Previous coronavirus daily briefing updates, May 10-12

Current daily briefings on the coronavirus can be found here. Scroll below to read precious reports, listed in eastern time.

May 12, 10 p.m.

As forecasters predict a “very active” Atlantic hurricane season in 2020, officials in Florida are brainstorming ways to create safe places for people to shelter while maintaining social distancing amid the pandemic. Shelters are still needed across coastal states as Hurricane Michael serves as a deadly reminder of why public shelters are so critical for evacuees. "You pile people into a place under normal circumstances -- that may be fine. But that would potentially allow the virus to really spread if somebody is in fact infected," said Florida Gov. Ron Desantis at a news conference during Hurricane Preparedness Week.

May 12, 9:35 p.m.

Nearly one month after being admitted to the hospital, a 99-year-old World War II veteran has recovered from COVID-19 and is on his way home. Max Deweese was released from Ignite Medical Resorts in Kansas City, Kansas, and stepped outside to hear the cheers from the community as they celebrated his victory over the virus. “I’ve gone through hell more than once and this came almost as close,” Deweese told KSHB. "I’ve got a lot of people that I know were not necessarily friends of mine that have heard about me, and have been including me in their prayers and concern, and if weren’t for people like that I wouldn’t be here today.” Deweese will need to remain at home in quarantine for 14 days, but he remains optimistic about the road ahead. "This will pass folks, and we’ll be grateful for what we have.”

May 12, 8:28 p.m.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey notified employees that they will be able to continue working from home as long as they see fit, TechCrunch confirmed. “We were uniquely positioned to respond quickly and allow folks to work from home given our emphasis on decentralization and supporting a distributed workforce capable of working from anywhere. The past few months have proven we can make that work," Dorsey said. "So if our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to work from home and they want to continue to do so forever, we will make that happen."

The company could be on to something —  according to global workplace analytics, if a typical business allowed employees to work from home just half the time, they would save, on average, $11,000 per year. Also, workers who telecommute are almost twice as likely to work more than 40 hours a week as non-telecommuters, 53% compared to 28% for non-telecommuters, published research reports, according to NBC News.

May 12, 7:31 p.m.

Americans could see another round of stimulus checks in their bank accounts. The direct payments would also be $1,200 per person, and up to $6,000 for a household, if House Democrats' latest coronavirus relief proposal passes. The stimulus package includes more than $3 trillion in new spending, which would be the biggest and most expensive aid package yet to deal with the pandemic. The more-than-1,800-page package also set aside $175 billion in rent, mortgage and utility assistance and an extension of the $600 per week federal unemployment insurance benefit through January. Party leaders in the house expect to vote on Friday.

May 12, 6:35 p.m.

C&C Coffee and Korean Kitchen in Castle Rock, Colorado, has had its license suspended after opening on Sunday against the emergency orders in effect across the state. Gov. Jared Polis announced that his administration suspended the license on Tuesday and warned other restaurants that they too would face consequences if they took similar actions. C&C Coffee and Korean Kitchen was packed on Mother’s Day with many of the patrons not adhering to social distancing guidelines or wearing masks, The Colorado Sun reported. Under the current orders, restaurants are not allowed to have in-person dining, but they can continue to offer deliver or takeout. “We hope and we pray that nobody who went to C&C Coffee and Kitchen had coronavirus,” Gov. Jared Polis said on Tuesday. “And we hope that everybody is safe who went there.” Some people in the community showed up at the restaurant after it closed, taping money to the windows in support of the decision to open.

May 12, 5:44 p.m.

The United Kingdom has reported more COVID-19-related deaths than any other country in Europe, and it just passed a major milestone. On Tuesday, the U.K.’s death toll exceeded 40,000, far more than any other country in the world with the exception of the U.S., according to Reuters. Italy is the next worst-hit country in Europe with nearly 31,000 deaths. Care homes continue to be an area of concern, accounting for a third of all COVID-19 deaths in the UK. “It is a relief to see the number of deaths in care homes falling, but they sadly they continue to make up a significant proportion of coronavirus related deaths and our work is not done,” minister for care Helen Whately said in a statement.

May 12, 4:35 p.m.

