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Puerto Rico Orders Coronavirus Lockdown. Violators Could Be Fined. Puerto Rico Orders Coronavirus Lockdown. Violators Could Be Fined.
(about 7 hours later)
SAN JUAN, P.R. — Puerto Rico imposed a curfew on Sunday and ordered most businesses shut down, imposing some of the most widespread restrictions yet seen in the United States as a growing number of jurisdictions moved to slow the spread of the coronavirus.SAN JUAN, P.R. — Puerto Rico imposed a curfew on Sunday and ordered most businesses shut down, imposing some of the most widespread restrictions yet seen in the United States as a growing number of jurisdictions moved to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Chiding Puerto Ricans for failing to heed warnings to stay home and observe social distancing, Gov. Wanda Vázquez signed an executive order instituting a two-week closure for the majority of businesses on the island, and a 9 p.m. overnight curfew through March 30.Chiding Puerto Ricans for failing to heed warnings to stay home and observe social distancing, Gov. Wanda Vázquez signed an executive order instituting a two-week closure for the majority of businesses on the island, and a 9 p.m. overnight curfew through March 30.
The only exceptions to the closure orders are supermarkets; restaurants offering carryout or delivery; pharmacies; medical equipment stores; gas stations and banks, along with suppliers to those businesses. Violators of the lockdown order could face a fine of up to $5,000 or six months in jail.The only exceptions to the closure orders are supermarkets; restaurants offering carryout or delivery; pharmacies; medical equipment stores; gas stations and banks, along with suppliers to those businesses. Violators of the lockdown order could face a fine of up to $5,000 or six months in jail.
“Given that the response from some citizens has not been adequate under the emergency situation, our priority is health and to protect the life of all of us who live on this island,” Ms. Vázquez said in a special televised address. “All citizens will have to stay home to stop the spread of this virus.”“Given that the response from some citizens has not been adequate under the emergency situation, our priority is health and to protect the life of all of us who live on this island,” Ms. Vázquez said in a special televised address. “All citizens will have to stay home to stop the spread of this virus.”
The strict limits on movement are among the first of what is likely to be a cascading number across the country, amid growing alarm among officials that many Americans have ignored dire alerts that Covid-19 cases could overwhelm hospitals. Young people have continued to amass on beaches for Spring Break, passengers have been forced into crowds at airports and people have continued to gather at bars and restaurants.The strict limits on movement are among the first of what is likely to be a cascading number across the country, amid growing alarm among officials that many Americans have ignored dire alerts that Covid-19 cases could overwhelm hospitals. Young people have continued to amass on beaches for Spring Break, passengers have been forced into crowds at airports and people have continued to gather at bars and restaurants.
New closures and curfews were ordered one after another on Sunday. Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., both popular among Spring Breakers, shut down much of their public beaches and imposed business closures. Washington, D.C., closed bars and restaurants. On Saturday, the mayor of Hoboken, N.J., imposed a nightly curfew that takes effect on Monday.New closures and curfews were ordered one after another on Sunday. Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., both popular among Spring Breakers, shut down much of their public beaches and imposed business closures. Washington, D.C., closed bars and restaurants. On Saturday, the mayor of Hoboken, N.J., imposed a nightly curfew that takes effect on Monday.
The New Orleans police cleared out Bourbon Street after the city banned mass gatherings. Boston ordered some bars shut to avoid the conglomeration of St. Patrick’s Day revelers, and the Illinois and Ohio governors ordered bars and restaurants in those states to shut down.The New Orleans police cleared out Bourbon Street after the city banned mass gatherings. Boston ordered some bars shut to avoid the conglomeration of St. Patrick’s Day revelers, and the Illinois and Ohio governors ordered bars and restaurants in those states to shut down.
In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom called for the closure of bars, nightclubs, brew pubs and wineries, and for restaurants to reduce the number of patrons by half in order to provide more “social distancing.” He also called for all those aged 65 and older, who are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus, to remain at home.In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom called for the closure of bars, nightclubs, brew pubs and wineries, and for restaurants to reduce the number of patrons by half in order to provide more “social distancing.” He also called for all those aged 65 and older, who are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus, to remain at home.
In Puerto Rico, the governor’s orders specifically mentioned the shuttering of bars, shopping malls and movie theaters, all gathering places that had appeared packed on Saturday. The Latin trap artist Bad Bunny disappointed some fans on social media after he posted a selfie of himself tightly hugging friends.In Puerto Rico, the governor’s orders specifically mentioned the shuttering of bars, shopping malls and movie theaters, all gathering places that had appeared packed on Saturday. The Latin trap artist Bad Bunny disappointed some fans on social media after he posted a selfie of himself tightly hugging friends.
