This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/04/us/social-distancing-rules-coronavirus.html

The article has changed 30 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
Social Distancing Informants Have Their Eyes on You Social Distancing Informants Have Their Eyes on You
(7 days later)
Kevin Rusch was at home on a recent Sunday evening scrolling through Facebook when he saw a photo that shocked him: A man with an American flag bandanna wrapped around his head stood at a rally demanding Wisconsin lift orders that had shuttered schools and businesses.Kevin Rusch was at home on a recent Sunday evening scrolling through Facebook when he saw a photo that shocked him: A man with an American flag bandanna wrapped around his head stood at a rally demanding Wisconsin lift orders that had shuttered schools and businesses.
That man was David Murdock, a cardiologist from his hometown, Wausau. And, like the hundreds of other people at the rally, Dr. Murdock was maskless and did not appear to be practicing social distancing. In one photo, Dr. Murdock’s arm was slung around a priest, with the two holding a sign that read, “We are an essential service.”That man was David Murdock, a cardiologist from his hometown, Wausau. And, like the hundreds of other people at the rally, Dr. Murdock was maskless and did not appear to be practicing social distancing. In one photo, Dr. Murdock’s arm was slung around a priest, with the two holding a sign that read, “We are an essential service.”
“His picture popped up, and when I saw it, I was furious,” Mr. Rusch said. “I thought, this guy is out here hugging people and rubbing elbows without P.P.E. on and he’s actively seeing patients.”“His picture popped up, and when I saw it, I was furious,” Mr. Rusch said. “I thought, this guy is out here hugging people and rubbing elbows without P.P.E. on and he’s actively seeing patients.”
Mr. Rusch shared Dr. Murdock’s photo on Facebook with an admonition about the doctor who boldly attended a rally amid a pandemic: Go to his hospital “at your own risk.”Mr. Rusch shared Dr. Murdock’s photo on Facebook with an admonition about the doctor who boldly attended a rally amid a pandemic: Go to his hospital “at your own risk.”
Commenters piled on, and dozens of them contacted Dr. Murdock’s hospital. Mr. Rusch did, too. By the next afternoon, Dr. Murdock, 68, who has been practicing medicine in central and northern Wisconsin for 33 years, had been suspended for a week.Commenters piled on, and dozens of them contacted Dr. Murdock’s hospital. Mr. Rusch did, too. By the next afternoon, Dr. Murdock, 68, who has been practicing medicine in central and northern Wisconsin for 33 years, had been suspended for a week.
Dr. Murdock became one of the most public casualties of a growing crowd of social distancing vigilantes, Americans frustrated by fellow citizens violating government orders to wear masks, close nonessential businesses and refrain from gathering in groups.Dr. Murdock became one of the most public casualties of a growing crowd of social distancing vigilantes, Americans frustrated by fellow citizens violating government orders to wear masks, close nonessential businesses and refrain from gathering in groups.
Largely confined to their homes and worried about the spread of the coronavirus and its risks to their own health or that of loved ones, a segment of the United States has turned informant, calling the police, public health authorities and the employers of people they believe are violating social-distancing decrees or stay-at-home orders.Largely confined to their homes and worried about the spread of the coronavirus and its risks to their own health or that of loved ones, a segment of the United States has turned informant, calling the police, public health authorities and the employers of people they believe are violating social-distancing decrees or stay-at-home orders.
Across the country, these complaints have led to shutdowns of dog groomers and massage establishments as well as citations and police scoldings to restaurant and bar owners whose patrons are lingering too close to one another.Across the country, these complaints have led to shutdowns of dog groomers and massage establishments as well as citations and police scoldings to restaurant and bar owners whose patrons are lingering too close to one another.
The citizen action comes into direct conflict with new and mounting calls for the economy to reopen, a dispute that played out that day last month at the Wisconsin rally, with consequences for Dr. Murdock’s career. He said in an interview that he had taken vacation time after his suspension and was evaluating whether to return to his hospital.The citizen action comes into direct conflict with new and mounting calls for the economy to reopen, a dispute that played out that day last month at the Wisconsin rally, with consequences for Dr. Murdock’s career. He said in an interview that he had taken vacation time after his suspension and was evaluating whether to return to his hospital.
But such reporting also has occurred in more local ways, with neighborhood websites that once served as bulletin boards for lost cats or plumber recommendations now becoming social distancing complaint boxes.But such reporting also has occurred in more local ways, with neighborhood websites that once served as bulletin boards for lost cats or plumber recommendations now becoming social distancing complaint boxes.
“Four teenage girls with lacrosse sticks and white hoodies just walked past our place,” read a post on a neighborhood blog in one suburban Boston community. “Parents, you need to do better.”“Four teenage girls with lacrosse sticks and white hoodies just walked past our place,” read a post on a neighborhood blog in one suburban Boston community. “Parents, you need to do better.”
