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Version 12 Version 13
Message Received: Italians Are Staying Home Message Received: Italians Are Staying Home
(about 16 hours later)
ROME — Italy got the message.ROME — Italy got the message.
On the first day of Europe’s first nationwide restriction on movement and public gatherings to stem the rampant spread of the coronavirus, Italians steered clear of their streets, shops, churches and soccer fields.On the first day of Europe’s first nationwide restriction on movement and public gatherings to stem the rampant spread of the coronavirus, Italians steered clear of their streets, shops, churches and soccer fields.
They obeyed the government’s “I Stay Home” decree, announced on Monday night by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte with a plea for common sacrifice to safeguard the country’s elderly population and to save the health system from collapse.They obeyed the government’s “I Stay Home” decree, announced on Monday night by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte with a plea for common sacrifice to safeguard the country’s elderly population and to save the health system from collapse.
But even as Italians stayed inside, officials in the country’s north, the front line of the outbreak, pleaded for still stronger measures that would essentially shut down all commercial activity and public transportation in an effort to suffocate the contagion.But even as Italians stayed inside, officials in the country’s north, the front line of the outbreak, pleaded for still stronger measures that would essentially shut down all commercial activity and public transportation in an effort to suffocate the contagion.
It was “time for firmness,” said Attilio Fontana, the governor of the Lombardy region, which is home to Milan and many of the most infected towns. Officials suggested the total shutdown could last for two weeks, and a spokesman for Mr. Fontana said he hoped the request would be approved by the government in Rome “as soon as possible.”It was “time for firmness,” said Attilio Fontana, the governor of the Lombardy region, which is home to Milan and many of the most infected towns. Officials suggested the total shutdown could last for two weeks, and a spokesman for Mr. Fontana said he hoped the request would be approved by the government in Rome “as soon as possible.”
Already though, Italians had taken to their battle stations, and their couches, to fight the virus’s spread.Already though, Italians had taken to their battle stations, and their couches, to fight the virus’s spread.
In Rome, water cascaded out of the usually mobbed Trevi Fountain, but there was no one around to see it. Hardly a soul moved through St. Peter’s Basilica, and the government instructed tourists to go back home or to their hotels. People lined up outside supermarkets, where only a few shoppers were allowed in at a time so that the decree’s social distance rules could be observed.In Rome, water cascaded out of the usually mobbed Trevi Fountain, but there was no one around to see it. Hardly a soul moved through St. Peter’s Basilica, and the government instructed tourists to go back home or to their hotels. People lined up outside supermarkets, where only a few shoppers were allowed in at a time so that the decree’s social distance rules could be observed.
It was not an absolute lockdown. Although people were told to avoid leaving home, they could still move around for work, groceries and essentials (like light bulbs, the government said), and for reasons having to do with health, child or senior care.It was not an absolute lockdown. Although people were told to avoid leaving home, they could still move around for work, groceries and essentials (like light bulbs, the government said), and for reasons having to do with health, child or senior care.
But uniformed police and soldiers set up checkpoints around the country and required the people they stopped to fill out official forms and explain their movements, which the authorities could later verify. Lying on the forms is a crime.But uniformed police and soldiers set up checkpoints around the country and required the people they stopped to fill out official forms and explain their movements, which the authorities could later verify. Lying on the forms is a crime.
Standing next to a police checkpoint at the Bologna train station, Valentina Scicolone, 30, called the situation “surreal.”Standing next to a police checkpoint at the Bologna train station, Valentina Scicolone, 30, called the situation “surreal.”
She had come to see her boyfriend, but was now waiting for a train to Milan, where she had to help oversee renovations at the hotel where she works. It has closed because of all the recent cancellations.She had come to see her boyfriend, but was now waiting for a train to Milan, where she had to help oversee renovations at the hotel where she works. It has closed because of all the recent cancellations.
Ms. Scicolone was aware that the government had stipulated that romance was not a valid reason for travel and so wasn’t sure when she’d be able to come back to Bologna and be with her intended.Ms. Scicolone was aware that the government had stipulated that romance was not a valid reason for travel and so wasn’t sure when she’d be able to come back to Bologna and be with her intended.
