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Spring Break Was in Full Mode, and Then It Got Canceled Spring Break Was in Full Mode, and Then It Got Canceled
(about 13 hours later)
MIAMI BEACH — Dryden Quigley, a junior at Duke University, and three friends began making plans to spend spring break in Miami Beach about six weeks ago when the coronavirus still felt relatively distant. It does not feel distant now.MIAMI BEACH — Dryden Quigley, a junior at Duke University, and three friends began making plans to spend spring break in Miami Beach about six weeks ago when the coronavirus still felt relatively distant. It does not feel distant now.
In the week Ms. Quigley, 21, vacationed on Miami Beach: the state’s coronavirus cases more than tripled, her university halted classes on campus and the mayor of Miami Beach declared spring break was over.In the week Ms. Quigley, 21, vacationed on Miami Beach: the state’s coronavirus cases more than tripled, her university halted classes on campus and the mayor of Miami Beach declared spring break was over.
“It’s been overwhelming — every day there is something else,” Ms. Quigley said. “I started off pretty excited about hanging on the beach. Now I am on edge and nervous about the traveling.”“It’s been overwhelming — every day there is something else,” Ms. Quigley said. “I started off pretty excited about hanging on the beach. Now I am on edge and nervous about the traveling.”
It is a dilemma shared by students traveling not just to South Florida but to other warm-weather spring break destinations such as South Carolina, Texas, Mexico and Jamaica.It is a dilemma shared by students traveling not just to South Florida but to other warm-weather spring break destinations such as South Carolina, Texas, Mexico and Jamaica.
With tens of thousands of students flocking to beaches in South Florida and possibly as many still planning to come, the collateral damage from the coronavirus has been coming into clear relief almost hourly, whether it was the shutdown of March Madness or well-known figures like Tom Hanks coming down with the virus. For the first time, a case was linked on Wednesday to a spring break event in Florida, a state that now counts 42 cases, according to the health department.With tens of thousands of students flocking to beaches in South Florida and possibly as many still planning to come, the collateral damage from the coronavirus has been coming into clear relief almost hourly, whether it was the shutdown of March Madness or well-known figures like Tom Hanks coming down with the virus. For the first time, a case was linked on Wednesday to a spring break event in Florida, a state that now counts 42 cases, according to the health department.
On Thursday, Dan Gelber, the mayor of Miami Beach, declared what might have been unthinkable only days before — spring break, for all practical purposes, was over.On Thursday, Dan Gelber, the mayor of Miami Beach, declared what might have been unthinkable only days before — spring break, for all practical purposes, was over.
“We have been an economy based on hospitality and tourism,” said Jimmy Morales, the city manager of Miami Beach. “We had been trying to strike a balance being preventive and not hurting our businesses. The last 24-plus hours really changed all that.“We have been an economy based on hospitality and tourism,” said Jimmy Morales, the city manager of Miami Beach. “We had been trying to strike a balance being preventive and not hurting our businesses. The last 24-plus hours really changed all that.
“Our focus now is preventing this from getting worse at all costs. I am sure the kids will still come, but they won’t be coming to a ‘party city.’”“Our focus now is preventing this from getting worse at all costs. I am sure the kids will still come, but they won’t be coming to a ‘party city.’”
Mr. Morales’s mission was to change, at least slightly, Miami Beach’s spring break culture to reduce the risk of the virus spreading. So he canceled events that would draw large crowds and asked the nightclubs in the city to close. So far, two of the biggest clubs have agreed to shut down temporarily. And he said if conditions worsen, the city will consider imposing curfews too.Mr. Morales’s mission was to change, at least slightly, Miami Beach’s spring break culture to reduce the risk of the virus spreading. So he canceled events that would draw large crowds and asked the nightclubs in the city to close. So far, two of the biggest clubs have agreed to shut down temporarily. And he said if conditions worsen, the city will consider imposing curfews too.
For the college students who spent their spring break in Florida, the week was already somewhat different, with the steady drumbeat of health and local officials imploring them to wash their hands, practice social distancing and, if sick, stay away. Miami Beach installed handwashing stations. Fort Lauderdale leaders welcomed students but said they were ready to adjust their plans and response if needed.For the college students who spent their spring break in Florida, the week was already somewhat different, with the steady drumbeat of health and local officials imploring them to wash their hands, practice social distancing and, if sick, stay away. Miami Beach installed handwashing stations. Fort Lauderdale leaders welcomed students but said they were ready to adjust their plans and response if needed.
Some students decided their youth was enough protection and partied on. Others acknowledged the risks and vowed to practice social distancing, if possible, in bars and on beaches full of people. Some devised plans to stay away from parents and grandparents, a vulnerable group, when they returned home in case they were carrying the disease.Some students decided their youth was enough protection and partied on. Others acknowledged the risks and vowed to practice social distancing, if possible, in bars and on beaches full of people. Some devised plans to stay away from parents and grandparents, a vulnerable group, when they returned home in case they were carrying the disease.
But the week turned quickly — and the impacts became personal — as colleges and universities extended spring breaks, closed campuses and moved to online classes.But the week turned quickly — and the impacts became personal — as colleges and universities extended spring breaks, closed campuses and moved to online classes.