Some people are resorting to anonymous acts of public shaming. The tone is nasty at times.Some people are resorting to anonymous acts of public shaming. The tone is nasty at times.
In Manhattan’s East Village, profanity-laden posters have been tacked to telephone poles chastising people for not wearing face masks. In Long Beach, Wash., a popular weekend getaway for Seattleites that had been closed, a flyer left on car windshields said, “Your vacation is not worth our lives.” On Twitter, the hashtag #FloridaMorons was used to shame citizens by posting photos of crowded beaches after they recently reopened.In Manhattan’s East Village, profanity-laden posters have been tacked to telephone poles chastising people for not wearing face masks. In Long Beach, Wash., a popular weekend getaway for Seattleites that had been closed, a flyer left on car windshields said, “Your vacation is not worth our lives.” On Twitter, the hashtag #FloridaMorons was used to shame citizens by posting photos of crowded beaches after they recently reopened.
In Wisconsin, after a local TV news outlet published a story saying that Dr. Murdock had been suspended, people cheered in messages on a private Facebook group backing stay-at-home orders.In Wisconsin, after a local TV news outlet published a story saying that Dr. Murdock had been suspended, people cheered in messages on a private Facebook group backing stay-at-home orders.
“YES!!!!! YOU DID IT EVERYONE!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!” one commenter posted.“YES!!!!! YOU DID IT EVERYONE!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!” one commenter posted.
As President Trump and many Republican governors aggressively push to reopen businesses and some Democratic officials call for continued restraint, the actions are sometimes becoming politicized.As President Trump and many Republican governors aggressively push to reopen businesses and some Democratic officials call for continued restraint, the actions are sometimes becoming politicized.
Some liberals said they thought that calling out violators was a civic duty and a matter of public health. But Vicki McKenna, a conservative talk radio host in Wisconsin who has promoted rallies resisting the state’s shutdown orders, likened the outing of social-distancing offenders to the actions of informants in a totalitarian state.Some liberals said they thought that calling out violators was a civic duty and a matter of public health. But Vicki McKenna, a conservative talk radio host in Wisconsin who has promoted rallies resisting the state’s shutdown orders, likened the outing of social-distancing offenders to the actions of informants in a totalitarian state.
“There’s a creepy Orwellian sensibility people have,” she said.“There’s a creepy Orwellian sensibility people have,” she said.
Dr. Murdock, who has become a minor celebrity in Wisconsin’s conservative political world and who wrote a 2,127-word essay about his experience, said he had no hard feelings toward his hospital supervisors. But he found himself surprised by the vitriol he faced — someone left a bag of feces on the front steps of his home, prompting extra police patrols of his street.Dr. Murdock, who has become a minor celebrity in Wisconsin’s conservative political world and who wrote a 2,127-word essay about his experience, said he had no hard feelings toward his hospital supervisors. But he found himself surprised by the vitriol he faced — someone left a bag of feces on the front steps of his home, prompting extra police patrols of his street.
“It’s just unfortunate,” he said. “We can’t even have a civil discussion anymore.”“It’s just unfortunate,” he said. “We can’t even have a civil discussion anymore.”
In some cities and counties, vigilantism has been encouraged by municipalities that have set up special phone numbers, apps or online forms to report violations. Some officials have faced backlash for doing so.In some cities and counties, vigilantism has been encouraged by municipalities that have set up special phone numbers, apps or online forms to report violations. Some officials have faced backlash for doing so.
The health department in Dane County, Wis., which includes the capital and surrounding areas, took down its website for anonymously reporting social distancing violations after about a week. The volume of complaints had become too large to handle.The health department in Dane County, Wis., which includes the capital and surrounding areas, took down its website for anonymously reporting social distancing violations after about a week. The volume of complaints had become too large to handle.
New York City’s online reporting system that allowed users to text photos to officials of anyone caught breaking social-distancing rules was temporarily shut down after being inundated with obscene images and complaints that it encouraged an authoritarian-like system of snitching.New York City’s online reporting system that allowed users to text photos to officials of anyone caught breaking social-distancing rules was temporarily shut down after being inundated with obscene images and complaints that it encouraged an authoritarian-like system of snitching.
But many people who have reported offenders say they see their actions as a matter of life or death.But many people who have reported offenders say they see their actions as a matter of life or death.
Delaney Kalea was driving her mother to pick up medicine in Prattville, Ala., on a recent evening when she spotted a group of teenagers outside a bowling alley, “giving each other piggyback rides, dancing, playing football,” she said.Delaney Kalea was driving her mother to pick up medicine in Prattville, Ala., on a recent evening when she spotted a group of teenagers outside a bowling alley, “giving each other piggyback rides, dancing, playing football,” she said.
“I decided to make the responsible decision as we were driving off to call the cops,” she said.“I decided to make the responsible decision as we were driving off to call the cops,” she said.
