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Stranded Abroad, Americans Ask: Why Weren’t We Warned Sooner? Stranded Abroad, Americans Ask: Why Weren’t We Warned Sooner?
(32 minutes later)
NEW DELHI — Ana Pautler, a trekker from San Francisco, was partway up a Himalayan mountain trail in Nepal when she noticed something peculiar: People were turning around.NEW DELHI — Ana Pautler, a trekker from San Francisco, was partway up a Himalayan mountain trail in Nepal when she noticed something peculiar: People were turning around.
As fears of the coronavirus spread around the world, German hikers told Ms. Pautler on March 17 that their embassy had advised them to return to Kathmandu, the capital, and was discussing flying people out. Israeli tourists were doing the same thing, she said, spurred on by messages to leave.As fears of the coronavirus spread around the world, German hikers told Ms. Pautler on March 17 that their embassy had advised them to return to Kathmandu, the capital, and was discussing flying people out. Israeli tourists were doing the same thing, she said, spurred on by messages to leave.
But Ms. Pautler, 32, who has been living in China, received no such alert from the State Department’s travel advisory system until March 23, though she was signed up for regular updates.But Ms. Pautler, 32, who has been living in China, received no such alert from the State Department’s travel advisory system until March 23, though she was signed up for regular updates.
By that point, Nepal’s international airspace had already been closed for a day, following similar shutdowns all over the world, and her flight out had been canceled.By that point, Nepal’s international airspace had already been closed for a day, following similar shutdowns all over the world, and her flight out had been canceled.
“Other embassies seemed to be giving more information,” Ms. Pautler said in a telephone interview from Kathmandu, where she is waiting out a nationwide lockdown that will last until at least mid-April. “The U.S. Embassy wasn’t really saying anything.”“Other embassies seemed to be giving more information,” Ms. Pautler said in a telephone interview from Kathmandu, where she is waiting out a nationwide lockdown that will last until at least mid-April. “The U.S. Embassy wasn’t really saying anything.”
While the United States struggles with surging cases of the coronavirus and life-or-death decisions in a fast imploding health care system, citizens stranded thousands of miles away fear that they may be left behind.While the United States struggles with surging cases of the coronavirus and life-or-death decisions in a fast imploding health care system, citizens stranded thousands of miles away fear that they may be left behind.
A State Department spokesperson wrote in an email that personnel were “working tirelessly to identify transportation options for U.S. citizens seeking to return to the United States.” The State Department did not answer a question about why Americans in Nepal were notified of complications returning home later than other nations.A State Department spokesperson wrote in an email that personnel were “working tirelessly to identify transportation options for U.S. citizens seeking to return to the United States.” The State Department did not answer a question about why Americans in Nepal were notified of complications returning home later than other nations.
As coronavirus cases reached one million worldwide, Americans on three continents said in interviews that government repatriation efforts had seemed slower and less certain than those of other countries, pointing to embassy social media posts and emails through the STEP program, which provides travel updates to citizens abroad.As coronavirus cases reached one million worldwide, Americans on three continents said in interviews that government repatriation efforts had seemed slower and less certain than those of other countries, pointing to embassy social media posts and emails through the STEP program, which provides travel updates to citizens abroad.
In India, American beachgoers in Goa, where many shops have closed from a 21-day lockdown, said they were rationing food as other countries loaded their citizens onto buses bound for the airport.In India, American beachgoers in Goa, where many shops have closed from a 21-day lockdown, said they were rationing food as other countries loaded their citizens onto buses bound for the airport.
In Ghana, Halima Mahdee, 40, a student from California, said she was furious about not having been evacuated weeks ago, when South Korean and Chinese students were sent home from her study abroad program in Accra, the capital.In Ghana, Halima Mahdee, 40, a student from California, said she was furious about not having been evacuated weeks ago, when South Korean and Chinese students were sent home from her study abroad program in Accra, the capital.
In Peru, hundreds of Americans are still trapped, and activists warned that a humanitarian crisis was unfolding as tourists reported being forcibly evicted from hotels and unable to find medicine for critical health conditions.In Peru, hundreds of Americans are still trapped, and activists warned that a humanitarian crisis was unfolding as tourists reported being forcibly evicted from hotels and unable to find medicine for critical health conditions.
