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| Sugarcoating and Brutal Honesty: How Leaders Are Handling Coronavirus Crisis | Sugarcoating and Brutal Honesty: How Leaders Are Handling Coronavirus Crisis |
| (2 days later) | |
| World leaders have spent the past several weeks grappling with the unexpected, as country after country has seen the coronavirus arrive at its borders and an outbreak has exploded into a pandemic. | World leaders have spent the past several weeks grappling with the unexpected, as country after country has seen the coronavirus arrive at its borders and an outbreak has exploded into a pandemic. |
| With the virus endangering citizens’ health and lockdowns ravaging the global economy, heads of government have taken different approaches in televised addresses and news briefings as they have explained their plans for combating the threat. | With the virus endangering citizens’ health and lockdowns ravaging the global economy, heads of government have taken different approaches in televised addresses and news briefings as they have explained their plans for combating the threat. |
| “The main questions for these leaders,” said Jill Rutter, a senior fellow at the London-based Institute for Government, “is, can they convey a clear message and give people the reassurance they need while admitting this is an incredibly fast-moving, difficult world of real unknowns?” | “The main questions for these leaders,” said Jill Rutter, a senior fellow at the London-based Institute for Government, “is, can they convey a clear message and give people the reassurance they need while admitting this is an incredibly fast-moving, difficult world of real unknowns?” |
| They also must “show that they understand that this is a massive human tragedy,” she added. | They also must “show that they understand that this is a massive human tragedy,” she added. |
| It’s “quite a difficult balancing act,” she said. | It’s “quite a difficult balancing act,” she said. |
| In the United States, President Trump’s mercurial messages have been widely contrasted with the detailed briefings by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York. But elsewhere in the world, leaders have also taken approaches that run the gamut — from dismissive to serious to somber to combative — offering insights into governing in a time of crisis. | In the United States, President Trump’s mercurial messages have been widely contrasted with the detailed briefings by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York. But elsewhere in the world, leaders have also taken approaches that run the gamut — from dismissive to serious to somber to combative — offering insights into governing in a time of crisis. |
| Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain has been criticized for his mixed messaging, including by Ms. Rutter, who saw it as lacking transparency. | Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain has been criticized for his mixed messaging, including by Ms. Rutter, who saw it as lacking transparency. |
| In one of his first news conferences about the virus, he talked about a “clear plan” to contain it but detailed few concrete measures. Britain lagged behind neighboring European nations in fighting the virus, even as it became clear the country was poised for a major outbreak. | In one of his first news conferences about the virus, he talked about a “clear plan” to contain it but detailed few concrete measures. Britain lagged behind neighboring European nations in fighting the virus, even as it became clear the country was poised for a major outbreak. |
| Early on, Mr. Johnson also talked about the values of “herd immunity,” suggesting that allowing many in Britain to be exposed to the virus would help build immunity. He told the nation matter-of-factly: “Many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time.” | Early on, Mr. Johnson also talked about the values of “herd immunity,” suggesting that allowing many in Britain to be exposed to the virus would help build immunity. He told the nation matter-of-factly: “Many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time.” |
| Days later, he reversed course, putting the nation on lockdown and ordering Britons to stay at home. | Days later, he reversed course, putting the nation on lockdown and ordering Britons to stay at home. |
| After he contracted Covid-19 and spent days in intensive care, Mr. Johnson’s video message this week turned more personal. He detailed his own battle with the illness and thanked the nurses who looked after him. | After he contracted Covid-19 and spent days in intensive care, Mr. Johnson’s video message this week turned more personal. He detailed his own battle with the illness and thanked the nurses who looked after him. |
| Still, the addresses of the head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, rather than those of Mr. Johnson, the head of government, have seemed to tug more at people’s heartstrings. | Still, the addresses of the head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, rather than those of Mr. Johnson, the head of government, have seemed to tug more at people’s heartstrings. |
| In mid-March, the 93-year-old queen, sequestered outside London at Windsor Castle, appealed for national solidarity, a resolute and apolitical alternative to Mr. Johnson’s message. She made an encore appearance a week later and compared Britain’s lockdown to the sacrifices Britons made during World War II. | In mid-March, the 93-year-old queen, sequestered outside London at Windsor Castle, appealed for national solidarity, a resolute and apolitical alternative to Mr. Johnson’s message. She made an encore appearance a week later and compared Britain’s lockdown to the sacrifices Britons made during World War II. |
| “Today, once again, many will feel a painful sense of separation from their loved ones,” the queen said. “But now, as then, we know deep down that it is the right thing to do.” | “Today, once again, many will feel a painful sense of separation from their loved ones,” the queen said. “But now, as then, we know deep down that it is the right thing to do.” |
| Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed New Zealanders on March 21 from the prime minister’s office, the first time since 1982 that a leader had chosen that setting, and outlined a clear, serious and pre-emptive plan for dealing with the coronavirus. | Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed New Zealanders on March 21 from the prime minister’s office, the first time since 1982 that a leader had chosen that setting, and outlined a clear, serious and pre-emptive plan for dealing with the coronavirus. |
| “Over the past few weeks, the world has changed, and it has changed very quickly,” she said. “In New Zealand, we have moved to fight by going hard and going early. ” | “Over the past few weeks, the world has changed, and it has changed very quickly,” she said. “In New Zealand, we have moved to fight by going hard and going early. ” |
| Her address unfurled with clarity, empathy and, most important, specifics. She has continued to host weekly question-and-answer sessions from her home over Facebook, donning a sweatshirt in one after putting her daughter to bed. On Wednesday, she announced plans to take a 20 percent pay cut for six months, along with her ministers, to acknowledge those who have lost jobs. | Her address unfurled with clarity, empathy and, most important, specifics. She has continued to host weekly question-and-answer sessions from her home over Facebook, donning a sweatshirt in one after putting her daughter to bed. On Wednesday, she announced plans to take a 20 percent pay cut for six months, along with her ministers, to acknowledge those who have lost jobs. |
| “It is about leadership,” she said. | “It is about leadership,” she said. |
| Alastair Campbell, who worked as the press secretary for Tony Blair when he was Britain’s prime minister, was one of several commentators who commended Ms. Ardern as expressing her messages clearly and having an empathetic approach. He wrote in the newspaper The Independent, “Ardern is surely one of, if not the, standout leaders of this crisis.” | Alastair Campbell, who worked as the press secretary for Tony Blair when he was Britain’s prime minister, was one of several commentators who commended Ms. Ardern as expressing her messages clearly and having an empathetic approach. He wrote in the newspaper The Independent, “Ardern is surely one of, if not the, standout leaders of this crisis.” |
| New Zealand’s statistics are also standout, even given its relatively small size. Since the crisis began, the country has had just 1,000 confirmed cases and nine deaths. | New Zealand’s statistics are also standout, even given its relatively small size. Since the crisis began, the country has had just 1,000 confirmed cases and nine deaths. |
| President Emmanuel Macron of France has primarily addressed the nation since the epidemic began in four solemn televised speeches. | President Emmanuel Macron of France has primarily addressed the nation since the epidemic began in four solemn televised speeches. |
| In his first, he announced stringent lockdown measures and was grim and resolute, invoking images of combat as he asserted that the country was “at war.” | In his first, he announced stringent lockdown measures and was grim and resolute, invoking images of combat as he asserted that the country was “at war.” |
| But this week in his latest appearance, Mr. Macron softened his martial tone, acknowledging that the government had made mistakes in distributing masks and protective gear to health workers, and mentioning other logistical shortcomings. | But this week in his latest appearance, Mr. Macron softened his martial tone, acknowledging that the government had made mistakes in distributing masks and protective gear to health workers, and mentioning other logistical shortcomings. |
| “As soon as these problems were identified, we mobilized ourselves — the government, local authorities, companies, associations — to produce and to acquire the necessary supplies,” he said. “But I fully measure that, when you are on the front lines, it is hard to hear that a global shortage is preventing deliveries.” | “As soon as these problems were identified, we mobilized ourselves — the government, local authorities, companies, associations — to produce and to acquire the necessary supplies,” he said. “But I fully measure that, when you are on the front lines, it is hard to hear that a global shortage is preventing deliveries.” |
| He also spoke candidly about the challenges in planning ahead. | He also spoke candidly about the challenges in planning ahead. |
| “When will we be able to go back to our prior life?” Mr. Macron asked. “Quite frankly, humbly, we have no definitive answer to that.” | “When will we be able to go back to our prior life?” Mr. Macron asked. “Quite frankly, humbly, we have no definitive answer to that.” |
| This rare admission of error may be making him more popular in France, where his approval ratings are the highest since he entered office. | This rare admission of error may be making him more popular in France, where his approval ratings are the highest since he entered office. |
| “He was always a very divisive figure before that, but I think the bit that Macron did well was to say, actually we weren’t as prepared as we should have been,” Ms. Rutter, the governance expert, said. “And he did admit mistakes.” | “He was always a very divisive figure before that, but I think the bit that Macron did well was to say, actually we weren’t as prepared as we should have been,” Ms. Rutter, the governance expert, said. “And he did admit mistakes.” |
