
“It’s a very sad time for the university,” said Ms. Stoynoff, who teaches in the English department. “Rarely do full-time faculty get laid off, especially tenured faculty.”“It’s a very sad time for the university,” said Ms. Stoynoff, who teaches in the English department. “Rarely do full-time faculty get laid off, especially tenured faculty.”
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Across higher education, colleges and universities have furloughed or fired thousands of employees since March, when the pandemic forced them to send students home and close campuses. The Chronicle of Higher Education, which has been tracking the cuts, reports that at least 224 institutions have reduced staff so far, affecting at least 51,793 employees — probably a vast undercount, it says.Across higher education, colleges and universities have furloughed or fired thousands of employees since March, when the pandemic forced them to send students home and close campuses. The Chronicle of Higher Education, which has been tracking the cuts, reports that at least 224 institutions have reduced staff so far, affecting at least 51,793 employees — probably a vast undercount, it says.
And the situation is likely to worsen: A higher education trade group predicts a 15 percent drop in enrollment nationwide in the fall, leading to $23 billion in lost revenue.And the situation is likely to worsen: A higher education trade group predicts a 15 percent drop in enrollment nationwide in the fall, leading to $23 billion in lost revenue.
Companies and researchers worldwide are rushing to test hundreds of possible treatments meant to prevent or quell coronavirus infections. Some they hope will block the virus itself, nipping a burgeoning infection in the bud, while others are aimed at mimicking the immune system or quieting an overactive immune response.Companies and researchers worldwide are rushing to test hundreds of possible treatments meant to prevent or quell coronavirus infections. Some they hope will block the virus itself, nipping a burgeoning infection in the bud, while others are aimed at mimicking the immune system or quieting an overactive immune response.
The New York Times is cataloging some of the most talked-about drugs, devices and therapies in a new tracker that summarizes the evidence for and against each proposed treatment. The tracker includes 20 treatments so far; five have strong evidence of efficacy, three are pseudoscience, and the rest fall somewhere in between.The New York Times is cataloging some of the most talked-about drugs, devices and therapies in a new tracker that summarizes the evidence for and against each proposed treatment. The tracker includes 20 treatments so far; five have strong evidence of efficacy, three are pseudoscience, and the rest fall somewhere in between.
The United States reported its second-highest single-day total of new cases on Wednesday, and governors and mayors were scrambling to issue new mask orders and limit the size of gatherings.The United States reported its second-highest single-day total of new cases on Wednesday, and governors and mayors were scrambling to issue new mask orders and limit the size of gatherings.
Several large school districts also said they would open the academic year with online classes, bucking pressure from President Trump and his administration to get students back into classrooms as quickly as possible.Several large school districts also said they would open the academic year with online classes, bucking pressure from President Trump and his administration to get students back into classrooms as quickly as possible.
The new restrictions reflect a painful reality that America’s outbreak, which has increased in 41 states over the past two weeks, may worsen in the coming weeks and months.The new restrictions reflect a painful reality that America’s outbreak, which has increased in 41 states over the past two weeks, may worsen in the coming weeks and months.
Wednesday’s tally of more than 67,300 new infections was about 1,000 cases shy of the national record set late last week, according to a New York Times database, as the country’s total number of cases passed 3.5 million. On Thursday, Florida broke its single-day death record — the second time this week — reporting 156 new deaths. The state also announced there were more than 13,960 new cases.Wednesday’s tally of more than 67,300 new infections was about 1,000 cases shy of the national record set late last week, according to a New York Times database, as the country’s total number of cases passed 3.5 million. On Thursday, Florida broke its single-day death record — the second time this week — reporting 156 new deaths. The state also announced there were more than 13,960 new cases.
Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, a Republican, became the first state leader in the nation known to be infected. He has been photographed in public while not wearing a mask, including at an indoor rally for Mr. Trump that was held in Tulsa last month.Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, a Republican, became the first state leader in the nation known to be infected. He has been photographed in public while not wearing a mask, including at an indoor rally for Mr. Trump that was held in Tulsa last month.
New restrictions have been imposed by governors from both parties.New restrictions have been imposed by governors from both parties.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, a Republican, and Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado, a Democrat, each announced new orders on Thursday requiring most people in their states to wear masks in certain public settings. The governors of Alabama and Montana did the same on Wednesday.Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, a Republican, and Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado, a Democrat, each announced new orders on Thursday requiring most people in their states to wear masks in certain public settings. The governors of Alabama and Montana did the same on Wednesday.
Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia, a Republican, specifically forbade local officials to require people to wear face coverings in public, but he also extended by two weeks an executive order limiting the size of public gatherings to 50.Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia, a Republican, specifically forbade local officials to require people to wear face coverings in public, but he also extended by two weeks an executive order limiting the size of public gatherings to 50.
Schools, in particular, are at the center of efforts to prevent the case load across the nation from growing. On Wednesday, the school districts of Houston and San Francisco announced plans to begin the year with distance learning, with tentative plans to resume in-person classes later on.Schools, in particular, are at the center of efforts to prevent the case load across the nation from growing. On Wednesday, the school districts of Houston and San Francisco announced plans to begin the year with distance learning, with tentative plans to resume in-person classes later on.
And in Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, announced that she would delay the opening of schools until after Labor Day, saying that schools needed time to get masks, thermometers, hand sanitizer and other supplies.And in Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, announced that she would delay the opening of schools until after Labor Day, saying that schools needed time to get masks, thermometers, hand sanitizer and other supplies.
“I can’t in good conscience open schools when Kansas has numerous hot spots where cases are at an all-time high & continuing to rapidly rise,” she wrote on Twitter. “We can’t risk the lives of our teachers, administrators, custodians, our students & their parents.”“I can’t in good conscience open schools when Kansas has numerous hot spots where cases are at an all-time high & continuing to rapidly rise,” she wrote on Twitter. “We can’t risk the lives of our teachers, administrators, custodians, our students & their parents.”
Federal health officials in Washington on Thursday instructed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to restore coronavirus data that it had removed from the C.D.C. website, amid growing concern over the way information on the pandemic was being collected and disseminated to the public.Federal health officials in Washington on Thursday instructed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to restore coronavirus data that it had removed from the C.D.C. website, amid growing concern over the way information on the pandemic was being collected and disseminated to the public.
The disease control centers had removed some information from its website on Wednesday, after its parent agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, ordered hospitals to begin reporting directly to a new central database, called H.H.S. Protect, in Washington, instead of to the C.D.C.The disease control centers had removed some information from its website on Wednesday, after its parent agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, ordered hospitals to begin reporting directly to a new central database, called H.H.S. Protect, in Washington, instead of to the C.D.C.
The new way of collecting data has alarmed public health experts and researchers who rely on the C.D.C. for coronavirus data, and who consider the federal agency an independent source of scientific information. But Health Department officials said the new database was necessary to streamline data collection.The new way of collecting data has alarmed public health experts and researchers who rely on the C.D.C. for coronavirus data, and who consider the federal agency an independent source of scientific information. But Health Department officials said the new database was necessary to streamline data collection.
On Thursday, a spokesman for the Health Department, Michael Caputo, said officials there had instructed the C.D.C. to restore the data. The news of the restoration was first reported by CNN; a C.D.C. official confirmed that the data was being restored.On Thursday, a spokesman for the Health Department, Michael Caputo, said officials there had instructed the C.D.C. to restore the data. The news of the restoration was first reported by CNN; a C.D.C. official confirmed that the data was being restored.
“H.H.S. is committed to being transparent with the American public about the information it is collecting on the coronavirus,” Mr. Caputo said in a statement to CNN. “Therefore, H.H.S. has directed C.D.C. to re-establish the coronavirus dashboards it withdrew from the public on Wednesday. Going forward, H.H.S. and C.D.C. will deliver more powerful insights on the coronavirus, powered by H.H.S. Protect.”“H.H.S. is committed to being transparent with the American public about the information it is collecting on the coronavirus,” Mr. Caputo said in a statement to CNN. “Therefore, H.H.S. has directed C.D.C. to re-establish the coronavirus dashboards it withdrew from the public on Wednesday. Going forward, H.H.S. and C.D.C. will deliver more powerful insights on the coronavirus, powered by H.H.S. Protect.”
In a briefing with reporters at the on Thursday, Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary, said that the H.H.S. database yields a more complete picture of the coronavirus than the current National Health Care Safety Network used by the C.D.C., but she stopped short of saying the public would have access to the new system.
