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Virus Concerns Flare Up Again on Stricken Carrier Roosevelt Virus Concerns Flare Up Again on Stricken Carrier Roosevelt
(about 5 hours later)
WASHINGTON — Aboard the carrier Theodore Roosevelt, recent history is repeating itself.WASHINGTON — Aboard the carrier Theodore Roosevelt, recent history is repeating itself.
As sailors and other crew members who were quarantined on Guam return to the ship and begin preparations to return to sea, tensions have flared again between the ship’s medical personnel and Navy leadership over whether the Roosevelt is ready to go back to work in the Pacific Ocean.As sailors and other crew members who were quarantined on Guam return to the ship and begin preparations to return to sea, tensions have flared again between the ship’s medical personnel and Navy leadership over whether the Roosevelt is ready to go back to work in the Pacific Ocean.
Medical personnel and crew members on the Roosevelt say that several returning sailors have displayed symptoms that they associate with the coronavirus. But Navy officials counter that all sailors must have tested negative at least twice before going back on the ship, and that they will be tested again on board if they have even the mildest flulike symptoms.Medical personnel and crew members on the Roosevelt say that several returning sailors have displayed symptoms that they associate with the coronavirus. But Navy officials counter that all sailors must have tested negative at least twice before going back on the ship, and that they will be tested again on board if they have even the mildest flulike symptoms.
In one instance last week, according to a crew member on the ship, several sailors with what turned out to be symptoms associated with the coronavirus were accidentally placed on a bus bound for the Roosevelt. All the sailors were taken off the bus, retested and placed in quarantine pending the results, Navy officials said.In one instance last week, according to a crew member on the ship, several sailors with what turned out to be symptoms associated with the coronavirus were accidentally placed on a bus bound for the Roosevelt. All the sailors were taken off the bus, retested and placed in quarantine pending the results, Navy officials said.
“If the results come back negative, the sailors will return to the ship — if they are positive, then the sailors will remain in quarantine and will be retested after a four-day wait period,” the Navy said in an emailed response to The New York Times.“If the results come back negative, the sailors will return to the ship — if they are positive, then the sailors will remain in quarantine and will be retested after a four-day wait period,” the Navy said in an emailed response to The New York Times.
In a letter to the crew of the Roosevelt dated Friday and obtained by The New York Times, Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello, the current commanding officer of the 1,000-foot nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, acknowledged that the threat of the virus “onboard the ship remains real.”In a letter to the crew of the Roosevelt dated Friday and obtained by The New York Times, Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello, the current commanding officer of the 1,000-foot nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, acknowledged that the threat of the virus “onboard the ship remains real.”
But on Monday night, the captain also gave a series of telephone interviews from the ship to reporters in Washington in which he repeated assurances that the Roosevelt was ready to get back to work.But on Monday night, the captain also gave a series of telephone interviews from the ship to reporters in Washington in which he repeated assurances that the Roosevelt was ready to get back to work.
“You’ve just got to give them direction and give them the tools that they need,” he told The Associated Press in one interview. “Then, whatever you put in front of them — they’re going to knock it out of the park.”“You’ve just got to give them direction and give them the tools that they need,” he told The Associated Press in one interview. “Then, whatever you put in front of them — they’re going to knock it out of the park.”
Aboard the ship, some crew members are not so sure. Medical personnel, who have been reluctant to bring back sailors even after 21 days of isolation and two to three tests, expressed frustration, according to a health care provider on Guam.Aboard the ship, some crew members are not so sure. Medical personnel, who have been reluctant to bring back sailors even after 21 days of isolation and two to three tests, expressed frustration, according to a health care provider on Guam.
The divergence of assessments mirrors a similar split in March, when the coronavirus first reached the ship and led to a tumultuous series of events, including the removal of the ship’s commander, Capt. Brett E. Crozier, and the resignation of the acting secretary of the Navy, Thomas B. Modly.The divergence of assessments mirrors a similar split in March, when the coronavirus first reached the ship and led to a tumultuous series of events, including the removal of the ship’s commander, Capt. Brett E. Crozier, and the resignation of the acting secretary of the Navy, Thomas B. Modly.
The Navy has stopped releasing daily updates on the number of virus cases among the crew after publicly announcing that all the sailors had been tested. About 1,700 sailors remain on Guam, many of them still quarantined and recovering.The Navy has stopped releasing daily updates on the number of virus cases among the crew after publicly announcing that all the sailors had been tested. About 1,700 sailors remain on Guam, many of them still quarantined and recovering.
Sailors clean the Roosevelt three to four times a day, and failing to wear a protective mask may now subject someone to nonjudicial punishment, said a crew member on the ship.Sailors clean the Roosevelt three to four times a day, and failing to wear a protective mask may now subject someone to nonjudicial punishment, said a crew member on the ship.
“The U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt is a deployed unit and ready for tasking if needed,” Cmdr. J. Myers Vasquez, a U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesman, said in an email. “We remain focused on the health and safety of our sailors, and ensuring the full recovery of all sailors on board U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt.”“The U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt is a deployed unit and ready for tasking if needed,” Cmdr. J. Myers Vasquez, a U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesman, said in an email. “We remain focused on the health and safety of our sailors, and ensuring the full recovery of all sailors on board U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt.”
