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India Starts Bringing Home Hundreds of Thousands Stranded Amid Coronavirus India Starts Bringing Home Hundreds of Thousands Stranded Amid Coronavirus
(3 days later)
NEW DELHI — Sixty-four flights. Two naval ships. A dozen countries. And 15,000 stranded Indians.NEW DELHI — Sixty-four flights. Two naval ships. A dozen countries. And 15,000 stranded Indians.
The Great Indian Repatriation has begun. And this is just the first wave.The Great Indian Repatriation has begun. And this is just the first wave.
India has initiated an enormous rescue operation, using its national carrier, Air India, its naval ships and countless clerks, health workers, police officers, sailors and diplomats, to bring home overseas citizens whose lives have been turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of Indians could be repatriated by the time it is over.India has initiated an enormous rescue operation, using its national carrier, Air India, its naval ships and countless clerks, health workers, police officers, sailors and diplomats, to bring home overseas citizens whose lives have been turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of Indians could be repatriated by the time it is over.
The first of them stepped off a plane from Abu Dhabi on Thursday night, arriving in the southern state of Kerala.The first of them stepped off a plane from Abu Dhabi on Thursday night, arriving in the southern state of Kerala.
“Jai Hind!” — Hail India! — cheered an Air India pilot wearing full protective gear, in a clip shown on Indian news channels.“Jai Hind!” — Hail India! — cheered an Air India pilot wearing full protective gear, in a clip shown on Indian news channels.
On Friday, two naval ships got ready to set sail with around 1,000 Indians from Male, the capital of the Maldives. The crews on the ships and planes wore protective gear, and passengers covered their faces with masks and scarves.On Friday, two naval ships got ready to set sail with around 1,000 Indians from Male, the capital of the Maldives. The crews on the ships and planes wore protective gear, and passengers covered their faces with masks and scarves.
Evacuees must pay their own fare. A flight back from the United States costs more than $1,000. A ride on the warship from the Maldives runs about $40.Evacuees must pay their own fare. A flight back from the United States costs more than $1,000. A ride on the warship from the Maldives runs about $40.
Indian embassies are prioritizing citizens with medical emergencies, pregnant women, people without jobs and students. The first set of flights will take about a week; between those flights and the two warships, around 15,000 people will be brought home.Indian embassies are prioritizing citizens with medical emergencies, pregnant women, people without jobs and students. The first set of flights will take about a week; between those flights and the two warships, around 15,000 people will be brought home.
India realizes how careful it needs to be. So far, perhaps because of weeks of strict lockdown, the country has been spared the waves of death that the United States and other nations have endured. India has reported around 60,000 coronavirus infections and 2,000 deaths, relatively few for a population of 1.3 billion.India realizes how careful it needs to be. So far, perhaps because of weeks of strict lockdown, the country has been spared the waves of death that the United States and other nations have endured. India has reported around 60,000 coronavirus infections and 2,000 deaths, relatively few for a population of 1.3 billion.
It helped that India was quick to close its airspace, in March, to international arrivals, although in recent days the country has suffered a series of deadly accidents as it has moved to ease some restrictions.It helped that India was quick to close its airspace, in March, to international arrivals, although in recent days the country has suffered a series of deadly accidents as it has moved to ease some restrictions.
So the government is walking a fine line: trying to bring home citizens without bringing home the virus. After arriving, all passengers will be sent to quarantine facilities for 14 days.So the government is walking a fine line: trying to bring home citizens without bringing home the virus. After arriving, all passengers will be sent to quarantine facilities for 14 days.
Many regional governments are setting up isolation facilities. In Mumbai, the financial capital, the government said it was keeping 3,343 rooms in 88 hotels for quarantine purposes.Many regional governments are setting up isolation facilities. In Mumbai, the financial capital, the government said it was keeping 3,343 rooms in 88 hotels for quarantine purposes.
But the list is long — really long.But the list is long — really long.
Hundreds of thousands of Indians have registered with embassies around the world for repatriation. Many of them have lost jobs. Others are simply unable to fly back any other way, with the airspace virtually closed.Hundreds of thousands of Indians have registered with embassies around the world for repatriation. Many of them have lost jobs. Others are simply unable to fly back any other way, with the airspace virtually closed.
