'Broadway, Seeking to Stay Open, Suggests Stars Keep Their Distance' diff viewer (8/9)

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Broadway, Seeking to Stay Open, Suggests Stars Keep Their Distance	Broadway, Seeking to Stay Open, Suggests Stars Keep Their Distance
2020-06-24 11:04:19 UTC	2020-06-24 11:36:18 UTC (32 minutes later)
The scene is a staple of Broadway: After a show ends, its most ardent fans gather at the stage door, hoping for an autograph, an Instagrammable photo, or even a conversation with their favorite star.	The scene is a staple of Broadway: After a show ends, its most ardent fans gather at the stage door, hoping for an autograph, an Instagrammable photo, or even a conversation with their favorite star.
But this week, facing a widening coronavirus outbreak that threatens public health in New York and around the world, the theater industry’s leaders said they wanted to put a stop to the practice.	But this week, facing a widening coronavirus outbreak that threatens public health in New York and around the world, the theater industry’s leaders said they wanted to put a stop to the practice.
“We are highly recommending that all stage door activities be eliminated for the time being,” the Broadway League, a trade organization representing producers and theater owners, said on Tuesday.	“We are highly recommending that all stage door activities be eliminated for the time being,” the Broadway League, a trade organization representing producers and theater owners, said on Tuesday.
The step is the latest in a series of actions the theater business has taken to keep its plays and musicals running while also protecting public health.	The step is the latest in a series of actions the theater business has taken to keep its plays and musicals running while also protecting public health.
Broadway, a hallmark New York industry that drew 14.8 million patrons and grossed $1.8 billion last season, is vulnerable to economic damage from the outbreak for multiple reasons: Its audience skews older, and older people seem especially vulnerable to this virus; its audience is heavily made up of tourists, and travel is drying up; and its events involve large numbers of people packed into tight spaces — a situation risky enough that it is being banned in some countries.	Broadway, a hallmark New York industry that drew 14.8 million patrons and grossed $1.8 billion last season, is vulnerable to economic damage from the outbreak for multiple reasons: Its audience skews older, and older people seem especially vulnerable to this virus; its audience is heavily made up of tourists, and travel is drying up; and its events involve large numbers of people packed into tight spaces — a situation risky enough that it is being banned in some countries.
On Wednesday, the owners of two theaters said that a part-time usher who worked for them had tested positive for the virus. No other worker had fallen ill, but the owners asked audience members and employees who were present at the same performances to monitor their health.	On Wednesday, the owners of two theaters said that a part-time usher who worked for them had tested positive for the virus. No other worker had fallen ill, but the owners asked audience members and employees who were present at the same performances to monitor their health.
Broadway’s leaders say they are determined to keep their theaters open if at all possible, and anticipate that they would collectively close only if ordered to do so by a government agency. That is not unthinkable: Some performance venues have been closed in Austria, Germany and Italy, among other places.	Broadway’s leaders say they are determined to keep their theaters open if at all possible, and anticipate that they would collectively close only if ordered to do so by a government agency. That is not unthinkable: Some performance venues have been closed in Austria, Germany and Italy, among other places.
On Thursday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said he was trying to avoid closing theaters, but also said they might need to cut down on audience size if they wanted to stay open.	On Thursday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said he was trying to avoid closing theaters, but also said they might need to cut down on audience size if they wanted to stay open.
“What we’re trying to figure out is if there a way to reduce the capacity, reduce the number of people?” the mayor said on CNN. “If we cannot strike that balance, of course we can go to closure.”	“What we’re trying to figure out is if there a way to reduce the capacity, reduce the number of people?” the mayor said on CNN. “If we cannot strike that balance, of course we can go to closure.”
The scene at stage doors Tuesday night showed just how hard even small changes can be. At some shows — Disney’s “Frozen” and “The Lion King,” for example — theater employees made clear there would be no more stage dooring. But at other theaters, some actors obliged waiting fans.	The scene at stage doors Tuesday night showed just how hard even small changes can be. At some shows — Disney’s “Frozen” and “The Lion King,” for example — theater employees made clear there would be no more stage dooring. But at other theaters, some actors obliged waiting fans.
Outside the Shubert Theater, where “To Kill a Mockingbird” is playing, Ed Harris, the star who plays Atticus Finch, made a hasty exit with a wave to the crowd. But Nick Robinson, who plays Jem Finch, stayed to accept hugs, and stood in close, arms around shoulders, for pictures with a last handful of well-wishers.	Outside the Shubert Theater, where “To Kill a Mockingbird” is playing, Ed Harris, the star who plays Atticus Finch, made a hasty exit with a wave to the crowd. But Nick Robinson, who plays Jem Finch, stayed to accept hugs, and stood in close, arms around shoulders, for pictures with a last handful of well-wishers.
“It’s great that people want to stick around,” Robinson said afterward. “I just try to wash my hands and not shake hands — just the simple stuff.”	“It’s great that people want to stick around,” Robinson said afterward. “I just try to wash my hands and not shake hands — just the simple stuff.”
