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Hundreds Confined to Tenerife Hotel for 14 Days Over Coronavirus Fears Hundreds Confined to Tenerife Hotel for 14 Days Over Coronavirus Fears
(7 days later)
ADEJE, Spain — Hundreds of guests at a resort on Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, were told Wednesday that they would be confined to their hotel for 14 days as the authorities tried to prevent the coronavirus from spreading after infections were discovered there this week.ADEJE, Spain — Hundreds of guests at a resort on Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, were told Wednesday that they would be confined to their hotel for 14 days as the authorities tried to prevent the coronavirus from spreading after infections were discovered there this week.
News of a quarantine at the resort, the H10 Costa Adeje Palace, came as officials in Europe scrambled to contain an outbreak that has spread to at least seven nations on the Continent. Spain, of which the Canary Islands are a part, disclosed additional infections on Wednesday, and France reported its second death.News of a quarantine at the resort, the H10 Costa Adeje Palace, came as officials in Europe scrambled to contain an outbreak that has spread to at least seven nations on the Continent. Spain, of which the Canary Islands are a part, disclosed additional infections on Wednesday, and France reported its second death.
The Costa Adeje Palace, a four-star resort with a restaurant, pools and over 450 rooms, is one of at least two hotels to be locked down in Europe. Officials in Innsbruck, an Austrian ski town, sealed off a 108-room hotel after an employee tested positive for the virus.The Costa Adeje Palace, a four-star resort with a restaurant, pools and over 450 rooms, is one of at least two hotels to be locked down in Europe. Officials in Innsbruck, an Austrian ski town, sealed off a 108-room hotel after an employee tested positive for the virus.
In Adeje, officials said 723 people from 25 countries were staying at the Costa Adeje Palace. Guests wearing masks wandered near the pool and around the restaurant on Wednesday, with the hotel providing a supply of sparkling wine, videos posted to social media showed.In Adeje, officials said 723 people from 25 countries were staying at the Costa Adeje Palace. Guests wearing masks wandered near the pool and around the restaurant on Wednesday, with the hotel providing a supply of sparkling wine, videos posted to social media showed.
That guests were allowed to mingle and share common areas — “you can move around the hotel freely” one message to them said — raised concern among some that the conditions could allow the virus to spread.That guests were allowed to mingle and share common areas — “you can move around the hotel freely” one message to them said — raised concern among some that the conditions could allow the virus to spread.
“Why would you want to sit in a room full of people who could contaminate you?” Stephanie Hannay said in a video shared on Instagram, as she filmed the restaurant brimming with guests and staff.“Why would you want to sit in a room full of people who could contaminate you?” Stephanie Hannay said in a video shared on Instagram, as she filmed the restaurant brimming with guests and staff.
Staff members have also been allowed to leave the grounds, as long as they did not show any symptoms, said Teresa Cruz, a regional health official.Staff members have also been allowed to leave the grounds, as long as they did not show any symptoms, said Teresa Cruz, a regional health official.
The coronavirus was first discovered at the hotel on Monday, when an Italian doctor who had been on the island for a week fell ill with a fever and checked into a hospital. His partner tested positive on Tuesday, health officials said.The coronavirus was first discovered at the hotel on Monday, when an Italian doctor who had been on the island for a week fell ill with a fever and checked into a hospital. His partner tested positive on Tuesday, health officials said.
The couple were part of a group of 10 people traveling together, officials said, two of whom have also tested positive for coronavirus. Ms. Cruz said all four had been hospitalized and were “in good health.”The couple were part of a group of 10 people traveling together, officials said, two of whom have also tested positive for coronavirus. Ms. Cruz said all four had been hospitalized and were “in good health.”
Health officials are now awaiting the results of tests given to all of the guests at the Costa Adeje Palace, she said. Eleven have presented some symptoms.Health officials are now awaiting the results of tests given to all of the guests at the Costa Adeje Palace, she said. Eleven have presented some symptoms.
About 100 guests who arrived at the hotel after the initial cases were diagnosed were expected to receive a quicker clearance to leave.About 100 guests who arrived at the hotel after the initial cases were diagnosed were expected to receive a quicker clearance to leave.
Harriet Strandvik, a guest from Finland, said she was trying to get used to being confined for two weeks in the resort. There were some bright spots, she said, but also some reasons for worry.Harriet Strandvik, a guest from Finland, said she was trying to get used to being confined for two weeks in the resort. There were some bright spots, she said, but also some reasons for worry.
