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U.S. Officials Promise ‘Aggressive Measures’ to Contain Coronavirus U.S. Officials Promise ‘Aggressive Measures’ to Contain Coronavirus
(about 4 hours later)
Four military bases in Texas, California and Colorado were preparing to house American citizens for up to two weeks as part of a highly unusual federal effort aimed at slowing the spread of the deadly coronavirus. As of late Monday, though, expectations that a large number of Americans who had traveled to parts of China might quickly be held under quarantine had not come to pass.Four military bases in Texas, California and Colorado were preparing to house American citizens for up to two weeks as part of a highly unusual federal effort aimed at slowing the spread of the deadly coronavirus. As of late Monday, though, expectations that a large number of Americans who had traveled to parts of China might quickly be held under quarantine had not come to pass.
No new travelers from China had been brought to the military bases, federal officials said. The only people under federal quarantine were fewer than 200 people who had been in Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, and were flown to a base in Riverside, Calif., last week.No new travelers from China had been brought to the military bases, federal officials said. The only people under federal quarantine were fewer than 200 people who had been in Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, and were flown to a base in Riverside, Calif., last week.
About 250 other Americans who had recently spent time in China and showed signs of symptoms were considered “patients under investigation” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and have been monitored, the federal authorities said.About 250 other Americans who had recently spent time in China and showed signs of symptoms were considered “patients under investigation” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and have been monitored, the federal authorities said.
“This is an unprecedented situation, and we’ve taken aggressive measures,” said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, part of the C.D.C.“This is an unprecedented situation, and we’ve taken aggressive measures,” said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, part of the C.D.C.
The Trump administration ordered that as of Sunday afternoon, any American citizen who in the last two weeks had visited the Hubei province, whose capital city is Wuhan, was subject to a quarantine of up to 14 days after arriving in the United States.The Trump administration ordered that as of Sunday afternoon, any American citizen who in the last two weeks had visited the Hubei province, whose capital city is Wuhan, was subject to a quarantine of up to 14 days after arriving in the United States.
It remained uncertain how extensive the quarantine would ultimately become, and how many Americans would be affected. Major domestic airlines have already canceled flights to and from China as information has emerged about the outbreak that has killed hundreds and sickened thousands. The United States had 11 confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Monday evening.It remained uncertain how extensive the quarantine would ultimately become, and how many Americans would be affected. Major domestic airlines have already canceled flights to and from China as information has emerged about the outbreak that has killed hundreds and sickened thousands. The United States had 11 confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Monday evening.
[Have you or someone you know faced prejudice in the United States as a result of coronavirus fears? Please contact us at coronavirus@nytimes.com if you are willing to share your story.][Have you or someone you know faced prejudice in the United States as a result of coronavirus fears? Please contact us at coronavirus@nytimes.com if you are willing to share your story.]
The State Department will be transporting more people back to the United States from Wuhan, Dr. Messonnier said, and the C.D.C. has sent four teams to Defense Department locations where their flights will land. She said she did not know yet how many passengers would be returning.The State Department will be transporting more people back to the United States from Wuhan, Dr. Messonnier said, and the C.D.C. has sent four teams to Defense Department locations where their flights will land. She said she did not know yet how many passengers would be returning.
A federal quarantine has not been instituted in more than half a century, and brings considerable logistical challenges, legal implications and strains to local authorities.A federal quarantine has not been instituted in more than half a century, and brings considerable logistical challenges, legal implications and strains to local authorities.
Dr. Messonnier said the C.D.C. had been working with state and local health departments to find places to keep people under quarantine. Possibilities, she said, could include other military bases and hotels, and could vary from state to state.Dr. Messonnier said the C.D.C. had been working with state and local health departments to find places to keep people under quarantine. Possibilities, she said, could include other military bases and hotels, and could vary from state to state.
Passengers from parts of China other than Hubei province who have symptoms like a cough or fever will be given medical exams, and what happens next will depend on the results of those exams. United States citizens who have visited mainland China will undergo a health screening and can be ordered to quarantine in their homes for up to 14 days, according to the Homeland Security Department. If the passengers display symptoms of the virus, they will be moved to a nearby hospital, where they will be isolated from other patients. It was not clear exactly what home quarantines would entail, or how they would be enforced.Passengers from parts of China other than Hubei province who have symptoms like a cough or fever will be given medical exams, and what happens next will depend on the results of those exams. United States citizens who have visited mainland China will undergo a health screening and can be ordered to quarantine in their homes for up to 14 days, according to the Homeland Security Department. If the passengers display symptoms of the virus, they will be moved to a nearby hospital, where they will be isolated from other patients. It was not clear exactly what home quarantines would entail, or how they would be enforced.
