This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/world/canada/coronavirus-world-leaders-trump-bolsonaro-trudeau.html

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 13 Version 14
Fears Rise for World Leaders as Officials Test Positive for Virus Fears Rise for World Leaders as Officials Test Positive for Virus
(about 13 hours later)
LONDON — Even as governments around the world struggle to contain the coronavirus pandemic, many officials are themselves falling victim to the pathogen, undermining global efforts to address the crisis.LONDON — Even as governments around the world struggle to contain the coronavirus pandemic, many officials are themselves falling victim to the pathogen, undermining global efforts to address the crisis.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada put himself in isolation after his wife tested positive, and a number of other senior officials from Britain to Iran to Australia were confirmed to be infected. President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil said on Friday that he tested negative, after one of his aides tested positive.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada put himself in isolation after his wife tested positive, and a number of other senior officials from Britain to Iran to Australia were confirmed to be infected. President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil said on Friday that he tested negative, after one of his aides tested positive.
There is, though, rising concern that President Donald Trump and members of his staff and cabinet might have been exposed in meetings with different officials from overseas, including with Mr. Bolsonaro’s aide.There is, though, rising concern that President Donald Trump and members of his staff and cabinet might have been exposed in meetings with different officials from overseas, including with Mr. Bolsonaro’s aide.
In a closely connected political world where officials crisscross the globe as they take part in frequent meetings with heads of state and other policymakers, the cases vividly illustrate how no one is immune from a virus that does not distinguish between the powerful and everyone else.In a closely connected political world where officials crisscross the globe as they take part in frequent meetings with heads of state and other policymakers, the cases vividly illustrate how no one is immune from a virus that does not distinguish between the powerful and everyone else.
The exposures follow what has already been a troubled, inconsistent and sometimes chaotic response by many governments around the world.The exposures follow what has already been a troubled, inconsistent and sometimes chaotic response by many governments around the world.
“It doesn’t matter if you are the leader of one of the greatest democracies in the world or not, you too can get the coronavirus,” Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri, the director of the U.S. and Americas Program at the Chatham House research group in London.“It doesn’t matter if you are the leader of one of the greatest democracies in the world or not, you too can get the coronavirus,” Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri, the director of the U.S. and Americas Program at the Chatham House research group in London.
The risk is that entire cabinets or senior government officials could be sidelined at once, potentially undermining an already complex response.The risk is that entire cabinets or senior government officials could be sidelined at once, potentially undermining an already complex response.
“Any number of cabinets are going to be having endless meetings where they are going to be discussing these scenarios and coming up with plans in real time,” she said.“Any number of cabinets are going to be having endless meetings where they are going to be discussing these scenarios and coming up with plans in real time,” she said.
Mr. Bolsonaro was a guest of Mr. Trump at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida last weekend, along with an entourage including his press secretary, who later tested positive. Mr. Bolsonaro posted on Twitter that he had tested negative for the virus, a short time after some local news outlets reported the opposite.Mr. Bolsonaro was a guest of Mr. Trump at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida last weekend, along with an entourage including his press secretary, who later tested positive. Mr. Bolsonaro posted on Twitter that he had tested negative for the virus, a short time after some local news outlets reported the opposite.
Mayor Francis Suarez of Miami, who also met the Brazilian delegation, said on Friday that he tested positive.Mayor Francis Suarez of Miami, who also met the Brazilian delegation, said on Friday that he tested positive.
[Analysis: Not just a crisis: Coronavirus is a test for putin’s security state.][Analysis: Not just a crisis: Coronavirus is a test for putin’s security state.]
In Canada, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Mr. Trudeau’s wife, tested positive for the virus on Thursday after becoming mildly ill. Last week she had traveled to Britain with her daughter and with Margaret Trudeau, the prime minister’s mother, to take part in a charity event. She was part of a panel with Julia Gillard, the former Australian prime minister.In Canada, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Mr. Trudeau’s wife, tested positive for the virus on Thursday after becoming mildly ill. Last week she had traveled to Britain with her daughter and with Margaret Trudeau, the prime minister’s mother, to take part in a charity event. She was part of a panel with Julia Gillard, the former Australian prime minister.
