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Trump’s Travel Ban Leaves Americans in Europe Scrambling to Get Home Trump’s Travel Ban Leaves Americans in Europe Scrambling to Get Home
(7 days later)
Across Europe on Thursday, Americans scrambled to make sense of conflicting messages from Washington about if and when they would be allowed to return to the United States.Across Europe on Thursday, Americans scrambled to make sense of conflicting messages from Washington about if and when they would be allowed to return to the United States.
They awoke to the news that President Trump had announced a 30-day suspension of most travel from Europe in a bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus.They awoke to the news that President Trump had announced a 30-day suspension of most travel from Europe in a bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
“To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days,” Mr. Trump said. The travel restrictions would start at midnight Friday, he added.“To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days,” Mr. Trump said. The travel restrictions would start at midnight Friday, he added.
[Read: Italy’s coronavirus victims face death alone, with funerals postponed.][Read: Italy’s coronavirus victims face death alone, with funerals postponed.]
Alex Sarnow of San Diego was one of many Americans alerted by family members in the early morning. “My phone started buzzing and ringing off the hook at 3 a.m.,” said Mr. Sarnow, who was vacationing with his wife in Malta.Alex Sarnow of San Diego was one of many Americans alerted by family members in the early morning. “My phone started buzzing and ringing off the hook at 3 a.m.,” said Mr. Sarnow, who was vacationing with his wife in Malta.
“The whole world changed for me in the middle of the night,” said Ivan Lingvay of Orlando, Fla., who awoke in Prague to similar alerts.“The whole world changed for me in the middle of the night,” said Ivan Lingvay of Orlando, Fla., who awoke in Prague to similar alerts.
But as the bleary-eyed Americans began to find out what it would take to get home quickly, a new, contradictory series of texts began to pop up: The Department of Homeland Security released a statement that seemed to say that American citizens and permanent legal residents, and their families, were exempt from the restrictions.But as the bleary-eyed Americans began to find out what it would take to get home quickly, a new, contradictory series of texts began to pop up: The Department of Homeland Security released a statement that seemed to say that American citizens and permanent legal residents, and their families, were exempt from the restrictions.
The quest for clarity to figure out how to meet a deadline that might or might not be real proved infuriating, many said. One main issue was that it was unclear who could definitively interpret the restrictions.The quest for clarity to figure out how to meet a deadline that might or might not be real proved infuriating, many said. One main issue was that it was unclear who could definitively interpret the restrictions.
Did they have to be in the United States by midnight or on a flight by midnight? Did the Department of Homeland Security statement overrule the president? Might not the president overrule the agency in a tweet? What was the meaning of vague language noting that American citizens could be funneled to certain airports for enhanced screening?Did they have to be in the United States by midnight or on a flight by midnight? Did the Department of Homeland Security statement overrule the president? Might not the president overrule the agency in a tweet? What was the meaning of vague language noting that American citizens could be funneled to certain airports for enhanced screening?
“I’d like to know what airports those are,” said Matthias Suuck, a resident of Colorado Springs who was vacationing in Münster, Germany, with his 7-year-old daughter.“I’d like to know what airports those are,” said Matthias Suuck, a resident of Colorado Springs who was vacationing in Münster, Germany, with his 7-year-old daughter.
David Barreres, of Toms River, N.J., was visiting Spain with his wife. He said he had called his travel agent, airline and the U.S. Embassy but was unable to get anyone to offer clarity.David Barreres, of Toms River, N.J., was visiting Spain with his wife. He said he had called his travel agent, airline and the U.S. Embassy but was unable to get anyone to offer clarity.
“So here we are stressing out at 4 a.m. Spanish time, not knowing if we’ll be stuck here for a month, and our kids are home in the U.S. with their grandmother,” he said. On Thursday morning, he went to the U.S. Consulate in Valencia seeking answers, only to be told that employees there had also felt blindsided.“So here we are stressing out at 4 a.m. Spanish time, not knowing if we’ll be stuck here for a month, and our kids are home in the U.S. with their grandmother,” he said. On Thursday morning, he went to the U.S. Consulate in Valencia seeking answers, only to be told that employees there had also felt blindsided.
The only clarity he got there was that U.S. citizens would be able to return, though it was not clear when or how. “Not very reassuring,” he said.The only clarity he got there was that U.S. citizens would be able to return, though it was not clear when or how. “Not very reassuring,” he said.
Those who called the airlines to move up their departure or rushed to the airport found that flight operators were overwhelmed.Those who called the airlines to move up their departure or rushed to the airport found that flight operators were overwhelmed.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
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.
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.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.
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.
“It’s total chaos,” Mr. Suuck said. “The airlines have zero time to prepare and hardly have any real information.”“It’s total chaos,” Mr. Suuck said. “The airlines have zero time to prepare and hardly have any real information.”
After doing some research, he decided to stick with his original departure for next week.After doing some research, he decided to stick with his original departure for next week.
Some business travelers were left facing logistical puzzles that could enhance the pandemic’s toll on operations.Some business travelers were left facing logistical puzzles that could enhance the pandemic’s toll on operations.
Piet Holten, the president of The Pactics Group, which produces microfiber products, said he was already en route from Asia to Amsterdam via Dubai when he heard about the restrictions. He was supposed to fly to Seattle from Amsterdam on Tuesday, but decided he would try to fly directly from Dubai instead, avoiding Europe entirely. He is not an American citizen, meaning he would be unable to make his meetings in the United States otherwise.Piet Holten, the president of The Pactics Group, which produces microfiber products, said he was already en route from Asia to Amsterdam via Dubai when he heard about the restrictions. He was supposed to fly to Seattle from Amsterdam on Tuesday, but decided he would try to fly directly from Dubai instead, avoiding Europe entirely. He is not an American citizen, meaning he would be unable to make his meetings in the United States otherwise.
Some American travelers, fearful of being separated from family, of getting fired from jobs, or of running out of money rushed to buy new tickets.Some American travelers, fearful of being separated from family, of getting fired from jobs, or of running out of money rushed to buy new tickets.
Brian Kim already had a return flight to New York booked for Friday night, but he bought a new ticket thinking that the restrictions went into effect Thursday night or Friday morning.Brian Kim already had a return flight to New York booked for Friday night, but he bought a new ticket thinking that the restrictions went into effect Thursday night or Friday morning.
Parker Lunn of Orlando also chose the cautious route. He said that he had a flight from Budapest scheduled for Monday and that, as a recent college graduate, putting an extra $1,500 on his credit card did not feel quite right. But he was also planning to move to Seattle to start a new job at the beginning of April, and was not certain that the offer would hold if he were stuck in Europe for a month.Parker Lunn of Orlando also chose the cautious route. He said that he had a flight from Budapest scheduled for Monday and that, as a recent college graduate, putting an extra $1,500 on his credit card did not feel quite right. But he was also planning to move to Seattle to start a new job at the beginning of April, and was not certain that the offer would hold if he were stuck in Europe for a month.
“Even if we’re technically allowed back, I assumed flights into the country would be really hard to come by,” he said. “I wanted to get back before anything else worse happened.”“Even if we’re technically allowed back, I assumed flights into the country would be really hard to come by,” he said. “I wanted to get back before anything else worse happened.”
Tiffany May and Alexandra Stevenson contributed reporting.Tiffany May and Alexandra Stevenson contributed reporting.