npr--2020-05-23--After Months of Steep Declines, Air Traffic Is Picking Up

After Months of Steep Declines , Air Traffic Is Picking Up The summer travel season is kicking off this year with more uncertainty than any time in recent memory .
The coronavirus pandemic has led millions of people to cancel vacation and travel plans .
Airlines have lost billions of dollars in revenue , flying nearly empty planes and canceling tens of thousands of flights .
The U.S. Travel Association said more than half of the industry 's 15.8 million workers have lost their jobs , and the group forecasts spending on travel this holiday weekend will be about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 4.2 billion versus $ 12.3 billion in 2019 .
`` Our national economy is in a recession , but the travel industry is already in a depression , '' U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said in a news release .
`` Travel-related businesses have been hit disproportionately hard by the pandemic 's fallout , and unfortunately our workforce is on the front lines of that struggle . ''
The uncertainty is so great , that for the first time in 20 years , AAA is not providing a forecast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the Memorial Day weekend , traditionally the start of the summer vacation season .
The organization said that `` the accuracy of the economic data used to create the forecast has been undermined by COVID-19 . ''
Last year , 43 million Americans traveled for Memorial Day weekend , the second-highest travel volume on record in the two decades AAA has tracked the data .
But this weekend , travel volume will likely be a fraction of that .
`` With social distancing guidelines still in practice , this holiday weekend 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record low , '' said Paula Twidale , senior vice president of AAA Travel .
Despite the dismal spring , there are signs that travel demand is beginning to tick up .
In analyzing data from multiple sources , NPR finds signs that more Americans are not just looking to book future trips , but they 're also boarding planes and starting to fly again .
Do n't see the graphic above ?
Click here .
The Transportation Security Administration reports 318,449 people were screened at its airport security checkpoints across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in two months .
The last time the number of people screened topped 300,000 was March 23 .
It 's still 88 % fewer travelers screened at TSA checkpoints than the 2.67 million screened on the Thursday before Memorial Day last year , but it 's more than triple the number going through airports a month ago , on April 22 , when fewer than 99,000 people went through TSA checkpoints .
The industry group Airlines for America says through much of April , the number of passengers flying each day dropped to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commercial jetliner era of the 1950s .
Airlines have parked more than half of their fleets as the number of planes in the air has plummeted from more than 26,000 domestic flights a day in mid-March to almost one-fifth that number in late April , according to the site Flightradar24 .
And though the airlines are still reeling , burning through cash at a rate of tens of millions of dollars a day , business is now picking up .
On May 15 , airlines flew nearly 7,000 flights , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the graphic above ?
Click here .
Southwest Airlines reported this week that after a torrent of customers canceling travel plans in March and April , new bookings have outpaced cancellations in May .
Delta Air Lines , United Airlines and American Airlines also reported increases in customers booking flights and fewer cancellations as they 're beginning to add some flights for the summer months after drastically scaling back their schedules .
Third-party travel booking sites are seeing more people searching for and booking flights , too .
Search demand for domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped more than 60 % in March and remained low through April and the first part of May .
But in recent weeks , the number of travelers adding watches for trips they 'd take within the next 30 days quadrupled from the April low .
`` Right now , demand levels are still significantly lower than they were at the beginning of the year and even over the past 10 years , '' Hopper chief economist Hayley Berg said .
`` But there are strong , positive signals . ''
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicate many Americans , `` especially from younger demographics , including millennials , [ say ] that they are interested in traveling this summer . ''
Hopper 's recent survey finds nearly 75 % of respondents in the U.S. said they do plan to travel this year , but not until they feel comfortable .
The survey also finds more than 40 % of Americans said they plan to travel by air this summer , with 25 % planning to book their travel in the next month .
`` The demand is there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially those in the U.S. , are looking for signals to decide when it is safe for them and when they do feel comfortable to start traveling again '' Berg said , `` and the hope is that will be this summer . ''
Nonetheless , the airline and travel industries are bracing for what is expected to be a long and slow recovery from the pandemic , and there are fears a resurgence of the virus in the fall could add more pain and misery to industries already suffering huge financial and @ @ @

After Months of Steep Declines, Air Traffic Is Picking Up
Enlarge this image toggle caption David Schaper/NPR David Schaper/NPR
The summer travel season is kicking off this year with more uncertainty than any time in recent memory. The coronavirus pandemic has led millions of people to cancel vacation and travel plans. Airlines have lost billions of dollars in revenue, flying nearly empty planes and canceling tens of thousands of flights.
The U.S. Travel Association said more than half of the industry's 15.8 million workers have lost their jobs, and the group forecasts spending on travel this holiday weekend will be about a third of last year's levels — $4.2 billion versus $12.3 billion in 2019.
"Our national economy is in a recession, but the travel industry is already in a depression," U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said in a news release. "Travel-related businesses have been hit disproportionately hard by the pandemic's fallout, and unfortunately our workforce is on the front lines of that struggle."
The uncertainty is so great, that for the first time in 20 years, AAA is not providing a forecast of how many people will be traveling over the Memorial Day weekend, traditionally the start of the summer vacation season. The organization said that "the accuracy of the economic data used to create the forecast has been undermined by COVID-19."
Last year, 43 million Americans traveled for Memorial Day weekend, the second-highest travel volume on record in the two decades AAA has tracked the data. But this weekend, travel volume will likely be a fraction of that. "With social distancing guidelines still in practice, this holiday weekend's travel volume is likely to set a record low," said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel.
Despite the dismal spring, there are signs that travel demand is beginning to tick up. In analyzing data from multiple sources, NPR finds signs that more Americans are not just looking to book future trips, but they're also boarding planes and starting to fly again.
Loading...
Don't see the graphic above? Click here.
The Transportation Security Administration reports 318,449 people were screened at its airport security checkpoints across the country Thursday; that's the highest number in two months. The last time the number of people screened topped 300,000 was March 23.
It's still 88% fewer travelers screened at TSA checkpoints than the 2.67 million screened on the Thursday before Memorial Day last year, but it's more than triple the number going through airports a month ago, on April 22, when fewer than 99,000 people went through TSA checkpoints.
The industry group Airlines for America says through much of April, the number of passengers flying each day dropped to lows not seen since the dawn of the commercial jetliner era of the 1950s. Airlines have parked more than half of their fleets as the number of planes in the air has plummeted from more than 26,000 domestic flights a day in mid-March to almost one-fifth that number in late April, according to the site Flightradar24.
And though the airlines are still reeling, burning through cash at a rate of tens of millions of dollars a day, business is now picking up. On May 15, airlines flew nearly 7,000 flights, and the number continues to rise.
Loading...
Don't see the graphic above? Click here.
Southwest Airlines reported this week that after a torrent of customers canceling travel plans in March and April, new bookings have outpaced cancellations in May. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines also reported increases in customers booking flights and fewer cancellations as they're beginning to add some flights for the summer months after drastically scaling back their schedules.
Third-party travel booking sites are seeing more people searching for and booking flights, too. Search demand for domestic flights on the the travel app Hopper dropped more than 60% in March and remained low through April and the first part of May. But in recent weeks, the number of travelers adding watches for trips they'd take within the next 30 days quadrupled from the April low.
"Right now, demand levels are still significantly lower than they were at the beginning of the year and even over the past 10 years," Hopper chief economist Hayley Berg said. "But there are strong, positive signals."
She said search traffic and a survey of travelers indicate many Americans, "especially from younger demographics, including millennials, [say] that they are interested in traveling this summer."
Hopper's recent survey finds nearly 75% of respondents in the U.S. said they do plan to travel this year, but not until they feel comfortable. The survey also finds more than 40% of Americans said they plan to travel by air this summer, with 25% planning to book their travel in the next month.
Enlarge this image toggle caption David Schaper/NPR David Schaper/NPR
"The demand is there, and I think that customers, especially those in the U.S., are looking for signals to decide when it is safe for them and when they do feel comfortable to start traveling again" Berg said, "and the hope is that will be this summer."
Nonetheless, the airline and travel industries are bracing for what is expected to be a long and slow recovery from the pandemic, and there are fears a resurgence of the virus in the fall could add more pain and misery to industries already suffering huge financial and job losses.


npr--2020-05-23--Rental Car Giant Hertz Files For Bankruptcy Protection

Car rental company Hertz filed for bankruptcy protection Friday , citing an `` abrupt decline in revenue '' during the coronavirus pandemic .
Hertz is just the latest high-profile company to feel the financial pain of the COVID-19 crisis : Retailers J.C. Penney , J .
Crew , and Neiman Marcus all filed for bankruptcy protection this month .
Home-decor chain Pier 1 Imports announced it would be closing for good , with final closing sales beginning Memorial Day weekend .
After many states began to declare stay at home orders in March , car rentals dried up , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid off 20,000 employees .
In April the company , which includes car-rental brands Dollar , Thrifty and Firefly , missed a payment on its debt , but reached a short-term deal with its creditors .
The company was unable to secure a long-term agreement .
The filing excludes Hertz 's international operating regions in Europe , Australia and New Zealand , as well as its more than 10,000 franchised locations .
The company said it would use more than $ 1 billion in cash on hand to support its ongoing operations as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company will continue to honor reservations , promotional offers , vouchers and rewards points programs .
`` Today 's action will protect the value of our business , allow us to continue our operations and serve our customers , and provide the time to put in place a new , stronger financial foundation to move successfully through this pandemic and to better position us for the future , '' said CEO Paul Stone in a statement .
`` Our loyal customers have made us one of the world 's most iconic brands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them now and on their future journeys . ''
In addition to its financial woes , Hertz has been under management upheaval .
Stone was named CEO on May 18 — days before the bankruptcy filing — after Kathryn Marinello stepped down .
He previously served as executive vice president and chief retail operations officer for North America .

