'Stuck at Home, You Can Still Explore the Zoo or Aquarium. Some Penguins Could, Too.' diff viewer (10/11)

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Stuck at Home, You Can Still Explore the Zoo or Aquarium. Some Penguins Could, Too.	Stuck at Home, You Can Still Explore the Zoo or Aquarium. Some Penguins Could, Too.
2020-06-17 14:35:00 UTC	2020-06-24 10:14:16 UTC (7 days later)
As Americans adjust to staying home during the coronavirus pandemic, which has closed schools around the country, zoos and aquariums are trying to fill the void of children’s activities with “home safaris,” virtual tours and webcams.	As Americans adjust to staying home during the coronavirus pandemic, which has closed schools around the country, zoos and aquariums are trying to fill the void of children’s activities with “home safaris,” virtual tours and webcams.
With U.S. health officials urging the public to practice social distancing and pare down gatherings during the outbreak, zoos and museums are offering more remote programming.	With U.S. health officials urging the public to practice social distancing and pare down gatherings during the outbreak, zoos and museums are offering more remote programming.
The Dallas Zoo, which is closed at least through March 20, began sharing behind-the-scenes footage and educational videos on social media, using the hashtag #BringTheZooToYou.	The Dallas Zoo, which is closed at least through March 20, began sharing behind-the-scenes footage and educational videos on social media, using the hashtag #BringTheZooToYou.
“The main thing is we want to not lose contact with the incredible base we’ve got, nearly 30,000 family members here in Dallas,” Gregg Hudson, the zoo’s president and chief executive, said on Tuesday. “We know there’s probably a lot of families at home, and we hope to offer a respite from other news that’s bombarding people.”	“The main thing is we want to not lose contact with the incredible base we’ve got, nearly 30,000 family members here in Dallas,” Gregg Hudson, the zoo’s president and chief executive, said on Tuesday. “We know there’s probably a lot of families at home, and we hope to offer a respite from other news that’s bombarding people.”
The zoo is operating with essential staff only, which includes about 100 employees who care for more than 2,000 animals. Mr. Hudson said the zoo had started to stagger shifts, to contain staff members in designated areas and to train employees to replace one another in the event that someone tests positive for the virus.	The zoo is operating with essential staff only, which includes about 100 employees who care for more than 2,000 animals. Mr. Hudson said the zoo had started to stagger shifts, to contain staff members in designated areas and to train employees to replace one another in the event that someone tests positive for the virus.
The zoo, which normally only closes to the public on Christmas, plans to keep the seasonal and part-time staff members on the payroll, he added.	The zoo, which normally only closes to the public on Christmas, plans to keep the seasonal and part-time staff members on the payroll, he added.
“From a financial standpoint, it’s absolutely hurting us in a big way,” Mr. Hudson said. “From a public responsibility and community aspect, we totally support what’s happening.” He said the zoo could help people “think about something other than the coronavirus.”	“From a financial standpoint, it’s absolutely hurting us in a big way,” Mr. Hudson said. “From a public responsibility and community aspect, we totally support what’s happening.” He said the zoo could help people “think about something other than the coronavirus.”
The Shedd Aquarium, one of the most visited cultural institutions in Chicago, is closed through at least March 29 and has reassured the community that the animals will continue to receive care.	The Shedd Aquarium, one of the most visited cultural institutions in Chicago, is closed through at least March 29 and has reassured the community that the animals will continue to receive care.
The aquarium always has enough food in stock to feed the animals, both carnivores and herbivores, for up to four months, said Bridget Coughlin, the aquarium’s president and chief executive. And additional provisions have been ordered, she added.	The aquarium always has enough food in stock to feed the animals, both carnivores and herbivores, for up to four months, said Bridget Coughlin, the aquarium’s president and chief executive. And additional provisions have been ordered, she added.
“This is absolutely unprecedented,” Ms. Coughlin said, noting the aquarium is normally open seven days a week except for a handful of holidays.	“This is absolutely unprecedented,” Ms. Coughlin said, noting the aquarium is normally open seven days a week except for a handful of holidays.
