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| Having Brushed Off Coronavirus Threat, Southeast Asia Begins to Confront It | Having Brushed Off Coronavirus Threat, Southeast Asia Begins to Confront It |
| (about 11 hours later) | |
| BANGKOK — For months, many Southeast Asian countries played down the threat posed by the new coronavirus. Some officials said that prayer would keep the disease away. Others expressed optimism that the tropical heat would slow the spread of the virus. | BANGKOK — For months, many Southeast Asian countries played down the threat posed by the new coronavirus. Some officials said that prayer would keep the disease away. Others expressed optimism that the tropical heat would slow the spread of the virus. |
| Life continued as usual. Malaysia allowed large religious gatherings. Thailand kept open its hugely popular Muay Thai boxing stadiums. In countries with struggling health care systems, like Indonesia and Myanmar, testing for infections was minimal. | Life continued as usual. Malaysia allowed large religious gatherings. Thailand kept open its hugely popular Muay Thai boxing stadiums. In countries with struggling health care systems, like Indonesia and Myanmar, testing for infections was minimal. |
| Now, with the belated realization that the virus is encircling the globe in its relentless spread, countries across Southeast Asia have begun to impose strict measures, including lockdowns in the Philippines and Malaysia and the widespread closure of schools, businesses and entertainment venues in Thailand. The delays are proving dangerous, as some nations face a worrisome rise in cases without a health care system that can deal with a major outbreak. | Now, with the belated realization that the virus is encircling the globe in its relentless spread, countries across Southeast Asia have begun to impose strict measures, including lockdowns in the Philippines and Malaysia and the widespread closure of schools, businesses and entertainment venues in Thailand. The delays are proving dangerous, as some nations face a worrisome rise in cases without a health care system that can deal with a major outbreak. |
| The Indonesian president, Joko Widodo, has admitted that he misled the public about the dangers of the disease caused by the coronavirus, Covid-19, to prevent people from panicking. | The Indonesian president, Joko Widodo, has admitted that he misled the public about the dangers of the disease caused by the coronavirus, Covid-19, to prevent people from panicking. |
| “There is that which we disclose and there is that which we withhold because we do not want to create worry and panic among the society,” he said on Friday. | “There is that which we disclose and there is that which we withhold because we do not want to create worry and panic among the society,” he said on Friday. |
| Mr. Joko refused on Monday to disclose the results of his own test for the virus, telling reporters to ask his doctor. | Mr. Joko refused on Monday to disclose the results of his own test for the virus, telling reporters to ask his doctor. |
| The Indonesian transportation minister, Budi Karya Sumadi, has tested positive, and as many as a dozen other officials have been tested for infection. | The Indonesian transportation minister, Budi Karya Sumadi, has tested positive, and as many as a dozen other officials have been tested for infection. |
| Mr. Joko declined to disclose those results, too. | Mr. Joko declined to disclose those results, too. |
| The spokesman for the coronavirus emergency response in Indonesia, Achmad Yurianto, would not provide the results on Tuesday, either, saying only that the officials “are in good condition so far.” | The spokesman for the coronavirus emergency response in Indonesia, Achmad Yurianto, would not provide the results on Tuesday, either, saying only that the officials “are in good condition so far.” |
| Transparency has generally been a concern. | Transparency has generally been a concern. |
| [Read: Will the Olympics go on? Japan’s businesses would like to know.] | [Read: Will the Olympics go on? Japan’s businesses would like to know.] |
| Health officials on the island of Bali said they learned that a British woman being treated there had tested positive only after officials in Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, announced her death to the news media. | Health officials on the island of Bali said they learned that a British woman being treated there had tested positive only after officials in Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, announced her death to the news media. |
