'On Nile Cruiser, 12 Crew Test Positive for Virus, and Egypt Fears Broader Outbreak' diff viewer (7/8)

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On Nile Cruiser, 12 Crew Test Positive for Virus, and Egypt Fears Broader Outbreak	On Nile Cruiser, 12 Crew Test Positive for Virus, and Egypt Fears Broader Outbreak
2020-06-16 10:58:53 UTC	2020-06-17 00:12:52 UTC (about 13 hours later)
CAIRO — Twelve crew members aboard a cruise ship on the Nile were placed in isolation on Friday after testing positive for the coronavirus, Egypt’s health ministry said.	CAIRO — Twelve crew members aboard a cruise ship on the Nile were placed in isolation on Friday after testing positive for the coronavirus, Egypt’s health ministry said.
The crew members were asymptomatic, meaning they had no signs of illness, and the ship was moved to a remote stretch of river, 15 miles from the tourist hub of Luxor, to be disinfected.	The crew members were asymptomatic, meaning they had no signs of illness, and the ship was moved to a remote stretch of river, 15 miles from the tourist hub of Luxor, to be disinfected.
Yet this sudden surge of cases, the largest cluster yet in Egypt, stoked growing fears among a nervous Egyptian public of a much larger number of infections in their country than the government has either detected or declared.	Yet this sudden surge of cases, the largest cluster yet in Egypt, stoked growing fears among a nervous Egyptian public of a much larger number of infections in their country than the government has either detected or declared.
Until Friday, Egypt, which relies heavily on tourism and has a weak health care system, said it had discovered just three coronavirus cases in the country, and only one was an Egyptian. But in the past week, at least 26 tourists have tested positive for the virus after returning from vacation in Egypt, including 11 Greeks, seven Americans and six French.	Until Friday, Egypt, which relies heavily on tourism and has a weak health care system, said it had discovered just three coronavirus cases in the country, and only one was an Egyptian. But in the past week, at least 26 tourists have tested positive for the virus after returning from vacation in Egypt, including 11 Greeks, seven Americans and six French.
At least three of those tourists traveled on the Nile cruise ship, named in the local media as the A Sara.	At least three of those tourists traveled on the Nile cruise ship, named in the local media as the A Sara.
Egyptian health officials said the infection started with a Taiwanese-American woman who traveled on the cruise ship in late January and left Egypt on Feb. 1. The 12 crew members became infected as did a husband and wife from California who traveled on the same ship in mid-February and have since been hospitalized.	Egyptian health officials said the infection started with a Taiwanese-American woman who traveled on the cruise ship in late January and left Egypt on Feb. 1. The 12 crew members became infected as did a husband and wife from California who traveled on the same ship in mid-February and have since been hospitalized.
Egyptian officials said the crew members tested positive on Thursday, at the end of a 14-day period of observation. The ship continued to operate during that period. It docked in Luxor on Thursday at the end of a two-day cruise.	Egyptian officials said the crew members tested positive on Thursday, at the end of a 14-day period of observation. The ship continued to operate during that period. It docked in Luxor on Thursday at the end of a two-day cruise.
It was unclear if the 12 affected crew members had continued to work on the boat through the month of February. If they did, it opened the possibility that they had spread the virus to other tourists or Egyptians working along the Nile.	It was unclear if the 12 affected crew members had continued to work on the boat through the month of February. If they did, it opened the possibility that they had spread the virus to other tourists or Egyptians working along the Nile.
In Texas, seven Houston-area residents who tested positive were part of a tour group that had traveled to Egypt in February. It is not known if they traveled on the Nile.	In Texas, seven Houston-area residents who tested positive were part of a tour group that had traveled to Egypt in February. It is not known if they traveled on the Nile.
In the past week, the coronavirus has emptied many of Egypt’s most famous tourist sites including the pyramids and the ancient temples that line the Nile. Egyptian officials insist they have been transparent in their efforts to stem the spread of the virus in a country where the majority of its 100 million people live along the Nile.	In the past week, the coronavirus has emptied many of Egypt’s most famous tourist sites including the pyramids and the ancient temples that line the Nile. Egyptian officials insist they have been transparent in their efforts to stem the spread of the virus in a country where the majority of its 100 million people live along the Nile.
