'Xi Goes to Wuhan, Coronavirus Epicenter, in Show of Confidence' diff viewer (8/9)

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Xi Goes to Wuhan, Coronavirus Epicenter, in Show of Confidence	Xi Goes to Wuhan, Coronavirus Epicenter, in Show of Confidence
2020-06-01 00:40:37 UTC	2020-06-01 16:56:42 UTC (about 16 hours 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 ~~May~~ ~~28,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 1, 2020
	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.	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.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.	More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
There is an uptick in people reporting symptoms of chilblains, which are painful red or purple lesions that typically appear in the winter on fingers or toes. The lesions are emerging as yet another symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. Chilblains are caused by inflammation in small blood vessels in reaction to cold or damp conditions, but they are usually common in the coldest winter months. Federal health officials do not include toe lesions in the list of coronavirus symptoms, but some dermatologists are pushing for a change, saying so-called Covid toe should be sufficient grounds for testing.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.	Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
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.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.	Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
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.