While the public was unable to visit in person, the aquarium let some of the penguins out of their exhibits to explore the aquarium and visit other animals. People watching from home were delighted to see footage of the penguins’ escapades on social media.	While the public was unable to visit in person, the aquarium let some of the penguins out of their exhibits to explore the aquarium and visit other animals. People watching from home were delighted to see footage of the penguins’ escapades on social media.

The aquarium encouraged people to check its social media accounts for behind-the-scenes posts, and to learn more about aquatic animals through its digital resources. Ms. Coughlin said the aquarium would also provide teaching videos to educators as field trips were canceled and classes had moved online.	The aquarium encouraged people to check its social media accounts for behind-the-scenes posts, and to learn more about aquatic animals through its digital resources. Ms. Coughlin said the aquarium would also provide teaching videos to educators as field trips were canceled and classes had moved online.
About 100 critical staff members will be required to physically go to the aquarium to keep the animals healthy and the building functioning. Ms. Coughlin said work schedules would be more flexible and materials would be provided to help the staff process the situation mentally and emotionally.	About 100 critical staff members will be required to physically go to the aquarium to keep the animals healthy and the building functioning. Ms. Coughlin said work schedules would be more flexible and materials would be provided to help the staff process the situation mentally and emotionally.
Despite the dialed-back staff, the animals’ lives will proceed as normal. “We are taking care of the animals and taking care of the people who take care of the animals,” Ms. Coughlin said.	Despite the dialed-back staff, the animals’ lives will proceed as normal. “We are taking care of the animals and taking care of the people who take care of the animals,” Ms. Coughlin said.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is live-streaming a home safari on its Facebook page each weekday at 3 p.m. Eastern time. The first broadcast featured the zoo’s 3-year-old hippopotamus, Fiona.	The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is live-streaming a home safari on its Facebook page each weekday at 3 p.m. Eastern time. The first broadcast featured the zoo’s 3-year-old hippopotamus, Fiona.
“We’re bringing the zoo to people who are stuck at home,” Thane Maynard, the zoo’s director, said in a statement. “This zoo is so important to the community and not being able to visit will create a void that we’re trying to fill.”	“We’re bringing the zoo to people who are stuck at home,” Thane Maynard, the zoo’s director, said in a statement. “This zoo is so important to the community and not being able to visit will create a void that we’re trying to fill.”
The zoo is closed indefinitely because of the outbreak. “Let us help make your children’s hiatus from school fun and educational,” the zoo said on its Facebook page.	The zoo is closed indefinitely because of the outbreak. “Let us help make your children’s hiatus from school fun and educational,” the zoo said on its Facebook page.
At the Oregon Zoo, which is closed through April 8, staff members assured the public that the animals were being cared for and promised to keep the zoo’s social media accounts updated with videos of the creatures.	At the Oregon Zoo, which is closed through April 8, staff members assured the public that the animals were being cared for and promised to keep the zoo’s social media accounts updated with videos of the creatures.
“We are figuring out how we can create content so kids staying home can receive education materials and entertainment from the animals,” said Sheri Horiszny, the zoo’s deputy director of care, connection and conservation.	“We are figuring out how we can create content so kids staying home can receive education materials and entertainment from the animals,” said Sheri Horiszny, the zoo’s deputy director of care, connection and conservation.
Educators from the zoo used to take animals to classrooms to teach children about them, Ms. Horiszny said, but now the zoo would have to find ways to take that content to people’s living rooms.	Educators from the zoo used to take animals to classrooms to teach children about them, Ms. Horiszny said, but now the zoo would have to find ways to take that content to people’s living rooms.
On a typical day, about 150 staff members would be on site, Ms. Horiszny added, but there were only about 50 people now. The zoo has enough food and medication for the animals to last through at least June.	On a typical day, about 150 staff members would be on site, Ms. Horiszny added, but there were only about 50 people now. The zoo has enough food and medication for the animals to last through at least June.
“It’s going to be financially difficult, but we are trying to keep people feeling cared for in a time that is uncertain and scary,” she said.	“It’s going to be financially difficult, but we are trying to keep people feeling cared for in a time that is uncertain and scary,” she said.
~~Updated June ~~16,~~ 2020~~	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.
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.
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.
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.