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Just as Air Travel Is Picking Up, U.K. Imposes a Quarantine Just as Air Travel Is Picking Up, U.K. Imposes a Quarantine
(about 1 hour later)
LONDON — When the coronavirus was spreading at breakneck speed this spring, Britain’s government flatly refused to quarantine travelers, even those arriving from virus hot spots like Spain or Iran.LONDON — When the coronavirus was spreading at breakneck speed this spring, Britain’s government flatly refused to quarantine travelers, even those arriving from virus hot spots like Spain or Iran.
On Monday, as most Western European countries and the United States were easing restrictions, the government introduced a plan requiring everyone entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days.On Monday, as most Western European countries and the United States were easing restrictions, the government introduced a plan requiring everyone entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days.
That includes even people from places like New Zealand, a nation that has declared itself free of Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.That includes even people from places like New Zealand, a nation that has declared itself free of Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s belated change of heart over quarantines has enraged airlines, frustrated travelers and upset lawmakers fearful of the economic damage. Experts doubt that the quarantine measures can be enforced, and question why a nation with one of Europe’s worst infection rates should try now to deter international travel.Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s belated change of heart over quarantines has enraged airlines, frustrated travelers and upset lawmakers fearful of the economic damage. Experts doubt that the quarantine measures can be enforced, and question why a nation with one of Europe’s worst infection rates should try now to deter international travel.
To the government’s critics, the new rule is just one of many examples of the mismanagement of the pandemic by Mr. Johnson: a procession of slipshod, overpromising proposals, usually behind the curve and driven more by politics than the science he routinely cites.To the government’s critics, the new rule is just one of many examples of the mismanagement of the pandemic by Mr. Johnson: a procession of slipshod, overpromising proposals, usually behind the curve and driven more by politics than the science he routinely cites.
“This is at something of a piece with the way this crisis has been handled by the government,” said Anand Menon, a professor of European politics at King’s College London. “The reaction has tended to be late, and there is always an eye to the politics.”“This is at something of a piece with the way this crisis has been handled by the government,” said Anand Menon, a professor of European politics at King’s College London. “The reaction has tended to be late, and there is always an eye to the politics.”
Mr. Johnson’s original hesitancy over closing pubs and restaurants and ordering a full lockdown cost a significant number of lives, according to John Edmunds, a government adviser and professor of infectious disease modeling at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.Mr. Johnson’s original hesitancy over closing pubs and restaurants and ordering a full lockdown cost a significant number of lives, according to John Edmunds, a government adviser and professor of infectious disease modeling at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
The government has also struggled to create a system to test for the disease then trace the contacts of those with the virus. And while other countries urged the use of face coverings, Britain demurred. Now it says they will soon be compulsory on public transport.The government has also struggled to create a system to test for the disease then trace the contacts of those with the virus. And while other countries urged the use of face coverings, Britain demurred. Now it says they will soon be compulsory on public transport.
Although most politicians and public health experts think that the quarantine has come so late as to be of little effect, it is thought to be popular with the working-class voters in northern England Mr. Johnson is hoping to court. Many of them voted for the Tories last December for the first time in their lives, and they are not likely to travel abroad themselves.Although most politicians and public health experts think that the quarantine has come so late as to be of little effect, it is thought to be popular with the working-class voters in northern England Mr. Johnson is hoping to court. Many of them voted for the Tories last December for the first time in their lives, and they are not likely to travel abroad themselves.
“It makes very little practical sense to have a blanket quarantine, let alone one that is very, very, hard to enforce,” Mr. Menon said. “The only question is whether it makes political sense.”“It makes very little practical sense to have a blanket quarantine, let alone one that is very, very, hard to enforce,” Mr. Menon said. “The only question is whether it makes political sense.”
Under the new quarantine rules, people entering Britain by plane, train or ferry must fill out a form giving an address where they will self-isolate for two weeks, with fines of up to £1,000, about $1,260, for breaches.Under the new quarantine rules, people entering Britain by plane, train or ferry must fill out a form giving an address where they will self-isolate for two weeks, with fines of up to £1,000, about $1,260, for breaches.
How thoroughly the scheme will be policed is far from clear.How thoroughly the scheme will be policed is far from clear.
But beyond that, those arriving in the country are not being given a temperature test — and are allowed to use public transport.But beyond that, those arriving in the country are not being given a temperature test — and are allowed to use public transport.
