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How to Protect Yourself and Prepare for the Coronavirus How to Protect Yourself and Prepare for the Coronavirus
(about 13 hours later)
The coronavirus continues to spread worldwide, with over 127,000 confirmed cases and almost 5,000 dead. In the United States, there have been at least 1,297 cases and more than 35 deaths, according to a New York Times database.The coronavirus continues to spread worldwide, with over 127,000 confirmed cases and almost 5,000 dead. In the United States, there have been at least 1,297 cases and more than 35 deaths, according to a New York Times database.
“We know there will be thousands of more cases,” Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday morning on NBC’s “Today” show. His words came just hours after President Trump announced, during a national television address, temporary restrictions on most travel to the United States from parts of Europe.“We know there will be thousands of more cases,” Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday morning on NBC’s “Today” show. His words came just hours after President Trump announced, during a national television address, temporary restrictions on most travel to the United States from parts of Europe.
Coronavirus is here, and it’s spreading quickly. Elderly people, those with underlying health conditions and those without a social safety net are the most vulnerable to the infection and its societal disruption.Coronavirus is here, and it’s spreading quickly. Elderly people, those with underlying health conditions and those without a social safety net are the most vulnerable to the infection and its societal disruption.
Though life as we know it is sharply off kilter, there are measures you can take.Though life as we know it is sharply off kilter, there are measures you can take.
Most important: Do not panic. With a clear head and some simple tips, you can help reduce your risk, prepare your family and do your part to protect others.Most important: Do not panic. With a clear head and some simple tips, you can help reduce your risk, prepare your family and do your part to protect others.
If Chancellor Angela Merkel’s warning is accurate, two in three Germans may become infected. That might well be a prophecy for the rest of the world, as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise quickly.If Chancellor Angela Merkel’s warning is accurate, two in three Germans may become infected. That might well be a prophecy for the rest of the world, as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise quickly.
However, the majority of those who contract the coronavirus do not become seriously ill. If you get coronavirus, it’s likely you’ll just feel as if you have the flu. But keeping a stiff upper lip will not only be foolhardy, but could also endanger those around you.However, the majority of those who contract the coronavirus do not become seriously ill. If you get coronavirus, it’s likely you’ll just feel as if you have the flu. But keeping a stiff upper lip will not only be foolhardy, but could also endanger those around you.
So if you have a fever and a dry cough, followed by fatigue and shortness of breath, stay home. Don’t go to work; don’t take your children to school; don’t go to the store; don’t ride public transportation.So if you have a fever and a dry cough, followed by fatigue and shortness of breath, stay home. Don’t go to work; don’t take your children to school; don’t go to the store; don’t ride public transportation.
If you can work from home, do. If your employer does not traditionally offer sick leave, remind them of the threat or send them the guidance plan for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.If you can work from home, do. If your employer does not traditionally offer sick leave, remind them of the threat or send them the guidance plan for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you develop a high fever, shortness of breath or another, more serious symptom, call your doctor. (Testing for coronavirus is still inconsistent — there are not enough kits, and it’s dangerous to go into a doctor’s office and risk infecting others.) Then, check the C.D.C. website and your local health department for advice about how and where to be tested.If you develop a high fever, shortness of breath or another, more serious symptom, call your doctor. (Testing for coronavirus is still inconsistent — there are not enough kits, and it’s dangerous to go into a doctor’s office and risk infecting others.) Then, check the C.D.C. website and your local health department for advice about how and where to be tested.
Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. That splash-under-water flick won’t cut it anymore.
Get an informed guide to the global outbreak with our daily coronavirusGet an informed guide to the global outbreak with our daily coronavirus
newsletter. newsletter.
Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. That splash-under-water flick won’t cut it anymore.
A refresher: Wet your hands and scrub with soap, taking care to get between your fingers and under your nails. Wash for at least 20 seconds (or about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice), and dry. The C.D.C. also recommends you avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands (tough one, we know).A refresher: Wet your hands and scrub with soap, taking care to get between your fingers and under your nails. Wash for at least 20 seconds (or about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice), and dry. The C.D.C. also recommends you avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands (tough one, we know).
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which should be rubbed in for about 20 seconds, can also work, but the gel must contain at least 60 percent alcohol. (No, Tito’s Handmade Vodka doesn’t work.)Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which should be rubbed in for about 20 seconds, can also work, but the gel must contain at least 60 percent alcohol. (No, Tito’s Handmade Vodka doesn’t work.)
