This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/16/world/coronavirus-updates.html

The article has changed 50 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 29 Version 30
Coronavirus Live Updates: U.S. Shatters Its Record of New Infections as India’s Caseload Hits a Million U.S. Shatters Its Record of New Coronavirus Infections as India’s Caseload Hits a Million
(about 1 hour later)
As clashes over face-covering mandates and school reopening plans intensified throughout the United States, the country shattered its single-day record for new cases on Thursday — more than 75,600, according to a New York Times database. As clashes over face-covering mandates and school reopening plans intensified throughout the United States, the country shattered its single-day record for new cases on Thursday — more than 75,600, according to a New York Times database.
This was the 11th time in the past month that the record had been broken. The number has more than doubled since June 24, when the country registered 37,014 cases after a lull in the outbreak had kept the previous record, 36,738, standing for two months. As of Wednesday, the country’s seven-day average case number exceeded 63,000, up from about 22,200 a month before.This was the 11th time in the past month that the record had been broken. The number has more than doubled since June 24, when the country registered 37,014 cases after a lull in the outbreak had kept the previous record, 36,738, standing for two months. As of Wednesday, the country’s seven-day average case number exceeded 63,000, up from about 22,200 a month before.
The previous single-day record, 68,241 cases, was announced last Friday.The previous single-day record, 68,241 cases, was announced last Friday.
Thursday’s record included more than 5,000 cases in Bexar County, Texas, which contains San Antonio, where numbers spiked in part because of a backlog in test reporting.Thursday’s record included more than 5,000 cases in Bexar County, Texas, which contains San Antonio, where numbers spiked in part because of a backlog in test reporting.
Florida on Thursday broke its single-day death record for the second time this week, reporting 156 new fatalities. It was one of 10 states to reach a record for deaths in a single day this week, joining Idaho, Alabama, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Hawaii, Montana and South Carolina.Florida on Thursday broke its single-day death record for the second time this week, reporting 156 new fatalities. It was one of 10 states to reach a record for deaths in a single day this week, joining Idaho, Alabama, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Hawaii, Montana and South Carolina.
More than half the 50 states have issued mask requirements, including Arkansas, where Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, announced a face covering requirement on Thursday, after previously taking a more hands-off approach. Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado, a Democrat, also issued a mask order on Thursday, after questioning whether such a mandate would be enforceable.More than half the 50 states have issued mask requirements, including Arkansas, where Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, announced a face covering requirement on Thursday, after previously taking a more hands-off approach. Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado, a Democrat, also issued a mask order on Thursday, after questioning whether such a mandate would be enforceable.
But there remains firm resistance in many circles, including from some Republican leaders who view mask requirements as a threat to personal liberty.But there remains firm resistance in many circles, including from some Republican leaders who view mask requirements as a threat to personal liberty.
Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia, who announced this week that he was suspending all local mask mandates, filed a lawsuit on Thursday challenging the authority of leaders in Atlanta to require masks inside their city’s limits.Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia, who announced this week that he was suspending all local mask mandates, filed a lawsuit on Thursday challenging the authority of leaders in Atlanta to require masks inside their city’s limits.
Also on Thursday, health officials in Dallas announced that the city’s public and private schools would conduct classes virtually for the first three weeks of the school year, which begins Aug. 17. Several other large school districts have announced plans to rely on distance learning when they reopen for the upcoming school year, bucking pressure from the Trump administration.Also on Thursday, health officials in Dallas announced that the city’s public and private schools would conduct classes virtually for the first three weeks of the school year, which begins Aug. 17. Several other large school districts have announced plans to rely on distance learning when they reopen for the upcoming school year, bucking pressure from the Trump administration.
The White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, on Thursday reiterated President Trump’s view that schools must open in the fall. “When he says open,” she said, “he means open and full, kids being able to attend each and every day at their school. The science should not stand in the way of this.”The White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, on Thursday reiterated President Trump’s view that schools must open in the fall. “When he says open,” she said, “he means open and full, kids being able to attend each and every day at their school. The science should not stand in the way of this.”
