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| Berlin Parties On, Despite the Coronavirus | Berlin Parties On, Despite the Coronavirus |
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| BERLIN — At 2 a.m. on Thursday, the dance floor at Tresor in Berlin showed little indication that Germany was in the grip of a pandemic. | BERLIN — At 2 a.m. on Thursday, the dance floor at Tresor in Berlin showed little indication that Germany was in the grip of a pandemic. |
| About 150 people were squeezed into the main space of the famous techno club, which is under a former power station. Few seemed to be heeding the “important tips for the coronavirus” that had been posted next to the stern-looking bouncers at the front door. These included “maintaining distance” in tight spaces and not “passing around drinks.” | About 150 people were squeezed into the main space of the famous techno club, which is under a former power station. Few seemed to be heeding the “important tips for the coronavirus” that had been posted next to the stern-looking bouncers at the front door. These included “maintaining distance” in tight spaces and not “passing around drinks.” |
| Mercedes Sánchez, 22, was at the club celebrating the end of her medical school exams with two friends. “We know it’s maybe not such a good idea, but we thought, ‘Today and then never again,’” she said. Her group was taking “appropriate measures,” she added, like “no touching anyone, and no new friends.” | Mercedes Sánchez, 22, was at the club celebrating the end of her medical school exams with two friends. “We know it’s maybe not such a good idea, but we thought, ‘Today and then never again,’” she said. Her group was taking “appropriate measures,” she added, like “no touching anyone, and no new friends.” |
| They had originally wanted to go to KitKatClub, Sánchez said, a nearby fetish and dance venue where it is not uncommon for patrons to have sex in the club. “But we thought the danger of infection there was higher,” she added. | They had originally wanted to go to KitKatClub, Sánchez said, a nearby fetish and dance venue where it is not uncommon for patrons to have sex in the club. “But we thought the danger of infection there was higher,” she added. |
| On Tuesday, the local authorities in Berlin closed all state-run theaters, opera houses and concert halls; on Wednesday, the city banned public events involving more than 1,000 people. | On Tuesday, the local authorities in Berlin closed all state-run theaters, opera houses and concert halls; on Wednesday, the city banned public events involving more than 1,000 people. |
| Berghain, Berlin’s largest and perhaps most famous techno club, announced on its website on Wednesday that it would close until April 20, “in the best health interests of our staff, artists and guests.” | Berghain, Berlin’s largest and perhaps most famous techno club, announced on its website on Wednesday that it would close until April 20, “in the best health interests of our staff, artists and guests.” |
| But in a city where clubs are seen as an integral part of the cultural fabric, as well as an important sector of the economy, the idea that they posed a coronavirus threat has met with a mixed response. | But in a city where clubs are seen as an integral part of the cultural fabric, as well as an important sector of the economy, the idea that they posed a coronavirus threat has met with a mixed response. |
| According to an email from the Club Commission, a trade body, there are 140 clubs in Berlin. Almost all of them have a capacity of fewer than 1,000 people, and so, on Wednesday night, many remained open for business. | According to an email from the Club Commission, a trade body, there are 140 clubs in Berlin. Almost all of them have a capacity of fewer than 1,000 people, and so, on Wednesday night, many remained open for business. |
| Outside Tresor early Thursday, some clubgoers said that they were aware of the dangers, but were simply trying to make the most of their vacation. Nicholas Wessel, 26, visiting from Seattle on a multicity trip through Europe, said he decided to “risk it” because it was his only opportunity to visit a club here. | Outside Tresor early Thursday, some clubgoers said that they were aware of the dangers, but were simply trying to make the most of their vacation. Nicholas Wessel, 26, visiting from Seattle on a multicity trip through Europe, said he decided to “risk it” because it was his only opportunity to visit a club here. |
| “It’s a part of Berlin we came out to enjoy,” he said, adding that it would have been “sad” not to experience the city’s famous techno scene. | “It’s a part of Berlin we came out to enjoy,” he said, adding that it would have been “sad” not to experience the city’s famous techno scene. |
