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Xi Goes to Wuhan, Coronavirus Epicenter, in Show of Confidence Xi Goes to Wuhan, Coronavirus Epicenter, in Show of Confidence
(3 days later)
BEIJING — China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, toured Wuhan, the city at the center of a now global epidemic, for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak began, hoping to demonstrate that his government was containing a crisis that has tarnished his image at home and abroad.BEIJING — China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, toured Wuhan, the city at the center of a now global epidemic, for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak began, hoping to demonstrate that his government was containing a crisis that has tarnished his image at home and abroad.
Wearing a blue mask, Mr. Xi stopped short of declaring victory, but his visit was clearly intended to send a powerful signal that the government believes the worst of the national emergency could soon be over in China — just as others countries are being struck by their own outbreaks. As if to echo the message, some cities, even in surrounding province of Hubei, announced plans to loosen some of the most onerous limits imposed on millions of people.Wearing a blue mask, Mr. Xi stopped short of declaring victory, but his visit was clearly intended to send a powerful signal that the government believes the worst of the national emergency could soon be over in China — just as others countries are being struck by their own outbreaks. As if to echo the message, some cities, even in surrounding province of Hubei, announced plans to loosen some of the most onerous limits imposed on millions of people.
“Hubei and Wuhan have been the very most decisive battleground in this struggle to contain the epidemic,” Mr. Xi said in remarks reported by state media late Tuesday. “Through arduous efforts, there has been a promising turn in epidemic containment in Hubei and Wuhan, and we’ve achieved important interim results.”“Hubei and Wuhan have been the very most decisive battleground in this struggle to contain the epidemic,” Mr. Xi said in remarks reported by state media late Tuesday. “Through arduous efforts, there has been a promising turn in epidemic containment in Hubei and Wuhan, and we’ve achieved important interim results.”
Mr. Xi and other Communist Party officials have faced a torrent of criticism at home and abroad for the initial delays and obfuscation that hastened the virus’s spread. Now that the rate of infections is slowing, they have responded by portraying China as a trailblazer in the global effort to contain the coronavirus.Mr. Xi and other Communist Party officials have faced a torrent of criticism at home and abroad for the initial delays and obfuscation that hastened the virus’s spread. Now that the rate of infections is slowing, they have responded by portraying China as a trailblazer in the global effort to contain the coronavirus.
[Read: As its coronavirus cases dwindle, China is turning its focus outward.][Read: As its coronavirus cases dwindle, China is turning its focus outward.]
China’s counterattack in what Mr. Xi has called a “people’s war” has included harsh restrictions on travel and personal liberties that were widely questioned in the beginning but that other nations like Italy are now, reluctantly, choosing as well.China’s counterattack in what Mr. Xi has called a “people’s war” has included harsh restrictions on travel and personal liberties that were widely questioned in the beginning but that other nations like Italy are now, reluctantly, choosing as well.
Mr. Xi warned against any premature inclination to ease the restrictions, saying that the tasks ahead remained “arduous and heavy.” “Show no slackening at all,” he said. “Take a tight, solid, detailed grasp of every part of prevention and control efforts.”Mr. Xi warned against any premature inclination to ease the restrictions, saying that the tasks ahead remained “arduous and heavy.” “Show no slackening at all,” he said. “Take a tight, solid, detailed grasp of every part of prevention and control efforts.”
Mr. Xi flew into Wuhan in the morning and raced through several sites in the deeply traumatized city of 11 million people who have remained largely under lockdown for nearly seven weeks. The city and surrounding province of Hubei have accounted for all but 112 of the 3,158 deaths in mainland China.Mr. Xi flew into Wuhan in the morning and raced through several sites in the deeply traumatized city of 11 million people who have remained largely under lockdown for nearly seven weeks. The city and surrounding province of Hubei have accounted for all but 112 of the 3,158 deaths in mainland China.
Mr. Xi stopped at a community center, where he met with party volunteers on the sidewalk, and a hospital specially built in a matter of days in February to treat thousands of the epidemic’s victims, an achievement the government has repeatedly touted as evidence of its ability to marshal resources in a crisis. As he passed an apartment complex, Mr. Xi and other officials looked up to wave at residents who were still required, for the most part, to remain in their homes.Mr. Xi stopped at a community center, where he met with party volunteers on the sidewalk, and a hospital specially built in a matter of days in February to treat thousands of the epidemic’s victims, an achievement the government has repeatedly touted as evidence of its ability to marshal resources in a crisis. As he passed an apartment complex, Mr. Xi and other officials looked up to wave at residents who were still required, for the most part, to remain in their homes.
