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| Pandemic Mars Putin’s Coronation and Endangers Russia’s Veterans | Pandemic Mars Putin’s Coronation and Endangers Russia’s Veterans |
| (about 13 hours later) | |
| MOSCOW — When local officials bearing flowers and a medal arrived to pay tribute to a 93-year-old grandmother and war veteran at her home north of Moscow, they didn’t get quite the welcome they expected. | MOSCOW — When local officials bearing flowers and a medal arrived to pay tribute to a 93-year-old grandmother and war veteran at her home north of Moscow, they didn’t get quite the welcome they expected. |
| As one of the officials leaned in for a hug, the honoree’s granddaughter jumped in to stop it. | As one of the officials leaned in for a hug, the honoree’s granddaughter jumped in to stop it. |
| “I said: ‘This is my grandma, my apartment,’” recalled Yevgeniya Ovod, who had been doing her best to keep her grandmother isolated from the outside world and the coronavirus. “‘I’m asking you to leave.’ Honestly, I pushed her out.” | “I said: ‘This is my grandma, my apartment,’” recalled Yevgeniya Ovod, who had been doing her best to keep her grandmother isolated from the outside world and the coronavirus. “‘I’m asking you to leave.’ Honestly, I pushed her out.” |
| Such ceremonies to celebrate war heroes have been happening in homes and schools and at veterans’ unions all across Russia ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. | Such ceremonies to celebrate war heroes have been happening in homes and schools and at veterans’ unions all across Russia ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. |
| But the coronavirus has turned the festivities into a life-or-death matter for the country’s dwindling number of living veterans of the war. | But the coronavirus has turned the festivities into a life-or-death matter for the country’s dwindling number of living veterans of the war. |
| The pandemic is also disrupting the ambitious vision of President Vladimir V. Putin to glorify the triumph, and his own leadership. | The pandemic is also disrupting the ambitious vision of President Vladimir V. Putin to glorify the triumph, and his own leadership. |
| Victory Day, marked on May 9, is Russia’s main national holiday and has long been a cornerstone of the great-power patriotism cultivated by Mr. Putin. This year’s edition has been planned as one of the biggest celebrations yet, doubling as a coronation of sorts for Mr. Putin on the heels of a constitutional overhaul that could allow him to rule for life. | Victory Day, marked on May 9, is Russia’s main national holiday and has long been a cornerstone of the great-power patriotism cultivated by Mr. Putin. This year’s edition has been planned as one of the biggest celebrations yet, doubling as a coronation of sorts for Mr. Putin on the heels of a constitutional overhaul that could allow him to rule for life. |
| But now, the May 9 military parade on Moscow’s Red Square, usually observed by world leaders hosted by Mr. Putin amid throngs of veterans and other spectators, may be canceled because of the pandemic, the Kremlin said. The April 22 referendum to approve the constitutional changes has already been postponed. | But now, the May 9 military parade on Moscow’s Red Square, usually observed by world leaders hosted by Mr. Putin amid throngs of veterans and other spectators, may be canceled because of the pandemic, the Kremlin said. The April 22 referendum to approve the constitutional changes has already been postponed. |
| Russia has reported more than 1,200 coronavirus cases and four deaths, with steep increases in the numbers of infections reported in recent days. | Russia has reported more than 1,200 coronavirus cases and four deaths, with steep increases in the numbers of infections reported in recent days. |
| The epidemic for now is still centered in Moscow, but experts say that while Russia has so far avoided the dire scenarios seen in parts of Europe and the United States, the virus may be primed to wreak widespread havoc here as well — with older people, as elsewhere, at greatest risk. | The epidemic for now is still centered in Moscow, but experts say that while Russia has so far avoided the dire scenarios seen in parts of Europe and the United States, the virus may be primed to wreak widespread havoc here as well — with older people, as elsewhere, at greatest risk. |
| Despite their vulnerabilities, World War II veterans and survivors in their 80s and 90s have continued to be invited to gatherings all over Russia in recent weeks. Under decrees from Mr. Putin, all living veterans and many other war survivors get a payout of 75,000 rubles — about $1,000 — as well as a medal to be awarded “in a festive setting.” | Despite their vulnerabilities, World War II veterans and survivors in their 80s and 90s have continued to be invited to gatherings all over Russia in recent weeks. Under decrees from Mr. Putin, all living veterans and many other war survivors get a payout of 75,000 rubles — about $1,000 — as well as a medal to be awarded “in a festive setting.” |