The stay-at-home orders for Los Angeles County could be extended through the end of July. The news of the possible three-month extension broke during a Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, KTLA reported. “Our hope is that by using the data, we’d be able to slowly lift restrictions over the next three months,” county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said during the meeting. One of the keys to fully reopening is an increase in testing or the ability for people to be able to test themselves at home. Los Angles County has had more than 32,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, resulting in 1,570 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

May 12, 3:29 p.m.

Fauci warns U.S. is not out of the woods yet. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the head of the of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and member of the White House's coronavirus task force, testified before the Senate Health Committee Tuesday and cautioned against states reopening too soon. Fauci, who testified via teleconference as part of a mandated 14-day quarantine after two White House staff members tested positive for the virus last week, said the "consequences could be really serious, if states reopen too quickly," The Associated Press reported. “There is no doubt, even under the best of circumstances, when you pull back on mitigation you will see some cases appear,” Fauci said, according to The AP.

Fauci emphasized to the senators that there needs to be more than one vaccine available and that scientists hope to have at least one effective vaccine by the late fall or early winter, The New York Times reported. The U.S. death toll eclipsed 80,000 on Monday and the country is the only one in the world with over 1 million confirmed cases. 

May 12, 2:40 p.m.

A restaurant in Dallas called El Palote Panadería, thought of a unique way to limit contact with customers to stop the spread of coronavirus. The local restaurant gave customers their food in a bucket that was on a remote-controlled car with a propped up t-shirt saying "#TheOriginalVeganTacos," a hat, and an iPad as a face to make it look like a person was delivering it. Click here to see a video of the spectacle. 

May 12, 1:41 p.m.

Spain has begun to ease some of the lockdown restrictions put in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus, but the country is already being proactive about reducing the risk of a second wave. Starting on Friday, anyone entering the country will be required to quarantine for 14 day, Reuters reported. The only time that visitors would be able to be outside during this quarantine period would be to purchase groceries or to visit healthcare facilities. Spain has reported over 227,000 cases of COVID-19 resulting in more than 26,700 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University. Here's a look at what's happening five European cities going through various stages of reopening:

May 12, 1:03 p.m.

Broadway shows to stay dark until early September -- at least. One of the leading attractions of New York City's usually booming tourism industry will remain closed down until September. The Broadway League announced on Tuesday that performances of shows this summer will not resume until Sept. 6, on Labor Day weekend, at the earliest. Individual theaters will continue issuing refunds to ticketholders affected by the cancellations, the league said in a statement. "While all Broadway shows would love to resume performances as soon as possible, we need to ensure the health and well-being of everyone who comes to the theater – behind the curtain and in front of it – before shows can return," Charlotte St. Martin, Broadway League president, said.

May 12, 12:28 p.m.

Inmates take drastic measures to try to get out of jail. A news release issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Monday said that a group of inmates at the Pitchess Detention Center-North County Correctional Facility, about 40 minutes north of Los Angeles, deliberately tried to infect themselves with COVID-19. Video released by the sheriff's department showed multiple men sipping from a single bottle of hot water in order to "falsely elevate their oral temperature moments before having their temperature taken by a nurse, and to spread the potential of infection." At least 21 men tested positive as a result of the caper. Inside the prison, where about 4,600 inmates are currently quarantined, there have been a total of 222 positive cases.  "A gross misunderstanding among the inmate population led many to believe that those diagnosed with COVID-19 may be released, which is untrue," the sheriff's department said.

May 12, 11:45 a.m.

The boys of summer could be back by early summer under a new proposal to get baseball season started. Major League Baseball is eyeing a return to the field by the Fourth of July, according to ESPN. The league's commissioner, Rob Manfred, is meeting with the MLB Players Association on Tuesday to present the proposal, according to the report. The league's latest effort to bring back America's pastime will attempt to have games be played in each team's home city, but without fans in attendance. The shortened season will last about 82 games, while the playoff field will expand from 10 to 14 teams, according to ESPN. If the 2020 season does take place, it will include a universal designated hitter. There are still several concerns that the players are looking to have addressed as they negotiate their return, including how testing will take place, as well as health protections for players, families and stadium staff.

May 12, 10:55 a.m.

A 6-month-old girl from the San Francisco Bay Area is believed to be the first child to be diagnosed with the novel coronavirus and the rare condition known as Kawasaki disease, ABC7 in San Francisco reports. The infant, whose name is Zara, tested positive for the virus in March after she had already been undergoing treatment for Kawasaki Disease while at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in Palo Alto. Kawasaki disease causes a swelling in blood vessels and is known to affect young children. Zara has since reportedly returned home and is no longer sick, her mother told ABC7. 

