'Britain Orders a 14-Day Quarantine on Arriving Travelers' diff viewer (13/14)

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Britain Orders a 14-Day Quarantine on Arriving Travelers	Britain Orders a 14-Day Quarantine on Arriving Travelers
2020-06-18 19:08:17 UTC	2020-06-18 19:40:15 UTC (32 minutes later)
LONDON — Britain on Friday moved ahead with a 14-day mandatory quarantine on arriving travelers, and heavy fines for those who break the rules, outlining strict new travel restrictions as other European nations are thinking about easing theirs.	LONDON — Britain on Friday moved ahead with a 14-day mandatory quarantine on arriving travelers, and heavy fines for those who break the rules, outlining strict new travel restrictions as other European nations are thinking about easing theirs.
For weeks, the British government resisted the idea of a quarantine on travelers — even as the death toll from the coronavirus rose above that of neighboring nations — but on Friday, Priti Patel, the home secretary, brushed aside critics who think her plan is damaging, unworkable or simply too late.	For weeks, the British government resisted the idea of a quarantine on travelers — even as the death toll from the coronavirus rose above that of neighboring nations — but on Friday, Priti Patel, the home secretary, brushed aside critics who think her plan is damaging, unworkable or simply too late.
At a news conference, Ms. Patel argued that when the virus was spreading freely at home, it made little sense to restrict travelers, but now that the pandemic was under control in Britain, the calculation had changed.	At a news conference, Ms. Patel argued that when the virus was spreading freely at home, it made little sense to restrict travelers, but now that the pandemic was under control in Britain, the calculation had changed.
“It is to protect that hard-won progress and prevent a devastating resurgence in a second wave of the virus,” said Ms. Patel, explaining the timing of the measures. As travel increases after the lockdown, “imported cases could begin to pose a larger and increased threat,” she added.	“It is to protect that hard-won progress and prevent a devastating resurgence in a second wave of the virus,” said Ms. Patel, explaining the timing of the measures. As travel increases after the lockdown, “imported cases could begin to pose a larger and increased threat,” she added.
Travelers whose final destination is in Britain will be required to give an address at which they must self-isolate and where they will be subject to spot checks by the police. Those who do not comply face a fine up to £1,000 ($1,218).	Travelers whose final destination is in Britain will be required to give an address at which they must self-isolate and where they will be subject to spot checks by the police. Those who do not comply face a fine up to £1,000 ($1,218).
The plan, which is to start on June 8 and to be reviewed every three weeks, has several exemptions, including for truck drivers, seasonal farm workers, government officials and medical personnel, in addition to anyone arriving from Ireland, which has a common travel agreement with Britain.	The plan, which is to start on June 8 and to be reviewed every three weeks, has several exemptions, including for truck drivers, seasonal farm workers, government officials and medical personnel, in addition to anyone arriving from Ireland, which has a common travel agreement with Britain.
One prominent traveler who could be exempt is Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who might meet face to face with other Group of 7 leaders, including President Trump, if a planned meeting is held next month in Washington.	One prominent traveler who could be exempt is Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who might meet face to face with other Group of 7 leaders, including President Trump, if a planned meeting is held next month in Washington.
Still, for Mr. Johnson, who has held out a vision of a “Global Britain” after the country’s departure from the European Union earlier this year, the enforcement of a quarantine on international travelers is another painful symbol of how the pandemic has upended his new government’s agenda.	Still, for Mr. Johnson, who has held out a vision of a “Global Britain” after the country’s departure from the European Union earlier this year, the enforcement of a quarantine on international travelers is another painful symbol of how the pandemic has upended his new government’s agenda.
Other Britons are holding on to more ordinary hopes, such as being allowed to travel for a late-summer vacation, which has added to tensions within Mr. Johnson’s Conservative Party over the merits of the quarantine plan. On Friday, the government said it was considering the idea of allowing “air bridges” to specific countries so that British tourists could head for Mediterranean beaches.	Other Britons are holding on to more ordinary hopes, such as being allowed to travel for a late-summer vacation, which has added to tensions within Mr. Johnson’s Conservative Party over the merits of the quarantine plan. On Friday, the government said it was considering the idea of allowing “air bridges” to specific countries so that British tourists could head for Mediterranean beaches.
Medical experts said the decision to impose a quarantine was useful but overdue. It would have been more effective three months ago, when people arriving from Italy and other parts of Europe brought the virus into Britain.	Medical experts said the decision to impose a quarantine was useful but overdue. It would have been more effective three months ago, when people arriving from Italy and other parts of Europe brought the virus into Britain.
