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Watching Virus Spread Back Home, Some Americans in Africa Stay Put Watching Virus Spread Back Home, Some Americans in Africa Stay Put
(32 minutes later)
Mask shortages in hospitals. Inadequate coronavirus testing. Medical supplies flown in from overseas. And an international charity setting up a field hospital in Central Park.Mask shortages in hospitals. Inadequate coronavirus testing. Medical supplies flown in from overseas. And an international charity setting up a field hospital in Central Park.
John Shaw watched from afar what was going on back home in the United States and decided to stay put, in Kenya.John Shaw watched from afar what was going on back home in the United States and decided to stay put, in Kenya.
“Africa just felt better,” said Mr. Shaw, a 38-year-old American who has lived for two years in Nairobi with his wife and two sons. “There are a lot of unknowns in terms of how Americans will deal with this crisis. It didn’t feel obvious to us at all that it will go well there.”“Africa just felt better,” said Mr. Shaw, a 38-year-old American who has lived for two years in Nairobi with his wife and two sons. “There are a lot of unknowns in terms of how Americans will deal with this crisis. It didn’t feel obvious to us at all that it will go well there.”
As the pandemic spreads and the number of infections rises across the world, many Americans working or studying abroad have returned home. U.S. embassies organized evacuation flights for Americans seeking to flee countries that have long been criticized for shabby health care systems and government misinformation.As the pandemic spreads and the number of infections rises across the world, many Americans working or studying abroad have returned home. U.S. embassies organized evacuation flights for Americans seeking to flee countries that have long been criticized for shabby health care systems and government misinformation.
But with the United States now leading the world in Covid-19 cases, its health care system fraying and economy faltering, some American citizens — especially those living abroad — are starting to see their country in a new, unsettling light.But with the United States now leading the world in Covid-19 cases, its health care system fraying and economy faltering, some American citizens — especially those living abroad — are starting to see their country in a new, unsettling light.
As a result, a subset of Americans has opted to stay in Africa, which was among the places that President Trump notably described with a disparaging and vulgar epithet in a White House meeting.As a result, a subset of Americans has opted to stay in Africa, which was among the places that President Trump notably described with a disparaging and vulgar epithet in a White House meeting.
Ousmane Sène, director of the West African Research Center in Dakar, Senegal, remembers President Trump’s remark, and considered it again in this crisis moment: “I’m sure right now he must be regretting what he said.”Ousmane Sène, director of the West African Research Center in Dakar, Senegal, remembers President Trump’s remark, and considered it again in this crisis moment: “I’m sure right now he must be regretting what he said.”
Mr. Sène, who also is a professor of American culture at Dakar’s Cheikh Anta Diop University, said that in Wolof, the most widely spoken language in Senegal, there is a saying that translates to “prevention is better than cure” — a philosophy that now is far too late for much of America fighting the coronavirus.Mr. Sène, who also is a professor of American culture at Dakar’s Cheikh Anta Diop University, said that in Wolof, the most widely spoken language in Senegal, there is a saying that translates to “prevention is better than cure” — a philosophy that now is far too late for much of America fighting the coronavirus.
“We wish this would not have blown up,” he said.“We wish this would not have blown up,” he said.
African nations, of course, are no less vulnerable than any other country to the virus — and, in fact, in many ways are far more so. As nations around the world compete for limited medical supplies to battle the pandemic, wealthier ones are elbowing aside poorer ones. That leaves much of Africa and Latin America out of luck.African nations, of course, are no less vulnerable than any other country to the virus — and, in fact, in many ways are far more so. As nations around the world compete for limited medical supplies to battle the pandemic, wealthier ones are elbowing aside poorer ones. That leaves much of Africa and Latin America out of luck.
Even in the best of times, the health systems in many African nations struggle with lack of supplies — including ventilators — making them susceptible to being overwhelmed in a large outbreak.Even in the best of times, the health systems in many African nations struggle with lack of supplies — including ventilators — making them susceptible to being overwhelmed in a large outbreak.
For now, in many parts of Africa, from areas that are international travel hubs to those that are more isolated, the coronavirus has been slow to take hold. But the number of confirmed cases and deaths is climbing, raising fears about the continent’s readiness to deal with a pandemic.For now, in many parts of Africa, from areas that are international travel hubs to those that are more isolated, the coronavirus has been slow to take hold. But the number of confirmed cases and deaths is climbing, raising fears about the continent’s readiness to deal with a pandemic.
With huge populations of vulnerable citizens, experts say the impact could be devastating. Some nations have sealed borders to commercial flights to try to limit the spread of the virus.With huge populations of vulnerable citizens, experts say the impact could be devastating. Some nations have sealed borders to commercial flights to try to limit the spread of the virus.
