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Spanish Hotel Is Locked Down After Guests Test Positive for Coronavirus Spanish Hotel Is Locked Down After Guests Test Positive for Coronavirus
(about 13 hours later)
ADEJE, Spain — The Spanish authorities scrambled on Tuesday to trace everyone who had contact with an Italian doctor and his partner who tested positive for the coronavirus while on vacation in the Canary Islands, locking down a major resort with hundreds of guests in the hopes of limiting any possible outbreak.ADEJE, Spain — The Spanish authorities scrambled on Tuesday to trace everyone who had contact with an Italian doctor and his partner who tested positive for the coronavirus while on vacation in the Canary Islands, locking down a major resort with hundreds of guests in the hopes of limiting any possible outbreak.
While officials said they were acting out of an abundance of caution, the response underscored how quickly the spread of the virus in one European Union nation could become a problem for others in the bloc, which prides itself on frictionless travel across borders.While officials said they were acting out of an abundance of caution, the response underscored how quickly the spread of the virus in one European Union nation could become a problem for others in the bloc, which prides itself on frictionless travel across borders.
The doctor had been visiting from the Lombardy region of Italy, officials said, which has been hard hit by the virus. Cases that appear connected to Lombardy were also reported on Tuesday in France, Austria, Croatia and Switzerland.The doctor had been visiting from the Lombardy region of Italy, officials said, which has been hard hit by the virus. Cases that appear connected to Lombardy were also reported on Tuesday in France, Austria, Croatia and Switzerland.
The resort, the H10 Costa Adeje Palace on the island of Tenerife, was not placed under quarantine, which involves separation of those who have been exposed to the virus, the authorities said. Rather, they said, it was in lockdown for now, which aims to halt the movement of all individuals within the concerned area — regardless of whether they are sick or have been exposed.The resort, the H10 Costa Adeje Palace on the island of Tenerife, was not placed under quarantine, which involves separation of those who have been exposed to the virus, the authorities said. Rather, they said, it was in lockdown for now, which aims to halt the movement of all individuals within the concerned area — regardless of whether they are sick or have been exposed.
The hotel — with its lights blazing and emergency vehicles clustered outside, but no one going in or out — drew anxious looks Tuesday night from visitors to the coastal island town.The hotel — with its lights blazing and emergency vehicles clustered outside, but no one going in or out — drew anxious looks Tuesday night from visitors to the coastal island town.
“Everyone is talking about the coronavirus,” said Gunter Hoffmann, a tourist from northern Germany who stopped in front of the resort. Like most visitors, Mr. Hoffmann didn’t wear a mask, and he said he and his wife had received no guidance from their hotel nearby.“Everyone is talking about the coronavirus,” said Gunter Hoffmann, a tourist from northern Germany who stopped in front of the resort. Like most visitors, Mr. Hoffmann didn’t wear a mask, and he said he and his wife had received no guidance from their hotel nearby.
“We are somehow laughing about the whole situation, but it’s making us a little concerned, too,” Mr. Hoffmann added. “We’re happy to leave tomorrow.”“We are somehow laughing about the whole situation, but it’s making us a little concerned, too,” Mr. Hoffmann added. “We’re happy to leave tomorrow.”
The Canary Islands, an archipelago about 60 miles west of the African coast, are a popular destination for Europeans.The Canary Islands, an archipelago about 60 miles west of the African coast, are a popular destination for Europeans.
The Italian doctor had been on Tenerife for a week before he fell ill with a fever and checked in at a hospital, where he tested positive for the virus on Monday night and was placed in an isolation ward. His partner tested positive on Tuesday, health officials said.The Italian doctor had been on Tenerife for a week before he fell ill with a fever and checked in at a hospital, where he tested positive for the virus on Monday night and was placed in an isolation ward. His partner tested positive on Tuesday, health officials said.
The couple were part of a group of 10 people traveling together, said Ángel Víctor Torres, the president of the Canary Islands regional government. Shortly after Mr. Torres’s news conference, local news media cited the health ministry as saying that two people traveling with the couple had also tested positive for coronavirus.The couple were part of a group of 10 people traveling together, said Ángel Víctor Torres, the president of the Canary Islands regional government. Shortly after Mr. Torres’s news conference, local news media cited the health ministry as saying that two people traveling with the couple had also tested positive for coronavirus.
In another link to Italy’s Lombardy region, the Spanish authorities said Tuesday that a 36-year-old woman living in Barcelona had tested positive for the virus after returning from the region. Joan Guix, a Catalan regional official, said the authorities had identified about 25 people who had been in contact with the woman and that they would remain “isolated” for 14 days.In another link to Italy’s Lombardy region, the Spanish authorities said Tuesday that a 36-year-old woman living in Barcelona had tested positive for the virus after returning from the region. Joan Guix, a Catalan regional official, said the authorities had identified about 25 people who had been in contact with the woman and that they would remain “isolated” for 14 days.
In other quarantines for the coronavirus around the world, the standard practice has been to isolate for 14 days those who have possibly been exposed.In other quarantines for the coronavirus around the world, the standard practice has been to isolate for 14 days those who have possibly been exposed.