“The intent of this is we need make sure there is daily data that is being given to Dr. Birx,” she said of Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the administration’s coronavirus response coordinator, “and others who are running point on a lot of our actions.”
Ms. McEnany said that the new system had been established because officials found that only 81 percent of hospitals participating in the C.D.C.’s network had been funneling regular updates on daily admissions, I.C.U. use, and P.P.E. usage.
Addressing concerns about the accessibility of the new database, she said that the data would be open source and open to the C.D.C. But when asked if the new and broader database would be available to the public and experts hoping to model the path of the coronavirus, she would not say that the administration would commit to making that data available.
The American economy is continuing its halting recovery, a pair of U.S. government reports revealed Thursday.The American economy is continuing its halting recovery, a pair of U.S. government reports revealed Thursday.
​​The Commerce Department said that retail sales rose 7.5 percent in June after a record surge in May, as federal stimulus checks and tax refunds continued to fuel a burst of summertime spending at newly reopened stores and restaurants. The increases follow two months of steep declines.​​The Commerce Department said that retail sales rose 7.5 percent in June after a record surge in May, as federal stimulus checks and tax refunds continued to fuel a burst of summertime spending at newly reopened stores and restaurants. The increases follow two months of steep declines.
The rise in cases in states including California, Florida and Texas is raising the specter of another shutdown, which would be a major blow for store-based retailers.The rise in cases in states including California, Florida and Texas is raising the specter of another shutdown, which would be a major blow for store-based retailers.
The Labor Department said Thursday that 1.3 million laid-off workers filed initial claims last week for state unemployment benefits. That continues a decline since the peak in late March, but is still higher than levels ever seen before the pandemic and is the 17th consecutive week of more than one million claims.The Labor Department said Thursday that 1.3 million laid-off workers filed initial claims last week for state unemployment benefits. That continues a decline since the peak in late March, but is still higher than levels ever seen before the pandemic and is the 17th consecutive week of more than one million claims.
Hanging over the economy are new restrictions imposed by states after a surge in cases. California has shut bars and banned indoor dining after it had relaxed restrictions. Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas ordered bars to close and restaurants to operate at 50 percent capacity after earlier saying that new limits on business would be the “last option.”Hanging over the economy are new restrictions imposed by states after a surge in cases. California has shut bars and banned indoor dining after it had relaxed restrictions. Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas ordered bars to close and restaurants to operate at 50 percent capacity after earlier saying that new limits on business would be the “last option.”
Economic statistics have provided a mixed picture of jobs. On the one hand, the government reported on July 2 that employers added 4.8 million jobs last month, with the unemployment rate falling to 11.1 percent. Both are healthy signs. But the continuing layoffs underscore just how vulnerable workers remain.Economic statistics have provided a mixed picture of jobs. On the one hand, the government reported on July 2 that employers added 4.8 million jobs last month, with the unemployment rate falling to 11.1 percent. Both are healthy signs. But the continuing layoffs underscore just how vulnerable workers remain.
Global RoundupGlobal Roundup
France will make masks compulsory in all public indoor areas starting next week, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on Thursday, as the authorities try to contain an uptick of coronavirus cases in recent days.France will make masks compulsory in all public indoor areas starting next week, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on Thursday, as the authorities try to contain an uptick of coronavirus cases in recent days.
President Emmanuel Macron had initially suggested the rule would into effect Aug. 1, but Mr. Castex said the requirement would start earlier because Aug. 1 “sounded late.” An exact date was not announced.President Emmanuel Macron had initially suggested the rule would into effect Aug. 1, but Mr. Castex said the requirement would start earlier because Aug. 1 “sounded late.” An exact date was not announced.
Masks were already obligatory on public transportation in France, but there have been countless examples in recent days of people flouting social-distancing rules or not wearing masks inside — including during government meetings — raising concerns that the lack of precautions could trigger a wave of infections.Masks were already obligatory on public transportation in France, but there have been countless examples in recent days of people flouting social-distancing rules or not wearing masks inside — including during government meetings — raising concerns that the lack of precautions could trigger a wave of infections.
Britain announced similar measures this week, with face coverings compulsory in shops and supermarkets starting July 24.Britain announced similar measures this week, with face coverings compulsory in shops and supermarkets starting July 24.