Rental Car Giant Hertz Files For Bankruptcy Protection
Enlarge this image toggle caption SAUL LOEB/SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images SAUL LOEB/SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
Car rental company Hertz filed for bankruptcy protection Friday, citing an "abrupt decline in revenue" during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hertz is just the latest high-profile company to feel the financial pain of the COVID-19 crisis: Retailers J.C. Penney, J. Crew, and Neiman Marcus all filed for bankruptcy protection this month. Home-decor chain Pier 1 Imports announced it would be closing for good, with final closing sales beginning Memorial Day weekend.
After many states began to declare stay at home orders in March, car rentals dried up, and Hertz reduced spending, implemented furloughs and laid off 20,000 employees.
Will Malls Survive The Coronavirus Pandemic? Will Malls Survive The Coronavirus Pandemic? Listen · 3:48 3:48
In April the company, which includes car-rental brands Dollar, Thrifty and Firefly, missed a payment on its debt, but reached a short-term deal with its creditors. The company was unable to secure a long-term agreement.
The filing excludes Hertz's international operating regions in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, as well as its more than 10,000 franchised locations. The company said it would use more than $1 billion in cash on hand to support its ongoing operations as it proceeds with the bankruptcy process. The company will continue to honor reservations, promotional offers, vouchers and rewards points programs.
"Today's action will protect the value of our business, allow us to continue our operations and serve our customers, and provide the time to put in place a new, stronger financial foundation to move successfully through this pandemic and to better position us for the future," said CEO Paul Stone in a statement. "Our loyal customers have made us one of the world's most iconic brands, and we look forward to serving them now and on their future journeys."
In addition to its financial woes, Hertz has been under management upheaval. Stone was named CEO on May 18 — days before the bankruptcy filing — after Kathryn Marinello stepped down. He previously served as executive vice president and chief retail operations officer for North America.


npr--2020-05-23--With Moratorium Lifted, Houston Becomes Largest U.S. City Where Evictions Can Resume

With Moratorium Lifted , Houston Becomes Largest U.S. City Where Evictions Can Resume Evictions are expected to skyrocket in Texas where the state Supreme Court has lifted a moratorium on evictions and unemployment has risen to historic levels amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Some cities are taking additional steps to protect renters and delay evictions , but many Texans remain vulnerable .
Houston , for example , is now the largest city in the nation where evictions can resume .
A rental assistance program there ran out of funding in just 90 minutes .
`` We anticipate that there will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Dana Karni , an attorney with Lone Star Legal Aid , which provides free legal representation to low-income Texans .
`` I have no doubt about it , we are going to see homelessness . ''
Bridgett Hewitt , 59 , is afraid she might lose her apartment in Houston , where she lives alone .
She said she 'll be three months behind in rent payments in June .
When COVID-19 hit , Hewitt lost her job babysitting her granddaughter and niece .
Now she relies on her $ 800 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cover her $ 900 monthly rent .
She said her apartment manager has warned her that eviction notices are on the way .
`` Nobody needs to be stressed out ... whether they are going to have a place to live today and be homeless tomorrow .
I ca n't think like that right now , '' she said , sobbing .
`` I do n't want to think like that . ''
Hewitt submitted an application for the city 's rental assistance program .
If she does n't get approved , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her home .
`` I pray and hope that if I do , that I 'll be able to get into a shelter , or my daughters will open their doors to me , that they 'll open their home to their mom . ''
Nationally , there has been a patchwork of protections for renters .
Some states , like Wyoming and South Dakota , never had an eviction moratorium .
Other statewide eviction moratoriums are set to expire in early June , including in Illinois , Florida and California , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like Los Angeles , also have passed ordinances to further delay evictions after the statewide moratorium expires .
There 's still a federal moratorium on evictions through late July , though that only applies to rental properties with federally backed mortgages .
Experts estimate only 28 % of rental properties nationwide are covered by the moratorium .
Meanwhile , unemployment is through the roof .
Since March , 38.6 million people have filed for unemployment , according to the Department of Labor .
Working class families have been hit especially hard — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of less than $ 40,000 lost a job in March , said Shamus Roller , executive director of the National Housing Law Project .
`` It 's staggering to try to get your head around what that means in practice , '' Roller said .
For now , moratoriums and government assistance — like expanded unemployment benefits — have kept evictions at bay .
But as these protections expire , experts say a wave of evictions is on its way .
And with coronavirus spreading , Roller said evictions create a public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing and sending them out to look for additional housing or sending them into homelessness is a danger for all of us , '' Roller said .

With Moratorium Lifted, Houston Becomes Largest U.S. City Where Evictions Can Resume
Enlarge this image toggle caption Loren Elliott/AFP via Getty Images Loren Elliott/AFP via Getty Images
Evictions are expected to skyrocket in Texas where the state Supreme Court has lifted a moratorium on evictions and unemployment has risen to historic levels amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Some cities are taking additional steps to protect renters and delay evictions, but many Texans remain vulnerable.
Houston, for example, is now the largest city in the nation where evictions can resume. A rental assistance program there ran out of funding in just 90 minutes.
"We anticipate that there will be a tsunami of evictions filed," said Dana Karni, an attorney with Lone Star Legal Aid, which provides free legal representation to low-income Texans. "I have no doubt about it, we are going to see homelessness."
Bridgett Hewitt, 59, is afraid she might lose her apartment in Houston, where she lives alone. She said she'll be three months behind in rent payments in June.
When COVID-19 hit, Hewitt lost her job babysitting her granddaughter and niece. Now she relies on her $800 disability check, which isn't enough to cover her $900 monthly rent. She said her apartment manager has warned her that eviction notices are on the way.
"Nobody needs to be stressed out ... whether they are going to have a place to live today and be homeless tomorrow. I can't think like that right now," she said, sobbing. "I don't want to think like that."
Hewitt submitted an application for the city's rental assistance program. If she doesn't get approved, she expects to be forced out of her home.
"I pray and hope that if I do, that I'll be able to get into a shelter, or my daughters will open their doors to me, that they'll open their home to their mom."
Nationally, there has been a patchwork of protections for renters. Some states, like Wyoming and South Dakota, never had an eviction moratorium. Other statewide eviction moratoriums are set to expire in early June, including in Illinois, Florida and California, though they could be extended.
Some cities, like Los Angeles, also have passed ordinances to further delay evictions after the statewide moratorium expires.
There's still a federal moratorium on evictions through late July, though that only applies to rental properties with federally backed mortgages. Experts estimate only 28% of rental properties nationwide are covered by the moratorium.
Meanwhile, unemployment is through the roof. Since March, 38.6 million people have filed for unemployment, according to the Department of Labor.
Working class families have been hit especially hard — 40% of households with annual incomes of less than $40,000 lost a job in March, said Shamus Roller, executive director of the National Housing Law Project.
"It's staggering to try to get your head around what that means in practice," Roller said.
For now, moratoriums and government assistance — like expanded unemployment benefits — have kept evictions at bay. But as these protections expire, experts say a wave of evictions is on its way.
And with coronavirus spreading, Roller said evictions create a public health risk.
"Displacing people from their housing and sending them out to look for additional housing or sending them into homelessness is a danger for all of us," Roller said.
Houston Public Media's Jen Rice contributed to this story.


npr--2020-05-22--Justice Department Backs Challenge To Illinois Stay-At-Home Order

The Trump administration is supporting a lawsuit challenging the Illinois governor 's stay-at-home order .
The legal maneuver marks the first time the U.S. Department of Justice has weighed in on state level COVID-19 policies that are unrelated to religious matters .
The department on Friday filed a statement of interest in the case against Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker , saying the protective coronavirus measures in place exceed the limits of his office .
`` In response to the COVID-19 pandemic , the Governor of Illinois has , over the past two months , sought to rely on authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to impose sweeping limitations on nearly all aspects of life for citizens of Illinois , significantly impairing in some instances their ability to maintain their economic livelihoods , '' the department said in a statement .
The government is siding with Republican state Rep. Darren Bailey who filed the initial suit in state court earlier this month .
He argued that Pritzker 's executive order violates a 30-day limit on the governor 's emergency powers put in place by the state legislature .
Pritzker was ordered to respond to Bailey 's motion for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he removed the case to federal district court .
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division said Pritzker `` owes it to the people of Illinois to allow his state 's courts to adjudicate the question of whether Illinois law authorizes orders he issued to respond to COVID-19 . ''