| Two Berlin nightclubs have already been linked to the spread of coronavirus. Nine people who were at the Reed, a venue in the city center, on Feb. 27 had tested positive for the condition by Tuesday, according to local news reports, as had 17 people who were at Trompete, another club, on Feb. 29. | Two Berlin nightclubs have already been linked to the spread of coronavirus. Nine people who were at the Reed, a venue in the city center, on Feb. 27 had tested positive for the condition by Tuesday, according to local news reports, as had 17 people who were at Trompete, another club, on Feb. 29. |
| Jennifer Rohn, an academic from the medical department of University College London, said in an email that nightclubs carried particular risks for the transmission of the virus. “Clubbing involves crowded conditions on the dance floor, and participants inevitably get sweaty, which would help viruses linger on smears left on surfaces,” she said. | Jennifer Rohn, an academic from the medical department of University College London, said in an email that nightclubs carried particular risks for the transmission of the virus. “Clubbing involves crowded conditions on the dance floor, and participants inevitably get sweaty, which would help viruses linger on smears left on surfaces,” she said. |
| People also often have to move close to each other to be heard over loud music, “which is a good opportunity for virus particles to leap onto a new host via moisture from the mouth,” she noted. Closing clubs would not be an overreaction, Dr. Rohn added. | People also often have to move close to each other to be heard over loud music, “which is a good opportunity for virus particles to leap onto a new host via moisture from the mouth,” she noted. Closing clubs would not be an overreaction, Dr. Rohn added. |
| Club owners in Berlin have discussed closing, Lutz Leichsenring, a spokesman for the Club Commission, said in a telephone interview. “Our guests are mostly young, healthy people, so the direct risk to them is not high,” he said. The issue is that they may then spread it outside to people who are at risk, he added. | Club owners in Berlin have discussed closing, Lutz Leichsenring, a spokesman for the Club Commission, said in a telephone interview. “Our guests are mostly young, healthy people, so the direct risk to them is not high,” he said. The issue is that they may then spread it outside to people who are at risk, he added. |
| Clubs in Berlin were already under threat from rising rents caused by gentrification, he said, and many would go bust if they closed, even for a few days. | Clubs in Berlin were already under threat from rising rents caused by gentrification, he said, and many would go bust if they closed, even for a few days. |
| “We’re having to balance between bankruptcy and disease prevention,” Leichsenring added. On Wednesday, the commission wrote to the Berlin authorities asking for a 10 million euro, or about $11.3 million, rescue fund to help clubs if they had to close. “It is foreseeable that the spread of the coronavirus will lead to economic ruin for many club operators,” the letter said. | “We’re having to balance between bankruptcy and disease prevention,” Leichsenring added. On Wednesday, the commission wrote to the Berlin authorities asking for a 10 million euro, or about $11.3 million, rescue fund to help clubs if they had to close. “It is foreseeable that the spread of the coronavirus will lead to economic ruin for many club operators,” the letter said. |
| Updated June 30, 2020 | |
| 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. | |
| Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. | Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Daniel Bartsch, a spokesman for the culture department in City Hall, said in a telephone interview that the authorities had received the request and were aware that “at the end of this, there will be a cost.” However, he added, “at the moment, public health is the most important consideration.” | Daniel Bartsch, a spokesman for the culture department in City Hall, said in a telephone interview that the authorities had received the request and were aware that “at the end of this, there will be a cost.” However, he added, “at the moment, public health is the most important consideration.” |
| In recent years, the local government has made funds available for clubs to improve soundproofing and head off complaints from neighbors. But most venues in Berlin, unlike state-run theaters and concert halls, are run as commercial businesses, with little help from the authorities. | In recent years, the local government has made funds available for clubs to improve soundproofing and head off complaints from neighbors. But most venues in Berlin, unlike state-run theaters and concert halls, are run as commercial businesses, with little help from the authorities. |
