'He Had Coronavirus. Now He’s Jobless and Afraid to Hug His Children.' diff viewer (5/6)

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He Had Coronavirus. Now He’s Jobless and Afraid to Hug His Children.	He Had Coronavirus. Now He’s Jobless and Afraid to Hug His Children.
2020-06-17 15:37:36 UTC	2020-06-24 11:18:29 UTC (7 days later)
It was not the joyous homecoming Fatehi Darhan had dreamed about while he lay alone for two weeks in a hospital room in Queens, fighting the coronavirus. He came close to death.	It was not the joyous homecoming Fatehi Darhan had dreamed about while he lay alone for two weeks in a hospital room in Queens, fighting the coronavirus. He came close to death.
When he entered his small apartment in the Far Rockaway section of the borough and saw his three young children, their eyes longing for a fatherly hug, he fought every instinct to wrap his arms around them.	When he entered his small apartment in the Far Rockaway section of the borough and saw his three young children, their eyes longing for a fatherly hug, he fought every instinct to wrap his arms around them.
“I froze,” Mr. Darhan, 34, said. “I wanted to hug them, but it did not feel safe. I don’t know when I would feel safe hugging them again.”	“I froze,” Mr. Darhan, 34, said. “I wanted to hug them, but it did not feel safe. I don’t know when I would feel safe hugging them again.”
Mr. Darhan’s misgivings underscore the difficulties of returning to normal life after surviving a disease that has changed almost every aspect of living in New York City.	Mr. Darhan’s misgivings underscore the difficulties of returning to normal life after surviving a disease that has changed almost every aspect of living in New York City.
Nearly a month after he became the first Queens resident to test positive for the virus, Mr. Darhan not only feels he cannot touch his children, but he has lost his job as an Uber driver and has no idea what is next, or how long he can pay his monthly bills. “I’m worried,” he said.	Nearly a month after he became the first Queens resident to test positive for the virus, Mr. Darhan not only feels he cannot touch his children, but he has lost his job as an Uber driver and has no idea what is next, or how long he can pay his monthly bills. “I’m worried,” he said.
Like Mr. Darhan, many survivors say they are starting to realize the ramifications of surviving the illness, from lost work to severe anxiety.	Like Mr. Darhan, many survivors say they are starting to realize the ramifications of surviving the illness, from lost work to severe anxiety.
The latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that people recovering from the virus no longer need to isolate themselves if they have had no fever for six days without taking medicine. But the advice has been changing as the authorities learn more about the outbreak, and Mr. Darhan, traumatized by his experience, is leaving nothing to chance.	The latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that people recovering from the virus no longer need to isolate themselves if they have had no fever for six days without taking medicine. But the advice has been changing as the authorities learn more about the outbreak, and Mr. Darhan, traumatized by his experience, is leaving nothing to chance.
His wife and their children — Ali, HaDeel and Sara — sleep in one of the two bedrooms in their apartment, he said. He is in the other. When awake, he stays at least six feet away during meals and anytime he shares a room with them.	His wife and their children — Ali, HaDeel and Sara — sleep in one of the two bedrooms in their apartment, he said. He is in the other. When awake, he stays at least six feet away during meals and anytime he shares a room with them.
Mr. Darhan, an immigrant from Yemen, said he longed to play with his children, or to sit close together and watch television. But he cannot escape the fear that remnants of the virus are lingering in his body. So, he talks to them over FaceTime from a different room or several feet apart.	Mr. Darhan, an immigrant from Yemen, said he longed to play with his children, or to sit close together and watch television. But he cannot escape the fear that remnants of the virus are lingering in his body. So, he talks to them over FaceTime from a different room or several feet apart.
“I feel like I had come back from death — I had come back to life,” he said. “Now that I am back home, I feel like the nightmare isn’t over.”	“I feel like I had come back from death — I had come back to life,” he said. “Now that I am back home, I feel like the nightmare isn’t over.”