Diane Gallina, 68, from Long Island, N.Y., was frantically worried about her daughter, who she said was holed up alone in a hotel in Lima and feeling despondent.Diane Gallina, 68, from Long Island, N.Y., was frantically worried about her daughter, who she said was holed up alone in a hotel in Lima and feeling despondent.
“She told me the Canadians got out,” she said through sobs. “How come Canada can get their people out?”“She told me the Canadians got out,” she said through sobs. “How come Canada can get their people out?”
Some tourists pointed out that communication had been far smoother with the embassy once it became clear that the United States was also going into lockdown mode. Parts of Europe, for instance, were initially reporting higher cases of the coronavirus than the United States, a possible reason for why they urged citizens to leave Nepal days earlier.Some tourists pointed out that communication had been far smoother with the embassy once it became clear that the United States was also going into lockdown mode. Parts of Europe, for instance, were initially reporting higher cases of the coronavirus than the United States, a possible reason for why they urged citizens to leave Nepal days earlier.
The extraordinary challenge of evacuating Americans from far-flung corners of the world at the same time has overwhelmed diplomats.The extraordinary challenge of evacuating Americans from far-flung corners of the world at the same time has overwhelmed diplomats.
Last week, the United States Embassy in Kathmandu started posting regular updates on Facebook and organizing buses and flights to reach people in mountain towns, including those near Mount Everest base camp.Last week, the United States Embassy in Kathmandu started posting regular updates on Facebook and organizing buses and flights to reach people in mountain towns, including those near Mount Everest base camp.
But even as those messages were distributed among tourists, senior officials in Washington seemed unaware of the specifics.But even as those messages were distributed among tourists, senior officials in Washington seemed unaware of the specifics.
Asked at a news briefing on March 27 about the situation in Nepal, particularly for Americans stranded on trails leading to Mount Everest, Ian Brownlee, the State Department’s principal deputy assistant secretary in the consular affairs bureau, told a reporter he would have to get back to her.Asked at a news briefing on March 27 about the situation in Nepal, particularly for Americans stranded on trails leading to Mount Everest, Ian Brownlee, the State Department’s principal deputy assistant secretary in the consular affairs bureau, told a reporter he would have to get back to her.
Embassies have faced daunting logistics coordinating with local government officials who are focused on protecting their own citizens. Even reaching tourists in countries like Nepal has been complicated: Some popular trails are accessible only by chartering tiny planes that hold a dozen people.Embassies have faced daunting logistics coordinating with local government officials who are focused on protecting their own citizens. Even reaching tourists in countries like Nepal has been complicated: Some popular trails are accessible only by chartering tiny planes that hold a dozen people.
At a Tuesday news briefing, President Trump said the evacuations were some of the “largest and most complex” in American history. He said the State Department had rescued more than 25,000 Americans from more than 50 countries.At a Tuesday news briefing, President Trump said the evacuations were some of the “largest and most complex” in American history. He said the State Department had rescued more than 25,000 Americans from more than 50 countries.
“Almost everybody’s out now,” Mr. Trump said, referring to those in Peru and Brazil.“Almost everybody’s out now,” Mr. Trump said, referring to those in Peru and Brazil.
But in Nepal, hundreds are still stuck.But in Nepal, hundreds are still stuck.
Alarm bells sounded more than two weeks ago, when European nations started contacting their citizens.Alarm bells sounded more than two weeks ago, when European nations started contacting their citizens.
On March 17, as stringent lockdowns started rippling around the world, the German Embassy warned citizens of flight disruptions on their Facebook page and urged them to contact their airlines. Over the next week and a half, Germany and France organized flights to take out hundreds of people, including citizens of Finland, Austria, Denmark and Belgium.On March 17, as stringent lockdowns started rippling around the world, the German Embassy warned citizens of flight disruptions on their Facebook page and urged them to contact their airlines. Over the next week and a half, Germany and France organized flights to take out hundreds of people, including citizens of Finland, Austria, Denmark and Belgium.
