This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/world/europe/prince-charles-coronavirus.html

The article has changed 31 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Prince Charles Tests Positive for Coronavirus Prince Charles Tests Positive for Coronavirus
(32 minutes later)
LONDON — Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and the heir to the British throne, has contracted the coronavirus, Buckingham Palace said on Wednesday, adding that he had been suffering from mild symptoms since last weekend.LONDON — Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and the heir to the British throne, has contracted the coronavirus, Buckingham Palace said on Wednesday, adding that he had been suffering from mild symptoms since last weekend.
Medical advisers said that Charles was otherwise in good health and that they did not expect the virus to develop into a more serious illness, according to an official at the palace. But Charles, who is 71, met with the queen on March 12 — only a day before the advisers said it was possible that he became infectious with the virus.Medical advisers said that Charles was otherwise in good health and that they did not expect the virus to develop into a more serious illness, according to an official at the palace. But Charles, who is 71, met with the queen on March 12 — only a day before the advisers said it was possible that he became infectious with the virus.
The prince’s illness, and his potential exposure to the queen and other members of the royal family, rattled an already nervous Britain, which has seen the number of cases and deaths accelerate rapidly over the last few days, prompting Prime Minister Boris Johnson to put the country into a virtual lockdown.The prince’s illness, and his potential exposure to the queen and other members of the royal family, rattled an already nervous Britain, which has seen the number of cases and deaths accelerate rapidly over the last few days, prompting Prime Minister Boris Johnson to put the country into a virtual lockdown.
Buckingham Palace said the queen, who turns 94 next month, “remains in good health.” She sequestered herself in Windsor Castle last week with her husband, Prince Philip, who is 98, saying that she and her family would follow the social distancing guidelines set out by the government.Buckingham Palace said the queen, who turns 94 next month, “remains in good health.” She sequestered herself in Windsor Castle last week with her husband, Prince Philip, who is 98, saying that she and her family would follow the social distancing guidelines set out by the government.
[Update: Boris Johnson, U.K. Prime Minister, has the coronavirus.][Update: Boris Johnson, U.K. Prime Minister, has the coronavirus.]
Charles, also known as the Prince of Wales, was tested by the National Health Service in Scotland on Monday, according to a palace official. He received a positive result the next day and is recuperating at Birkhall, a cottage on the grounds of Balmoral, the queen’s Scottish residence. He is isolated from his wife and the staff, the official said.Charles, also known as the Prince of Wales, was tested by the National Health Service in Scotland on Monday, according to a palace official. He received a positive result the next day and is recuperating at Birkhall, a cottage on the grounds of Balmoral, the queen’s Scottish residence. He is isolated from his wife and the staff, the official said.
“He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual,” the palace said in a statement. It added that his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, “has also been tested but does not have the virus.”“He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual,” the palace said in a statement. It added that his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, “has also been tested but does not have the virus.”
The description of Charles’s symptoms as mild raised questions about whether he was granted preferential treatment in being tested for the virus. The guidelines for the National Health Service in Scotland say that people will generally be tested only “if you have a serious illness that requires admission to the hospital.” The palace said Charles and his wife “met the criteria required for testing.”The description of Charles’s symptoms as mild raised questions about whether he was granted preferential treatment in being tested for the virus. The guidelines for the National Health Service in Scotland say that people will generally be tested only “if you have a serious illness that requires admission to the hospital.” The palace said Charles and his wife “met the criteria required for testing.”
The sharp restrictions on testing have become a charged issue in Britain, with medical experts warning that unless it is ramped up quickly, the country will squander the advantages of the 21-day lockdown now in place. Britain had reported 8,077 cases of the virus and 422 deaths as of Wednesday afternoon.The sharp restrictions on testing have become a charged issue in Britain, with medical experts warning that unless it is ramped up quickly, the country will squander the advantages of the 21-day lockdown now in place. Britain had reported 8,077 cases of the virus and 422 deaths as of Wednesday afternoon.
The timing of the prince’s meetings with other family members, especially the queen, is also likely to draw scrutiny. On March 10, Charles sat across a table from Prince Albert II of Monaco, who nine days later tested positive for the coronavirus. On March 12, officials said Charles had his last meeting with Queen Elizabeth after an investiture ceremony.The timing of the prince’s meetings with other family members, especially the queen, is also likely to draw scrutiny. On March 10, Charles sat across a table from Prince Albert II of Monaco, who nine days later tested positive for the coronavirus. On March 12, officials said Charles had his last meeting with Queen Elizabeth after an investiture ceremony.
