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They Went Abroad to Study. Now They Are Stranded. They Went Abroad to Study. Now They Are Stranded.
(1 day later)
Channing Stirrat traveled to Ecuador to study biology. Nicholas Nerli flew to Morocco to further his Arabic studies. For Adina Rombro, a study-abroad program offered a chance to dive into Peruvian culture and history.Channing Stirrat traveled to Ecuador to study biology. Nicholas Nerli flew to Morocco to further his Arabic studies. For Adina Rombro, a study-abroad program offered a chance to dive into Peruvian culture and history.
But this past week, as borders suddenly closed and airlines abruptly canceled flights, the biggest lesson for these Americans and many others studying abroad was this: You’re on your own.But this past week, as borders suddenly closed and airlines abruptly canceled flights, the biggest lesson for these Americans and many others studying abroad was this: You’re on your own.
It’s unclear how many American students are stuck overseas, though tens of thousands routinely enroll in study-abroad programs — more than 340,000 in 2017-18, according to a report by the Institute of International Education.It’s unclear how many American students are stuck overseas, though tens of thousands routinely enroll in study-abroad programs — more than 340,000 in 2017-18, according to a report by the Institute of International Education.
U.S. government efforts to evacuate Americans have been halting. President Trump said this past week that the military would bring back Americans from Peru, though evacuations had not taken place as of Saturday even as that country imposed further restrictions on charter flights. On Friday, two Air Force planes evacuated the members of an American women’s football team from Honduras, officials said.U.S. government efforts to evacuate Americans have been halting. President Trump said this past week that the military would bring back Americans from Peru, though evacuations had not taken place as of Saturday even as that country imposed further restrictions on charter flights. On Friday, two Air Force planes evacuated the members of an American women’s football team from Honduras, officials said.
American travelers of all types have faced sudden and unsettling questions with the rapid spread of the coronavirus, but the challenge is particularly stern for students and the colleges under whose auspices they have traveled. Some schools called back their students before borders closed, even when the number of infections was low. Others waited longer, which meant their students had few options for commercial flights.American travelers of all types have faced sudden and unsettling questions with the rapid spread of the coronavirus, but the challenge is particularly stern for students and the colleges under whose auspices they have traveled. Some schools called back their students before borders closed, even when the number of infections was low. Others waited longer, which meant their students had few options for commercial flights.
Some colleges have managed to get their students home in recent days. On Friday, Boston University chartered a private jet, spending about $55,000 to evacuate from Ecuador several of its own students, as well as students and staff from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore., and the University of Miami.Some colleges have managed to get their students home in recent days. On Friday, Boston University chartered a private jet, spending about $55,000 to evacuate from Ecuador several of its own students, as well as students and staff from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore., and the University of Miami.
But across the world, clusters of students remain stranded: A half-dozen physical therapy students from the University of North Carolina are stuck in Guatemala. Fifteen students from Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina, who are training to be paramedics and physician assistants, remain in Peru.But across the world, clusters of students remain stranded: A half-dozen physical therapy students from the University of North Carolina are stuck in Guatemala. Fifteen students from Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina, who are training to be paramedics and physician assistants, remain in Peru.
And about 2,000 Americans enrolled in State Department-funded educational and cultural exchange programs worldwide remain in their host countries, the department said Saturday.And about 2,000 Americans enrolled in State Department-funded educational and cultural exchange programs worldwide remain in their host countries, the department said Saturday.
“These are unprecedented circumstances,” the State Department said in an emailed statement. “We recognize the closing of borders and air space, lack of flights, and other local conditions make travel difficult and it may not be advisable to immediately repatriate all exchange participants.”“These are unprecedented circumstances,” the State Department said in an emailed statement. “We recognize the closing of borders and air space, lack of flights, and other local conditions make travel difficult and it may not be advisable to immediately repatriate all exchange participants.”
In a statement, the University of North Carolina said its officials were in “regular communication” with the students in Guatemala and were “working diligently on arrangements for their safe return home.”In a statement, the University of North Carolina said its officials were in “regular communication” with the students in Guatemala and were “working diligently on arrangements for their safe return home.”
Several American students said they had received limited information from U.S. embassies over the past week, as governments around the world instituted emergency measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, including the sealing of borders.Several American students said they had received limited information from U.S. embassies over the past week, as governments around the world instituted emergency measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, including the sealing of borders.
“For me, it was really disheartening to see the embassy, the State Department, wasn’t able to help us,” said Ms. Stirrat, 20, a junior at Lewis & Clark who eventually got on the Boston University-chartered evacuation flight from Ecuador. “It kind of makes me think twice about what it means to be American and how much the government cares for its citizens.”“For me, it was really disheartening to see the embassy, the State Department, wasn’t able to help us,” said Ms. Stirrat, 20, a junior at Lewis & Clark who eventually got on the Boston University-chartered evacuation flight from Ecuador. “It kind of makes me think twice about what it means to be American and how much the government cares for its citizens.”
Ms. Stirrat, her fellow student Kasia Enriquez, and their faculty adviser, Stephen Tufte, had been trying to get out of Ecuador for nearly a week after the country blocked all incoming flights, which effectively shut down outgoing flights, too.Ms. Stirrat, her fellow student Kasia Enriquez, and their faculty adviser, Stephen Tufte, had been trying to get out of Ecuador for nearly a week after the country blocked all incoming flights, which effectively shut down outgoing flights, too.
