'Europe Barricades Borders to Slow Coronavirus' diff viewer (21/22)

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Europe Barricades Borders to Slow Coronavirus	Europe Barricades Borders to Slow Coronavirus
2020-06-17 15:55:18 UTC	2020-06-23 08:00:34 UTC (6 days later)
BRUSSELS — The spiraling coronavirus epidemic tore into the fabric of Europe on Tuesday, prompting its leaders to all but wall the continent off from the rest of the world and erect barriers within it, and to throttle back or turn off the engines of ordinary life and livelihoods in hopes of slowing the deadly spread.	BRUSSELS — The spiraling coronavirus epidemic tore into the fabric of Europe on Tuesday, prompting its leaders to all but wall the continent off from the rest of the world and erect barriers within it, and to throttle back or turn off the engines of ordinary life and livelihoods in hopes of slowing the deadly spread.
The European Union banned nonessential travel from outside the bloc into 26 nations stretching from Portugal to Finland, home to more than 400 million people, for 30 days, as Europe’s leaders grudgingly, belatedly accepted that being at the heart of a global pandemic and trying to fight it will mean severe social and economic hardship.	The European Union banned nonessential travel from outside the bloc into 26 nations stretching from Portugal to Finland, home to more than 400 million people, for 30 days, as Europe’s leaders grudgingly, belatedly accepted that being at the heart of a global pandemic and trying to fight it will mean severe social and economic hardship.
The move by Brussels was just the most dramatic on a day full of evidence that European life was abruptly becoming more atomized and constrained than anything in Europe’s modern history outside wartime.	The move by Brussels was just the most dramatic on a day full of evidence that European life was abruptly becoming more atomized and constrained than anything in Europe’s modern history outside wartime.
[Analysis: Not just a crisis: Coronavirus is a test for putin’s security state.]	[Analysis: Not just a crisis: Coronavirus is a test for putin’s security state.]
Russia announced that it would bar most foreigners from entering starting Wednesday, and Britain and Germany urged their people not to travel abroad. Spain, hit by one of the worst outbreaks, closed its land borders to keep from exporting the virus, and several European countries barred travelers from there.	Russia announced that it would bar most foreigners from entering starting Wednesday, and Britain and Germany urged their people not to travel abroad. Spain, hit by one of the worst outbreaks, closed its land borders to keep from exporting the virus, and several European countries barred travelers from there.
The virus continued to chip away at the European Union’s core mission: integrating its member nations into a tightly woven whole and erasing barriers to the movement of people and goods. The number of countries re-erecting long-eliminated border checks with their neighbors rose to 12 on Tuesday, a new hitch in the flow of commerce.	The virus continued to chip away at the European Union’s core mission: integrating its member nations into a tightly woven whole and erasing barriers to the movement of people and goods. The number of countries re-erecting long-eliminated border checks with their neighbors rose to 12 on Tuesday, a new hitch in the flow of commerce.
“We have a lot of traffic jams of lorries transporting goods,” said Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, the administrative branch of the bloc. “The flow of goods has to be swift. We need these goods for the functioning of the internal market.”	“We have a lot of traffic jams of lorries transporting goods,” said Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, the administrative branch of the bloc. “The flow of goods has to be swift. We need these goods for the functioning of the internal market.”
Spain and France joined Italy in prohibiting residents from leaving their homes except for necessities. Belgium announced that it would do so beginning on Wednesday, in addition to banning outbound flights for at least two weeks.	Spain and France joined Italy in prohibiting residents from leaving their homes except for necessities. Belgium announced that it would do so beginning on Wednesday, in addition to banning outbound flights for at least two weeks.
Parisians fled for the countryside in droves on Tuesday morning ahead of the noon start of the French lockdown, and the interior minister, Christophe Castaner, warned that people would face fines of $42 to $150 for acts as simple as stopping on a sidewalk to chat with friends.	Parisians fled for the countryside in droves on Tuesday morning ahead of the noon start of the French lockdown, and the interior minister, Christophe Castaner, warned that people would face fines of $42 to $150 for acts as simple as stopping on a sidewalk to chat with friends.
