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| Black Women Learn to Braid While Social Distancing | Black Women Learn to Braid While Social Distancing |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Niani Barracks usually tends to clients at a salon in Detroit, but now that she must stay indoors because of the coronavirus pandemic, she has instead been running her fingers through the hair of a mannequin head affixed to a stand in her home, as a dozen other black women watch her online. | Niani Barracks usually tends to clients at a salon in Detroit, but now that she must stay indoors because of the coronavirus pandemic, she has instead been running her fingers through the hair of a mannequin head affixed to a stand in her home, as a dozen other black women watch her online. |
| In one video, Ms. Barracks gently cradles three strands of hair between her fingers as she explains how to start a braid. | In one video, Ms. Barracks gently cradles three strands of hair between her fingers as she explains how to start a braid. |
| “Braids are three sections: We always — even if you are cornrowing — start with three sections,” Ms. Barracks, 30, says as she begins to braid the mannequin’s dark brown hair. | “Braids are three sections: We always — even if you are cornrowing — start with three sections,” Ms. Barracks, 30, says as she begins to braid the mannequin’s dark brown hair. |
| She pauses and turns to the camera. “Can you see that?” she asks the women in her hair-braiding class, which is held on Facebook Live in a private group. | She pauses and turns to the camera. “Can you see that?” she asks the women in her hair-braiding class, which is held on Facebook Live in a private group. |
| For $5, students can join the class, A Safe Space for Black Girls That Never Learned How to Braid. The skill is essential for many black women trying to keep their hair healthy while they practice social distancing. Braids are the foundation of many protective hairstyles, like wigs and hair extensions. | For $5, students can join the class, A Safe Space for Black Girls That Never Learned How to Braid. The skill is essential for many black women trying to keep their hair healthy while they practice social distancing. Braids are the foundation of many protective hairstyles, like wigs and hair extensions. |
| With nonessential businesses closing and nearly two dozen states urging at least 212 million Americans to stay home, Facebook has experienced a sharp increase in the use of its Live feature, which lets users broadcast videos. Most of the students in Ms. Barracks’s class are black women hoping to learn how to braid while salons and barbershops have shuttered to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. | With nonessential businesses closing and nearly two dozen states urging at least 212 million Americans to stay home, Facebook has experienced a sharp increase in the use of its Live feature, which lets users broadcast videos. Most of the students in Ms. Barracks’s class are black women hoping to learn how to braid while salons and barbershops have shuttered to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. |
| After she started staying home with her son when his school closed, Ms. Barracks got the idea to start the class. | After she started staying home with her son when his school closed, Ms. Barracks got the idea to start the class. |
| “There were some moments of anxiety when I realized I don’t have another job and that I won’t be making any money,” Ms. Barracks said. “Everything started shutting down except the bills.” | “There were some moments of anxiety when I realized I don’t have another job and that I won’t be making any money,” Ms. Barracks said. “Everything started shutting down except the bills.” |
| On March 15, Ms. Barracks posted on her Facebook profile about her class. In a week, 75 students signed up. | On March 15, Ms. Barracks posted on her Facebook profile about her class. In a week, 75 students signed up. |
| Twice a week, for an hour, Ms. Barracks goes live in the private group. Her students can comment and ask questions. They sometimes ask her to repeat a step they couldn’t quite master and she obliges. She also makes herself available on Zoom, a video-calling app, for questions. | Twice a week, for an hour, Ms. Barracks goes live in the private group. Her students can comment and ask questions. They sometimes ask her to repeat a step they couldn’t quite master and she obliges. She also makes herself available on Zoom, a video-calling app, for questions. |
| “That makes it different from a YouTube tutorial,” Ms. Barracks said. “On YouTube you can pause it or rewind it, but with a live video someone can say: ‘Can you do that over again? I am having issues grabbing the hair on the right side.’” | “That makes it different from a YouTube tutorial,” Ms. Barracks said. “On YouTube you can pause it or rewind it, but with a live video someone can say: ‘Can you do that over again? I am having issues grabbing the hair on the right side.’” |
| Several students, many of them parents trying to learn how to maintain their children’s hair while salons are closed, said they were thankful for Ms. Barracks’s class. | Several students, many of them parents trying to learn how to maintain their children’s hair while salons are closed, said they were thankful for Ms. Barracks’s class. |