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the U.S., noted in an interview Thursday on Facebook with its chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, that after its initial peak, the nation never succeeded in driving the virus beneath a plateau of about 20,000 new cases a day.Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the U.S., noted in an interview Thursday on Facebook with its chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, that after its initial peak, the nation never succeeded in driving the virus beneath a plateau of about 20,000 new cases a day.
“What I think we need to do, and my colleagues agree, is we really almost need to regroup, call a timeout — not necessarily lock down again, but say that we’ve got to do this in a more measured way,” Dr. Fauci said. “We’ve got to get our arms around this and we’ve got to get this controlled.”“What I think we need to do, and my colleagues agree, is we really almost need to regroup, call a timeout — not necessarily lock down again, but say that we’ve got to do this in a more measured way,” Dr. Fauci said. “We’ve got to get our arms around this and we’ve got to get this controlled.”
India on Friday surpassed a million confirmed infections and 25,000 deaths, weeks after the government lifted a nationwide lockdown in hopes of getting the economy up and running.India on Friday surpassed a million confirmed infections and 25,000 deaths, weeks after the government lifted a nationwide lockdown in hopes of getting the economy up and running.
Back in March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government was one of the first to impose a national lockdown to slow the pandemic. But that drove many migrant workers out of crowded cities and back to their home villages, where some of them spread the virus.Back in March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government was one of the first to impose a national lockdown to slow the pandemic. But that drove many migrant workers out of crowded cities and back to their home villages, where some of them spread the virus.
The lockdown came at a steep economic cost, and Mr. Modi lifted it last month. Now India is recording about 30,000 new cases a day, almost three times as many as a month ago, and with testing still sparse, the true figure is likely to be much higher.The lockdown came at a steep economic cost, and Mr. Modi lifted it last month. Now India is recording about 30,000 new cases a day, almost three times as many as a month ago, and with testing still sparse, the true figure is likely to be much higher.
Critics say that Mr. Modi imposed the lockdown before it was needed, then lifted it too soon. In his defense, he has pointed to wealthier countries where the official death toll has been 20 to 50 times as high, relative to the size of their populations, as in India.Critics say that Mr. Modi imposed the lockdown before it was needed, then lifted it too soon. In his defense, he has pointed to wealthier countries where the official death toll has been 20 to 50 times as high, relative to the size of their populations, as in India.
Regardless, India now ranks third in the world — behind only the United States and Brazil — in both total infections and the number of new ones recorded each day. Along with South Africa, the four countries accounted for two-thirds of the 230,000 new cases that were reported worldwide on Wednesday.Regardless, India now ranks third in the world — behind only the United States and Brazil — in both total infections and the number of new ones recorded each day. Along with South Africa, the four countries accounted for two-thirds of the 230,000 new cases that were reported worldwide on Wednesday.
The rate of new cases in India is on track to soon overtake Brazil, where the spread of the virus has leveled off. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology estimate that by the end of next year, India will have the worst outbreak in the world. The rate of new cases in India is on track to soon overtake Brazil, where the caseload has surpassed two million but the spread of the virus has leveled off. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology estimate that by the end of next year, India will have the worst outbreak in the world.
“We have paid a price for laxity,” said K. Srinath Reddy, president of the Public Health Foundation of India, a nonprofit organization of public health experts and academics.“We have paid a price for laxity,” said K. Srinath Reddy, president of the Public Health Foundation of India, a nonprofit organization of public health experts and academics.
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 offer to employees at the state-owned oil giant was compelling: Be among the first in China to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
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 employees at PetroChina could use one of two vaccines “for emergency use” to protect themselves when working overseas as part of China’s ambitious infrastructure program, according to a copy of the notice, which was reviewed by The New York Times. They would effectively be guinea pigs for testing the unproven vaccines outside official clinical trials.
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 offer was backed by the government. It stressed that data from clinical trials showed that the products, both made by Sinopharm, were safe. It did not mention the possible side effects or warn against the false sense of security from taking a vaccine that had not been approved by regulators.
“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. “I don’t think this is right ethically,” said Joan Shen, the Shanghai-based chief executive of the pharmaceutical firm I-Mab Biopharma.