Also, clean “high-touch” surfaces, like phones, tablets and handles. Apple recommends using 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, wiping gently. “Don’t use bleach,” the company said.Also, clean “high-touch” surfaces, like phones, tablets and handles. Apple recommends using 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, wiping gently. “Don’t use bleach,” the company said.
To disinfect any surface, the C.D.C. recommends wearing disposable globes and washing hands thoroughly immediately after removing the gloves. Most household disinfectants registered by the Environmental Protection Agency will work.To disinfect any surface, the C.D.C. recommends wearing disposable globes and washing hands thoroughly immediately after removing the gloves. Most household disinfectants registered by the Environmental Protection Agency will work.
Try to stand away from other people, especially if they seem sick. Wave, bow or give an elbow bump, rather than shake hands. Maybe skip the kiss on the first date.Try to stand away from other people, especially if they seem sick. Wave, bow or give an elbow bump, rather than shake hands. Maybe skip the kiss on the first date.
There’s a lot of information flying around, and knowing what is going on will go a long way toward protecting your family.There’s a lot of information flying around, and knowing what is going on will go a long way toward protecting your family.
First, double-check. Mr. Trump misstated the travel limits in his speech Wednesday night, and the Department of Homeland Security and White House later clarified two important points.First, double-check. Mr. Trump misstated the travel limits in his speech Wednesday night, and the Department of Homeland Security and White House later clarified two important points.
A ban on travelers from Europe would not apply to American citizens or legal permanent residents. It also would not impact goods exported to the United States.A ban on travelers from Europe would not apply to American citizens or legal permanent residents. It also would not impact goods exported to the United States.
[Stay Informed: The New York Times is providing free coverage of the crisis.][Stay Informed: The New York Times is providing free coverage of the crisis.]
The C.D.C. has up-to-date information, and your local health department is a great resource for questions.The C.D.C. has up-to-date information, and your local health department is a great resource for questions.
Right now, there’s no reason for parents to worry, the experts say; coronavirus cases in children have been very rare.Right now, there’s no reason for parents to worry, the experts say; coronavirus cases in children have been very rare.
The flu vaccine is a must, as vaccinating children is the best protection for older people against bacterial pneumonia. And take the same precautions you would during a normal flu season: Encourage frequent hand-washing, move away from people who appear sick and get the flu shot.The flu vaccine is a must, as vaccinating children is the best protection for older people against bacterial pneumonia. And take the same precautions you would during a normal flu season: Encourage frequent hand-washing, move away from people who appear sick and get the flu shot.
As with airplanes, it’s always best to make sure your metaphorical oxygen mask is on before helping others. When talking to your children about an outbreak, make sure that you first assess their knowledge of the virus and that you process your own anxiety. It’s important that you don’t dismiss their fears and speak to them at an age-appropriate level.As with airplanes, it’s always best to make sure your metaphorical oxygen mask is on before helping others. When talking to your children about an outbreak, make sure that you first assess their knowledge of the virus and that you process your own anxiety. It’s important that you don’t dismiss their fears and speak to them at an age-appropriate level.
Be sure to be in communication with your child’s school, including about early dismissals or possible online instruction. Be prepared for schools to close; many districts and universities around the world have already taken that step. In New York City, however, officials say that will be a “last resort."Be sure to be in communication with your child’s school, including about early dismissals or possible online instruction. Be prepared for schools to close; many districts and universities around the world have already taken that step. In New York City, however, officials say that will be a “last resort."
Communicating with your workplace about child-care concerns that you have is suggested as well.Communicating with your workplace about child-care concerns that you have is suggested as well.
If your children are stuck at home, get some games going, turn on a movie and try to make it feel a little like a vacation, at least for the first few days.If your children are stuck at home, get some games going, turn on a movie and try to make it feel a little like a vacation, at least for the first few days.
[For more information about children and the outbreak, read 9 Questions Parents May Have About Coronavirus.][For more information about children and the outbreak, read 9 Questions Parents May Have About Coronavirus.]
Face masks have become a symbol of coronavirus, but stockpiling them might do more harm than good.Face masks have become a symbol of coronavirus, but stockpiling them might do more harm than good.
First, they don’t do much to protect you. Most surgical masks are too loose to prevent inhalation of the virus.First, they don’t do much to protect you. Most surgical masks are too loose to prevent inhalation of the virus.
(Masks can help prevent the spread of a virus if you are infected. The most effective are the so-called N95 masks, which block 95 percent of very small particles.)(Masks can help prevent the spread of a virus if you are infected. The most effective are the so-called N95 masks, which block 95 percent of very small particles.)
