This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/world/europe/boris-johnson-coronavirus.html

The article has changed 32 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 10 Version 11
Boris Johnson Contracts Coronavirus, Rattling Top Ranks of U.K. Government Boris Johnson Contracts Coronavirus, Rattling Top Ranks of U.K. Government
(3 days later)
LONDON — For weeks, Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain was a defiant holdout among Western leaders in refusing to lock down his country against the spread of the coronavirus. On Friday, he became the first of those leaders known to have contracted the disease.LONDON — For weeks, Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain was a defiant holdout among Western leaders in refusing to lock down his country against the spread of the coronavirus. On Friday, he became the first of those leaders known to have contracted the disease.
Mr. Johnson’s diagnosis, confirmed in a test on Thursday, threatened to throw an already rattled British government into turmoil. Fears of a wider contagion grew, as two other senior officials disclosed that they, too, were infected.Mr. Johnson’s diagnosis, confirmed in a test on Thursday, threatened to throw an already rattled British government into turmoil. Fears of a wider contagion grew, as two other senior officials disclosed that they, too, were infected.
And with the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, saying this week that he had fallen ill with the virus, Britain faced the alarming prospect of having to confront its greatest crisis since World War II with several of its leading figures in quarantine.And with the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, saying this week that he had fallen ill with the virus, Britain faced the alarming prospect of having to confront its greatest crisis since World War II with several of its leading figures in quarantine.
Mr. Johnson, 55, insisted he would not relinquish his duties. In a remarkable two-minute video posted on Twitter, he used his own case as a sort of teachable moment for the country, appealing to people to work from home and comply with the more drastic social distancing measures he put in place Monday.Mr. Johnson, 55, insisted he would not relinquish his duties. In a remarkable two-minute video posted on Twitter, he used his own case as a sort of teachable moment for the country, appealing to people to work from home and comply with the more drastic social distancing measures he put in place Monday.
“I’ve developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus,” said Mr. Johnson, looking wan and speaking with a rasp in his voice. “Be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fightback against coronavirus.”“I’ve developed mild symptoms of the coronavirus,” said Mr. Johnson, looking wan and speaking with a rasp in his voice. “Be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology, to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fightback against coronavirus.”
But a critical member of his cabinet, Matt Hancock, the health secretary, also tested positive, meaning that the two people most directly responsible for dealing with the virus are now afflicted with it.But a critical member of his cabinet, Matt Hancock, the health secretary, also tested positive, meaning that the two people most directly responsible for dealing with the virus are now afflicted with it.
The government’s chief medical adviser, Chris Whitty, also reported symptoms of the virus and said he was isolating himself. There are fears that other officials who have been in meetings with Mr. Johnson could also have been exposed.The government’s chief medical adviser, Chris Whitty, also reported symptoms of the virus and said he was isolating himself. There are fears that other officials who have been in meetings with Mr. Johnson could also have been exposed.
If Mr. Johnson becomes incapacitated, his duties would be taken over by the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, who has tested negative for the virus. It is a head-spinning turn of events for a government that, just two weeks ago, was brimming with confidence after a landslide election victory in December.If Mr. Johnson becomes incapacitated, his duties would be taken over by the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, who has tested negative for the virus. It is a head-spinning turn of events for a government that, just two weeks ago, was brimming with confidence after a landslide election victory in December.
[Analysis: Coronavirus puts to the fore an improbable U.K. leader: Dominic Raab.][Analysis: Coronavirus puts to the fore an improbable U.K. leader: Dominic Raab.]
Other world leaders, including Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, have put themselves in isolation as a precaution in recent days. But no Western country has seen the virus threaten its entire political establishment as swiftly as Britain has in the last week.Other world leaders, including Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, have put themselves in isolation as a precaution in recent days. But no Western country has seen the virus threaten its entire political establishment as swiftly as Britain has in the last week.
It was only Wednesday that Buckingham Palace gave the stunning news about Prince Charles, the 71-year-old eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II. He met with Mr. Johnson on March 11 and with his 93-year-old mother on March 12, a day before he might have been infectious, according to medical advisers.It was only Wednesday that Buckingham Palace gave the stunning news about Prince Charles, the 71-year-old eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II. He met with Mr. Johnson on March 11 and with his 93-year-old mother on March 12, a day before he might have been infectious, according to medical advisers.
Mr. Johnson got well wishes from one political ally, President Trump. The two men spoke by phone on Friday, according to Downing Street, and Mr. Trump wished the prime minister a “speedy recovery.”Mr. Johnson got well wishes from one political ally, President Trump. The two men spoke by phone on Friday, according to Downing Street, and Mr. Trump wished the prime minister a “speedy recovery.”
