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‘God Knows How Many People We Infected’: New Rules Aim to Get Exposed Passengers Home ‘God Knows How Many People We Infected’: New Rules Aim to Get Exposed Passengers Home
(about 1 hour later)
KEY WEST, Fla. — Days after a harrowing journey to escape a trans-Atlantic cruise where two passengers came down with fatal cases of Covid-19, Jim Nevis is back home in Arizona, fighting the virus in a hospital intensive care unit.KEY WEST, Fla. — Days after a harrowing journey to escape a trans-Atlantic cruise where two passengers came down with fatal cases of Covid-19, Jim Nevis is back home in Arizona, fighting the virus in a hospital intensive care unit.
A Canadian family that evacuated from the same Italian ship, the Costa Luminosa, traveled through three airports to get home to Victoria, British Columbia, only to learn that all five of them were infected. Michelle Saunders, who was on the Grand Princess when it docked March 9 in Oakland, Calif., was quarantined on an Air Force base in Georgia, then released two days early with a warning that she and the others could still become ill, and possibly make others sick, too.A Canadian family that evacuated from the same Italian ship, the Costa Luminosa, traveled through three airports to get home to Victoria, British Columbia, only to learn that all five of them were infected. Michelle Saunders, who was on the Grand Princess when it docked March 9 in Oakland, Calif., was quarantined on an Air Force base in Georgia, then released two days early with a warning that she and the others could still become ill, and possibly make others sick, too.
Then on Friday, Holland America Line announced that four passengers had died aboard its cruise ship, the Zaandam, after it was refused entry into Chile nearly two weeks ago. The ship, with 53 passengers and 85 crew members aboard displaying symptoms of the coronavirus, was denied permission to transit the Panama Canal and sail on to Fort Lauderdale, Fla.Then on Friday, Holland America Line announced that four passengers had died aboard its cruise ship, the Zaandam, after it was refused entry into Chile nearly two weeks ago. The ship, with 53 passengers and 85 crew members aboard displaying symptoms of the coronavirus, was denied permission to transit the Panama Canal and sail on to Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
What would happen to the passengers if they reached Florida was far from clear.What would happen to the passengers if they reached Florida was far from clear.
With at least 18 cruise ships still at sea and making their way to shore in the coming days, state and federal authorities have yet to establish a cohesive strategy for evacuating ships and repatriating passengers around the world without exposing them and others to more disease.With at least 18 cruise ships still at sea and making their way to shore in the coming days, state and federal authorities have yet to establish a cohesive strategy for evacuating ships and repatriating passengers around the world without exposing them and others to more disease.
Passengers who were either sick or possibly exposed to the virus were in some cases put on buses and planes, endangering others. Quarantine procedures for evacuees were sometimes contradictory and confusing, as the problems of holding passengers in isolation after they returned from their trips became almost as substantial as the danger of letting them go.Passengers who were either sick or possibly exposed to the virus were in some cases put on buses and planes, endangering others. Quarantine procedures for evacuees were sometimes contradictory and confusing, as the problems of holding passengers in isolation after they returned from their trips became almost as substantial as the danger of letting them go.
“The evacuation definitely helped sicken people and definitely helped spread the disease,” said Paul B. Turner, a golf club professional in Wisconsin who was aboard the Costa Luminosa.“The evacuation definitely helped sicken people and definitely helped spread the disease,” said Paul B. Turner, a golf club professional in Wisconsin who was aboard the Costa Luminosa.
The ship, which set out from Fort Lauderdale bound for Venice, Italy, tried to dock at several ports before unloading in Marseille, France, on March 19. Mr. Turner and the other Americans and Canadians on board flew to Atlanta, then made their way to their home destinations.The ship, which set out from Fort Lauderdale bound for Venice, Italy, tried to dock at several ports before unloading in Marseille, France, on March 19. Mr. Turner and the other Americans and Canadians on board flew to Atlanta, then made their way to their home destinations.
While U.S. health authorities took great pains to sequester passengers from affected cruise ships in the early days of the outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in recent days have allowed hundreds of exposed and ill cruise passengers to travel on commercial flights across the country, potentially jeopardizing everyone from flight attendants to airport restaurant workers, to unwitting fellow passengers.While U.S. health authorities took great pains to sequester passengers from affected cruise ships in the early days of the outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in recent days have allowed hundreds of exposed and ill cruise passengers to travel on commercial flights across the country, potentially jeopardizing everyone from flight attendants to airport restaurant workers, to unwitting fellow passengers.