Unlike Britain, Portugal or Spain, France has not instituted regional lockdowns because of new outbreaks. But the authorities have warned about a surge of cases in the northwest, and hundreds of clusters have appeared across France. At least 30,000 people have died of the coronavirus in France, the third-highest official death toll in Europe after Britain and Italy, according to a New York Times database.Unlike Britain, Portugal or Spain, France has not instituted regional lockdowns because of new outbreaks. But the authorities have warned about a surge of cases in the northwest, and hundreds of clusters have appeared across France. At least 30,000 people have died of the coronavirus in France, the third-highest official death toll in Europe after Britain and Italy, according to a New York Times database.
On Monday, local authorities in the southern city of Nice said outdoor gatherings would be limited to 2,500 people instead of 5,000, after thousands attended a concert last weekend. The authorities had recommended concertgoers to wear masks but they were not compulsory.On Monday, local authorities in the southern city of Nice said outdoor gatherings would be limited to 2,500 people instead of 5,000, after thousands attended a concert last weekend. The authorities had recommended concertgoers to wear masks but they were not compulsory.
In other news around the world:In other news around the world:
India reported a single-day record of 32,695 new infections on Thursday, as the country’s total caseload neared one million. India trails only the United States and Brazil in the total number of cases, and several Indian states are reintroducing social-distancing measures they lifted in June.India reported a single-day record of 32,695 new infections on Thursday, as the country’s total caseload neared one million. India trails only the United States and Brazil in the total number of cases, and several Indian states are reintroducing social-distancing measures they lifted in June.
Imported infections continued to rise in South Korea, making up 47 of the 61 new cases recorded on Thursday, according to an official tally. Nearly a third of the new cases were from South Korean construction workers returning from Iraq, reported Yonhap, the national news agency. Separately, the U.S. military said that 12 troops and two dependents who had arrived in South Korea over the past week had tested positive for the virus.Imported infections continued to rise in South Korea, making up 47 of the 61 new cases recorded on Thursday, according to an official tally. Nearly a third of the new cases were from South Korean construction workers returning from Iraq, reported Yonhap, the national news agency. Separately, the U.S. military said that 12 troops and two dependents who had arrived in South Korea over the past week had tested positive for the virus.
Tokyo was expected to report a single-day record of more than 280 new cases on Thursday, Japan’s national broadcaster reported.Tokyo was expected to report a single-day record of more than 280 new cases on Thursday, Japan’s national broadcaster reported.
The World Health Organization raised the alarm on Thursday about a growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It said that 56 cases had been reported in Equator Province, more than during the last outbreak in 2018. Officials said that the coronavirus pandemic had complicated the response to the Ebola outbreak, and warned of an imminent shortage of funds.
Movie theaters in China, which have been closed since January, will be allowed to reopen starting Monday, the state media announced. President Xi Jinping said in March that people could stay at home to watch movies online, so even though much of everyday life in China has resumed, officials had not allowed cinemas to reopen for fear of angering Mr. Xi.Movie theaters in China, which have been closed since January, will be allowed to reopen starting Monday, the state media announced. President Xi Jinping said in March that people could stay at home to watch movies online, so even though much of everyday life in China has resumed, officials had not allowed cinemas to reopen for fear of angering Mr. Xi.
U.S. RoundupU.S. Roundup
In what seems like almost a lifetime ago, America’s virus story started in January in Washington State, with the nation’s first confirmed case followed by an early outbreak that spread with alarming ferocity.In what seems like almost a lifetime ago, America’s virus story started in January in Washington State, with the nation’s first confirmed case followed by an early outbreak that spread with alarming ferocity.
But swift lockdown measures were credited with holding down illnesses and deaths. By June, nail salons and bars had begun to reopen, even as the virus began to rage in Arizona, Florida and Texas. Washington still had relatively low case numbers, and some counties were even contemplating a return to movie theaters and museums.But swift lockdown measures were credited with holding down illnesses and deaths. By June, nail salons and bars had begun to reopen, even as the virus began to rage in Arizona, Florida and Texas. Washington still had relatively low case numbers, and some counties were even contemplating a return to movie theaters and museums.
Now, those plans are on hold, as the coronavirus is once again ravaging Washington.Now, those plans are on hold, as the coronavirus is once again ravaging Washington.
