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Shifting Ground in Coronavirus Fight: U.S. Will Evacuate Americans From Cruise Ship Shifting Ground in Coronavirus Fight: U.S. Will Evacuate Americans From Cruise Ship
(about 13 hours later)
For much of this past week, as a dangerous viral outbreak continued to rattle the world, officials seemed keen to offer reassurances. Chinese leaders urged people to get back to work. American officials said they saw no need to evacuate citizens from a quarantined cruise ship in Japan.For much of this past week, as a dangerous viral outbreak continued to rattle the world, officials seemed keen to offer reassurances. Chinese leaders urged people to get back to work. American officials said they saw no need to evacuate citizens from a quarantined cruise ship in Japan.
In a sign of how unpredictable the crisis still is, and how quickly officials have had to adapt their responses, both of those declarations had at least partly unraveled by Saturday.In a sign of how unpredictable the crisis still is, and how quickly officials have had to adapt their responses, both of those declarations had at least partly unraveled by Saturday.
Communist Party leaders said people returning to the Chinese capital would have to isolate themselves for two weeks, potentially delaying any economic revival. American officials announced that they would charter a flight to evacuate American citizens from the cruise ship, after citing heightened danger to those on board.Communist Party leaders said people returning to the Chinese capital would have to isolate themselves for two weeks, potentially delaying any economic revival. American officials announced that they would charter a flight to evacuate American citizens from the cruise ship, after citing heightened danger to those on board.
The shifting policies underscore the rapidly evolving terrain of one of the most serious global public health crises in recent years, even as China’s leader, Xi Jinping, said this past week that the crisis was improving. The outbreak has been marked by confusion and conflicting analysis of the available information.The shifting policies underscore the rapidly evolving terrain of one of the most serious global public health crises in recent years, even as China’s leader, Xi Jinping, said this past week that the crisis was improving. The outbreak has been marked by confusion and conflicting analysis of the available information.
[Read the latest updates on the coronavirus epidemic here.][Read the latest updates on the coronavirus epidemic here.]
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease, named COVID-19, continued to climb on Saturday, and their geographic locations continued to spread. The virus claimed its first life outside Asia when an 80-year-old Chinese tourist died in France, according to the French health minister. It was the fourth death outside mainland China.The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease, named COVID-19, continued to climb on Saturday, and their geographic locations continued to spread. The virus claimed its first life outside Asia when an 80-year-old Chinese tourist died in France, according to the French health minister. It was the fourth death outside mainland China.
A day earlier, the outbreak also reached Africa for the first time, with Egypt reporting the continent’s first confirmed case.A day earlier, the outbreak also reached Africa for the first time, with Egypt reporting the continent’s first confirmed case.
On Sunday morning, the Chinese authorities reported 2,009 new cases and 142 deaths in the previous 24 hours. In all, 68,500 infections and 1,665 deaths have been confirmed.On Sunday morning, the Chinese authorities reported 2,009 new cases and 142 deaths in the previous 24 hours. In all, 68,500 infections and 1,665 deaths have been confirmed.
The American Embassy in Tokyo, explaining the evacuation decision to American citizens on board the cruise ship on Saturday, acknowledged the rapid changes. “This is a dynamic situation,” the embassy said in an emailed letter.The American Embassy in Tokyo, explaining the evacuation decision to American citizens on board the cruise ship on Saturday, acknowledged the rapid changes. “This is a dynamic situation,” the embassy said in an emailed letter.
The ship, the Diamond Princess, has been quarantined for more than a week at the port of Yokohama, after the coronavirus was diagnosed in a man who had disembarked days earlier in Hong Kong. About 3,700 passengers and crew members were aboard when the quarantine was imposed, including more than 400 Americans.The ship, the Diamond Princess, has been quarantined for more than a week at the port of Yokohama, after the coronavirus was diagnosed in a man who had disembarked days earlier in Hong Kong. About 3,700 passengers and crew members were aboard when the quarantine was imposed, including more than 400 Americans.
For days, United States officials had assured American passengers that evacuation was not necessary, even as more than 200 cases were diagnosed on board. On Feb. 8, the embassy told American passengers in a letter that “remaining in your room on the ship is the safest option to minimize your risk of infection.”For days, United States officials had assured American passengers that evacuation was not necessary, even as more than 200 cases were diagnosed on board. On Feb. 8, the embassy told American passengers in a letter that “remaining in your room on the ship is the safest option to minimize your risk of infection.”
