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The Relief of Clear Instructions in the Age of Coronavirus The Relief of Clear Instructions in the Age of Coronavirus
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The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter from our Australia bureau. Sign up to get it by email. This week’s issue is written by Besha Rodell, a columnist with the Australia bureau.The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter from our Australia bureau. Sign up to get it by email. This week’s issue is written by Besha Rodell, a columnist with the Australia bureau.
When I stepped off a Qantas flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne this past Tuesday, health officials in protective gear handed me a piece of paper instructing me to self-quarantine for 14 days. Strangely, those instructions came as a relief. At last, someone was giving me definitive guidelines on what to do in response to the coronavirus pandemic.When I stepped off a Qantas flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne this past Tuesday, health officials in protective gear handed me a piece of paper instructing me to self-quarantine for 14 days. Strangely, those instructions came as a relief. At last, someone was giving me definitive guidelines on what to do in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
I have spent the last three weeks traveling in South America, Mexico, the Caribbean and the United States on assignment for Food & Wine and Travel & Leisure magazines as part of a project that was supposed to keep me on the road for four months. The decision to halt that travel was made collectively, between myself and my editors, but until late last week it did not feel like an easy decision. The project is important for the magazines, and it represents a huge chunk of my yearly income. The logistics of getting it done are complex and difficult under the best circumstances. In the middle of last week it was unthinkable that international travel would grind to a halt, and that isolation would become the norm throughout most of the world. There was no easy answer, until there was.I have spent the last three weeks traveling in South America, Mexico, the Caribbean and the United States on assignment for Food & Wine and Travel & Leisure magazines as part of a project that was supposed to keep me on the road for four months. The decision to halt that travel was made collectively, between myself and my editors, but until late last week it did not feel like an easy decision. The project is important for the magazines, and it represents a huge chunk of my yearly income. The logistics of getting it done are complex and difficult under the best circumstances. In the middle of last week it was unthinkable that international travel would grind to a halt, and that isolation would become the norm throughout most of the world. There was no easy answer, until there was.
It was a relief to arrive back in Australia, and not just because of that piece of paper with its definitive instructions. I entered the United States three times last week (a result of a very complicated travel schedule), and at three different U.S. airports customs officials never questioned where I’d been or whether I was unwell. Once those procedures were put in place, the day after my last entry to the U.S., they caused hourslong logjams. My journey through customs in Australia was thorough and swift.It was a relief to arrive back in Australia, and not just because of that piece of paper with its definitive instructions. I entered the United States three times last week (a result of a very complicated travel schedule), and at three different U.S. airports customs officials never questioned where I’d been or whether I was unwell. Once those procedures were put in place, the day after my last entry to the U.S., they caused hourslong logjams. My journey through customs in Australia was thorough and swift.
But once I was out of the airport, the confusion of everyday life in the time of a pandemic resurfaced. My teenage son’s school principal emailed instructions on what to do if you were keeping your child home for preventive reasons, and a directive to contact the class coordinator if the circumstances were complex. Since I am under quarantine, and my son is sick with a fever and cough, I contacted the coordinator, who in turn resent me the principal’s original email, telling me to follow those instructions. When I told him that the instructions he was sending me told me to contact him, he reiterated that I should follow the principal’s instructions.But once I was out of the airport, the confusion of everyday life in the time of a pandemic resurfaced. My teenage son’s school principal emailed instructions on what to do if you were keeping your child home for preventive reasons, and a directive to contact the class coordinator if the circumstances were complex. Since I am under quarantine, and my son is sick with a fever and cough, I contacted the coordinator, who in turn resent me the principal’s original email, telling me to follow those instructions. When I told him that the instructions he was sending me told me to contact him, he reiterated that I should follow the principal’s instructions.
My husband recently opened a small business, which is foundering and will likely have to shutter. Should he stay open while he can, or is it irresponsible to be open at all? How do you weigh the personal responsibility to pay your employees and feed your family with the social responsibility of isolation?My husband recently opened a small business, which is foundering and will likely have to shutter. Should he stay open while he can, or is it irresponsible to be open at all? How do you weigh the personal responsibility to pay your employees and feed your family with the social responsibility of isolation?
Everyone I know has conundrums like these, and definitive answers are impossible to come by. We know we should be washing our hands. We know we should be practicing social distancing. But life is far more complicated than that, and I see many people who want to do the right thing confused about what that thing is.Everyone I know has conundrums like these, and definitive answers are impossible to come by. We know we should be washing our hands. We know we should be practicing social distancing. But life is far more complicated than that, and I see many people who want to do the right thing confused about what that thing is.
On our New York Times Australia Facebook page, I wrote that coming back to Australia was like stepping back in time a few days, to the days before restaurants and bars were ordered closed, to a time when people still don’t know whether it’s better to stay home or go out and support the hospitality industry. In American states where school systems have shut down and venues have been ordered closed, those questions have been eliminated.On our New York Times Australia Facebook page, I wrote that coming back to Australia was like stepping back in time a few days, to the days before restaurants and bars were ordered closed, to a time when people still don’t know whether it’s better to stay home or go out and support the hospitality industry. In American states where school systems have shut down and venues have been ordered closed, those questions have been eliminated.
The responses to my post varied wildly: People questioned why Australian schools and restaurants haven’t shuttered, while others blamed the news media for inflating the problem and causing panic. One commenter posited that because Australia is closing its borders and isolating newly returned travelers, we might avoid a complete shutdown. But as the official tally of new cases in Australia rose from under 200 to over 560 in a five-day period, it seems unlikely that anything but drastic measures will work here or anywhere else.The responses to my post varied wildly: People questioned why Australian schools and restaurants haven’t shuttered, while others blamed the news media for inflating the problem and causing panic. One commenter posited that because Australia is closing its borders and isolating newly returned travelers, we might avoid a complete shutdown. But as the official tally of new cases in Australia rose from under 200 to over 560 in a five-day period, it seems unlikely that anything but drastic measures will work here or anywhere else.