“Staying at home today and in the coming days means saving lives,” Mr. Castaner said at a news conference. “Behind each handshake, each kiss, each group meeting, there are more victims, there are more deaths.”	“Staying at home today and in the coming days means saving lives,” Mr. Castaner said at a news conference. “Behind each handshake, each kiss, each group meeting, there are more victims, there are more deaths.”
Ukraine banned public gatherings, ordered businesses closed and shut down airline, train, bus and subway services. After the Orthodox Church in Greece refused to halt services voluntarily, the government — having already shut down schools, bars, restaurants and beaches — ordered it to stop. It also told most stores to stay closed starting Wednesday.	Ukraine banned public gatherings, ordered businesses closed and shut down airline, train, bus and subway services. After the Orthodox Church in Greece refused to halt services voluntarily, the government — having already shut down schools, bars, restaurants and beaches — ordered it to stop. It also told most stores to stay closed starting Wednesday.
“The protection of public health requires clear decisions,” said Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek prime minister.	“The protection of public health requires clear decisions,” said Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek prime minister.
Even in countries like Britain, where avoiding public gatherings remains government advice, not a dictate, there was a realization that it could cost people their jobs, their wages, their businesses, even their homes.	Even in countries like Britain, where avoiding public gatherings remains government advice, not a dictate, there was a realization that it could cost people their jobs, their wages, their businesses, even their homes.
Laboratory-confirmed coronavirus infections in Europe, which are climbing by more than 9,000 per day, passed 70,000 on Tuesday, with more than 3,300 deaths, and experts warned that many other cases have not been detected yet.	Laboratory-confirmed coronavirus infections in Europe, which are climbing by more than 9,000 per day, passed 70,000 on Tuesday, with more than 3,300 deaths, and experts warned that many other cases have not been detected yet.
In Spain, the regional governments of the Balearic and Canary island chains, whose economic lifeblood is tourism, pleaded with Madrid to halt flights to them, and the leader of the Balearics, Francina Armengol, urged about 25,000 tourists there to take the first flights home.	In Spain, the regional governments of the Balearic and Canary island chains, whose economic lifeblood is tourism, pleaded with Madrid to halt flights to them, and the leader of the Balearics, Francina Armengol, urged about 25,000 tourists there to take the first flights home.
National leaders promised extraordinary interventions in economies that seemed to be careening into recession, in the harshest test of governments’ ability to keep things afloat since the 2008 financial crisis, if not much longer.	National leaders promised extraordinary interventions in economies that seemed to be careening into recession, in the harshest test of governments’ ability to keep things afloat since the 2008 financial crisis, if not much longer.
Bruno Le Maire, France’s economy and finance minister, said the government would not hesitate to buy big stakes in major companies, or even nationalize them, if that is needed to keep them from collapsing. He announced a financial relief package worth about $50 billion, and more than $300 billion in loans for businesses.	Bruno Le Maire, France’s economy and finance minister, said the government would not hesitate to buy big stakes in major companies, or even nationalize them, if that is needed to keep them from collapsing. He announced a financial relief package worth about $50 billion, and more than $300 billion in loans for businesses.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, whose government has already nationalized private hospitals in response to the crisis, proposed an extraordinary $220 billion rescue package for individuals and businesses. That is equivalent to about 16 percent of the country’s economy.	Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, whose government has already nationalized private hospitals in response to the crisis, proposed an extraordinary $220 billion rescue package for individuals and businesses. That is equivalent to about 16 percent of the country’s economy.
The European Union was considering ditching its notoriously stringent fiscal rules that impose hard limits on member governments’ deficits.	The European Union was considering ditching its notoriously stringent fiscal rules that impose hard limits on member governments’ deficits.