The government’s explanation for the late-stage quarantine is that earlier in the pandemic, when the virus was circulating widely in the community, it made little difference whether or not new cases were imported.The government’s explanation for the late-stage quarantine is that earlier in the pandemic, when the virus was circulating widely in the community, it made little difference whether or not new cases were imported.
Now, with the number of daily deaths down to double figures, it is important to stop imported cases from producing a second spike in infections, government officials say. Given how hard hit the country has been hit — the disease has killed more than 40,000 people in Britain — it makes sense to proceed with caution, they say.Now, with the number of daily deaths down to double figures, it is important to stop imported cases from producing a second spike in infections, government officials say. Given how hard hit the country has been hit — the disease has killed more than 40,000 people in Britain — it makes sense to proceed with caution, they say.
“The public health measures at the border that are being introduced from today are the latest cross-government measures in our collective response and fight to save lives, protect the British people and, importantly, prevent a second wave of coronavirus,” said Britain’s home secretary, Priti Patel.“The public health measures at the border that are being introduced from today are the latest cross-government measures in our collective response and fight to save lives, protect the British people and, importantly, prevent a second wave of coronavirus,” said Britain’s home secretary, Priti Patel.
Nonetheless the plan, to be reviewed every three weeks, is only workable with a series of exemptions, including for truck drivers, fruit pickers, government officials and medical workers, in addition to anyone arriving from Ireland.Nonetheless the plan, to be reviewed every three weeks, is only workable with a series of exemptions, including for truck drivers, fruit pickers, government officials and medical workers, in addition to anyone arriving from Ireland.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
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.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
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 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.
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.)
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.
“Scientists say the quarantine has come too late, the police say it’s unenforceable, the tourism and aviation industry say it will ruin them,” said Conor McGinn, who speaks for the opposition Labour Party on home affairs issues. He argued for a testing regime at airports.“Scientists say the quarantine has come too late, the police say it’s unenforceable, the tourism and aviation industry say it will ruin them,” said Conor McGinn, who speaks for the opposition Labour Party on home affairs issues. He argued for a testing regime at airports.
Critics have called in vain on the government to publish the scientific advice it says it relied upon to justify the quarantine. On Monday, Ms. Patel, the home secretary, once again insisted without elaboration that the policy was based on scientific and medical guidance.Critics have called in vain on the government to publish the scientific advice it says it relied upon to justify the quarantine. On Monday, Ms. Patel, the home secretary, once again insisted without elaboration that the policy was based on scientific and medical guidance.
Acknowledging the possible economic costs, Ms. Patel told lawmakers that the government was exploring the creation of “air bridges” that would allow Britons to travel abroad for a summer vacation without quarantine obligations.Acknowledging the possible economic costs, Ms. Patel told lawmakers that the government was exploring the creation of “air bridges” that would allow Britons to travel abroad for a summer vacation without quarantine obligations.
The government was also looking at “immunity passports” for people who have recovered from the virus and are immune from infection, and how to digitalize the response at the border, she said.The government was also looking at “immunity passports” for people who have recovered from the virus and are immune from infection, and how to digitalize the response at the border, she said.
Whether some Britons will be able to take a foreign summer vacation remains unclear, however. The French government has said that travelers arriving from Britain, whatever their nationality, would also be asked to enter a 14-day isolation from Monday.Whether some Britons will be able to take a foreign summer vacation remains unclear, however. The French government has said that travelers arriving from Britain, whatever their nationality, would also be asked to enter a 14-day isolation from Monday.
Already reeling from the impact of the pandemic, the travel industry is furious with the British government, and three airlines are considering legal action against the government. “These measures are disproportionate and unfair on British citizens, as well as international visitors arriving in the U.K.,” said British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair in a statement.Already reeling from the impact of the pandemic, the travel industry is furious with the British government, and three airlines are considering legal action against the government. “These measures are disproportionate and unfair on British citizens, as well as international visitors arriving in the U.K.,” said British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair in a statement.
In an interview with Sky News, Michael O’Leary, the chief executive of Ryanair, used less legalistic language to describe the British plan.In an interview with Sky News, Michael O’Leary, the chief executive of Ryanair, used less legalistic language to describe the British plan.
“I think people in the U.K. know that the quarantine is useless,” he said. “It is a political stunt.”“I think people in the U.K. know that the quarantine is useless,” he said. “It is a political stunt.”