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How Coronavirus-Weary Americans Are Seeking Joy How Coronavirus-Weary Americans Are Seeking Joy
(about 13 hours later)
FORT LAUDERDALE — Americans were sunning themselves on beaches just days ago. They were sipping cocktails at bars. They were cheering on sports teams and working out at the gym. They were chasing culture at museums and cutting a rug at clubs. They were trying to get lucky in Vegas, and romping through Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth.FORT LAUDERDALE — Americans were sunning themselves on beaches just days ago. They were sipping cocktails at bars. They were cheering on sports teams and working out at the gym. They were chasing culture at museums and cutting a rug at clubs. They were trying to get lucky in Vegas, and romping through Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth.
No more. Closed, canceled, quiet.No more. Closed, canceled, quiet.
Americans have shut themselves off from each other in a dramatic fashion in hopes of curbing the global coronavirus outbreak. The days of cutting loose are gone. Unless it’s six feet apart.Americans have shut themselves off from each other in a dramatic fashion in hopes of curbing the global coronavirus outbreak. The days of cutting loose are gone. Unless it’s six feet apart.
No ice cream parties.No ice cream parties.
No yoga classes.No yoga classes.
No cocktail mixers.No cocktail mixers.
No bingo.No bingo.
No nothing.No nothing.
But some are redefining what it means to have fun, savoring simple pleasures in the midst of so much gloom.But some are redefining what it means to have fun, savoring simple pleasures in the midst of so much gloom.
Empty hours and canceled plans are what led the Kasens to one of America’s remaining drive-in theaters in Fort Lauderdale, for back-to-back nights. Philip Kasen, 68, had planned to catch a Marlins spring training game in Jupiter, and Adrian Kasen, 70, was headed to a spiritual retreat further north in Fruitland.Empty hours and canceled plans are what led the Kasens to one of America’s remaining drive-in theaters in Fort Lauderdale, for back-to-back nights. Philip Kasen, 68, had planned to catch a Marlins spring training game in Jupiter, and Adrian Kasen, 70, was headed to a spiritual retreat further north in Fruitland.
No spring training.No spring training.
No spiritual retreats.No spiritual retreats.
“I am in charge of our entertainment. All of a sudden, we had to rethink what we can do,” said Mr. Kasen just after pulling their blue compact car into the parking lot for the 8 p.m. showing of “Bad Boys For Life.” The night before, they saw “Onward,” Mrs. Kasen announced while unpacking a bag stuffed with hand sanitizer, pretzels and candy.“I am in charge of our entertainment. All of a sudden, we had to rethink what we can do,” said Mr. Kasen just after pulling their blue compact car into the parking lot for the 8 p.m. showing of “Bad Boys For Life.” The night before, they saw “Onward,” Mrs. Kasen announced while unpacking a bag stuffed with hand sanitizer, pretzels and candy.
“There are no sports to watch, which hurts, so we were trying to come up with something we could do without putting ourselves at risk,” said Mr. Kasen. “We were looking for a safe space.”“There are no sports to watch, which hurts, so we were trying to come up with something we could do without putting ourselves at risk,” said Mr. Kasen. “We were looking for a safe space.”
At this frightening and uncertain time, Americans of every generation — from preschoolers to pensioners — are now looking at weeks, possibly months of no recreation, at least not out in the open.At this frightening and uncertain time, Americans of every generation — from preschoolers to pensioners — are now looking at weeks, possibly months of no recreation, at least not out in the open.
The outbreak has led to questions unimaginable just a month ago: What is fun in the age of a pandemic? What can one do safely indoors or outdoors? How does a play date work six feet apart?The outbreak has led to questions unimaginable just a month ago: What is fun in the age of a pandemic? What can one do safely indoors or outdoors? How does a play date work six feet apart?
“People are trying to navigate this collective challenge by reimagining what fun is while being clear about the serious nature of this,” said Tracy Sturdivant, 43, who runs a social impact firm in Brooklyn and spent much of last week crowdsourcing safe things to do with her family.“People are trying to navigate this collective challenge by reimagining what fun is while being clear about the serious nature of this,” said Tracy Sturdivant, 43, who runs a social impact firm in Brooklyn and spent much of last week crowdsourcing safe things to do with her family.
Her husband, Victor Hamilton, has rediscovered an activity from his childhood that helps fill the hours: coloring in sketchbooks.Her husband, Victor Hamilton, has rediscovered an activity from his childhood that helps fill the hours: coloring in sketchbooks.
“From the people at the bars who are like, ‘whatever,’ to people behind drawn curtains and everyone in between, we are just trying to figure out what it means to practice social distancing,” Ms. Sturdivant said, ticking off a list of events canceled by the outbreak, including her son’s soccer practice, a birthday party and a gala.“From the people at the bars who are like, ‘whatever,’ to people behind drawn curtains and everyone in between, we are just trying to figure out what it means to practice social distancing,” Ms. Sturdivant said, ticking off a list of events canceled by the outbreak, including her son’s soccer practice, a birthday party and a gala.
As the virus marched into every state, cities and towns across the country shelved crowd-drawing pastimes to enforce social distancing, the single best way to break the chain of transmission, according to health experts.As the virus marched into every state, cities and towns across the country shelved crowd-drawing pastimes to enforce social distancing, the single best way to break the chain of transmission, according to health experts.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged people to stay away from crowds of 50 or more. President Trump slashed that number to 10 and asked Americans to avoid bars and restaurants altogether. The message was loud and clear: stay home, stay away from your favorite places.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged people to stay away from crowds of 50 or more. President Trump slashed that number to 10 and asked Americans to avoid bars and restaurants altogether. The message was loud and clear: stay home, stay away from your favorite places.