Ms. Kalea, a makeup artist who lost all of her work because of the pandemic, has diabetes and her brother and mother have compromised immune systems. She and her family leave home only for grocery and medicine runs and the occasional pass through a drive-through restaurant.Ms. Kalea, a makeup artist who lost all of her work because of the pandemic, has diabetes and her brother and mother have compromised immune systems. She and her family leave home only for grocery and medicine runs and the occasional pass through a drive-through restaurant.
“People who think they’re completely untouchable to this virus are the reason so many people are losing their lives,” she said. “My blood boils almost every day when I think about this. Where is the human decency?”“People who think they’re completely untouchable to this virus are the reason so many people are losing their lives,” she said. “My blood boils almost every day when I think about this. Where is the human decency?”
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.
Officials fielding complaints about social distancing said that while citizens seemed well-intentioned, often they are misinformed about the patchwork of regulations guiding each municipality.Officials fielding complaints about social distancing said that while citizens seemed well-intentioned, often they are misinformed about the patchwork of regulations guiding each municipality.
The police in Laredo, Texas, expect an uptick in calls from confused citizens reporting what they think are violations of the state’s new, complex directives from the governor that allow, among other things, malls to open up shops — but not food courts, play areas or interactive displays. Rural restaurants can open dining rooms at no more than 50 percent capacity while urban restaurants could have no more than 25 percent capacity.The police in Laredo, Texas, expect an uptick in calls from confused citizens reporting what they think are violations of the state’s new, complex directives from the governor that allow, among other things, malls to open up shops — but not food courts, play areas or interactive displays. Rural restaurants can open dining rooms at no more than 50 percent capacity while urban restaurants could have no more than 25 percent capacity.
Tips in mid-April led the police to crack down on a nail salon and an eyelash services business, arresting the operators of each business after an undercover officer was able to book services with them. Each was charged with violating an emergency plan and could face jail time as well as a $2,000 fine.Tips in mid-April led the police to crack down on a nail salon and an eyelash services business, arresting the operators of each business after an undercover officer was able to book services with them. Each was charged with violating an emergency plan and could face jail time as well as a $2,000 fine.
Public health enforcement officials in Salt Lake County in Utah have closed tattoo parlors, salons and massage establishments in recent days after fielding the more than 500 calls and online submissions complaining about violations of orders in place there, said Ron Lund, the county health department enforcement coordinator.Public health enforcement officials in Salt Lake County in Utah have closed tattoo parlors, salons and massage establishments in recent days after fielding the more than 500 calls and online submissions complaining about violations of orders in place there, said Ron Lund, the county health department enforcement coordinator.
Some of the calls have come from business owners angry that competitors do not seem to be abiding by new shutdown rules, he said. Others have come from people who misunderstand the orders about which businesses are allowed to operate. One call came from a woman upset that a hardware store was still open.Some of the calls have come from business owners angry that competitors do not seem to be abiding by new shutdown rules, he said. Others have come from people who misunderstand the orders about which businesses are allowed to operate. One call came from a woman upset that a hardware store was still open.
“She was very uptight because one of her friends works at this hardware store and she thought it should be closed,” Mr. Lund said, adding that he explained the store had the right to be open if it offered hand sanitizer stations, cleaned all surfaces regularly and followed other rules. “She was truly driven by her concern for a friend who was working at a place with a high volume of customers.”“She was very uptight because one of her friends works at this hardware store and she thought it should be closed,” Mr. Lund said, adding that he explained the store had the right to be open if it offered hand sanitizer stations, cleaned all surfaces regularly and followed other rules. “She was truly driven by her concern for a friend who was working at a place with a high volume of customers.”
Nadine Campbell was worried about her community in Bridgehampton, N.Y., one afternoon in March when she drove to check out the beach not far from her home and found cars lining the road.Nadine Campbell was worried about her community in Bridgehampton, N.Y., one afternoon in March when she drove to check out the beach not far from her home and found cars lining the road.
“People were milling around,” she said. “It was really upsetting.”“People were milling around,” she said. “It was really upsetting.”
She posted a photo of the cars on Facebook and triggered dozens of commenters arguing about whether people had the right to be on the beach — and whether Ms. Campbell should have posted the photo at all.She posted a photo of the cars on Facebook and triggered dozens of commenters arguing about whether people had the right to be on the beach — and whether Ms. Campbell should have posted the photo at all.
Ms. Campbell was quick to point out that she did not get out of her car, and that she did not call the police.Ms. Campbell was quick to point out that she did not get out of her car, and that she did not call the police.
“I don’t want them to close the beach,” she said, adding that people have recently become much better about keeping their distance. “It’s our only salvation.”“I don’t want them to close the beach,” she said, adding that people have recently become much better about keeping their distance. “It’s our only salvation.”
Ellen Barry, Tim Arango and Patricia Mazzei contributed reporting.Ellen Barry, Tim Arango and Patricia Mazzei contributed reporting.