Mr. Trudeau will remain in isolation for the next two weeks, his office said in a statement, as will some members of his cabinet. Because he has not been out of the country recently and displays no symptoms, Canadian doctors followed current medical protocols and have not tested the prime minister.Mr. Trudeau will remain in isolation for the next two weeks, his office said in a statement, as will some members of his cabinet. Because he has not been out of the country recently and displays no symptoms, Canadian doctors followed current medical protocols and have not tested the prime minister.
Several other Canadian politicians who feel ill, including members of his cabinet and Jagmeet Singh, the leader of an opposition party, have also voluntarily quarantined themselves.Several other Canadian politicians who feel ill, including members of his cabinet and Jagmeet Singh, the leader of an opposition party, have also voluntarily quarantined themselves.
On Friday, lawmakers voted unanimously to suspend Parliament in Canada until April 20.On Friday, lawmakers voted unanimously to suspend Parliament in Canada until April 20.
Australia’s minister for home affairs, Peter Dutton, announced on Friday that he had tested positive for the virus.Australia’s minister for home affairs, Peter Dutton, announced on Friday that he had tested positive for the virus.
He had woken up with a fever and a sore throat just a week after he met with Attorney General William P. Barr, Ivanka Trump and senior security officials from the so-called “five eyes” alliance of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.He had woken up with a fever and a sore throat just a week after he met with Attorney General William P. Barr, Ivanka Trump and senior security officials from the so-called “five eyes” alliance of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.
Only a week ago, Mr. Dutton, a hard-line conservative and former police officer, thought nothing of promoting the series of meetings on Twitter.Only a week ago, Mr. Dutton, a hard-line conservative and former police officer, thought nothing of promoting the series of meetings on Twitter.
He posted a photo of himself standing at a podium in front of Mr. Barr, and the Australian embassy in the United States later posted a photo on Twitter showing Mr. Dutton alongside Ms. Trump.He posted a photo of himself standing at a podium in front of Mr. Barr, and the Australian embassy in the United States later posted a photo on Twitter showing Mr. Dutton alongside Ms. Trump.
On Friday, after the announcement was made, the gathering took on a more ominous tone.On Friday, after the announcement was made, the gathering took on a more ominous tone.
Mr. Dutton tried to downplay his illness. “I feel fine and will provide an update in due course,” he said, though noted that he had been admitted to the hospital, as is policy in Australia.Mr. Dutton tried to downplay his illness. “I feel fine and will provide an update in due course,” he said, though noted that he had been admitted to the hospital, as is policy in Australia.
But his travel and subsequent meetings with Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia and other cabinet officials have thrust the virus into an insular circle of government elites, where handshakes and close conversation is the norm, and youth is rare. The virus is more dangerous for older people.But his travel and subsequent meetings with Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia and other cabinet officials have thrust the virus into an insular circle of government elites, where handshakes and close conversation is the norm, and youth is rare. The virus is more dangerous for older people.
Fabio Wajngarten, Mr. Bolsonaro’s press secretary and part of his entourage in Florida last week, came into contact with Mr. Trump during that time. A photo posted to his Instagram account showed him standing alongside the president, wearing a “Make Brazil Great Again” hat.Fabio Wajngarten, Mr. Bolsonaro’s press secretary and part of his entourage in Florida last week, came into contact with Mr. Trump during that time. A photo posted to his Instagram account showed him standing alongside the president, wearing a “Make Brazil Great Again” hat.
The White House said on Thursday that Mr. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who also attended the meeting and is seen in the photograph, did not intend to get tested or go into quarantine.The White House said on Thursday that Mr. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who also attended the meeting and is seen in the photograph, did not intend to get tested or go into quarantine.
When asked about the contact he had with the Brazilian delegation, Mr. Trump said, “I’m not concerned.”When asked about the contact he had with the Brazilian delegation, Mr. Trump said, “I’m not concerned.”
Human-to-human transmission of the virus happens when infected people produce tiny respiratory droplets as they breathe, talk, cough or sneeze, allowing the virus to travel through the air. While most of these droplets fall to the ground, people who are in close contact with those infected may catch the virus this way.Human-to-human transmission of the virus happens when infected people produce tiny respiratory droplets as they breathe, talk, cough or sneeze, allowing the virus to travel through the air. While most of these droplets fall to the ground, people who are in close contact with those infected may catch the virus this way.