The news comes at a time when New York officials report a growing number of children are being hospitalized with a similarly rare illness that may be linked to COVID-19. According to NBC New York, 93 children in the state have now been identified as having the condition known as "pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome." Three children have died, while another two cases are being investigated.

May 12, 10:26 a.m.

A field hospital set up in New York City's Central Park in late March is now being taken down, AFP reported. The temporary hospital was set up by the charitable organization Samaritan's Purse. A spokesperson for the charity told AFP that it treated a total of 190 COVID-19 patients. Work began on Monday to remove the tents from the park as New York City has moved past the worst of its epidemic. Over a week ago, signs of normal life returned to the park with thousands flocking to its grassy pastures to exercise or sunbathe amid above-normal spring warmth. Even this past weekend people were out getting some fresh air despite chillier conditions.  

Also on Monday, AFP reported that a new temporary field hospital was opened in Washington, D.C., although that 437-bed hospital was constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers. "Our hope is that as Washingtonians continue working together to blunt the spread of COVID-19, we never get to the point of needing to use this site, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser said. 

May 12, 9:49 a.m

The World Heath Organization recently reviewed several studies produced by public health experts that explored the relationship between tobacco use and COVID-19. The analysis found that people who smoke are more likely to develop severe disease associated with COVID-19 compared to non-smokers. The WHO also cautioned against amplifying unproven claims that tobacco or nicotine could reduce the risk of COVID-19. A recent study out of France suggested that smoking could offer some protection against the disease.

"COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs," the WHO said in a statement. "Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other diseases. Tobacco is also a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes which put people with these conditions at higher risk for developing severe illness when affected by COVID-19. Available research suggests that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe disease and death."

May 12, 9:30 a.m.

'Robodog' deployed in Singapore to remind people of social distancing. In an effort to curb the second wave of outbreaks in Singapore after cases surged from 226 in mid-March to more than 23,800, a robot dog was enlisted by authorities to patrol the streets and remind joggers and cyclists to stay six feet apart. The sovereign city-state, a little more than twice the size of New York City, accounts for the most cases in Asia after China, India and Pakistan. The virus has claimed at least 20 lives in the nation.

About 90% of the cases in the nation are linked to crowded foreign workers’ dormitories, The Associated Press reported, which had been overlooked by the government’s crisis management. Just one dorm complex, which holds 14,000 beds, reportedly accounts for 11% of Singapore’s total infections with over 2,500 cases. Taking a note on Singapore overlooking marginalized groups during a health crisis, Malaysia announced mandatory coronavirus testing for more than 2 million foreign workers, dozens previously diagnosed with COVID-19, according to the AP. Below, watch video of the 'robodog' in action.

May 12, 8:20 a.m.

Officials in Wuhan, China, the original epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, are planning to test all 11 million residents in the city, the BBC reports, citing local state media. The report comes after six new cases were reported over the weekend. Wuhan lifted its 11-week-long lockdown in early April. The new cases have all emerged from the same residential compound, according to the BBC. The initial phase of the testing strategy calls for each district in the city to submit plans for how testing could be completed within 10 days.

May 12, 6:41 a.m.

Here are the latest updated totals from around the world, compiled by researchers from Johns Hopkins University:

• Total confirmed cases: 4,193,302

• Total deaths: 286,613

• Total recovered: 1,463,826

May 11, 9:55 p.m.

A preliminary study in Britain says pregnant women are no more likely to become severely ill with COVID-19 than other women. The study looked at 427 pregnant women who were admitted to the hospital with coronavirus between March 1 and April 14. Findings show fewer than 0.5% of all pregnant women were admitted to hospital with the disease, and only around 1-in-10 of those needed intensive care. “Pregnant women can be reassured by this,” Andrew Shennan, a professor of obstetrics at King’s College London said, according to Reuters. “The outcomes are excellent for the baby, with 97% live births, very similar to a control group (and) the chance of serious problems to the mother are very similar to non-pregnant populations.”

May 11, 9 p.m.