“We enjoy the sun, books, play cards together, and are longing for our dog back home,” Ms. Strandvik wrote in a message. “It seems a bit disorganized here. Very little information.”“We enjoy the sun, books, play cards together, and are longing for our dog back home,” Ms. Strandvik wrote in a message. “It seems a bit disorganized here. Very little information.”
The European Union’s health commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, said Wednesday that she has asked all member countries to send her details about their preparedness, including how they planned to trace people who had been in contact with someone infected.The European Union’s health commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, said Wednesday that she has asked all member countries to send her details about their preparedness, including how they planned to trace people who had been in contact with someone infected.
“We have requested member states to review their pandemic plans as well as health care capabilities,” Ms. Kyriakides said in Rome on Wednesday, “including capacity for diagnosing, laboratory testing and procedures for contact tracing.”“We have requested member states to review their pandemic plans as well as health care capabilities,” Ms. Kyriakides said in Rome on Wednesday, “including capacity for diagnosing, laboratory testing and procedures for contact tracing.”
The European push came as Spanish officials announced on Wednesday that one person each in Madrid, Catalonia, Seville and La Gomera, another of the Canary Islands, had tested positive for the virus, lifting the country’s total to 13.The European push came as Spanish officials announced on Wednesday that one person each in Madrid, Catalonia, Seville and La Gomera, another of the Canary Islands, had tested positive for the virus, lifting the country’s total to 13.
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.
Several of the patients — like the doctor and his partner at Costa Adeje Palace — had recently arrived from Italy, which has seen an eruption of more than 300 cases, the most in Europe. Italy’s Lombardy region has been hit especially hard by the outbreak. Cases that appear to be connected to Lombardy have also been reported in France, Austria, Croatia and Switzerland.Several of the patients — like the doctor and his partner at Costa Adeje Palace — had recently arrived from Italy, which has seen an eruption of more than 300 cases, the most in Europe. Italy’s Lombardy region has been hit especially hard by the outbreak. Cases that appear to be connected to Lombardy have also been reported in France, Austria, Croatia and Switzerland.
Still, Fernando Simón, the head of Spain’s emergency coordination center, said the country did not yet see a need for measures like border or airport checkpoints to control the coronavirus.Still, Fernando Simón, the head of Spain’s emergency coordination center, said the country did not yet see a need for measures like border or airport checkpoints to control the coronavirus.
On Wednesday, there were two types of visitors in Adeje: those who remain sealed in their hotel because of the coronavirus and those staying elsewhere, free to wander around and wondering how those under lockdown were doing.On Wednesday, there were two types of visitors in Adeje: those who remain sealed in their hotel because of the coronavirus and those staying elsewhere, free to wander around and wondering how those under lockdown were doing.
“How are they getting breakfast in there?” asked Katrien Van Gele, a visitor from Belgium.“How are they getting breakfast in there?” asked Katrien Van Gele, a visitor from Belgium.
Most people outside the Costa Adeje Palace said they were unconcerned about the outbreak but would avoid tourist-heavy areas of Tenerife.Most people outside the Costa Adeje Palace said they were unconcerned about the outbreak but would avoid tourist-heavy areas of Tenerife.
“As long as those inside the hotel remain there for now, I think we’re safe,” said Bernd Drewitz, a visitor from Germany.“As long as those inside the hotel remain there for now, I think we’re safe,” said Bernd Drewitz, a visitor from Germany.
Others, like John, a visitor from Ireland who declined to give his surname, said he and his wife would shorten their vacation and fly back home on Friday instead of Sunday.Others, like John, a visitor from Ireland who declined to give his surname, said he and his wife would shorten their vacation and fly back home on Friday instead of Sunday.
Inside the hotel, at least some guests’ spirits were flagging.Inside the hotel, at least some guests’ spirits were flagging.
“People think we’re on extended holiday, when really it’s not that at all,” said Hannah Green, a British guest, on Instagram. “I can’t wait to leave.”“People think we’re on extended holiday, when really it’s not that at all,” said Hannah Green, a British guest, on Instagram. “I can’t wait to leave.”
Elian Peltier reported from Tenerife, Spain, and Raphael Minder from Madrid. Matina Stevis-Gridneff contributed reporting from Brussels.Elian Peltier reported from Tenerife, Spain, and Raphael Minder from Madrid. Matina Stevis-Gridneff contributed reporting from Brussels.