Studies have found that even those infected by the virus who are experiencing few symptoms can pass the virus on to others.Studies have found that even those infected by the virus who are experiencing few symptoms can pass the virus on to others.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Vinjamuri of the research organization in London said the potential for leaders to contract the virus could also drive home the gravity of the situation.Dr. Vinjamuri of the research organization in London said the potential for leaders to contract the virus could also drive home the gravity of the situation.
“In some ways, when it’s one of our world’s leaders — whether it’s Trudeau or a cabinet minister or a health secretary or a health minister, I think it resonates with people,” she said. “It sort of shows them no one is invincible.”“In some ways, when it’s one of our world’s leaders — whether it’s Trudeau or a cabinet minister or a health secretary or a health minister, I think it resonates with people,” she said. “It sort of shows them no one is invincible.”
Elsewhere across the world, as the virus has spread more widely through populations, numerous government officials and prominent leaders have become infected.Elsewhere across the world, as the virus has spread more widely through populations, numerous government officials and prominent leaders have become infected.
In Italy, where there is a nationwide lockdown and where cases have risen to more than 15,000, Nicola Zingaretti, the leader of the governing coalition’s Democratic Party, said he had tested positive last week. Some members of that country’s Parliament have been quarantined.In Italy, where there is a nationwide lockdown and where cases have risen to more than 15,000, Nicola Zingaretti, the leader of the governing coalition’s Democratic Party, said he had tested positive last week. Some members of that country’s Parliament have been quarantined.
Spain’s equality minister, Irene Montero, and the leader of the far-right opposition party Vox, Santiago Abascal, and his deputy, Javier Ortega Smith, all tested positive for the virus. Other members of that party were self-isolating, and the country decided to halt the meeting of the country’s parliament.Spain’s equality minister, Irene Montero, and the leader of the far-right opposition party Vox, Santiago Abascal, and his deputy, Javier Ortega Smith, all tested positive for the virus. Other members of that party were self-isolating, and the country decided to halt the meeting of the country’s parliament.
At least eight lawmakers in Spain have tested positive.At least eight lawmakers in Spain have tested positive.
Nadine Dorries, Britain’s health minister, has tested positive for the virus. She attended a reception with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancé, Carrie Symonds, in Downing Street last week. Mr. Johnson said he would not be tested for the virus.Nadine Dorries, Britain’s health minister, has tested positive for the virus. She attended a reception with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancé, Carrie Symonds, in Downing Street last week. Mr. Johnson said he would not be tested for the virus.
Another British cabinet minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the international development secretary, came into close contact with Ms. Dorries, and was self-isolating. Her initial test for the virus came back negative, a spokesperson told the Independent newspaper. She was among at least four British lawmakers taking similar precautions.Another British cabinet minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the international development secretary, came into close contact with Ms. Dorries, and was self-isolating. Her initial test for the virus came back negative, a spokesperson told the Independent newspaper. She was among at least four British lawmakers taking similar precautions.
Several of Iran’s senior government officials, including the deputy health minister, have also been found to have the virus. Two vice presidents, several ministers and dozens of parliament members were among the infected.Several of Iran’s senior government officials, including the deputy health minister, have also been found to have the virus. Two vice presidents, several ministers and dozens of parliament members were among the infected.
Iranian state media also reported that Mohammad Mirmohammadi, 71, a member of the Expediency Council, which advises Iran’s supreme leader, had died from the virus.Iranian state media also reported that Mohammad Mirmohammadi, 71, a member of the Expediency Council, which advises Iran’s supreme leader, had died from the virus.
It was unclear how recently the adviser had been in contact with the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 80.It was unclear how recently the adviser had been in contact with the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 80.
Megan Specia reported from London and Damien Cave from Sydney. Ian Austen contributed reporting from Ottawa and Ernesto Londoño from Buenos Aires.Megan Specia reported from London and Damien Cave from Sydney. Ian Austen contributed reporting from Ottawa and Ernesto Londoño from Buenos Aires.