WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY
As the U.S. and other countries loosen their coronavirus restrictions, it’s back to business, but not business as usual. The gradual relaxing of stay-at-home orders imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus has come with new restrictions on just about everything: shopping, going to the beach, religious services or a day at school.
In Connecticut, restaurants are reopening with outdoor-only dining and tables 6 feet apart. In Beverly Hills, California, the rich and glamorous are doing their shopping from the curb along Rodeo Drive. And preschools around the U.S. plan to turn social distancing into an arts-and-crafts project by teaching kids how to “create their own space” with yarn and masking tape. In Italy, once-packed restaurants and cafes are facing a huge financial hit as they reopen with strict social distancing rules.
In Fredericksburg, Virginia, one restaurant that recently reopened its patio has taken an extra step to reassure diners — it’s taking staff members’ temperatures at the start of their shifts and posting the results for patrons to see.
Here are some of AP’S top stories Wednesday on the world’s pandemic.
What’s happening
today
♦ Strong concern about a second wave of coronavirus infections is reinforcing widespread opposition among Americans to reopening public places, a new poll finds, even as many state leaders step up efforts to return to life before the pandemic. Support for public health restrictions imposed to control the virus’ spread is no longer overwhelming — it’s been eroded over the past month by a widening partisan divide.
♦ Before COVID-19 killed thousands of nursing home residents, about 4 in 10 homes inspected were cited for infection control problems, according to a government watchdog report Wednesday that finds a “persistent” pattern of lapses. In light of the pandemic, seemingly minor cutting of corners such as an employee caring for residents while battling a cold has taken on new significance.
♦ Homicides in Mexico dropped only slightly in April despite widespread lockdowns and social distancing measures for the coronavirus outbreak, suggesting the pandemic has done little to stem drug gang violence.
♦ Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro unveiled rules expanding the prescription of chloroquine, the predecessor of an anti-malaria drug promoted by U.S. President
Donald Trump, for coronavirus patients despite no proof that it is effective either in preventing or treating the virus. Chloroquine was already being used in Brazil for COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized in serious condition, and under the new regulations, it can be given to people with lesser symptoms.
One number
693: Indonesia has recorded its highest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases as the government is preparing for a “new normal” by July. A health ministry official says infections rose by 693 cases, raising the total to more than 19,000. Some Indonesians believe there’s little commitment from the government to fight the virus.
In other news
♦ OPRAH’S OFFERINGS: Oprah Winfrey is donating money from her $12 million coronavirus fund to the cities she’s called home. Her Charitable Foundation is providing grants to organizations dedicated to helping underserved communities.