Beaches in Los Angeles County will reopen on Wednesday, but there will be some restrictions. Swimming, surfing, running and walking will be allowed at the county beaches as long as people remain at least six feet away from others, Los Angeles County announced on Monday. Face coverings will also be mandatory when not in the water. Other activities, such as sitting, sunbathing or picnicking, will not be permitted.

May 11, 7:46 p.m.

An analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that the New York City COVID-19 death toll could be higher than the official report. From mid-March to early May, 24,000 more people died in New York City than what would be considered normal. Taking out COVID-19 reported deaths, that leaves about 5,300 of “excess” deaths. The unreported deaths, according to The Associated Press, could be the byproduct of an overcrowded healthcare system. They report that the high demand on hospitals and healthcare workers could have delayed live-saving care for people experiencing medical emergencies not related to the virus. “Tracking excess mortality is important to understanding the contribution to the death rate from both COVID-19 disease and the lack of availability of care for non-COVID conditions,” the CDC report said.

May 11, 7:19 p.m.

New York City is likely to remain in lockdown into June, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Monday. “June is when we’re potentially going to make changes if we make real progress,” the mayor said during a press briefing on Monday. “We have to keep bringing it back to the science and the data.” Meanwhile, other areas of New York may begin reopening as early as Friday, Bloomberg reported. Of the 10 regions across New York, there are three that have met all of the criteria needed to reopen: The Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley and the Southern Tier.

May 11, 6:02 p.m.

As COVID-19 spreads rapidly across the globe, more and more symptoms are being reported. Some symptoms, however, are more common than others. From loss of taste to seizures to blood clots, patients have reported a vast array of symptoms. "If it is a common disease, then even rare complications will happen frequently," Babak Javid, a consultant in infectious diseases at Cambridge University Hospitals, said. "So if one-in-1,000, or even one-in-10,000, get complications, that is still thousands of people." According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, three quarters of COVID-19 patients experience chills, fever, and/or coughing. Many also experience a shortness of breath, France 24 reported. Many patients also experienced aches, diarrhea and nausea, while some experienced chest and abdominal pains, a runny nose, sore throat or confusion.

May 11, 4:45 p.m.

The number of deaths in the U.S. related to COVID-19 has surpassed 80,000. This is more than double the number of fatalities reported in the U.K. or Italy, the countries that rank second and third globally for the number of fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University. Of the nearly 9 million tests conducted, there have been more than 1.3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.

May 11, 4:34 p.m.

A news helicopter recorded protesters doing push-ups and squats outside of a courthouse in Clearwater, Florida, on Monday, demanding that officials allow gyms to reopen. The protestors likely broke a sweat working out outside as the AccuWeather Realfeel Temperature hovered 80 F on Monday while the demonstration was underway. Gyms closed when Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a statewide safer-at-home order last month, however that executive order expired when the state started the first phase of reopening last week. But Florida’s gyms aren’t allowed to reopen until phase two of the governor’s reopening plan, according to WFLA. When gyms are allowed to reopen they will be limited to 75 percent capacity. Gyms that will be able to open will also have to adhere to strict protocols when it comes to social distancing and sanitation. Gold's Gym filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week, to pursue restructuring amid coronavirus-related business disruptions. Watch video of the exercise protest below.

May 11, 4:09 p.m.

Scientists in Europe believe they now know why men are more susceptible to COVID-19 than women. The results of a study by the European Heart Journal were released Monday and researchers found that blood in men has a higher level of an enzyme known as Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is used by the coronavirus to infect cells, than women's blood has. The study measured ACE2 concentrations in blood analyzed from thousands of men and women including samples from more than 3,500 heart failure patients in 11 countries, according to Reuters. While the study did not include patients directly infected with COVID-19, understanding ACE2 has helped researchers learn more about the coronavirus. ACE2 is found in the heart, kidneys, tissues lining blood vessels, and significant levels in the testes which may also point to why coronavirus is more vulnerable to men.

May 11, 3:47 p.m.

The start of the NFL regular season is four months away and fans and players alike still are unsure what to expect come September. Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the key members of the White House’s coronavirus task force, spoke with NBC’s Peter King about the challenges that the league faces due to the coronavirus. “I think it’s feasible that negative testing players could play to an empty stadium. Is it guaranteed? No way,“ Fauci said. Holding sporting events without fans in attendance is being explored by several professional sports such as the NHL and MLB, and NASCAR is scheduled to resume this weekend at Darlington Raceway with a race held with empty grandstand.