The reason, C.D.C. officials said, is that the outbreak has entered a “new phase” in which so many people are returning from countries affected by the virus that the priority is to get evacuated passengers home quickly, where they can self-isolate.The reason, C.D.C. officials said, is that the outbreak has entered a “new phase” in which so many people are returning from countries affected by the virus that the priority is to get evacuated passengers home quickly, where they can self-isolate.
“We are at a different stage of a pandemic,” said Benjamin Haynes, a C.D.C. spokesman. “We are doing our best to not allow sick people to get on commercial airlines. But we also have an urgency to return well travelers home as quickly as possible.”“We are at a different stage of a pandemic,” said Benjamin Haynes, a C.D.C. spokesman. “We are doing our best to not allow sick people to get on commercial airlines. But we also have an urgency to return well travelers home as quickly as possible.”
William R. Burke, the chief maritime officer for Carnival Corp., which operates more than 100 cruise vessels around the world, said companies were facing suddenly closed ports, or countries that have abruptly imposed new border rules in response to the coronavirus.William R. Burke, the chief maritime officer for Carnival Corp., which operates more than 100 cruise vessels around the world, said companies were facing suddenly closed ports, or countries that have abruptly imposed new border rules in response to the coronavirus.
“This week the rules are different than they were a week ago,” Mr. Burke said. “We learned a lot about how to do this, good and bad. I wish I had learned from somebody else doing it.”“This week the rules are different than they were a week ago,” Mr. Burke said. “We learned a lot about how to do this, good and bad. I wish I had learned from somebody else doing it.”
Passengers who were part of the chaotic scramble over the past 10 days, under rules that allowed many passengers to navigate their own way home, said that even people who were coughing and clearly sick were packed into buses and planes.Passengers who were part of the chaotic scramble over the past 10 days, under rules that allowed many passengers to navigate their own way home, said that even people who were coughing and clearly sick were packed into buses and planes.
Mr. Nevis, who flew from Atlanta to Phoenix, learned this week that he had Covid-19.Mr. Nevis, who flew from Atlanta to Phoenix, learned this week that he had Covid-19.
“We were lepers — roaming freely,” said Jane M. Kennedy, who flew to Iowa after sailing on the Costa Luminosa. “God knows how many people we infected.”“We were lepers — roaming freely,” said Jane M. Kennedy, who flew to Iowa after sailing on the Costa Luminosa. “God knows how many people we infected.”
James Walker, a lawyer who files lawsuits against cruise companies, said the federal authorities still lack a plan for how to get people home safely.James Walker, a lawyer who files lawsuits against cruise companies, said the federal authorities still lack a plan for how to get people home safely.
“I don’t think the C.D.C. has protocols in place,” Mr. Walker said. “Everyone is scrambling around trying to figure things out. It seems to me kind of a Mad Hatter type of environment — no one who is in charge, no one who is taking the lead.”“I don’t think the C.D.C. has protocols in place,” Mr. Walker said. “Everyone is scrambling around trying to figure things out. It seems to me kind of a Mad Hatter type of environment — no one who is in charge, no one who is taking the lead.”
The cruise ship industry’s battle with the coronavirus erupted in February with an outbreak aboard the Diamond Princess, a vessel owned by Carnival Corp., which was off the coast of Japan. Japanese authorities decided to quarantine the vessel, but at least 700 people got sick and nine died.The cruise ship industry’s battle with the coronavirus erupted in February with an outbreak aboard the Diamond Princess, a vessel owned by Carnival Corp., which was off the coast of Japan. Japanese authorities decided to quarantine the vessel, but at least 700 people got sick and nine died.
The Grand Princess, which in February embarked on a 15-day cruise around the Hawaiian Islands, was diverted to Oakland this month after 21 people fell ill. The authorities evacuated nearly 2,000 asymptomatic people off the ship and took them to military bases in three states, where they complained of unsanitary conditions. Ultimately, 103 passengers tested positive for the coronavirus, and two died.The Grand Princess, which in February embarked on a 15-day cruise around the Hawaiian Islands, was diverted to Oakland this month after 21 people fell ill. The authorities evacuated nearly 2,000 asymptomatic people off the ship and took them to military bases in three states, where they complained of unsanitary conditions. Ultimately, 103 passengers tested positive for the coronavirus, and two died.