Justice Department Backs Challenge To Illinois Stay-At-Home Order
Enlarge this image toggle caption Justin L. Fowler/AP Justin L. Fowler/AP
The Trump administration is supporting a lawsuit challenging the Illinois governor's stay-at-home order. The legal maneuver marks the first time the U.S. Department of Justice has weighed in on state level COVID-19 policies that are unrelated to religious matters.
The department on Friday filed a statement of interest in the case against Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, saying the protective coronavirus measures in place exceed the limits of his office.
"In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor of Illinois has, over the past two months, sought to rely on authority under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act to impose sweeping limitations on nearly all aspects of life for citizens of Illinois, significantly impairing in some instances their ability to maintain their economic livelihoods," the department said in a statement.
The government is siding with Republican state Rep. Darren Bailey who filed the initial suit in state court earlier this month. He argued that Pritzker's executive order violates a 30-day limit on the governor's emergency powers put in place by the state legislature.
Pritzker was ordered to respond to Bailey's motion for summary judgement by Thursday. But instead, he removed the case to federal district court.
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division said Pritzker "owes it to the people of Illinois to allow his state's courts to adjudicate the question of whether Illinois law authorizes orders he issued to respond to COVID-19."


npr--2020-05-23--They're Back: Millions Of Cicadas Expected To Emerge This Year

They 're Back : Millions Of Cicadas Expected To Emerge This Year As summer nears , 2020 has another trick up its sleeve .
This time , it 's cicadas .
A lot of cicadas .
In parts of southwestern Virginia , North Carolina and West Virginia , it 's nearly time for a brood of the insects to emerge for their once-in-17-year mating season .
As many as 1.5 million cicadas could emerge per acre .
And did we mention the bugs are known for their distinct — and overwhelming — chirping ?
`` Communities and farms with large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a substantial noise issue , '' predicts Eric Day of Virginia Tech 's department of entomology .
He tells Virginia Tech Daily , `` Hopefully , any annoyance at the disturbance is tempered by just how infrequent — and amazing — this event is . ''
Periodical cicadas — unlike annual cicadas — emerge every 13 or 17 years , depending on the species .
Brood IX , as this grouping is dubbed , last emerged in 2003 .
Parts of the region that 's expected to see brood IX this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which crawled out from the ground back in 2013 across parts of the eastern U.S .
But brood IX wo n't likely affect as many states , according to periodical cicada mapping site Magicicada.org .
Virginia Tech Daily notes that the 13-year or 17-year timing of cicada breeding cycles is still something of a mystery .
Research and modeling suggest it could be tied to avoiding predators , to stop from matching the cycles of creatures who 'd treat the bug as an easy meal .
( Though plenty of them still get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of their lives underground , in an immature `` nymph '' state with soil temperature and year synchronizing their transition to a mature cicada , ready to emerge , breed and lay eggs .
Their timing is n't always exact .
Some periodical cicadas have been seen years early ; climate change may be a cause .
Once they 're done , they die within a few weeks .
But not before inundating the eardrums of those nearby with that distinct — and fairly annoying — chirping that male cicadas use to @ @ @ @

They're Back: Millions Of Cicadas Expected To Emerge This Year
Enlarge this image toggle caption Stephen Jaffe/AFP via Getty Images Stephen Jaffe/AFP via Getty Images
As summer nears, 2020 has another trick up its sleeve. This time, it's cicadas. A lot of cicadas.
In parts of southwestern Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia, it's nearly time for a brood of the insects to emerge for their once-in-17-year mating season. As many as 1.5 million cicadas could emerge per acre. And did we mention the bugs are known for their distinct — and overwhelming — chirping?
"Communities and farms with large numbers of cicadas emerging at once may have a substantial noise issue," predicts Eric Day of Virginia Tech's department of entomology. He tells Virginia Tech Daily, "Hopefully, any annoyance at the disturbance is tempered by just how infrequent — and amazing — this event is."
Periodical cicadas — unlike annual cicadas — emerge every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. Brood IX, as this grouping is dubbed, last emerged in 2003. Parts of the region that's expected to see brood IX this year also saw some of brood II, which crawled out from the ground back in 2013 across parts of the eastern U.S. But brood IX won't likely affect as many states, according to periodical cicada mapping site Magicicada.org.
Virginia Tech Daily notes that the 13-year or 17-year timing of cicada breeding cycles is still something of a mystery. Research and modeling suggest it could be tied to avoiding predators, to stop from matching the cycles of creatures who'd treat the bug as an easy meal. (Though plenty of them still get eaten.)
The insects spend a majority of their lives underground, in an immature "nymph" state with soil temperature and year synchronizing their transition to a mature cicada, ready to emerge, breed and lay eggs.
Their timing isn't always exact. Some periodical cicadas have been seen years early; climate change may be a cause.
Once they're done, they die within a few weeks. But not before inundating the eardrums of those nearby with that distinct — and fairly annoying — chirping that male cicadas use to attract a mate.


npr--2020-05-23--North Carolina Reports Highest One Day Spike Of COVID-19 Cases

North Carolina has reported its highest one-day spike in new COVID-19 cases , a development that comes a day after the state entered its second phase of re-opening .
In a statement Saturday , the state 's Department of Health and Human Services reported 1,107 infections – around 250 more cases than the state 's last highest daily tally .
`` This is a notable and concerning increase , '' said the department 's secretary , Mandy Cohen .
`` As we head into a holiday weekend , please practice the three Ws – wear a face covering , wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands frequently .
When it comes to our health , we need to work together to protect our families , friends and neighbors . ''
The spike in new cases underscores the challenge that states across the country are facing as they weigh when to ease restrictions designed to stem the spread of the coronavirus outbreak .
North Carolina had spent two weeks in phase one of its reopening before entering the second phase on Friday .
Phase two lifted the state 's stay-at-home order and allowed certain businesses to restart or expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcing the easing of restrictions , authorities noted that although `` overall key indicators remain stable , '' there remained `` continued increases in daily case counts . ''
A statement accompanying Gov .
Roy Cooper 's executive order , issued on Wednesday , said re-opening would be a more modest endeavor than initially envisioned .
`` North Carolina is using the data to guide our decisions about when to lift COVID-19 restrictions , and overall our key indicators remain stable , '' Cooper , a Democrat , said .
`` Safer At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward , and we have to continue taking this virus seriously to prevent a dangerous spike in infections . ''
The executive order allowed businesses such as restaurants , salons and barbers to be open at 50 % capacity with social distancing and cleaning requirements in place .
Bars , gyms , and movie theaters were to remained close .
The order also capped mass gatherings at 25 people for outdoor venues while indoor events were limited to 10 .
The announcement came as many parts of the U.S. have seen a general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – such as Los Angeles , Chicago and Washington , D.C. – are reporting plateaus .
As of Saturday , North Carolina has reported at least 22,725 coronavirus infections .

North Carolina Reports Highest 1-Day Spike Of COVID-19 Cases
Enlarge this image toggle caption Gerry Broome/AP Gerry Broome/AP
North Carolina has reported its highest one-day spike in new COVID-19 cases, a development that comes a day after the state entered its second phase of reopening.
In a statement on Saturday, the state's Department of Health and Human Services reported 1,107 infections — around 250 more cases than the state's last highest daily tally.
"This is a notable and concerning increase," said the department's secretary, Mandy Cohen, in a statement. "As we head into a holiday weekend, please practice the three Ws – wear a face covering, wait six feet apart, and wash your hands frequently. When it comes to our health, we need to work together to protect our families, friends and neighbors."
The spike in new cases underscores the challenge that states across the U.S. are facing as they weigh when to ease restrictions designed to stem the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
North Carolina had spent two weeks in Phase 1 of its reopening before entering the second phase on Friday. Phase 2 lifted the state's stay-at-home order and allowed certain businesses to restart or expand operations in a limited capacity.
In announcing the easing of restrictions, authorities noted that although "overall key indicators remain stable," there remained "continued increases in daily case counts." A statement accompanying Gov. Roy Cooper's executive order, issued on Wednesday, said reopening would be a more modest endeavor than initially envisioned.
"North Carolina is using the data to guide our decisions about when to lift COVID-19 restrictions, and overall our key indicators remain stable," Cooper, a Democrat, said. "Safer At Home Phase 2 is another careful step forward, and we have to continue taking this virus seriously to prevent a dangerous spike in infections."
The executive order allows businesses such as restaurants, salons and barbershops to be open at 50% capacity with social distancing and cleaning requirements in place. Bars, gyms and movie theaters are to remain closed.
The order also caps gatherings at 25 people for outdoor venues, while indoor events are limited to 10.
The announcement came as many parts of the U.S. have seen a general decline in new infections and as other areas — such as Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, D.C. — are reporting plateaus.
As of Saturday, North Carolina has reported at least 22,725 coronavirus infections.


npr--2020-05-23--Tracking The Pandemic: How Quickly Is The Coronavirus Spreading State By State?