| “A true fact is that a lot of us don’t know how to take care of our own hair,” said one student, Debra Turnboe, 21. | “A true fact is that a lot of us don’t know how to take care of our own hair,” said one student, Debra Turnboe, 21. |
| “It is not that we don’t want to, we just do not know how,” said Ms. Turnboe, who used her 1-year-old daughter, Dream, as her mannequin during the class. | “It is not that we don’t want to, we just do not know how,” said Ms. Turnboe, who used her 1-year-old daughter, Dream, as her mannequin during the class. |
| For many black women, a salon visit is about more than simply aesthetics or treating themselves during a stressful time, said Dr. Michele S. Green, a dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. | For many black women, a salon visit is about more than simply aesthetics or treating themselves during a stressful time, said Dr. Michele S. Green, a dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. |
| “Black women have delicate hair and hair follicles,” Dr. Green said. “Not being able to see someone or get any treatment can cause damage.” | “Black women have delicate hair and hair follicles,” Dr. Green said. “Not being able to see someone or get any treatment can cause damage.” |
| Updated June 22, 2020 | Updated June 22, 2020 |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | 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. |
| Learning to braid can present its own obstacles, too. Not knowing how to braid or how to keep hair healthy is a source of shame for some black women, Ms. Barracks said. | |
| “It is like the stereotype that all black people know how to dance; that is not necessarily true,” she said. | “It is like the stereotype that all black people know how to dance; that is not necessarily true,” she said. |
| That is why Ms. Barracks said she had proclaimed her course a safe place. | That is why Ms. Barracks said she had proclaimed her course a safe place. |
| “You don’t have to feel a way; you are in a virtual room with women that are just like you or women that want to support you,” she said. | “You don’t have to feel a way; you are in a virtual room with women that are just like you or women that want to support you,” she said. |
| Many users on Facebook have decided to use the platform to educate others while they are at home. | Many users on Facebook have decided to use the platform to educate others while they are at home. |
| In the United States, Facebook has had a 50 percent increase in Facebook Live viewers in the past month, according to a company spokeswoman. | In the United States, Facebook has had a 50 percent increase in Facebook Live viewers in the past month, according to a company spokeswoman. |
| Many classes have sprouted up on Facebook in the past couple of weeks, according to the spokeswoman. Among them are a virtual ballet class with 1,500 members that was created on March 15, and a 19,000-member virtual children’s camp that started on March 12. | Many classes have sprouted up on Facebook in the past couple of weeks, according to the spokeswoman. Among them are a virtual ballet class with 1,500 members that was created on March 15, and a 19,000-member virtual children’s camp that started on March 12. |
| It seems the newfound time at home is a good opportunity to hone a new skill. | It seems the newfound time at home is a good opportunity to hone a new skill. |
| “I can still stand to learn something,” said Carole Taylor, 60, a student in Ms. Barracks’s Facebook group. | “I can still stand to learn something,” said Carole Taylor, 60, a student in Ms. Barracks’s Facebook group. |
| “I could use some improvement on my braids, so I decided to sign up for the class,” she added. | “I could use some improvement on my braids, so I decided to sign up for the class,” she added. |
| For Kendra Cole, 35, a publicist from Chicago, having the ability to teach her daughters, Cali, 2, and Reign, 7 months, protective styles to keep their hair healthy was reason enough to take the class. | For Kendra Cole, 35, a publicist from Chicago, having the ability to teach her daughters, Cali, 2, and Reign, 7 months, protective styles to keep their hair healthy was reason enough to take the class. |
| “On a practical level, as a working mom, I don’t have the time to do my daughter’s hair every day, so learning how to braid is essential to my everyday life,” Ms. Cole said. | “On a practical level, as a working mom, I don’t have the time to do my daughter’s hair every day, so learning how to braid is essential to my everyday life,” Ms. Cole said. |
| Ms. Barracks said she learned at age 12 how to braid from a book she borrowed from a friend. | Ms. Barracks said she learned at age 12 how to braid from a book she borrowed from a friend. |
| “If I could learn from a book at 12, then anybody at least 12 and over can figure it out from a live video,” Ms. Barracks said. “I am going in and helping you step by step.” | “If I could learn from a book at 12, then anybody at least 12 and over can figure it out from a live video,” Ms. Barracks said. “I am going in and helping you step by step.” |