Italy, by far the hardest-hit country in Europe, reported on Tuesday that it had confirmed more than 31,500 coronavirus infections and 2,500 deaths, figures exceeded only by China. Spain topped 11,000 cases, France and Germany each rose past 7,000, and two small countries, Switzerland and Norway, reported infection rates that, relative to their populations, were even higher.	Italy, by far the hardest-hit country in Europe, reported on Tuesday that it had confirmed more than 31,500 coronavirus infections and 2,500 deaths, figures exceeded only by China. Spain topped 11,000 cases, France and Germany each rose past 7,000, and two small countries, Switzerland and Norway, reported infection rates that, relative to their populations, were even higher.
The death of Spain’s youngest victim, Francisco García, 21, a soccer coach from Málaga, struck a particular chord around the country. He had recently gone to a hospital with what initially seemed to be pneumonia, according to local media reports, and doctors found that he had both the coronavirus and previously undiagnosed leukemia. He died on Sunday.	The death of Spain’s youngest victim, Francisco García, 21, a soccer coach from Málaga, struck a particular chord around the country. He had recently gone to a hospital with what initially seemed to be pneumonia, according to local media reports, and doctors found that he had both the coronavirus and previously undiagnosed leukemia. He died on Sunday.
Leaders of the European Union countries, after meeting by teleconference for three hours on Tuesday, agreed to the ban on most visitors from outside the region, setting out on a long stretch of isolation unlike anything in recent European history.	Leaders of the European Union countries, after meeting by teleconference for three hours on Tuesday, agreed to the ban on most visitors from outside the region, setting out on a long stretch of isolation unlike anything in recent European history.
Exceptions will be made for European citizens and residents coming home, although some countries were asking them to self-isolate for two weeks, in some cases away from their families. Medical professionals and scientists will also be exempt.	Exceptions will be made for European citizens and residents coming home, although some countries were asking them to self-isolate for two weeks, in some cases away from their families. Medical professionals and scientists will also be exempt.
European leaders had hoped that Britain, which left the bloc in January, would participate in the action, but it did not. As a result, Ireland, a European Union member that has a passport-free travel agreement with Britain, was not covered by the policy.	European leaders had hoped that Britain, which left the bloc in January, would participate in the action, but it did not. As a result, Ireland, a European Union member that has a passport-free travel agreement with Britain, was not covered by the policy.
“The U.K. is not planning on implementing external border restrictions,” Ms. von der Leyen said, “and of course, this then goes for Ireland too.”	“The U.K. is not planning on implementing external border restrictions,” Ms. von der Leyen said, “and of course, this then goes for Ireland too.”
The travel limits agreed to Tuesday were the first major coordinated response to the coronavirus epidemic by the European Union, the world’s wealthiest and most integrated club of countries. Until now, governments have pursued widely differing measures to slow down the virus at home, at times blaming one another for its spread.	The travel limits agreed to Tuesday were the first major coordinated response to the coronavirus epidemic by the European Union, the world’s wealthiest and most integrated club of countries. Until now, governments have pursued widely differing measures to slow down the virus at home, at times blaming one another for its spread.
The European move puts additional pressure on the British government which has come under some criticism for taking a more lax approach to the crisis than many of its neighbors.	The European move puts additional pressure on the British government which has come under some criticism for taking a more lax approach to the crisis than many of its neighbors.
London began toughening its tactics on Monday, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson told people to keep their distance from one another and to stay away from public gathering places — though the measures are voluntary and schools remain open. On Tuesday, Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, advised British citizens against all nonessential travel worldwide for an initial period of 30 days.	London began toughening its tactics on Monday, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson told people to keep their distance from one another and to stay away from public gathering places — though the measures are voluntary and schools remain open. On Tuesday, Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, advised British citizens against all nonessential travel worldwide for an initial period of 30 days.
Much of the European Union was initially resistant to curbing travel. But formalizing continentwide restrictions became necessary, European officials said, as major countries like the United States advised their citizens to avoid Europe, and as European countries told their own citizens to avoid neighboring nations.	Much of the European Union was initially resistant to curbing travel. But formalizing continentwide restrictions became necessary, European officials said, as major countries like the United States advised their citizens to avoid Europe, and as European countries told their own citizens to avoid neighboring nations.
~~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.