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| E.U. Seeks Solidarity as Nations Restrict Medical Exports | E.U. Seeks Solidarity as Nations Restrict Medical Exports |
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| Top European Union officials called on Friday for solidarity among member countries in the face of the coronavirus, responding to moves by some nations to restrict exports on equipment that could be used to combat the outbreak. | Top European Union officials called on Friday for solidarity among member countries in the face of the coronavirus, responding to moves by some nations to restrict exports on equipment that could be used to combat the outbreak. |
| France, Germany and other countries have imposed limits on the export of protective medical equipment, some of which is badly needed but in short supply. Janez Lenarcic, the bloc’s top official for crisis management, said such bans were permitted under European treaties but hinted at a desire to have them removed. | France, Germany and other countries have imposed limits on the export of protective medical equipment, some of which is badly needed but in short supply. Janez Lenarcic, the bloc’s top official for crisis management, said such bans were permitted under European treaties but hinted at a desire to have them removed. |
| Member states should make sure that protective equipment is available across Europe, he said. Stella Kyriakides, the European Union health commissioner, put it in simple terms: “Solidarity is key.” | Member states should make sure that protective equipment is available across Europe, he said. Stella Kyriakides, the European Union health commissioner, put it in simple terms: “Solidarity is key.” |
| Maggie De Block, Belgium’s health minister, said on Friday that European Union countries had to be “united” in the distribution of protective face masks. | Maggie De Block, Belgium’s health minister, said on Friday that European Union countries had to be “united” in the distribution of protective face masks. |
| “Blocking exports between member states is not in the spirit of the European Union,” Ms. De Block said on Twitter, referring to the decision made by Germany and the Czech Republic to ban the export of certain types of protective gear. | “Blocking exports between member states is not in the spirit of the European Union,” Ms. De Block said on Twitter, referring to the decision made by Germany and the Czech Republic to ban the export of certain types of protective gear. |
| But after a news conference in Brussels, there was little indication that any country was planning to lift its export controls. | But after a news conference in Brussels, there was little indication that any country was planning to lift its export controls. |
| Although Ms. De Block did not refer to France, which has requisitioned all current and future stocks of some types of protective face masks, France’s health minister was asked about her comments after a special meeting of E.U. health ministers in Brussels on Friday. | Although Ms. De Block did not refer to France, which has requisitioned all current and future stocks of some types of protective face masks, France’s health minister was asked about her comments after a special meeting of E.U. health ministers in Brussels on Friday. |
| Olivier Véran, the French health minister, said that France had made the decision “not with protectionism in mind, but to enable us to have the largest, most complete view of the material that we have.” | Olivier Véran, the French health minister, said that France had made the decision “not with protectionism in mind, but to enable us to have the largest, most complete view of the material that we have.” |
| Mr. Véran said there had been a “multiplication” of cases of price gouging and secondary market reselling and that France had acted “in Europe’s interest” by doing an inventory of its mask production and storage capacities. But Mr. Véran did not give a clear answer when asked if France intended to immediately send masks to other European countries like Italy, saying only that the E.U. had to assess the needs of all its members and that France was currently “correlating” its current “capacities” with the needs of its population. | Mr. Véran said there had been a “multiplication” of cases of price gouging and secondary market reselling and that France had acted “in Europe’s interest” by doing an inventory of its mask production and storage capacities. But Mr. Véran did not give a clear answer when asked if France intended to immediately send masks to other European countries like Italy, saying only that the E.U. had to assess the needs of all its members and that France was currently “correlating” its current “capacities” with the needs of its population. |
| “Everyone needs to do this preparatory work so that we can then have a concerted European vision,” Mr. Véran said. “But believe me, France will not be exempt of its duty and of its drive for solidarity.” | “Everyone needs to do this preparatory work so that we can then have a concerted European vision,” Mr. Véran said. “But believe me, France will not be exempt of its duty and of its drive for solidarity.” |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| On Thursday, the German authorities issued a decree banning export of protective clothing and other medical gear such as gloves and masks. Such products could only be sold abroad in narrowly defined circumstances, such as an international aid effort, the order said. A government crisis team also established a centralized system for allocating scarce protective equipment to doctors, hospitals and federal authorities. | On Thursday, the German authorities issued a decree banning export of protective clothing and other medical gear such as gloves and masks. Such products could only be sold abroad in narrowly defined circumstances, such as an international aid effort, the order said. A government crisis team also established a centralized system for allocating scarce protective equipment to doctors, hospitals and federal authorities. |
| Outside the European Union, Turkey and Russia have put in restrictions too. | Outside the European Union, Turkey and Russia have put in restrictions too. |
| In Turkey, Ruhsar Pekcan, the trade minister, said that masks, goggles and sterile gloves would be subject to export controls after surges in sales over the past two months. “As it is likely that the outbreak will be seen in our country, we decided to subject protective gear exports to prior authorization to manage domestic demand,” said Ms. Pekcan, according to reports by state media. Companies looking to export protective gowns and other equipment will now have to seek permission from the government. | In Turkey, Ruhsar Pekcan, the trade minister, said that masks, goggles and sterile gloves would be subject to export controls after surges in sales over the past two months. “As it is likely that the outbreak will be seen in our country, we decided to subject protective gear exports to prior authorization to manage domestic demand,” said Ms. Pekcan, according to reports by state media. Companies looking to export protective gowns and other equipment will now have to seek permission from the government. |
| Russia’s prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, signed on March 2 an order prohibiting the export of some medical supplies. The order, in effect until June 1, bans exports of medical masks, gloves and goggles, biohazard suits, medical robes, antiviral medicines, gauze and some other products. The ban doesn’t cover items travelers carry for personal use or state humanitarian aid shipments. Denis Manturov, the head of the Ministry for Industry and Trade, said that it was necessary to prevent “speculators” exporting goods overseas. | Russia’s prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, signed on March 2 an order prohibiting the export of some medical supplies. The order, in effect until June 1, bans exports of medical masks, gloves and goggles, biohazard suits, medical robes, antiviral medicines, gauze and some other products. The ban doesn’t cover items travelers carry for personal use or state humanitarian aid shipments. Denis Manturov, the head of the Ministry for Industry and Trade, said that it was necessary to prevent “speculators” exporting goods overseas. |
| The outbreak is also being felt in other ways: The European Union Parliament occasionally holds proceedings in Strasbourg, France, rather than Brussels, but officials said it would remain in Belgium next week. | The outbreak is also being felt in other ways: The European Union Parliament occasionally holds proceedings in Strasbourg, France, rather than Brussels, but officials said it would remain in Belgium next week. |
| Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region, which has been categorized as a coronavirus cluster. The Parliament’s trips across the border, the result of a longstanding compromise on where it should be sited, are a favorite target of the European Union’s critics, who describe them as a waste of time, money and resources. | Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region, which has been categorized as a coronavirus cluster. The Parliament’s trips across the border, the result of a longstanding compromise on where it should be sited, are a favorite target of the European Union’s critics, who describe them as a waste of time, money and resources. |
| Reporting was contributed by Monika Pronczuk, Aurelien Breeden, Michael Wolgelenter, Jack Ewing and Andrew E. Kramerc. | Reporting was contributed by Monika Pronczuk, Aurelien Breeden, Michael Wolgelenter, Jack Ewing and Andrew E. Kramerc. |