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‘When Is It Going to End?’: Where Coronavirus Has Turned Deadly in the U.S. ‘When Is It Going to End?’: Where Coronavirus Has Turned Deadly in the U.S.
(about 20 hours later)
SEATTLE — Movie nights have been canceled. Residents are restricted to their rooms, their meals delivered by workers in protective gear. Ambulances come and go, taking elderly patients who have fallen ill to the hospital two miles away.SEATTLE — Movie nights have been canceled. Residents are restricted to their rooms, their meals delivered by workers in protective gear. Ambulances come and go, taking elderly patients who have fallen ill to the hospital two miles away.
Life Care Center, which advertises a “homelike and welcoming atmosphere” in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland, has become the focal point of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States. Four of the six people who have died of the virus in this country were residents of the 190-bed nursing care facility. Several other residents and at least one employee have tested positive. One-quarter of the city’s firefighters are in quarantine as a result of recent visits, and officials said on Monday that some have developed flu-like symptoms.Life Care Center, which advertises a “homelike and welcoming atmosphere” in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland, has become the focal point of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States. Four of the six people who have died of the virus in this country were residents of the 190-bed nursing care facility. Several other residents and at least one employee have tested positive. One-quarter of the city’s firefighters are in quarantine as a result of recent visits, and officials said on Monday that some have developed flu-like symptoms.
Relatives of those inside the nursing care facility, urged to keep away, worry about who might be next.Relatives of those inside the nursing care facility, urged to keep away, worry about who might be next.
“When is it going to end?” said Debbie Delosangeles of Monroe, Wash. She has not been able to see or speak to her 85-year-old mother, who has dementia, since before some residents grew ill last week.“When is it going to end?” said Debbie Delosangeles of Monroe, Wash. She has not been able to see or speak to her 85-year-old mother, who has dementia, since before some residents grew ill last week.
Her mother has shown no symptoms, Ms. Delosangeles has been told, but that has not eliminated her concern. “Is it going to get way worse before it gets better? Are we going to be plagued with this problem for the next several months?”Her mother has shown no symptoms, Ms. Delosangeles has been told, but that has not eliminated her concern. “Is it going to get way worse before it gets better? Are we going to be plagued with this problem for the next several months?”
On Monday, Washington State reported four fatalities associated with the coronavirus, bringing the death toll in the United States to six — all in Washington — and raising concerns that the cluster of cases in the Pacific Northwest could presage a much wider outbreak.On Monday, Washington State reported four fatalities associated with the coronavirus, bringing the death toll in the United States to six — all in Washington — and raising concerns that the cluster of cases in the Pacific Northwest could presage a much wider outbreak.
Across the region, leaders began taking extraordinary steps to contain the virus. Residents were warned to prepare for significant changes to their daily lives.Across the region, leaders began taking extraordinary steps to contain the virus. Residents were warned to prepare for significant changes to their daily lives.
After declaring a state of emergency, King County officials announced highly unusual plans to purchase a motel that could be converted into an isolation center for people who get sick.After declaring a state of emergency, King County officials announced highly unusual plans to purchase a motel that could be converted into an isolation center for people who get sick.
A high-rise building in downtown Seattle was closed for precautionary cleaning.A high-rise building in downtown Seattle was closed for precautionary cleaning.
A school district canceled classes for more than 23,000 students on Tuesday to train employees on how to teach children remotely, should the outbreak worsen.A school district canceled classes for more than 23,000 students on Tuesday to train employees on how to teach children remotely, should the outbreak worsen.
Dr. Jeff Duchin, King County’s health officer, said a sudden uptick in infections in the state — 18 cases have been reported in Washington since Friday — indicates that coronavirus infections will likely surpass the flu in the coming weeks, straining the health care system. Eventually, he said, officials will have to shift their focus from individual cases to the most pressing clusters of people who are ill.Dr. Jeff Duchin, King County’s health officer, said a sudden uptick in infections in the state — 18 cases have been reported in Washington since Friday — indicates that coronavirus infections will likely surpass the flu in the coming weeks, straining the health care system. Eventually, he said, officials will have to shift their focus from individual cases to the most pressing clusters of people who are ill.
“We are still trying to contain it at the greatest extent possible, but at the same time, we are pivoting to a more community-based approach,” Dr. Duchin said.“We are still trying to contain it at the greatest extent possible, but at the same time, we are pivoting to a more community-based approach,” Dr. Duchin said.
Dr. Chris Spitters, the health officer for neighboring Snohomish County, said officials there would consider a range of potential ways to contain the outbreak, including strategies that could expand to discourage or prohibit mass gatherings such as sporting events.Dr. Chris Spitters, the health officer for neighboring Snohomish County, said officials there would consider a range of potential ways to contain the outbreak, including strategies that could expand to discourage or prohibit mass gatherings such as sporting events.
In the United States, 103 cases have been reported of the virus, which has left more than 3,000 people dead worldwide and sickened tens of thousands of others. In at least a dozen of the Washington cases, officials have said they were unaware of any connection to overseas travel that might explain the origin.In the United States, 103 cases have been reported of the virus, which has left more than 3,000 people dead worldwide and sickened tens of thousands of others. In at least a dozen of the Washington cases, officials have said they were unaware of any connection to overseas travel that might explain the origin.
Health experts said that the increase in cases suggested that the virus has been spreading within the United States for a while, and would likely continue.Health experts said that the increase in cases suggested that the virus has been spreading within the United States for a while, and would likely continue.