The dearth of commercial flights has left students and their advisers with, at best, a patchwork of options. Mr. Neria, 21, the Arabic-language student from Lewis & Clark, was allowed to board a British government-sponsored evacuation flight from Morocco.The dearth of commercial flights has left students and their advisers with, at best, a patchwork of options. Mr. Neria, 21, the Arabic-language student from Lewis & Clark, was allowed to board a British government-sponsored evacuation flight from Morocco.
In Peru, Jessica Buie, 25, a student at Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina, said she and her fellow students packed their bags and headed to the U.S. Consulate in Cusco as soon as they got word that the Peruvian government would close its border.In Peru, Jessica Buie, 25, a student at Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina, said she and her fellow students packed their bags and headed to the U.S. Consulate in Cusco as soon as they got word that the Peruvian government would close its border.
They found a note on the Consulate gate, advising U.S. citizens to call airlines and providing a number to the American Embassy in Lima, which turned out to be incorrect.They found a note on the Consulate gate, advising U.S. citizens to call airlines and providing a number to the American Embassy in Lima, which turned out to be incorrect.
“I felt a little helpless,” Ms. Buie said on Saturday, as she and her fellow students remained in Peru. “I felt we were going to have to work together as a group, to be a wolf pack at this time to get ourselves out.”“I felt a little helpless,” Ms. Buie said on Saturday, as she and her fellow students remained in Peru. “I felt we were going to have to work together as a group, to be a wolf pack at this time to get ourselves out.”
Joel Ellzie, a faculty adviser from the University of South Alabama who is accompanying the students in Peru, said he eventually found the right number for the U.S. Embassy in Lima but was disconnected after being on hold for an hour. He called the experience “disheartening.”Joel Ellzie, a faculty adviser from the University of South Alabama who is accompanying the students in Peru, said he eventually found the right number for the U.S. Embassy in Lima but was disconnected after being on hold for an hour. He called the experience “disheartening.”
Ms. Buie and Mr. Ellzie are among 17 students and faculty from four colleges in Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina who are still in the Peruvian cities of Cusco and Lima. They spend their days watching movies and exercising outside. Under Peru’s restrictions, they are allowed to travel only to the grocery store or pharmacy.Ms. Buie and Mr. Ellzie are among 17 students and faculty from four colleges in Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina who are still in the Peruvian cities of Cusco and Lima. They spend their days watching movies and exercising outside. Under Peru’s restrictions, they are allowed to travel only to the grocery store or pharmacy.
Efforts to secure a private charter plane failed when the Peruvian government halted such flights. This week, in a joint letter, the presidents of the four colleges called on Congress to “urge U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo to work with the Peruvian government to create a solution that would bring these stranded students home as soon as possible.”Efforts to secure a private charter plane failed when the Peruvian government halted such flights. This week, in a joint letter, the presidents of the four colleges called on Congress to “urge U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo to work with the Peruvian government to create a solution that would bring these stranded students home as soon as possible.”
A State Department spokesperson said in an email Saturday that the agency “has no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas.” The department’s advice has been broad, though, and for many students and other Americans, impractical as well.A State Department spokesperson said in an email Saturday that the agency “has no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas.” The department’s advice has been broad, though, and for many students and other Americans, impractical as well.
“In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States,” the department said as late as Thursday.“In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States,” the department said as late as Thursday.
But departure by commercial airlines is no longer an option in many countries, where commercial airlines have all but stopped flying.But departure by commercial airlines is no longer an option in many countries, where commercial airlines have all but stopped flying.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.
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.
The State Department also cautioned U.S. citizens that consular services abroad may be limited because the agency had allowed staff members, starting last week, to return home if they were at high risk of infection.The State Department also cautioned U.S. citizens that consular services abroad may be limited because the agency had allowed staff members, starting last week, to return home if they were at high risk of infection.
Ms. Rombro, a 22-year-old history major at Barnard College in New York, has been effectively locked down in the small apartment she shares with her host in Lima.Ms. Rombro, a 22-year-old history major at Barnard College in New York, has been effectively locked down in the small apartment she shares with her host in Lima.
Barnard said it had “strongly recommended” all students leave their study abroad programs on March 10, before Peru closed its border. But in an email exchange on March 13, a Barnard official told Ms. Rombro that the university had “not made any decisions yet requiring students to depart Latin America,” where the number of cases were relatively small.Barnard said it had “strongly recommended” all students leave their study abroad programs on March 10, before Peru closed its border. But in an email exchange on March 13, a Barnard official told Ms. Rombro that the university had “not made any decisions yet requiring students to depart Latin America,” where the number of cases were relatively small.
Ms. Rombro’s parents have turned to their local congressman for help.Ms. Rombro’s parents have turned to their local congressman for help.
A Barnard spokeswoman said Saturday that the college was working with an outside security firm to arrange a charter flight.A Barnard spokeswoman said Saturday that the college was working with an outside security firm to arrange a charter flight.
Despite being stranded, Ms. Rombro feels lucky about many things: “I have a bed, I’m not paying for my housing, I don’t have to worry about paying for food, I have water to drink, I have wifi.”Despite being stranded, Ms. Rombro feels lucky about many things: “I have a bed, I’m not paying for my housing, I don’t have to worry about paying for food, I have water to drink, I have wifi.”
Reporting was contributed by Helene Cooper, Eric Schmitt and Julie Turkewitz.Reporting was contributed by Helene Cooper, Eric Schmitt and Julie Turkewitz.