Some need to come back to earn a living, or to help a sick relative. And as colleges and universities have shut across the globe, hundreds of thousands of young Indians have been left stranded, far from home.Some need to come back to earn a living, or to help a sick relative. And as colleges and universities have shut across the globe, hundreds of thousands of young Indians have been left stranded, far from home.
The Indian news media said the evacuations could take months and would be bigger than the last major effort of this kind, a 1990 airlift that evacuated about 170,000 Indians from the Persian Gulf, just before the first Gulf War.The Indian news media said the evacuations could take months and would be bigger than the last major effort of this kind, a 1990 airlift that evacuated about 170,000 Indians from the Persian Gulf, just before the first Gulf War.
“Our ships are capable of going anywhere,” said Cmdr. Vivek Madhwal, a spokesman for the Indian Navy. “It could be a big operation.”“Our ships are capable of going anywhere,” said Cmdr. Vivek Madhwal, a spokesman for the Indian Navy. “It could be a big operation.”
Flights are scheduled to pluck Indians out of places like Chicago, San Francisco, Dhaka, Manila, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. Air India is selling seats on the flights out, mostly from Delhi and Mumbai, for foreigners in India and for Indians who need to leave.Flights are scheduled to pluck Indians out of places like Chicago, San Francisco, Dhaka, Manila, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. Air India is selling seats on the flights out, mostly from Delhi and Mumbai, for foreigners in India and for Indians who need to leave.
The most requests for repatriation have come from the Persian Gulf, where an estimated 8.5 million Indians work.The most requests for repatriation have come from the Persian Gulf, where an estimated 8.5 million Indians work.
Many are desperate. Anbalal Peer Mohammad, a construction worker who has overstayed his visa in Kuwait and is being housed with other Indian workers in a school, was elated when he heard that he might get out.Many are desperate. Anbalal Peer Mohammad, a construction worker who has overstayed his visa in Kuwait and is being housed with other Indian workers in a school, was elated when he heard that he might get out.
“I smell like a sewer. I haven’t had a bath since last week,” Mr. Mohammad said. “I just want to return home and never look back.”“I smell like a sewer. I haven’t had a bath since last week,” Mr. Mohammad said. “I just want to return home and never look back.”
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
Some feel they have run out of luck. Arvind Venkataraman, 34, who lives in Canberra, Australia’s capital, said his mother-in-law was visiting him when she was diagnosed with kidney failure and put on dialysis. The treatment is expensive in Australia, and he is running out of money, but the family was caught behind the lockdown, unable to fly back into India.Some feel they have run out of luck. Arvind Venkataraman, 34, who lives in Canberra, Australia’s capital, said his mother-in-law was visiting him when she was diagnosed with kidney failure and put on dialysis. The treatment is expensive in Australia, and he is running out of money, but the family was caught behind the lockdown, unable to fly back into India.
When Mr. Venkataraman approached the Indian High Commission in Canberra, he was given some money but told that the first wave of rescue flights would not include Australia.When Mr. Venkataraman approached the Indian High Commission in Canberra, he was given some money but told that the first wave of rescue flights would not include Australia.
“The uncertainty is killing us,” said Mr. Venkataraman, who recently lost his full-time job with a multinational company.“The uncertainty is killing us,” said Mr. Venkataraman, who recently lost his full-time job with a multinational company.
Commander Madhwal, the navy spokesman, said the Indian navy was keeping 14 ships on standby to scoop up more people.He said passengers would be kept a safe distance from one another, in order to avoid the disaster that happened on several cruise ships, where the coronavirus spread aggressively in close quarters.Commander Madhwal, the navy spokesman, said the Indian navy was keeping 14 ships on standby to scoop up more people.He said passengers would be kept a safe distance from one another, in order to avoid the disaster that happened on several cruise ships, where the coronavirus spread aggressively in close quarters.
“We have marked spaces for people to sleep,” he said. “Food is not a problem. It is stored and sometimes on ships it can last for months.”“Everything is very well coordinated,” he added.“We have marked spaces for people to sleep,” he said. “Food is not a problem. It is stored and sometimes on ships it can last for months.”“Everything is very well coordinated,” he added.