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Where Coronavirus Help on Facebook Is ‘Inherently Political’ Where Coronavirus Help on Facebook Is ‘Inherently Political’
(about 13 hours later)
The three young idealists met before this all started, when the most pressing issues they faced were climate change, environmental justice and ensuring clean water for Detroit residents. They were all organizers of a sort: eager to do the unglamorous work of convincing people that they could dream bigger, and demand more from their government.The three young idealists met before this all started, when the most pressing issues they faced were climate change, environmental justice and ensuring clean water for Detroit residents. They were all organizers of a sort: eager to do the unglamorous work of convincing people that they could dream bigger, and demand more from their government.
They came from very different parts of a segregated region. Justin Onwenu, 23, lives in Detroit, where 79 percent of the population is black. Bridget Quinn, 35, and Lauren Schandevel, 23, are from the overwhelmingly white suburbs of Macomb County, just north of the city.They came from very different parts of a segregated region. Justin Onwenu, 23, lives in Detroit, where 79 percent of the population is black. Bridget Quinn, 35, and Lauren Schandevel, 23, are from the overwhelmingly white suburbs of Macomb County, just north of the city.
But when the coronavirus shut everything down, they all noticed the same thing: All around them, people were overwhelmed and feeling helpless.But when the coronavirus shut everything down, they all noticed the same thing: All around them, people were overwhelmed and feeling helpless.
So they organized. And with nothing happening in person, they turned to Facebook, creating a public group called Metro Detroit Covid-19 Support. Within days it had grown to include thousands of people throughout the area. They pleaded for help with child care, offered suddenly scarce toilet paper and donated emergency cash funds with no strings attached. As the weeks wore on, many people requested or provided face masks, and increasingly, in desperation, asked for help with unemployment.So they organized. And with nothing happening in person, they turned to Facebook, creating a public group called Metro Detroit Covid-19 Support. Within days it had grown to include thousands of people throughout the area. They pleaded for help with child care, offered suddenly scarce toilet paper and donated emergency cash funds with no strings attached. As the weeks wore on, many people requested or provided face masks, and increasingly, in desperation, asked for help with unemployment.
The pandemic has unmoored already fragile institutions across the country, forcing many Americans to turn to one another for help instead of to the government or nonprofit organizations. With the belief that the system is so broken that assistance will never come, hundreds of people have formed mutual aid societies, designed to allow people to find help themselves. Though the groups’ efforts vary widely, similar attempts to offer assistance have formed in dozens of states, including North Carolina, Texas and Arizona.The pandemic has unmoored already fragile institutions across the country, forcing many Americans to turn to one another for help instead of to the government or nonprofit organizations. With the belief that the system is so broken that assistance will never come, hundreds of people have formed mutual aid societies, designed to allow people to find help themselves. Though the groups’ efforts vary widely, similar attempts to offer assistance have formed in dozens of states, including North Carolina, Texas and Arizona.
The groups are something of a throwback; such networks were popular in the heydays of communal activity, in the early 20th century and again in the 1960s and ’70s. The method is simple: Have something to give? Offer it up. Need something? Just ask for it.The groups are something of a throwback; such networks were popular in the heydays of communal activity, in the early 20th century and again in the 1960s and ’70s. The method is simple: Have something to give? Offer it up. Need something? Just ask for it.
There is nothing inherently political about mutual aid groups — their offerings are akin to bringing a casserole to a neighbor suffering a setback. But the newest crop has been formed largely by young progressives, and their proliferation points to a new kind of organizing that could reshape politics long after the pandemic. For young voters who saw their hope in Senator Bernie Sanders’s presidential campaign fizzle out just as the virus upended communities nationwide, the mutual aid societies are something of a balm — a kind of stake in the ground for their liberal ideals.There is nothing inherently political about mutual aid groups — their offerings are akin to bringing a casserole to a neighbor suffering a setback. But the newest crop has been formed largely by young progressives, and their proliferation points to a new kind of organizing that could reshape politics long after the pandemic. For young voters who saw their hope in Senator Bernie Sanders’s presidential campaign fizzle out just as the virus upended communities nationwide, the mutual aid societies are something of a balm — a kind of stake in the ground for their liberal ideals.
“For my age group, if we don’t walk away from this moment understanding there are things we really need to change, we will have failed,” Mr. Onwenu said from his apartment one recent afternoon. “It was just so clear early on: This is a generational moment and it’s going to be on us. You look at history and there are certain moments where the psyche of communities completely changes, and this will be one of them.”“For my age group, if we don’t walk away from this moment understanding there are things we really need to change, we will have failed,” Mr. Onwenu said from his apartment one recent afternoon. “It was just so clear early on: This is a generational moment and it’s going to be on us. You look at history and there are certain moments where the psyche of communities completely changes, and this will be one of them.”