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. The unorthodox move, to test people separately from the normal regulatory approval process, reflects the formidable challenge facing China as it races to develop the world’s first coronavirus vaccine.
“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. Eager to find a long-term solution to the outbreak and burnish their scientific credentials, Chinese companies are rushing to get as much data as possible on their vaccines to prove they are safe and effective. In China, they are selectively testing their vaccines on small pools of people like the PetroChina employees — an approach that does not count toward the regulatory process but could bolster their own confidence in the vaccines.
The British and Canadian governments said Thursday that Cozy Bear is almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services.
With the United States averaging more new cases each day than ever, governors and mayors are scrambling to issue new mask orders and limit the size of gatherings, and schools are trying to figure out what kind of instruction they can offer this fall.With the United States averaging more new cases each day than ever, governors and mayors are scrambling to issue new mask orders and limit the size of gatherings, and schools are trying to figure out what kind of instruction they can offer this fall.
Several large school districts — including in Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco — said this week that they would open the academic year with online classes, bucking pressure from President Trump and his administration to get students back into classrooms.Several large school districts — including in Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco — said this week that they would open the academic year with online classes, bucking pressure from President Trump and his administration to get students back into classrooms.
Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary, said Thursday that Mr. Trump still wants to see schools reopen.Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary, said Thursday that Mr. Trump still wants to see schools reopen.
“When he says open, he means open and full, kids being able to attend each and every day at their school,” she said. “The science should not stand in the way of this.”“When he says open, he means open and full, kids being able to attend each and every day at their school,” she said. “The science should not stand in the way of this.”
Ms. McEnany then referenced data published in JAMA Pediatrics, a respected medical journal published by the American Medical Association, that indicated the risk of children contracting the coronavirus was low compared with seasonal influenza.Ms. McEnany then referenced data published in JAMA Pediatrics, a respected medical journal published by the American Medical Association, that indicated the risk of children contracting the coronavirus was low compared with seasonal influenza.
“The science is on our side here,” Ms. McEnany said, adding that the United States is an “outlier” among other countries sending children back to school. But no other country has decided to try and send children back to school with the virus continuing to surge, and relatively little is still known about the role children play in transmitting the illness.“The science is on our side here,” Ms. McEnany said, adding that the United States is an “outlier” among other countries sending children back to school. But no other country has decided to try and send children back to school with the virus continuing to surge, and relatively little is still known about the role children play in transmitting the illness.
In Dallas County, Texas, local health officials announced Thursday that both public and private schools would conduct classes virtually for the first three weeks of the school year, which begins on Aug. 17.In Dallas County, Texas, local health officials announced Thursday that both public and private schools would conduct classes virtually for the first three weeks of the school year, which begins on Aug. 17.
The increase in infections has prompted new restrictions 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.The increase in infections has prompted new restrictions 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.
Global RoundupGlobal Roundup
The Israeli government announced new coronavirus restrictions early Friday as the number of cases in the country continued to swell and the government faced further criticism for its handling of the pandemic.The Israeli government announced new coronavirus restrictions early Friday as the number of cases in the country continued to swell and the government faced further criticism for its handling of the pandemic.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Office and the Health Ministry said in a statement that gyms would be closed and almost all restaurants would be limited to takeaway and delivery services, starting at 5 p.m. on Friday. Malls, libraries, beauty salons, zoos, nonessential stores and many pools will also be shut for most weekends.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Office and the Health Ministry said in a statement that gyms would be closed and almost all restaurants would be limited to takeaway and delivery services, starting at 5 p.m. on Friday. Malls, libraries, beauty salons, zoos, nonessential stores and many pools will also be shut for most weekends.
Beaches, they said, would be inaccessible during most of the weekends, starting on July 24.Beaches, they said, would be inaccessible during most of the weekends, starting on July 24.
The new restrictions come after Israel reimposed other measures to stem the spread of the virus last week.The new restrictions come after Israel reimposed other measures to stem the spread of the virus last week.
Since late June, infections in Israel have soared. The nation is averaging more than 1,500 cases a day, up from 664 two weeks ago, and unemployment stands at more than 20 percent.Since late June, infections in Israel have soared. The nation is averaging more than 1,500 cases a day, up from 664 two weeks ago, and unemployment stands at more than 20 percent.