In his letter, Captain Sardiello told the crew to “act like you and each of your shipmates have it and just don’t know it yet.” He said that the Roosevelt’s “collective effort to achieve and maintain a Covid-free ship can be undone by a single individual’s offense or inattention.”In his letter, Captain Sardiello told the crew to “act like you and each of your shipmates have it and just don’t know it yet.” He said that the Roosevelt’s “collective effort to achieve and maintain a Covid-free ship can be undone by a single individual’s offense or inattention.”
Captain Sardiello said to expect daily medical screenings and to “transit the ship at all times like we are conducting a Man Overboard muster; up and forward on the starboard side, down and aft on the port side. This will limit the risk of transmission by reducing close passes.”Captain Sardiello said to expect daily medical screenings and to “transit the ship at all times like we are conducting a Man Overboard muster; up and forward on the starboard side, down and aft on the port side. This will limit the risk of transmission by reducing close passes.”
Captain Sardiello, who previously commanded the Theodore Roosevelt, was reinstated just over a month ago when Captain Crozier was removed.Captain Sardiello, who previously commanded the Theodore Roosevelt, was reinstated just over a month ago when Captain Crozier was removed.
Though top Navy officials have recommended the reinstatement of Captain Crozier, a leader adored by his crew, the Navy initiated a broader investigation into the outbreak of the virus on the Roosevelt after a preliminary inquiry.Though top Navy officials have recommended the reinstatement of Captain Crozier, a leader adored by his crew, the Navy initiated a broader investigation into the outbreak of the virus on the Roosevelt after a preliminary inquiry.
“I have unanswered questions that the preliminary inquiry has identified and that can only be answered by a deeper review,” the acting Navy secretary, James E. McPherson, said in a statement.“I have unanswered questions that the preliminary inquiry has identified and that can only be answered by a deeper review,” the acting Navy secretary, James E. McPherson, said in a statement.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
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.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.
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.
Mr. McPherson said he was directing the chief of naval operations, Adm. Michael M. Gilday, to oversee the investigation, which is expected to conclude at the end of the month. Adm. Robert P. Burke, the vice chief of naval operations and the officer who conducted the preliminary inquiry, will also carry out the larger investigation.Mr. McPherson said he was directing the chief of naval operations, Adm. Michael M. Gilday, to oversee the investigation, which is expected to conclude at the end of the month. Adm. Robert P. Burke, the vice chief of naval operations and the officer who conducted the preliminary inquiry, will also carry out the larger investigation.
Meantime, Captain Crozier, who had tested positive for the coronavirus, completed his recovery and subsequent quarantine in Guam. He reported on Monday to the Pacific Fleet’s Air Forces headquarters in San Diego, according to Cmdr. Ron Flanders, a Navy spokesman. Captain Crozier will remain there at least for the duration of the new investigation.Meantime, Captain Crozier, who had tested positive for the coronavirus, completed his recovery and subsequent quarantine in Guam. He reported on Monday to the Pacific Fleet’s Air Forces headquarters in San Diego, according to Cmdr. Ron Flanders, a Navy spokesman. Captain Crozier will remain there at least for the duration of the new investigation.
And in another twist, the Senate Armed Services Committee is holding a hearing on Thursday on President Trump’s nomination of Kenneth Braithwaite to be the permanent secretary of the Navy. If the full Senate ultimately confirms Mr. Braithwaite, who is currently the U.S. ambassador to Norway, it is not clear how he will handle the outcome of the Roosevelt investigation or the possible reinstatement of Captain Crozier.And in another twist, the Senate Armed Services Committee is holding a hearing on Thursday on President Trump’s nomination of Kenneth Braithwaite to be the permanent secretary of the Navy. If the full Senate ultimately confirms Mr. Braithwaite, who is currently the U.S. ambassador to Norway, it is not clear how he will handle the outcome of the Roosevelt investigation or the possible reinstatement of Captain Crozier.
The Kidd, a Navy destroyer and the second deployed American warship stricken with the virus, has returned to port in San Diego with dozens of cases aboard. The ship was deployed to the eastern Pacific as part of a counternarcotics operation.The Kidd, a Navy destroyer and the second deployed American warship stricken with the virus, has returned to port in San Diego with dozens of cases aboard. The ship was deployed to the eastern Pacific as part of a counternarcotics operation.
It is unclear how the virus arrived on the Kidd, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper said Monday during an online seminar with the Brookings Institution. But illness spread quickly among the roughly 300 crew members.It is unclear how the virus arrived on the Kidd, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper said Monday during an online seminar with the Brookings Institution. But illness spread quickly among the roughly 300 crew members.
“The statistics show that the safest place to be is on a deployed Navy ship, as compared to one that’s in port,” Mr. Esper said. “Of the 90-plus ships we have at sea, we only have two that have been affected.”“The statistics show that the safest place to be is on a deployed Navy ship, as compared to one that’s in port,” Mr. Esper said. “Of the 90-plus ships we have at sea, we only have two that have been affected.”