Since the middle of June, the state has reported an average of 700 new cases per day — the highest levels since the start of the pandemic. At least 45,000 people in the state have been infected, and at least 1,400 have died.Since the middle of June, the state has reported an average of 700 new cases per day — the highest levels since the start of the pandemic. At least 45,000 people in the state have been infected, and at least 1,400 have died.
“If these trends were to continue, we would have to prepare to go back to where we were in March,” Gov. Jay Inslee said recently.“If these trends were to continue, we would have to prepare to go back to where we were in March,” Gov. Jay Inslee said recently.
Target and CVS announced Thursday that they will require customers to wear face masks at all stores nationwide. The chains are the latest retailers to enforce mask mandates, on the heels of similar announcements by Walmart, Kroger and Kohl’s. “We’re joining others in taking the next step and requiring all customers to wear face coverings,” CVS tweeted on Thursday. CVS will start requiring masks on July 20 and Target’s policy will go into effect on August 1.Target and CVS announced Thursday that they will require customers to wear face masks at all stores nationwide. The chains are the latest retailers to enforce mask mandates, on the heels of similar announcements by Walmart, Kroger and Kohl’s. “We’re joining others in taking the next step and requiring all customers to wear face coverings,” CVS tweeted on Thursday. CVS will start requiring masks on July 20 and Target’s policy will go into effect on August 1.
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Thursday canceled fall sports, citing concerns about escalating coronavirus cases along the East Coast in addition to the disproportionate effect Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, has had on communities of color. The conference, which is made up of 11 Historically Black Colleges, is the third Division I league to postpone its season, after the Ivy and Patriot leagues did so. Other conferences such as the Big Ten and Pc-12 have decided to only hold games within their conference.The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Thursday canceled fall sports, citing concerns about escalating coronavirus cases along the East Coast in addition to the disproportionate effect Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, has had on communities of color. The conference, which is made up of 11 Historically Black Colleges, is the third Division I league to postpone its season, after the Ivy and Patriot leagues did so. Other conferences such as the Big Ten and Pc-12 have decided to only hold games within their conference.
Senate Democrats on Thursday opened a new front in congressional negotiations over another pandemic aid bill to stabilize the faltering United States economy, proposing that the next round of relief dedicate $350 billion to programs that aim to narrow racial wealth gaps and help Americans of color weather the coronavirus recession.
As New York grapples with how to prevent another large outbreak, state officials said Thursday that restrictions would remain in place on indoor businesses in New York City. And they said bars and restaurants statewide would now be permitted to serve alcohol only to seated customers who order food. Even at bar tops, alcohol will be served only to seated customers. Purchasing takeout drinks will still be allowed if the drinks are bought with food.As New York grapples with how to prevent another large outbreak, state officials said Thursday that restrictions would remain in place on indoor businesses in New York City. And they said bars and restaurants statewide would now be permitted to serve alcohol only to seated customers who order food. Even at bar tops, alcohol will be served only to seated customers. Purchasing takeout drinks will still be allowed if the drinks are bought with food.
With cases rising across the country, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has stressed the importance of bars and restaurants — and their patrons — complying with social-distancing guidelines. The new rules are meant to reduce crowds outside bars and restaurants.With cases rising across the country, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has stressed the importance of bars and restaurants — and their patrons — complying with social-distancing guidelines. The new rules are meant to reduce crowds outside bars and restaurants.
“We are still seeing issues,” Mr. Cuomo said, “not just in the bars and restaurants, but all across the country.”“We are still seeing issues,” Mr. Cuomo said, “not just in the bars and restaurants, but all across the country.”
The governor, citing what he said was a “significant evidence of failure to comply” with social-distancing regulations, said any bar or restaurant in New York City that received three violations would be shut down. Even without a third violation, violations that are “egregious” can result in the immediate loss of liquor license or closure, officials said.The governor, citing what he said was a “significant evidence of failure to comply” with social-distancing regulations, said any bar or restaurant in New York City that received three violations would be shut down. Even without a third violation, violations that are “egregious” can result in the immediate loss of liquor license or closure, officials said.
