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As Coronavirus Hits U.K., Health Workers Fear Getting Sick, and Going Broke As Coronavirus Hits U.K., Health Workers Fear Getting Sick, and Going Broke
(7 days later)
LONDON — Every workday, Al-Hakim arrives at one of London’s largest public hospitals for a shift as a cleaner, earning little more than minimum wage even though his latest job includes disinfecting rooms reserved for suspected coronavirus patients.LONDON — Every workday, Al-Hakim arrives at one of London’s largest public hospitals for a shift as a cleaner, earning little more than minimum wage even though his latest job includes disinfecting rooms reserved for suspected coronavirus patients.
He isn’t certain what he fears most: being exposed to the coronavirus himself, or having to be quarantined for 14 days, as he is one of thousands of private contractors, many of whom receive little sick pay. But he knows what he would do if he did contract the virus — report to work anyway, because he cannot afford to lose even a day’s pay.He isn’t certain what he fears most: being exposed to the coronavirus himself, or having to be quarantined for 14 days, as he is one of thousands of private contractors, many of whom receive little sick pay. But he knows what he would do if he did contract the virus — report to work anyway, because he cannot afford to lose even a day’s pay.
“That’s going to be maybe suicide,” said Al-Hakim, who like several other health workers asked not to be identified by their full names, for fear of losing their jobs. “Let’s say I’m sick for one month now — how am I going to pay my rent? The bills are there — how am I going to cope?”“That’s going to be maybe suicide,” said Al-Hakim, who like several other health workers asked not to be identified by their full names, for fear of losing their jobs. “Let’s say I’m sick for one month now — how am I going to pay my rent? The bills are there — how am I going to cope?”
For the moment, Britain has managed to avoid a major outbreak of the coronavirus, with 51 confirmed cases. But as they move to emergency footing this week, government officials are preparing for the possibility that as much as one-fifth of the country’s work force could eventually require some form of sick leave.For the moment, Britain has managed to avoid a major outbreak of the coronavirus, with 51 confirmed cases. But as they move to emergency footing this week, government officials are preparing for the possibility that as much as one-fifth of the country’s work force could eventually require some form of sick leave.
The National Health Service, already under great strain, is critical to fighting the epidemic, even as health workers are potentially at risk. So far, at least two health care workers in Britain have tested positive for coronavirus. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that any health care worker at risk should self-isolate and should be entitled to take the time as paid sick leave.The National Health Service, already under great strain, is critical to fighting the epidemic, even as health workers are potentially at risk. So far, at least two health care workers in Britain have tested positive for coronavirus. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that any health care worker at risk should self-isolate and should be entitled to take the time as paid sick leave.
But officials have said little about the risks posed to low-paid contract workers like Al-Hakim, who constitute a growing number of the health service’s work force. The N.H.S. is one of the largest employers in the world, with a staff of more than 1.3 million. Even so, the service has a staffing shortage of roughly 100,000 positions, one of the reasons it has turned to private contractors.But officials have said little about the risks posed to low-paid contract workers like Al-Hakim, who constitute a growing number of the health service’s work force. The N.H.S. is one of the largest employers in the world, with a staff of more than 1.3 million. Even so, the service has a staffing shortage of roughly 100,000 positions, one of the reasons it has turned to private contractors.
The result is a two-tiered employment structure in which contract workers can find themselves paid less and receiving fewer benefits. Al-Hakim does not qualify for any pay during his first three days of sick leave, and receives only 94.25 pounds ($120.50) a week afterward. By comparison, regular N.H.S. employees receive their full salary from their first sick day, for at least one month and up to six depending on the length of their employment.The result is a two-tiered employment structure in which contract workers can find themselves paid less and receiving fewer benefits. Al-Hakim does not qualify for any pay during his first three days of sick leave, and receives only 94.25 pounds ($120.50) a week afterward. By comparison, regular N.H.S. employees receive their full salary from their first sick day, for at least one month and up to six depending on the length of their employment.
“When the N.H.S. is under pressure, it’s under pressure for everyone,” said Dr. John Ashton, a leading public health specialist in the country. “It’s all very well putting doctors or surgeons on a pedestal, but all workers should be valued, and that absolutely means everyone should get full sick pay.”“When the N.H.S. is under pressure, it’s under pressure for everyone,” said Dr. John Ashton, a leading public health specialist in the country. “It’s all very well putting doctors or surgeons on a pedestal, but all workers should be valued, and that absolutely means everyone should get full sick pay.”
The possibility that contract workers might come to work and not report being potentially exposed to the coronavirus could be devastating, he added. “They’re going to be spreading the virus around, and that is very dangerous for us all,” he said.The possibility that contract workers might come to work and not report being potentially exposed to the coronavirus could be devastating, he added. “They’re going to be spreading the virus around, and that is very dangerous for us all,” he said.
On Monday, one of Britain’s biggest unions, G.M.B., called on hospitals to ensure that all outsourced workers suspected of having the coronavirus are given sick pay. Some politicians have backed that call, urging companies not to put profit margins ahead of public health.On Monday, one of Britain’s biggest unions, G.M.B., called on hospitals to ensure that all outsourced workers suspected of having the coronavirus are given sick pay. Some politicians have backed that call, urging companies not to put profit margins ahead of public health.