Tracking The Pandemic : How Quickly Is The Coronavirus Spreading State By State ?
Since the first coronavirus case was confirmed in the United States on Jan. 21 , more than 1 million people in the U.S. have confirmed cases of COVID-19 .
On April 12 , the U.S. became the nation with the most deaths globally , but there are early signs that the U.S. case and death counts may be leveling off , as the growth of new cases and deaths plateaus .
The pattern is n't consistent across the country , as new hot spots emerge and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your state 's case count is growing , click here .
Click here to see a global map of confirmed cases and deaths .
In response to mounting cases , state and federal authorities have emphasized a social distancing strategy , widely seen as the best available means to slow the spread of the virus .
Most states have put in place measures such as closing schools and nonessential businesses and ordering citizens to stay home as much as possible .
It 's not clear how long such measures need to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Wuhan , the city in China where the virus originated , a strictly enforced lockdown and widespread testing have slowed the outbreak dramatically , enough to bring an end to the 76-day lockdown .
A large portion of U.S. cases are centered on New York City .
Since March 20 , New York state , Connecticut and New Jersey have accounted for about 50 % of all U.S. cases .
As of April 9 , nearly 60 % of all deaths from COVID-19 have been in these three states .
While New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plateau , as seen below , it notched between 8,000 and 10,000 new cases each day between March 31 and April 12 .
To understand how one state 's outbreak compares with another 's , it 's helpful to look at not just the daily counts but the rate of change day over day .
In the following chart , we display cases on a logarithmic scale , meaning that every axis line is 10 times greater than the previous one .
This type of scale emphasizes the rate of change .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state 's curve trends sharply upward , as New York 's does over the first 15 days past 100 cases .
Generally , this is evidence of unbridled community transmission of the disease .
As new cases slow , the curve bends toward horizontal , showing that the state 's outbreak may be leveling off .
This does n't mean the number of cases has stopped growing , but the rate of growth has slowed , which could signify that social distancing measures are having an effect .
In some areas , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the earliest outbreaks — such as California and Washington — seem to be having success at suppressing the disease .
The outlook in Washington has improved to the point that the state has returned unused Army hospital beds it had received in preparation for a peak in cases .
Elsewhere , limited access to testing may make the number of cases look smaller than it really is .
As testing becomes more readily available , we are likely to see the number of confirmed cases continue to grow , even if not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data used here are compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University from several sources , including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ; the World Health Organization ; national , state and local government health departments ; 1point3acres ; and local media reports .
The JHU team automates its data uploads and regularly checks them for anomalies .
State-by-state testing and hospitalization data are still being assessed for reliability .
State-by-state recovery data are unavailable at this time .
There may be discrepancies between what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your local health department 's website .
Stephanie Adeline , Alyson Hurt , Connie Hanzhang Jin , Ruth Talbot and Thomas Wilburn contributed to this story .

Tracking the coronavirus around the U.S.: See how your state is doing
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Note: This page was last updated on Feb. 1, 2023. It will no longer be updated. For current data on COVID cases and deaths, demographics, and hospitalizations, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of Feb. 1, there have been more than 101 million confirmed coronavirus infections in the U.S. and more than 1 million people have died of COVID-19. In the graphics below, explore the trends in your state.
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The above charts show average new cases per 100,000 people for each state over the last 12 months.
Note: Actual cases may be substantially higher, since many who test positive with at-home tests don't report their cases.
For additional data about COVID-19 in the U.S, including cases and deaths, demographics, and hospitalizations, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
To show trends, the table below shows the change in average new cases per day in each state, week over week for the last 28 days. States marked in shades of red have growing outbreaks; those in shades of green, are declining.
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Methodology
The graphics on this page pull from data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University from several sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the World Health Organization; national, state and local government health departments; 1point3acres; and local media reports.
The JHU team automates its data uploads and regularly checks them for anomalies. This may result in occasional data discrepancies on this page as the JHU team resolves anomalies and updates its feeds. There may be discrepancies between what you see here and what you see on your local health department's website. Figures shown do not include cases on cruise ships.
Fluctuations in the numbers may happen as health authorities review old cases, process testing backlogs or update their methodologies. The JHU team maintains a list of such changes.
This story was originally published on March 16, 2020. Elena Renken was a co-author on that version. Sean McMinn and Audrey Carlsen contributed to this story. Carmel Wroth edited this story.


npr--2020-05-23--Coronavirus World Map: Tracking The Spread Of The Outbreak

Coronavirus World Map : Tracking The Spread Of The Outbreak Since the new coronavirus was first reported in Wuhan , China , in December , the infectious respiratory disease COVID-19 has spread rapidly within China and to neighboring countries and beyond .
The first confirmed coronavirus cases outside China occurred on Jan. 20 , in Japan , Thailand and South Korea .
On Jan. 21 , the first case in the U.S. was identified in Washington state .
On Jan. 24 , the first two European cases were confirmed in France .
By Feb. 1 , eight European nations had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month later that count had risen to 24 countries with at least 2,200 cases , most of them in Italy .
On March 11 , Italy eclipsed 10,000 cases and the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic — the first since H1N1 in 2009 .
That 's also when China , the original epicenter , began seeing drops in daily counts of new cases .
March also saw exponential spread of the virus throughout the U.S. , with all 50 states reporting cases by March 17 .
This particular virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third strain of coronavirus known to frequently cause severe symptoms in humans .
The other two strains cause Middle East respiratory syndrome and severe acute respiratory syndrome .
Click here to see the state-by-state breakdown of cases in the United States .
This story was originally published on March 30 , 2020 .

Coronavirus world map: We've now passed the 600 million mark for infections
Editor's note: This page is no longer being updated. The last update was Sept. 5, 2022. For current data about COVID-19 cases and deaths around the world, Johns Hopkins University and Our World in Data are useful resources.
In late January 2020 only a few dozen COVID-19 infections had been identified outside of China. A year later, the world tallied its first 100 million cases. It took the globe just 7 more months to pass the 200 million mark— then another 5 months to hit 300 million, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Now the virus has spread to every corner of the globe and has been blamed for more than 6 million deaths.
The United States, India and Brazil in that order have had the most COVID cases and the three nations collectively account for almost half of all recorded infections so far in the pandemic.
Explore the chart below to find a country-by-country breakdown of new and total cases since January 2020.
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Explore how the number of coronavirus cases have shifted in different parts of the world over time. The first chart compares each continent to each other, while the next charts highlight the number of cases in select countries by region.
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This story was originally published on March 30, 2020.


npr--2020-05-23--From Camping To Dining Out: Here's How Experts Rate The Risks Of 14 Summer Activities