On Thursday, Mr. Cuomo said that while New York City remained on track to move into Phase 4 of reopening on Monday, indoor activities outlined in that stage would remain on hold. A final decision on whether the city will move into Phase 4 will be announced by Friday afternoon, the governor said.On Thursday, Mr. Cuomo said that while New York City remained on track to move into Phase 4 of reopening on Monday, indoor activities outlined in that stage would remain on hold. A final decision on whether the city will move into Phase 4 will be announced by Friday afternoon, the governor said.
Under state’s guidelines, regions in Phase 4 can normally reopen zoos, historical sites and museums, as well as malls with “enhanced” air-filtration systems. Outside New York City, the rest of the state has already eased those restrictions. Some museums in the city, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, had previously announced plans to wait until late August or September to reopen.Under state’s guidelines, regions in Phase 4 can normally reopen zoos, historical sites and museums, as well as malls with “enhanced” air-filtration systems. Outside New York City, the rest of the state has already eased those restrictions. Some museums in the city, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, had previously announced plans to wait until late August or September to reopen.
At his daily briefing earlier in the day, New York City’s mayor said that outdoor businesses are expected to still be on track, but that indoor activities were giving him pause.At his daily briefing earlier in the day, New York City’s mayor said that outdoor businesses are expected to still be on track, but that indoor activities were giving him pause.
Across the United States, many public schools have plans to reopen classrooms just a few days a week or not at all, while neighboring private schools have prepared to open full time.
Public schools, which serve roughly 90 percent of American children, have less money, larger class sizes and less flexibility to make changes to things like the curriculum, facilities or work force.
The biggest challenge for returning to classrooms is how to maintain physical distance, as required by guidelines from state governments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most countries in which schools have opened — after reducing infection levels and imposing distancing measures — have not had new outbreaks.
Public school buildings in the United States are often old, with small classrooms, cramped halls and outdated ventilation systems. Independent schools (private schools not run by a for-profit company or religious organization) are more likely to have smaller class sizes to begin with, and money to hire additional teachers.
K-12 schools received $13.5 billion from the federal virus relief package in March (though Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has required that the funds are shared with private schools). School officials and education policy researchers say that the money is not nearly enough, and that because states are facing budget shortfalls related to lockdowns, schools will need a huge federal infusion of cash to reopen for all students.
An average district with 3,700 students and eight buildings would need to spend an additional $1.8 million on health and safety measures, one report estimated.
In New York City, about 100,000 students will have access to child care come fall, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday, in an attempt to address growing concerns about how the city will accommodate hundreds of thousands of public school students on the days they do not attend school in person.
The city is planning to partially reopen schools in September, meaning that children will return to classrooms one to three days a week and learn remotely the rest of the week. But the city’s sputtering economy will not be able to recover until well over 1 million public school parents can return to work full-time.
Mr. de Blasio said libraries, community centers and other spaces will be used to provide tutoring and support for about a tenth of the city’s schoolchildren in September, allowing at least some parents to return to work more regularly. Child care facilities will be available for children through eighth grade, and will use the same social distancing guidelines as schools, meaning there would be about 15 children in a room at any one time.
Senate Democrats on Thursday opened a new front in congressional negotiations over another pandemic aid bill to stabilize the faltering United States economy, proposing that the next round of relief dedicate $350 billion to programs that aim to narrow racial wealth gaps and help Americans of color weather the coronavirus recession.
The Democrats’ proposal would repurpose $200 billion provided to the Treasury Department to bail out businesses as part of the stimulus law, instead steering that money to health, child care and job-creation programs for Black and other minority communities. Their plan includes a tax credit for renters and one to provide up to $15,000 per family for down payments on homes.
House Democrats last month pushed through an expansive $3-trillion relief bill, which Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the minority leader, has said would go nowhere in his chamber based on its cost and scope. Mr. McConnell has signaled he is eyeing a much narrower bill that would provide liability protection for businesses that reopen amid the pandemic and health and education funding.
Nearly two-thirds of the money in Senate Democrats’ new proposal would come from rescinding money allocated to the Treasury Department in the stimulus law enacted in March, as part of an effort to support lending to struggling businesses through the Federal Reserve. Treasury officials have used some, but not all, of the $454 billion allocated for those programs.
The Democrats said they would not touch programs that have already been set up, like the Fed’s “Main Street” lending facility, but instead seek to immediately inject some of the money that has not yet been used into the economy.