| Before that, the first two patients with confirmed infections discovered that they had contracted the virus when the president announced it to the country. | Before that, the first two patients with confirmed infections discovered that they had contracted the virus when the president announced it to the country. |
| In the Philippines, critics have accused President Rodrigo Duterte of using the virus as cover to pursue his oft-stated ambition of imposing martial law. | In the Philippines, critics have accused President Rodrigo Duterte of using the virus as cover to pursue his oft-stated ambition of imposing martial law. |
| “Whatever his personal preferences, the president should not consider authoritarian methods,” said Etta Rosales, a former chairwoman of the Commission on Human Rights in the Philippines. “Authoritarianism is no cure to the virus.” | “Whatever his personal preferences, the president should not consider authoritarian methods,” said Etta Rosales, a former chairwoman of the Commission on Human Rights in the Philippines. “Authoritarianism is no cure to the virus.” |
| After Mr. Budi, the Indonesian transportation minister, tested positive, Mr. Joko became more attuned to the problem and called on Indonesians to begin isolating themselves. | After Mr. Budi, the Indonesian transportation minister, tested positive, Mr. Joko became more attuned to the problem and called on Indonesians to begin isolating themselves. |
| “Under the circumstances, it’s time for us to work from home, study from home, pray from home,” he said. | “Under the circumstances, it’s time for us to work from home, study from home, pray from home,” he said. |
| Other countries remain in denial about the dangers of the virus. The chief spokesman for the Myanmar government said on Friday that the absence of positive tests was proof that the virus has not reached Myanmar. | Other countries remain in denial about the dangers of the virus. The chief spokesman for the Myanmar government said on Friday that the absence of positive tests was proof that the virus has not reached Myanmar. |
| “Covid-19 is still not present in Myanmar,” the spokesman, U Zaw Htay, told reporters. “The lifestyle and diet of Myanmar citizens are beneficial against the coronavirus.” | “Covid-19 is still not present in Myanmar,” the spokesman, U Zaw Htay, told reporters. “The lifestyle and diet of Myanmar citizens are beneficial against the coronavirus.” |
| Some Buddhist figures have been promoting nonmedical remedies. One famous monk said that eating a lime and three palm seeds would keep the virus away. Another monk recommended seven ground peppercorns. | Some Buddhist figures have been promoting nonmedical remedies. One famous monk said that eating a lime and three palm seeds would keep the virus away. Another monk recommended seven ground peppercorns. |
| Even some doctors are optimistic that the pandemic will bypass Myanmar because of its religious practices. | Even some doctors are optimistic that the pandemic will bypass Myanmar because of its religious practices. |
| “Myanmar is still lucky because it’s a Buddhist country and senior monks are always praying to be safe,” said Dr. Win Thandar Phyu, the chief of North Okkalapa General Hospital in Yangon. | “Myanmar is still lucky because it’s a Buddhist country and senior monks are always praying to be safe,” said Dr. Win Thandar Phyu, the chief of North Okkalapa General Hospital in Yangon. |
| The concern is that the lackadaisical approach has allowed the virus to spread largely unnoticed, setting the stage for a disaster in countries where the health care systems are underfunded and poorly equipped. | The concern is that the lackadaisical approach has allowed the virus to spread largely unnoticed, setting the stage for a disaster in countries where the health care systems are underfunded and poorly equipped. |
| Indonesia’s rate of testing has increased in recent days, but it is still one of the worst in the world, about 8.5 tests per million people. The first positive patient was detected on March 2. Now, it has confirmed 172 cases. | Indonesia’s rate of testing has increased in recent days, but it is still one of the worst in the world, about 8.5 tests per million people. The first positive patient was detected on March 2. Now, it has confirmed 172 cases. |
| In a letter to the president, an association of scientists called the Indonesian Young Scientist Forum pressed for immediate action. The group pointed out that confirmed cases have grown at an exponential rate since early March. | In a letter to the president, an association of scientists called the Indonesian Young Scientist Forum pressed for immediate action. The group pointed out that confirmed cases have grown at an exponential rate since early March. |