But Saturday’s letter made clear that the calculus had changed.But Saturday’s letter made clear that the calculus had changed.
“To fulfill our government’s responsibilities to U.S. citizens,” the letter said, the U.S. government recommended “that U.S. citizens disembark and return to the United States.” In a later message, the embassy said that passengers who did not leave on the charter flight would not be able to fly to the United States until March 4 at the earliest.“To fulfill our government’s responsibilities to U.S. citizens,” the letter said, the U.S. government recommended “that U.S. citizens disembark and return to the United States.” In a later message, the embassy said that passengers who did not leave on the charter flight would not be able to fly to the United States until March 4 at the earliest.
American officials also said previously that the American passengers would not have to be quarantined upon their return to the United States. But the embassy’s email on Saturday said the evacuees would need to be quarantined for two more weeks once they arrived.American officials also said previously that the American passengers would not have to be quarantined upon their return to the United States. But the embassy’s email on Saturday said the evacuees would need to be quarantined for two more weeks once they arrived.
While the letter did not explicitly give a reason for the change, an official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested on Friday that the authorities had re-evaluated the ship’s conditions.While the letter did not explicitly give a reason for the change, an official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested on Friday that the authorities had re-evaluated the ship’s conditions.
“The data coming out of Japan suggests there’s a higher risk among the people on the ship,” the official, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, said during a news briefing.“The data coming out of Japan suggests there’s a higher risk among the people on the ship,” the official, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, said during a news briefing.
Sixty-seven new cases were announced aboard the ship on Saturday, the most in a single day since the quarantine began.Sixty-seven new cases were announced aboard the ship on Saturday, the most in a single day since the quarantine began.
The American government’s announcement seemed to trigger a chain reaction among other countries. Minutes after the United States Embassy’s letter was sent, the Australian Embassy in Tokyo sent its own email to its citizens aboard the Diamond Princess, citing the American evacuation plans and assuring Australians that it was “examining options.”The American government’s announcement seemed to trigger a chain reaction among other countries. Minutes after the United States Embassy’s letter was sent, the Australian Embassy in Tokyo sent its own email to its citizens aboard the Diamond Princess, citing the American evacuation plans and assuring Australians that it was “examining options.”
The Italian foreign minister also said on Saturday the country would do what was necessary “to protect our citizens” aboard the ship.The Italian foreign minister also said on Saturday the country would do what was necessary “to protect our citizens” aboard the ship.
Within China, a flurry of new announcements reinforced the government’s continuing efforts to recalibrate its balance of economic and public health concerns.Within China, a flurry of new announcements reinforced the government’s continuing efforts to recalibrate its balance of economic and public health concerns.
The mandatory two-week self-quarantine for people returning to Beijing was announced late on Friday evening on the website of Chinese state-run television. Millions of migrant workers who power China’s economy had left urban centers to celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday last month.The mandatory two-week self-quarantine for people returning to Beijing was announced late on Friday evening on the website of Chinese state-run television. Millions of migrant workers who power China’s economy had left urban centers to celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday last month.
Those who did not comply with the rules would “be held accountable according to law,” according to a text of the order released by state television.Those who did not comply with the rules would “be held accountable according to law,” according to a text of the order released by state television.
But the policy, issued by Communist Party officials at the municipal level, seemed at odds with the message from Chinese national officials this past week. They had urged local officials to get businesses up and running again, and to help factories eliminate bureaucratic hurdles.But the policy, issued by Communist Party officials at the municipal level, seemed at odds with the message from Chinese national officials this past week. They had urged local officials to get businesses up and running again, and to help factories eliminate bureaucratic hurdles.
Mr. Xi, at a meeting of the Communist Party’s top leadership on Wednesday, said government officials at all levels should “strive to achieve this year’s economic and social development goals and tasks,” according to a summary of his remarks by state media.Mr. Xi, at a meeting of the Communist Party’s top leadership on Wednesday, said government officials at all levels should “strive to achieve this year’s economic and social development goals and tasks,” according to a summary of his remarks by state media.
