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From Coughing Fits to Closings, Cultural World Girds for Coronavirus | From Coughing Fits to Closings, Cultural World Girds for Coronavirus |
(32 minutes later) | |
Ushers in some theaters are wearing latex gloves. Museums are installing hand sanitizer dispensers as if they were pieces of art. Audience members are being told: If you have a cough, please, trade in your tickets and stay home. | Ushers in some theaters are wearing latex gloves. Museums are installing hand sanitizer dispensers as if they were pieces of art. Audience members are being told: If you have a cough, please, trade in your tickets and stay home. |
As the coronavirus spreads in the United States, theaters, museums and concert halls are hyperaware that their establishments could become petri dishes for a virus that is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets. | As the coronavirus spreads in the United States, theaters, museums and concert halls are hyperaware that their establishments could become petri dishes for a virus that is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets. |
These institutions are nervously looking at what has happened overseas, in places like China and Italy, where museums have been closed, concerts canceled and movie theaters shuttered. | These institutions are nervously looking at what has happened overseas, in places like China and Italy, where museums have been closed, concerts canceled and movie theaters shuttered. |
In the entertainment industry, where ticket sales are often critical to financial survival, companies are hoping that the outbreak doesn’t get significantly worse. But administrators are already steeling themselves for every imaginable scenario: public health officials’ prohibiting large gatherings, patrons’ deciding that a night at the theater is too much of a risk, performers too ill to take the stage. | In the entertainment industry, where ticket sales are often critical to financial survival, companies are hoping that the outbreak doesn’t get significantly worse. But administrators are already steeling themselves for every imaginable scenario: public health officials’ prohibiting large gatherings, patrons’ deciding that a night at the theater is too much of a risk, performers too ill to take the stage. |
Labor tensions are possible, too. Unions say they will work to ensure their members have protections on the job and are paid even if they cannot work. In Paris, the Louvre closed for more than two days for negotiations between workers and officials. One agreement to come out of the talks is that guards will no longer have to circulate in the packed room where the Mona Lisa hangs. | Labor tensions are possible, too. Unions say they will work to ensure their members have protections on the job and are paid even if they cannot work. In Paris, the Louvre closed for more than two days for negotiations between workers and officials. One agreement to come out of the talks is that guards will no longer have to circulate in the packed room where the Mona Lisa hangs. |
“Everyone is exploring what to do if things get worse,” said Jennifer Bielstein, the president of the League of Resident Theaters, a national organization. | “Everyone is exploring what to do if things get worse,” said Jennifer Bielstein, the president of the League of Resident Theaters, a national organization. |
Most institutions are familiar with what happens if a storm or strike interrupts their operations, but a viral epidemic is new territory. Jan Newcomb, the executive director of the National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness and Emergency Response, has advised organizations on how to survive hurricanes, tornadoes and fires, but never an epidemic. | Most institutions are familiar with what happens if a storm or strike interrupts their operations, but a viral epidemic is new territory. Jan Newcomb, the executive director of the National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness and Emergency Response, has advised organizations on how to survive hurricanes, tornadoes and fires, but never an epidemic. |
That means many museums, theaters, music venues and dance companies are having to educate themselves on what a viral outbreak will mean for their businesses. Do their insurance policies cover infectious diseases? If performances are canceled, will artists be paid? For how long? | That means many museums, theaters, music venues and dance companies are having to educate themselves on what a viral outbreak will mean for their businesses. Do their insurance policies cover infectious diseases? If performances are canceled, will artists be paid? For how long? |
“The loss of performances can be devastating,” Ms. Newcomb said. “Organizations sometimes don’t recover.” | “The loss of performances can be devastating,” Ms. Newcomb said. “Organizations sometimes don’t recover.” |
For now, as coronavirus cases tick upward in Washington State, California and New York, it’s generally business as usual at museums and theaters — but with much more disinfectant. | For now, as coronavirus cases tick upward in Washington State, California and New York, it’s generally business as usual at museums and theaters — but with much more disinfectant. |
Institutions have adopted a variety of creative tactics to help avoid becoming sites for disease transmission. At the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, the maintenance workers have doubled the number of times per day that they clean door knobs, railings and other surfaces. The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles has its staff opening doors so that visitors don’t have to touch anything. | Institutions have adopted a variety of creative tactics to help avoid becoming sites for disease transmission. At the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, the maintenance workers have doubled the number of times per day that they clean door knobs, railings and other surfaces. The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles has its staff opening doors so that visitors don’t have to touch anything. |