On Sunday, hours before the shutdown order was to take effect at 6 p.m., San Juan, the capital, bustled as usual. The crowds at Plaza Las Américas, the biggest shopping mall, seemed perhaps a bit thinner. The island’s schools had already been ordered closed for the next two weeks.On Sunday, hours before the shutdown order was to take effect at 6 p.m., San Juan, the capital, bustled as usual. The crowds at Plaza Las Américas, the biggest shopping mall, seemed perhaps a bit thinner. The island’s schools had already been ordered closed for the next two weeks.
Cellphones buzzed in unison on Sunday afternoon with the sound of an emergency alert about the curfew.Cellphones buzzed in unison on Sunday afternoon with the sound of an emergency alert about the curfew.
“It seems like a pretty logical and fair measure to take at night,” one resident, Alexander Caraballo, said of the curfew after standing in a short line on Sunday at a homeopathic pharmacy in the town of Manatí to stock up on vitamin C and echinacea. The shop was letting customers in one at a time to avoid needless contact.“It seems like a pretty logical and fair measure to take at night,” one resident, Alexander Caraballo, said of the curfew after standing in a short line on Sunday at a homeopathic pharmacy in the town of Manatí to stock up on vitamin C and echinacea. The shop was letting customers in one at a time to avoid needless contact.
“I’ve personally been isolating myself, and taking preventive measures, and being disciplined to avoid contagion,” said Mr. Caraballo, 25, a freelance fashion and portrait photographer. At the supermarket, cashiers wore gloves, he said. “I’ve run into several acquaintances, worried but getting ready.”
Updated June 22, 2020Updated 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.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.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.
“I’ve personally been isolating myself, and taking preventive measures, and being disciplined to avoid contagion,” said Mr. Caraballo, 25, a freelance fashion and portrait photographer. At the supermarket, cashiers wore gloves, he said. “I’ve run into several acquaintances, worried but getting ready.”
Five coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Puerto Rico so far, though more are suspected. Ms. Vázquez, who assumed the governorship in August and is now running for the seat, appeared determined to avoid a deadly disaster similar to Hurricane Maria in 2017, which killed an estimated 2,975 Puerto Ricans. Her administration has already been criticized for getting slow Covid-19 test results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Rafael Rodríguez Mercado, the health secretary, resigned on Friday.Five coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Puerto Rico so far, though more are suspected. Ms. Vázquez, who assumed the governorship in August and is now running for the seat, appeared determined to avoid a deadly disaster similar to Hurricane Maria in 2017, which killed an estimated 2,975 Puerto Ricans. Her administration has already been criticized for getting slow Covid-19 test results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Rafael Rodríguez Mercado, the health secretary, resigned on Friday.
One-fifth of Puerto Rico’s population of nearly 3.2 million is 65 or older, and the island’s health system struggled after Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico has also been dealing with the aftermath of earthquakes that sent thousands of fearful people to sleep outdoors.One-fifth of Puerto Rico’s population of nearly 3.2 million is 65 or older, and the island’s health system struggled after Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico has also been dealing with the aftermath of earthquakes that sent thousands of fearful people to sleep outdoors.
“They’ve been really disorganized,” said Xiomara Liz Cortés Fuentes, 27, a teacher in Guaynabo who could not find hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol or a thermometer at a Walgreens store for her husband, who has a stomach flu. “What most worries me, what I always think about, are older people. Puerto Rico’s health system is already collapsed, so it will only collapse faster with the number of people who will need care because the government measures have come too late.”“They’ve been really disorganized,” said Xiomara Liz Cortés Fuentes, 27, a teacher in Guaynabo who could not find hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol or a thermometer at a Walgreens store for her husband, who has a stomach flu. “What most worries me, what I always think about, are older people. Puerto Rico’s health system is already collapsed, so it will only collapse faster with the number of people who will need care because the government measures have come too late.”
She added: “I think of my grandparents, my older uncles, my uncles with underlying conditions. And it’s terrifying.”She added: “I think of my grandparents, my older uncles, my uncles with underlying conditions. And it’s terrifying.”
Edmy Ayala reported from San Juan, P.R., and Patricia Mazzei from Miami. Erika P. Rodríguez contributed reporting from San Juan.Edmy Ayala reported from San Juan, P.R., and Patricia Mazzei from Miami. Erika P. Rodríguez contributed reporting from San Juan.