Hong Kong on Thursday reported its highest daily number of cases since the outbreak began in January, as the Chinese territory grappled with what some have called its “third wave” of infections and its most serious one yet.Hong Kong on Thursday reported its highest daily number of cases since the outbreak began in January, as the Chinese territory grappled with what some have called its “third wave” of infections and its most serious one yet.
Of the 67 new cases recorded on Thursday, 63 were local infections, meaning the sick had no travel history. Earlier this week, the government rolled out its most sweeping distancing measures yet, barring residents from dining at restaurants after 6 p.m. and requiring everyone to wear masks on public transportation. During the day, eateries must not be more than half full.Of the 67 new cases recorded on Thursday, 63 were local infections, meaning the sick had no travel history. Earlier this week, the government rolled out its most sweeping distancing measures yet, barring residents from dining at restaurants after 6 p.m. and requiring everyone to wear masks on public transportation. During the day, eateries must not be more than half full.
At a news conference on Thursday, health officials urged older adults to avoid leaving their homes as much as possible. Three patients between the ages of 89 and 95 have died from the coronavirus this week alone, with one of the largest clusters driving the current outbreak in Hong Kong linked to a nursing home.At a news conference on Thursday, health officials urged older adults to avoid leaving their homes as much as possible. Three patients between the ages of 89 and 95 have died from the coronavirus this week alone, with one of the largest clusters driving the current outbreak in Hong Kong linked to a nursing home.
Hong Kong saw its last record jump of 65 new infections in a single day in late March, but most had been imported cases. The city of about 7.5 million people, which has recorded a total of about 1,500 cases during the pandemic, has tallied 355 in the past two weeks.Hong Kong saw its last record jump of 65 new infections in a single day in late March, but most had been imported cases. The city of about 7.5 million people, which has recorded a total of about 1,500 cases during the pandemic, has tallied 355 in the past two weeks.
Last week, the federal government gave $1.6 billion to Novavax as part of the Trump administration’s effort to hurry a coronavirus vaccine to the market. The company saw its stock surge 30 percent, a dramatic turnaround for a small biotech firm in Maryland that, just one year earlier, had been on the verge of collapse.Last week, the federal government gave $1.6 billion to Novavax as part of the Trump administration’s effort to hurry a coronavirus vaccine to the market. The company saw its stock surge 30 percent, a dramatic turnaround for a small biotech firm in Maryland that, just one year earlier, had been on the verge of collapse.
In its three decades in business it has developed experimental vaccines — with a mix of public and private investment — for viruses like SARS, MERS and Ebola that never made it past early safety studies. One of its leading vaccine candidates, which aimed to prevent a deadly virus in infants, had failed for the second time in three years. The company’s stock was trading so low that it risked being removed from the Nasdaq. Looking for cash, it sold its manufacturing facilities, and word spread that it might be closing soon.In its three decades in business it has developed experimental vaccines — with a mix of public and private investment — for viruses like SARS, MERS and Ebola that never made it past early safety studies. One of its leading vaccine candidates, which aimed to prevent a deadly virus in infants, had failed for the second time in three years. The company’s stock was trading so low that it risked being removed from the Nasdaq. Looking for cash, it sold its manufacturing facilities, and word spread that it might be closing soon.
It’s telling, critics say, that even as it has received growing amounts of government and philanthropic support, the company’s coronavirus vaccine effort has not attracted any deals with major drug makers.It’s telling, critics say, that even as it has received growing amounts of government and philanthropic support, the company’s coronavirus vaccine effort has not attracted any deals with major drug makers.
“The market wants to believe in fairy tales,” said David Maris, the managing partner of Phalanx Investment Partners and a longtime analyst covering the pharmaceutical industry. He said investors wanted to believe that — like Cinderella — the companies that couldn’t go to the ball would eventually win the prince.“The market wants to believe in fairy tales,” said David Maris, the managing partner of Phalanx Investment Partners and a longtime analyst covering the pharmaceutical industry. He said investors wanted to believe that — like Cinderella — the companies that couldn’t go to the ball would eventually win the prince.
“It sometimes happens,” he said. “Usually it doesn’t.”“It sometimes happens,” he said. “Usually it doesn’t.”