The U.S. government warned against cruise ship travel on March 8, and a few days later, cruise companies suspended operations worldwide. But 40 ships were still at sea, and few countries wanted them. Port after port refused the ships entry and many countries closed their borders, which complicated efforts to send people home.The U.S. government warned against cruise ship travel on March 8, and a few days later, cruise companies suspended operations worldwide. But 40 ships were still at sea, and few countries wanted them. Port after port refused the ships entry and many countries closed their borders, which complicated efforts to send people home.
One ship, the Coral Princess, which left Chile on March 5, is now making a two-week journey from Uruguay to Fort Lauderdale without making any of its scheduled stops simply because no other country will let its passengers off, even though none are sick, Princess Cruises said.One ship, the Coral Princess, which left Chile on March 5, is now making a two-week journey from Uruguay to Fort Lauderdale without making any of its scheduled stops simply because no other country will let its passengers off, even though none are sick, Princess Cruises said.
The Zandaam had been assured it could disembark its passengers in Punta Arenas, Chile, on March 14, Holland America said. But Chile closed its borders and reneged, forcing the ship to make a two-week voyage to Fort Lauderdale. By March 22, passengers started to get sick.The Zandaam had been assured it could disembark its passengers in Punta Arenas, Chile, on March 14, Holland America said. But Chile closed its borders and reneged, forcing the ship to make a two-week voyage to Fort Lauderdale. By March 22, passengers started to get sick.
On Friday, a massive evacuation plan was announced to remove the healthy passengers and place them aboard another ship, the Rotterdam, which arrived from Mexico with doctors, Covid-19 tests and medical supplies.On Friday, a massive evacuation plan was announced to remove the healthy passengers and place them aboard another ship, the Rotterdam, which arrived from Mexico with doctors, Covid-19 tests and medical supplies.
The Costa Luminosa, also a Carnival ship, left Fort Lauderdale on March 5 and dropped off a passenger with flulike symptoms in Puerto Rico three days later, where the passenger subsequently died of Covid-19. The ship continued on to France. Meanwhile, another passenger who had gotten off the ship earlier with heart troubles in Grand Cayman also died of Covid-19.The Costa Luminosa, also a Carnival ship, left Fort Lauderdale on March 5 and dropped off a passenger with flulike symptoms in Puerto Rico three days later, where the passenger subsequently died of Covid-19. The ship continued on to France. Meanwhile, another passenger who had gotten off the ship earlier with heart troubles in Grand Cayman also died of Covid-19.
Carnival put more than 300 Americans and Canadians on a charter flight from Marseille to Atlanta last week. The passengers said they were crammed together on a plane that was repeatedly delayed and held on the tarmac for hours once the authorities learned that three passengers on the flight had tested positive.Carnival put more than 300 Americans and Canadians on a charter flight from Marseille to Atlanta last week. The passengers said they were crammed together on a plane that was repeatedly delayed and held on the tarmac for hours once the authorities learned that three passengers on the flight had tested positive.
The sick were separated and the others were met by C.D.C. officials, who performed what some passengers described as a cursory look at their health: a temperature check. People who had been coughing and feverish for days had taken over-the-counter medications and managed to lower their fever, several passengers said.The sick were separated and the others were met by C.D.C. officials, who performed what some passengers described as a cursory look at their health: a temperature check. People who had been coughing and feverish for days had taken over-the-counter medications and managed to lower their fever, several passengers said.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.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.
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.
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.
“We can talk and walk and that means we are OK?” said Mr. Turner, the Wisconsin golf pro.“We can talk and walk and that means we are OK?” said Mr. Turner, the Wisconsin golf pro.
A convoy of emergency vehicles had met the plane at a hangar away from the main terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, but the passengers who passed the temperature test were then released into the airport, where they stood in long lines at airline counters and sat for hours at gates. One passenger filmed a video showing a group of them at TGI Fridays.A convoy of emergency vehicles had met the plane at a hangar away from the main terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, but the passengers who passed the temperature test were then released into the airport, where they stood in long lines at airline counters and sat for hours at gates. One passenger filmed a video showing a group of them at TGI Fridays.
Fabian de la Fuente, the Canadian man who evacuated with his family from the Costa Luminosa, said they were in the international terminal for at least three hours and had lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. They flew WestJet to Calgary, Alberta, and were there for four hours before flying home to quarantine in Victoria, British Columbia.Fabian de la Fuente, the Canadian man who evacuated with his family from the Costa Luminosa, said they were in the international terminal for at least three hours and had lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. They flew WestJet to Calgary, Alberta, and were there for four hours before flying home to quarantine in Victoria, British Columbia.