| The exception is Berghain, which was officially designated a “cultural institution” by a regional court in 2016, meaning it pays a reduced tax rate. | The exception is Berghain, which was officially designated a “cultural institution” by a regional court in 2016, meaning it pays a reduced tax rate. |
| Other countries in Europe are taking actions that affect nightclubs, such as restricting the number of people who can gather in one place. On Tuesday, Austria adopted one of the tightest measures, banning all indoor events of more than 100 people. On Wednesday, Denmark announced the same limit. | Other countries in Europe are taking actions that affect nightclubs, such as restricting the number of people who can gather in one place. On Tuesday, Austria adopted one of the tightest measures, banning all indoor events of more than 100 people. On Wednesday, Denmark announced the same limit. |
| Britain — where the government has yet to impose a limit on gatherings — is an outlier, with clubs still open without any restrictions. Alex Parsons, a spokesman for Fabric, a well-known London club, said in an email that it did not want to “speculate about ‘what ifs’ until there is some official action from the government.” | Britain — where the government has yet to impose a limit on gatherings — is an outlier, with clubs still open without any restrictions. Alex Parsons, a spokesman for Fabric, a well-known London club, said in an email that it did not want to “speculate about ‘what ifs’ until there is some official action from the government.” |
| Leichsenring said the Club Commission in Berlin was recommending venues operate at 70 percent capacity, so that people had more space to dance apart, and was asking them to collect emails for all attendees to trace people in case of an outbreak. | Leichsenring said the Club Commission in Berlin was recommending venues operate at 70 percent capacity, so that people had more space to dance apart, and was asking them to collect emails for all attendees to trace people in case of an outbreak. |
| But not all club promoters agreed with the Club Commission’s line. “The shutdown of all the clubs should be a common movement,” said Fabio Boxikus, a promoter, in a Facebook message to The New York Times. Last week, Boxikus and other promoters he works with decided to cancel Gegen, a popular party they put on at KitKatClub. | But not all club promoters agreed with the Club Commission’s line. “The shutdown of all the clubs should be a common movement,” said Fabio Boxikus, a promoter, in a Facebook message to The New York Times. Last week, Boxikus and other promoters he works with decided to cancel Gegen, a popular party they put on at KitKatClub. |
| “I don’t think reducing the events to max 1,000 guests will help that much,” he added. “That means that with one single infected guest, you will have 1,000 cases in two weeks.” It was impossible to make guests keep a safe distance inside a club, Boxikus added. | “I don’t think reducing the events to max 1,000 guests will help that much,” he added. “That means that with one single infected guest, you will have 1,000 cases in two weeks.” It was impossible to make guests keep a safe distance inside a club, Boxikus added. |
| Outside Tresor, some said that closing clubs would be an overreaction. Mieke Schiemann, from Berlin, who said she was celebrating her 19th birthday, said she had “absolutely no fear” of the virus. “If it comes now, it comes now; if it comes later, it comes later,” she said. | Outside Tresor, some said that closing clubs would be an overreaction. Mieke Schiemann, from Berlin, who said she was celebrating her 19th birthday, said she had “absolutely no fear” of the virus. “If it comes now, it comes now; if it comes later, it comes later,” she said. |
| Her friend Marla Gaudlitz said that while the virus might be unpleasant for older people, “if you’re 19, it’s not so bad.” The women then walked away midconversation, deciding not to go into Tresor after all. Instead, they joined a group of passing Scandinavians, and headed to a different club. | Her friend Marla Gaudlitz said that while the virus might be unpleasant for older people, “if you’re 19, it’s not so bad.” The women then walked away midconversation, deciding not to go into Tresor after all. Instead, they joined a group of passing Scandinavians, and headed to a different club. |
| Thomas Rogers reported from Berlin and Alex Marshall from London. Christopher F. Schuetze contributed reporting from Berlin. | Thomas Rogers reported from Berlin and Alex Marshall from London. Christopher F. Schuetze contributed reporting from Berlin. |