'In a Pandemic, Everything is Canceled. But Not Our Anxiety.' diff viewer (5/6)

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In a Pandemic, Everything is Canceled. But Not Our Anxiety.	In a Pandemic, Everything is Canceled. But Not Our Anxiety.
2020-06-03 08:16:54 UTC	2020-06-06 14:02:33 UTC (3 days later)
The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter from our Australia bureau. Sign up to get it by email. This week’s issue is written by Isabella Kwai, a reporter with the Australia bureau.	The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter from our Australia bureau. Sign up to get it by email. This week’s issue is written by Isabella Kwai, a reporter with the Australia bureau.
Days after returning from a long trip in Asia this month, I started feeling feverish. It was probably nothing, a post-trip flu — but was it?	Days after returning from a long trip in Asia this month, I started feeling feverish. It was probably nothing, a post-trip flu — but was it?
Was every cough now full of coronavirus-laden droplets? Had it been a mistake to see my parents for dinner? Should I not have taken that Uber?	Was every cough now full of coronavirus-laden droplets? Had it been a mistake to see my parents for dinner? Should I not have taken that Uber?
I went to a pop-up coronavirus clinic to get tested. “Everything is fine,” someone had written on a whiteboard in the waiting room. Someone else had made an edit: “Everything is swine.”	I went to a pop-up coronavirus clinic to get tested. “Everything is fine,” someone had written on a whiteboard in the waiting room. Someone else had made an edit: “Everything is swine.”
As I hung around my apartment for the two days it took to get the results, it wasn’t the monotony that struck me but the infectious nature of fear. Friends with pregnant, elderly or otherwise sick relatives texted me constantly asking how I was feeling.	As I hung around my apartment for the two days it took to get the results, it wasn’t the monotony that struck me but the infectious nature of fear. Friends with pregnant, elderly or otherwise sick relatives texted me constantly asking how I was feeling.
We were waiting for the green light of a negative test result. But, given the nature of the epidemic, we were also waiting, it seemed, for a higher authority to comfort us and make us all believe that everything really will be fine, and soon.	We were waiting for the green light of a negative test result. But, given the nature of the epidemic, we were also waiting, it seemed, for a higher authority to comfort us and make us all believe that everything really will be fine, and soon.
Those in Hong Kong, where I worked in The New York Times office for a few weeks, were no stranger to life under the coronavirus — face masks are everywhere and a run on toilet paper had already come to shops.	Those in Hong Kong, where I worked in The New York Times office for a few weeks, were no stranger to life under the coronavirus — face masks are everywhere and a run on toilet paper had already come to shops.
But the panic is rising in Australia, the United States and in several other countries. With the World Health Organization officially declaring a pandemic this week, news updates felt more like the plot of a film than reality itself. “Contagion,” it seems, was well worth the rewatch: Travel between the United States and Europe has been suspended; the NBA canceled its season and Disneyland is closing its doors.	But the panic is rising in Australia, the United States and in several other countries. With the World Health Organization officially declaring a pandemic this week, news updates felt more like the plot of a film than reality itself. “Contagion,” it seems, was well worth the rewatch: Travel between the United States and Europe has been suspended; the NBA canceled its season and Disneyland is closing its doors.
I feel grateful to live in a country with a public health system where testing is both free and relatively straightforward. Australia has not (yet) experienced the degree of challenge countries like China and Italy have faced, as Tom Hanks — who announced this week that he had tested positive while shooting a film in Queensland — now knows.	I feel grateful to live in a country with a public health system where testing is both free and relatively straightforward. Australia has not (yet) experienced the degree of challenge countries like China and Italy have faced, as Tom Hanks — who announced this week that he had tested positive while shooting a film in Queensland — now knows.
But as public health systems around the world grapple with the pandemic, the rest of us are left waiting and wondering when the worst will come.	But as public health systems around the world grapple with the pandemic, the rest of us are left waiting and wondering when the worst will come.
In my case, two days after the test, I called for my results. All clear, I was told. I did not have the coronavirus. I flung open the windows in relief and let everyone know we could go back to breathing the same air. It’s all fine, I’m fine, we’re fine!	In my case, two days after the test, I called for my results. All clear, I was told. I did not have the coronavirus. I flung open the windows in relief and let everyone know we could go back to breathing the same air. It’s all fine, I’m fine, we’re fine!
But are we?	But are we?