| For autocrats and strongmen, the pandemic has become an excuse to consolidate power further and extend their reach. For President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, it has become the latest stage on which to greenlight extrajudicial killings, an issue throughout his time in office. | For autocrats and strongmen, the pandemic has become an excuse to consolidate power further and extend their reach. For President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, it has become the latest stage on which to greenlight extrajudicial killings, an issue throughout his time in office. |
| Updated June 12, 2020 | Updated June 12, 2020 |
| 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. | |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Initially dismissive of the coronavirus, Mr. Duterte reversed course late last month, introducing stringent measures, including a lockdown, in a bid to stem its spread. In an address earlier this month, he threatened those who considered breaking the lockdown, instructing the police and military to take matters into their own hands. | Initially dismissive of the coronavirus, Mr. Duterte reversed course late last month, introducing stringent measures, including a lockdown, in a bid to stem its spread. In an address earlier this month, he threatened those who considered breaking the lockdown, instructing the police and military to take matters into their own hands. |
| “Shoot them dead,” he said. “Do you understand? Dead. Instead of causing trouble, I’ll send you to the grave.” | “Shoot them dead,” he said. “Do you understand? Dead. Instead of causing trouble, I’ll send you to the grave.” |
| The government has since passed legislation giving Mr. Duterte emergency powers and $5.4 billion to deal with the pandemic, and the ability to put in place even more draconian steps. | The government has since passed legislation giving Mr. Duterte emergency powers and $5.4 billion to deal with the pandemic, and the ability to put in place even more draconian steps. |
| Paired with his public statements, Mr. Duterte’s actions have set off alarm bells for human rights organizations. Amnesty International called for Mr. Duterte to “immediately cease his dangerous incitement to violence.” | Paired with his public statements, Mr. Duterte’s actions have set off alarm bells for human rights organizations. Amnesty International called for Mr. Duterte to “immediately cease his dangerous incitement to violence.” |
| The Philippines has one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in Southeast Asia, and a weak and strained public health system. There is no widespread testing in the country. | The Philippines has one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in Southeast Asia, and a weak and strained public health system. There is no widespread testing in the country. |
| Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany shocked some during one of her earliest news briefings on the outbreak when she outlined a stark possibility: In a worst-case situation, she said, up to 70 percent of the German population could become infected. | Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany shocked some during one of her earliest news briefings on the outbreak when she outlined a stark possibility: In a worst-case situation, she said, up to 70 percent of the German population could become infected. |
| At a time when other leaders were hoping to lessen the blow in their messaging, she stood out. But her frankness put her in a strong position. It was also a comfortable position for her; she is a science-minded leader who studied physics and has a doctorate in quantum chemistry. | At a time when other leaders were hoping to lessen the blow in their messaging, she stood out. But her frankness put her in a strong position. It was also a comfortable position for her; she is a science-minded leader who studied physics and has a doctorate in quantum chemistry. |
| “This plays to a lot of Merkel’s strengths, and in a sense the significant status she has in Germany,” Ms. Rutter said. “It plays to her sensible, scientific, very calm but authoritative style, and she is more naturally at home with the science, more than other leaders.” | “This plays to a lot of Merkel’s strengths, and in a sense the significant status she has in Germany,” Ms. Rutter said. “It plays to her sensible, scientific, very calm but authoritative style, and she is more naturally at home with the science, more than other leaders.” |
| Ms. Merkel went even further in a no-nonsense national address a week later, on March 18, the first during her 14 years in office. | Ms. Merkel went even further in a no-nonsense national address a week later, on March 18, the first during her 14 years in office. |
| “The situation is serious; take it seriously,” Ms. Merkel said, calling the crisis the biggest challenge facing Germans since World War II. | “The situation is serious; take it seriously,” Ms. Merkel said, calling the crisis the biggest challenge facing Germans since World War II. |
| She has been rewarded for her candor. Since the outbreak began, her approval ratings have gone through the roof, rising 11 points from before the outbreak to a record 79 percent. | She has been rewarded for her candor. Since the outbreak began, her approval ratings have gone through the roof, rising 11 points from before the outbreak to a record 79 percent. |
| This week, as she laid out plans for a step-by-step loosening of the country’s lockdown measures, her attention to detail and her cautious plan to restart the economy were again heralded. | This week, as she laid out plans for a step-by-step loosening of the country’s lockdown measures, her attention to detail and her cautious plan to restart the economy were again heralded. |
| “Having grown up in communist East Germany,” wrote Judy Dempsey, a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe, “Merkel understands the balance between security and transparency.” | “Having grown up in communist East Germany,” wrote Judy Dempsey, a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe, “Merkel understands the balance between security and transparency.” |
| Aurelien Breeden contributed reporting. | Aurelien Breeden contributed reporting. |