| Several hundred thousand people will get the awards, according to official figures. While the cash is being transferred electronically, the medals are being presented by local officials in ceremonial gatherings and in visits to veterans’ homes. | Several hundred thousand people will get the awards, according to official figures. While the cash is being transferred electronically, the medals are being presented by local officials in ceremonial gatherings and in visits to veterans’ homes. |
| Lyudmila Klimentenko, an 86-year-old survivor of the siege of Leningrad, opened her mail last week to find an invitation from her city’s mayor to a “festive event” for an award ceremony at which she and scores others would receive their 75th anniversary medals. | Lyudmila Klimentenko, an 86-year-old survivor of the siege of Leningrad, opened her mail last week to find an invitation from her city’s mayor to a “festive event” for an award ceremony at which she and scores others would receive their 75th anniversary medals. |
| Her reaction: “Bozhe moy!” — “My God!” | Her reaction: “Bozhe moy!” — “My God!” |
| “Is this to send us all to the other world?” she remembered asking. | “Is this to send us all to the other world?” she remembered asking. |
| Her city, Pskov, on the border with Estonia, postponed the event after an outcry initiated online by Ms. Klimentenko’s son, Igor Batov, an environmental activist. But districts in St. Petersburg and other cities went ahead in recent weeks with medal awards ceremonies bringing veterans together with dozens of others. | Her city, Pskov, on the border with Estonia, postponed the event after an outcry initiated online by Ms. Klimentenko’s son, Igor Batov, an environmental activist. But districts in St. Petersburg and other cities went ahead in recent weeks with medal awards ceremonies bringing veterans together with dozens of others. |
| “Despite everything, the cycle of events dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War continues,” said a social media post Tuesday by the administration of the Starozhilovsky District southeast of Moscow. It was accompanied by photographs of two local officials visiting war survivors in their homes. | “Despite everything, the cycle of events dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War continues,” said a social media post Tuesday by the administration of the Starozhilovsky District southeast of Moscow. It was accompanied by photographs of two local officials visiting war survivors in their homes. |
| Some of the events honoring veterans have been scaled back, and organizers say that they have taken care not to violate their local and regional administrations’ fast-evolving social distancing orders. | Some of the events honoring veterans have been scaled back, and organizers say that they have taken care not to violate their local and regional administrations’ fast-evolving social distancing orders. |
| In Ivanovo, northeast of Moscow, a spokeswoman for the city branch of the ruling United Russia party said schoolchildren were no longer participating in the events, and that attendance at last week’s gatherings was below the limit of 100 set for the city at the time. | In Ivanovo, northeast of Moscow, a spokeswoman for the city branch of the ruling United Russia party said schoolchildren were no longer participating in the events, and that attendance at last week’s gatherings was below the limit of 100 set for the city at the time. |
| In addition, organizers cautioned the invited veterans about the risk of coronavirus infection, and many chose not to attend, the spokeswoman, Marina Koprova, said. | In addition, organizers cautioned the invited veterans about the risk of coronavirus infection, and many chose not to attend, the spokeswoman, Marina Koprova, said. |
| “Everyone was warned and everyone was aware,” Ms. Koprova said. | “Everyone was warned and everyone was aware,” Ms. Koprova said. |
| Ms. Ovod, a municipal politician in the city of Yaroslavl north of Moscow, had suggested to her grandmother, Venera Ovod, that she forgo being awarded the medal in person because of the coronavirus. But she said that was out of the question for her grandmother, who is the only surviving World War II veteran in her community and takes part in Victory Day celebrations every year. | Ms. Ovod, a municipal politician in the city of Yaroslavl north of Moscow, had suggested to her grandmother, Venera Ovod, that she forgo being awarded the medal in person because of the coronavirus. But she said that was out of the question for her grandmother, who is the only surviving World War II veteran in her community and takes part in Victory Day celebrations every year. |
| “Any social interaction is really valuable and important,” Ms. Ovod said of her grandmother. “Pandemic or no pandemic — it doesn’t matter.” | “Any social interaction is really valuable and important,” Ms. Ovod said of her grandmother. “Pandemic or no pandemic — it doesn’t matter.” |
| Critics say that mixed messages from Moscow on how seriously the authorities should take the epidemic — and local officials’ determination to follow Kremlin orders — have put elderly veterans at greater risk. | Critics say that mixed messages from Moscow on how seriously the authorities should take the epidemic — and local officials’ determination to follow Kremlin orders — have put elderly veterans at greater risk. |