The Westport Country Playhouse in Connecticut has issued its ushers cotton gloves, and the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco has reminded ushers that they don’t have to physically take tickets from people — just scan them. At New York Theater Workshop, patrons who “demonstrate severe coughing or other flulike symptoms” can be asked to leave. | The Westport Country Playhouse in Connecticut has issued its ushers cotton gloves, and the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco has reminded ushers that they don’t have to physically take tickets from people — just scan them. At New York Theater Workshop, patrons who “demonstrate severe coughing or other flulike symptoms” can be asked to leave. |
Occasionally, at Broadway theaters, ushers hear from audience members who want to change seats because a person next to them is coughing, said Charlotte St. Martin, the president of the Broadway League. | Occasionally, at Broadway theaters, ushers hear from audience members who want to change seats because a person next to them is coughing, said Charlotte St. Martin, the president of the Broadway League. |
“If they can move them, they do,” she said. “People are nervous, but not nervous enough to leave.” | “If they can move them, they do,” she said. “People are nervous, but not nervous enough to leave.” |
Institutions often post signs reminding visitors to wash their hands. Some try to make disease prevention seem more fun than it is. | Institutions often post signs reminding visitors to wash their hands. Some try to make disease prevention seem more fun than it is. |
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has made it easy for patrons to exchange their tickets for another date. | TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has made it easy for patrons to exchange their tickets for another date. |
And the American Guild of Musical Artists, a union that represents performers, is working with dance companies to make sure dancers are encouraged to stay home when they have viral symptoms, since it isn’t possible to eliminate physical contact during their rehearsals. | And the American Guild of Musical Artists, a union that represents performers, is working with dance companies to make sure dancers are encouraged to stay home when they have viral symptoms, since it isn’t possible to eliminate physical contact during their rehearsals. |
For the Metropolitan Opera — which relies heavily on singers, directors and other artists who live and work around the world — the coronavirus crisis poses special challenges. The company issued new guidelines this week telling both employees and visiting artists who have recently been to a country flagged for coronavirus outbreaks by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention not to come to work at the Met for 14 days. That includes people who visited Italy, an opera capital. (On Thursday, the city asked all New Yorkers who had been to those countries to isolate themselves.) | For the Metropolitan Opera — which relies heavily on singers, directors and other artists who live and work around the world — the coronavirus crisis poses special challenges. The company issued new guidelines this week telling both employees and visiting artists who have recently been to a country flagged for coronavirus outbreaks by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention not to come to work at the Met for 14 days. That includes people who visited Italy, an opera capital. (On Thursday, the city asked all New Yorkers who had been to those countries to isolate themselves.) |
That may mean changing flight plans or rehearsal schedules so that artists can fit in a two-week quarantine, Diane Zola, one of the Met’s assistant general managers, said in an email this week to artists’ representatives. | That may mean changing flight plans or rehearsal schedules so that artists can fit in a two-week quarantine, Diane Zola, one of the Met’s assistant general managers, said in an email this week to artists’ representatives. |
The spread of the virus has also raised questions about how artists and other staff members of arts organizations would be paid if their events had to be canceled. | The spread of the virus has also raised questions about how artists and other staff members of arts organizations would be paid if their events had to be canceled. |
A company could invoke a provision of a union’s collective bargaining agreement called “force majeure” in the case of unforeseen circumstances, like a natural disaster, said Len Egert, the executive director of the American Guild of Musical Artists. In that case, the company would cease operations and the union would fight the invocation or negotiate with the company over workers’ pay and benefits. A critical issue in the coronavirus crisis, Mr. Egert said, will be maintaining workers’ health insurance. | A company could invoke a provision of a union’s collective bargaining agreement called “force majeure” in the case of unforeseen circumstances, like a natural disaster, said Len Egert, the executive director of the American Guild of Musical Artists. In that case, the company would cease operations and the union would fight the invocation or negotiate with the company over workers’ pay and benefits. A critical issue in the coronavirus crisis, Mr. Egert said, will be maintaining workers’ health insurance. |
When it comes to the prospect of temporarily shuttering during the outbreak, organizations generally say that they are relying on the direction of the local and national public health authorities. | When it comes to the prospect of temporarily shuttering during the outbreak, organizations generally say that they are relying on the direction of the local and national public health authorities. |
Updated June 22, 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. | 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. |
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.) |
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. |
“It is our expectation that we would only close because of a government mandate,” said Susan Medak, managing director of Berkeley Repertory Theater, in California. | |
A direct order from the government can in many cases determine whether insurance covers institutions closed down by the virus. | A direct order from the government can in many cases determine whether insurance covers institutions closed down by the virus. |