From Camping To Dining Out : Here 's How Experts Rate The Risks Of 14 Summer Activities It 's been around two months of quarantine for many of us .
The urge to get out and enjoy the summer is real .
But what 's safe ?
We asked a panel of infectious disease and public health experts to rate the risk of summer activities , from backyard gatherings , to a day at the pool , to sharing a vacation house with another household .
One big warning : Your personal risk depends on your age and health , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area , and the precautions you take during any of these activities .
Also , many areas continue to restrict the activities described here , so check your local laws .
And there 's no such thing as a zero-risk outing right now .
As states begin allowing businesses and public areas to reopen , decisions about what 's safe will be up to individuals .
It can help to think through the risks the way the experts do .
`` We can think of transmission risk with a simple phrase : time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' explains Dr. William Miller , an epidemiologist at Ohio State University .
Here 's his rule of thumb : The more time you spend and the closer in space you are to any infected people , the higher your risk .
Interacting with more people raises your risk , and indoor places are riskier than outdoors .
Dr. Emily Landon , hospital epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist at University of Chicago Medicine , has her own shorthand : `` Always choose outdoors over indoor , always choose masking over or not masking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fewer people over a smaller space . ''
Our experts shared their thoughts via phone and e-mail interviews .
Jump to an activity : Backyard gathering ; Restaurant ; Worship service ; Beach or pool ; Outdoor party ; Public restroom ; A friend using your bathroom ; Vacationing with another family ; Haircut ; Shopping mall ; Hotel ; Camping ; Nightclub ; Outdoor sports 1 .
A BYOB backyard gathering with one other household : Low to medium risk Meeting in a spacious outdoor area with only a small group is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that safety here depends on who you invite and what their behaviors have been .
`` If you have a gathering with one other household that [ has ] followed social distancing , this would be a low-risk activity , '' says Dr. Judith Guzman-Cottrill , a pediatric infectious disease expert at Oregon Health & Science University .
What alters risk ?
To lower risk , avoid sharing food , drinks or utensils — make it a BYO everything party .
Dr. Andrew Janowski , a pediatric infectious diseases expert at Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food itself is n't the risk , but touching shared dishes or utensils could be .
Watch out for drinking , says Dr. Abraar Karan , a physician and public health researcher at Harvard Medical School , as it can make people sloppy about social distancing .
It also increases the odds that people will want to use your bathroom .
`` Once you move into the house with others , the risk profile goes up , '' he says .
Some experts suggest wearing a face covering , but Landon points out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while eating and drinking .
She suggests an alternative to a meal would be a backyard lawn tournament : That way , `` the kids can play together , but still with their masks on . ''
It could be fun for the grownups too .
Indoor dining `` is still amongst the riskier things you can do , '' Landon warns .
The trouble is , says Miller , `` people tend to linger in restaurants .
So even if spacing is okay , the duration of exposure is longer . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears to lead to some release of the virus . ''
Karan notes that one outbreak in Guangzhou , China took place in a restaurant with no windows and poor ventilation , and the air conditioning appears to have blown droplets between tables .
What alters risk ?
Janowski says the risk level depends on how well the restaurant has adapted for the pandemic .
Eateries should reduce and space out seating , require servers to wear masks , and offer easy access to hand-washing stations .
They should also provide single-use options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to touch shared ones , says Janowski .
And they should close all self-serve areas like soda fountains or buffet tables .
If you do go to a restaurant , look for outdoor seating .
Landon says she would only go with members of her household , because `` I do n't want to have to take my mask off in the close proximity of a bunch of other people . ''
Worship services involve people from different households coming together indoors , for an extended time .
`` All of the ingredients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of people becoming infected in the short amount of time , '' says Kimberly Powers , an epidemiologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill .
She points to outbreaks linked to churches : In one , 35 out of 92 people who attended a service at a rural Arkansas church developed COVID-19 .
Singing — whether from the pews or the choir — is high risk , several experts noted , citing a study of a choir practice in Washington state where over half of attendees became infected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriately socially distanced , wear masks and avoid singing , it may reduce the risk , Karan says .
Also avoid any shared worship items like hymnals , Janowski adds .
Risk goes down if places of worship adapt , Guzman-Cottrill says .
`` My parish began having in-person services last week , '' she says .
The church had advance sign-ups to limit attendance to 25 people .
Attendees were required to be healthy , wear face coverings and sit at least six feet apart .
4 .
Spending the day at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk As long as you can stay socially distanced , this could be a pretty safe activity , our experts say .
The water itself is not a risk .
`` The sheer volume of water will dilute out the virus , making the water a highly unlikely source of infection , '' says Janowski .
What alters risk ?
The key question is how close are you to others ?
`` Can you ensure that you can stay six feet [ or more ] from anyone outside of your designated family ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Center for Global Health Science and Security at Georgetown University Medical Center .
Watch out for crowds at entry points and bathrooms .
Maintain social distance both on land and in the water .
Landon says her biggest worry about pools and beaches is kids .
At pools , `` they make friends with everyone , '' she says .
`` If you want to be able to see grandma for Sunday lunch , because that 's what 's really important to your family , then you do n't want your kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
She says a beach is better than a pool in terms of space .
Go early in the morning or late afternoon when crowds are lower , and look for beaches that mark off spots for people to set up their areas .
5 .
An outdoor celebration such as a wedding with more than 10 guests : Medium to high risk Family-oriented celebrations are usually a summer tradition , but they come with a lot of risk right now .
Many weddings have been postponed , and with good reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but as people are celebrating and drinking , it seems like they may not social distance as readily , '' says Abraar Karan , the Harvard physician .
`` These types of events end up being large crowds where people are having extended face to face conversations . ''
The larger the guest list , the greater the potential that one of them is infected , says Kimberly Powers , the UNC epidemiologist .
What alters risk ?
The danger varies greatly depending on the size of the gathering and how closely people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a celebration , make it a small one , with mostly local guests .
`` Bringing people from other communities , '' is high risk , says Landon at the University of Chicago .
`` If people have to travel by car , by plane from other places , you 're really asking for it . ''
And really think twice about inviting your relatives , particularly older family members or those with underlying conditions .
People may feel pressure to attend , even though it 's hazardous to their health — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're going to try to make it safe , says Landon .
One of the largest clusters of deaths from the virus in Chicago occurred after a funeral in which one of the attendees spread it to many of his family members .
Restrooms have been designed to prevent disease transmission , says Landon : `` There are all sorts of things that you can catch from other people 's poop , and you almost never do because they 're set up with all hard surfaces that can be cleaned . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ local COVID-19 cases and how clean the bathroom is , says Janowski at Washington University , noting that a bathroom involves multiple high-touch surfaces .
There is n't yet sufficient data to know if there 's risk from toilet flushes aerosolizing the virus .
Landon says that other viruses , like norovirus , can be aerosolized by flushing , but norovirus does n't often spread that way as long as bathrooms are cleaned .
The CDC says it 's `` unclear whether the virus found in feces may be capable of causing COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the main risk comes from restrooms that are small , busy , and poorly ventilated — like `` those restrooms in a gas station off the highway where the restroom is outside . ''
Choose a bathroom that looks clean and is well stocked with supplies like paper towels , soap and toilet paper .
Avoid bunching up in a line to use the toilet or staying there long , if you 're within six feet of others .
Wash your hands after you go , and sanitize them if you need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Landon does n't think it 's a big risk : `` What happens in the bathroom is going to be sucked out of the bathroom ventilation and you can clean all the hard surfaces really easily . ''
Miller agrees : `` You can run the fan , leave the door open after ( so air flows ) , and clean the bathroom later .
And if you use the bathroom after they do , just wash your hands . ''
What alters risk ?
It 's possible that your friend is infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It would be reasonable to decontaminate the bathroom after a friend uses it , including cleaning the high touch surfaces of the door , toilet , and sink . ''
8 .
Going to a vacation house with another family : Low risk Experts said that if both families have been quarantining and limiting their exposure to others , this is pretty safe .
`` If one family is very active or parents have higher exposure jobs , then the risk increases , '' Miller says .
Landon thinks this arrangement could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house is `` in the woods where you 're not going to have a lot of contact with other people , '' she says .
What alters risk ?
Landon suggests talking with the other family beforehand , to make sure you share the same expectations for the precautions everyone will take in the two weeks before arrival and while you 're there .
Ensure that no one has signs of illness — if they do , they need to stay home .
Miller recommends cleaning the major surfaces in the house on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people can reduce exposure in the days leading up to the trip , the better , '' he adds .
The consensus is that staying at a hotel is relatively low risk , especially once you 're in your room .
It 's best to limit your time in the common areas such as the lobby , gym , restaurant and the elevator , where the risk of exposure is higher .
What alters risk ?
Bring disinfecting wipes to wipe down the TV remote and other common surfaces .
You might also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not be cleaned after every guest , suggests Miller .
Ask about the hotel 's cleaning policies , as many have new COVID-19 protocols .
`` Beware of the elevators !
Use the knuckle of your little or ring finger to press the buttons , '' says Miller .
Other suggestions : Order room service rather than eating at the restaurant , avoid the exercise room , and wear a face covering in public spaces .
A haircut involves `` close contact and breathing , that is extended for several minutes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the primary mode of transmission that we know happens .
And cloth masks certainly are not perfect for this . ''
Janowski says this is one of the highest-risk scenarios on this list , because there 's no way to keep six feet from someone cutting your hair .
`` All it takes is [ having ] one asymptomatic but infected worker and suddenly many customers are at high risk of infection , '' he says .
What alters risk ?
Landon believes the risk is not terribly high if both you and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not very prevalent in your area .
Look for a salon or barbershop that has ( and enforces ) policies to protect its employees , like wearing protective gear and sanitizing hands , she says : `` By protecting their employees , they 're protecting you , too . ''
And make sure that your barber or stylist is all business , says Karan : `` Stopping to chat at close distance like this is something we all love doing with our barbers normally .
This is not the time for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what kind of mall it is , how crowded it is , and how much time you spend there , our panel agreed .
`` Crowds with high density lead to substantial increase in risk , '' says Miller .
`` The major mitigating factor is that people do n't mingle in a single place for long . ''
What alters risk ?
Outdoor malls are preferable to indoor ones .
And empty malls are better than crowded ones .
Avoid the food court and go with purpose , not leisure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you may like retail therapy , you should browse online before you go .
Know what you 're going to pick up or try on .
Wear your mask .
Go in , look at it .
Make your decision and get out . ''
Be alert while you 're there to avoid close contact .
`` Maintain your space , '' says Miller .
`` Try to go at off peak hours . ''
Bring hand sanitizer , says Guzman-Cottrill , and use it frequently , especially if you touch any shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is consensus among the experts that going to a club is a very high-risk activity .
Crowds , ultra-close contact , singing , sweating , and inhibition-loosening alcohol are a potent cocktail of risk factors .
When drinking , people become less compliant with rules , Miller says , and they may breathe heavier from the dancing — `` which means more virus is being shed , '' he says .
If there 's an infected person in the mix , the virus can spread easily .
`` This is a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we saw in South Korea just recently , '' says Abraar Karan , referring to an outbreak tied to several nightclubs and bars .
`` Do n't go to bars or clubs right now . ''
What alters risk ?
Nothing makes this a good idea right now .
If you want to dance , have a dance party at home with the people in your intimate circle .
If it 's a small outdoor gathering , dancing under the stars — six feet apart — would be much less risky , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities go , this is least risky from a virus perspective , '' says Rebecca Katz of Georgetown .
You 're outdoors and isolated .
Miller agrees .
But , he says if you 're going with a group , be sure you can trust your fellow campers .
Have they been social-distancing and following the guidelines ?
If not , they could be asymptomatic spreaders of the virus .
What alters risk ?
Of course , risks can creep in , depending on the particulars .
`` Are you camping in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Katz asks — this is the lower risk scenario .
It 's more dangerous if you 're at a crowded campground with a shared restroom and communal picnic areas , she says .
`` Sleeping in tents together with others [ not in your household ] can certainly be a setup for transmission , '' adds Karan .
Bottom line : The activity itself is low-risk , but the people that you 'll be in close contact with during the trip could increase the hazard .
Unless you 're playing group sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to burn off steam while staying socially distant .
Our experts agree that sports such as golf and tennis are safer than contact sports such as basketball and football .
`` I would personally avoid contact sports until we have a better sense of transmission risk here , '' Karan says .
And running ?
`` If you 're not on a crowded path where people are brushing past each other , then I think that 's a great form of exercise right now , '' says Powers .
What alters risk ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the higher the risk .
It 's possible to spread the virus when you 're in close proximity to others — even if you 're asymptomatic — so it 's best to wear a mask if you ca n't stay socially-distanced .
The risk depends on the sport .
A game like basketball is tricky , Landon says .
`` You 're touching the ball and you 're going to be breathing in each other 's faces , '' so she suggests playing only with people in your household .
Tennis carries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're far apart on either side .
That 's definite social distancing , '' she says .