“Also, if the virus is so low that even in the general community the risk is low, then I could see filling a third of the stadium or half the stadium so people could be six feet apart,” Fauci added. “I mean, that’s something that is again feasible depending on the level of infection.” The NFL still has time to come to a decision about how to carry out the 2020 season, but one thing is clear: No international games will be held this year due to the pandemic. "After considerable analysis, we believe the decision to play all our games domestically this season is the right one for our players, our clubs, and all our fans in the U.S., Mexico and U.K.," NFL executive vice president, chief strategy and growth officer Christopher Halpin said in a press release last week.

May 11, 3:20 p.m.

Pennsylvania counties that do not comply with ongoing stay-at-home orders will face consequences, Gov. Tom Wolf announced on Monday. The governor didn't mince words during the Monday press conference when he said that counties that do not follow existing orders will not be eligible for stimulus discretionary funds, which will instead go to counties that follow orders. Businesses that unlawfully open could risk their business liability insurance, and restaurants that open for dine-in services face a citation which could eventually result in the loss of a liquor license. Finally, Wolf announced that workers who do not feel comfortable returning to work because their county opened prematurely will still be eligible for unemployment. “I won't sit back and watch residents who live in counties under stay-at-home orders get sick because local leaders cannot see the risks of #COVID19 and push to reopen prematurely,” Wolf said.

May 11, 1:44 p.m.

Shanghai Disneyland opened its gates on Monday for the first since since shuttering in January due to the coronavirus. “Today, we are extremely pleased to reopen Shanghai Disneyland thanks to the unwavering efforts of our Cast Members and our community, said Joe Scott, the park's president and general manager. "Today’s celebrations will be remembered with joy, as we look forward to welcoming our guests back to this happy place.”  

The park has instituted new rules to help ensure the health and safety of those visiting Shanghai Disneyland. People will need to purchase their tickets in advance and will be required to wear a mask throughout their visit. Park attendance will also be kept in check to help with social distancing. Up to 24,000 people will be permitted to enter the park each day, roughly 30% of the park’s normal capacity, according to The Verge. Seats and safety bars on rides will also be regularly disinfected. It was sunny and unseasonably warm on Monday for the park's reopening. The AccuWeather five-day forecast shows sunny skies and above-normal warmth are expected through Wednesday, before rain returns to Shanghai late in the week.

May 11, 1:27 p.m.

Some national parks are testing limited access to the public. While some sites on the park grounds will be open to the public, visitors centers and campgrounds are for the most part closed, The Associated Press reported. Badlands National Park in South Dakota, Everglades National Park in Florida, and Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah are among those reopening. Acting Park Service Director David Vela said the limited access will be “a different visitor experience” and “a different normal that we’re going to need to own.” Bryce Canyon Park Ranger Peter Densmore emphasized the importance of cooperation from the public in order to continue to reopen the parks. “This experiment, this limited reopening is really a cooperative effort between us and the public,” Densmore said.

Reactions to the reopening have been mixed, as some activists say it is too early and could put workers at risk. “We are also eager to get Americans back into our national parks. But it is too soon,” Phil Francis, a retired superintendent and leader of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, said. “Parks absolutely should not open until the safety of National Park Service employees, concession employees, volunteers and other partners, including those who work and live in gateway communities, can be ensured.”

May 11, 1 p.m.

As France began to lift lockdown restrictions on Monday, parts of the country remained overwhelmed by heavy rain and flooding that began over the weekend. The heaviest rain fell across southern parts of the country, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty. "Generally 1-2 inches fell, but there were local reports of 4 inches," he said. The southern resort town of Cannes received nearly 4 inches of rain on Sunday, nearly double what it typically receives in all of May, he added.  

Thunderstorms also produced drenching rain and street flooding in Paris. On Sunday, the French capital's iconic Eiffel Tower paid tribute to the nation's healthcare workers with a dazzling display. A sparkling light show was set up on the monument, while a projection screen at the base of the tower displayed images of doctors and nurses around the country. Watch the video below. 

May 11, 12:40 p.m.