“I don’t know when I’ll see him again,” she said.“I don’t know when I’ll see him again,” she said.
Some older Italians said the streets had a wartime feel. Every day at 6 p.m., health and civil protection officials step out in front of national cameras and update the country on the number of infections (10,149 as of Tuesday night) and deaths (631, up 168 from the day before), a ritual that has added to the sense of calamity.Some older Italians said the streets had a wartime feel. Every day at 6 p.m., health and civil protection officials step out in front of national cameras and update the country on the number of infections (10,149 as of Tuesday night) and deaths (631, up 168 from the day before), a ritual that has added to the sense of calamity.
A doctor in a hospital in the Lombardy city of Bergamo posted on social media a graphic account of the stress on the health system by the overwhelming number of patients. It was republished Tuesday in Italy’s largest newspaper, Corriere della Sera.A doctor in a hospital in the Lombardy city of Bergamo posted on social media a graphic account of the stress on the health system by the overwhelming number of patients. It was republished Tuesday in Italy’s largest newspaper, Corriere della Sera.
“The war has literally exploded and battles are uninterrupted day and night,” the doctor, Daniele Macchini wrote, calling the situation an “epidemiological disaster” that has “overwhelmed" the doctors.“The war has literally exploded and battles are uninterrupted day and night,” the doctor, Daniele Macchini wrote, calling the situation an “epidemiological disaster” that has “overwhelmed" the doctors.
“One after the other, these unfortunate people come to the emergency room,” he wrote. “They have far from the complications of a flu. Let’s stop saying it’s a bad flu.”“One after the other, these unfortunate people come to the emergency room,” he wrote. “They have far from the complications of a flu. Let’s stop saying it’s a bad flu.”
Matteo Renzi, a former prime minister, said in an interview that the virus had 10 days of a head start on the government, and that sweeping measures like the government’s decree were necessary to save all of Europe.Matteo Renzi, a former prime minister, said in an interview that the virus had 10 days of a head start on the government, and that sweeping measures like the government’s decree were necessary to save all of Europe.
“Today the red zone is Italy,” he said. But in 10 days, he said, it will be Madrid, Paris and Berlin.“Today the red zone is Italy,” he said. But in 10 days, he said, it will be Madrid, Paris and Berlin.
Italy needs to show how to stop it, Mr. Renzi said, or if not, “The red zone will be Europe.”Italy needs to show how to stop it, Mr. Renzi said, or if not, “The red zone will be Europe.”
Luca Zaia, the governor of Veneto, which includes Venice and other cities affected by the outbreak, agreed with his political allies in Lombardy in urging stricter measures. He said that to stop the virus and save the public health system, more draconian measures, including a “total closure,” were preferable to “drawing out the agony.”Luca Zaia, the governor of Veneto, which includes Venice and other cities affected by the outbreak, agreed with his political allies in Lombardy in urging stricter measures. He said that to stop the virus and save the public health system, more draconian measures, including a “total closure,” were preferable to “drawing out the agony.”
In the Veneto town of Verona, where the usually busy area outside the ancient arena was empty, two long-lost childhood friends were having a teary reconnection on Tuesday, after decades of searching for each other. But they could not hug.In the Veneto town of Verona, where the usually busy area outside the ancient arena was empty, two long-lost childhood friends were having a teary reconnection on Tuesday, after decades of searching for each other. But they could not hug.
“We have to respect the rules,” said Anna Burro, 56, as she stood close, but not too close, to her friend.“We have to respect the rules,” said Anna Burro, 56, as she stood close, but not too close, to her friend.
She, too, thought the government should shut everything down, and worried that half-measures would let the nation’s wound fester.She, too, thought the government should shut everything down, and worried that half-measures would let the nation’s wound fester.
On Sunday, Italy imposed movement restrictions in just the north. When he announced them, Prime Minister Conte appealed to Italians not to try and be sneaky and get around the rules.On Sunday, Italy imposed movement restrictions in just the north. When he announced them, Prime Minister Conte appealed to Italians not to try and be sneaky and get around the rules.
