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Hundreds of Americans Were Evacuated From the Coronavirus Epicenter. Now Comes the Wait. Hundreds of Americans Were Evacuated From the Coronavirus Epicenter. Now Comes the Wait.
(about 13 hours later)
LOS ANGELES — Americans evacuated from Hubei province in China arrived in California on government-arranged planes on Wednesday morning, and were greeted with applause by waiting medical personnel. They received health screenings, were warned to stay six feet away from the other families and were asked not to let children share toys.LOS ANGELES — Americans evacuated from Hubei province in China arrived in California on government-arranged planes on Wednesday morning, and were greeted with applause by waiting medical personnel. They received health screenings, were warned to stay six feet away from the other families and were asked not to let children share toys.
Eventually, bleary-eyed from an 11-hour flight, they fell asleep in their new temporary homes on military bases.Eventually, bleary-eyed from an 11-hour flight, they fell asleep in their new temporary homes on military bases.
The number of American evacuees from China under federal quarantine for the deadly coronavirus more than doubled on Wednesday with the arrival of two new planeloads of people. The new group of about 350, mostly American citizens, will be held at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Calif., and at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego for 14 days, believed to be the maximum time it takes a person to become ill after being exposed to the coronavirus.The number of American evacuees from China under federal quarantine for the deadly coronavirus more than doubled on Wednesday with the arrival of two new planeloads of people. The new group of about 350, mostly American citizens, will be held at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Calif., and at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego for 14 days, believed to be the maximum time it takes a person to become ill after being exposed to the coronavirus.
At least one more government evacuation flight was expected later in the week to deliver passengers to bases in Nebraska and Texas; a flight last week carried nearly 200 Americans to another base in California. All told, more than 500 people were quarantined on three American bases by Wednesday evening, with more on the way.At least one more government evacuation flight was expected later in the week to deliver passengers to bases in Nebraska and Texas; a flight last week carried nearly 200 Americans to another base in California. All told, more than 500 people were quarantined on three American bases by Wednesday evening, with more on the way.
Passengers who made the journey from China, where nearly 500 people have died in the outbreak, said they were relieved and exhausted, patiently enduring frequent checks of their temperature with little idea what they could expect under the highly unusual federal quarantine.Passengers who made the journey from China, where nearly 500 people have died in the outbreak, said they were relieved and exhausted, patiently enduring frequent checks of their temperature with little idea what they could expect under the highly unusual federal quarantine.
John McGory, 65, described a trip that spanned 37 hours from the time he left an apartment in Wuhan, the center of the outbreak, until he left the plane at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.John McGory, 65, described a trip that spanned 37 hours from the time he left an apartment in Wuhan, the center of the outbreak, until he left the plane at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
“It was grueling,” said Mr. McGory, of Columbus, Ohio, who had been teaching in Wuhan. “It was very challenging.”“It was grueling,” said Mr. McGory, of Columbus, Ohio, who had been teaching in Wuhan. “It was very challenging.”
There were few signs of illness among those who have been evacuated from Wuhan so far.There were few signs of illness among those who have been evacuated from Wuhan so far.
The earlier group of evacuees from China — about 200 people who have been staying at a military base near Riverside, Calif., since last week — were told on Wednesday that all of their tests for coronavirus had come back negative, officials said. Still, they were expected to remain in quarantine for about another week, officials said, in case any symptoms emerged.The earlier group of evacuees from China — about 200 people who have been staying at a military base near Riverside, Calif., since last week — were told on Wednesday that all of their tests for coronavirus had come back negative, officials said. Still, they were expected to remain in quarantine for about another week, officials said, in case any symptoms emerged.
On the more recent evacuation flights on Wednesday, five people — three adults and two children — showed signs of cough or fever and were taken to hospitals for evaluation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.On the more recent evacuation flights on Wednesday, five people — three adults and two children — showed signs of cough or fever and were taken to hospitals for evaluation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If life under quarantine was inconvenient or lonely, few were complaining. At least one person reportedly tried to leave the Riverside base before being stopped by officials, but evacuees said the group had settled into a routine.If life under quarantine was inconvenient or lonely, few were complaining. At least one person reportedly tried to leave the Riverside base before being stopped by officials, but evacuees said the group had settled into a routine.
Jarred Evans, 27, a football player from New York City who has been living in Wuhan for two years, said that staying at the base in Riverside for the full 14 days was “the most important thing we can do for the American people and the safety of our friends and family and community.”Jarred Evans, 27, a football player from New York City who has been living in Wuhan for two years, said that staying at the base in Riverside for the full 14 days was “the most important thing we can do for the American people and the safety of our friends and family and community.”
Mr. Evans, who played for the Chinese National Football League champions, the Wuhan Berserkers, said that his group of evacuees had received daily updates about their health.Mr. Evans, who played for the Chinese National Football League champions, the Wuhan Berserkers, said that his group of evacuees had received daily updates about their health.
Another evacuee in Riverside described a genial atmosphere, despite the tense circumstances and lack of outside contact. There were Zumba classes, small business courses and a Super Bowl party on Sunday, complete with pizza, chicken wings and two big TV screens in a courtyard. A nonprofit organization, he said, had provided toys for children, as well as gourmet coffee and toiletries.Another evacuee in Riverside described a genial atmosphere, despite the tense circumstances and lack of outside contact. There were Zumba classes, small business courses and a Super Bowl party on Sunday, complete with pizza, chicken wings and two big TV screens in a courtyard. A nonprofit organization, he said, had provided toys for children, as well as gourmet coffee and toiletries.