Baseball fans in Taiwan returned to the stands for the first time on Friday, May 8. The number of fans at stadiums in the country is limited to 1,000 and no food is allowed, as everyone must wear a mask. However, fans and players alike have expressed excitement to return to a stadium partially full of spectators. “I think the adrenaline is a little bit different with the fans,” Henry Sosa, pitcher for the Fubon Guardians, told AFP. “...I think if you play by yourself, you see the seats empty. I think with the fans it’s going to be more fun.”

Sporting events carried on through the pandemic in Taiwan, despite there being no spectators. To try to replicate having fans in the stadium, robots and cardboard cutouts were placed in the stands, AFP reported.

May 11, 12:32 p.m.

People might have to find other ways to cool off this summer with swimming pools in some areas expected to be closed as stifling heat builds. With concerns growing that the coronavirus could stay active in pool water, the CDC released a statement saying that "There is no evidence that COVID-19 or Coronavirus can be spread through the use of pools and spas," but advised that, "Proper operation, maintenance and disinfecting with chlorine and bromine should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19." Officials say the main concern with public pools isn't the water but the people who may spread it outside the water. Even at public pools, it is urgent to still practice social distancing. Some states have already announced their plans for the summer including Texas, which has limited swimming pools to 25% occupancy. Meanwhile, North Carolina has closed all pools until at least May 22.

May 11, 11:34 a.m.

India sees largest one-day spike in COVID-19 cases. According to NDTV, health officials in India reported the single biggest 24-hour increase in COVID-19 cases on Sunday as 4,213 new infections were recorded, pushing the nation's total cases above 67,000. More than 2,200 have died from COVID-19 in India, according to Johns Hopkins University statistics. India, which implemented the world's biggest coronavirus lockdown, has been easing some of the restrictions in recent days. At the same time, health officials also reported that the recovery rate is rising in India, up from 26.59% a week ago to more than 31%.

May 11, 11:20 a.m.

A new antibody test has been deemed highly accurate in determining if a person has been infected with COVID-19, Reuters reported. The test, produced by Abbott Laboratories, has received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, and has already begun shipments. So far, the drugmaker has shipped over 10 million tests out to hospitals and labs. Another recent study suggests that a mother’s breast milk may also contain the antibodies needed to fight off COVID-19, if the mother had contracted the virus. "Nursing mothers who are infected with the novel coronavirus should continue to breastfeed throughout their COVID-19 illness and beyond, because (other researchers) have shown transmission does not occur via milk, and we have determined that antibodies are almost certainly there, and may protect their babies from infection," Rebecca Powell of The Icahn School of Medicine, who led the study, told Reuters.

May 11, 10:59 a.m.

Business booms at Colorado coffee shop that opened against orders. C&C Coffee and Kitchen in Castle Rock, about a half-hour drive south of Denver, saw an influx of customers on Mother’s Day after the shop opened on Sunday in defiance of the public health orders, Denver 7 ABC reported. Video taken inside the coffee shop revealed dozens of customers sitting at tables and standing in a long line, without wearing face coverings, and ignoring social distancing guidelines. According to Nick Puckett, the news reporter who captured the video, which has racked up more than 4 million views on Twitter, the coffee shop owner said foot traffic was double what the shop normally sees on Mother's Day.

Chris Miser, who owns Frolic Brewing Company about 50 miles away, told Denver 7 ABC that larger restaurants reopening for dine-in frustrates him. “I feel abandoned as a small business by our state and local governments because these other businesses can do these things but all the small businesses cannot do anything at this point,” he said. Below, watch the video from inside the coffee shop that caused a stir online:

May 11, 10:34 a.m.

Clinical trials on the effectiveness of the antiviral drug remdesivir and the anti-inflammatory drug baricitinib on treating COVID-19 have begun. The trial, named ACTT 2, will look into the ways in which baricitinib reacts with remdesivir to treat hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and is sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). “We now have solid data showing that remdesivir diminishes to a modest degree the time to recovery for people hospitalized with COVID-19,” NIAID Director Anthony Fauci said, according to a news release. “ACTT 2 will examine if adding an anti-inflammatory agent to the remdesivir regimen can provide additional benefit for patients, including improving mortality outcomes.”

May 11, 10:19 a.m.