Prominent politicians, and virologists, urged Mr. Conte to make the stakes clearer with blanket restrictions across the entire peninsula. When he did so, he explained the new measures at prime time, rather than at 2 a.m. The government also made an effort to spell out more clearly what Italians could and could not do, in “FAQ” form.Prominent politicians, and virologists, urged Mr. Conte to make the stakes clearer with blanket restrictions across the entire peninsula. When he did so, he explained the new measures at prime time, rather than at 2 a.m. The government also made an effort to spell out more clearly what Italians could and could not do, in “FAQ” form.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
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.
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.
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.
On Tuesday, the country seemed truly spooked.On Tuesday, the country seemed truly spooked.
In Milan, which already seemed a shell of its former vibrant self, the drop-off in activity was dramatic.In Milan, which already seemed a shell of its former vibrant self, the drop-off in activity was dramatic.
In Rome, people wore masks and latex gloves, even as they jogged by quiet streets in the Monteverde section of the city. They shed their nonchalance and holed up with a sense of mission. With schools canceled until April 3, some parents taught their children at home.In Rome, people wore masks and latex gloves, even as they jogged by quiet streets in the Monteverde section of the city. They shed their nonchalance and holed up with a sense of mission. With schools canceled until April 3, some parents taught their children at home.
At the Salsamenteria Ruggeri, a man in a butcher’s apron and white mask limited the number of customers in the shop at a time.At the Salsamenteria Ruggeri, a man in a butcher’s apron and white mask limited the number of customers in the shop at a time.
“People are frightened,” said Nadia Bucciarelli, a salesclerk at the venerable chocolatier Moriondo & Gariglio. “Rightly so.”“People are frightened,” said Nadia Bucciarelli, a salesclerk at the venerable chocolatier Moriondo & Gariglio. “Rightly so.”
The people who did walk around were tourists. And the government clearly didn’t want them to.The people who did walk around were tourists. And the government clearly didn’t want them to.
Tourism “should be avoided,” the government’s decree said, and the movements of tourists should be limited “to going back to their own home, habitation or domicile.”Tourism “should be avoided,” the government’s decree said, and the movements of tourists should be limited “to going back to their own home, habitation or domicile.”
By the Pantheon in the center of Rome, a sign next to the closed door suggested that tourists download an app about the monument instead. Priests at the Church of St. Ignatius drained the holy water basin next to the entrance. At the Via dei Condotti near the Spanish Steps, the luxury stores were open but there was hardly anyone to go in them.By the Pantheon in the center of Rome, a sign next to the closed door suggested that tourists download an app about the monument instead. Priests at the Church of St. Ignatius drained the holy water basin next to the entrance. At the Via dei Condotti near the Spanish Steps, the luxury stores were open but there was hardly anyone to go in them.
Almost alone among them, Armani, based in Milan, stayed closed to help “safeguard the health” of the public.Almost alone among them, Armani, based in Milan, stayed closed to help “safeguard the health” of the public.
“It’s going terribly,” said Orgest Doja, as he tried to entice diners into a restaurant in Piazza Navonna.“It’s going terribly,” said Orgest Doja, as he tried to entice diners into a restaurant in Piazza Navonna.
At a restaurant in Trastevere, Michelle Dejour, 49, a Danish tourist, drank coffee at one end of the table while her husband sipped white wine at the other. “The waiter asked us to do this,” she said.At a restaurant in Trastevere, Michelle Dejour, 49, a Danish tourist, drank coffee at one end of the table while her husband sipped white wine at the other. “The waiter asked us to do this,” she said.
Some workers who were forced into contact with people were not pleased, seeing class privilege in the pleas from Italian celebrities to stay at home.Some workers who were forced into contact with people were not pleased, seeing class privilege in the pleas from Italian celebrities to stay at home.
“You stay home because you can afford it,” said Andrea Arcangeli, 41, a cabdriver who observed that Rome had become a desert. He complained that shops had closed not because they had been ordered to but because “no one is out.”“You stay home because you can afford it,” said Andrea Arcangeli, 41, a cabdriver who observed that Rome had become a desert. He complained that shops had closed not because they had been ordered to but because “no one is out.”
And that was precisely the idea.And that was precisely the idea.
Emma Bubola contributed reporting from Verona and Elisabetta Povoledo from Rome.Emma Bubola contributed reporting from Verona and Elisabetta Povoledo from Rome.