Until this week, Mr. Johnson had taken a decidedly more nonchalant approach to the virus than other European leaders. At a news conference in early March, he described visiting a hospital where he said there were coronavirus patients.Until this week, Mr. Johnson had taken a decidedly more nonchalant approach to the virus than other European leaders. At a news conference in early March, he described visiting a hospital where he said there were coronavirus patients.
“I shook hands with everybody, you’ll be pleased to know,” he said, “and I continue to shake hands.”“I shook hands with everybody, you’ll be pleased to know,” he said, “and I continue to shake hands.”
Later, the prime minister balked at forcing pubs and restaurants to close their doors, even as he asked people to stop congregating in them, and he left open schools after France and Germany closed theirs.Later, the prime minister balked at forcing pubs and restaurants to close their doors, even as he asked people to stop congregating in them, and he left open schools after France and Germany closed theirs.
Mr. Johnson insisted he was guided by his scientific and medical advisers, and by a strategy, grounded in behavioral science, that the government needed to roll out restrictive social distancing measures gradually and in the proper sequence to ensure that the public would comply with them.Mr. Johnson insisted he was guided by his scientific and medical advisers, and by a strategy, grounded in behavioral science, that the government needed to roll out restrictive social distancing measures gradually and in the proper sequence to ensure that the public would comply with them.
Government officials further rattled the public by openly discussing the merits of “herd immunity,” with some briefings appearing to suggest that the virus would be allowed to pass through the population so that a large percentage would develop natural immunity, making them more resilient in the face of a second outbreak.Government officials further rattled the public by openly discussing the merits of “herd immunity,” with some briefings appearing to suggest that the virus would be allowed to pass through the population so that a large percentage would develop natural immunity, making them more resilient in the face of a second outbreak.
As the number of cases began to spike, outside experts warned that the country risked the same fate as Italy, where an explosion in the number of patients overwhelmed the health system. An influential report by Imperial College London warned that the death toll could be as high as 250,000.As the number of cases began to spike, outside experts warned that the country risked the same fate as Italy, where an explosion in the number of patients overwhelmed the health system. An influential report by Imperial College London warned that the death toll could be as high as 250,000.
Shaken by that projection, Mr. Johnson decided to change course last weekend. On Monday, he banned public meetings of more than two people and urged people to stay in their houses, except for trips for food, medicine, exercise and work, if their employers did not allow them to work from home.Shaken by that projection, Mr. Johnson decided to change course last weekend. On Monday, he banned public meetings of more than two people and urged people to stay in their houses, except for trips for food, medicine, exercise and work, if their employers did not allow them to work from home.
On Friday, the country reported a death toll of 759, a one-day jump of 181 people.On Friday, the country reported a death toll of 759, a one-day jump of 181 people.
In the last week, Mr. Johnson has emerged as a cheerful evangelist for social distancing, exhorting Britons to unite in a national campaign that carries distinct echoes of Britain’s stoic response to the Blitz during World War II.In the last week, Mr. Johnson has emerged as a cheerful evangelist for social distancing, exhorting Britons to unite in a national campaign that carries distinct echoes of Britain’s stoic response to the Blitz during World War II.
In just two days, more than 600,000 people signed up as volunteers to help the National Health Service and 1.5 million elderly and vulnerable people, whom the government has urged to quarantine themselves for 12 weeks. On Thursday evening, tens of thousands of Britons stood on balconies or at open windows, clapping for the nation’s doctors and nurses.In just two days, more than 600,000 people signed up as volunteers to help the National Health Service and 1.5 million elderly and vulnerable people, whom the government has urged to quarantine themselves for 12 weeks. On Thursday evening, tens of thousands of Britons stood on balconies or at open windows, clapping for the nation’s doctors and nurses.
At 8 p.m., Mr. Johnson stepped out of his office in 10 Downing Street, the prime minister’s official residence, to take part in the public demonstration of appreciation. But he made a point of standing a healthy distance from the chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, who also took part.At 8 p.m., Mr. Johnson stepped out of his office in 10 Downing Street, the prime minister’s official residence, to take part in the public demonstration of appreciation. But he made a point of standing a healthy distance from the chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, who also took part.
Mr. Johnson hailed the spirit of the British people in his video, saying “we’re going to beat it, and we’re going to beat it together.”Mr. Johnson hailed the spirit of the British people in his video, saying “we’re going to beat it, and we’re going to beat it together.”