How nervous are you about the pandemic? And what if anything are you doing about it? Write to me at nytaustralia@nytimes.com and let me know how you are coping.	How nervous are you about the pandemic? And what if anything are you doing about it? Write to me at nytaustralia@nytimes.com and let me know how you are coping.
The Times is also providing free access to the most important updates of the coronavirus. You can access it here.	The Times is also providing free access to the most important updates of the coronavirus. You can access it here.
Now onto stories of the week.	Now onto stories of the week.
~~Updated June 2, 2020~~	Updated June 5, 2020
	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.	Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.	Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.	States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.	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.
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.
‘If You’re Not Sweating’ in This Town, ‘There’s Something Wrong’ In Marble Bar, which claims to be Australia’s hottest town, the temperature hit at least 113 degrees on 32 days this summer. Some residents worry that “there’s got to be a point where you actually start to cook.”	‘If You’re Not Sweating’ in This Town, ‘There’s Something Wrong’ In Marble Bar, which claims to be Australia’s hottest town, the temperature hit at least 113 degrees on 32 days this summer. Some residents worry that “there’s got to be a point where you actually start to cook.”
The Sydney Opera House Goes Quiet. Finally: A renovation costing nearly $200 million has shut the famed theater for two years, the first closure in its history.	The Sydney Opera House Goes Quiet. Finally: A renovation costing nearly $200 million has shut the famed theater for two years, the first closure in its history.
Tom Hanks Got Sick in Australia, Where Coronavirus Testing Isn’t Such a Hassle: In the United States, little if anything about the testing has been efficient or convenient. In Australia, it is free and widely available.	Tom Hanks Got Sick in Australia, Where Coronavirus Testing Isn’t Such a Hassle: In the United States, little if anything about the testing has been efficient or convenient. In Australia, it is free and widely available.
Strikes and Attack Ads: The Hard Roads to Universal Health Care: Britain, Australia and Canada have universal health care, and its citizens are mostly happy with it. But getting there wasn’t easy.	Strikes and Attack Ads: The Hard Roads to Universal Health Care: Britain, Australia and Canada have universal health care, and its citizens are mostly happy with it. But getting there wasn’t easy.
‘Like Licking an Ashtray’: Fires’ Invisible Threat to Australia’s Wines: The smoke produced by the blazes that ravaged the country may ruin entire vintages, but detecting contamination is a guessing game.	‘Like Licking an Ashtray’: Fires’ Invisible Threat to Australia’s Wines: The smoke produced by the blazes that ravaged the country may ruin entire vintages, but detecting contamination is a guessing game.
Wish It Existed? Make It Yourself. She Did: Zoë Foster Blake, the founder of the Go-To skin care line and a prolific author, says there’s never been a better time to be an entrepreneur.	Wish It Existed? Make It Yourself. She Did: Zoë Foster Blake, the founder of the Go-To skin care line and a prolific author, says there’s never been a better time to be an entrepreneur.
Trump’s Re-election Chances Suddenly Look Shakier: Weeks ago, his advisers were counting on a strong economy and a Democratic opponent easily portrayed as too far left. But the political landscape has sharply shifted.	Trump’s Re-election Chances Suddenly Look Shakier: Weeks ago, his advisers were counting on a strong economy and a Democratic opponent easily portrayed as too far left. But the political landscape has sharply shifted.
The World Has a Plan to Fight Coronavirus. Most Countries Are Not Using it: The World Health Organization is supposed to coordinate the global response to epidemics. But the U.N. agency cannot force countries to play by international rules.	The World Has a Plan to Fight Coronavirus. Most Countries Are Not Using it: The World Health Organization is supposed to coordinate the global response to epidemics. But the U.N. agency cannot force countries to play by international rules.
Merkel Gives Germans a Hard Truth About the Coronavirus: The famously no-nonsense chancellor, keeping to form, braced Germany for an epidemic that may reach extraordinary scale.	Merkel Gives Germans a Hard Truth About the Coronavirus: The famously no-nonsense chancellor, keeping to form, braced Germany for an epidemic that may reach extraordinary scale.
Alcoholics Anonymous vs. Other Approaches: The Evidence Is Now In: An updated review shows it performs better than some other common treatments and is less expensive.	Alcoholics Anonymous vs. Other Approaches: The Evidence Is Now In: An updated review shows it performs better than some other common treatments and is less expensive.