In the Detroit area, one of the most segregated regions in the country, the organizers’ most radical idea was connecting people from the city with those in the mostly white suburbs, pushing the idea that they could help each other. From the beginning, the organizers saw the pandemic as magnifying a wide range of existing problems. They view the idea of rugged individualism with utter disdain.In the Detroit area, one of the most segregated regions in the country, the organizers’ most radical idea was connecting people from the city with those in the mostly white suburbs, pushing the idea that they could help each other. From the beginning, the organizers saw the pandemic as magnifying a wide range of existing problems. They view the idea of rugged individualism with utter disdain.
After growing up in Warren, a working-class town in Macomb County, Ms. Schandevel enrolled in the University of Michigan as a kind of escape, not planning to return to a county long known as a stronghold for “Reagan Democrats.” But she became involved in organizing not far from her hometown and has worked for We the People-Michigan since graduating a year ago.After growing up in Warren, a working-class town in Macomb County, Ms. Schandevel enrolled in the University of Michigan as a kind of escape, not planning to return to a county long known as a stronghold for “Reagan Democrats.” But she became involved in organizing not far from her hometown and has worked for We the People-Michigan since graduating a year ago.
“It’s absolutely an extension of my politics, to try to build a community across race,” said Ms. Schandevel, who is white. “The whole construction of the suburbs emphasizes the nuclear family over all else. People lose a lot of empathy and trust with each other. That’s why our social safety nets are so eroded, we just don’t spend enough time with each other. I think trying to build up that trust is an inherently political thing.”“It’s absolutely an extension of my politics, to try to build a community across race,” said Ms. Schandevel, who is white. “The whole construction of the suburbs emphasizes the nuclear family over all else. People lose a lot of empathy and trust with each other. That’s why our social safety nets are so eroded, we just don’t spend enough time with each other. I think trying to build up that trust is an inherently political thing.”
The way Ms. Schandevel sees it, the more empathy people have, the more likely they will be to vote for candidates who will enact the kinds of policies she supports.The way Ms. Schandevel sees it, the more empathy people have, the more likely they will be to vote for candidates who will enact the kinds of policies she supports.
Early on, the organizers created clear guidelines for the Facebook group: no live videos, nothing self-promotional. The idea was to create a replacement for a town bulletin board and to prove that pooling resources is better for everyone. They and a few other moderators would approve messages before they were posted, allowing them to filter out posts that did not request or offer help.Early on, the organizers created clear guidelines for the Facebook group: no live videos, nothing self-promotional. The idea was to create a replacement for a town bulletin board and to prove that pooling resources is better for everyone. They and a few other moderators would approve messages before they were posted, allowing them to filter out posts that did not request or offer help.
When people began dying from the coronavirus — more than 2,400 have died in Wayne County, which includes Detroit, and over 1,700 more have died in nearby Macomb and Oakland Counties — the organizers faced a difficult question: Should they allow obituaries in the Facebook group? They didn’t want to disrespect anyone. But they expected that the toll would be so high that death notices would overwhelm the board. So none appear. With information and questions about unemployment cropping up frequently, the moderators tried to streamline the message board by putting them all in one place — a “huge relief,” Ms. Schandevel said.When people began dying from the coronavirus — more than 2,400 have died in Wayne County, which includes Detroit, and over 1,700 more have died in nearby Macomb and Oakland Counties — the organizers faced a difficult question: Should they allow obituaries in the Facebook group? They didn’t want to disrespect anyone. But they expected that the toll would be so high that death notices would overwhelm the board. So none appear. With information and questions about unemployment cropping up frequently, the moderators tried to streamline the message board by putting them all in one place — a “huge relief,” Ms. Schandevel said.
Still, the persistence of unemployment as the most pressing issue for so many members underscores a grim and practical reality: The virus’s impact will be felt for years, shaping public policy. And that public policy is what the organizers are setting their sights on.Still, the persistence of unemployment as the most pressing issue for so many members underscores a grim and practical reality: The virus’s impact will be felt for years, shaping public policy. And that public policy is what the organizers are setting their sights on.
“There is a renewed sense of urgency, because this has uncovered so many of the underlying problems we’ve had,” Ms. Quinn said. “Never has the need for universal health care and social safety nets been more clear.”“There is a renewed sense of urgency, because this has uncovered so many of the underlying problems we’ve had,” Ms. Quinn said. “Never has the need for universal health care and social safety nets been more clear.”
