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| London’s Cultural Landmarks Shutter Amid Coronavirus Threat | London’s Cultural Landmarks Shutter Amid Coronavirus Threat |
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| LONDON — Last week, the lights went out on Broadway. On Monday, London’s West End — the last global theater stronghold to remain open through the growing coronavirus pandemic — went dark. | LONDON — Last week, the lights went out on Broadway. On Monday, London’s West End — the last global theater stronghold to remain open through the growing coronavirus pandemic — went dark. |
| London’s performance spaces were some of the last to shut down among their international counterparts, as arts institutions across the United States and Europe — New York’s dozens of theaters, Italy’s famed Teatro alla Scala opera house, Paris’s Louvre museum — all shut their doors amid the virus’s rapid spread. | London’s performance spaces were some of the last to shut down among their international counterparts, as arts institutions across the United States and Europe — New York’s dozens of theaters, Italy’s famed Teatro alla Scala opera house, Paris’s Louvre museum — all shut their doors amid the virus’s rapid spread. |
| But after Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain urged patrons to avoid theaters and other crowded public spaces in a speech on Monday afternoon, cultural mainstays across the United Kingdom began to follow suit. | But after Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain urged patrons to avoid theaters and other crowded public spaces in a speech on Monday afternoon, cultural mainstays across the United Kingdom began to follow suit. |
| “Now is the time for everyone to stop nonessential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel,” Mr. Johnson said in the speech. “We need people to start working from home where they possibly can. And you should avoid pubs, clubs, theaters and other such social venues.” | “Now is the time for everyone to stop nonessential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel,” Mr. Johnson said in the speech. “We need people to start working from home where they possibly can. And you should avoid pubs, clubs, theaters and other such social venues.” |
| After the speech, it was announced that some prominent theaters would temporarily close. The Royal Court, in London, said in a statement on Twitter that many in Britain’s art world “will struggle to weather the crisis” and urged financial support. | After the speech, it was announced that some prominent theaters would temporarily close. The Royal Court, in London, said in a statement on Twitter that many in Britain’s art world “will struggle to weather the crisis” and urged financial support. |
| Within hours, the entire West End had shut down, including the Royal Opera House. | Within hours, the entire West End had shut down, including the Royal Opera House. |
| The Society of London Theater and U.K. Theater, two trade bodies that represent independent commercial theaters in London, cited “official government advice” in shuttering their venues. The theaters will stay dark indefinitely. | The Society of London Theater and U.K. Theater, two trade bodies that represent independent commercial theaters in London, cited “official government advice” in shuttering their venues. The theaters will stay dark indefinitely. |
| “Closing venues is not a decision that is taken lightly, and we know that this will have a severe impact on many of the 290,000 individuals working in our industry,” Julian Bird, the chief executive of both trade bodies, said in a statement on Monday. | “Closing venues is not a decision that is taken lightly, and we know that this will have a severe impact on many of the 290,000 individuals working in our industry,” Julian Bird, the chief executive of both trade bodies, said in a statement on Monday. |
| Faiz Gafoor, 60, was outside the Shaftesbury Theater, one of the society’s venues in the West End, when he learned the performance he had tickets to that evening — “& Juliet,” a jukebox musical that led this year’s Olivier Award nominations — would not go on. The performance had been “canceled in line with government advice,” read a sign posted on the door of the theater. | Faiz Gafoor, 60, was outside the Shaftesbury Theater, one of the society’s venues in the West End, when he learned the performance he had tickets to that evening — “& Juliet,” a jukebox musical that led this year’s Olivier Award nominations — would not go on. The performance had been “canceled in line with government advice,” read a sign posted on the door of the theater. |
| “We’re from South Africa on holiday and very disappointed,” Dr. Gafoor said. “We asked on Sunday when we purchased the tickets, and they said it’d be O.K. They should have sorted it earlier.” | “We’re from South Africa on holiday and very disappointed,” Dr. Gafoor said. “We asked on Sunday when we purchased the tickets, and they said it’d be O.K. They should have sorted it earlier.” |
| Claire Parker, 27, came to the Shaftesbury to see “& Juliet” for the 17th time. “I’m devastated,” she said. “Some of my friends have traveled two hours to be here.” Instead, they planned to stand outside and sing through the show’s soundtrack, Ms. Parker added. | Claire Parker, 27, came to the Shaftesbury to see “& Juliet” for the 17th time. “I’m devastated,” she said. “Some of my friends have traveled two hours to be here.” Instead, they planned to stand outside and sing through the show’s soundtrack, Ms. Parker added. |
| Updated June 24, 2020 | |
| 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. | |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| The Royal Opera House, in announcing its immediate closure on Monday, added that it would begin broadcasting free performances online. The venue, which did not specify when it may reopen, was one of several opera houses to cancel or postpone performances after the prime minister’s speech, including the English National Opera, the Welsh National Opera and the Scottish Opera. | The Royal Opera House, in announcing its immediate closure on Monday, added that it would begin broadcasting free performances online. The venue, which did not specify when it may reopen, was one of several opera houses to cancel or postpone performances after the prime minister’s speech, including the English National Opera, the Welsh National Opera and the Scottish Opera. |
| “This suspension of performances will impact not only our loyal audience but also our committed and talented work force,” Alex Beard, the chief executive of the Royal Opera House, said in a statement on Monday. “We will work within the government guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and artists during this difficult time. Our employees, permanent and casual, are reliant on the income, which we derive through ticket purchases.” | “This suspension of performances will impact not only our loyal audience but also our committed and talented work force,” Alex Beard, the chief executive of the Royal Opera House, said in a statement on Monday. “We will work within the government guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and artists during this difficult time. Our employees, permanent and casual, are reliant on the income, which we derive through ticket purchases.” |
| And Sadler’s Wells, one of London’s primary dance theaters, also canceled performances at its three venues for up to 12 weeks. The organization hopes to resume performances by June 9, it said in a statement on Monday — noting that the timing could change depending on further guidance from the government. | And Sadler’s Wells, one of London’s primary dance theaters, also canceled performances at its three venues for up to 12 weeks. The organization hopes to resume performances by June 9, it said in a statement on Monday — noting that the timing could change depending on further guidance from the government. |
| But there was still some uncertainty among Britain’s other cultural venues. The British Museum was still waiting for clarity from the government on whether it should close, a spokeswoman said in a telephone interview on Monday. | But there was still some uncertainty among Britain’s other cultural venues. The British Museum was still waiting for clarity from the government on whether it should close, a spokeswoman said in a telephone interview on Monday. |
| Tate — which operates the popular Tate Modern and Tate Britain museums — was also uncertain about whether it had to close. (An employee at the Tate Modern tested positive for the coronavirus last week, The Art Newspaper reported.) | Tate — which operates the popular Tate Modern and Tate Britain museums — was also uncertain about whether it had to close. (An employee at the Tate Modern tested positive for the coronavirus last week, The Art Newspaper reported.) |
| The prime minister’s order to stay away from theaters and pubs was a warning for the British public, not necessarily for institutions, but a meeting will be held on Tuesday between Britain’s culture ministry and museums, where some expect a closure to be ordered. | The prime minister’s order to stay away from theaters and pubs was a warning for the British public, not necessarily for institutions, but a meeting will be held on Tuesday between Britain’s culture ministry and museums, where some expect a closure to be ordered. |
| Alex Marshall reported from London. Nancy Coleman reported from New York. | Alex Marshall reported from London. Nancy Coleman reported from New York. |