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As Visitors Continue to Arrive, Tourist Areas Say: Stay Home As Visitors Continue to Arrive, Tourist Areas Say: Stay Home
(32 minutes later)
Even as millions of Americans are on lockdown in their homes, some people are still traveling to vacation spots, drawn by cheap airfares, the hope of riding out the pandemic in someplace less populated, or both. In Hawaii, statistics show that arrivals, which have been trending down since late February, largely led by a steep drop in visitors from Japan, remained, as of March 16, at about 80 percent of last year’s figures.Even as millions of Americans are on lockdown in their homes, some people are still traveling to vacation spots, drawn by cheap airfares, the hope of riding out the pandemic in someplace less populated, or both. In Hawaii, statistics show that arrivals, which have been trending down since late February, largely led by a steep drop in visitors from Japan, remained, as of March 16, at about 80 percent of last year’s figures.
But a growing number of tourist destinations across the country are sending their own message to potential visitors: Stay home.But a growing number of tourist destinations across the country are sending their own message to potential visitors: Stay home.
From Hawaii and Moab, Utah, to the Outer Banks, N.C., and a small island in Maine, local authorities are urging travelers to reconsider trips that are not essential. Even permanent residents in popular second-home locations like the Hamptons, in New York, aren’t always welcoming the influx of people who own vacation houses.From Hawaii and Moab, Utah, to the Outer Banks, N.C., and a small island in Maine, local authorities are urging travelers to reconsider trips that are not essential. Even permanent residents in popular second-home locations like the Hamptons, in New York, aren’t always welcoming the influx of people who own vacation houses.
“Tourists are still coming in,” said Julie Ohashi, 36, a Maui resident, in a telephone interview on Friday. She founded the Facebook group Maui Covid-19 Facts about a month ago, and has been protesting at the island’s airport with signs urging visitors to go home.“Tourists are still coming in,” said Julie Ohashi, 36, a Maui resident, in a telephone interview on Friday. She founded the Facebook group Maui Covid-19 Facts about a month ago, and has been protesting at the island’s airport with signs urging visitors to go home.
On March 17, Hawaii’s governor, David Ige, asked travelers to postpone trips for 30 days. “The actions I’m announcing today may seem extreme to some of you, and we know that it will have negative effects to our economy. But we are confident that taking aggressive actions now will allow us to have a quicker recovery when this crisis is over,” Governor Ige said in a news release.On March 17, Hawaii’s governor, David Ige, asked travelers to postpone trips for 30 days. “The actions I’m announcing today may seem extreme to some of you, and we know that it will have negative effects to our economy. But we are confident that taking aggressive actions now will allow us to have a quicker recovery when this crisis is over,” Governor Ige said in a news release.
Travel is the leading economic driver in Hawaii. Last year, more than 10 million visitors arrived in the state, spending $17.8 billion, according to the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.Travel is the leading economic driver in Hawaii. Last year, more than 10 million visitors arrived in the state, spending $17.8 billion, according to the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.
But in the coronavirus era, restrictions are mounting, and on Saturday, Governor Ige announced a 14-day self-quarantine beginning March 26 for both visitors and returning residents.But in the coronavirus era, restrictions are mounting, and on Saturday, Governor Ige announced a 14-day self-quarantine beginning March 26 for both visitors and returning residents.
Curfews and mandatory closures of restaurants bars and nightclubs for indoor service have been enacted in Honolulu, on the island of Kauai and in the County of Maui.Curfews and mandatory closures of restaurants bars and nightclubs for indoor service have been enacted in Honolulu, on the island of Kauai and in the County of Maui.
Hawaii County has issued guidance that restaurants, bars and places of worship may make their own decisions to open or close, and consider ways to minimize risk to customers and employees.Hawaii County has issued guidance that restaurants, bars and places of worship may make their own decisions to open or close, and consider ways to minimize risk to customers and employees.
In the days preceding the announcement of the quarantine, the governor had requested that people postpone their visits, “but these aren’t people who will respond to a request,” Ms. Ohashi said while sharing screen shots of heated online debates between incoming travelers and islanders and photos, including one of a tourist raising her middle finger to the protesters, and Facebook comments like “Airline tickets are cheap. It’s exactly why we booked just a week ago. See you soon …”In the days preceding the announcement of the quarantine, the governor had requested that people postpone their visits, “but these aren’t people who will respond to a request,” Ms. Ohashi said while sharing screen shots of heated online debates between incoming travelers and islanders and photos, including one of a tourist raising her middle finger to the protesters, and Facebook comments like “Airline tickets are cheap. It’s exactly why we booked just a week ago. See you soon …”
In a letter to tourism industry leaders on Wednesday, Chris Tatum, the president and chief executive of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, referred to the island’s limited medical capacity. As of March 21, the state had 48 Covid-19 cases.In a letter to tourism industry leaders on Wednesday, Chris Tatum, the president and chief executive of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, referred to the island’s limited medical capacity. As of March 21, the state had 48 Covid-19 cases.