China, Russia, Cuba and even Somalia are sending doctors and supplies to Western nations suffering from the pandemic. Some researchers say that African migrants who risked their lives to sail to European countries in search of a better life are now, with rising infections there, returning home.China, Russia, Cuba and even Somalia are sending doctors and supplies to Western nations suffering from the pandemic. Some researchers say that African migrants who risked their lives to sail to European countries in search of a better life are now, with rising infections there, returning home.
“With this coronavirus, everything is upside down,” said Boubacar Boris Diop, a Senegalese author and screenwriter.“With this coronavirus, everything is upside down,” said Boubacar Boris Diop, a Senegalese author and screenwriter.
In conversations, Americans based in various African countries — to work for governments, aid groups or businesses — gave a variety of reasons for staying put, even if they had the means to leave.In conversations, Americans based in various African countries — to work for governments, aid groups or businesses — gave a variety of reasons for staying put, even if they had the means to leave.
Some Americans worried about being exposed to the virus in transit. Some would have no health insurance if they return to the United States, and know that their relative wealth abroad means they can afford the best care available in Africa. Some have shops, restaurants and other kinds of companies they want to monitor, even if those businesses are closed or not fully functioning amid lockdowns, curfews and shelter-in-place orders that various governments have issued. Some are staying because family members are not U.S. citizens and don’t have travel visas.Some Americans worried about being exposed to the virus in transit. Some would have no health insurance if they return to the United States, and know that their relative wealth abroad means they can afford the best care available in Africa. Some have shops, restaurants and other kinds of companies they want to monitor, even if those businesses are closed or not fully functioning amid lockdowns, curfews and shelter-in-place orders that various governments have issued. Some are staying because family members are not U.S. citizens and don’t have travel visas.
Others, like Mr. Shaw in Kenya, think African countries may be better positioned to weather a pandemic than the United States. A handful of African nations have lived through deadly modern-day outbreaks, like Ebola.Others, like Mr. Shaw in Kenya, think African countries may be better positioned to weather a pandemic than the United States. A handful of African nations have lived through deadly modern-day outbreaks, like Ebola.
“Life can be challenging in Africa, but people are used to dealing with complex circumstances,” said Mr. Shaw, chief executive of a solar power company, who also lived for five years in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “In the United States, the economy is so high-functioning and everything is so intertwined that these disruptions are cataclysmic.”“Life can be challenging in Africa, but people are used to dealing with complex circumstances,” said Mr. Shaw, chief executive of a solar power company, who also lived for five years in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “In the United States, the economy is so high-functioning and everything is so intertwined that these disruptions are cataclysmic.”
Some African leaders appear to be using the distraction of an outbreak to try to seize more power.Some African leaders appear to be using the distraction of an outbreak to try to seize more power.
Alpha Condé, the octogenarian president of Guinea, pushed through a referendum that could pave the way to another term. Uganda, where gay sex is punishable by a life sentence, has used new rules about containing the spread of infections to arrest gay citizens. In Kenya and elsewhere, the police have resorted to violent crackdowns as they enforce stay-at-home orders.Alpha Condé, the octogenarian president of Guinea, pushed through a referendum that could pave the way to another term. Uganda, where gay sex is punishable by a life sentence, has used new rules about containing the spread of infections to arrest gay citizens. In Kenya and elsewhere, the police have resorted to violent crackdowns as they enforce stay-at-home orders.
In Senegal, schools have been closed for more than two weeks and a nightly curfew is in place. The government has been conducting testing for coronavirus for weeks. Food is available on supermarket shelves, and a number of smaller vendors remain open. Hand sanitizer is in stock, for those who can afford it. So is toilet paper.In Senegal, schools have been closed for more than two weeks and a nightly curfew is in place. The government has been conducting testing for coronavirus for weeks. Food is available on supermarket shelves, and a number of smaller vendors remain open. Hand sanitizer is in stock, for those who can afford it. So is toilet paper.
Senegal’s preparations were a comfort to Roxi Shryock, 33, who grew up in Illinois and has lived in Senegal for nearly four years. She had been debating whether to return to the United States, but said she found it difficult to get an accurate picture from afar of what was really happening there.Senegal’s preparations were a comfort to Roxi Shryock, 33, who grew up in Illinois and has lived in Senegal for nearly four years. She had been debating whether to return to the United States, but said she found it difficult to get an accurate picture from afar of what was really happening there.
“There were so many people saying different things on social media that it’s scary,” said Ms. Shryock, who lives with her Senegalese husband and their baby in Dakar, the capital.“There were so many people saying different things on social media that it’s scary,” said Ms. Shryock, who lives with her Senegalese husband and their baby in Dakar, the capital.