The government has tested about 2,000 people including, it said, many of those who came into contact with the affected tourists. But officials are also battling fierce skepticism among ordinary Egyptians about their efforts.	The government has tested about 2,000 people including, it said, many of those who came into contact with the affected tourists. But officials are also battling fierce skepticism among ordinary Egyptians about their efforts.
With much of the news media under the government’s thumb, many Egyptians are turning to social media, which has been awash with jokes about the coronavirus in recent days.	With much of the news media under the government’s thumb, many Egyptians are turning to social media, which has been awash with jokes about the coronavirus in recent days.
Many jokes center on the idea that officials are either hiding the truth about the extent of the virus in Egypt or are too incompetent to find it.	Many jokes center on the idea that officials are either hiding the truth about the extent of the virus in Egypt or are too incompetent to find it.
One Twitter post, featuring an image from the TV series “Chernobyl,” shows a Soviet official inside the ill-fated nuclear plant, saying: “I am telling you there is no coronavirus here.”	One Twitter post, featuring an image from the TV series “Chernobyl,” shows a Soviet official inside the ill-fated nuclear plant, saying: “I am telling you there is no coronavirus here.”
Egyptian officials have themselves to blame. Under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the government has repeatedly tried to obfuscate the truth about events that might reflect badly on it, even in the face of evidence to the contrary.	Egyptian officials have themselves to blame. Under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the government has repeatedly tried to obfuscate the truth about events that might reflect badly on it, even in the face of evidence to the contrary.
In 2015, the government initially denied that a terrorist bomb brought down an airliner over Sinai, even though Russia and Britain said the Islamic State was responsible.	In 2015, the government initially denied that a terrorist bomb brought down an airliner over Sinai, even though Russia and Britain said the Islamic State was responsible.
After an EgyptAir passenger jet plunged into the Mediterranean in 2016, killing all 66 people on board, Egypt blamed a bomb, then slowed the official investigation of the crash. A French investigation recently concluded it was caused by a technical fault exacerbated by safety lapses at the airline.	After an EgyptAir passenger jet plunged into the Mediterranean in 2016, killing all 66 people on board, Egypt blamed a bomb, then slowed the official investigation of the crash. A French investigation recently concluded it was caused by a technical fault exacerbated by safety lapses at the airline.
In August, the authorities tried to claim that a car crash was responsible for an enormous explosion outside a Cairo hospital that killed 20 people, only to admit a day later that terrorism was the cause.	In August, the authorities tried to claim that a car crash was responsible for an enormous explosion outside a Cairo hospital that killed 20 people, only to admit a day later that terrorism was the cause.
This time, though, Egyptian officials have stressed the integrity of their approach. The government has set up a website to document its efforts against the coronavirus, which the World Health Organization in Egypt has publicly praised.	This time, though, Egyptian officials have stressed the integrity of their approach. The government has set up a website to document its efforts against the coronavirus, which the World Health Organization in Egypt has publicly praised.
Some opposition groups have claimed, without much evidence, that the government is hiding coronavirus infections or even secretly treating patients at military hospitals.	Some opposition groups have claimed, without much evidence, that the government is hiding coronavirus infections or even secretly treating patients at military hospitals.
~~Updated June ~~12,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 16, 2020
	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.	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.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.	States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.	Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.	The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.	If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
A W.H.O. spokeswoman in Cairo declined to answer any questions, and referred them to Egypt’s health ministry.	A W.H.O. spokeswoman in Cairo declined to answer any questions, and referred them to Egypt’s health ministry.
Even with an honest effort, though, Egypt’s campaign to contain the spread of the virus may be compromised by its own health system.	Even with an honest effort, though, Egypt’s campaign to contain the spread of the virus may be compromised by its own health system.
While Mr. el-Sisi has poured billions of dollars into ambitious projects like the sprawling new capital under construction outside Cairo, or a sleek national museum that is scheduled to open later this year, his government has been criticized for the underfunding of crumbling public services, including health care and education.	While Mr. el-Sisi has poured billions of dollars into ambitious projects like the sprawling new capital under construction outside Cairo, or a sleek national museum that is scheduled to open later this year, his government has been criticized for the underfunding of crumbling public services, including health care and education.