COVID-19 Update: June 24, 2020: Caught in the Wave

The price of denial and doing nothing is becoming increasingly apparent as the first wave of COVID-19 infections comes roaring back. As the president maintains that the coronavirus will fade away, Anthony Fauci testifies to Congress that it is still out of control and not going anywhere: tinyurl.com/ybguuwjm.

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will quarantine visitors from states where infections are spiking: tinyurl.com/yb5eb6po.

As the European Union reopens, it may ban US travelers: tinyurl.com/y8orxmzt.

The IMF's outlook on the pandemic-ravaged economy is gloomy at best: tinyurl.com/yafjkshj.

As the president disparages testing, Dr. Deborah Birx quietly orders governors to step it up: tinyurl.com/yc3pjf7f.

As cinemas reopen, Fandango rolls out its safety information program: tinyurl.com/ycenc9py.

After much wrangling, Major League Baseball is back, sans audiences: tinyurl.com/y7386bp4.

Food for thought:

The race for a COVID-19 vaccine; it's harder than you think: tinyurl.com/ybak8nf9.

How Florida is shaping up to be a COVID-19 disaster: tinyurl.com/ybm97573.

How Florida's problem could become a national problem: tinyurl.com/y7scnvfc.

Around the country:

In California:

The state falters in the battle against the coronavirus: tinyurl.com/y6uos35x.

Like so many other award shows, the Golden Globes is postponing a couple of months: tinyurl.com/y7bcoack.

In the District of Columbia:

The Kennedy Center cancels most of its performances through the end of 2020: tinyurl.com/y9lnxkmy.

In Florida: The state posts another record-breaking numbers of infections: tinyurl.com/y8dauy4u.

Record numbers of patients are filling Miami-Dade hospitals: tinyurl.com/y8vgjeog.

Two weeks after reopening, Universal Studios Orlando lays off workers: tinyurl.com/y7mtktlw.

The governor threatens non-compliant bars and restaurants risk losing their liquor licenses: tinyurl.com/ybnmt76u.

The Trump - Biden debate originally scheduled for Ann Arbor, Michigan, is being moved to Miami: tinyurl.com/yamfb3cn.

Caribbean nations are furious at Senator Rick Scott, who wants to punish them for using doctors from Cuba to fight COVID-19: tinyurl.com/y8f36yvx.

In Illinois:

Chicago will expand outdoor dining to include five neighborhoods: tinyurl.com/yb7mth37.

Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre will resume performances in December: tinyurl.com/y87xrbvc.

In New York:

The New York City Marathon has been canceled, due to the coronavirus: tinyurl.com/yb9pl3wr.

In Dutchess County, a drive-in high school graduation ceremony: tinyurl.com/y9romdv2.

Lincoln Center Theater reschedules its productions of Intimate Apparel and Flying Over Sunset --which were just getting underway last March -- for spring 2021: tinyurl.com/yb2bgfjm.

In Texas:

For the first time, the state surpasses 5,000 COVID-19 cases in a single day: tinyurl.com/yasnjlha.

Hospitals are filling up in Dallas County, including ICUs: tinyurl.com/ycustbsm.

In Utah:

The governor pushes back after a public health official says a shutdown may be needed to stop the spread of the coronavirus in the state: tinyurl.com/y9jhntvw.

Around the world:

In France:

Disneyland Paris will reopen July 15: tinyurl.com/yajc9pyk.

In Spain:

The Barcelona Opera reopens -- with an audience of plants: tinyurl.com/y8v8hbun.

Mobilizing:

PLASA has launched #WeMakeEvents, a new campaign with the aim of amplifying the industry's voice and gaining meaningful UK government support. Central to the campaign is a video highlighting the vital role of supply chain companies along with the freelance community and the devastating impact of the pandemic upon the live events sector.

PLASA is calling for people from across the industry to share the video across social media to give much needed exposure to the supply chain to events including production and rental companies, manufacturers and freelancers, to raise awareness of the need for longer term financial support.

In addition to sharing the video, PLASA has published two infographics illustrating the complexity of the live events supply chain and the typical arena show -- which requires an average of 443 professionals spanning design, planning, preparation, warehousing, and venue staff. The graphics also show how valuable the sector is, collectively delivering £100 billion to the UK economy.

PLASA also encourages everyone to add their name to the campaign, and to send a letter to their local MP using the customizable letter samples which were created by a collective of PLASA, ABTT, PSA, SOLT, and UK Theatre.

PLASA's managing director, Peter Heath comments, "We all know that the events industry has been devastated due to COVID-19, and we expect that the road to recovery will be a long one. PLASA is part of an incredibly robust community and it's times like this we have seen us all working together. Through this campaign we are trying to boost awareness of the massively diverse and talented supply chain, in order to get the financial support and recognition needed. We really need everyone to get involved and share our new campaign and video with all those you know."

Watch the video: youtu.be/9Gjs83Wz19M. Access the infographics at tinyurl.com/ycezjamy.

The Costume Industry Coalition forms to help small businesses and artisans survive in the pandemic: tinyurl.com/yc43zmfm.

A group of UK-based scenic designers form #SceneChange, to help colleagues cope with the current disruptive change: tinyurl.com/yc38nzp7.

#ArtsAreEssential, a new initiative, aims to keep arts education funding in the already stretched New York City budget: tinyurl.com/y8hp7b5n.

Entertainment:

Great Performances presents the intimate theatrical production Gloria: A Life about Gloria Steinem, one of the most inspiring women of the feminist movement, premiering nationwide on Friday, June 26 at 9:00pm on PBS (check local listings), www.pbs.org/gperf and the PBS Video app. Christine Lahti stars.

From Jazz at Lincoln Center, Big Band B-3, featuring Hammond organ maestro Joey DeFrancesco (see below): tinyurl.com/yc7e7f45.

Starting tomorrow, Lincoln Center Theater streams its Broadway revival of William Finn's musical Falsettos: tinyurl.com/yc3q7e9p.

For your pleasure:

The Joey DeFrancesco Trio performs "Fly Me to the Moon:" tinyurl.com/o2fakr4.

That's all for today. Stay safe. -- DB

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