“The question is, is this a kind of local outbreak, or is this the first signature of a much larger outbreak?” said Aubree Gordon, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. “I think it’s going to be very important that local public health officials and the government react quickly and appropriately to try to stop the spread.”“The question is, is this a kind of local outbreak, or is this the first signature of a much larger outbreak?” said Aubree Gordon, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. “I think it’s going to be very important that local public health officials and the government react quickly and appropriately to try to stop the spread.”
Since the nation’s first coronavirus case was found in Washington six weeks ago, health officials have conducted sporadic testing, limited by narrow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for who was at risk, as well as difficulties with testing kits.Since the nation’s first coronavirus case was found in Washington six weeks ago, health officials have conducted sporadic testing, limited by narrow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for who was at risk, as well as difficulties with testing kits.
On Monday, the state increased its testing and was now handling about 200 requests each day, said Dr. Kathy Lofy, the health officer of Washington State. Much of the focus has been in the Seattle area, but Dr. Lofy said that could change. “Given the movement of people around the state, it is possible the virus is spreading in other counties, too,” she said.On Monday, the state increased its testing and was now handling about 200 requests each day, said Dr. Kathy Lofy, the health officer of Washington State. Much of the focus has been in the Seattle area, but Dr. Lofy said that could change. “Given the movement of people around the state, it is possible the virus is spreading in other counties, too,” she said.
Dow Constantine, the executive of King County, where officials were trying to buy a motel as a possible isolation facility, said it could be open as early as the end of the week. He said he also hoped to repurpose modular housing units, initially destined for the region’s homeless crisis, to be used to help isolate people and free up space at medical centers.Dow Constantine, the executive of King County, where officials were trying to buy a motel as a possible isolation facility, said it could be open as early as the end of the week. He said he also hoped to repurpose modular housing units, initially destined for the region’s homeless crisis, to be used to help isolate people and free up space at medical centers.
“We need that hospital capacity for treatment,” Mr. Constantine said.“We need that hospital capacity for treatment,” Mr. Constantine said.
In Kirkland, relatives who had visited the Life Care Center said that the facility had been coping with illness among residents and staff members in recent days, and that on Friday it told all residents to remain in their rooms.In Kirkland, relatives who had visited the Life Care Center said that the facility had been coping with illness among residents and staff members in recent days, and that on Friday it told all residents to remain in their rooms.
Still more troubling news followed on Saturday: A resident and an employee had tested positive for coronavirus.Still more troubling news followed on Saturday: A resident and an employee had tested positive for coronavirus.
By Monday, workers from the center who were not feeling ill were asked to continue coming to work for shifts, according to Nancy Butner, Life Care’s northwest divisional vice president. Workers who were feeling sick, she said, were being asked to isolate themselves at home.By Monday, workers from the center who were not feeling ill were asked to continue coming to work for shifts, according to Nancy Butner, Life Care’s northwest divisional vice president. Workers who were feeling sick, she said, were being asked to isolate themselves at home.
“We’re doing our best to make sure the patients are cared for and all of their needs are met,” Ms. Butner said. “There are just a lot of moving parts. We’re doing our best.”“We’re doing our best to make sure the patients are cared for and all of their needs are met,” Ms. Butner said. “There are just a lot of moving parts. We’re doing our best.”
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
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.
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.
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.
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.
North of Kirkland, leaders of the Northshore School District canceled classes for Tuesday to make preparations for the possibility of remote teaching. For families without laptops or internet access, the district was working to provide computers and internet hot spots. Elsewhere, several schools have also closed for deep cleaning.North of Kirkland, leaders of the Northshore School District canceled classes for Tuesday to make preparations for the possibility of remote teaching. For families without laptops or internet access, the district was working to provide computers and internet hot spots. Elsewhere, several schools have also closed for deep cleaning.
“We now know the virus is active in our community,” Michelle Reid, the superintendent of the Northshore district, wrote a letter to families sent late Sunday.“We now know the virus is active in our community,” Michelle Reid, the superintendent of the Northshore district, wrote a letter to families sent late Sunday.
On message boards, families also began discussing how they would manage long-term school closures or potential self or mandated quarantines.On message boards, families also began discussing how they would manage long-term school closures or potential self or mandated quarantines.
Trisa Kern, a mother of two preschoolers, said she and her husband planned to stay home and take turns working if they are quarantined or if school closes — an eventuality she considers inevitable.Trisa Kern, a mother of two preschoolers, said she and her husband planned to stay home and take turns working if they are quarantined or if school closes — an eventuality she considers inevitable.
And at the University of Washington, more than 11,000 people have signed a petition calling for the school to close its Seattle campus, which has roughly 46,000 students. “In classrooms, dining halls and during other crowded areas, the virus will inevitably infect people thus increasing the infection rate exponentially,” the petition reads.And at the University of Washington, more than 11,000 people have signed a petition calling for the school to close its Seattle campus, which has roughly 46,000 students. “In classrooms, dining halls and during other crowded areas, the virus will inevitably infect people thus increasing the infection rate exponentially,” the petition reads.
Victor Balta, a university spokesman, said the administration was aware of the petition and was evaluating how to adapt on campus.Victor Balta, a university spokesman, said the administration was aware of the petition and was evaluating how to adapt on campus.
“We absolutely understand the anxiety that is coming as a result of these reports in the region,” he said, “but we have been following and are continuing to follow the guidance issued by public health authorities.”“We absolutely understand the anxiety that is coming as a result of these reports in the region,” he said, “but we have been following and are continuing to follow the guidance issued by public health authorities.”
Mike Baker and Karen Weise reported from Seattle. Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs contributed from New York, and Jack Healy from Denver.Mike Baker and Karen Weise reported from Seattle. Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs contributed from New York, and Jack Healy from Denver.