He later developed symptoms and tested positive for the coronavirus.He later developed symptoms and tested positive for the coronavirus.
Many of the passengers knew they were sick, Mr. Turner acknowledged, but they were so exhausted and hungry after a 24-hour trek without food that they would have said anything to be allowed to leave.Many of the passengers knew they were sick, Mr. Turner acknowledged, but they were so exhausted and hungry after a 24-hour trek without food that they would have said anything to be allowed to leave.
“I needed to get home,” he said.“I needed to get home,” he said.
Alexandra Bisquertt, of Hollywood, Fla., picked her 76-year-old mother up at the airport after her evacuation from the Costa Luminosa. A day later, her mother had a 103-degree temperature and had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital, where she tested positive for the coronavirus.Alexandra Bisquertt, of Hollywood, Fla., picked her 76-year-old mother up at the airport after her evacuation from the Costa Luminosa. A day later, her mother had a 103-degree temperature and had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital, where she tested positive for the coronavirus.
“What about the flight attendants? What about the taxi and Uber drivers who picked these people up?” Ms. Bisquertt said. “They did not let one or two sick people out, they released hundreds.”“What about the flight attendants? What about the taxi and Uber drivers who picked these people up?” Ms. Bisquertt said. “They did not let one or two sick people out, they released hundreds.”
Ms. Saunders, 24, the passenger who arrived in Oakland aboard the Grand Princess, got home to Illinois on Wednesday after 12 days in quarantine at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, northwest of Atlanta.Ms. Saunders, 24, the passenger who arrived in Oakland aboard the Grand Princess, got home to Illinois on Wednesday after 12 days in quarantine at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, northwest of Atlanta.
“There were two people on my bus that were coughing very heavily, which was a bit concerning,” Ms. Saunders said of the ride off the base.“There were two people on my bus that were coughing very heavily, which was a bit concerning,” Ms. Saunders said of the ride off the base.
The C.D.C. released people from quarantine on the base several days earlier than the 14 days originally scheduled on the condition that they not take a plane, train or bus to their destination. One passenger said she was in quarantine on the base for just three days. Mr. Haynes of the C.D.C. said the agency determined that it could accomplish its goal of limiting the spread of Covid-19 by allowing those under mandatory 14-day quarantine at the three bases in Texas, Georgia and California to finish their quarantine at home.The C.D.C. released people from quarantine on the base several days earlier than the 14 days originally scheduled on the condition that they not take a plane, train or bus to their destination. One passenger said she was in quarantine on the base for just three days. Mr. Haynes of the C.D.C. said the agency determined that it could accomplish its goal of limiting the spread of Covid-19 by allowing those under mandatory 14-day quarantine at the three bases in Texas, Georgia and California to finish their quarantine at home.
The C.D.C. said its current protocol, revised since the beginning of the outbreak in the United States, is to “recommend that well travelers continue expeditiously on flights home.” Cruise ship passengers are now considered the same as people undertaking other international travel — it is not advised except when essential. They are being told to self-isolate for 14 days, said Mr. Haynes, the C.D.C. spokesman.The C.D.C. said its current protocol, revised since the beginning of the outbreak in the United States, is to “recommend that well travelers continue expeditiously on flights home.” Cruise ship passengers are now considered the same as people undertaking other international travel — it is not advised except when essential. They are being told to self-isolate for 14 days, said Mr. Haynes, the C.D.C. spokesman.
Brian Salerno, the Cruise Lines International Association’s senior vice president for maritime policy, said the repatriations were made more difficult because the passengers came from so many countries.Brian Salerno, the Cruise Lines International Association’s senior vice president for maritime policy, said the repatriations were made more difficult because the passengers came from so many countries.
“People tend to focus on them right now because they are very prominent, but realize this is a pandemic that is affecting all modes of transportation, every form of public gathering, hotels and restaurants,” he said. “The potential for exposure is in all of these. I am not sure we are that different from normal life.”“People tend to focus on them right now because they are very prominent, but realize this is a pandemic that is affecting all modes of transportation, every form of public gathering, hotels and restaurants,” he said. “The potential for exposure is in all of these. I am not sure we are that different from normal life.”
Jenny Gross contributed reporting from New York.Jenny Gross contributed reporting from New York.