'Coronavirus Spreads as New Cases Double in South Korea' diff viewer (17/18)

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Coronavirus Spreads as New Cases Double in South Korea	Coronavirus Spreads as New Cases Double in South Korea
2020-06-17 14:54:43 UTC	2020-06-24 10:34:27 UTC (7 days later)
SEOUL, South Korea — The coronavirus spread to more countries and the numbers of new cases and deaths outside of China climbed, with special concern focused on South Korea, where infections doubled in a single day — raising fears that another Asian country was losing control of the escalating epidemic.	SEOUL, South Korea — The coronavirus spread to more countries and the numbers of new cases and deaths outside of China climbed, with special concern focused on South Korea, where infections doubled in a single day — raising fears that another Asian country was losing control of the escalating epidemic.
By Saturday, the virus had been identified in two new countries, Lebanon and Israel, bringing the spread to 28 countries, with about 1,500 confirmed cases outside of China, where it originated. The death toll in Iran rose to six, the highest outside of China, and the number of confirmed cases there reached 28, though experts suggest that the real number is likely to be far higher.	By Saturday, the virus had been identified in two new countries, Lebanon and Israel, bringing the spread to 28 countries, with about 1,500 confirmed cases outside of China, where it originated. The death toll in Iran rose to six, the highest outside of China, and the number of confirmed cases there reached 28, though experts suggest that the real number is likely to be far higher.
South Korea’s prime minister, Chung Sye-kyun, called the situation in his country “grave” and urged citizens to cooperate with the government and avoid large political gatherings, which have continued in the capital, Seoul, despite a city ban.	South Korea’s prime minister, Chung Sye-kyun, called the situation in his country “grave” and urged citizens to cooperate with the government and avoid large political gatherings, which have continued in the capital, Seoul, despite a city ban.
“The government will sternly deal with acts that interfere with quarantine efforts, illegal hoarding of hygiene goods and acts that spark uneasiness through massive rallies,” Mr. Chung warned in a nationally televised address.	“The government will sternly deal with acts that interfere with quarantine efforts, illegal hoarding of hygiene goods and acts that spark uneasiness through massive rallies,” Mr. Chung warned in a nationally televised address.
The spike of cases in Korea and the rising death toll in Iran raised fears that the window to avert a global pandemic was narrowing. The World Health Organization warned African leaders of the urgency of preparing for the virus, and identified 13 African countries as priorities because of their direct links to China and the high volume of travel between the countries.	The spike of cases in Korea and the rising death toll in Iran raised fears that the window to avert a global pandemic was narrowing. The World Health Organization warned African leaders of the urgency of preparing for the virus, and identified 13 African countries as priorities because of their direct links to China and the high volume of travel between the countries.
The number of confirmed infections in South Korea, after more than doubling on Saturday, rose to 556 on Sunday morning. More than half were among members of a secretive religious sect, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, and their relatives and other contacts. Most of the cases are centered in and near Daegu, the country’s fourth largest city, which has been placed under a state of emergency.	The number of confirmed infections in South Korea, after more than doubling on Saturday, rose to 556 on Sunday morning. More than half were among members of a secretive religious sect, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, and their relatives and other contacts. Most of the cases are centered in and near Daegu, the country’s fourth largest city, which has been placed under a state of emergency.
Between Daegu, a city of 2.4 million people, and a nearby province where the sect’s members often do volunteer work, 465 people have tested positive.	Between Daegu, a city of 2.4 million people, and a nearby province where the sect’s members often do volunteer work, 465 people have tested positive.
In the neighborhood of the sect’s church in the city, banks, coffee shops, restaurants and convenience stores have all shut down, rendering it a ghost town. Across the city, department stores, shopping alleys and traditional outdoor marketplaces have all been drained of shoppers.	In the neighborhood of the sect’s church in the city, banks, coffee shops, restaurants and convenience stores have all shut down, rendering it a ghost town. Across the city, department stores, shopping alleys and traditional outdoor marketplaces have all been drained of shoppers.
The only busy sites were government-run health centers, where citizens lined up to find out whether they were infected.	The only busy sites were government-run health centers, where citizens lined up to find out whether they were infected.
The scare deepened across South Korea as the number of patients soared and two more deaths from the virus were reported.	The scare deepened across South Korea as the number of patients soared and two more deaths from the virus were reported.