Outside of China — where the scale of the epidemic still far outpaces the rest of the world and where whole cities have been locked down over the past two months — quarantines have proved an effective measure to at least slow the spread of the virus.Outside of China — where the scale of the epidemic still far outpaces the rest of the world and where whole cities have been locked down over the past two months — quarantines have proved an effective measure to at least slow the spread of the virus.
However, when the passengers of a cruise ship, the Diamond Princess, were forced to stay onboard for weeks after it docked in Yokohama, Japan, the lockdown led to widespread transmission, with more than 690 people contracting the disease.However, when the passengers of a cruise ship, the Diamond Princess, were forced to stay onboard for weeks after it docked in Yokohama, Japan, the lockdown led to widespread transmission, with more than 690 people contracting the disease.
For the guests at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace, on the southern end of Tenerife, it would be hard to imagine how their vacation could get worse. A storm swept sands from the Sahara through the Canary Islands over the weekend, forcing airports to close and stranding thousands of tourists.For the guests at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace, on the southern end of Tenerife, it would be hard to imagine how their vacation could get worse. A storm swept sands from the Sahara through the Canary Islands over the weekend, forcing airports to close and stranding thousands of tourists.
On Tuesday, the resort’s guests awoke to another unwelcome surprise: A note slipped under their door, asking them to stay inside.On Tuesday, the resort’s guests awoke to another unwelcome surprise: A note slipped under their door, asking them to stay inside.
“We regret to inform you that for health reasons, the hotel has been closed down,” the note read, said Silke Bal, a guest from Belgium.“We regret to inform you that for health reasons, the hotel has been closed down,” the note read, said Silke Bal, a guest from Belgium.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
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.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.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.
She and fellow guests, like Laura Walser of Germany, said they left their rooms anyway to have breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, unaware that a case of coronavirus had been confirmed.She and fellow guests, like Laura Walser of Germany, said they left their rooms anyway to have breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, unaware that a case of coronavirus had been confirmed.
As the news spread in the media that the hotel had been locked down over an infection, guests said they grew alarmed. Around midday, more worrying news came: Using megaphones, hotel staff members announced that guests could no longer leave their rooms, and that they had to wait for medical staff.As the news spread in the media that the hotel had been locked down over an infection, guests said they grew alarmed. Around midday, more worrying news came: Using megaphones, hotel staff members announced that guests could no longer leave their rooms, and that they had to wait for medical staff.
“Stay calm, we’ll keep you posted,” a subsequent note read. Staff distributed thermometers and instructed guests to check their temperature, but Ms. Bal and Ms. Walser said they were frustrated at the scant information being provided.“Stay calm, we’ll keep you posted,” a subsequent note read. Staff distributed thermometers and instructed guests to check their temperature, but Ms. Bal and Ms. Walser said they were frustrated at the scant information being provided.
“We just don’t know what’s happening,” Ms. Walser said.“We just don’t know what’s happening,” Ms. Walser said.
Emergency government meetings were held Tuesday in the Canary Islands and in Madrid to plan a response. Even so, officials sought to reassure people planning trips to Spain.Emergency government meetings were held Tuesday in the Canary Islands and in Madrid to plan a response. Even so, officials sought to reassure people planning trips to Spain.
“Spain is a safe country at the moment and visitors have no reason to delay their visit to our country,” María Reyes Maroto, Spain’s tourism and industry minister, told reporters.“Spain is a safe country at the moment and visitors have no reason to delay their visit to our country,” María Reyes Maroto, Spain’s tourism and industry minister, told reporters.
Salvador Illa, the health minister, said Spain had no immediate plans to impose “drastic measures” like border checkpoints.Salvador Illa, the health minister, said Spain had no immediate plans to impose “drastic measures” like border checkpoints.
The lockdown of the hotel in Tenerife demonstrates “the seriousness with which this issue is being handled,” Mr. Illa said. If hotel guests are checked and do not show symptoms, he said, “they will be free to do whatever they want to do.”The lockdown of the hotel in Tenerife demonstrates “the seriousness with which this issue is being handled,” Mr. Illa said. If hotel guests are checked and do not show symptoms, he said, “they will be free to do whatever they want to do.”
About 700 people from 25 nations were staying at the Costa Adeje Palace, officials said. With those patrons kept inside the resort, many restaurants and shops surrounding the complex were closed on Tuesday.About 700 people from 25 nations were staying at the Costa Adeje Palace, officials said. With those patrons kept inside the resort, many restaurants and shops surrounding the complex were closed on Tuesday.
“The storm hit us once, fine,” said Wilson Escobar, an employee at the Vulcano, a bar where the terrace was damaged by the weekend storm. “But how long is the virus going to stay? Between this and the storm, I fear the virus more.”“The storm hit us once, fine,” said Wilson Escobar, an employee at the Vulcano, a bar where the terrace was damaged by the weekend storm. “But how long is the virus going to stay? Between this and the storm, I fear the virus more.”
Elian Peltier reported from Adeje, Spain, and Raphael Minder from Madrid. Marc Santora contributed reporting from London.Elian Peltier reported from Adeje, Spain, and Raphael Minder from Madrid. Marc Santora contributed reporting from London.