Mr. Darhan’s ordeal began on Feb. 28, when he walked into the emergency room at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway with difficulty breathing and a rising fever. Hours later, he said, he was discharged and told to follow up with his primary care doctor.	Mr. Darhan’s ordeal began on Feb. 28, when he walked into the emergency room at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway with difficulty breathing and a rising fever. Hours later, he said, he was discharged and told to follow up with his primary care doctor.
But when he returned home, he found it hard to rest, he said in an interview. His symptoms seemed to worsen. His skin burned, as if lava ran through his veins, he recalled. It felt as if invisible knives were plunging into his lungs.	But when he returned home, he found it hard to rest, he said in an interview. His symptoms seemed to worsen. His skin burned, as if lava ran through his veins, he recalled. It felt as if invisible knives were plunging into his lungs.
“I never felt anything like this before in my life,” Mr. Darhan said, speaking in Arabic through a translator. “I knew this was different. That’s when I thought, maybe it’s coronavirus.”	“I never felt anything like this before in my life,” Mr. Darhan said, speaking in Arabic through a translator. “I knew this was different. That’s when I thought, maybe it’s coronavirus.”
He returned to St. John’s, where doctors tested him for the virus. His diagnosis prompted more than 40 hospital staff members and Mr. Darhan’s immediately family members to isolate themselves for two weeks, hospital officials said. As of Friday, none had tested positive.	He returned to St. John’s, where doctors tested him for the virus. His diagnosis prompted more than 40 hospital staff members and Mr. Darhan’s immediately family members to isolate themselves for two weeks, hospital officials said. As of Friday, none had tested positive.
“If I had known I had the virus,” Mr. Darhan said, “I would not have gone home and slept there.”	“If I had known I had the virus,” Mr. Darhan said, “I would not have gone home and slept there.”
Dr. Donald Morrish, the chief medical officer at St. John’s, said that replicating the outcome of the hospital’s first patient would prove more challenging as the number of cases increases. The hospital has 257 beds, he said, and a supply shortage.	Dr. Donald Morrish, the chief medical officer at St. John’s, said that replicating the outcome of the hospital’s first patient would prove more challenging as the number of cases increases. The hospital has 257 beds, he said, and a supply shortage.
“We are competing with other hospitals for basic supplies,” Dr. Morrish said. “We don’t have an adequate number of resources. The numbers are changing minute by minute.”	“We are competing with other hospitals for basic supplies,” Dr. Morrish said. “We don’t have an adequate number of resources. The numbers are changing minute by minute.”
Two months ago, before the coronavirus showed up in New York, Mr. Darhan began driving for Uber to support his wife and children, who are 9, 2 and 6 months old, he said. He suspected that he contracted the virus from a passenger.	Two months ago, before the coronavirus showed up in New York, Mr. Darhan began driving for Uber to support his wife and children, who are 9, 2 and 6 months old, he said. He suspected that he contracted the virus from a passenger.
“I don’t know which one exactly,” he said. “I spent most of my time in the car.”	“I don’t know which one exactly,” he said. “I spent most of my time in the car.”
A spokesman for Uber, Andrew Hasbun, said drivers who test positive for the virus or are in quarantine qualify for temporary monetary compensation. He also said drivers who have fully recovered from the illness can apply to be reinstated, though the amount they can make has dropped significantly during the pandemic.	A spokesman for Uber, Andrew Hasbun, said drivers who test positive for the virus or are in quarantine qualify for temporary monetary compensation. He also said drivers who have fully recovered from the illness can apply to be reinstated, though the amount they can make has dropped significantly during the pandemic.
Moira Muntz, a spokeswoman for the New York-based Independent Drivers Guild, which represents more than 80,000 Uber drivers, said ride-hail drivers risked exposure by the nature of their work.	Moira Muntz, a spokeswoman for the New York-based Independent Drivers Guild, which represents more than 80,000 Uber drivers, said ride-hail drivers risked exposure by the nature of their work.
~~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.
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.
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.
Another Uber driver, Anil Subba, died from complications of Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, on Tuesday after picking up an airport passenger thought to have the illness, Ms. Muntz said.	Another Uber driver, Anil Subba, died from complications of Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, on Tuesday after picking up an airport passenger thought to have the illness, Ms. Muntz said.