And yet, the crowds still gathered.And yet, the crowds still gathered.
Chicago’s huge annual St. Patrick’s Day parade was canceled but that did not stop partyers from chugging green beer at neighborhood bars and pubs. The white sand beaches of Florida have remained packed. A former Nevada beauty queen and political candidate defiantly wrote on Twitter about her recent adventure to a hamburger joint.Chicago’s huge annual St. Patrick’s Day parade was canceled but that did not stop partyers from chugging green beer at neighborhood bars and pubs. The white sand beaches of Florida have remained packed. A former Nevada beauty queen and political candidate defiantly wrote on Twitter about her recent adventure to a hamburger joint.
“I just went to a crowded Red Robin and I’m 30,” wrote Katie Williams, a candidate for the Clark County School District board of trustees in Las Vegas. “It was delicious, and I took my sweet time eating my meal. Because this is America. And I’ll do what I want.”“I just went to a crowded Red Robin and I’m 30,” wrote Katie Williams, a candidate for the Clark County School District board of trustees in Las Vegas. “It was delicious, and I took my sweet time eating my meal. Because this is America. And I’ll do what I want.”
Those heeding the call to stay inside and “flatten the curve” are improvising, following the rules while trying to savor little moments of joy.Those heeding the call to stay inside and “flatten the curve” are improvising, following the rules while trying to savor little moments of joy.
In Italy, the center of the outbreak in Europe, residents in a neighborhood in Rome sang songs from their balconies and windows to cheer each other up. In America, new communities have popped up online, showcasing live musical performances, hosting playwriting competitions, leading virtual dance classes.In Italy, the center of the outbreak in Europe, residents in a neighborhood in Rome sang songs from their balconies and windows to cheer each other up. In America, new communities have popped up online, showcasing live musical performances, hosting playwriting competitions, leading virtual dance classes.
Groups of friends are watching their favorite television shows and movies together over FaceTime. A zoo in Cincinnati has a live video feed of its animal exhibits for children who are now home from school to enjoy.Groups of friends are watching their favorite television shows and movies together over FaceTime. A zoo in Cincinnati has a live video feed of its animal exhibits for children who are now home from school to enjoy.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated 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.
Megan Ledbetter’s social calendar usually includes evenings and weekends at house music sets, ecstatic dances and art shows. She had plans to go see her favorite D.J. spin house music at a downtown Chicago club, but that was before Illinois’s governor began imposing serious restrictions.Megan Ledbetter’s social calendar usually includes evenings and weekends at house music sets, ecstatic dances and art shows. She had plans to go see her favorite D.J. spin house music at a downtown Chicago club, but that was before Illinois’s governor began imposing serious restrictions.
“I wanted to support the artists who will suffer, and I am already feeling cooped up,” said Ms. Ledbetter, 39, a criminal defense lawyer.“I wanted to support the artists who will suffer, and I am already feeling cooped up,” said Ms. Ledbetter, 39, a criminal defense lawyer.
With so much of her entertainment postponed or canceled, Ms. Ledbetter spent the weekend with her 7-year-old daughter, Portia, and ex-husband, inside her house, a safe distance from others.With so much of her entertainment postponed or canceled, Ms. Ledbetter spent the weekend with her 7-year-old daughter, Portia, and ex-husband, inside her house, a safe distance from others.
The boredom gave way to a kind of creativity.The boredom gave way to a kind of creativity.
They built a fort made of furniture, cushions and blankets. They tried a simple sewing project, stitching a satchel. They came up with a new game using Portia’s collection of stuffed animals.They built a fort made of furniture, cushions and blankets. They tried a simple sewing project, stitching a satchel. They came up with a new game using Portia’s collection of stuffed animals.
“I have a young daughter so I have to stay in as we have been advised,” she said. “But the thought of not being able to do the things I do socially, and not knowing when this will be over honestly gives me anxiety.”“I have a young daughter so I have to stay in as we have been advised,” she said. “But the thought of not being able to do the things I do socially, and not knowing when this will be over honestly gives me anxiety.”
Dolores Bsharah went to her last exercise class at a senior center in Livonia, Mich., last week.Dolores Bsharah went to her last exercise class at a senior center in Livonia, Mich., last week.
“With everything shutting down, it feels like our world got really small really quick,” said Ms. Bsharah, 86, who meets her friends — including a 98-year-old — at the class several times a week. “Of course you are disappointed, but you also understand it had to be done.”“With everything shutting down, it feels like our world got really small really quick,” said Ms. Bsharah, 86, who meets her friends — including a 98-year-old — at the class several times a week. “Of course you are disappointed, but you also understand it had to be done.”
Ms. Bsharah plans to fill her days with neighborhood walks and baking Irish soda bread. She has also embraced a bit of spontaneity.Ms. Bsharah plans to fill her days with neighborhood walks and baking Irish soda bread. She has also embraced a bit of spontaneity.
The radio was recently playing pop music when she walked in her family room. No one was watching. She decided to dance.The radio was recently playing pop music when she walked in her family room. No one was watching. She decided to dance.