Second, health care workers and those caring for sick people are on the front lines. Last month, the surgeon general urged the public to stop stockpiling masks, warning that it might limit the amount of resources available to doctors, nurses and emergency professionals.Second, health care workers and those caring for sick people are on the front lines. Last month, the surgeon general urged the public to stop stockpiling masks, warning that it might limit the amount of resources available to doctors, nurses and emergency professionals.
Stock up on a 30-day supply of groceries, household supplies and prescriptions, just in case.Stock up on a 30-day supply of groceries, household supplies and prescriptions, just in case.
That doesn’t mean you’ll need to eat only beans and ramen. Here are tips to stock a pantry with shelf-stable and tasty foods. (Don’t forget the chocolate.)That doesn’t mean you’ll need to eat only beans and ramen. Here are tips to stock a pantry with shelf-stable and tasty foods. (Don’t forget the chocolate.)
If you take prescription medications, or are low on any over-the-counter essentials, go to the pharmacy sooner rather than later.If you take prescription medications, or are low on any over-the-counter essentials, go to the pharmacy sooner rather than later.
And, in no particular order, make sure you’re set with soap, toiletries, laundry detergent, toilet paper and diapers, if you have small children.And, in no particular order, make sure you’re set with soap, toiletries, laundry detergent, toilet paper and diapers, if you have small children.
Despite financial markets on a roller coaster, The Times financial columnist Ron Lieber suggests sitting tight. Long term, things will stabilize. After all, “stocks are how your savings fight inflation, the market is not an absolute proxy for your personal finances, and you’re playing a long game.”Despite financial markets on a roller coaster, The Times financial columnist Ron Lieber suggests sitting tight. Long term, things will stabilize. After all, “stocks are how your savings fight inflation, the market is not an absolute proxy for your personal finances, and you’re playing a long game.”
Still, the turbulence is real: Stocks plunged on Thursday, and trading in the United States was halted just minutes after the open. A 7 percent drop in the S&P 500 triggered a so-called circuit breaker, a 15-minute-long halt that is intended to prevent markets from crashing.Still, the turbulence is real: Stocks plunged on Thursday, and trading in the United States was halted just minutes after the open. A 7 percent drop in the S&P 500 triggered a so-called circuit breaker, a 15-minute-long halt that is intended to prevent markets from crashing.
“Stop for a second, and take a deep breath,” Mr. Lieber wrote Monday. “Then ask a question: Have your long-term goals changed today? If not, there is probably no reason for your investments to change either.”“Stop for a second, and take a deep breath,” Mr. Lieber wrote Monday. “Then ask a question: Have your long-term goals changed today? If not, there is probably no reason for your investments to change either.”
Generally, the situation is unpredictable. It might be prudent to just stay home. If you do go, expect that your travel will probably be disrupted, or that popular sites or attractions may be closed or offer restricted hours.Generally, the situation is unpredictable. It might be prudent to just stay home. If you do go, expect that your travel will probably be disrupted, or that popular sites or attractions may be closed or offer restricted hours.
On Wednesday night, President Trump announced a ban on travel to the United States from most of Europe, later clarified to exempt American citizens, legal permanent residents and other groups. On Thursday morning, Mr. Pence said that Americans returning from those areas in Europe would be “funneled through 13 airports.”On Wednesday night, President Trump announced a ban on travel to the United States from most of Europe, later clarified to exempt American citizens, legal permanent residents and other groups. On Thursday morning, Mr. Pence said that Americans returning from those areas in Europe would be “funneled through 13 airports.”
This is all to say — things are changing quickly, and official guidance can be either unclear or incomplete.This is all to say — things are changing quickly, and official guidance can be either unclear or incomplete.
The Times published an interactive map to show where the authorities are warning against travel.The Times published an interactive map to show where the authorities are warning against travel.
Other countries, like India, are closing borders, and in the Philippine capital of Manila, domestic travel has been halted.Other countries, like India, are closing borders, and in the Philippine capital of Manila, domestic travel has been halted.
The State Department has warned Americans against travel on cruise ships. Many businesses have postponed most employee travel altogether.The State Department has warned Americans against travel on cruise ships. Many businesses have postponed most employee travel altogether.
Luckily, most airlines are offering affected passengers options, by waiving change flight fees or offering free cancellations. And many cruise lines are also rerouting cruises and now offering refunds.Luckily, most airlines are offering affected passengers options, by waiving change flight fees or offering free cancellations. And many cruise lines are also rerouting cruises and now offering refunds.
READ: How to disinfect your space on an airplane.READ: How to disinfect your space on an airplane.