From Camping To Dining Out: Here's How Experts Rate The Risks Of 14 Summer Activities
Enlarge this image Meredith Miotke for NPR Meredith Miotke for NPR
Updated July 4, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. ET
It has been months of quarantine for many of us. The urge to get out and enjoy the summer is real. But given that coronavirus cases continue to surge in many places, what's safe? We asked a panel of infectious disease and public health experts to rate the risk of summer activities, from backyard gatherings to a day at the pool to sharing a vacation house with another household.
One big warning: Your personal risk depends on your age and health, the prevalence of the virus in your area and the precautions you take during any of these activities. Also, many areas continue to restrict the activities described here, so check your local laws.
And there's no such thing as a zero-risk outing right now. As states begin allowing businesses and public areas to reopen, decisions about what's safe will be up to individuals. It can help to think through the risks the way the experts do.
"We can think of transmission risk with a simple phrase: time, space, people, place," explains Dr. William Miller, an epidemiologist at Ohio State University.
Here's his rule of thumb: The more time you spend and the closer in space you are to any infected people, the higher your risk. Interacting with more people raises your risk, and indoor places are riskier than outdoors.
Dr. Emily Landon, a hospital epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist at University of Chicago Medicine, has her own shorthand: "Always choose outdoors over indoor, always choose masking over not masking and always choose more space for fewer people over a smaller space."
Our experts shared their thoughts via phone and email interviews.
Enlarge this image Meredith Miotke for NPR Meredith Miotke for NPR
Jump to an activity: backyard gathering; restaurant; worship service; beach or pool; outdoor party; public restroom; a friend using your bathroom; vacationing with another family; hotel; haircut; shopping mall; nightclub; camping; outdoor sports
1. A BYOB backyard gathering with one other household: low to medium risk
Meeting in a spacious outdoor area with only a small group isn't too risky. But our experts say that safety here depends on whom you invite and what their behaviors have been. "If you have a gathering with one other household that [has] followed social distancing, this would be a low-risk activity," says Dr. Judith Guzman-Cottrill, a pediatric infectious disease expert at Oregon Health & Science University.
What alters risk? To lower risk, avoid sharing food, drinks or utensils — make it a BYO-everything party. Dr. Andrew Janowski, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at Washington University in St. Louis, notes that the food itself isn't the risk but touching shared dishes or utensils could be.
Watch out for drinking, says Dr. Abraar Karan, a physician and public health researcher at Harvard Medical School, as it can make people sloppy about social distancing. It also increases the odds that people will want to use your bathroom. "Once you move into the house with others, the risk profile goes up," he says.
Some experts suggest wearing a face covering, but Landon points out that you can't realistically stay masked while eating and drinking. She suggests an alternative to a meal would be a backyard lawn tournament: That way, "the kids can play together but still with their masks on." It could be fun for the grown-ups too.
2. Eating indoors at a restaurant: medium to high risk
Indoor dining "is still amongst the riskier things you can do," Landon warns. The trouble is, says Miller, "people tend to linger in restaurants. So even if spacing is OK, the duration of exposure is longer." Also, he says, talking "appears to lead to some release of the virus."
Karan notes that one outbreak in Guangzhou, China, took place in a restaurant with no windows and poor ventilation, and the air conditioning appears to have blown droplets between tables.
What alters risk? Janowski says the risk level depends on how well the restaurant has adapted for the pandemic. Eateries should reduce and space out seating, require servers to wear masks and offer easy access to hand-washing stations.
They should also provide single-use options for condiments so you don't have to touch shared ones, says Janowski. And they should close all self-serve areas like soda fountains or buffet tables.
If you do go to a restaurant, look for outdoor seating. Landon says she would go with only members of her household, because "I don't want to have to take my mask off in the close proximity of a bunch of other people."
NPR YouTube
3. Attending a religious service indoors: high risk
Worship services involve people from different households coming together indoors for an extended time. "All of the ingredients are there for the potential for a lot of people becoming infected in the short amount of time," says Kimberly Powers, an epidemiologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She points to outbreaks linked to churches: In one, 35 out of 92 people who attended a service at a rural Arkansas church developed COVID-19.
Singing — whether from the pews or the choir — is high risk, several experts noted, citing a study of a choir practice in Washington state where over half of attendees became infected.
What alters risk: If people are appropriately socially distanced, wear masks and avoid singing, it may reduce the risk, Karan says. Also, avoid any shared worship items like hymnals, Janowski adds.
Risk goes down if places of worship adapt, Guzman-Cottrill said in May. "My parish began having in-person services last week," she says. The church had advance sign-ups to limit attendance to 25 people. Attendees were required to be healthy, wear face coverings and sit at least 6 feet apart.
4. Spending the day at a popular beach or pool: low to medium risk
As long as you can stay socially distanced, this could be a pretty safe activity, our experts say. The problem is that many beaches have been getting crowded quickly, leading many counties and states to close their beaches periodically, as coronavirus cases sharply rise. So pay attention to conditions and restrictions in your area.
The water itself is not a risk. "The sheer volume of water will dilute out the virus, making the water a highly unlikely source of infection," says Janowski.
Enlarge this image Meredith Miotke for NPR Meredith Miotke for NPR
What alters risk? The key question is, how close are you to others? "Can you ensure that you can stay 6 feet [or more] from anyone outside of your designated family?" asks Rebecca Katz, director of the Center for Global Health Science and Security at Georgetown University Medical Center.
Watch out for crowds at entry points and bathrooms. Maintain social distance both on land and in the water.
Landon says her biggest worry about pools and beaches is kids. At pools, "they make friends with everyone," she says. "If you want to be able to see grandma for Sunday lunch, because that's what's really important to your family, then you don't want your kids running around with other people's kids."
She says a beach is better than a pool in terms of space. Follow the public health guidelines in your area. If they say it's OK to go to the beach, go early in the morning or late afternoon, when crowds are lower, and look for beaches that mark off spots for people to set up their areas.
5. An outdoor celebration such as a wedding with more than 10 guests: medium to high risk
Family-oriented celebrations are usually a summer tradition, but they come with a lot of risk right now. Many weddings have been postponed, with good reason.
"Outdoors reduces the risk, but as people are celebrating and drinking, it seems like they may not social distance as readily," says Karan, the Harvard physician. "These types of events end up being large crowds where people are having extended face-to-face conversations."
The larger the guest list, the greater the potential that one of them is infected, says Powers, the UNC epidemiologist.
What alters risk? The danger varies greatly depending on the size of the gathering and how closely people gather.
If you are considering hosting a celebration, make it a small one with mostly local guests. "Bringing in people from other communities" is high risk, says Landon, of the University of Chicago. "If people have to travel by car, by plane, from other places, you're really asking for it."
And really think twice about inviting your relatives, particularly older family members or those with underlying conditions. People may feel pressure to attend, even though it's hazardous to their health — and even more so if you emphasize that you're going to try to make it safe, says Landon. One of the largest clusters of deaths from the virus in Chicago occurred after a funeral in which one of the attendees spread it to many of his family members.
6. Using a public restroom: low to medium risk
Restrooms have been designed to prevent disease transmission, says Landon: "There are all sorts of things that you can catch from other people's poop, and you almost never do, because they're set up with all hard surfaces that can be cleaned."
The risk depends on the number of local COVID-19 cases and how clean the bathroom is, says Janowski of Washington University, noting that a bathroom involves multiple high-touch surfaces.
There isn't yet sufficient data to know if there's risk from toilet flushes aerosolizing the virus. Landon says that other viruses, such as norovirus, can be aerosolized by flushing, but norovirus doesn't often spread that way as long as bathrooms are cleaned. The CDC says it's "unclear whether the virus found in feces may be capable of causing COVID-19."
What alters risk: Miller says the main risk comes from restrooms that are small, busy and poorly ventilated — like "those restrooms in a gas station off the highway where the restroom is outside."
Choose a bathroom that looks clean and is well stocked with supplies such as paper towels, soap and toilet paper. Avoid bunching up in a line to use the toilet or staying there long, if you're within 6 feet of others. Wash your hands after you go, and use hand sanitizer on them if you need to touch any surfaces after that.
7. Letting a friend use your bathroom: low risk
Enlarge this image Meredith Miotke for NPR Meredith Miotke for NPR
Landon doesn't think it's a big risk: "What happens in the bathroom is going to be sucked out of the bathroom ventilation, and you can clean all the hard surfaces really easily."
Miller agrees: "You can run the fan, leave the door open after (so air flows) and clean the bathroom later. And if you use the bathroom after they do, just wash your hands."
What alters risk? It's possible that your friend is infected but asymptomatic, says Janowski. "It would be reasonable to decontaminate the bathroom after a friend uses it, including cleaning the high-touch surfaces of the door, toilet and sink."
8. Going to a vacation house with another family: low risk
Experts said that if both families have been quarantining and limiting their exposure to others, this is pretty safe. "If one family is very active or parents have higher-exposure jobs, then the risk increases," Miller says.
Landon thinks this arrangement could be a good idea, especially if the house is "in the woods where you're not going to have a lot of contact with other people," she says.
What alters risk? Landon suggests talking with the other family beforehand to make sure you share the same expectations for the precautions everyone will take in the two weeks before arrival and while you're there. Ensure that no one has signs of illness — if they do, they need to stay home. Miller recommends cleaning the major surfaces in the house on arrival. "And the more that people can reduce exposure in the days leading up to the trip, the better," he adds. Also, check out the current infection level in the area you're heading to — if it's high, it may be best to postpone.
9. Staying at a hotel: low to medium risk
The consensus is that staying at a hotel is relatively low risk, especially once you're in your room. It's best to limit your time in common areas such as the lobby, gym, restaurant and elevator, where the risk of exposure is higher.
What alters risk? Bring disinfecting wipes to wipe down the TV remote control and other common surfaces. You might also want to remove the bedspread since it may not be cleaned after every guest, suggests Miller. Ask about the hotel's cleaning policies, as many have new COVID-19 protocols. "Beware of the elevators! Use the knuckle of your little or ring finger to press the buttons," says Miller.
Other suggestions: Order room service rather than eating at the restaurant, avoid the exercise room and wear a face covering in public spaces.
10. Getting a haircut: medium to high risk
A haircut involves "close contact and breathing that is extended for several minutes," Karan notes. "This is the primary mode of transmission that we know happens. And cloth masks certainly are not perfect for this."
Janowski says this is one of the highest-risk scenarios on this list, because there's no way to keep 6 feet from someone cutting your hair. "All it takes is [having] one asymptomatic but infected worker, and suddenly many customers are at high risk of infection," he says.
What alters risk? Landon believes the risk is not terribly high if both you and your haircutter wear masks and if COVID-19 is not very prevalent in your area. Look for a salon or barbershop that has (and enforces) policies to protect its employees, like wearing protective gear and sanitizing hands, she says: "By protecting their employees, they're protecting you too."
Enlarge this image Meredith Miotke for NPR Meredith Miotke for NPR
And make sure that your barber or stylist is all business, says Karan: "Stopping to chat at close distance like this is something we all love doing with our barbers normally. This is not the time for it."
11. Going shopping at a mall: risk varies
How risky this is depends on what kind of mall it is, how crowded it is and how much time you spend there, our panel agreed. "Crowds with high density lead to substantial increase in risk," says Miller. "The major mitigating factor is that people don't mingle in a single place for long."
What alters risk? Outdoor malls are preferable to indoor ones. And empty malls are better than crowded ones. Avoid the food court and go with purpose, not leisure, says Landon: "As much as you may like retail therapy, you should browse online before you go. Know what you're going to pick up or try on. Wear your mask. Go in, look at it. Make your decision and get out."
Be alert while you're there to avoid close contact. "Maintain your space," says Miller. "Try to go at off-peak hours." Bring hand sanitizer, says Guzman-Cottrill, and use it frequently, especially if you touch any shared surfaces like handrails or elevator buttons.
12. Going to a nightclub: high risk
There is consensus among the experts that going to a nightclub is a very high-risk activity. Crowds, ultra-close contact, singing, sweating and inhibition-loosening alcohol are a potent cocktail of risk factors. When drinking, people become less compliant with rules, Miller says, and they may breathe heavier from the dancing — "which means more virus is being shed," he says. If there's an infected person in the mix, the virus can spread easily.
"This is a very high-risk situation for an outbreak, as we saw in South Korea just recently," says Karan, referring to an outbreak tied to several nightclubs and bars. "Don't go to bars or clubs right now."
What alters risk? Nothing makes this a good idea right now. If you want to dance, have a dance party at home with the people in your intimate circle. If it's a small outdoor gathering, dancing under the stars — 6 feet apart — would be much less risky too.
13. Going camping: low risk
"As far as summer activities go, this is least risky from a virus perspective," says Katz, of Georgetown. You're outdoors and isolated. Miller agrees — but he says that if you're going with a group, be sure you can trust your fellow campers. Have they been social distancing and following the guidelines? If not, they could be asymptomatic spreaders of the virus.
What alters risk? Of course, risks can creep in, depending on the particulars. "Are you camping in an isolated outdoor location with your family?" Katz asks — this is the lower-risk scenario. It's more dangerous if you're at a crowded campground with a shared restroom and communal picnic areas, she says. "Sleeping in tents together with others [not from your household] can certainly be a setup for transmission," adds Karan.
Bottom line: The activity itself is low risk, but the people whom you'll be in close contact with during the trip could increase the hazard.
14. Exercising outdoors: low risk
Unless you're playing group sports, exercising outdoors is a good way to burn off steam while staying socially distant. Our experts agree that sports such as golf and tennis are safer than contact sports such as basketball and football. "I would personally avoid contact sports until we have a better sense of transmission risk here," Karan says.
And running? "If you're not on a crowded path where people are brushing past each other, then I think that's a great form of exercise right now," says Powers.
What alters risk? The more people involved in the activity, the higher the risk. It's possible to spread the virus when you're in close proximity to others — even if you're asymptomatic — so it's best to wear a mask if you can't stay socially distanced.
The risk depends on the sport. A game like basketball is tricky, Landon says. "You're touching the ball and you're going to be breathing in each other's faces," so she suggests playing only with people in your household. Tennis carries a much lower risk: "You're far apart on either side. That's definite social distancing," she says.