“He has to go,” Rong Jian, a writer about politics in Beijing, said of the visit, noting that Mr. Xi has said he was personally directing the government’s response. “If he does not go, what he calls personal command and personal leadership is of no practical significance.”“He has to go,” Rong Jian, a writer about politics in Beijing, said of the visit, noting that Mr. Xi has said he was personally directing the government’s response. “If he does not go, what he calls personal command and personal leadership is of no practical significance.”
Mr. Xi went out of his way to express sympathy for the plight of the region’s residents and, unusually in a political system that rarely acknowledges mistakes, to express something close to contrition.Mr. Xi went out of his way to express sympathy for the plight of the region’s residents and, unusually in a political system that rarely acknowledges mistakes, to express something close to contrition.
“After such long self-isolation, the public in Hubei, Wuhan and such hard-hit areas have some emotions to vent,” he said. “We must understand and show tolerance and acceptance, stepping up the intensity of our efforts in every respect.”“After such long self-isolation, the public in Hubei, Wuhan and such hard-hit areas have some emotions to vent,” he said. “We must understand and show tolerance and acceptance, stepping up the intensity of our efforts in every respect.”
Mr. Xi’s tour dominated state media throughout the day, as it was surely intended to do, but it will take more than a propaganda campaign to ease the anguish and grief the epidemic has already caused and to repair the damage to the economy, which could take months to get back to normal.Mr. Xi’s tour dominated state media throughout the day, as it was surely intended to do, but it will take more than a propaganda campaign to ease the anguish and grief the epidemic has already caused and to repair the damage to the economy, which could take months to get back to normal.
Hundreds of millions of Chinese still live under quarantine-like restrictions, with travel limited between cities. Big factories are barely up and running, if at all, and millions of small businesses face uncertainty, if not ruin.Hundreds of millions of Chinese still live under quarantine-like restrictions, with travel limited between cities. Big factories are barely up and running, if at all, and millions of small businesses face uncertainty, if not ruin.
In recent days, the official numbers have offered some hope that the virtual siege could be easing.In recent days, the official numbers have offered some hope that the virtual siege could be easing.
The National Health Commission of China on Tuesday reported only 19 new coronavirus infections in the previous 24 hours, and 17 deaths. All but two of the new infections occurred in Wuhan; the other two involved people who contracted the virus abroad.The National Health Commission of China on Tuesday reported only 19 new coronavirus infections in the previous 24 hours, and 17 deaths. All but two of the new infections occurred in Wuhan; the other two involved people who contracted the virus abroad.
That meant that for a third day in a row, the virus has not spread outside of the outbreak’s source, according to the official accounting.That meant that for a third day in a row, the virus has not spread outside of the outbreak’s source, according to the official accounting.
Even in Wuhan, the government has declared some neighborhoods free of new infections. The city has also closed the last of 14 temporary shelters it had opened in exhibition centers and sports stadiums to isolate thousands of those who had been infected, according to state media reports.Even in Wuhan, the government has declared some neighborhoods free of new infections. The city has also closed the last of 14 temporary shelters it had opened in exhibition centers and sports stadiums to isolate thousands of those who had been infected, according to state media reports.
The Paper, a news site controlled by the Communist Party, published photographs of cavernous arenas filled with beds now empty of patients. The last two centers — holding patients with mild cases — could also close soon.The Paper, a news site controlled by the Communist Party, published photographs of cavernous arenas filled with beds now empty of patients. The last two centers — holding patients with mild cases — could also close soon.
Qianjiang, a city in Hubei that is about 90 miles, or 150 kilometers, west of Wuhan, announced on Tuesday that it would begin lifting restrictions on its residents “in the very near future.” Residents in two other cities in the province, Huanggang and Yichang, posted photos and videos on social media showing open barbershops, springtime blossoms and workers taking down roadblocks, suggesting that life might return to normal.Qianjiang, a city in Hubei that is about 90 miles, or 150 kilometers, west of Wuhan, announced on Tuesday that it would begin lifting restrictions on its residents “in the very near future.” Residents in two other cities in the province, Huanggang and Yichang, posted photos and videos on social media showing open barbershops, springtime blossoms and workers taking down roadblocks, suggesting that life might return to normal.
Some complained, though, that they had encountered difficulties leaving their apartment complexes, despite assurances they could. Others still under lockdown angrily wondered when they too would be freed.Some complained, though, that they had encountered difficulties leaving their apartment complexes, despite assurances they could. Others still under lockdown angrily wondered when they too would be freed.
“It’s been so many days with no new infections here, do we healthy people not deserve to live too?” wrote one resident of a smaller city near Yichang. “Those who don’t die from getting infected by the virus will die from being trapped.”“It’s been so many days with no new infections here, do we healthy people not deserve to live too?” wrote one resident of a smaller city near Yichang. “Those who don’t die from getting infected by the virus will die from being trapped.”
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
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.