At the Golden Theater, where a new Martin McDonagh play called “Hangmen” is in previews, employees told fans that cast members would not stop for signatures or pictures.	At the Golden Theater, where a new Martin McDonagh play called “Hangmen” is in previews, employees told fans that cast members would not stop for signatures or pictures.
But Brenda and Gillian Garcia, a mother-daughter pair from Manhattan, were undeterred, sidling up to the play’s star, Dan Stevens of “Downton Abbey” fame, as he turned onto Eighth Avenue. They got him to pause for a picture, even as a security guard tried to hurry them along.	But Brenda and Gillian Garcia, a mother-daughter pair from Manhattan, were undeterred, sidling up to the play’s star, Dan Stevens of “Downton Abbey” fame, as he turned onto Eighth Avenue. They got him to pause for a picture, even as a security guard tried to hurry them along.
“She really loves Dan Stevens,” explained Brenda Garcia, as her daughter happily clutched her phone with its brand-new photo.	“She really loves Dan Stevens,” explained Brenda Garcia, as her daughter happily clutched her phone with its brand-new photo.
There are 31 shows running on Broadway, and so far overall attendance has held steady — there were 253,453 patrons last week, up slightly from the previous week. And many ticket buyers are clearly still eager to see theater.	There are 31 shows running on Broadway, and so far overall attendance has held steady — there were 253,453 patrons last week, up slightly from the previous week. And many ticket buyers are clearly still eager to see theater.
“I guess I’m not willing to stop my life unless I’m forced to,” said Wendy Hanna-Rose, as she stood on Tuesday under the awning of the TKTS discount-ticket booth in Times Square, deciding which show to see that night. She and her husband, Craig Rose, had tickets to “Hamilton” the following night for their family of five and they were hoping to squeeze in another show.	“I guess I’m not willing to stop my life unless I’m forced to,” said Wendy Hanna-Rose, as she stood on Tuesday under the awning of the TKTS discount-ticket booth in Times Square, deciding which show to see that night. She and her husband, Craig Rose, had tickets to “Hamilton” the following night for their family of five and they were hoping to squeeze in another show.
They said they considered the threat of the virus before making their spring break trek from State College, Pa., but decided that if Broadway kept its doors open, they would be in the audience. “So we’re here, just trying not to touch our faces,” Hanna-Rose said.	They said they considered the threat of the virus before making their spring break trek from State College, Pa., but decided that if Broadway kept its doors open, they would be in the audience. “So we’re here, just trying not to touch our faces,” Hanna-Rose said.
Industry officials say that advance sales are starting to droop, suggesting that attendance and gross revenues will most likely take a hit in the coming weeks. Among the early indicators of potential problems: Disney’s three shows, “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “Frozen,” all dipped last week. And a number of student groups have canceled trips to Broadway shows, either because their schools have closed or their districts have advised against the events.	Industry officials say that advance sales are starting to droop, suggesting that attendance and gross revenues will most likely take a hit in the coming weeks. Among the early indicators of potential problems: Disney’s three shows, “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “Frozen,” all dipped last week. And a number of student groups have canceled trips to Broadway shows, either because their schools have closed or their districts have advised against the events.
Ticket holders seeking to cancel Broadway plans because of concerns about the virus must contact the seller to seek refunds or exchanges. Disney announced a flexible policy on its shows’ websites, declaring that “exchange fees are waived and refunds are available for guests holding tickets to performances through April 19, 2020.” And Charlotte St. Martin, the president of the Broadway League, said most ticket sellers were trying to be flexible with purchasers.
Broadway theaters are taking numerous steps to reduce the risk of infection: cleaning seats and surfaces more frequently, installing more hand-sanitizer dispensers, providing new cups for drink refills and eliminating backstage tours.
Stage dooring has come under increased scrutiny as the outbreak has intensified. NETWorks, a major touring company, eliminated the practice for its shows around the country, while on Broadway, the musical “Hadestown” announced last weekend that for the next 30 days its cast would not appear at the stage door.
Updated June 22, 2020	Updated 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.
	Ticket holders seeking to cancel Broadway plans because of concerns about the virus must contact the seller to seek refunds or exchanges. Disney announced a flexible policy on its shows’ websites, declaring that “exchange fees are waived and refunds are available for guests holding tickets to performances through April 19, 2020.” And Charlotte St. Martin, the president of the Broadway League, said most ticket sellers were trying to be flexible with purchasers.
	Broadway theaters are taking numerous steps to reduce the risk of infection: cleaning seats and surfaces more frequently, installing more hand-sanitizer dispensers, providing new cups for drink refills and eliminating backstage tours.
	Stage dooring has come under increased scrutiny as the outbreak has intensified. NETWorks, a major touring company, eliminated the practice for its shows around the country, while on Broadway, the musical “Hadestown” announced last weekend that for the next 30 days its cast would not appear at the stage door.