Rodeo draws big crowd in California. The Cottonwood Rodeo, which has been a tradition in the small Northern California community of Cottonwood for the past 50 years, drew a large crowd on a warm and sunny Mother's Day despite current restrictions from Shasta County, according to KRCR. The Shasta County Sheriff's Office said it would not be enforcing a stay-at-home order, but public health guidelines in the county still do not allow entertainment venues and community centers to reopen. Rodeo officials told the news station prior to the event that hand sanitation stations would be set up and food and beverages would not be sold while also pointing out that the rodeo grounds offered plenty of space for people to spread out. 

May 11, 9:51 a.m.

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala addressed photos of residents breaking social distancing guidelines on Friday, and said “a handful of crazy people” are preventing the city from economically recovering from the COVID-19 shutdown. “We are not just in a health crisis -- and we see how the pandemic has touched this city -- but we are in a deep socio economic crisis,″ he said. The response came just days after a lockdown ease allowed 4.5 million people to return to work, The Associated Press reported.

Deputy Mayor Anna Scavuzzo warned that if the lack of social distancing continued, she would close public parks once again. In Milan, the high on Friday was 82 degrees Fahrenheit, over 10 degrees higher than the historical average. In the coming days, Milan will cool down, with rain in the forecast, potentially encouraging more social distancing. “I won’t allow a handful of crazy people without masks, sitting one next to the other put everything in doubt,” Sala said.

May 11, 9:31 a.m.

Spike in COVID-19 cases reported in South Korea. About 35 new cases were reported on Monday in South Korea, the largest increase in over a month, according to AFP. The source of the sudden uptick in cases is being linked to recently reopened bars and nightclubs around the capital of Seoul and neighboring Gyeonggi province and the city of Incheon. Officials have once again shuttered the establishments in these affected areas due to the increase in cases, AFP reported. Over 80 new cases have been linked to the nightclubs, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. South Korea, which has been considered a model for how to curb the spread of the virus, has a countrywide total of 10,909 over the course of the outbreak. Since May began, Seoul has been experiencing a surge in warmth with many days experiencing high temperatures well above the city's historical average, a factor which could've brought more people outdoors.

May 11, 8:20 a.m.

Russia is quickly becoming one of the newest global hotspots for the coronavirus. The country is now third in total confirmed cases worldwide with over 221,300, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Only Spain and the United States have reported more cases. Reuters reported on Monday that the number of new cases over the past 24 hours in the country was approaching 12,000 and more than half of all the country's cases and deaths are in Moscow. The increase in numbers is due to a significant testing program which has seen over 5.6 million tests conducted so far, Russia officials say, according to Reuters.

May 11, 6:44 a.m.

Here are the latest updated totals from around on the world, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins University:

• Total confirmed cases: 4,122,173

• Total deaths: 282,947

• Total recovered: 1,418,656

May 10, 7:47 p.m.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority ridership has gone down 90% in New York City. On a weekday, about 500,000 are using the MTA, CNN reported. Over 2,000 people work on the MTA system each day to clean and disinfect everything, and nightly shutdowns which have recently gone into effect allow for a much more thorough clean. Interim MTA President Sarah Feinberg told WABC-TV the nightly shutdowns “gives us the ability to really surge into the system, make sure that we've gotten every train car, disinfect those stations for a second time, gives us that room where we can really make sure we've gotten to everything.” To make up for the lack of transportation at night, Feinberg said they have increased bus services in the city.

May 10, 6:35 p.m.

Lab-created antibodies may be available by the end of the summer, according to Leonard Schleifer, the CEO of biotechnology company Regeneron. The antibody treatment could reach the clinical trial stage by next month, Schleifer told CNN. Instead of triggering the body to create its own antibodies like a vaccine would, the antibody treatment infuses with the blood, giving the person immunity to the virus temporarily. “Our approach is to generate these human antibodies artificially, so to speak, and give people those antibodies to either prevent them from getting infected if they’re at higher risk, or treat them," Schleifer said.

May 10, 5:25 p.m.

Over 15,500 people across over 100 countries have volunteered to be intentionally infected with COVID-19 in order to speed up trials for a vaccine for the virus. Human challenge trials, which advocates are now volunteering to be a part of, are when participants are willingly exposed to a virus in order to allow scientists to study it, and to help expedite the process of vaccine development, NBC News reported. The Food and Drug Administration has never approved of a human challenge trial for a novel disease with no known cure such as COVID-19, but epidemiologists and vaccinologists have begun advocating for such a trial to take place, arguing that it would accelerate the vaccine testing process -- a process which can sometimes take up to 10 years to complete.