Despite its aggressive efforts to censor public displays of discontent, the government has not been able to stifle the simmering anger that the epidemic has caused at home.Despite its aggressive efforts to censor public displays of discontent, the government has not been able to stifle the simmering anger that the epidemic has caused at home.
Only days before Mr. Xi’s visit, the senior-most government official on the ground in Wuhan was heckled as she led a delegation on a tour of a residential complex. “Fake! Everything is fake!” a resident shouted at the delegation, led by Sun Chunlan, a vice premier, who has spearheaded the national government’s response in Wuhan.Only days before Mr. Xi’s visit, the senior-most government official on the ground in Wuhan was heckled as she led a delegation on a tour of a residential complex. “Fake! Everything is fake!” a resident shouted at the delegation, led by Sun Chunlan, a vice premier, who has spearheaded the national government’s response in Wuhan.
Until today, China’s premier, Li Keqiang, had been the highest-ranking leader to visit Wuhan, but that was nearly seven weeks ago, only days after the lockdown was put into place on Jan. 23. At the time, the death toll had just surpassed 100.Until today, China’s premier, Li Keqiang, had been the highest-ranking leader to visit Wuhan, but that was nearly seven weeks ago, only days after the lockdown was put into place on Jan. 23. At the time, the death toll had just surpassed 100.
Mr. Xi has been a relatively remote figure during the crisis, delegating the daily meetings of a national task force to the premier. Mr. Xi has appeared more selectively and only in tightly controlled settings. He has met with foreign leaders, presided over a series of meetings of the Politburo Standing Committee and only twice ventured out into Beijing to tour hospitals and government offices.Mr. Xi has been a relatively remote figure during the crisis, delegating the daily meetings of a national task force to the premier. Mr. Xi has appeared more selectively and only in tightly controlled settings. He has met with foreign leaders, presided over a series of meetings of the Politburo Standing Committee and only twice ventured out into Beijing to tour hospitals and government offices.
In Wuhan, the authorities sent police officers into at least some apartment buildings to keep residents from their windows — presumably to avoid any repeat of the taunting that the earlier delegation encountered.In Wuhan, the authorities sent police officers into at least some apartment buildings to keep residents from their windows — presumably to avoid any repeat of the taunting that the earlier delegation encountered.
That did not stop it online, where one user on Weibo mocked Mr. Xi after a photograph appeared in state media showing him holding a videoconference with a patient and medical workers. “Coming all the way to video chat,” the user wrote. “Is the network in Beijing not working?That did not stop it online, where one user on Weibo mocked Mr. Xi after a photograph appeared in state media showing him holding a videoconference with a patient and medical workers. “Coming all the way to video chat,” the user wrote. “Is the network in Beijing not working?
In other parts of town, though, residents who have been largely confined to their homes gleefully posted rare glimpses of Mr. Xi in videos taken through their windows. In one, Mr. Xi emerged from a small bus and waved at residents who shouted, “Wuhan, jia you,” a phrase that translates as “add oil” but is meant as an encouragement, like “Let’s go.”In other parts of town, though, residents who have been largely confined to their homes gleefully posted rare glimpses of Mr. Xi in videos taken through their windows. In one, Mr. Xi emerged from a small bus and waved at residents who shouted, “Wuhan, jia you,” a phrase that translates as “add oil” but is meant as an encouragement, like “Let’s go.”
One resident, Zhao Qian, welcomed the visit, saying it was a sign that the central leadership was paying close attention to the situation, but she still blamed the local officials for mismanaging the government response.One resident, Zhao Qian, welcomed the visit, saying it was a sign that the central leadership was paying close attention to the situation, but she still blamed the local officials for mismanaging the government response.
“In the beginning, they concealed the initial reports, which ended up affecting the lives of many people,” she said. Ms. Zhao gave birth in early January to a daughter with a congenital heart condition. Because of the focus on the coronavirus, her daughter was unable to get treatment for weeks. Her family is reeling from the financial effects of the extended lockdown.“In the beginning, they concealed the initial reports, which ended up affecting the lives of many people,” she said. Ms. Zhao gave birth in early January to a daughter with a congenital heart condition. Because of the focus on the coronavirus, her daughter was unable to get treatment for weeks. Her family is reeling from the financial effects of the extended lockdown.
“I haven’t been able to go to work, so I haven’t gotten paid,” she said. “For an ordinary family, it’s a lot of financial pressure.”“I haven’t been able to go to work, so I haven’t gotten paid,” she said. “For an ordinary family, it’s a lot of financial pressure.”
Reporting and research was contributed by Claire Fu, Tiffany May, Zoe Mou, Amy Qin and Li Yuan.Reporting and research was contributed by Claire Fu, Tiffany May, Zoe Mou, Amy Qin and Li Yuan.