npr--2020-05-23--Trump Returns To Golf Course For 1st Time Since March

Trump Returns To Golf Course For 1st Time Since March President Trump is visiting one of his golf courses this weekend , his first apparent golf outing since declaring a state of emergency because of the coronavirus pandemic .
On Saturday , the president visited the Trump National Golf Club located just outside Washington , D.C. , in Northern Virginia .
His last visit to a course was on March 8 to his West Palm Beach club in Florida , days before he declared a national emergency .
While many presidents have notably professed an affinity for golf , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Trump and his presidency particularly his time spent at the many private clubs he owns including his West Palm Beach property — which he has dubbed `` White House South '' — and his Bedminster , N.J. , course .
Since Trump secured the nomination in 2016 , his private resorts have also served as a favored location for GOP fundraising efforts and political events , with millions of dollars spent at the president 's properties .
He had even planned to hold this year 's Group of Seven at his Doral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebukes from Democrats who accused the president of once again attempting to personally profit from his position .
The meeting was eventually moved to Camp David but will now be a videoconference amid the pandemic .
Before assuming office , Trump had criticized President Barack Obama for his time spent on the course and now some people have estimated that Trump is on pace to becoming one of the more prolific golfers of the modern presidency .
Trump 's outing comes as he continues to encourage states to reopen .
On Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ houses of worship , which he called `` very important '' and `` essential , '' to reopen for the weekend .
He threatened to override governors who did n't heed his call .

