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| Heard About the Pandemic? On ‘Big Brother,’ They Hadn’t | Heard About the Pandemic? On ‘Big Brother,’ They Hadn’t |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| BERLIN — It has spread to every continent except Antarctica, brought the global economy to its knees and turned life upside down for millions of people. But, until Tuesday night, there was one lucky group of attractive, young people who knew nothing about the coronavirus pandemic. | BERLIN — It has spread to every continent except Antarctica, brought the global economy to its knees and turned life upside down for millions of people. But, until Tuesday night, there was one lucky group of attractive, young people who knew nothing about the coronavirus pandemic. |
| After weeks of being cut off from the world, the contestants of Germany’s version of “Big Brother” were told about the unfolding crisis in a midseason live show on Tuesday night. | After weeks of being cut off from the world, the contestants of Germany’s version of “Big Brother” were told about the unfolding crisis in a midseason live show on Tuesday night. |
| The TV show centers on 14 contestants confined to two adjacent houses for 100 days. They are filmed around the clock and gradually eliminated by viewer voting, with the winner taking home 100,000 euros (around $110,000). The current season began on Feb. 10, when most cases of the coronavirus were still in China. | The TV show centers on 14 contestants confined to two adjacent houses for 100 days. They are filmed around the clock and gradually eliminated by viewer voting, with the winner taking home 100,000 euros (around $110,000). The current season began on Feb. 10, when most cases of the coronavirus were still in China. |
| Speaking from behind a sheet of protective glass, “Big Brother’s” host, Jochen Schropp, explained that “a disease called Covid-19 had spread across the world” and “reached Europe.” Contestants were then shown news clips of recent events, including footage of deserted streets in Italy and Germany. Most of the contestants watched in shocked silence. Several erupted into sobs. | Speaking from behind a sheet of protective glass, “Big Brother’s” host, Jochen Schropp, explained that “a disease called Covid-19 had spread across the world” and “reached Europe.” Contestants were then shown news clips of recent events, including footage of deserted streets in Italy and Germany. Most of the contestants watched in shocked silence. Several erupted into sobs. |
| Wiping away tears, one contestant, identified as Michelle, 26, explained that because she works as a geriatric nurse, she was particularly worried about her patients. Another, who works as a bartender, expressed concern about what the virus might mean for the country’s economy. | Wiping away tears, one contestant, identified as Michelle, 26, explained that because she works as a geriatric nurse, she was particularly worried about her patients. Another, who works as a bartender, expressed concern about what the virus might mean for the country’s economy. |
| The show had gone on as usual in recent weeks, even as the pandemic upended life in Germany. On Monday night, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced sweeping measures to combat the spread of the virus, including shutting the country’s borders with France, Austria and Switzerland to noncommercial traffic, and forcing the closure of most shops. | The show had gone on as usual in recent weeks, even as the pandemic upended life in Germany. On Monday night, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced sweeping measures to combat the spread of the virus, including shutting the country’s borders with France, Austria and Switzerland to noncommercial traffic, and forcing the closure of most shops. |
| As of Tuesday afternoon, 8,009 cases have been reported in Germany, a majority in North Rhine-Westphalia, the region where “Big Brother” is filmed. | As of Tuesday afternoon, 8,009 cases have been reported in Germany, a majority in North Rhine-Westphalia, the region where “Big Brother” is filmed. |
| Now that we live in the era of “social distancing,” the contestants’ closeness has seemed like a relic from a more innocent time. In an episode that aired Monday, two contestants were made to spend a full day chained to each other, as part of a challenge set for them by the show’s producers. | Now that we live in the era of “social distancing,” the contestants’ closeness has seemed like a relic from a more innocent time. In an episode that aired Monday, two contestants were made to spend a full day chained to each other, as part of a challenge set for them by the show’s producers. |
| In another recent episode, male contestants took turns performing half-nude lap dances on a female participant. At a house party, one contestant drank sparkling wine out of another’s bellybutton. | In another recent episode, male contestants took turns performing half-nude lap dances on a female participant. At a house party, one contestant drank sparkling wine out of another’s bellybutton. |
| While conversation throughout Germany, as elsewhere, has been dominated by discussions of the virus, the contestants’ discussions have focused on more banal topics, like dating, household chores and their sexual interests. | While conversation throughout Germany, as elsewhere, has been dominated by discussions of the virus, the contestants’ discussions have focused on more banal topics, like dating, household chores and their sexual interests. |
| In an article on Thursday in the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, a spokeswoman for Sat. 1, the channel that broadcasts the show, was quoted defending the ethics of withholding information from the contestants. But the show quickly reversed course. In an email on Tuesday, Sandra Scholz, a spokeswoman in the channel’s press office, said the program’s policy had always been to inform contestants “anytime something this exceptional happens in the world.” | In an article on Thursday in the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, a spokeswoman for Sat. 1, the channel that broadcasts the show, was quoted defending the ethics of withholding information from the contestants. But the show quickly reversed course. In an email on Tuesday, Sandra Scholz, a spokeswoman in the channel’s press office, said the program’s policy had always been to inform contestants “anytime something this exceptional happens in the world.” |
| Contestants on “Big Brother” in Italy and Australia were recently told about the epidemic, and participants in Canada were informed after they noted the conspicuous absence of a studio audience during the segment of the show when contestants are eliminated. | Contestants on “Big Brother” in Italy and Australia were recently told about the epidemic, and participants in Canada were informed after they noted the conspicuous absence of a studio audience during the segment of the show when contestants are eliminated. |
| 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. |
| “Big Brother” has had to grapple with similar dilemmas about news events in the past. In 2001, the American version of the program broke the set’s news blackout to inform its cast members about the September 11 attacks. One of the contestants, Monica Bailey, had a cousin who died during the attack. | “Big Brother” has had to grapple with similar dilemmas about news events in the past. In 2001, the American version of the program broke the set’s news blackout to inform its cast members about the September 11 attacks. One of the contestants, Monica Bailey, had a cousin who died during the attack. |
| Although four new contestants entered the German show on March 9 in a surprise twist, they were barred by producers from speaking about current events. The channel’s press office said in an email that all new arrivals had been screened for the virus, and that production staff had taken enhanced protective measures in recent weeks. | Although four new contestants entered the German show on March 9 in a surprise twist, they were barred by producers from speaking about current events. The channel’s press office said in an email that all new arrivals had been screened for the virus, and that production staff had taken enhanced protective measures in recent weeks. |
| Scholz also explained that contestants would have access to a psychologist to help them cope with the news. Schropp, the host, was joined by a doctor to deliver the announcement on Tuesday night. | Scholz also explained that contestants would have access to a psychologist to help them cope with the news. Schropp, the host, was joined by a doctor to deliver the announcement on Tuesday night. |
| After an emotional question-and-answer session, the contestants were shown video messages from their loved ones, all of whom insisted they were healthy and urged the housemates not to leave the show. Gina, a bubbly contestant with bleached hair, was told by a friend that she was “not missing anything, because all the clubs and bars are closed.” | After an emotional question-and-answer session, the contestants were shown video messages from their loved ones, all of whom insisted they were healthy and urged the housemates not to leave the show. Gina, a bubbly contestant with bleached hair, was told by a friend that she was “not missing anything, because all the clubs and bars are closed.” |
| The partner of another contestant, Pat, urged him to stay in the house. It was, he added, “the best quarantine that exists.” | The partner of another contestant, Pat, urged him to stay in the house. It was, he added, “the best quarantine that exists.” |