Coronavirus update: New restrictions, CDC adds new symptoms and more

Editor’s Note: Here are the latest key updates you may have missed relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as of June 29, 2020. 

In the U.S.

According to Johns Hopkins University (as of June 29, 2020):

• Total U.S. cases: 2.56 million
• Total U.S. deaths: 125,927

The CDC added congestion or runny nose, nausea, and diarrhea to its list of coronavirus symptoms. Other symptoms on the agency’s list include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell and sore throat.

On Friday, June 26, the U.S. reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases (40,173) in a single day since the start of the pandemic.

Only Connecticut and Rhode Island reported declines in new COVID-19 cases on June 28 compared to the week prior. Thirty-six states reported increases in cases last week, including Florida, which experts have identified as the possible next epicenter for the virus.

New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will require people arriving from states will high coronavirus cases to quarantine for 14 days. Travelers from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah and Texas are subject to the rule.

At least 12 states have paused reopening plans ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend amidst rising infections. Texas and California have ordered bars to close down, while some counties in Florida have ordered beaches to be off-limits to the public. The governors of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Nevada, New Mexico and North Carolina also announced that their states will not move forward with their next phases of reopening.

A review by the Department of Health and Human Services concluded that early versions of the CDC’s coronavirus test kits were “likely contaminated.” The Hills reports that the review’s finding could mean virus statistics from earlier in the year could be skewed due to test failures.

The U.S. ban on cruises has been extended from July 24 to at least September 15, the CDC announced. “Although we are confident that future cruises will be healthy and safe, and will fully reflect the latest protective measures, we also feel that it is appropriate to err on the side of caution to help ensure the best interests of our passengers and crew members,” the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) said in a statement.

Delta resumed U.S.-China flights on June 25, becoming the first U.S. airline to restart service to the nation where the coronavirus outbreak began. Flights include a route between Seattle and Shanghai-Pudong via Seoul-Incheon, operating twice-weekly.

Dr. Robert Redfield told the U.S. House energy and commerce committee that the U.S. will probably spend $7 trillion “because of one little virus.” He also said, “We have all done the best that we can do to tackle this virus, and the reality is that it’s brought this nation to its knees.”

Broadway in New York City will remain closed for the remainder of 2020, reported The New York Times. Theater owners and producers will refund or exchange tickets previously purchased for shows through Jan. 3, announced The Broadway League on June 29.

Around the world

According to Johns Hopkins University (as of June 29, 2020):

• Total cases globally: 10.2 million
• Total deaths globally: 502, 802
• Cases by region: Americas (5.04M), Europe (2.67M), Eastern Mediterranean (1.04M), South-East Asia (760,816), Africa (288,347), and Western Pacific (214,106)

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, said at a briefing in Geneva that “worst is yet to come” regarding the coronavirus. He also said, “This virus can be suppressed and contained using the tools at hand… If any country is saying that contact-tracing is difficult, it is a lame excuse.”

Bloomberg reported that Israel was considering the use of controversial government spy technology to fight the spread of the pandemic. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told cabinet members in a meeting that  “We know this topic is problematic, but on the other hand, we know it contributed greatly to keeping the epidemic in check.’

The European Union has extended its travel ban for U.S. residents for at least two more weeks, according to a draft of the order that will go into effect Tuesday, June 30.

Organizers of the Tour de France will hold a virtual version of the event starting July 4, with six stages of approximately one hour over three weekends, according to Bloomberg. Men and women from 40 teams will race each other from home trainer setups.

Related: Coronavirus update: Updated CDC guidelines, tracing apps and more