In the past several weeks, Mr. Netanyahu’s government has come under sharp criticism for its management of the virus crisis, especially its economic fallout. Last Saturday, thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv to protest the government’s handling of the pandemic’s economic fallout.In the past several weeks, Mr. Netanyahu’s government has come under sharp criticism for its management of the virus crisis, especially its economic fallout. Last Saturday, thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv to protest the government’s handling of the pandemic’s economic fallout.
Here’s what else is happening around the world:Here’s what else is happening around the world:
Japan’s government faced a social media backlash on Friday after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government said that people from Tokyo — and anyone traveling there — would be excluded from a $16 billion campaign to spur sagging domestic tourism. Tokyo was expected to announce more than 290 new cases on Friday, a day after hitting a record high of 286.
In Australia, the state of Victoria reported 428 new cases on Friday, another single-day record. “We are in the fight of our lives,” Victoria’s health minister, Jenny Mikakos, told reporters in Melbourne, the locked-down state capital.
The authorities in the Philippines said on Friday that foreigners with long-term visas could begin entering the country in August, for the first time since March. They will be quarantined, monitored and tested.
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 in coronavirus cases in recent days. President Emmanuel Macron initially suggested the rule would go into effect on Aug. 1, but Mr. Castex said that “sounded late.”
The United Nations issued an appeal to the most affluent countries on Thursday for $10.3 billion in emergency aid to fight the coronavirus pandemic in low-income and especially vulnerable populations. That is more than five times the aid initially sought four months ago by the organization to deal with the scourge.The United Nations issued an appeal to the most affluent countries on Thursday for $10.3 billion in emergency aid to fight the coronavirus pandemic in low-income and especially vulnerable populations. That is more than five times the aid initially sought four months ago by the organization to deal with the scourge.
The authorities in Bangladesh have arrested the owner of a hospital accused of selling thousands of certificates showing a negative result on coronavirus tests to migrant workers, when in fact many tests were never performed. There is a huge market for these certificates among migrant workers from Bangladesh, one of the poorest countries in Asia, who are eager to get back to work in Europe.The authorities in Bangladesh have arrested the owner of a hospital accused of selling thousands of certificates showing a negative result on coronavirus tests to migrant workers, when in fact many tests were never performed. There is a huge market for these certificates among migrant workers from Bangladesh, one of the poorest countries in Asia, who are eager to get back to work in Europe.
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 recent travel history. 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.
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.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will spearhead a new campaign to push Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to tax billionaires who live in New York State and to use the money to assist people hurt by the pandemic-fueled economic crisis.Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will spearhead a new campaign to push Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to tax billionaires who live in New York State and to use the money to assist people hurt by the pandemic-fueled economic crisis.
Similar measures targeting the wealthy have stalled in Albany, opposed by Republicans who long controlled the State Senate or by Mr. Cuomo, a third-term Democrat who has made tax cutting a central platform of his decade-long tenure.Similar measures targeting the wealthy have stalled in Albany, opposed by Republicans who long controlled the State Senate or by Mr. Cuomo, a third-term Democrat who has made tax cutting a central platform of his decade-long tenure.
But the environment has changed: Democrats gained control of both houses of the Legislature in 2018, and the effects of the coronavirus-forced shutdown have created a $13 billion state budget shortfall.But the environment has changed: Democrats gained control of both houses of the Legislature in 2018, and the effects of the coronavirus-forced shutdown have created a $13 billion state budget shortfall.
Jessica Ramos, a state senator from Queens who was among the progressive Democrats who won office in 2018, sponsored the bill, which would tax the unrealized capital gains of the state’s 119 billionaires. The money raised would be redirected to workers not eligible for unemployment insurance or the federal stimulus.Jessica Ramos, a state senator from Queens who was among the progressive Democrats who won office in 2018, sponsored the bill, which would tax the unrealized capital gains of the state’s 119 billionaires. The money raised would be redirected to workers not eligible for unemployment insurance or the federal stimulus.