“Everybody’s O.K. here!,” Matthew McCoy, a theme-park designer who was on the first government-arranged flight out of Wuhan last week, said in an email. “We keep up with the news, other people’s work, and we all help each other as a group.”“Everybody’s O.K. here!,” Matthew McCoy, a theme-park designer who was on the first government-arranged flight out of Wuhan last week, said in an email. “We keep up with the news, other people’s work, and we all help each other as a group.”
Days in quarantine on military bases were expected as part of a strict protocol federal officials have put in place for the first time in about half a century to slow the spread of the outbreak.Days in quarantine on military bases were expected as part of a strict protocol federal officials have put in place for the first time in about half a century to slow the spread of the outbreak.
Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, part of the C.D.C., said she did not believe the evacuees posed a threat to the communities where they were being quarantined.Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, part of the C.D.C., said she did not believe the evacuees posed a threat to the communities where they were being quarantined.
“Maybe we can’t catch every returning traveler, but if we can catch the majority of them, we will slow the spread of the virus in the United States,” she said. “We have a window of opportunity here.”“Maybe we can’t catch every returning traveler, but if we can catch the majority of them, we will slow the spread of the virus in the United States,” she said. “We have a window of opportunity here.”
Family members who were awaiting the end of their relatives’ quarantines said they were understanding of the process, given the fears over coronavirus in the United States.Family members who were awaiting the end of their relatives’ quarantines said they were understanding of the process, given the fears over coronavirus in the United States.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
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.
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.)
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.
Samuel Roth, who works for a paper-goods manufacturer in Neenah, Wis., said his wife, Daisy, and their two daughters had been successfully evacuated from Wuhan to California.Samuel Roth, who works for a paper-goods manufacturer in Neenah, Wis., said his wife, Daisy, and their two daughters had been successfully evacuated from Wuhan to California.
He said they had been in Wuhan, Ms. Roth’s hometown, for what was supposed to be a happy family reunion with her parents.He said they had been in Wuhan, Ms. Roth’s hometown, for what was supposed to be a happy family reunion with her parents.
But a quarantine now was welcome, Mr. Roth said: It would not go over well if Ms. Roth and daughters had been allowed to arrive in their community fresh off a flight from Wuhan, the sprawling center of the outbreak. In the United States, 12 cases of coronavirus have been identified, including a new case that was confirmed in Wisconsin on Wednesday.But a quarantine now was welcome, Mr. Roth said: It would not go over well if Ms. Roth and daughters had been allowed to arrive in their community fresh off a flight from Wuhan, the sprawling center of the outbreak. In the United States, 12 cases of coronavirus have been identified, including a new case that was confirmed in Wisconsin on Wednesday.
“To be honest, just because I don’t really want the backlash of people thinking that my family is bringing the disease here,” he said. “I’ve not faced any discrimination or negative comments directly, but reading the paper and just seeing certain xenophobic behaviors online, I can imagine that there are people around me thinking, ‘I don’t really want the coronavirus in my community.’ And I don’t blame them.”“To be honest, just because I don’t really want the backlash of people thinking that my family is bringing the disease here,” he said. “I’ve not faced any discrimination or negative comments directly, but reading the paper and just seeing certain xenophobic behaviors online, I can imagine that there are people around me thinking, ‘I don’t really want the coronavirus in my community.’ And I don’t blame them.”
Also on the evacuation flights that arrived on Wednesday were two sisters and a niece of Guanettee Colebrooke, a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor in suburban Washington. Ms. Colebrooke said she was prepared to welcome them to her home in Virginia whenever they might be allowed to leave quarantine.Also on the evacuation flights that arrived on Wednesday were two sisters and a niece of Guanettee Colebrooke, a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor in suburban Washington. Ms. Colebrooke said she was prepared to welcome them to her home in Virginia whenever they might be allowed to leave quarantine.
Her sisters, LaVana and Luanettee, were studying for advanced degrees in Wuhan, and had spent weeks holed up in their apartments in that city with bottled water and canned food.Her sisters, LaVana and Luanettee, were studying for advanced degrees in Wuhan, and had spent weeks holed up in their apartments in that city with bottled water and canned food.
“They feel so sad that there are so many people who are unable to be evacuated,” Ms. Colebrooke said. Her sisters made a simple calculation, she said: “They were like, ‘If we can get out of here, let’s get out.’”“They feel so sad that there are so many people who are unable to be evacuated,” Ms. Colebrooke said. Her sisters made a simple calculation, she said: “They were like, ‘If we can get out of here, let’s get out.’”
Miriam Jordan reported from Los Angeles, and Julie Bosman from Chicago. Reporting was contributed by Thomas Fuller from San Francisco, Donald G. McNeil Jr. from New York, Dave Philipps from Colorado Springs, and Joe Purtell from Fairfield, Calif.Miriam Jordan reported from Los Angeles, and Julie Bosman from Chicago. Reporting was contributed by Thomas Fuller from San Francisco, Donald G. McNeil Jr. from New York, Dave Philipps from Colorado Springs, and Joe Purtell from Fairfield, Calif.