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Unexplained Coronavirus Transmission in Florida Prompts Worries of More Cases Unexplained Coronavirus Transmission in Florida Prompts Worries of More Cases
(about 4 hours later)
MIAMI — A Florida man with no known connections to the global coronavirus outbreak has tested positive for the virus, suggesting the possibility of a wider community outbreak in Florida, the authorities said on Monday.MIAMI — A Florida man with no known connections to the global coronavirus outbreak has tested positive for the virus, suggesting the possibility of a wider community outbreak in Florida, the authorities said on Monday.
The man, who is in his 60s and lives on the Gulf Coast in Manatee County, had not traveled to any country affected by the recent outbreaks and had no known contact with anyone who did, said Dr. Scott Rivkees, the Florida surgeon general.The man, who is in his 60s and lives on the Gulf Coast in Manatee County, had not traveled to any country affected by the recent outbreaks and had no known contact with anyone who did, said Dr. Scott Rivkees, the Florida surgeon general.
The man is hospitalized and stable and has been evaluated for pneumonia, Dr. Rivkees said.The man is hospitalized and stable and has been evaluated for pneumonia, Dr. Rivkees said.
Florida declared a public health emergency late on Sunday after the man and another person tested positive for the virus over the weekend. The other patient is a woman in her 20s in Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa.Florida declared a public health emergency late on Sunday after the man and another person tested positive for the virus over the weekend. The other patient is a woman in her 20s in Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa.
Her case can be more easily explained: She recently returned from northern Italy, which has identified more than 1,600 coronavirus cases, Dr. Rivkees said. She is in isolation at home.Her case can be more easily explained: She recently returned from northern Italy, which has identified more than 1,600 coronavirus cases, Dr. Rivkees said. She is in isolation at home.
“We do anticipate to see more positive cases in the state of Florida,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a Miami news conference.“We do anticipate to see more positive cases in the state of Florida,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a Miami news conference.
The authorities in Washington State, where five people have died, are scrambling to trace possible patient contacts amid an outbreak that appeared to be centered around a nursing home in the city of Kirkland.The authorities in Washington State, where five people have died, are scrambling to trace possible patient contacts amid an outbreak that appeared to be centered around a nursing home in the city of Kirkland.
New York, Rhode Island and Georgia were among other states reporting new cases, bringing the national total by Monday to 103.New York, Rhode Island and Georgia were among other states reporting new cases, bringing the national total by Monday to 103.
Florida could be especially vulnerable to a coronavirus outbreak, both because of the large number of international travelers who visit during the winter months and because of the state’s large population of retirees. Given that the virus tends to be worse for older people, Mr. DeSantis said his administration was coordinating with assisted living facilities and nursing homes to make sure they were prepared.Florida could be especially vulnerable to a coronavirus outbreak, both because of the large number of international travelers who visit during the winter months and because of the state’s large population of retirees. Given that the virus tends to be worse for older people, Mr. DeSantis said his administration was coordinating with assisted living facilities and nursing homes to make sure they were prepared.
“You absolutely need to take proper precautions about who’s being allowed in those facilities,” he said. His administration has also reached out to colleges and universities, asking students to stay out of class if they have traveled abroad for spring break to any of the affected countries.“You absolutely need to take proper precautions about who’s being allowed in those facilities,” he said. His administration has also reached out to colleges and universities, asking students to stay out of class if they have traveled abroad for spring break to any of the affected countries.
“The risk to the general public is low,” Dr. Rivkees said. “Please go about your regular business.”“The risk to the general public is low,” Dr. Rivkees said. “Please go about your regular business.”
He urged people to stay home if they are sick, cough into their elbows and frequently wash their hands. People returning from countries where there is an outbreak should isolate themselves for two weeks upon their return, Dr. Rivkees said. If those people develop symptoms while at home, he said, they should call their county health department or medical provider to seek guidance on how to proceed.He urged people to stay home if they are sick, cough into their elbows and frequently wash their hands. People returning from countries where there is an outbreak should isolate themselves for two weeks upon their return, Dr. Rivkees said. If those people develop symptoms while at home, he said, they should call their county health department or medical provider to seek guidance on how to proceed.