The proposed legislation is one of at least three tax-the rich bills that will greet the State Legislature when it returns for a rare July session on Monday.The proposed legislation is one of at least three tax-the rich bills that will greet the State Legislature when it returns for a rare July session on Monday.
Mr. Cuomo has argued that taxes that target high earners could drive them out of the state and further damage the tax base — a concern that the governor’s budget director, Robert Mujica, underscored in an interview on Wednesday.Mr. Cuomo has argued that taxes that target high earners could drive them out of the state and further damage the tax base — a concern that the governor’s budget director, Robert Mujica, underscored in an interview on Wednesday.
New York already has one of the highest tax rates for the wealthy in the country, Mr. Mujica said. The only effective way to get billionaires to pay more, he added, would be for Congress to enact a wealth tax.New York already has one of the highest tax rates for the wealthy in the country, Mr. Mujica said. The only effective way to get billionaires to pay more, he added, would be for Congress to enact a wealth tax.
A scathing op-ed article by President Trump’s top trade adviser that declared Dr. Anthony S. Fauci “wrong about everything” caused a fissure at the White House this week, with Trump aides scrambling to disavow the attack on one of the most trusted public figures of the coronavirus crisis.A scathing op-ed article by President Trump’s top trade adviser that declared Dr. Anthony S. Fauci “wrong about everything” caused a fissure at the White House this week, with Trump aides scrambling to disavow the attack on one of the most trusted public figures of the coronavirus crisis.
Now the article, written by Peter Navarro, has generated second thoughts at the newspaper that published it, USA Today.Now the article, written by Peter Navarro, has generated second thoughts at the newspaper that published it, USA Today.
Updated July 16, 2020
In a note published Wednesday evening, a day after the article was posted online, Bill Sternberg, the editorial page editor of USA Today, wrote that several of Mr. Navarro’s attacks on Dr. Fauci “were misleading or lacked context.” He concluded that the op-ed, which appeared in print Wednesday, “did not meet USA Today’s fact-checking standards.”In a note published Wednesday evening, a day after the article was posted online, Bill Sternberg, the editorial page editor of USA Today, wrote that several of Mr. Navarro’s attacks on Dr. Fauci “were misleading or lacked context.” He concluded that the op-ed, which appeared in print Wednesday, “did not meet USA Today’s fact-checking standards.”
Mr. Sternberg said the newspaper had solicited the article from Mr. Navarro as a countervailing view to an editorial that also ran in Wednesday’s newspaper. That article, attributed to the paper’s editorial board — and therefore carrying the institutional imprimatur — criticized Mr. Trump for sidelining Dr. Fauci and praised the doctor as a “national treasure.”Mr. Sternberg said the newspaper had solicited the article from Mr. Navarro as a countervailing view to an editorial that also ran in Wednesday’s newspaper. That article, attributed to the paper’s editorial board — and therefore carrying the institutional imprimatur — criticized Mr. Trump for sidelining Dr. Fauci and praised the doctor as a “national treasure.”
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 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.
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.
The British and Canadian governments said Thursday that Cozy Bear is almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services.
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.
Cruise ships will not be allowed to resume regular departures from the United States until October at the soonest, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.Cruise ships will not be allowed to resume regular departures from the United States until October at the soonest, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
In a scathing 20-page order, Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the C.D.C., blamed the cruise industry for widespread transmission of the coronavirus.In a scathing 20-page order, Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the C.D.C., blamed the cruise industry for widespread transmission of the coronavirus.
Dr. Redfield also said that cruise lines had done little to stop the spread among crew members, failing to comply with social-distancing measures like closing crew gyms and stopping staff social gatherings.Dr. Redfield also said that cruise lines had done little to stop the spread among crew members, failing to comply with social-distancing measures like closing crew gyms and stopping staff social gatherings.
The industry had already voluntarily suspended operations until Sept. 15, but the C.D.C. order makes clear that it has a long way to go before public health officials allow cruise vacations to begin again.The industry had already voluntarily suspended operations until Sept. 15, but the C.D.C. order makes clear that it has a long way to go before public health officials allow cruise vacations to begin again.
