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Trump Is Tested for Coronavirus, and Experts Ask: What Took So Long? Trump Is Tested for Coronavirus, and Experts Ask: What Took So Long?
(about 1 hour later)
After hosting a gathering with guests later found to be infected with the coronavirus, President Trump refrained from getting tested, let alone from self-quarantine, even as administration officials urged Americans to adopt stern new precautions.After hosting a gathering with guests later found to be infected with the coronavirus, President Trump refrained from getting tested, let alone from self-quarantine, even as administration officials urged Americans to adopt stern new precautions.
Mr. Trump finally underwent testing for the virus on Saturday morning and was reported to be negative on Saturday evening. Still, the episode has startled and disconcerted medical experts, who worry that it sets a poor example for Americans and suggests that the president still does not fully understand the risks the country faces.Mr. Trump finally underwent testing for the virus on Saturday morning and was reported to be negative on Saturday evening. Still, the episode has startled and disconcerted medical experts, who worry that it sets a poor example for Americans and suggests that the president still does not fully understand the risks the country faces.
Indeed, Mr. Trump should be tested regularly even without symptoms, given his frequent appearances at campaign rallies and his interactions with top leaders who are instrumental in running the country, said Arthur Caplan, a bioethicist at N.Y.U. Langone in New York. The test results should be made public, he said.Indeed, Mr. Trump should be tested regularly even without symptoms, given his frequent appearances at campaign rallies and his interactions with top leaders who are instrumental in running the country, said Arthur Caplan, a bioethicist at N.Y.U. Langone in New York. The test results should be made public, he said.
“It is the height of irresponsible leadership to continue to risk catching or spreading Covid-19 or other infectious diseases,” said Dr. Caplan, referring to the illness caused by the coronavirus.“It is the height of irresponsible leadership to continue to risk catching or spreading Covid-19 or other infectious diseases,” said Dr. Caplan, referring to the illness caused by the coronavirus.
Last weekend at Mar-a-Lago, the president’s estate in Palm Beach, Fla., Mr. Trump hosted both a dinner and a birthday party that was attended by President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, whose entourage included his chief communications officer, Fabio Wajngarten.Last weekend at Mar-a-Lago, the president’s estate in Palm Beach, Fla., Mr. Trump hosted both a dinner and a birthday party that was attended by President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, whose entourage included his chief communications officer, Fabio Wajngarten.
The president stood shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Wajngarten, who leaned toward Mr. Trump for a photo. A few days later, Mr. Wajngarten, who developed flulike symptoms once home in Brazil, tested positive for the coronavirus.The president stood shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Wajngarten, who leaned toward Mr. Trump for a photo. A few days later, Mr. Wajngarten, who developed flulike symptoms once home in Brazil, tested positive for the coronavirus.
Two other people who attended gatherings with the Brazilian officials on the trip have since learned they are infected: Mayor Francis Suarez of Miami, who was tested even though he has no symptoms; and Brazil’s chargé d’affaires in Washington, Ambassador Nestor Forster Jr., who discovered he was infected on Friday evening.Two other people who attended gatherings with the Brazilian officials on the trip have since learned they are infected: Mayor Francis Suarez of Miami, who was tested even though he has no symptoms; and Brazil’s chargé d’affaires in Washington, Ambassador Nestor Forster Jr., who discovered he was infected on Friday evening.
The ambassador had already self-quarantined, after learning of Mr. Wajngarten’s infection, and is now extending the measure for two more weeks.The ambassador had already self-quarantined, after learning of Mr. Wajngarten’s infection, and is now extending the measure for two more weeks.
Other politicians who met with members of the Brazilian delegation — including Senator Rick Scott, Republican of Florida, and Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina — quarantined themselves.Other politicians who met with members of the Brazilian delegation — including Senator Rick Scott, Republican of Florida, and Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina — quarantined themselves.
But Mr. Trump did not alter his routine.But Mr. Trump did not alter his routine.
On Thursday, he met with the prime minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar. At a news conference on Friday, he stood before a clutch of infection-control experts and business leaders in the White House Rose Garden.On Thursday, he met with the prime minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar. At a news conference on Friday, he stood before a clutch of infection-control experts and business leaders in the White House Rose Garden.
The president shook hands with almost all of the business executives as he invited each to a shared microphone. Neither the handshakes nor the mic seemed particularly sanitary. One medical company executive was prepared — and offered his elbow even before Mr. Trump extended his hand.The president shook hands with almost all of the business executives as he invited each to a shared microphone. Neither the handshakes nor the mic seemed particularly sanitary. One medical company executive was prepared — and offered his elbow even before Mr. Trump extended his hand.
The president responded with an elbow bump, saying, “I like that, that’s good.” Mr. Trump said Saturday that he was trying to break the habit of shaking hands, but that it was deeply ingrained.The president responded with an elbow bump, saying, “I like that, that’s good.” Mr. Trump said Saturday that he was trying to break the habit of shaking hands, but that it was deeply ingrained.
“It’s a natural reflex,” he said, adding that he used to be a “non-hand-shaker,” but that “people walk up to me and want to shake my hand.”“It’s a natural reflex,” he said, adding that he used to be a “non-hand-shaker,” but that “people walk up to me and want to shake my hand.”
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People who were exposed to a known coronavirus case should be asked to stay home and to monitor their health for 14 days, and be tested if they develop symptoms, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America.People who were exposed to a known coronavirus case should be asked to stay home and to monitor their health for 14 days, and be tested if they develop symptoms, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, went further in a televised interview on Friday.Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, went further in a televised interview on Friday.
