Myriam Borzee/iStockBy JON HAWORTH and EMILY SHAPIRO, ABC News(NEW YORK) — In June, daily new cases of coronavirus surged to record levels. Here’s what happened throughout the month.A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has now killed more than 690,000 people worldwide.Over 18.1 million people across the globe have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new respiratory virus, according to data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. The actual numbers are believed to be much higher due to testing shortages, many unreported cases and suspicions that some national governments are hiding or downplaying the scope of their outbreaks.Since the first cases were detected in China in December, the United States has become the worst-affected country, with more than 4.6 million diagnosed cases and at least 154,861 deaths.Here’s how the news is developing today. All times Eastern.10:30 a.m.: NYC outdoor dining to return in 2021With the success of New York City’s outdoor dining during the pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday that open restaurants will return next summer, starting June 1, 2021.Open restaurants may be extended to spring 2021, he said.
9:30 a.m.: Cases reported on football team as school gets ready to open As North Paulding High School near Atlanta gears up to open for the school year, “new positive tests and potential symptoms” have been reported among football players, school principal Gabe Carmona said Sunday in a letter to families.Football practices have been canceled, Carmona said. School begins Monday with both in-class and virtual learning options, reported ABC Atlanta affiliate WSB-TV.
5:01 a.m.: Thousands take part in Moscow half-marathon amid ban for mass events in the cityMoscow hosted a half-marathon with over 16,000 participants on Sunday.”Many marathons have been canceled abroad, and we are showing to the whole world how to continue living as normal in very tough conditions,” Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matitsyn said at the event’s opening.He said the event was to celebrate the victory over the coronavirus.On Sunday morning city authorities said 664 novel coronavirus infections were diagnosed in the city. The number of daily cases have been declining but still consistently remains over 600 per day.On Wednesday, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said that all mass events were banned in the city until Aug. 16, even though that announcement did not affect the half-marathon event on Sunday.
4:49 a.m.: Kosovo PM tests positive for COVID-19Kosovo’s prime minister, Avdullah Hoti, said late Sunday he has tested positive for COVID-19, though he does not have serious symptoms.Hoti, who has only been in office since June, wrote in a post on his official Facebook page that he does not have symptoms “except a very mild cough,” and will self-isolate for two weeks while working from home.
3:15 a.m.: Arrests after illicit party boat with 170 guests cruises around New York CityThe owners and captain of The Liberty Belle, a large riverboat that can fit up to 600 guests with four bars and three outdoor decks, have been arrested after flouting the rules and hosting a party on Saturday with more than 170 guests on board.Ronny Vargas and Alex Suazo, the boat’s owners, were arrested on Saturday night and accused of violating a number of state law provisions.”Deputy Sheriffs intercept the Liberty Belle at Pier 36 & arrest owners and captain for illegal party: violation of social distancing provisions of the Mayor’s and Governor’s Emergency Orders, Alcohol Beverage Control Law: unlicensed bar & bottle club & Navigation Law,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.The sheriff’s office also said that the captain of the boat, who was not identified, was issued a summons for not displaying its identification number.This comes just a week after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo slammed an event where The Chainsmokers were performing at a packed concert in the Hamptons, which saw audience members clustering together and outright defying social distancing guidelines.Cuomo blasted The Chainsmokers last Tuesday saying the performance was “grossly disrespectful to fellow New Yorkers” considering how hard the state fought to control the spread of COVID-19.”The concert that happened in the town of Southampton was just a gross violation of not only the public health rules, it was a gross violation of common sense,” the governor fumed during his daily press conference regarding the novel coronavirus.The Chainsmokers and those involved in the show now face potential civil or criminal repercussions, with the governor saying that violations of “public health law has civil fines and a potential for criminal liability, so we’re taking that very seriously.” 1:38 a.m.: Lord & Taylor files for bankruptcy as retail collapses pile upLord & Taylor has become the latest retailer to file for bankruptcy as the coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on retail chains and sales around the country.The company filed for bankruptcy protection in the Eastern Court of Virginia on Sunday.”Today, we announced or search for a new owner who believes in our legacy and values,” the company said in a statement on its website. “Part of our announcement also includes filing for Chapter 11 protection to overcome the unprecedented strain the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on our business.”Just last year Lord & Taylor sold its flagship building on New York City’s Fifth Avenue after more than a century in the 11-story building.”Thank you for your support, now more than ever,” the statement continued. “Our mission is to continue to serve you, your family and your community for generations to come.” Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