If a Broadway production cancels shows voluntarily, it will not receive coverage for loss of income. But with a government mandate, losses incurred after two closed shows could be covered, said Peter Shoemaker, a managing director at DeWitt Stern, an insurance brokerage firm that works with Broadway shows as well as ballet companies and other performing arts organizations. | If a Broadway production cancels shows voluntarily, it will not receive coverage for loss of income. But with a government mandate, losses incurred after two closed shows could be covered, said Peter Shoemaker, a managing director at DeWitt Stern, an insurance brokerage firm that works with Broadway shows as well as ballet companies and other performing arts organizations. |
Some insurance carriers for arts groups have policy language that is more flexible, allowing coverage for cancellations caused by communicable diseases, while others are more restrictive, requiring physical damage to the building or surrounding area, said Kevin Sullivan, a client executive at National Trust Insurance Services. Insurance specialists say that new event cancellation policies are starting to explicitly exclude Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. | Some insurance carriers for arts groups have policy language that is more flexible, allowing coverage for cancellations caused by communicable diseases, while others are more restrictive, requiring physical damage to the building or surrounding area, said Kevin Sullivan, a client executive at National Trust Insurance Services. Insurance specialists say that new event cancellation policies are starting to explicitly exclude Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. |
So far, none of the American authorities have ordered closures. In the Seattle area, a hot spot for the virus, the Museum of History and Industry, for one, is staying open, with additional cleaning measures, especially for hands-on elements: buttons, small doors that are part of exhibits, a periscope that visitors use to look out on the city (by pressing their face against the eyepiece). | So far, none of the American authorities have ordered closures. In the Seattle area, a hot spot for the virus, the Museum of History and Industry, for one, is staying open, with additional cleaning measures, especially for hands-on elements: buttons, small doors that are part of exhibits, a periscope that visitors use to look out on the city (by pressing their face against the eyepiece). |
Coincidentally, the museum has an exhibition that recalls a mass shutdown of theaters in the city during the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918. (During the same epidemic, Broadway theaters kept their doors open.) | Coincidentally, the museum has an exhibition that recalls a mass shutdown of theaters in the city during the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918. (During the same epidemic, Broadway theaters kept their doors open.) |
Historically, these measures are considered to have contributed to the decline of the flu in Seattle, said Leonard Garfield, the executive director of the history museum. Organizations are mostly in the planning phases when it comes to coronavirus response, but for some, the tangible effects of the outbreak are starting to reveal themselves. | Historically, these measures are considered to have contributed to the decline of the flu in Seattle, said Leonard Garfield, the executive director of the history museum. Organizations are mostly in the planning phases when it comes to coronavirus response, but for some, the tangible effects of the outbreak are starting to reveal themselves. |
Mariah Carey postponed her concert in Hawaii. The new James Bond movie, “No Time to Die,” was delayed, a move that prompted many in the film industry to guess that other studios would follow suit. But thus far, no other release date changes have been announced in the United States. | Mariah Carey postponed her concert in Hawaii. The new James Bond movie, “No Time to Die,” was delayed, a move that prompted many in the film industry to guess that other studios would follow suit. But thus far, no other release date changes have been announced in the United States. |
“There is nothing perceptible in the marketplace that suggests people are staying away from movie theaters,” said Paramount’s president of domestic distribution, Chris Aronson. | “There is nothing perceptible in the marketplace that suggests people are staying away from movie theaters,” said Paramount’s president of domestic distribution, Chris Aronson. |
At the French film festival at Lincoln Center, which started on Thursday, screenings are continuing, but most appearances by actors and directors were canceled because of travel restrictions. | At the French film festival at Lincoln Center, which started on Thursday, screenings are continuing, but most appearances by actors and directors were canceled because of travel restrictions. |
The American Museum of Natural History said it has seen “some softness” in attendance. And Peter Gelb, the general manager of the Metropolitan Opera, said that the company had also seen a slight drop in advance ticket sales and that some cinemas in Switzerland and Japan had canceled screenings in the Met’s popular series that transmits operas to movie theaters. | The American Museum of Natural History said it has seen “some softness” in attendance. And Peter Gelb, the general manager of the Metropolitan Opera, said that the company had also seen a slight drop in advance ticket sales and that some cinemas in Switzerland and Japan had canceled screenings in the Met’s popular series that transmits operas to movie theaters. |
Gelb said that forced closures would cost the company millions of dollars, and that with a budget of over $300 million a year, box office revenue is vital to the company’s survival. He said that he hoped that panic would not keep people away from the arts world while the threat level was still relatively low. | Gelb said that forced closures would cost the company millions of dollars, and that with a budget of over $300 million a year, box office revenue is vital to the company’s survival. He said that he hoped that panic would not keep people away from the arts world while the threat level was still relatively low. |
“It would be a shame if an abundance of caution destroys the theatrical economy of New York City,” Mr. Gelb said, “and the rest of it as well.” | “It would be a shame if an abundance of caution destroys the theatrical economy of New York City,” Mr. Gelb said, “and the rest of it as well.” |
Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Peter Libbey, Michael Paulson, Robin Pogrebin and Nicole Sperling. | Reporting was contributed by Michael Cooper, Peter Libbey, Michael Paulson, Robin Pogrebin and Nicole Sperling. |