The federal government has the power to declare a quarantine under the 1944 Public Health Service Act, an authority that derives from the commerce clause of the Constitution. According to the law, the secretary of health and human services is authorized to act to prevent the transmission and spread of communicable diseases into the United States and between states.The federal government has the power to declare a quarantine under the 1944 Public Health Service Act, an authority that derives from the commerce clause of the Constitution. According to the law, the secretary of health and human services is authorized to act to prevent the transmission and spread of communicable diseases into the United States and between states.
But the federal government’s quarantine authority is effectively limited to people coming into the country at the border, and it has rarely been exercised. More commonly, the C.D.C. has given responsibility to states, which have broad powers to quarantine people under the 10th Amendment and are better equipped to handle public health emergencies, said Lawrence Gostin, a law professor at Georgetown University and an expert on public health.But the federal government’s quarantine authority is effectively limited to people coming into the country at the border, and it has rarely been exercised. More commonly, the C.D.C. has given responsibility to states, which have broad powers to quarantine people under the 10th Amendment and are better equipped to handle public health emergencies, said Lawrence Gostin, a law professor at Georgetown University and an expert on public health.
During an Ebola outbreak in 2014, a nurse who was held in quarantine in New Jersey for three days after returning from working with patients in West Africa filed a lawsuit against New Jersey. She ended her state lawsuit in 2017 with a settlement that suggested legal rights for people in quarantine.During an Ebola outbreak in 2014, a nurse who was held in quarantine in New Jersey for three days after returning from working with patients in West Africa filed a lawsuit against New Jersey. She ended her state lawsuit in 2017 with a settlement that suggested legal rights for people in quarantine.
Howard Markel, a medical historian at the University of Michigan and the author of “Quarantine!,” a history of typhus and cholera epidemics in New York City in 1892, said he believed that the current quarantine was a prudent decision, given the spread of the virus. But the process, he said, can have lasting effects.Howard Markel, a medical historian at the University of Michigan and the author of “Quarantine!,” a history of typhus and cholera epidemics in New York City in 1892, said he believed that the current quarantine was a prudent decision, given the spread of the virus. But the process, he said, can have lasting effects.
“You can never ameliorate the experience of a quarantine,” Dr. Markel said. “Nobody who comes out of a quarantine says, ‘That was fun.’ It’s psychologically damaging.”“You can never ameliorate the experience of a quarantine,” Dr. Markel said. “Nobody who comes out of a quarantine says, ‘That was fun.’ It’s psychologically damaging.”
The current quarantine order has required a complex, multiagency effort that officials were scrambling over the weekend to put into place.The current quarantine order has required a complex, multiagency effort that officials were scrambling over the weekend to put into place.
The Transportation Security Administration has directed airline carriers to determine if passengers had traveled to China before allowing them to board flights, a Homeland Security official said. Customs and Border Protection officers have also been told to question travelers upon their arrival at some airports and comb through a travel history database to determine if they were in China, the official said.The Transportation Security Administration has directed airline carriers to determine if passengers had traveled to China before allowing them to board flights, a Homeland Security official said. Customs and Border Protection officers have also been told to question travelers upon their arrival at some airports and comb through a travel history database to determine if they were in China, the official said.
Tony Reardon, the president of the National Treasury Employees Union, which represents Customs and Border Protection officers at airports, said the Homeland Security agency was allowing officers to wear protective equipment, such as gloves and respiratory masks, while they process travelers coming from China.Tony Reardon, the president of the National Treasury Employees Union, which represents Customs and Border Protection officers at airports, said the Homeland Security agency was allowing officers to wear protective equipment, such as gloves and respiratory masks, while they process travelers coming from China.