Any individual who has been exposed to someone infected with the coronavirus should be tested, he said. If testing is not possible, “you should try as best as you can to self-isolate,” Dr. Fauci said.Any individual who has been exposed to someone infected with the coronavirus should be tested, he said. If testing is not possible, “you should try as best as you can to self-isolate,” Dr. Fauci said.
He declined to say whether Mr. Trump should be tested for the infection, however, adding that was up to the president and his White House physician.He declined to say whether Mr. Trump should be tested for the infection, however, adding that was up to the president and his White House physician.
At 73, Mr. Trump risks developing particularly severe illness should he become infected. Officials of the White House Task Force were at pains this week to note that older Americans and those with underlying conditions should be particularly vigilant.At 73, Mr. Trump risks developing particularly severe illness should he become infected. Officials of the White House Task Force were at pains this week to note that older Americans and those with underlying conditions should be particularly vigilant.
The president has made very little personal health information public. But he is known to take medication to lower cholesterol, and obesity — his reported weight is 243 pounds — is one of the underlying conditions that can increase the risk of severe illness.The president has made very little personal health information public. But he is known to take medication to lower cholesterol, and obesity — his reported weight is 243 pounds — is one of the underlying conditions that can increase the risk of severe illness.
Some medical experts are calling on the president to curtail face-to-face meetings with heads of state, business leaders and health officials. Mr. Trump’s news conference appearances on small stages packed with nodding officials, even as large American companies send employees home to work, unnerve some scientists. Updated June 24, 2020
“It would make sense for him to do some social distancing,” said Dr. Peter Rabinowitz, a professor of medicine and global health at University of Washington in Seattle. “He could set a good example.” 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.
Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. Some medical experts are calling on the president to curtail face-to-face meetings with heads of state, business leaders and health officials. Mr. Trump’s news conference appearances on small stages packed with nodding officials, even as large American companies send employees home to work, unnerve some scientists.
“It would make sense for him to do some social distancing,” said Dr. Peter Rabinowitz, a professor of medicine and global health at University of Washington in Seattle. “He could set a good example.”
A lower threshold for testing should apply to the president and vice president, who was also in the photo with Mr. Bolsonaro’s aide, because of their critical roles in leading the country, said Dr. Judith N. Wasserheit, co-director of the University of Washington MetaCenter for Pandemic Preparedness and Global Health Security.A lower threshold for testing should apply to the president and vice president, who was also in the photo with Mr. Bolsonaro’s aide, because of their critical roles in leading the country, said Dr. Judith N. Wasserheit, co-director of the University of Washington MetaCenter for Pandemic Preparedness and Global Health Security.
The president has two health obligations, said Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown University: “Number one, keep himself and the cabinet safe, and number two, to keep the American people safe.”The president has two health obligations, said Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown University: “Number one, keep himself and the cabinet safe, and number two, to keep the American people safe.”
“No individual, president or not, has the right to expose others to a dangerous virus,” Mr. Gostin added.“No individual, president or not, has the right to expose others to a dangerous virus,” Mr. Gostin added.
The president’s physician, Dr. Sean P. Conley, said on Friday that Mr. Trump’s exposure was “extremely limited” with one individual later found to be infected. Although the president spent more time “in closer proximity” to a second individual who later tested positive, “all interactions occurred before any symptom onset.”The president’s physician, Dr. Sean P. Conley, said on Friday that Mr. Trump’s exposure was “extremely limited” with one individual later found to be infected. Although the president spent more time “in closer proximity” to a second individual who later tested positive, “all interactions occurred before any symptom onset.”
People who are infected may not show symptoms for days, however; they may transmit the virus to others during this period, studies have shown.People who are infected may not show symptoms for days, however; they may transmit the virus to others during this period, studies have shown.
Other administration officials have brushed shoulders with people who subsequently tested positive. Attorney General William P. Barr and the president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, met last week with Australia’s minister for home affairs, Peter Dutton, who later said he was infected with the coronavirus.Other administration officials have brushed shoulders with people who subsequently tested positive. Attorney General William P. Barr and the president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, met last week with Australia’s minister for home affairs, Peter Dutton, who later said he was infected with the coronavirus.
Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, who decided to self-quarantine after mingling at a conservative political conference where an attendee had tested positive, is “probably doing the right thing, because as a politician, he is in some cases like a physician or anybody else who sees a high number of people every day,” said Kelly Hills, a bioethicist and co-founder of the consulting firm Rogue Bioethics.Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, who decided to self-quarantine after mingling at a conservative political conference where an attendee had tested positive, is “probably doing the right thing, because as a politician, he is in some cases like a physician or anybody else who sees a high number of people every day,” said Kelly Hills, a bioethicist and co-founder of the consulting firm Rogue Bioethics.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada secluded himself even before his wife tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday, and a Spanish deputy prime minister also did so.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada secluded himself even before his wife tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday, and a Spanish deputy prime minister also did so.
Ms. Hills added that “if politicians, in general, are still planning on interacting with the public — glad-handing, kissing babies, whatever — then any politician who has possibly had exposure should probably take quarantine steps.”Ms. Hills added that “if politicians, in general, are still planning on interacting with the public — glad-handing, kissing babies, whatever — then any politician who has possibly had exposure should probably take quarantine steps.”