| Updated June 16, 2020 | Updated 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. |
| “Indonesia is in a dangerous situation because the delayed action to halt the spread of the virus makes it difficult to control,” the scientists said. “The delay could make the epidemic situation similar to Italy and Iran or even worse.” | “Indonesia is in a dangerous situation because the delayed action to halt the spread of the virus makes it difficult to control,” the scientists said. “The delay could make the epidemic situation similar to Italy and Iran or even worse.” |
| Some countries are seeing a rapid rise in the number of confirmed cases. | Some countries are seeing a rapid rise in the number of confirmed cases. |
| Many are connected to an international gathering of 16,000 Muslims early this month in Sri Petaling, a suburb of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital. Participants returning home have taken the illness with them to Singapore and Brunei, where nearly all of its 40 cases were linked to the meeting of the revivalist missionary movement, Tablighi Jamaat. An additional 700 participants returned to Indonesia, where there has been no effort to track them. | Many are connected to an international gathering of 16,000 Muslims early this month in Sri Petaling, a suburb of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital. Participants returning home have taken the illness with them to Singapore and Brunei, where nearly all of its 40 cases were linked to the meeting of the revivalist missionary movement, Tablighi Jamaat. An additional 700 participants returned to Indonesia, where there has been no effort to track them. |
| Malaysia has seen a surge in cases tied to the event. On Monday alone, 95 of 125 new cases were connected to the event. It now has 673 cases. | Malaysia has seen a surge in cases tied to the event. On Monday alone, 95 of 125 new cases were connected to the event. It now has 673 cases. |
| The World Health Organization urged nations in Southeast Asia to adopt aggressive measures as the number of confirmed cases rises. | The World Health Organization urged nations in Southeast Asia to adopt aggressive measures as the number of confirmed cases rises. |
| “The situation is evolving rapidly,” Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the director for WHO’s Southeast Asia region, said Tuesday. “We need to immediately scale up all efforts to prevent the virus from infecting more people.” | “The situation is evolving rapidly,” Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the director for WHO’s Southeast Asia region, said Tuesday. “We need to immediately scale up all efforts to prevent the virus from infecting more people.” |
| Several countries are now scrambling to impose the kinds of travel restrictions and quarantines seen in other parts of the world. | Several countries are now scrambling to impose the kinds of travel restrictions and quarantines seen in other parts of the world. |
| In the Philippines, about 60 million people — more than half the country’s population — are under lockdown. In Malaysia, mass gatherings are banned through the end of the month; schools, businesses and places of worship are closed; and Malaysians are prohibited from leaving the country. In Thailand, the prime minister announced the postponement of Songkran, a festival that is held each April to mark the Thai new year. | In the Philippines, about 60 million people — more than half the country’s population — are under lockdown. In Malaysia, mass gatherings are banned through the end of the month; schools, businesses and places of worship are closed; and Malaysians are prohibited from leaving the country. In Thailand, the prime minister announced the postponement of Songkran, a festival that is held each April to mark the Thai new year. |
| But for Indonesia, which is already playing catch-up, dramatic action like that of its neighbors appears to be off the table. | But for Indonesia, which is already playing catch-up, dramatic action like that of its neighbors appears to be off the table. |
| “Lockdown is not an option,” said Mr. Achmad, the Indonesian spokesman. | “Lockdown is not an option,” said Mr. Achmad, the Indonesian spokesman. |
| Reporting was contributed by Hannah Beech and Ryn Jirenuwat from Bangkok; Muktita Suhartono and Dera Menra Sijabat from Jakarta, Indonesia; Saw Nang from Mandalay, Myanmar; and Jason Gutierrez from Manila. | Reporting was contributed by Hannah Beech and Ryn Jirenuwat from Bangkok; Muktita Suhartono and Dera Menra Sijabat from Jakarta, Indonesia; Saw Nang from Mandalay, Myanmar; and Jason Gutierrez from Manila. |