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Aircraft Carrier Fought the Virus For Weeks. Now It’s Back Aboard. Aircraft Carrier Fought the Virus For Weeks. Now It’s Back Aboard.
(about 13 hours later)
WASHINGTON — The aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt continued its monthslong fight against the novel coronavirus, with at least one sailor aboard the ship testing positive, according to crew members.WASHINGTON — The aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt continued its monthslong fight against the novel coronavirus, with at least one sailor aboard the ship testing positive, according to crew members.
The infected sailor, who had tested negative before reboarding the Roosevelt, was quickly whisked off the ship, which is docked in Guam as Navy officials make preparations for the vessel to deploy. The episode underscores the stubborn challenges facing top Navy officials as a second investigation into the service’s handling of the virus — this one by the Defense Department’s inspector general — got underway this week.The infected sailor, who had tested negative before reboarding the Roosevelt, was quickly whisked off the ship, which is docked in Guam as Navy officials make preparations for the vessel to deploy. The episode underscores the stubborn challenges facing top Navy officials as a second investigation into the service’s handling of the virus — this one by the Defense Department’s inspector general — got underway this week.
Navy officials said they had been aggressively screening and testing as crew members return to the Roosevelt after quarantining in Guam over the past month. Officials on the ship, they say, are requiring masks and repeatedly cleaning and sanitizing to prevent another outbreak of the virus that struck in March, which infected about 1,100 crew members.Navy officials said they had been aggressively screening and testing as crew members return to the Roosevelt after quarantining in Guam over the past month. Officials on the ship, they say, are requiring masks and repeatedly cleaning and sanitizing to prevent another outbreak of the virus that struck in March, which infected about 1,100 crew members.
The crew’s attempts to stop the virus from returning has turned into a frantic game of cat and mouse. Sailors in what looked like biohazard suits were assigned to clean one area of the ship this week, while two hangar bays were unexpectedly sealed off on Tuesday right before food was served pier-side to transfer to shore a sailor, most likely infected with the virus, according to those on board.The crew’s attempts to stop the virus from returning has turned into a frantic game of cat and mouse. Sailors in what looked like biohazard suits were assigned to clean one area of the ship this week, while two hangar bays were unexpectedly sealed off on Tuesday right before food was served pier-side to transfer to shore a sailor, most likely infected with the virus, according to those on board.
In one email sent to much of the crew on Tuesday, a sailor in the medical department said that a current crew member who was undergoing medical screening had failed for four days to report an inability to smell, often a symptom of the virus.In one email sent to much of the crew on Tuesday, a sailor in the medical department said that a current crew member who was undergoing medical screening had failed for four days to report an inability to smell, often a symptom of the virus.
“Please stress the importance of being truthful,” the email read. “So we don’t potentially have Covid+ aboard this ship.”“Please stress the importance of being truthful,” the email read. “So we don’t potentially have Covid+ aboard this ship.”
These daily setbacks, along with the Navy’s timetable to get the ship back to sea, has left the vessel’s commanders with difficult choices. One idea under consideration is to stop the remaining sailors quarantined on Guam from returning to the ship and setting sail with a smaller crew.These daily setbacks, along with the Navy’s timetable to get the ship back to sea, has left the vessel’s commanders with difficult choices. One idea under consideration is to stop the remaining sailors quarantined on Guam from returning to the ship and setting sail with a smaller crew.
In a message to the crew Wednesday night, broadcast over the Roosevelt’s main loudspeaker system, the commander of the ship, Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello, said that medical scrutiny aboard has increased, comparing the ship to a rose garden still riddled with weeds. And he emphasized that the ship’s departure date was based on the conditions on board.In a message to the crew Wednesday night, broadcast over the Roosevelt’s main loudspeaker system, the commander of the ship, Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello, said that medical scrutiny aboard has increased, comparing the ship to a rose garden still riddled with weeds. And he emphasized that the ship’s departure date was based on the conditions on board.
Captain Sardiello’s remarks may conflict with the Navy’s desire to push the Roosevelt back to sea as soon as possible, with the hopes of uniting his carrier with two others — the Ronald Reagan and the Nimitz — for a public show of strength in the Pacific Ocean.Captain Sardiello’s remarks may conflict with the Navy’s desire to push the Roosevelt back to sea as soon as possible, with the hopes of uniting his carrier with two others — the Ronald Reagan and the Nimitz — for a public show of strength in the Pacific Ocean.
Navy officials said Wednesday that anyone aboard the Roosevelt who displayed symptoms associated with the coronavirus was immediately tested and, regardless of the results, taken off the ship. The Navy has stopped releasing daily updates on the number of virus cases among the crew after publicly announcing that all sailors had been tested.Navy officials said Wednesday that anyone aboard the Roosevelt who displayed symptoms associated with the coronavirus was immediately tested and, regardless of the results, taken off the ship. The Navy has stopped releasing daily updates on the number of virus cases among the crew after publicly announcing that all sailors had been tested.
The Navy’s top leaders are eager to put the Roosevelt’s problems behind them, and to project an image that the fleet is ready to confront threats around the globe.The Navy’s top leaders are eager to put the Roosevelt’s problems behind them, and to project an image that the fleet is ready to confront threats around the globe.