As yet, Al-Hakim’s hospital is not treating any known coronavirus patients, even though it has established a special unit for potential future arrivals. Days after the country’s first case was confirmed, he said, he was instructed to pull on a protective suit, goggles and a face mask and nudged inside the coronavirus isolation unit, alone and without any specialist training, to deep clean for the next 30 minutes.As yet, Al-Hakim’s hospital is not treating any known coronavirus patients, even though it has established a special unit for potential future arrivals. Days after the country’s first case was confirmed, he said, he was instructed to pull on a protective suit, goggles and a face mask and nudged inside the coronavirus isolation unit, alone and without any specialist training, to deep clean for the next 30 minutes.
“How do we know if it’s a coronavirus patient who has just come out of the room?” he said. “We see that patient and we go back home to our kids, to our families, and we could be infected. It’s like they want to wipe my family off — that’s how it feels.”“How do we know if it’s a coronavirus patient who has just come out of the room?” he said. “We see that patient and we go back home to our kids, to our families, and we could be infected. It’s like they want to wipe my family off — that’s how it feels.”
In Britain, unemployment is at a 45-year low, but wage growth has flagged and more people work in the gig economy than ever before, doubling to an estimated 4.7 million people since 2016. The self-employed work force has also grown to a record high of nearly five million. Large parts of the public sector, including health and social care, have been outsourced to private companies competing to offer the best value for the money.In Britain, unemployment is at a 45-year low, but wage growth has flagged and more people work in the gig economy than ever before, doubling to an estimated 4.7 million people since 2016. The self-employed work force has also grown to a record high of nearly five million. Large parts of the public sector, including health and social care, have been outsourced to private companies competing to offer the best value for the money.
In N.H.S. hospitals, this can mean that people doing identical jobs find themselves receiving starkly different pay and benefits simply because one person’s job is outsourced while another’s is not.In N.H.S. hospitals, this can mean that people doing identical jobs find themselves receiving starkly different pay and benefits simply because one person’s job is outsourced while another’s is not.
Danny Mortimer, the chief executive of N.H.S. Employers, a group that represents work force leaders in the health service, acknowledge that contract workers “face a dilemma” because their reduced sick pay. But he also underscored that “anyone working in an N.H.S. setting, should exercise the appropriate caution to avoid putting our patients and teams at risk.”Danny Mortimer, the chief executive of N.H.S. Employers, a group that represents work force leaders in the health service, acknowledge that contract workers “face a dilemma” because their reduced sick pay. But he also underscored that “anyone working in an N.H.S. setting, should exercise the appropriate caution to avoid putting our patients and teams at risk.”
At the same time, the N.H.S. is bracing for a sharp increase in coronavirus cases. On Tuesday, N.H.S. England distributed a letter that ordered a nationwide review of the number of intensive care beds and for new contingency plans to cope with any surge in patients. The letter raised the possibility that patients stricken with the virus might have to be housed in general wards, if the number of cases grows.At the same time, the N.H.S. is bracing for a sharp increase in coronavirus cases. On Tuesday, N.H.S. England distributed a letter that ordered a nationwide review of the number of intensive care beds and for new contingency plans to cope with any surge in patients. The letter raised the possibility that patients stricken with the virus might have to be housed in general wards, if the number of cases grows.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
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.
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.
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.
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.
This could potentially mean greater exposure for health care workers to coronavirus patients. Even now, several workers expressed deep concern. Michael, who also asked that his last name not be used for fear of losing his job over speaking out, is an ambulance driver in Essex, in southeastern England, who transports non-emergency patients to local hospitals. Essex has one confirmed coronavirus case.This could potentially mean greater exposure for health care workers to coronavirus patients. Even now, several workers expressed deep concern. Michael, who also asked that his last name not be used for fear of losing his job over speaking out, is an ambulance driver in Essex, in southeastern England, who transports non-emergency patients to local hospitals. Essex has one confirmed coronavirus case.
“The simple fact is I can’t afford to be off sick. I’m living on such a tight budget,” he said. “Staff will mask any illness if they aren’t going to be paid sick pay. They simply can’t afford to lose two weeks’ wages,” adding that if he knew he had coronavirus, he would not report to work.“The simple fact is I can’t afford to be off sick. I’m living on such a tight budget,” he said. “Staff will mask any illness if they aren’t going to be paid sick pay. They simply can’t afford to lose two weeks’ wages,” adding that if he knew he had coronavirus, he would not report to work.
At a different large London hospital, another cleaner, Ms. Fernandes, worries about her own safety. Her hospital has yet to report a confirmed coronavirus case, but she is part of the preparations.At a different large London hospital, another cleaner, Ms. Fernandes, worries about her own safety. Her hospital has yet to report a confirmed coronavirus case, but she is part of the preparations.
When news broke of the coronavirus outbreak, Ms. Fernandes said, the hospital gave her and other cleaners face masks, which they tested by spraying the mask and asking her whether she could taste the spray. When she told them that she could taste it, she said, she was instructed to use the mask until new ones could be delivered.When news broke of the coronavirus outbreak, Ms. Fernandes said, the hospital gave her and other cleaners face masks, which they tested by spraying the mask and asking her whether she could taste the spray. When she told them that she could taste it, she said, she was instructed to use the mask until new ones could be delivered.
“To tell you the truth, I’m scared to go into work every day,” she said, asking not to be identified by her full name.“To tell you the truth, I’m scared to go into work every day,” she said, asking not to be identified by her full name.
“I think it’s not fair that doctors get sick pay and we don’t, because I put myself in so much risk and for what?” she said. “For almost nothing.”“I think it’s not fair that doctors get sick pay and we don’t, because I put myself in so much risk and for what?” she said. “For almost nothing.”