“Of course, it is a valid move now, but what was right in February-March is also right in May-June,” said Bharat Pankhania, an expert in infectious diseases at the University of Exeter Medical School. “They needed to do it when the virus was at a much earlier stage.”	“Of course, it is a valid move now, but what was right in February-March is also right in May-June,” said Bharat Pankhania, an expert in infectious diseases at the University of Exeter Medical School. “They needed to do it when the virus was at a much earlier stage.”
Dr. Pankhania said that Britain’s decision to sequester visitors from China early in the outbreak was valuable, but that the government’s decision not to do the same with European arrivals offset the benefits of that decision and contributed to a massive spread of the virus in the population.	Dr. Pankhania said that Britain’s decision to sequester visitors from China early in the outbreak was valuable, but that the government’s decision not to do the same with European arrivals offset the benefits of that decision and contributed to a massive spread of the virus in the population.
“It strikes me as being very late and very hard to enforce,” said Anand Menon, professor of European politics and foreign affairs at King’s College London, who noted that in New Zealand quarantine took place in managed facilities.	“It strikes me as being very late and very hard to enforce,” said Anand Menon, professor of European politics and foreign affairs at King’s College London, who noted that in New Zealand quarantine took place in managed facilities.
“Here you have to give an address and the police might pop by,” he said. “But if you live at that address with five others, does the quarantine apply to them and, if not, what is the point?”	“Here you have to give an address and the police might pop by,” he said. “But if you live at that address with five others, does the quarantine apply to them and, if not, what is the point?”
In handling the pandemic, Britain has often gone its own way, entering lockdown after many other nations had already done so and lifting such measures more slowly. Most countries restricted travel earlier and now have lower rates of infection than Britain, which has suffered more than 36,000 deaths.	In handling the pandemic, Britain has often gone its own way, entering lockdown after many other nations had already done so and lifting such measures more slowly. Most countries restricted travel earlier and now have lower rates of infection than Britain, which has suffered more than 36,000 deaths.
Britain’s move to quarantine was so slow it is taking place as some other European nations are experimenting with relaxing travel curbs. Switzerland, Germany and Austria are allowing families divided by border closures to meet again, and there is a hope that the three countries will open their frontiers with one another, and with France, in the middle of June.	Britain’s move to quarantine was so slow it is taking place as some other European nations are experimenting with relaxing travel curbs. Switzerland, Germany and Austria are allowing families divided by border closures to meet again, and there is a hope that the three countries will open their frontiers with one another, and with France, in the middle of June.
At home, the British government is trying to lift the lockdown but is taking a cautious approach, knowing that Britons remain nervous about the risk of a second spike in infections.	At home, the British government is trying to lift the lockdown but is taking a cautious approach, knowing that Britons remain nervous about the risk of a second spike in infections.
It is struggling to win support for its plan to reopen schools for some students on June 1, with the authorities in some English regions resisting and the Scottish government saying that it will keep schools closed until August.	It is struggling to win support for its plan to reopen schools for some students on June 1, with the authorities in some English regions resisting and the Scottish government saying that it will keep schools closed until August.
Its task of persuasion was not helped by guidance published by a scientific committee showing that the government’s specific plan for reopening schools to some groups of children next month was not among the nine scenarios it had modeled.	Its task of persuasion was not helped by guidance published by a scientific committee showing that the government’s specific plan for reopening schools to some groups of children next month was not among the nine scenarios it had modeled.
Updated June 16, 2020	Updated June 16, 2020
	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.	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.	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.
One option the scientists seemed to prefer, which would have split classes between groups of students attending on alternate weeks, was not favored by the ministers.	One option the scientists seemed to prefer, which would have split classes between groups of students attending on alternate weeks, was not favored by the ministers.
There was a good deal of confusion regarding Ms. Patel’s quarantine plan. Initial reports, following a phone call earlier this month between Mr. Johnson and President Emmanuel Macron of France suggested that travelers from France would be exempt.	There was a good deal of confusion regarding Ms. Patel’s quarantine plan. Initial reports, following a phone call earlier this month between Mr. Johnson and President Emmanuel Macron of France suggested that travelers from France would be exempt.
In a statement at the time, the government said, “No quarantine measures would apply to travelers coming from France at this stage” and that “any measures on either side would be taken in a concerted and reciprocal manner.”	In a statement at the time, the government said, “No quarantine measures would apply to travelers coming from France at this stage” and that “any measures on either side would be taken in a concerted and reciprocal manner.”
But after political backlash in Mr. Johnson’s cabinet, that idea was scrapped.	But after political backlash in Mr. Johnson’s cabinet, that idea was scrapped.