Now, though, he faces the grinding reality of being a coronavirus patient. After he came down with a cough and a high temperature in the late afternoon on Thursday, he consulted Professor Whitty, the chief medical officer, and was tested for the virus. He received the positive result at about midnight.Now, though, he faces the grinding reality of being a coronavirus patient. After he came down with a cough and a high temperature in the late afternoon on Thursday, he consulted Professor Whitty, the chief medical officer, and was tested for the virus. He received the positive result at about midnight.
Mr. Johnson moved from his office to the adjacent building, 11 Downing Street, where the chancellor, Mr. Sunak, normally works. This allows Mr. Johnson to live and work at the same address, since he already occupied the apartment above the chancellor’s office.Mr. Johnson moved from his office to the adjacent building, 11 Downing Street, where the chancellor, Mr. Sunak, normally works. This allows Mr. Johnson to live and work at the same address, since he already occupied the apartment above the chancellor’s office.
That office is equipped with video conference facilities and Mr. Johnson is working normally, a spokesman said. On Friday morning, he took part in a daily emergency cabinet meeting remotely from his new quarters. Mr. Johnson plans to stay in isolation for seven days, with his meals left at the door.That office is equipped with video conference facilities and Mr. Johnson is working normally, a spokesman said. On Friday morning, he took part in a daily emergency cabinet meeting remotely from his new quarters. Mr. Johnson plans to stay in isolation for seven days, with his meals left at the door.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.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.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
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.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.
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.
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.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
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.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.
Downing Street gave no information about the whereabouts of Mr. Johnson’s partner, Carrie Symonds, who is pregnant with the couple’s first child. The couple announced their engagement last month. She is also in isolation, according to a photo she posted on social media.Downing Street gave no information about the whereabouts of Mr. Johnson’s partner, Carrie Symonds, who is pregnant with the couple’s first child. The couple announced their engagement last month. She is also in isolation, according to a photo she posted on social media.
Among the questions the government will face is how many people Mr. Johnson came into contact with over the last few days.Among the questions the government will face is how many people Mr. Johnson came into contact with over the last few days.
Many officials had stopped working in Downing Street, participating in meetings through conference calls. But a skeleton staff did still work in the building, and senior officials like Mr. Sunak and Mr. Hancock cycled through, appearing alongside Mr. Johnson at briefings there. Though lawmakers sat farther from each other than normal in Parliament on Wednesday at Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr. Johnson was still reasonably close to Mr. Hancock and later to the home secretary, Priti Patel.Many officials had stopped working in Downing Street, participating in meetings through conference calls. But a skeleton staff did still work in the building, and senior officials like Mr. Sunak and Mr. Hancock cycled through, appearing alongside Mr. Johnson at briefings there. Though lawmakers sat farther from each other than normal in Parliament on Wednesday at Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr. Johnson was still reasonably close to Mr. Hancock and later to the home secretary, Priti Patel.
Mr. Johnson did not appear at the daily news conference on Thursday, at which Mr. Sunak rolled out the latest plan to protect workers who have lost wages because of the lockdown of the country. Mr. Sunak has not had symptoms of the virus, according to the BBC, and has not been tested.Mr. Johnson did not appear at the daily news conference on Thursday, at which Mr. Sunak rolled out the latest plan to protect workers who have lost wages because of the lockdown of the country. Mr. Sunak has not had symptoms of the virus, according to the BBC, and has not been tested.
In recent days, other people who work in Downing Street have begun to isolate themselves after displaying symptoms, but no contact tracing is taking place, officials said. Britain’s testing program has come under criticism in recent days as lagging that of other European countries.In recent days, other people who work in Downing Street have begun to isolate themselves after displaying symptoms, but no contact tracing is taking place, officials said. Britain’s testing program has come under criticism in recent days as lagging that of other European countries.
Still, Mr. Johnson’s aides played down the risk to other senior cabinet ministers and officials who have come into contact with him, arguing that the government had observed the advice it offered to the public to keep a distance of two meters, or 6 feet, 6 inches, from other people wherever possible.Still, Mr. Johnson’s aides played down the risk to other senior cabinet ministers and officials who have come into contact with him, arguing that the government had observed the advice it offered to the public to keep a distance of two meters, or 6 feet, 6 inches, from other people wherever possible.
As he wrapped up his message to the British public from his new home for the next seven days, Mr. Johnson sounded every inch a convert to restrictive measures.As he wrapped up his message to the British public from his new home for the next seven days, Mr. Johnson sounded every inch a convert to restrictive measures.
“The more effectively we all comply with those measures,” he said, “the faster our country will come through this epidemic, and the faster we’ll bounce back.”“The more effectively we all comply with those measures,” he said, “the faster our country will come through this epidemic, and the faster we’ll bounce back.”