The number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. topped more than 1.6 million as deaths rose to more than 97,000, a tally from Johns Hopkins University shows. President Donald Trump threatened to pull the Republican convention out of North Carolina if the governor’s coronavirus restrictions impose a limit on the number of people who can be in attendance in August.
Government officials are urging people to practice social distancing and to wear masks in public over Memorial Day.
This is CNBC’s live blog covering all the latest news on the coronavirus outbreak. This blog will be updated throughout the day as the news breaks.
- Global cases: More than 5.4 million
- Global deaths: At least 345,059
- U.S. cases: More than 1.6 million
- U.S. deaths: More than 97,000
The data above was compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
Why the coronavirus might change dating forever
11 am ET — With the coronavirus keeping people indoors, singles aren’t just meeting online. They’re holding virtual dates over video chat services like Zoom and FaceTime.
Five tips to protect yourself from coronavirus fraud
11 am ET — More than 50,000 Americans have filed complaints this year with the Federal Trade Commission claiming they have been defrauded of $39.6 million related to Covid-19 scams.
Of those submitting complaints through May 21, about 45% reported falling victim to fraudsters, losing about $470 on average. Scammers use methods such as text messaging and robocalls to lure victims.
And there’s a new, highly sophisticated robotext scam that could trip up a lot of consumers, said Bill Versen, chief product officer at Transaction Network Services, a global provider of data communications that tracks robocalls. It starts with a text purportedly from the IRS asking to confirm information for a stimulus payment through a link.
If you click on it, the link takes you to a realistic-looking IRS web page where you’re prompted to provide your name, contact information and Social Security number. Beyond those common ways to protect yourself, here are five additional steps you can take to safeguard against common scam tactics. —Jabari Young
Going to the movies will be a different experience during coronavirus
An employee fills a bag of popcorn in the concessions area inside a Cineplex Cinemas movie theater.
Bloomberg
10:30 am ET — The experience of going out to the movies is certainly going to be a little different and the new strategies that theater owners are implementing in order to be able to reopen safely could change the way movie theaters operate altogether.
While a number of smaller movie chains have reopened in some states, the majority of the big players are waiting to reopen their doors in late June or early July.
To start, expect to wear a mask. While health guidelines will vary state by state in the U.S., common Covid-19 measures have included the use of face masks by patrons and staff. Some venues may provide a disposable mask at the front door, but it’s more likely that you will be expected to bring your own mask. Temperature checks could also be part of the entrance process at theaters.
“We really had to change the way that we operate our business,” Jason Ostrow, vice president of development at dine-in-theater Star Cinema Grill in Texas, said during a panel hosted by technology solutions company Influx Worldwide in mid-May. Star Cinema Grill was able to reopen locations on May 8 and its decisions offer a blueprint for what consumers can expect once their local theaters are able to reopen. —Jabari Young
Amazon investors want the company to address worker safety
Jeff Bezos, founder and chief executive officer of Amazon.com Inc., speaks at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019.
Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images
10 am ET — Amazon shareholders will urge the company’s board of directors to release more information on worker protection amid the coronavirus outbreak.
They will address these concerns, raised by warehouse workers who have sounded the alarm, during Wednesday’s shareholders meeting.
The call for action comes as tensions continue to grow between Amazon and its warehouse workers. Confirmed cases and the number of deaths at Amazon facilities have risen as the outbreak spreads. But the company has repeatedly declined to disclose the number of deaths.
Warehouse workers have been calling on the company to provide paid sick leave and close down facilities where there are confirmed cases to disinfect the spaces. —Yelena Dzhanova
Trump threatens to move GOP convention over North Carolina coronavirus restrictions
US President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he departs the White House in Washington, DC, on May 21, 2020.
Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Images
9:34 am ET — President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to move the Republican National Convention from North Carolina if the governor’s coronavirus restrictions impose a limit on the number of people who can be in attendance in August.
In a series of rapid-fire tweets, Trump railed against Gov. Roy Cooper over North Carolina’s social distancing restrictions, which would prohibit full-scale attendance at the GOP Convention, scheduled for the week of Aug. 24 in Charlotte.
“Plans are being made by many thousands of enthusiastic Republicans, and others, to head to beautiful North Carolina in August,” Trump tweeted.
“They must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied. If not, we will be reluctantly forced to find, with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site. This is not something I want to do.” —Yelena Dzhanova
Read CNBC’s previous coronavirus live coverage here: Coronavirus live updates: Japan seeks to end state of emergency for Tokyo; Trump suspends travel from Brazil