“We are concerned about the limits of our health care system to adequately care for our community. Visitors putting their plans on hold for the next 30 days will allow our health care providers to manage this pandemic,” he wrote.“We are concerned about the limits of our health care system to adequately care for our community. Visitors putting their plans on hold for the next 30 days will allow our health care providers to manage this pandemic,” he wrote.
That’s the worry of many tourism-dependent communities that don’t have the hospital beds necessary in the event of an outbreak.That’s the worry of many tourism-dependent communities that don’t have the hospital beds necessary in the event of an outbreak.
On March 16, the 17-bed Moab Regional Hospital in Moab, Utah, a popular adventure destination in southern Utah and the gateway to Canyonlands and Arches national parks, wrote to the Utah governor, Gary Herbert, asking him to shut down tourism businesses to deter visitors. The letter signed by five hospital executives, called the town “ small … cruise ship small … with similar isolation and limitations in resources.”On March 16, the 17-bed Moab Regional Hospital in Moab, Utah, a popular adventure destination in southern Utah and the gateway to Canyonlands and Arches national parks, wrote to the Utah governor, Gary Herbert, asking him to shut down tourism businesses to deter visitors. The letter signed by five hospital executives, called the town “ small … cruise ship small … with similar isolation and limitations in resources.”
The next day, the Southeast Utah Health Department instituted a 30-day ban on overnight lodging for nonessential visitors. The parks remain open, and though visitor’s centers are closed, outside exhibits help visitors with logistics.The next day, the Southeast Utah Health Department instituted a 30-day ban on overnight lodging for nonessential visitors. The parks remain open, and though visitor’s centers are closed, outside exhibits help visitors with logistics.
Of those traveling, many are trying to shelter at second homes where social distancing might be easier than in a city.Of those traveling, many are trying to shelter at second homes where social distancing might be easier than in a city.
Rick Mordesovich, 54, a wealth manager from San Francisco, and his husband moved a week ago to their house in Sonoma, Calif., where they regularly spend weekends.Rick Mordesovich, 54, a wealth manager from San Francisco, and his husband moved a week ago to their house in Sonoma, Calif., where they regularly spend weekends.
“We decided we’d stay for a couple of weeks til it blew over, but now it looks like four to eight weeks,” he said, referring to the shelter in place order issued by the County of Sonoma on March 17.“We decided we’d stay for a couple of weeks til it blew over, but now it looks like four to eight weeks,” he said, referring to the shelter in place order issued by the County of Sonoma on March 17.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
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. 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.
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.
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.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
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.
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.
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.
Second-home owners can still get to their properties on the string of barrier islands known as the Outer Banks in North Carolina, though Dare County has restricted access to residents, nonresident property owners and employees of local businesses by using checkpoints.Second-home owners can still get to their properties on the string of barrier islands known as the Outer Banks in North Carolina, though Dare County has restricted access to residents, nonresident property owners and employees of local businesses by using checkpoints.
“From our perspective, we consider this pause in visitation to hopefully save some lives,” said Lee Nettles, the executive director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.“From our perspective, we consider this pause in visitation to hopefully save some lives,” said Lee Nettles, the executive director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
Colorado’s tourism industry has been rocked in the middle of ski season — March 15 to be precise — when the state’s ski resorts were shut down as Covid-19 cases appeared to spike across mountain towns, which are popular with skiers worldwide. In Aspen alone, 10 Australians tested positive for Covid-19 and were quarantined.Colorado’s tourism industry has been rocked in the middle of ski season — March 15 to be precise — when the state’s ski resorts were shut down as Covid-19 cases appeared to spike across mountain towns, which are popular with skiers worldwide. In Aspen alone, 10 Australians tested positive for Covid-19 and were quarantined.
“We are challenged in our town more than many places in the world because of all our visitors from across the globe and also because we like to travel as well. All of this increases our potential for exposure to the virus,” wrote Jim Schmidt, the mayor of Crested Butte, in a message to the community dated March 14.“We are challenged in our town more than many places in the world because of all our visitors from across the globe and also because we like to travel as well. All of this increases our potential for exposure to the virus,” wrote Jim Schmidt, the mayor of Crested Butte, in a message to the community dated March 14.
The state of Colorado now recommends that visitors “should seriously consider canceling nonessential travel,” according to its Covid-19 state website.The state of Colorado now recommends that visitors “should seriously consider canceling nonessential travel,” according to its Covid-19 state website.
David Trainer, a 47-year-old financial executive from Nashville, was already in Aspen with his wife and three children on spring break when the lifts closed. The family decided to stay on in a condo owned by his in-laws and are uncertain when they will leave or how. As they consider driving to practice social distancing, they are cooking in and enjoying downtime.David Trainer, a 47-year-old financial executive from Nashville, was already in Aspen with his wife and three children on spring break when the lifts closed. The family decided to stay on in a condo owned by his in-laws and are uncertain when they will leave or how. As they consider driving to practice social distancing, they are cooking in and enjoying downtime.
“For our family, it’s been kind of a good thing,” he said. “We run so hard for school and work and sports, that hanging out, playing Monopoly and poker and going on hikes, it’s not so bad.”“For our family, it’s been kind of a good thing,” he said. “We run so hard for school and work and sports, that hanging out, playing Monopoly and poker and going on hikes, it’s not so bad.”
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