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At a Locked Down Spanish Resort, Many Questions, Little Information At a Locked Down Spanish Resort, Many Questions, Little Information
(7 days later)
ADEJE, Spain — Among the hundreds of guests who remained stranded in a hotel in the Canary Islands on Thursday, after four guests were found to have the coronavirus early this week, an overriding question loomed:ADEJE, Spain — Among the hundreds of guests who remained stranded in a hotel in the Canary Islands on Thursday, after four guests were found to have the coronavirus early this week, an overriding question loomed:
“What’s going on?” Romane Guilloux, 20, a guest from France, asked about the lockdown imposed on patrons of the hotel, the H10 Costa Adeje Palace, a four-star resort in the south of Tenerife, the largest of the islands.“What’s going on?” Romane Guilloux, 20, a guest from France, asked about the lockdown imposed on patrons of the hotel, the H10 Costa Adeje Palace, a four-star resort in the south of Tenerife, the largest of the islands.
Several European countries reported their first coronavirus cases on Thursday, and Britain confirmed a case that was linked to Tenerife. Some countries were taking aggressive steps to halt contagion of the virus, from shutting schools to closing mosques.Several European countries reported their first coronavirus cases on Thursday, and Britain confirmed a case that was linked to Tenerife. Some countries were taking aggressive steps to halt contagion of the virus, from shutting schools to closing mosques.
But at the Costa Adeje Palace, where officials said more than 700 people from 25 countries were staying, confusion reigned. Some guests appeared to be deeply frustrated, uncertain about how long they will have to remain in isolation and upset over what some thought were loose hygiene practices that might increase the chances of the virus spreading.But at the Costa Adeje Palace, where officials said more than 700 people from 25 countries were staying, confusion reigned. Some guests appeared to be deeply frustrated, uncertain about how long they will have to remain in isolation and upset over what some thought were loose hygiene practices that might increase the chances of the virus spreading.
Guests have been allowed to mingle around the resort’s pools. They have dined in the hotel’s restaurants and wandered in the common areas. The hotel staff has gone home when not working. Such measures have alarmed medical experts.Guests have been allowed to mingle around the resort’s pools. They have dined in the hotel’s restaurants and wandered in the common areas. The hotel staff has gone home when not working. Such measures have alarmed medical experts.
“That is not isolation,” Dr. Carlos del Rio, an infectious diseases specialist at the Emory University School of Medicine, said about what had been permitted at the resort. All of the guests should remain in their rooms until the local health authorities have a more complete picture of who may have been infected, he said.“That is not isolation,” Dr. Carlos del Rio, an infectious diseases specialist at the Emory University School of Medicine, said about what had been permitted at the resort. All of the guests should remain in their rooms until the local health authorities have a more complete picture of who may have been infected, he said.
“Isolation and quarantine work,” he added, “but they need to be done properly.”“Isolation and quarantine work,” he added, “but they need to be done properly.”
The loose discipline at the hotel reminded some experts of the situation on the Diamond Princess, the cruise ship that was on lockdown for weeks in Yokohama, Japan, with 3,700 people on board. Hundreds of passengers and staff members contracted the virus as they remained stuck on the ship.The loose discipline at the hotel reminded some experts of the situation on the Diamond Princess, the cruise ship that was on lockdown for weeks in Yokohama, Japan, with 3,700 people on board. Hundreds of passengers and staff members contracted the virus as they remained stuck on the ship.
At the Costa Adeje Palace, even the duration of the isolation period announced by the regional authorities on Wednesday was uncertain.At the Costa Adeje Palace, even the duration of the isolation period announced by the regional authorities on Wednesday was uncertain.
Teresa Cruz, a regional health official for the Canary Islands, said at a news conference on Thursday that 130 guests would be permitted to leave the resort, because they had arrived after the four people diagnosed with the virus had been hospitalized. The hotel staff could enter and leave the hotel, Ms. Cruz said, if they “adopted necessary protection measures.” She did not specify what measures were required.Teresa Cruz, a regional health official for the Canary Islands, said at a news conference on Thursday that 130 guests would be permitted to leave the resort, because they had arrived after the four people diagnosed with the virus had been hospitalized. The hotel staff could enter and leave the hotel, Ms. Cruz said, if they “adopted necessary protection measures.” She did not specify what measures were required.