After the Beijing restrictions were announced, some on Chinese social media observed that workers had already been streaming back to the capital for days, and they wondered how effective the new rules would be.After the Beijing restrictions were announced, some on Chinese social media observed that workers had already been streaming back to the capital for days, and they wondered how effective the new rules would be.
It was not the first time that Chinese officials had sent mixed signals about their desire to get people back to work. The same day that a top economic official urged factories to restart, a national health official said that the return of workers to major cities could foster new outbreaks in populous provinces with high populations of migrant factory workers.It was not the first time that Chinese officials had sent mixed signals about their desire to get people back to work. The same day that a top economic official urged factories to restart, a national health official said that the return of workers to major cities could foster new outbreaks in populous provinces with high populations of migrant factory workers.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
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.
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.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
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.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.
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.
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.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
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.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.
In another possible hurdle to economic revival, a top Chinese banking official said on Saturday that commercial banks must disinfect and stash any cash they collect before releasing it back to customers.In another possible hurdle to economic revival, a top Chinese banking official said on Saturday that commercial banks must disinfect and stash any cash they collect before releasing it back to customers.
Behind it all is uncertainty, and increasing diplomatic tension, about the scope of the outbreak.Behind it all is uncertainty, and increasing diplomatic tension, about the scope of the outbreak.
While the World Health Organization has praised China’s response to the crisis, American officials in recent days have privately expressed doubts about whether China is underreporting cases, as well as about the official timeline for the first infections.While the World Health Organization has praised China’s response to the crisis, American officials in recent days have privately expressed doubts about whether China is underreporting cases, as well as about the official timeline for the first infections.
Chinese officials have been adamant that they have been transparent. On Friday, Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, attacked what he called some countries’ “overreaction” to the outbreak.Chinese officials have been adamant that they have been transparent. On Friday, Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, attacked what he called some countries’ “overreaction” to the outbreak.
“We have the confidence, capability and determination to prevail over the virus at an early date,” Mr. Wang said in an interview with Reuters.“We have the confidence, capability and determination to prevail over the virus at an early date,” Mr. Wang said in an interview with Reuters.
Still, the Chinese authorities have acknowledged the difficulty in knowing the outbreak’s precise scale. On Thursday, officials added more than 14,800 new cases to the tally of those infected, the largest one-day increase recorded so far. They attributed the jump to a change in the way they diagnosed confirmed cases.Still, the Chinese authorities have acknowledged the difficulty in knowing the outbreak’s precise scale. On Thursday, officials added more than 14,800 new cases to the tally of those infected, the largest one-day increase recorded so far. They attributed the jump to a change in the way they diagnosed confirmed cases.
The United States will also widen its search for possible infections: American health officials in five cities will begin testing some people with flulike symptoms for the coronavirus, according to Dr. Messonnier of the C.D.C.The United States will also widen its search for possible infections: American health officials in five cities will begin testing some people with flulike symptoms for the coronavirus, according to Dr. Messonnier of the C.D.C.
The constant changes have left people caught in the middle of the outbreak confused and frustrated.The constant changes have left people caught in the middle of the outbreak confused and frustrated.
Rachel Torres, 24, a newlywed on the cruise ship quarantined in Japan, said that she and her husband, Tyler, would take the evacuation flight, though they were frustrated that it had not been offered earlier.Rachel Torres, 24, a newlywed on the cruise ship quarantined in Japan, said that she and her husband, Tyler, would take the evacuation flight, though they were frustrated that it had not been offered earlier.
Gay Courter, 75, an American novelist from Crystal River, Fla., near Tampa, said she and her husband, Philip, would also leave the ship despite the unexpected quarantine period.Gay Courter, 75, an American novelist from Crystal River, Fla., near Tampa, said she and her husband, Philip, would also leave the ship despite the unexpected quarantine period.
“This is what we’ve been asking for, because we never felt quarantine on this ship was safe,” she said.“This is what we’ve been asking for, because we never felt quarantine on this ship was safe,” she said.
Elian Peltier, Edward Wong and Elaine Yu contributed reporting. Claire Fu contributed research.Elian Peltier, Edward Wong and Elaine Yu contributed reporting. Claire Fu contributed research.