Ms. Shryock knew many Americans who have left Dakar in recent days. She considered trying to board what may be one of the last flights the embassy was organizing. But her husband does not have an American visa and she worried about splitting up her family for a long period of time. She operates two restaurants, and even though both are closed she didn’t want to abandon them.Ms. Shryock knew many Americans who have left Dakar in recent days. She considered trying to board what may be one of the last flights the embassy was organizing. But her husband does not have an American visa and she worried about splitting up her family for a long period of time. She operates two restaurants, and even though both are closed she didn’t want to abandon them.
However, she is concerned about becoming ill in Dakar, where she has had both good and bad experiences with the health care system.However, she is concerned about becoming ill in Dakar, where she has had both good and bad experiences with the health care system.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
“Being sick here terrifies me, but I don’t feel like there’s anything better, even in America right now,” Ms. Shryock said. “I’m sure it’s more sanitary in America, and there are more doctors than here. But they are running out of equipment there. We feel safe here and don’t feel scared here — not yet anyway.”“Being sick here terrifies me, but I don’t feel like there’s anything better, even in America right now,” Ms. Shryock said. “I’m sure it’s more sanitary in America, and there are more doctors than here. But they are running out of equipment there. We feel safe here and don’t feel scared here — not yet anyway.”
Ajara Bomah, 40, was living in Sierra Leone in 2014 when the Ebola epidemic broke out, and said the experience had helped the public prepare for coronavirus. Even though the first Covid-19 case was reported in Sierra Leone just at the end of March, the government has for weeks been running ads on television, radio and on social media urging citizens to wash hands frequently. Many schools closed at the end of the month.Ajara Bomah, 40, was living in Sierra Leone in 2014 when the Ebola epidemic broke out, and said the experience had helped the public prepare for coronavirus. Even though the first Covid-19 case was reported in Sierra Leone just at the end of March, the government has for weeks been running ads on television, radio and on social media urging citizens to wash hands frequently. Many schools closed at the end of the month.
“People remember Ebola like it was yesterday, and it triggers this readiness,” she said.“People remember Ebola like it was yesterday, and it triggers this readiness,” she said.
Ms. Bomah, who grew up in Massachusetts and has lived in Sierra Leone for a decade, left for several months during the Ebola outbreak because she was pregnant and worried about her delivery. But for now she has decided to stay in Freetown, the capital, where she lives with her 5-year-old daughter, after reviewing advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.Ms. Bomah, who grew up in Massachusetts and has lived in Sierra Leone for a decade, left for several months during the Ebola outbreak because she was pregnant and worried about her delivery. But for now she has decided to stay in Freetown, the capital, where she lives with her 5-year-old daughter, after reviewing advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
“The information I was getting was that it was better to just stay put and stay safe,” she said.“The information I was getting was that it was better to just stay put and stay safe,” she said.
Heather Mason, 45, who writes for a travel website and operates a travel blog in Johannesburg, where she has lived for a decade, said that by the time she realized the outbreak was so serious, it seemed too high a risk of infection to travel through crowded airports and on long flights back to the United States.Heather Mason, 45, who writes for a travel website and operates a travel blog in Johannesburg, where she has lived for a decade, said that by the time she realized the outbreak was so serious, it seemed too high a risk of infection to travel through crowded airports and on long flights back to the United States.
She worries about the vulnerable in Johannesburg, which is on a strict lockdown. Stores are sold out of a few food items, but shortages don’t seem critical. A tailor in her neighborhood is sewing masks in brightly colored fabric. She is concerned about health care in Johannesburg, but she also thinks often of her parents in the United States, who are both in their 70s and more at risk if they get sick.She worries about the vulnerable in Johannesburg, which is on a strict lockdown. Stores are sold out of a few food items, but shortages don’t seem critical. A tailor in her neighborhood is sewing masks in brightly colored fabric. She is concerned about health care in Johannesburg, but she also thinks often of her parents in the United States, who are both in their 70s and more at risk if they get sick.
“South Africa’s health care system is not as robust as America’s health system. If we had the number of cases that are happening now in America, the system would be overrun,” said Ms. Mason who lives alone with her two cats. “I am scared about that, but I’m just as afraid for my family in America right now.”“South Africa’s health care system is not as robust as America’s health system. If we had the number of cases that are happening now in America, the system would be overrun,” said Ms. Mason who lives alone with her two cats. “I am scared about that, but I’m just as afraid for my family in America right now.”
Dionne Searcey reported from New York and Ruth Maclean from Dakar, Senegal.Dionne Searcey reported from New York and Ruth Maclean from Dakar, Senegal.