And while some embassies and foreign ministries told some of their citizens that they would have to stay until March 8 or March 10, a communications officer for the regional health agency said the departure date for hundreds of guests would be “made flexible.”And while some embassies and foreign ministries told some of their citizens that they would have to stay until March 8 or March 10, a communications officer for the regional health agency said the departure date for hundreds of guests would be “made flexible.”
“Nobody seems to agree on anything,” Ms. Guilloux, the French guest, said in a phone interview from the pool area of the hotel, where she said she was staying with her parents and sister.“Nobody seems to agree on anything,” Ms. Guilloux, the French guest, said in a phone interview from the pool area of the hotel, where she said she was staying with her parents and sister.
When one of the hotel’s restaurants reopened on Wednesday, hundreds of guests rushed to a buffet, many wearing masks, but some not. Selina Lund, a British vacationer, told the BBC that she and her husband went back to their room after she saw a woman coughing in the restaurant, her mask coming off her face.When one of the hotel’s restaurants reopened on Wednesday, hundreds of guests rushed to a buffet, many wearing masks, but some not. Selina Lund, a British vacationer, told the BBC that she and her husband went back to their room after she saw a woman coughing in the restaurant, her mask coming off her face.
Ms. Guilloux said she was concerned when she saw a waiter set up cutlery without wearing a mask. Near the pools, many guests doffed their masks, she added.Ms. Guilloux said she was concerned when she saw a waiter set up cutlery without wearing a mask. Near the pools, many guests doffed their masks, she added.
William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, said such a “very loose lockdown” created the risk that the virus could be circulating among the guests or the staff.William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, said such a “very loose lockdown” created the risk that the virus could be circulating among the guests or the staff.
“The risk is not large, but it is real,” he said. “If you isolate people who have symptoms and let the rest free, you are taking a chance.”“The risk is not large, but it is real,” he said. “If you isolate people who have symptoms and let the rest free, you are taking a chance.”
Still, the risk of transmission might be lower in Tenerife than aboard the Diamond Princess, Dr. Schaffner added, because the common spaces were probably larger in the resort, and the chance of transmission while outdoors is lower than within an enclosed space like the indoor areas of the cruise ship.Still, the risk of transmission might be lower in Tenerife than aboard the Diamond Princess, Dr. Schaffner added, because the common spaces were probably larger in the resort, and the chance of transmission while outdoors is lower than within an enclosed space like the indoor areas of the cruise ship.
The regional health officials said they had relaxed some of the movement restrictions at the resort because none of the remaining guests had presented symptoms. Still, on Thursday evening, paper pinned on some doors designated some guest rooms as “isolation zones,” according to a guest who shared a picture of a door.The regional health officials said they had relaxed some of the movement restrictions at the resort because none of the remaining guests had presented symptoms. Still, on Thursday evening, paper pinned on some doors designated some guest rooms as “isolation zones,” according to a guest who shared a picture of a door.
In the coastal town of Adeje, many residents brushed off concerns on Thursday that the coronavirus would spread beyond the hotel, even after British officials said that someone had tested positive for the virus after leaving the island and arriving in Britain.In the coastal town of Adeje, many residents brushed off concerns on Thursday that the coronavirus would spread beyond the hotel, even after British officials said that someone had tested positive for the virus after leaving the island and arriving in Britain.
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.
“People may be afraid, but it’s just a psychosis,” said Juan Perez Garcia, 62, a craftsman selling glass and wooden sculptures at a local market. “It is going to hurt the economy here like everywhere.”“People may be afraid, but it’s just a psychosis,” said Juan Perez Garcia, 62, a craftsman selling glass and wooden sculptures at a local market. “It is going to hurt the economy here like everywhere.”
Ms. Cruz, the health official, said at her news conference that the Canary Islands remained “safe for its visitors as much as for its residents.”Ms. Cruz, the health official, said at her news conference that the Canary Islands remained “safe for its visitors as much as for its residents.”
Some guests at the Costa Adeje Palace posted photographs of the sunny resort on social media, acknowledging that, at least for now, their situation could be worse.Some guests at the Costa Adeje Palace posted photographs of the sunny resort on social media, acknowledging that, at least for now, their situation could be worse.
“We are all still trying to make the best of it,” said Silke Bal, a 17-year-old tourist from Belgium, “and to enjoy our vacation.”“We are all still trying to make the best of it,” said Silke Bal, a 17-year-old tourist from Belgium, “and to enjoy our vacation.”