Trump Returns To Golf Course For 1st Time Since March
Enlarge this image toggle caption Alex Brandon/AP Alex Brandon/AP
President Trump is visiting one of his golf courses this weekend, his first apparent golf outing since declaring a state of emergency because of the coronavirus pandemic.
On Saturday, the president visited the Trump National Golf Club located just outside Washington, D.C., in Northern Virginia. His last visit to a course was on March 8 to his West Palm Beach club in Florida, days before he declared a national emergency.
While many presidents have notably professed an affinity for golf, the game has taken on a certain significance for Trump and his presidency particularly his time spent at the many private clubs he owns including his West Palm Beach property — which he has dubbed "White House South" — and his Bedminster, N.J., course.
Since Trump secured the nomination in 2016, his private resorts have also served as a favored location for GOP fundraising efforts and political events, with millions of dollars spent at the president's properties.
He had even planned to hold this year's Group of Seven at his Doral resort in Miami. That announcement drew rebukes from Democrats who accused the president of once again attempting to personally profit from his position.
The meeting was eventually moved to Camp David but will now be a videoconference amid the pandemic.
Before assuming office, Trump had criticized President Barack Obama for his time spent on the course and now some people have estimated that Trump is on pace to becoming one of the more prolific golfers of the modern presidency.
Trump's outing comes as he continues to encourage states to reopen.
On Friday, the president said states needed to allow houses of worship, which he called "very important" and "essential," to reopen for the weekend. He threatened to override governors who didn't heed his call.


npr--2020-05-23--Anthony Fauci: 'Now Is The Time ... To Care Selflessly About One Another'

Anthony Fauci : 'Now Is The Time ... To Care Selflessly About One Another' Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , key member of the White House 's coronavirus task force and Brad Pitt look-alike -- well , kind of — mobilized his newfound celebrity for a pair of surprise graduation messages this week .
Fauci addressed both Johns Hopkins University and his own alma mater , the College of the Holy Cross .
`` I am profoundly aware that graduating during this time and in this virtual way — unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your lives with your friends , classmates and teachers — is extremely difficult .
I deeply empathize with the situation in which you find yourselves , '' said the former classics major , in his message to Holy Cross students on Friday .
`` However , I encourage you to stay strong and unflinching .
The country and the world need your talent , your energy , your resolve and your character . ''
Just one day earlier , Fauci dropped in for a remote address to Johns Hopkins .
`` All of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told students , `` will be doing your part together with the rest of us to come out from under the shadow of this pandemic . ''
A few months ago , the 79-year-old immunologist may have made for an unlikely celebrity guest at college commencement ceremonies .
But Fauci 's prominent role at President Trump 's frequent coronavirus briefings has turned him into one of the most recognizable doctors in the country — the subject of tribute songs , posters and even his own fan club .
In his comments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasized that the global pandemic presents not only dangers but also opportunities to use the education and `` moral mentorship '' they had worked so hard to obtain in the classroom .
`` Now is the time , if ever there was one , '' he told Holy Cross , `` for us to care selflessly about one another . ''

Anthony Fauci: 'Now Is The Time ... To Care Selflessly About One Another'
YouTube
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, key member of the White House's coronavirus task force and Brad Pitt look-alike — well, kind of — mobilized his newfound celebrity for a pair of surprise graduation messages this week. Fauci addressed both Johns Hopkins University and his own alma mater, the College of the Holy Cross.
"I am profoundly aware that graduating during this time and in this virtual way — unable to celebrate in person this important milestone in your lives with your friends, classmates and teachers — is extremely difficult. I deeply empathize with the situation in which you find yourselves," said the former classics major, in his message to Holy Cross students on Friday.
"However, I encourage you to stay strong and unflinching. The country and the world need your talent, your energy, your resolve and your character."
Just one day earlier, Fauci dropped in for a remote address to Johns Hopkins.
"All of you, directly or indirectly," he told students, "will be doing your part together with the rest of us to come out from under the shadow of this pandemic."
A few months ago, the 79-year-old immunologist may have made for an unlikely celebrity guest at college commencement ceremonies. But Fauci's prominent role at President Trump's frequent coronavirus briefings has turned him into one of the most recognizable doctors in the country — the subject of tribute songs, posters and even his own fan club.
In his comments to new graduates at both schools, he emphasized that the global pandemic presents not only dangers but also opportunities to use the education and "moral mentorship" they had worked so hard to obtain in the classroom.
"Now is the time, if ever there was one," he told Holy Cross, "for us to care selflessly about one another."


npr--2020-05-23--Under Legal Pressure, New York Relaxes Restrictions On More Gatherings

Under Legal Pressure , New York Relaxes Restrictions On More Gatherings Less than two days after New York relaxed certain coronavirus restrictions on religious services and Memorial Day events , allowing gatherings of up to 10 people , the state has extended the measure to cover all gatherings for `` any lawful purpose or reason . ''
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo amended the move in an executive order Friday .
The modification comes with the caveat that residents adhere to `` social distancing protocols and cleaning and disinfection protocols '' required by state health officials .
The executive order is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's long , wary return to life as it was before the state implemented a series of sweeping measures to slow the spread of the virus in March .
And it comes in the context of a heated , at times acrimonious , debate over how and when states across the country ought to reopen businesses considered nonessential — and where the line between essential '' and `` nonessential '' should even be drawn .
President Trump on Friday pushed for governors to consider houses of worship `` essential places that provide essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He even threatened to override state officials if they do n't , though it 's unclear whether he has that authority .
At the same time , even for states that agree with slightly loosening such restrictions on religious services , as New York did Thursday , doing so is not particularly simple .
On Friday , the New York Civil Liberties Union sued Cuomo for continuing to ban protest and other activities protected under the First Amendment .
`` The right to protest and exercise free speech is the foundation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crisis is exactly when we need to be most vigilant about protecting it , '' Christopher Dunn , the group 's legal director and lead attorney on the case , said in a statement issued hours later .
He welcomed the governor 's order expanding the ability to gather in groups of up to 10 people .
`` Health experts , elected officials , and police officers all agree that people can be outside safely while practicing social distancing , '' Dunn added , `` and it 's critical that lawmakers create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Others , including the chairman of the New York City Council 's health committee , Councilman Mark D. Levine , condemned the executive order .
`` This shocking order , forced by a lawsuit , changes nothing about the risks associated with group gatherings — especially those held indoors , '' Levine tweeted Friday night .
`` We need the public to continue to be smart and use judgment about the risks of this virus , regardless of what the court has forced on us . ''
Cuomo himself , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did not feel the lawsuit affected their decision-making process when it came to the order .
`` I did n't even know about a lawsuit on this one , '' he told reporters .
`` Look , on any given day , if we do n't have three lawsuits , something is going on . ''
New York has been the epicenter of the coronavirus in the U.S. , with more than 350,000 confirmed cases .
That 's currently more , in one state alone , than any other country in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions , though , the state has seen a general decline in the number of new cases reported each day , and most of the state 's 10 regions — with the exception of New York City and a couple of others — have been cleared to begin the first phase of New York 's reopening process .
Some beaches are also open this holiday weekend , with social distancing measures still in place .

Under Legal Pressure, New York Relaxes Restrictions On More Gatherings
Enlarge this image toggle caption Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images
Updated at 1:56 p.m. ET
Less than two days after New York relaxed certain coronavirus restrictions on religious services and Memorial Day events, allowing gatherings of up to 10 people, the state has extended the measure to cover all gatherings for "any lawful purpose or reason." Gov. Andrew Cuomo amended the move in an executive order Friday.
The modification comes with the caveat that residents adhere to "social distancing protocols and cleaning and disinfection protocols" required by state health officials.
The executive order is just the latest step in the state's long, wary return to life as it was before the state implemented a series of sweeping measures to slow the spread of the virus in March. And it comes in the context of a heated, at times acrimonious, debate over how and when states across the country ought to reopen businesses considered nonessential — and where the line between essential" and "nonessential" should even be drawn.
President Trump on Friday pushed for governors to consider houses of worship "essential places that provide essential services" and allow them to reopen. He even threatened to override state officials if they don't, though it's unclear whether he has that authority.
At the same time, even for states that agree with slightly loosening such restrictions on religious services, as New York did Thursday, doing so is not particularly simple. On Friday, the New York Civil Liberties Union sued Cuomo for continuing to ban protest and other activities protected under the First Amendment.
"The right to protest and exercise free speech is the foundation of all our other liberties, and during a crisis is exactly when we need to be most vigilant about protecting it," Christopher Dunn, the group's legal director and lead attorney on the case, said in a statement issued hours later. He welcomed the governor's order expanding the ability to gather in groups of up to 10 people.
"Health experts, elected officials, and police officers all agree that people can be outside safely while practicing social distancing," Dunn added, "and it's critical that lawmakers create guidelines and direct law enforcement uniformly."
Others, including the chairman of the New York City Council's health committee, Councilman Mark D. Levine, condemned the executive order.
"This shocking order, forced by a lawsuit, changes nothing about the risks associated with group gatherings — especially those held indoors," Levine tweeted Friday night. "We need the public to continue to be smart and use judgment about the risks of this virus, regardless of what the court has forced on us."
Cuomo himself, however, made clear at a briefing Saturday that he did not feel the lawsuit affected their decision-making process when it came to the order.
"I didn't even know about a lawsuit on this one," he told reporters. "Look, on any given day, if we don't have three lawsuits, something is going on."
New York has been the epicenter of the coronavirus in the U.S., with more than 350,000 confirmed cases. That's currently more, in one state alone, than any other country in the world.
After weeks of social distancing restrictions, though, the state has seen a general decline in the number of new cases reported each day, and most of the state's 10 regions — with the exception of New York City and a couple of others — have been cleared to begin the first phase of New York's reopening process.
Some beaches are also open this holiday weekend, with social distancing measures still in place.