Updated June 22, 2020 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.
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.)
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.
As Europeans were receiving early warnings to leave, John Arns, 47, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, tried to get information about what the American government was doing. But all he could find on the embassy’s Facebook page was information about proper hand-washing techniques and Women’s History Month.As Europeans were receiving early warnings to leave, John Arns, 47, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, tried to get information about what the American government was doing. But all he could find on the embassy’s Facebook page was information about proper hand-washing techniques and Women’s History Month.
“I am incredibly disappointed with the embassy’s response,” he said.“I am incredibly disappointed with the embassy’s response,” he said.
Some Americans stuck in Nepal said they were being pointed out and called “corona” when they stepped outside of their hostels. The perception among some South Asians is that foreigners are responsible for importing the virus; Nepal has just six confirmed cases, including one person who has recovered.Some Americans stuck in Nepal said they were being pointed out and called “corona” when they stepped outside of their hostels. The perception among some South Asians is that foreigners are responsible for importing the virus; Nepal has just six confirmed cases, including one person who has recovered.
“The Nepalis here are afraid of us,” said Stacy Kim, 58, from Santa Cruz, Calif., who was stranded in a remote town near the country’s border with India. “When we try to buy food they are scared we are exposing them to the virus and try to get us to go away.”“The Nepalis here are afraid of us,” said Stacy Kim, 58, from Santa Cruz, Calif., who was stranded in a remote town near the country’s border with India. “When we try to buy food they are scared we are exposing them to the virus and try to get us to go away.”
Even in Kathmandu, tourists said they were worried about the logistics of something as basic as reaching the airport. The police have threatened people on the streets.Even in Kathmandu, tourists said they were worried about the logistics of something as basic as reaching the airport. The police have threatened people on the streets.
Raj Gyawali, who is part of a government crisis committee helping tourists during the lockdown, said the Europeans — except for the British — had been highly proactive in getting their citizens out.Raj Gyawali, who is part of a government crisis committee helping tourists during the lockdown, said the Europeans — except for the British — had been highly proactive in getting their citizens out.
“To speak frankly, they seemed so organized,” he said.“To speak frankly, they seemed so organized,” he said.
And the Americans?And the Americans?
“I don’t know why they are delaying,” he said.“I don’t know why they are delaying,” he said.
It was not until March 26 that the State Department issued its first notice about a possible evacuation flight. Five days later, 302 Americans left Nepal for Washington.It was not until March 26 that the State Department issued its first notice about a possible evacuation flight. Five days later, 302 Americans left Nepal for Washington.
In a video message, the ambassador, Randy Berry, said the flight was the result of “hundreds of hours of coordination and cooperation.”In a video message, the ambassador, Randy Berry, said the flight was the result of “hundreds of hours of coordination and cooperation.”
At a Tuesday news briefing, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Americans “to work your way back here,” saying he could not guarantee “the U.S. government’s ability to arrange charter flights indefinitely where commercial options no longer exist.”At a Tuesday news briefing, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Americans “to work your way back here,” saying he could not guarantee “the U.S. government’s ability to arrange charter flights indefinitely where commercial options no longer exist.”
But as Americans have watched medical personnel load bodies onto refrigerated trucks and the United States reports more cases than anywhere else in the world, some are having second thoughts about trying to leave on another evacuation flight.But as Americans have watched medical personnel load bodies onto refrigerated trucks and the United States reports more cases than anywhere else in the world, some are having second thoughts about trying to leave on another evacuation flight.
Amy Sellmyer, 34, from Oklahoma, who has worked in Nepal and built a life there, felt she was better off staying put.Amy Sellmyer, 34, from Oklahoma, who has worked in Nepal and built a life there, felt she was better off staying put.
“I’m not planning to go,” she said.“I’m not planning to go,” she said.
Kai Schultz reported from New Delhi, and Bhadra Sharma from Kathmandu, Nepal. Lara Jakes contributed reporting from Washington.Kai Schultz reported from New Delhi, and Bhadra Sharma from Kathmandu, Nepal. Lara Jakes contributed reporting from Washington.