But aboard the Roosevelt, the ship’s continued infections have quickly become the theme of the deployment. A “cruise” patch, designed by one of the aircraft squadrons on board, resembles the Corona Beer logo — except in this case it reads, “Corona Virus Cruise, USS Theodore Roosevelt, WestPac2020.” In the center are the words “Double Dragon for You,” a subtle nod to the Navy’s nickname for a stomach virus often transmitted while at sea.But aboard the Roosevelt, the ship’s continued infections have quickly become the theme of the deployment. A “cruise” patch, designed by one of the aircraft squadrons on board, resembles the Corona Beer logo — except in this case it reads, “Corona Virus Cruise, USS Theodore Roosevelt, WestPac2020.” In the center are the words “Double Dragon for You,” a subtle nod to the Navy’s nickname for a stomach virus often transmitted while at sea.
Adm. Michael M. Gilday, the chief of naval operations, wrote on Twitter over the weekend heralding news that six of the Navy’s 11 carriers were now at sea. In fact, only two of the nuclear-powered carriers, the Truman off the East Coast and the Eisenhower in the Persian Gulf region, are on monthslong deployments. The other four ships are conducting training or qualifying crew members.Adm. Michael M. Gilday, the chief of naval operations, wrote on Twitter over the weekend heralding news that six of the Navy’s 11 carriers were now at sea. In fact, only two of the nuclear-powered carriers, the Truman off the East Coast and the Eisenhower in the Persian Gulf region, are on monthslong deployments. The other four ships are conducting training or qualifying crew members.
And the Roosevelt’s return to the Pacific has been delayed by other factors related to the virus. The series of events prompted by the virus’s arrival on the Roosevelt caused a political uproar in Washington, led to the removal of the ship’s captain and the resignation of the acting Navy secretary.And the Roosevelt’s return to the Pacific has been delayed by other factors related to the virus. The series of events prompted by the virus’s arrival on the Roosevelt caused a political uproar in Washington, led to the removal of the ship’s captain and the resignation of the acting Navy secretary.
The new positive case on the Roosevelt comes as a second investigation of the Navy’s handling of the virus — this one by the Defense Department’s inspector general — was announced this week.The new positive case on the Roosevelt comes as a second investigation of the Navy’s handling of the virus — this one by the Defense Department’s inspector general — was announced this week.
The inspector general said in a statement that it would assess the effectiveness of policies and procedures the Navy has put in place to prevent and mitigate the spread of infectious diseases, including the coronavirus, on surface warships and submarines. A spokeswoman declined to say when the report would be completed, but such reviews typically take at least several weeks.The inspector general said in a statement that it would assess the effectiveness of policies and procedures the Navy has put in place to prevent and mitigate the spread of infectious diseases, including the coronavirus, on surface warships and submarines. A spokeswoman declined to say when the report would be completed, but such reviews typically take at least several weeks.
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.
Meantime, a wider Navy inquiry into the events aboard the Roosevelt continues. That investigation, led by Adm. Robert P. Burke, the vice chief of naval operations, was directed last month by the acting secretary of the Navy, James E. McPherson.Meantime, a wider Navy inquiry into the events aboard the Roosevelt continues. That investigation, led by Adm. Robert P. Burke, the vice chief of naval operations, was directed last month by the acting secretary of the Navy, James E. McPherson.
In ordering the wider investigation, Mr. McPherson shelved the recommendation of a preliminary Navy review that restored Capt. Brett E. Crozier to command of the Roosevelt. The results of the Navy’s latest investigation are due by the end of this month, and will examine a broader range of issues, including why the Roosevelt made a port call in early March to Da Nang, Vietnam, despite the spread of the virus across Asia.In ordering the wider investigation, Mr. McPherson shelved the recommendation of a preliminary Navy review that restored Capt. Brett E. Crozier to command of the Roosevelt. The results of the Navy’s latest investigation are due by the end of this month, and will examine a broader range of issues, including why the Roosevelt made a port call in early March to Da Nang, Vietnam, despite the spread of the virus across Asia.
While Mr. McPherson requested the most recent Navy inquiry, the decision whether to accept its finding and recommendations will most likely fall to Kenneth J. Braithwaite, President Trump’s nominee to be Navy secretary. The Senate is expected to approve Mr. Braithwaite by mid-June.While Mr. McPherson requested the most recent Navy inquiry, the decision whether to accept its finding and recommendations will most likely fall to Kenneth J. Braithwaite, President Trump’s nominee to be Navy secretary. The Senate is expected to approve Mr. Braithwaite by mid-June.
Several sailors on the Roosevelt, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of losing their jobs, expressed concern over how they will manage to maintain six feet of social distancing aboard the cramped quarters of an aircraft carrier.Several sailors on the Roosevelt, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of losing their jobs, expressed concern over how they will manage to maintain six feet of social distancing aboard the cramped quarters of an aircraft carrier.
In addition to the Roosevelt, the Navy also experienced a serious coronavirus outbreak aboard a destroyer, the Kidd.In addition to the Roosevelt, the Navy also experienced a serious coronavirus outbreak aboard a destroyer, the Kidd.