Efforts to slow the virus’s spread in the United States have already proven costly. The Department of Health and Human Services informed Congress on Sunday that it may transfer up to $136 million to help combat the spread of coronavirus, according to a person familiar with the notification.Efforts to slow the virus’s spread in the United States have already proven costly. The Department of Health and Human Services informed Congress on Sunday that it may transfer up to $136 million to help combat the spread of coronavirus, according to a person familiar with the notification.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Around the country, as the four military bases were readied to receive quarantined travelers, officials sought to reassure residents living nearby. At Joint Base San Antonio in Texas, guests at two inns on the base were being relocated to make room for people who could be brought in for quarantine. At Travis Air Force Base in California, officials said a “safety cordon” would be put in place to separate evacuees from people on the base.Around the country, as the four military bases were readied to receive quarantined travelers, officials sought to reassure residents living nearby. At Joint Base San Antonio in Texas, guests at two inns on the base were being relocated to make room for people who could be brought in for quarantine. At Travis Air Force Base in California, officials said a “safety cordon” would be put in place to separate evacuees from people on the base.
“This doesn’t seem like a smart plan,” one person posted on the San Antonio base’s Facebook page. “There was not a better alternative than exposing our military and their families?!”“This doesn’t seem like a smart plan,” one person posted on the San Antonio base’s Facebook page. “There was not a better alternative than exposing our military and their families?!”
Officials at Joint Base San Antonio, who did not immediately respond to an interview request, promised to hold town hall meetings to address residents’ fears about the quarantine.Officials at Joint Base San Antonio, who did not immediately respond to an interview request, promised to hold town hall meetings to address residents’ fears about the quarantine.
“We hear and understand the concerns of our community and family members,” the base’s Facebook feed said in reply to commenters who questioned the decision.“We hear and understand the concerns of our community and family members,” the base’s Facebook feed said in reply to commenters who questioned the decision.
In the hours and days before formal quarantine rules went into effect on Sunday afternoon, many families who had been traveling in China raced to get back to the United States. That left individual passengers to decide how much risk they personally posed to the public. Some families who had returned from China in recent days placed themselves in an informal, self-imposed quarantine, staying away from friends, co-workers and other family members out of caution.In the hours and days before formal quarantine rules went into effect on Sunday afternoon, many families who had been traveling in China raced to get back to the United States. That left individual passengers to decide how much risk they personally posed to the public. Some families who had returned from China in recent days placed themselves in an informal, self-imposed quarantine, staying away from friends, co-workers and other family members out of caution.
Victoria Griffin, a teacher at a school in China, flew from Beijing to Chicago with her 19-month-old son, Teddy, on Sunday, planning to stay with her parents to avoid coronavirus back in China.Victoria Griffin, a teacher at a school in China, flew from Beijing to Chicago with her 19-month-old son, Teddy, on Sunday, planning to stay with her parents to avoid coronavirus back in China.
She and Teddy have had her childhood home to themselves. Her parents decided to temporarily stay elsewhere.She and Teddy have had her childhood home to themselves. Her parents decided to temporarily stay elsewhere.
“Of course I would love to be with them,” Ms. Griffin said, adding that she and Teddy have been doing little but sleeping, eating and playing with toys stocked at the house. “But I do think it’s for the best.”“Of course I would love to be with them,” Ms. Griffin said, adding that she and Teddy have been doing little but sleeping, eating and playing with toys stocked at the house. “But I do think it’s for the best.”
In Massachusetts, a toddler and his father, who may have shared a plane flight with a man who has been confirmed to have coronavirus, have isolated themselves in the basement of their Winchester home since returning from China on January 28.In Massachusetts, a toddler and his father, who may have shared a plane flight with a man who has been confirmed to have coronavirus, have isolated themselves in the basement of their Winchester home since returning from China on January 28.
The man’s wife, who asked not to be identified by name, said that the family had already been planning to isolate themselves for a period of time because of the outbreak. When they realized that her husband and their toddler may have been on the same plane as the student who was confirmed sick, their concerns grew.The man’s wife, who asked not to be identified by name, said that the family had already been planning to isolate themselves for a period of time because of the outbreak. When they realized that her husband and their toddler may have been on the same plane as the student who was confirmed sick, their concerns grew.
Each day, the woman said, she dons a mask and gloves, and descends the stairs to bring her husband and son food.Each day, the woman said, she dons a mask and gloves, and descends the stairs to bring her husband and son food.
“It’s hard, but we are trying to avoid any direct contact,” she said.“It’s hard, but we are trying to avoid any direct contact,” she said.
Adeel Hassan, Miriam Jordan, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Dan Levin, Mitch Smith, Farah Stockman, Emily Cochrane and Vanessa Swales contributed reporting.Adeel Hassan, Miriam Jordan, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Dan Levin, Mitch Smith, Farah Stockman, Emily Cochrane and Vanessa Swales contributed reporting.