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No Handshakes, No New Citizens: Coronavirus Halts Danish Naturalizations No Handshakes, No New Citizens: Coronavirus Halts Danish Naturalizations
(about 3 hours later)
LONDON — The mayor of a city in Eastern Denmark was preparing to hold a citizenship ceremony when he received a call from the country’s immigration and integration ministry.LONDON — The mayor of a city in Eastern Denmark was preparing to hold a citizenship ceremony when he received a call from the country’s immigration and integration ministry.
The ceremony on Friday had to be postponed, the ministry told Henrik Hvidesten, the mayor of Ringsted, a city of 35,000. That’s because naturalization ceremonies require handshakes by law to complete the process, and the health authorities had recommended that people avoid shaking hands to help contain the spread of the new coronavirus.The ceremony on Friday had to be postponed, the ministry told Henrik Hvidesten, the mayor of Ringsted, a city of 35,000. That’s because naturalization ceremonies require handshakes by law to complete the process, and the health authorities had recommended that people avoid shaking hands to help contain the spread of the new coronavirus.
The new coronavirus, which has caused more than 200 deaths in Europe and infected thousands across the Continent, has forced governments to shut down schools, cancel sports events, issue travel restrictions and ask countless people to self-isolate if they are suspected of being infected. In Denmark, which has reported 23 cases, it now means that hundreds of people about to become Danish citizens will have to wait until shaking hands is deemed safe again.The new coronavirus, which has caused more than 200 deaths in Europe and infected thousands across the Continent, has forced governments to shut down schools, cancel sports events, issue travel restrictions and ask countless people to self-isolate if they are suspected of being infected. In Denmark, which has reported 23 cases, it now means that hundreds of people about to become Danish citizens will have to wait until shaking hands is deemed safe again.
Fourteen people were expected to become Danish citizens in Ringsted, Mr. Hvidesten said in an interview on Saturday. “Some were unhappy, and we were very sorry. It was a day they had been looking forward to.”Fourteen people were expected to become Danish citizens in Ringsted, Mr. Hvidesten said in an interview on Saturday. “Some were unhappy, and we were very sorry. It was a day they had been looking forward to.”
The handshake requirement, which was adopted by conservative Danish lawmakers and those from the populist Danish People’s Party in 2018, was widely criticized by opponents as an anti-immigration measure targeting those who might refuse to touch members of the opposite sex because of religious beliefs, especially Muslims.The handshake requirement, which was adopted by conservative Danish lawmakers and those from the populist Danish People’s Party in 2018, was widely criticized by opponents as an anti-immigration measure targeting those who might refuse to touch members of the opposite sex because of religious beliefs, especially Muslims.
Denmark is not the only European country to have such a rule. In 2018, a French court ruled that a refusal to shake hands with male officials at a naturalization ceremony was sufficient grounds for denying citizenship to a woman from Algeria.Denmark is not the only European country to have such a rule. In 2018, a French court ruled that a refusal to shake hands with male officials at a naturalization ceremony was sufficient grounds for denying citizenship to a woman from Algeria.
On Friday, as the number of virus cases rose across Europe, public officials in Denmark debated whether handshake exceptions could be made until the country tackled the epidemic. The 2018 law requiring handshakes at naturalization ceremonies includes a provision prohibiting gloves, so that is not an option.On Friday, as the number of virus cases rose across Europe, public officials in Denmark debated whether handshake exceptions could be made until the country tackled the epidemic. The 2018 law requiring handshakes at naturalization ceremonies includes a provision prohibiting gloves, so that is not an option.
But government officials said there would be no exception to the handshake for those who want to become citizens.But government officials said there would be no exception to the handshake for those who want to become citizens.
It was not clear how long the suspension would be in place or if all local mayors would follow the recommendation.It was not clear how long the suspension would be in place or if all local mayors would follow the recommendation.
“Of course, this is a sad situation for those who now have to wait to become Danish citizens,” Mattias Tesfaye, the country’s immigration and integration minister, said in a statement. “But we take the health authorities’ recommendation seriously. In this situation, we as a society must show unity to limit the spread of infection.”“Of course, this is a sad situation for those who now have to wait to become Danish citizens,” Mattias Tesfaye, the country’s immigration and integration minister, said in a statement. “But we take the health authorities’ recommendation seriously. In this situation, we as a society must show unity to limit the spread of infection.”
Local officials in Denmark hold at least two naturalization ceremonies each year, the conclusion of a lengthy process for thousands of people in which the requirements include having residence for up to nine years, passing tests on the Danish language, politics, history and society, and being financially self-sufficient.Local officials in Denmark hold at least two naturalization ceremonies each year, the conclusion of a lengthy process for thousands of people in which the requirements include having residence for up to nine years, passing tests on the Danish language, politics, history and society, and being financially self-sufficient.
Some mayors have circumvented the handshake law by having both male and female officials take part in the ceremonies. “It’s against my ideology and conviction to have to force other people to have body contact,” Thomas Andresen, the mayor of Aabenraa, a town near the border with Germany, told The New York Times in 2018.Some mayors have circumvented the handshake law by having both male and female officials take part in the ceremonies. “It’s against my ideology and conviction to have to force other people to have body contact,” Thomas Andresen, the mayor of Aabenraa, a town near the border with Germany, told The New York Times in 2018.
For many, the postponement recommendation this past week was the latest incongruity in a law that they have found exclusionary.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated 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.
For many, the postponement recommendation this past week was the latest incongruity in a law that they have found exclusionary.
“It’s absurd,” said Peder Hvelplund, a socialist and green lawmaker, said in an interview. “The path to Danish citizenship should be about inclusion, not exclusion.”“It’s absurd,” said Peder Hvelplund, a socialist and green lawmaker, said in an interview. “The path to Danish citizenship should be about inclusion, not exclusion.”
The delay could deprive some of their citizenship, Mr. Hvelplund added, because children under 18 who could have become Danish through their parents’ naturalization would most likely have to start over if they aged out.The delay could deprive some of their citizenship, Mr. Hvelplund added, because children under 18 who could have become Danish through their parents’ naturalization would most likely have to start over if they aged out.
“Some will likely have to undergo the process themselves,” he said.“Some will likely have to undergo the process themselves,” he said.
Mayor Hvidesten of Ringsted said he had been taken by surprise when he received a call from the ministry, two hours before the ceremony on Friday.Mayor Hvidesten of Ringsted said he had been taken by surprise when he received a call from the ministry, two hours before the ceremony on Friday.
“We should have made some kind of exceptions; we could have done it without the handshake,” he said.“We should have made some kind of exceptions; we could have done it without the handshake,” he said.
Other Danes responded to the new rule by offering their own alternatives.Other Danes responded to the new rule by offering their own alternatives.
Sofie Carsten Nielsen, a leader of the Danish Social-Liberal Party, suggested on Twitter that people replace the handshake with the Namaste gesture, pressing hands together.Sofie Carsten Nielsen, a leader of the Danish Social-Liberal Party, suggested on Twitter that people replace the handshake with the Namaste gesture, pressing hands together.