Today’s coronavirus update: Tracking your stimulus check, the future of sports
More than 80 million people were expected to get direct deposits by Wednesday containing their share of the $2.2 trillion stimulus package intended blunt the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Millions more who are still waiting can follow some simple steps to get their money faster. But make sure to watch out for scammers.
Depending on how you file your tax returns, you may get a mailed check — in which case expect to see President Trump’s name printed on it.
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Here’s what else we learned today:
New York crisis:
- He’s masking you to cover up. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has mandated that New Yorkers wear masks or other face-coverings in packed public areas.
- The new rule came as Mayor Bill de Blasio said the Big Apple is “still in the throes of this crisis,” with the number of patients in ICU continuing to increase.
- An MIT professor’s study found that city subways and buses were a “major disseminator” of the virus.
- And this shameless family shelled out nearly $27 million to buy luxury condos in Manhattan — all so they can keep cash in the pads amid the outbreak.
Staying power:
- The head of the CDC says the US should brace for a second wave of COVID-19 cases to hit next year.
- A new study found that the virus can slather the lungs of patients in a thick coat of paint-like mucus, gradually cutting off oxygen supplies.
Eyes on China:
- Chinese authorities waited six days before warning the public about the outbreak, allowing the virus to spread unimpeded, a new investigation found.
- Top US government officials are raising concerns that China isn’t being transparent about the origins of the disease.
- This comes as Beijing officials said they’re “seriously concerned” over Trump suspending funding for the World Health Organization over a failure to accurately report data from China. And House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has vowed to “swiftly” challenge the funding cut.
Sports take a hit:
- Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert on the White House’s coronavirus task force, explained how sports could be able to return sooner rather than later.
- But New Yorkers shouldn’t cheer just yet — De Blasio said it could be months before fans are allowed back into Yankee Stadium.
- And the WWE’s coronavirus chaos now includes some wrestlers being released or furloughed.
Meanwhile…
- Here are all the celebrity sleezes citing the coronavirus in an attempt to weasel out of prison.
- Stuck at home, Big Apple — including several famous faces — are competing for da best Noo Yawk accent.