Medical advisers, they said, estimated that the earliest date the prince could have been infectious was the day after that, March 13, though it was not clear how they had arrived at that assessment. The palace declined to identify the members of Charles’s medical team or to discuss his prognosis in detail.Medical advisers, they said, estimated that the earliest date the prince could have been infectious was the day after that, March 13, though it was not clear how they had arrived at that assessment. The palace declined to identify the members of Charles’s medical team or to discuss his prognosis in detail.
The incubation period for the coronavirus varies by patient, according to the World Health Organization, with most people showing symptoms about five days from the date they were infected. But it can incubate for as long as 14 days, which, given when Charles began showing symptoms, would be before he met with his mother.The incubation period for the coronavirus varies by patient, according to the World Health Organization, with most people showing symptoms about five days from the date they were infected. But it can incubate for as long as 14 days, which, given when Charles began showing symptoms, would be before he met with his mother.
“It is not possible to ascertain from whom the prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks,” the palace said in its statement.“It is not possible to ascertain from whom the prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks,” the palace said in its statement.
In addition to public meetings, officials said Charles had been in contact with employees of the Duchy of Cornwall, his hereditary estate, and staff members at Highgrove House, his country residence in Gloucestershire. After suspending his public schedule on March 12, an official said, Charles stayed at Highgrove until Sunday, when he traveled to the more remote Birkhall.In addition to public meetings, officials said Charles had been in contact with employees of the Duchy of Cornwall, his hereditary estate, and staff members at Highgrove House, his country residence in Gloucestershire. After suspending his public schedule on March 12, an official said, Charles stayed at Highgrove until Sunday, when he traveled to the more remote Birkhall.
The prince’s decision to travel even after experiencing symptoms, which the government has strongly discouraged, also raised questions. Officials at the palace said the symptoms were not pronounced enough to cancel his plans, and that Charles decided to go after consulting his medical team.The prince’s decision to travel even after experiencing symptoms, which the government has strongly discouraged, also raised questions. Officials at the palace said the symptoms were not pronounced enough to cancel his plans, and that Charles decided to go after consulting his medical team.
On March 16, the government advised people over age 70 to avoid nonessential social contact for 12 weeks. A few days later, the queen canceled her schedule and left Buckingham Palace for Windsor, where officials said she would be exposed to fewer people. She was joined there by Philip, who lives in retirement on the grounds of another royal house, Sandringham.On March 16, the government advised people over age 70 to avoid nonessential social contact for 12 weeks. A few days later, the queen canceled her schedule and left Buckingham Palace for Windsor, where officials said she would be exposed to fewer people. She was joined there by Philip, who lives in retirement on the grounds of another royal house, Sandringham.
Britain’s royal family was last seen together on March 9, when they gathered for a service in Westminster Abbey to honor the British Commonwealth. It was a bittersweet occasion — the final formal appearance of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, who have withdrawn from royal duties and relocated to Canada.Britain’s royal family was last seen together on March 9, when they gathered for a service in Westminster Abbey to honor the British Commonwealth. It was a bittersweet occasion — the final formal appearance of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, who have withdrawn from royal duties and relocated to Canada.
The bitter negotiations between the couple and Buckingham Palace over their future plunged the royal family into its deepest crisis since the death of Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. Adding to that was the furor over Prince Andrew, the queen’s second-born son, whose dealings with the disgraced billionaire Jeffrey Epstein spilled back into the open in recent months.The bitter negotiations between the couple and Buckingham Palace over their future plunged the royal family into its deepest crisis since the death of Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. Adding to that was the furor over Prince Andrew, the queen’s second-born son, whose dealings with the disgraced billionaire Jeffrey Epstein spilled back into the open in recent months.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
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.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.
Charles has been in touch in recent days with his elder son, Prince William, as well as with both Harry and the queen, the palace said.Charles has been in touch in recent days with his elder son, Prince William, as well as with both Harry and the queen, the palace said.
William, who is next in line to the throne after his father, made a surprise visit along with his wife, Kate, last Friday to a call center in London, where the National Health Service responds to people reporting symptoms of coronavirus. He has now moved to a cottage on the grounds of Sandringham — effectively scattering the royal family’s senior members throughout Britain.William, who is next in line to the throne after his father, made a surprise visit along with his wife, Kate, last Friday to a call center in London, where the National Health Service responds to people reporting symptoms of coronavirus. He has now moved to a cottage on the grounds of Sandringham — effectively scattering the royal family’s senior members throughout Britain.
Despite having to drop out of sight, the queen has tried to play her historic role as a calming figure during times of crisis. Last week, she issued a statement calling on the country to pull together by keeping apart.Despite having to drop out of sight, the queen has tried to play her historic role as a calming figure during times of crisis. Last week, she issued a statement calling on the country to pull together by keeping apart.
“We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them,” she said.“We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them,” she said.
“Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe,” the queen added. “You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.”“Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe,” the queen added. “You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.”