A 40-year-old worker at an auto-parts factory in Gyeongju, a city near Daegu, was found dead at his home on Friday evening. He was posthumously confirmed on Saturday to have been infected with the coronavirus. A 56-year-old patient from a hospital in Chengdo, another town near Daegu, died on Sunday, health officials said.	A 40-year-old worker at an auto-parts factory in Gyeongju, a city near Daegu, was found dead at his home on Friday evening. He was posthumously confirmed on Saturday to have been infected with the coronavirus. A 56-year-old patient from a hospital in Chengdo, another town near Daegu, died on Sunday, health officials said.
On Friday, the first reported case in Busan, South Korea’s second largest city, caused public libraries, horse racetracks and facilities for senior citizens to close. Many churches offered services only online. Others stayed open, but skipped hymns or “Amens” to limit the possibility of congregants’ exposure.	On Friday, the first reported case in Busan, South Korea’s second largest city, caused public libraries, horse racetracks and facilities for senior citizens to close. Many churches offered services only online. Others stayed open, but skipped hymns or “Amens” to limit the possibility of congregants’ exposure.
The cities of Chuncheon and Ulsan reported their first cases on Saturday, and the national news agency Yonhap reported that people there were emptying shelves of rice, instant noodle, eggs and other essential food items.	The cities of Chuncheon and Ulsan reported their first cases on Saturday, and the national news agency Yonhap reported that people there were emptying shelves of rice, instant noodle, eggs and other essential food items.
The number of coronavirus cases in South Korea also set off alarms in Israel, after nine South Korean visitors tested positive for the virus upon returning home. They had spent a week touring popular, often-crowded Israeli religious sites. On Saturday, Israel tightened its border and barred South Korean travelers.	The number of coronavirus cases in South Korea also set off alarms in Israel, after nine South Korean visitors tested positive for the virus upon returning home. They had spent a week touring popular, often-crowded Israeli religious sites. On Saturday, Israel tightened its border and barred South Korean travelers.
Discussions whether to allow other flights from South Korea to Tel Aviv were planned for Sunday, Kan radio said. Health officials were working with the tourism ministry and travel agencies to book flights back to South Korea for the 1,700 South Korean tourists in Israel.	Discussions whether to allow other flights from South Korea to Tel Aviv were planned for Sunday, Kan radio said. Health officials were working with the tourism ministry and travel agencies to book flights back to South Korea for the 1,700 South Korean tourists in Israel.
In the United States, State Department officials said that thousands of Russia-linked social media accounts were spreading disinformation about the coronavirus, including a conspiracy theory that the United States was behind the outbreak.	In the United States, State Department officials said that thousands of Russia-linked social media accounts were spreading disinformation about the coronavirus, including a conspiracy theory that the United States was behind the outbreak.
Two senior American officials said that the repatriation this week of 14 American citizens from the cruise ship Diamond Princess who had tested positive for the coronavirus had infuriated President Trump. Mr. Trump is a self-declared “germaphobe.”	Two senior American officials said that the repatriation this week of 14 American citizens from the cruise ship Diamond Princess who had tested positive for the coronavirus had infuriated President Trump. Mr. Trump is a self-declared “germaphobe.”
William Walters, a top medical official at the State Department, told reporters that the decision to fly the 14 back had been made by the State Department in consultation with Robert Kadlec, an assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services.	William Walters, a top medical official at the State Department, told reporters that the decision to fly the 14 back had been made by the State Department in consultation with Robert Kadlec, an assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services.
The evacuation of more than 300 Americans was already underway last Sunday when Japanese officials informed American counterparts of the laboratory test results, he said.	The evacuation of more than 300 Americans was already underway last Sunday when Japanese officials informed American counterparts of the laboratory test results, he said.
The decision to fly back the infected passengers was made over the objections of officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Protection.	The decision to fly back the infected passengers was made over the objections of officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Protection.
~~Updated June ~~16,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 22, 2020
	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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The C.D.C. also had advised American passengers of the Westerdam cruise ship, where a passenger was found to have the coronavirus, that they were not required to self-quarantine and were no longer subject to travel restrictions. No other infections were found among passengers on the ship, the C.D.C. confirmed.	The C.D.C. also had advised American passengers of the Westerdam cruise ship, where a passenger was found to have the coronavirus, that they were not required to self-quarantine and were no longer subject to travel restrictions. No other infections were found among passengers on the ship, the C.D.C. confirmed.
An American woman, 83, who had disembarked from the Westerdam in Cambodia along with thousands of others passengers and crew members, had tested positive for the coronavirus after arriving at the airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Feb. 15.	An American woman, 83, who had disembarked from the Westerdam in Cambodia along with thousands of others passengers and crew members, had tested positive for the coronavirus after arriving at the airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Feb. 15.