The man infected with the virus in Manatee County was hospitalized for five days before he was tested, Dr. Rivkees said. He had underlying medical conditions, the governor said.The man infected with the virus in Manatee County was hospitalized for five days before he was tested, Dr. Rivkees said. He had underlying medical conditions, the governor said.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
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.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.
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.)
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.
Medical workers who were in contact with the man have been asked to isolate themselves, Mr. DeSantis said. He added that the state is looking into waiving rules to allow out-of-state doctors and nurses to work in Florida temporarily if private hospitals experience shortages of health care workers.Medical workers who were in contact with the man have been asked to isolate themselves, Mr. DeSantis said. He added that the state is looking into waiving rules to allow out-of-state doctors and nurses to work in Florida temporarily if private hospitals experience shortages of health care workers.
The governor spent part of the day touring public health labs in Miami and Tampa that are conducting coronavirus testing. There is a third lab in Jacksonville. The facilities can turn around results in 24 to 48 hours. Patients do not have to pay for the tests.The governor spent part of the day touring public health labs in Miami and Tampa that are conducting coronavirus testing. There is a third lab in Jacksonville. The facilities can turn around results in 24 to 48 hours. Patients do not have to pay for the tests.
So far, the state has tested 23 people for the new coronavirus. The two positive results, which were first obtained by state labs, were confirmed on Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.So far, the state has tested 23 people for the new coronavirus. The two positive results, which were first obtained by state labs, were confirmed on Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
The test result for the patient in Manatee County came back on Saturday night, Dr. Rivkees said. He did not explain why the state did not publicize the result until late on Sunday, adding only that public health officials were following protocol by sending the results to the C.D.C. and doing the necessary detective work to find individuals whom the man might have exposed to the virus. The Tampa-area patient’s sister, who lives in California but was in recent contact with her, is also in isolation, the governor said.The test result for the patient in Manatee County came back on Saturday night, Dr. Rivkees said. He did not explain why the state did not publicize the result until late on Sunday, adding only that public health officials were following protocol by sending the results to the C.D.C. and doing the necessary detective work to find individuals whom the man might have exposed to the virus. The Tampa-area patient’s sister, who lives in California but was in recent contact with her, is also in isolation, the governor said.
Florida is currently monitoring 184 people who may have been exposed. Since late January, the state has monitored 795 people, according to Mr. DeSantis. But some, including the infected man in Manatee County, could not be tested until the C.D.C. broadened testing rules late last week and the state began using proper testing kits on Saturday.Florida is currently monitoring 184 people who may have been exposed. Since late January, the state has monitored 795 people, according to Mr. DeSantis. But some, including the infected man in Manatee County, could not be tested until the C.D.C. broadened testing rules late last week and the state began using proper testing kits on Saturday.
Among those quarantined at home as a precautionary measure are a woman and her child in the Sarasota area. The woman came into contact with one of the infected patients in her job at Doctors Hospital in Sarasota. Sarasota Military Academy, a public charter middle and high school where the woman’s child is a student, disclosed the exposure on Facebook, adding that neither the woman nor her child had any symptoms.Among those quarantined at home as a precautionary measure are a woman and her child in the Sarasota area. The woman came into contact with one of the infected patients in her job at Doctors Hospital in Sarasota. Sarasota Military Academy, a public charter middle and high school where the woman’s child is a student, disclosed the exposure on Facebook, adding that neither the woman nor her child had any symptoms.
Christine Bowman, the executive director of schools at the academy, said the quarantine was expected to last nine days. The school plans to continue to disinfect classrooms and common areas as it has done previously during flu season.Christine Bowman, the executive director of schools at the academy, said the quarantine was expected to last nine days. The school plans to continue to disinfect classrooms and common areas as it has done previously during flu season.