King Felipe VI of Spain led a tribute to the country’s coronavirus victims and health care workers on Thursday, during a ceremony at the royal palace in Madrid. At least 28,400 people in Spain have died from the virus.King Felipe VI of Spain led a tribute to the country’s coronavirus victims and health care workers on Thursday, during a ceremony at the royal palace in Madrid. At least 28,400 people in Spain have died from the virus.
The authorities in Bangladesh have arrested the owner of a hospital who they said had sold migrant workers thousands of certificates showing a negative result on coronavirus tests, when in fact many tests were never performed.The authorities in Bangladesh have arrested the owner of a hospital who they said had sold migrant workers thousands of certificates showing a negative result on coronavirus tests, when in fact many tests were never performed.
The authorities said they caught the hospital owner on Wednesday trying to sneak across the border into India disguised as a woman. Police officers said that when they arrested the owner — a man they identified as Mohammad Shahed, with a long criminal record — he was wearing a black burqa that covered him from head to toe.The authorities said they caught the hospital owner on Wednesday trying to sneak across the border into India disguised as a woman. Police officers said that when they arrested the owner — a man they identified as Mohammad Shahed, with a long criminal record — he was wearing a black burqa that covered him from head to toe.
Investigators determined that Mr. Shahed’s hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, had been selling fake coronavirus certificates — thousands of them, at $59 apiece — indicating that a patient had tested negative, the Bangladeshi authorities said.Investigators determined that Mr. Shahed’s hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, had been selling fake coronavirus certificates — thousands of them, at $59 apiece — indicating that a patient had tested negative, the Bangladeshi authorities said.
There is a huge market for these certificates among migrant workers from Bangladesh who are eager to get back to work in Europe, doing jobs like stocking grocery stores, busing tables in restaurants or selling bottled water on the streets. Many Bangladeshi workers have recently flown to Italy, where they said that employers required such certificates before allowing them to go back to work.There is a huge market for these certificates among migrant workers from Bangladesh who are eager to get back to work in Europe, doing jobs like stocking grocery stores, busing tables in restaurants or selling bottled water on the streets. Many Bangladeshi workers have recently flown to Italy, where they said that employers required such certificates before allowing them to go back to work.
Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in Asia. Millions of Bangladeshis work overseas, sending billions of dollars back home, keeping the economy afloat. During this pandemic, many workers who had come back to Bangladesh for a short break found themselves cut off from their jobs overseas and were eager to get back to work.Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in Asia. Millions of Bangladeshis work overseas, sending billions of dollars back home, keeping the economy afloat. During this pandemic, many workers who had come back to Bangladesh for a short break found themselves cut off from their jobs overseas and were eager to get back to work.
Whether it’s a therapy dog providing an escape for children in a hospital or your own — less useful — furry friend at home, here are some ways they are helping.Whether it’s a therapy dog providing an escape for children in a hospital or your own — less useful — furry friend at home, here are some ways they are helping.
Reporting was contributed by Rachel Abrams, Julian E. Barnes, Keith Bradsher, Julia Calderone, Troy Closson, Michael Cooper, Michael Corkery, Manny Fernandez, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Jeffrey Gettleman, Russell Goldman, Mike Ives, Patrick J. Lyons, Sapna Maheshwari, Jeffrey C. Mays, Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio, Jesse McKinley, Sarah Mervosh, Claire Cain Miller, Jennifer Miller, Raphael Minder, Elian Peltier, Eliza Shapiro, Nelson D. Schwartz, Mitch Smith, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Jim Tankersley, Katie Thomas, Lucy Tompkins, Megan Twohey, Will Wright, Katherine J. Wu, Sameer Yasir, Ceylan Yeginsu and Elaine Yu.Reporting was contributed by Rachel Abrams, Julian E. Barnes, Keith Bradsher, Julia Calderone, Troy Closson, Michael Cooper, Michael Corkery, Manny Fernandez, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Jeffrey Gettleman, Russell Goldman, Mike Ives, Patrick J. Lyons, Sapna Maheshwari, Jeffrey C. Mays, Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio, Jesse McKinley, Sarah Mervosh, Claire Cain Miller, Jennifer Miller, Raphael Minder, Elian Peltier, Eliza Shapiro, Nelson D. Schwartz, Mitch Smith, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Jim Tankersley, Katie Thomas, Lucy Tompkins, Megan Twohey, Will Wright, Katherine J. Wu, Sameer Yasir, Ceylan Yeginsu and Elaine Yu.