The agency pointed to 99 outbreaks on 123 ships in U.S. waters alone. “During this time frame, 80 percent of ships were affected by Covid-19,” it said in a statement.The agency pointed to 99 outbreaks on 123 ships in U.S. waters alone. “During this time frame, 80 percent of ships were affected by Covid-19,” it said in a statement.
Nine ships still had active outbreaks among crew members as of July 3. One ship, the Disney Wonder, had an outbreak that lasted 10 weeks, the agency said.Nine ships still had active outbreaks among crew members as of July 3. One ship, the Disney Wonder, had an outbreak that lasted 10 weeks, the agency said.
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.
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.
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.
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, starting on Friday.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, starting on Friday.
On Thursday, the Trump administration issued an exemption to its ban on travelers from some nations. It will now allow European students who returned home because of the outbreak to re-enter the United States in time to begin their fall classes. Students from other countries, including China and Brazil, are still blocked from re-entering the United States.On Thursday, the Trump administration issued an exemption to its ban on travelers from some nations. It will now allow European students who returned home because of the outbreak to re-enter the United States in time to begin their fall classes. Students from other countries, including China and Brazil, are still blocked from re-entering the United States.
In Puerto Rico, where the situation has been steadily worsening after promising early signs of containment, Gov. Wanda Vázquez rolled back part of the economic opening on Thursday. Beginning on Friday restaurants will again have to operate at half capacity. Alcohol sales will be banned after 7 p.m. Bars, theaters, nightclubs, casinos, gyms and marinas will close. Beach access will be allowed only for people engaged in physical activity.In Puerto Rico, where the situation has been steadily worsening after promising early signs of containment, Gov. Wanda Vázquez rolled back part of the economic opening on Thursday. Beginning on Friday restaurants will again have to operate at half capacity. Alcohol sales will be banned after 7 p.m. Bars, theaters, nightclubs, casinos, gyms and marinas will close. Beach access will be allowed only for people engaged in physical activity.
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.
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 recession.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 recession.
​​The Commerce Department said Thursday that retail sales rose 7.5 percent in June after a record surge in May, and the Labor Department said that 1.3 million laid-off workers filed initial claims last week for state unemployment benefits, continuing a decline since the peak in late March. The unemployment number is still higher than levels ever seen before the pandemic.​​The Commerce Department said Thursday that retail sales rose 7.5 percent in June after a record surge in May, and the Labor Department said that 1.3 million laid-off workers filed initial claims last week for state unemployment benefits, continuing a decline since the peak in late March. The unemployment number is still higher than levels ever seen before the pandemic.
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.
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, Caitlin Dickerson, Manny Fernandez, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Jeffrey Gettleman, Russell Goldman, Michael M. Grynbaum, John Ismay, Mike Ives, Patrick J. Lyons, Jesse McKinley, Sapna Maheshwari, Jeffrey C. Mays, Patricia Mazzei, Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio, Jesse McKinley, Sarah Mervosh, Claire Cain Miller, Jennifer Miller, Raphael Minder, Azi Paybarah, Elian Peltier, Adam Rasgon, Frances Robles, Katie Rogers, Eliza Shapiro, Nelson D. Schwartz, Karan Deep Singh, Mitch Smith, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Jim Tankersley, Katie Thomas, Lucy Tompkins, Megan Twohey, Will Wright, Jin Wu, 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, Caitlin Dickerson, Manny Fernandez, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Jeffrey Gettleman, Russell Goldman, Michael M. Grynbaum, Jason Gutierrez, John Ismay, Mike Ives, Patrick J. Lyons, Jesse McKinley, Sapna Maheshwari, Jeffrey C. Mays, Patricia Mazzei, Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio, Jesse McKinley, Sarah Mervosh, Claire Cain Miller, Jennifer Miller, Raphael Minder, Azi Paybarah, Elian Peltier, Adam Rasgon, Frances Robles, Katie Rogers, Nelson D. Schwartz, Eliza Shapiro, Mariana Simões, Karan Deep Singh, Mitch Smith, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Jim Tankersley, Katie Thomas, Lucy Tompkins, Megan Twohey, Sui-Lee Wee Will Wright, Jin Wu, Katherine J. Wu, Sameer Yasir, Ceylan Yeginsu and Elaine Yu.