| In one example of the confusion, Mr. Putin on Wednesday declared the coming week a paid holiday, prompting Russians to book vacations. This in turn resulted in a clarification from the Kremlin on Friday that the holiday’s purpose was not to foster travel but to reduce social contacts as much as possible. | In one example of the confusion, Mr. Putin on Wednesday declared the coming week a paid holiday, prompting Russians to book vacations. This in turn resulted in a clarification from the Kremlin on Friday that the holiday’s purpose was not to foster travel but to reduce social contacts as much as possible. |
| Many of the veterans’ events take place in schools. Daniil Ken, a teachers’ activist based in St. Petersburg who has been tracking the events and calling for a halt, said it’s clear to officials that bestowing the Victory Day medals amid great fanfare is a top priority for Mr. Putin. | Many of the veterans’ events take place in schools. Daniil Ken, a teachers’ activist based in St. Petersburg who has been tracking the events and calling for a halt, said it’s clear to officials that bestowing the Victory Day medals amid great fanfare is a top priority for Mr. Putin. |
| Updated June 16, 2020 | Updated June 16, 2020 |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| “It’s a cheap, populist way to buy loyalty,” Mr. Ken said of the medal ceremonies. “The local officials doing this fear taking the responsibility upon themselves to make the decision to temporarily stop these gatherings.” | “It’s a cheap, populist way to buy loyalty,” Mr. Ken said of the medal ceremonies. “The local officials doing this fear taking the responsibility upon themselves to make the decision to temporarily stop these gatherings.” |
| Valentina Bushuyeva, an 80-year-old survivor of the siege of Leningrad, joined four other veterans and war survivors to be awarded medals at a gathering on the outskirts of Moscow last Friday. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Moscow had shot up to 131 that same day, but Ms. Bushuyeva said she didn’t see any risk in leaving her home at the time. It was only in the days that followed, she said, that Russian officials seemed to sound the alarm on TV. | Valentina Bushuyeva, an 80-year-old survivor of the siege of Leningrad, joined four other veterans and war survivors to be awarded medals at a gathering on the outskirts of Moscow last Friday. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Moscow had shot up to 131 that same day, but Ms. Bushuyeva said she didn’t see any risk in leaving her home at the time. It was only in the days that followed, she said, that Russian officials seemed to sound the alarm on TV. |
| At the gathering, at the local veterans’ office, the guests drank tea, and Ms. Bushuyeva recounted her memories of the war: living near a cemetery where bodies were deposited in a mass grave. A million people died in the Nazis’ siege of Leningrad, now St. Petersburg — among the 27 million Soviets who perished in World War II. | At the gathering, at the local veterans’ office, the guests drank tea, and Ms. Bushuyeva recounted her memories of the war: living near a cemetery where bodies were deposited in a mass grave. A million people died in the Nazis’ siege of Leningrad, now St. Petersburg — among the 27 million Soviets who perished in World War II. |
| In a telephone interview several days after the ceremony, Ms. Bushuyeva said she’s now not sure whether she would go to a veterans’ gathering again with the coronavirus spreading — and whether the May 9 Victory Day parade should be held. | In a telephone interview several days after the ceremony, Ms. Bushuyeva said she’s now not sure whether she would go to a veterans’ gathering again with the coronavirus spreading — and whether the May 9 Victory Day parade should be held. |
| “It’s hard to say — it’s such an important day, but at the same time, you have to safeguard the people,” Ms. Bushuyeva said. | “It’s hard to say — it’s such an important day, but at the same time, you have to safeguard the people,” Ms. Bushuyeva said. |
| Mayor Sergei Sobyanin of Moscow on Monday called on everyone over 65 to stay home and promised a payment of 4,000 rubles — $50 — to those who followed the order. | Mayor Sergei Sobyanin of Moscow on Monday called on everyone over 65 to stay home and promised a payment of 4,000 rubles — $50 — to those who followed the order. |
| But Mikhail Moiseyev, the 81-year-old chairman of the Russian Union of Veterans and the onetime head of the general staff of the Soviet Armed Forces, said he was still working and holding meetings. Preparation for the May 9 parade was continuing at full speed, he said, unless and until Mr. Putin decided to definitively cancel it. | But Mikhail Moiseyev, the 81-year-old chairman of the Russian Union of Veterans and the onetime head of the general staff of the Soviet Armed Forces, said he was still working and holding meetings. Preparation for the May 9 parade was continuing at full speed, he said, unless and until Mr. Putin decided to definitively cancel it. |
| “A parade is a banner — an unfurled banner,” Mr. Moiseyev said. “No disease can change that.” | “A parade is a banner — an unfurled banner,” Mr. Moiseyev said. “No disease can change that.” |
| Oleg Matsnev contributed research. | Oleg Matsnev contributed research. |