"I definitely think it's going to be pursued," Dr. Matthew Memoli, director of the Clinical Studies Unit at the National Institute of Health's Laboratory of Infectious Diseases said. "So many things could change, but I think it's likely we could see one at some point in the future."

May 10, 4:15 p.m.

U.K Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a timeline for reopening the country on Sunday. In what he called step two of his plan, Johnson said some shops and schools will be allowed to reopen, which he said would be no earlier than June 1, The Mirror reported. Step three, which Johnson predicts will occur no earlier than July, will involve reopening the hospitality industry. He said, however, that the timeline of the plan is “dependent on a series of big ifs.”

May 10, 3:10 p.m.

New York is “back to where we started” in terms of COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. On Sunday, Cuomo announced that the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations statewide was 521 on Saturday, which is the same level it was at in late March when he ordered nonessential businesses to close, CNBC reported. “Where we are today is basically, with the number of new cases, is basically right where we were when we started. It has been a painful period of time between March 20 to May 9," Cuomo said.

May 10, 2:15 p.m.

Johnson & Johnson plans to make 1 billion vaccines for COVID-19 next year, according to an executive in the business. Paul Stoffels, the company’s chief scientific officer, made the announcement on ABC’s “This Week,” when he told them the virus is spreading “so fast” that it will not disappear without a vaccine. Clinical trials are set to begin in September.

May 10, 1:10 p.m.

Wuhan, the original epicenter of the coronavirus crisis, reported its first new coronavirus case since April 3 on Sunday, according to local health officials. The patient is currently in critical condition, and his wife has also tested positive and was reported as an asymptomatic case. Five patients from the community showing no symptoms, including the new case's wife, have been sent to hospitals for observation. China reopened Wuhan’s borders after a 76-day lockdown on April 8.

May 10, 11:55 a.m.

For the first time in 49 days, elderly people in Turkey were allowed out of their house for four hours on Sunday. The older Turkey citizens have been confined to their homes since March 21 when the government announced a lockdown for people over the age of 65. They were allowed out on Sunday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. local time during a general weekend lockdown that prohibits all but essential workers from going out. Police in one park walked around and used loudspeakers urging people to follow social distancing rules. Some senior citizens called on the government to allow them to go out on weekdays when there is no lockdown.

May 10, 10:45 a.m.

Since two White House aides tested positive for the coronavirus last week, Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reportedly self-quarantining for two weeks after being exposed to one of the people infected in the White House. A spokeswoman for Anthony S. Fauci, the government’s infectious-disease official, said he would also be working from home when possible as well. “CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield has been determined to have had a low-risk exposure on May 6 to a person at the White House who has COVID-19. He is feeling fine and has no symptoms. He will be teleworking for the next two weeks,” a CDC spokesperson told CNN.

May 10, 9:30 a.m.

One person is dead after a fire broke out at a Moscow hospital treating coronavirus patients, Russian news agencies report. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said the blaze occurred at City Clinical Hospital No. 50 in a unit with coronavirus patients on Saturday evening. “The fire was quickly extinguished,” Sobyanin said. “All patients are evacuated and will be transported to other hospitals. Unfortunately, there were some casualties. According to preliminary data, one of the patients died. I express condolences to their family and friends.” Sobyanin said the causes of the fire would be investigated. Russian state news agency said the malfunction of medical equipment caused the fire in an intensive care unit. Five people were saved from the burning ward and 200 were evacuated elsewhere, CNN reported.

May 10, 8:20 a.m.

As warm weather draws people outdoors, police in London have been struggling to keep people from breaking lockdown rules. Images from Greenwich Park showed police patrolling and asking people who were having picnics in the sun to leave. Police in the borough of Hackney posted a photo on Twitter of people enjoying the park saying "sadly we’re fighting a losing battle in the parks today." Police shouldn't have much to worry about as two storms working together will continue to erase the warm, dry pattern over parts of Europe into the beginning of the week.

May 10, 7:16 a.m.

Here are the latest updated totals from around the world, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins University:

• Total confirmed cases: 4,041,520

• Total deaths: 279,593

• Total recovered: 1,381,527

Click here previous daily briefings on the coronavirus outbreak.

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