On the third night of her spring break, Ms. Quigley met with other students from Duke for a meal by the beach. The group of eight was just about to order a round of tacos when every cellphone started buzzing with the news that Duke was extending spring break for a week and then moving from on-campus to remote classes.On the third night of her spring break, Ms. Quigley met with other students from Duke for a meal by the beach. The group of eight was just about to order a round of tacos when every cellphone started buzzing with the news that Duke was extending spring break for a week and then moving from on-campus to remote classes.
“People were upset,” said Ms. Quigley, who leaves Sunday, adding that many of her friends at other schools had now canceled their upcoming spring break plans. “People were on the phone with their parents trying to figure out what to do. It was clear how serious the coronavirus had become.”“People were upset,” said Ms. Quigley, who leaves Sunday, adding that many of her friends at other schools had now canceled their upcoming spring break plans. “People were on the phone with their parents trying to figure out what to do. It was clear how serious the coronavirus had become.”
As the cases mounted, city leaders met with health officials to formulate strategies that would reduce the risk of the virus spreading. Large public events like Ultra Music Festival and Calle Ocho were quickly canceled. But spring break is tricky because it is not made up of a single event and students visit beaches from Panama City to Key West.As the cases mounted, city leaders met with health officials to formulate strategies that would reduce the risk of the virus spreading. Large public events like Ultra Music Festival and Calle Ocho were quickly canceled. But spring break is tricky because it is not made up of a single event and students visit beaches from Panama City to Key West.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The outbreak forced hard public health questions: What are the potential risks of thousands of students descending on the state’s beaches and crowding into bars and restaurants? Can spring break during a pandemic be safe? And with two weeks left in the spring break season, should state and local leaders try to slow the waves of young people who could potentially arrive and then spread the virus across the country?The outbreak forced hard public health questions: What are the potential risks of thousands of students descending on the state’s beaches and crowding into bars and restaurants? Can spring break during a pandemic be safe? And with two weeks left in the spring break season, should state and local leaders try to slow the waves of young people who could potentially arrive and then spread the virus across the country?
“Young people who are on spring break are not just sitting having conversations. They are going to multiple places, they are going to parties, they are touching and kissing, they are drinking,” Dr. Lilian Abbo, chief of infection prevention for Jackson Health System and a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said on Wednesday. “We can’t stop people from coming here for spring break, so we have to send a consistent message: Do not come into public spaces sick, practice social distancing.”“Young people who are on spring break are not just sitting having conversations. They are going to multiple places, they are going to parties, they are touching and kissing, they are drinking,” Dr. Lilian Abbo, chief of infection prevention for Jackson Health System and a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said on Wednesday. “We can’t stop people from coming here for spring break, so we have to send a consistent message: Do not come into public spaces sick, practice social distancing.”
Last Monday, the governor declared a state of emergency. That same day, Ben Cunningham was in Ohio making his mother a promise before he hopped onto a plane to Florida for spring break: He would wash his hands frequently, wipe down surfaces and keep the pocket-size hand sanitizer in his backpack.Last Monday, the governor declared a state of emergency. That same day, Ben Cunningham was in Ohio making his mother a promise before he hopped onto a plane to Florida for spring break: He would wash his hands frequently, wipe down surfaces and keep the pocket-size hand sanitizer in his backpack.
Mr. Cunningham, 18, a freshman at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, spent much of his first day on Fort Lauderdale Beach trying to balance the uncertainty of a fast-moving virus with spring break plans with his buddies. “I am here to have fun, but I have to be cautious too,” Mr. Cunningham said. “I am trying to stay away from people I see coughing and I won’t be hugging any random people.”Mr. Cunningham, 18, a freshman at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, spent much of his first day on Fort Lauderdale Beach trying to balance the uncertainty of a fast-moving virus with spring break plans with his buddies. “I am here to have fun, but I have to be cautious too,” Mr. Cunningham said. “I am trying to stay away from people I see coughing and I won’t be hugging any random people.”
A slow parade of cars cruised the street that shoulders Fort Lauderdale Beach. The bars were thick with students chugging beer and eating pizza and dancing to Pop Smoke’s music. Kaitland Carter, a 19-year-old waitress from Columbus, Ohio, was steps away on the beach, waiting for the afternoon drizzle to give way to the sun. She said she was relying on the open outdoor space to decrease the chances of exposure to the coronavirus.A slow parade of cars cruised the street that shoulders Fort Lauderdale Beach. The bars were thick with students chugging beer and eating pizza and dancing to Pop Smoke’s music. Kaitland Carter, a 19-year-old waitress from Columbus, Ohio, was steps away on the beach, waiting for the afternoon drizzle to give way to the sun. She said she was relying on the open outdoor space to decrease the chances of exposure to the coronavirus.
“I just keep hearing how this affects mostly older people,” she reasoned. “And there were hardly any cases in Ohio when I left so I figured I could stay in my own zone and still have a good time.”“I just keep hearing how this affects mostly older people,” she reasoned. “And there were hardly any cases in Ohio when I left so I figured I could stay in my own zone and still have a good time.”
And if she met someone: “We can text.”And if she met someone: “We can text.”