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How a Pharmacy Handles Mask Hoarders and Coronavirus Fears How a Pharmacy Handles Mask Hoarders and Coronavirus Fears
(about 20 hours later)
HONG KONG — “It’s like World War III,” said May Tang, an employee at the Kit Pharm Dispensary Ltd. in Hong Kong.HONG KONG — “It’s like World War III,” said May Tang, an employee at the Kit Pharm Dispensary Ltd. in Hong Kong.
As panic over the coronavirus outbreak has swept across the city, residents have taken to waiting in line for hours to buy face masks, disinfectant and even toilet paper from places like Kit Pharm in North Point.As panic over the coronavirus outbreak has swept across the city, residents have taken to waiting in line for hours to buy face masks, disinfectant and even toilet paper from places like Kit Pharm in North Point.
And Ms. Tang, a friendly woman with tinted hair, has witnessed the hysteria first hand.And Ms. Tang, a friendly woman with tinted hair, has witnessed the hysteria first hand.
“You could say we’re tired,” she said of the spreading outbreak and its consequences. “Not many people can experience so many things at once. It will be written down in history.”“You could say we’re tired,” she said of the spreading outbreak and its consequences. “Not many people can experience so many things at once. It will be written down in history.”
After enduring months of political unrest and a waning economy — and with the deadly SARS outbreak from 2003 still looming in people’s memory — jittery customers concerned about the spread of the coronavirus have started to hoard goods from pharmacies around town, leading to dwindling supplies and increased costs.After enduring months of political unrest and a waning economy — and with the deadly SARS outbreak from 2003 still looming in people’s memory — jittery customers concerned about the spread of the coronavirus have started to hoard goods from pharmacies around town, leading to dwindling supplies and increased costs.
Before the New Year, a box of 50 masks was 50 Hong Kong dollars, about $6.50. Now the price has doubled — if you can find masks at all.Before the New Year, a box of 50 masks was 50 Hong Kong dollars, about $6.50. Now the price has doubled — if you can find masks at all.
When Ms. Tang first noticed the growing demand, she said she tried to order high-quality masks from German and British suppliers. But with months to go before a potential shipment would arrive, the pharmacy has been forced to rely on whatever is available.When Ms. Tang first noticed the growing demand, she said she tried to order high-quality masks from German and British suppliers. But with months to go before a potential shipment would arrive, the pharmacy has been forced to rely on whatever is available.
Even she has had trouble getting her hands on masks, she said.Even she has had trouble getting her hands on masks, she said.
On a recent trip to Taiwan, she bought 200 masks for herself and her family. Her friends have flown to Korea and Japan just to hunt for more boxes.On a recent trip to Taiwan, she bought 200 masks for herself and her family. Her friends have flown to Korea and Japan just to hunt for more boxes.
“Every minute, it gets more expensive,” she said of the price increases she has seen online. “It’s too scary.”“Every minute, it gets more expensive,” she said of the price increases she has seen online. “It’s too scary.”
Unlike chain stores, Kit Pharm does not carry a large stock of goods, and what little it puts on the shelves now sells out in a matter of minutes, said Ms. Tang. The pharmacy, a small family-owned business, usually relies on prescription sales. Customers now seem to come in to buy things like bleach, disinfectant and hand sanitizer as frequently as they do to fill their prescriptions, Ms. Tang said.Unlike chain stores, Kit Pharm does not carry a large stock of goods, and what little it puts on the shelves now sells out in a matter of minutes, said Ms. Tang. The pharmacy, a small family-owned business, usually relies on prescription sales. Customers now seem to come in to buy things like bleach, disinfectant and hand sanitizer as frequently as they do to fill their prescriptions, Ms. Tang said.
Like many others in the city, Ms. Tang said she thinks the government should have acted sooner to contain the virus. “If they had done things earlier, Hong Kong would be in an even better place,” she said.Like many others in the city, Ms. Tang said she thinks the government should have acted sooner to contain the virus. “If they had done things earlier, Hong Kong would be in an even better place,” she said.
As of Tuesday, the virus has sickened 61 people and killed one man in Hong Kong. Protests have erupted outside quarantine sites and the government has closed most of its border crossings with mainland China.As of Tuesday, the virus has sickened 61 people and killed one man in Hong Kong. Protests have erupted outside quarantine sites and the government has closed most of its border crossings with mainland China.
Right now, Ms. Tang said, the entire city is alert, but she is hopeful the number of new coronavirus cases will fall. Winter this year has been warmer than usual and more people have been wearing masks, which she says is a good thing.Right now, Ms. Tang said, the entire city is alert, but she is hopeful the number of new coronavirus cases will fall. Winter this year has been warmer than usual and more people have been wearing masks, which she says is a good thing.
“Watching people die, it hurts our hearts,” she said. “I hope no more people are lost.”“Watching people die, it hurts our hearts,” she said. “I hope no more people are lost.”
For now, part of her job at Kit Pharm has become learning how to calm nervous customers desperately looking for more supplies.For now, part of her job at Kit Pharm has become learning how to calm nervous customers desperately looking for more supplies.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“We tell them, ‘Don’t be so anxious, just buy enough for you. Don’t hoard too much,’” she said. Pharmacists at Kit Pharm also encourage customers who get a fever or a cold to be tested for the virus. But not everyone listens, she said.“We tell them, ‘Don’t be so anxious, just buy enough for you. Don’t hoard too much,’” she said. Pharmacists at Kit Pharm also encourage customers who get a fever or a cold to be tested for the virus. But not everyone listens, she said.
Ms. Tang’s inevitable contact with people who are ill has started to worry her. It did not help when she learned that someone living in a building near her own, in Siu Sai Wan, had been infected by the virus.Ms. Tang’s inevitable contact with people who are ill has started to worry her. It did not help when she learned that someone living in a building near her own, in Siu Sai Wan, had been infected by the virus.
Her father, 89, who lives with her, barely leaves home these days, not even to play mahjong, she said.Her father, 89, who lives with her, barely leaves home these days, not even to play mahjong, she said.
After she returns home from work, Ms. Tang is careful to wash her hands and wipe down surfaces using disinfectant. “When I get home, I spray, spray spray,” she said.After she returns home from work, Ms. Tang is careful to wash her hands and wipe down surfaces using disinfectant. “When I get home, I spray, spray spray,” she said.
She used to take the bus to the pharmacy. “Now, I don’t dare,” she said. Instead, she brings her lunch so that she can afford to take a taxi.She used to take the bus to the pharmacy. “Now, I don’t dare,” she said. Instead, she brings her lunch so that she can afford to take a taxi.