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Westerdam Passengers at Low Risk of Coronavirus Infection, C.D.C. Says Westerdam Passengers at Low Risk of Coronavirus Infection, C.D.C. Says
(3 days later)
Passengers aboard the cruise ship Westerdam who have returned to the United States no longer need to isolate themselves and can resume normal activities, despite the fact that one passenger tested positive for the new coronavirus in Malaysia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised.Passengers aboard the cruise ship Westerdam who have returned to the United States no longer need to isolate themselves and can resume normal activities, despite the fact that one passenger tested positive for the new coronavirus in Malaysia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised.
A spokesman for the agency said on Saturday that the passenger’s diagnosis, confirmed twice by health officials in Malaysia, was a false-positive and noted that no other infections among passengers aboard the ship had been reported.A spokesman for the agency said on Saturday that the passenger’s diagnosis, confirmed twice by health officials in Malaysia, was a false-positive and noted that no other infections among passengers aboard the ship had been reported.
But on Sunday, the agency said that it had no direct evidence that the test result was a false-positive. Malaysian health officials announced that the passenger, an 83-year-old American woman, now tests negative for the infection, but experts say that is to be expected in a patient recovering from the illness.But on Sunday, the agency said that it had no direct evidence that the test result was a false-positive. Malaysian health officials announced that the passenger, an 83-year-old American woman, now tests negative for the infection, but experts say that is to be expected in a patient recovering from the illness.
(The test looks for an active infection; it is not an antibody test, which can tell whether a patient has ever been infected.)(The test looks for an active infection; it is not an antibody test, which can tell whether a patient has ever been infected.)
“I’m thinking they must have some information from the testing laboratory in Malaysia that would give the C.D.C. confidence in saying yes, that was a false-positive result,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University.“I’m thinking they must have some information from the testing laboratory in Malaysia that would give the C.D.C. confidence in saying yes, that was a false-positive result,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University.
“Obviously, if it was a true positive, you would keep all those people in self-monitoring.”“Obviously, if it was a true positive, you would keep all those people in self-monitoring.”
The C.D.C. had issued that advice to state and local health departments last week, telling Westerdam passengers that they should restrict public activities for 14 days because they might have been exposed to the virus.The C.D.C. had issued that advice to state and local health departments last week, telling Westerdam passengers that they should restrict public activities for 14 days because they might have been exposed to the virus.
The owner of the ship, Holland America Lines, a division of Carnival Cruise Lines, celebrated the loosening of restrictions on Westerdam passengers.The owner of the ship, Holland America Lines, a division of Carnival Cruise Lines, celebrated the loosening of restrictions on Westerdam passengers.
“While we were not surprised by these results, we were very pleased to receive this confirmation,” Holland America said in a letter to Westerdam passengers. “C.D.C. does not recommend isolation or quarantine for guests returning home from Westerdam.”“While we were not surprised by these results, we were very pleased to receive this confirmation,” Holland America said in a letter to Westerdam passengers. “C.D.C. does not recommend isolation or quarantine for guests returning home from Westerdam.”
On Sunday, the C.D.C. also said that Westerdam passengers would not require testing for the coronavirus. Tests of nearly 1,500 passengers, mostly conducted by Cambodian health officials, had turned up no other infections, the agency said, and therefore the passengers are at little to no risk of carrying the virus.On Sunday, the C.D.C. also said that Westerdam passengers would not require testing for the coronavirus. Tests of nearly 1,500 passengers, mostly conducted by Cambodian health officials, had turned up no other infections, the agency said, and therefore the passengers are at little to no risk of carrying the virus.
The Westerdam carried about 2,000 passengers, however, and those who left Cambodia first were never tested for the coronavirus.The Westerdam carried about 2,000 passengers, however, and those who left Cambodia first were never tested for the coronavirus.