Slowly, the group has been tackling such issues head on, broadcasting speeches calling for universal health care. The organizers see the work as only beginning by explaining to those who lose their jobs and health care the benefits of a single-payer system.Slowly, the group has been tackling such issues head on, broadcasting speeches calling for universal health care. The organizers see the work as only beginning by explaining to those who lose their jobs and health care the benefits of a single-payer system.
What the moment has made clear, Mr. Onwenu said, is that a lot of things “we just didn’t think were urgent issues, that we thought people could wait for, that people weren’t feeling in their bones” are now rearing up. “All those systems need to be addressed,” he said. “I think communicating that very clearly to people is going to be our task.”What the moment has made clear, Mr. Onwenu said, is that a lot of things “we just didn’t think were urgent issues, that we thought people could wait for, that people weren’t feeling in their bones” are now rearing up. “All those systems need to be addressed,” he said. “I think communicating that very clearly to people is going to be our task.”
“Showing the need for health care that isn’t tied to employment status is one of the ways that we make the case for the thing that we already wanted,” he added.“Showing the need for health care that isn’t tied to employment status is one of the ways that we make the case for the thing that we already wanted,” he added.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated 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.
More than anything, Ms. Quinn and her friends say they are pushing back against a sense of “rugged individualism,” the longstanding American ideal that each person is an island, responsible for and capable of pressing ahead in any circumstance.More than anything, Ms. Quinn and her friends say they are pushing back against a sense of “rugged individualism,” the longstanding American ideal that each person is an island, responsible for and capable of pressing ahead in any circumstance.
They view such an ideal as a faulty narrative that has never been quite true, but is even less so today. It is in the suburbs, the women argued, that the idea that every family is an island has entrenched itself, overlooking those — single, gay or economically struggling — who fall outside the most narrow definition of family.They view such an ideal as a faulty narrative that has never been quite true, but is even less so today. It is in the suburbs, the women argued, that the idea that every family is an island has entrenched itself, overlooking those — single, gay or economically struggling — who fall outside the most narrow definition of family.
“Empathy can feel really rare and hard to come by because everyone is so isolated and atomized,” Ms. Quinn said.“Empathy can feel really rare and hard to come by because everyone is so isolated and atomized,” Ms. Quinn said.
So when armed protests at the State Capitol against stay-at-home orders made national news, Ms. Quinn felt, at least temporarily, infuriated. For one thing, the protests spoke to the kind of racial tensions she hoped to quell. But she saw how easy it was to fixate on the drama, on the attempts to incite fury among people desperate for work and a paycheck.So when armed protests at the State Capitol against stay-at-home orders made national news, Ms. Quinn felt, at least temporarily, infuriated. For one thing, the protests spoke to the kind of racial tensions she hoped to quell. But she saw how easy it was to fixate on the drama, on the attempts to incite fury among people desperate for work and a paycheck.
“I do feel like there’s this weird percolating energy that’s a little bit scary,” she said. “The race and class tension in southeastern Michigan feels extremely worrying — like it might, like, ignite at any moment.”“I do feel like there’s this weird percolating energy that’s a little bit scary,” she said. “The race and class tension in southeastern Michigan feels extremely worrying — like it might, like, ignite at any moment.”
Ms. Schandevel chimed in. “On one hand, you have people who are out of work and cannot survive on the paltry stimulus check that the government is giving them, which is completely understandable,” she said. “But then you have a far-right contingency that is really exploiting that.”Ms. Schandevel chimed in. “On one hand, you have people who are out of work and cannot survive on the paltry stimulus check that the government is giving them, which is completely understandable,” she said. “But then you have a far-right contingency that is really exploiting that.”
The organizers were determined to provide an alternative for people who might be receptive to the protesters’ sentiments.The organizers were determined to provide an alternative for people who might be receptive to the protesters’ sentiments.
“The work we’re doing is very quiet, and that’s not something that people are going to pay attention to right now,” Ms. Schandevel said. “But it matters a lot — caring for each other will ultimately make a difference. It’s a long haul for changing people’s minds and changing the way that they view and treat their neighbors. But it’s definitely not insignificant and it’s not removed from political ideology at all.”“The work we’re doing is very quiet, and that’s not something that people are going to pay attention to right now,” Ms. Schandevel said. “But it matters a lot — caring for each other will ultimately make a difference. It’s a long haul for changing people’s minds and changing the way that they view and treat their neighbors. But it’s definitely not insignificant and it’s not removed from political ideology at all.”