I am glad for the simplicity of the instructions I received: Stay home, and keep away from other people. What are the coronavirus-related dilemmas you face, and what clear instructions would be useful for you? Let us know at nytaustralia@nytimes.com.I am glad for the simplicity of the instructions I received: Stay home, and keep away from other people. What are the coronavirus-related dilemmas you face, and what clear instructions would be useful for you? Let us know at nytaustralia@nytimes.com.
Here are this week’s stories.Here are this week’s stories.
Fires Left These Wallabies Nothing to Eat. Help Arrived From Above. Tons of carrots and sweet potatoes have been dropped from a helicopter in Australia to feed threatened marsupials.Fires Left These Wallabies Nothing to Eat. Help Arrived From Above. Tons of carrots and sweet potatoes have been dropped from a helicopter in Australia to feed threatened marsupials.
New Zealand Eases Abortion Restrictions. The change was welcomed by abortion rights advocates, but even in that camp some wondered if lawmakers had gone too far.New Zealand Eases Abortion Restrictions. The change was welcomed by abortion rights advocates, but even in that camp some wondered if lawmakers had gone too far.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson Are Released From the Hospital. The actors will remain in self-isolation in a rented home in Australia but are “feeling a lot better,” their son Chet Hanks said.Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson Are Released From the Hospital. The actors will remain in self-isolation in a rented home in Australia but are “feeling a lot better,” their son Chet Hanks said.
Can the Olympics Take Place in July? (This July?) The coronavirus pandemic has brought most of the world’s sports to a standstill, but the Tokyo Games are still scheduled to begin in late July. Is that even possible?Can the Olympics Take Place in July? (This July?) The coronavirus pandemic has brought most of the world’s sports to a standstill, but the Tokyo Games are still scheduled to begin in late July. Is that even possible?
New Liqueurs Adopt the Buzz of Coffee Culture. Cold brew isn’t just for your mornings anymore. Spirits makers are moving beyond the fusty coffee cocktails of old.New Liqueurs Adopt the Buzz of Coffee Culture. Cold brew isn’t just for your mornings anymore. Spirits makers are moving beyond the fusty coffee cocktails of old.
Updated June 22, 2020 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.
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.
What to Name the Oldest Modern Bird Fossil? Wonderchicken. Its skull was found in a chunk of rock that went overlooked for nearly two decades.What to Name the Oldest Modern Bird Fossil? Wonderchicken. Its skull was found in a chunk of rock that went overlooked for nearly two decades.
Coronavirus Travel Restrictions, Across the Globe. Nations across the world have imposed travel restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus.Coronavirus Travel Restrictions, Across the Globe. Nations across the world have imposed travel restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Celeste Ng, Ann Patchett, Min Jin Lee and Others on the Books That Bring Them Comfort. Looking for a respite from the news? You might find solace in reading.Celeste Ng, Ann Patchett, Min Jin Lee and Others on the Books That Bring Them Comfort. Looking for a respite from the news? You might find solace in reading.
The Tech Headaches of Working From Home and How to Remedy Them. From shoddy Wi-Fi to digital distractions, our tech can make remote work miserable. Here’s how to overcome the problems.The Tech Headaches of Working From Home and How to Remedy Them. From shoddy Wi-Fi to digital distractions, our tech can make remote work miserable. Here’s how to overcome the problems.
Last week, we wrote about the anxiety over the coronavirus and asked you to share how you were coping. Here’s one reader’s response:Last week, we wrote about the anxiety over the coronavirus and asked you to share how you were coping. Here’s one reader’s response:
I wake up every morning anxious. I don’t want to talk about my fears; that I have the virus, that I am spreading it each time I see someone, that I shouldn’t have gone to the grocery store on Saturday, that maybe if I hadn’t gone to that event 10 days ago, I’d be fine.I wake up every morning anxious. I don’t want to talk about my fears; that I have the virus, that I am spreading it each time I see someone, that I shouldn’t have gone to the grocery store on Saturday, that maybe if I hadn’t gone to that event 10 days ago, I’d be fine.
I am retired, age 69 and in good health. I do get bronchitis once a year, and it has turned into pneumonia a few times.I am retired, age 69 and in good health. I do get bronchitis once a year, and it has turned into pneumonia a few times.
But being socially isolated is strange. I usually have several social events per week; tea with a friend, dinner out with a small group, a knitting circle, plus social dancing every weekend. Social media and phone calls are not replacing my desire for closer face-to-face contact.But being socially isolated is strange. I usually have several social events per week; tea with a friend, dinner out with a small group, a knitting circle, plus social dancing every weekend. Social media and phone calls are not replacing my desire for closer face-to-face contact.
I meditate regularly and this practice helps me stay in the present moment. I practice finding something to be grateful for every day. I am breathing in. I am breathing out. I am breathing in. I am breathing out.I meditate regularly and this practice helps me stay in the present moment. I practice finding something to be grateful for every day. I am breathing in. I am breathing out. I am breathing in. I am breathing out.
In this moment, I feel better.In this moment, I feel better.
-Nancy WorthenEnjoying the Australia Letter? Sign up here or forward to a friend.-Nancy WorthenEnjoying the Australia Letter? Sign up here or forward to a friend.
For more Australia coverage and discussion, start your day with your local Morning Briefing and join us in our Facebook group.For more Australia coverage and discussion, start your day with your local Morning Briefing and join us in our Facebook group.