The Cambodian government has regarded its embrace of the Westerdam as a political event and humanitarian gesture, and the country’s prime minister, Hun Sen, was incensed when Malaysian health officials said that the American passenger, who was identified as she arrived in Kuala Lumpur, was ill with the coronavirus.The Cambodian government has regarded its embrace of the Westerdam as a political event and humanitarian gesture, and the country’s prime minister, Hun Sen, was incensed when Malaysian health officials said that the American passenger, who was identified as she arrived in Kuala Lumpur, was ill with the coronavirus.
Following the C.D.C.’s initial statement that the test was a false-positive, Mr. Hun Sen accused Malaysia of shoddy lab work. The woman never had coronavirus at all, he asserted.Following the C.D.C.’s initial statement that the test was a false-positive, Mr. Hun Sen accused Malaysia of shoddy lab work. The woman never had coronavirus at all, he asserted.
“The irresponsibility of some foreigners on the health test of Westerdam passengers makes Cambodia the victim of its humanitarian work,” Mr. Hun Sen said in a Facebook post on Saturday.“The irresponsibility of some foreigners on the health test of Westerdam passengers makes Cambodia the victim of its humanitarian work,” Mr. Hun Sen said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
“If I were the Malaysian P.M., I would remove the health minister for being neglectful and irresponsible.”“If I were the Malaysian P.M., I would remove the health minister for being neglectful and irresponsible.”
Testing for the coronavirus has proved problematic, said Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, and questions have been raised about the test’s sensitivity.Testing for the coronavirus has proved problematic, said Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, and questions have been raised about the test’s sensitivity.
A diagnostic test produced by the C.D.C. and sent to state health departments turned out to be flawed, and new test kits must be manufactured.A diagnostic test produced by the C.D.C. and sent to state health departments turned out to be flawed, and new test kits must be manufactured.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.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.
“If the C.D.C., a world renowned scientific institution, is having trouble, it’s highly likely others are having trouble as well,” Dr. Nuzzo said.“If the C.D.C., a world renowned scientific institution, is having trouble, it’s highly likely others are having trouble as well,” Dr. Nuzzo said.
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Timing is also critical: People who test negative may turn positive a few days later, depending on when during the incubation period a sample is taken.Timing is also critical: People who test negative may turn positive a few days later, depending on when during the incubation period a sample is taken.
Very few Americans are being tested. The C.D.C. requires people to be symptomatic and to report having had a clear route of exposure, such as recent travel to Wuhan.Very few Americans are being tested. The C.D.C. requires people to be symptomatic and to report having had a clear route of exposure, such as recent travel to Wuhan.
“It’s important to put this one potential case in the context of thousands and thousands whom we are not testing,” Dr. Nuzzo added. “South Korea has tested more than 20,000 people. We have tested probably under 1,000.”“It’s important to put this one potential case in the context of thousands and thousands whom we are not testing,” Dr. Nuzzo added. “South Korea has tested more than 20,000 people. We have tested probably under 1,000.”
Questions about the possible exposure of Westerdam passengers to the coronavirus have swirled since Feb. 1, when the ship picked up 768 new passengers in Hong Kong and embarked on a 14-day voyage whose itinerary included stops at ports in the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.Questions about the possible exposure of Westerdam passengers to the coronavirus have swirled since Feb. 1, when the ship picked up 768 new passengers in Hong Kong and embarked on a 14-day voyage whose itinerary included stops at ports in the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea.
But Hong Kong already had at least 10 cases of coronavirus by the end of January, and announced its first death early in February.But Hong Kong already had at least 10 cases of coronavirus by the end of January, and announced its first death early in February.
The cruise line tweaked the Westerdam’s itinerary, but one port after another turned it away, and it remained at sea for nearly two weeks until Cambodia allowed it to dock in Sihanoukville on Feb. 13.The cruise line tweaked the Westerdam’s itinerary, but one port after another turned it away, and it remained at sea for nearly two weeks until Cambodia allowed it to dock in Sihanoukville on Feb. 13.
Hannah Beech contributed reporting from Bangkok.Hannah Beech contributed reporting from Bangkok.