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Are You Home Alone? We Are Too Are You Home Alone? We Are Too
(about 2 hours later)
We spend a lot of our days chatting with each other about things we see online, trying to make sense of it all. As everyone copes with the new coronavirus crisis, many of us are facing drastic changes, including illness, job loss and abandoning the office to work entirely from home.We spend a lot of our days chatting with each other about things we see online, trying to make sense of it all. As everyone copes with the new coronavirus crisis, many of us are facing drastic changes, including illness, job loss and abandoning the office to work entirely from home.
This week in the Styles newsletter, Wait …, Lindsey Underwood, a Styles editor; Taylor Lorenz, a Styles reporter; and Dodai Stewart, a deputy Metro editor, discuss what it’s like to live alone right now.This week in the Styles newsletter, Wait …, Lindsey Underwood, a Styles editor; Taylor Lorenz, a Styles reporter; and Dodai Stewart, a deputy Metro editor, discuss what it’s like to live alone right now.
Dodai: Technically I’m not alone. I have a misanthropic antisocial Chihuahua.Dodai: Technically I’m not alone. I have a misanthropic antisocial Chihuahua.
Taylor: I am completely alone in a 400-square-foot box with some plants, and it’s beginning to really take a toll. I don’t even have a rooftop or fire escape to go on.Taylor: I am completely alone in a 400-square-foot box with some plants, and it’s beginning to really take a toll. I don’t even have a rooftop or fire escape to go on.
Lindsey: I’m sure to many people with kids or other family members to take care of, being alone sounds like a dream. My roommate skipped town weeks ago in favor of a country house, so I’ve been sprung into the new world of living by myself just for this occasion. It’s been a journey! Plus, I got sick.Lindsey: I’m sure to many people with kids or other family members to take care of, being alone sounds like a dream. My roommate skipped town weeks ago in favor of a country house, so I’ve been sprung into the new world of living by myself just for this occasion. It’s been a journey! Plus, I got sick.
Dodai: Oh no! My fear is being sick alone (or actually dying here and no one realizes it). I sent emergency contact information to two people at work and a small group of friends. I have two friends and my brother on Find My Friends on my iPhone so we can see where each other are in the city. But if you are always at home and then something happens to you at home, that doesn’t help much I guess.Dodai: Oh no! My fear is being sick alone (or actually dying here and no one realizes it). I sent emergency contact information to two people at work and a small group of friends. I have two friends and my brother on Find My Friends on my iPhone so we can see where each other are in the city. But if you are always at home and then something happens to you at home, that doesn’t help much I guess.
Taylor: It’s a big fear of mine too. Find My Friends is a good idea, or location sharing on iMessage and Google Maps. I try to just call my family and friends a lot.Taylor: It’s a big fear of mine too. Find My Friends is a good idea, or location sharing on iMessage and Google Maps. I try to just call my family and friends a lot.
Lindsey: I have never talked to my mom so much in my life. It’s helping though!Lindsey: I have never talked to my mom so much in my life. It’s helping though!
Dodai: Zoom happy hours and Houseparty gatherings to chat with my sister and brother and friends have been soothing. I also read some friends’ tarot cards over Google Hangouts for fun.Dodai: Zoom happy hours and Houseparty gatherings to chat with my sister and brother and friends have been soothing. I also read some friends’ tarot cards over Google Hangouts for fun.
Taylor: I’ve done Zoom happy hours with friends and shown up to some Zoom events. Aside from one with a few other digital culture reporters, most have left me feeling more isolated. My main sources of joy throughout this quarantine have been TikTok and “Tiger King.”Taylor: I’ve done Zoom happy hours with friends and shown up to some Zoom events. Aside from one with a few other digital culture reporters, most have left me feeling more isolated. My main sources of joy throughout this quarantine have been TikTok and “Tiger King.”
Lindsey: Yeah, I’ve realized I don’t have any actual hobbies. Watching Bravo, while my life’s passion, is not a hobby. I ordered a puzzle and a cross-stitch kit. I have never cross-stitched anything! Everyone online seems to be doing a lot more cooking. I love cooking under normal circumstances, but I haven’t been inspired to get into bread making just yet. Maybe next week!Lindsey: Yeah, I’ve realized I don’t have any actual hobbies. Watching Bravo, while my life’s passion, is not a hobby. I ordered a puzzle and a cross-stitch kit. I have never cross-stitched anything! Everyone online seems to be doing a lot more cooking. I love cooking under normal circumstances, but I haven’t been inspired to get into bread making just yet. Maybe next week!
Taylor: Are you guys keeping any semblance of “normal work hours”? Without kids around or a partner who wants to eat dinner at a certain time, I just snack all day, never cook meals, and time just all bleeds together. There’s a TikTok that’s like, “my work is my home now, my home is my work and my work is my home.” I think about that all day! Haha.Taylor: Are you guys keeping any semblance of “normal work hours”? Without kids around or a partner who wants to eat dinner at a certain time, I just snack all day, never cook meals, and time just all bleeds together. There’s a TikTok that’s like, “my work is my home now, my home is my work and my work is my home.” I think about that all day! Haha.
Dodai: I’m definitely working more than normal. Editing stories about the virus in the city could be a 24-hour job.Dodai: I’m definitely working more than normal. Editing stories about the virus in the city could be a 24-hour job.
Taylor: What I miss most is the office. I’ve worked remotely before, and it’s been terrible for my mental health. Now I feel like there’s no escape.Taylor: What I miss most is the office. I’ve worked remotely before, and it’s been terrible for my mental health. Now I feel like there’s no escape.
Dodai: The cleanliness situation is bad. I have six bags of garbage that need to be taken out and a bunch of dirty dishes, and if someone else were here I would feel guilty about the mess and take care of it sooner. Instead I’m letting it sit, because who cares?Dodai: The cleanliness situation is bad. I have six bags of garbage that need to be taken out and a bunch of dirty dishes, and if someone else were here I would feel guilty about the mess and take care of it sooner. Instead I’m letting it sit, because who cares?
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
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.
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.
Taylor: I take my trash out every day, but mostly because my apartment is so tiny that if it’s messy I get stressed out. I definitely have been lax on showering or wearing anything but pajama sets.Taylor: I take my trash out every day, but mostly because my apartment is so tiny that if it’s messy I get stressed out. I definitely have been lax on showering or wearing anything but pajama sets.
Dodai: Trying to shower every weekday morning so I’m not disheveled in our video meetings, but I only wear caftans now. The shower also wakes me up. But after nine or 10 hours of work, the last thing I want to do is housework, which is why the dishes have piled up.Dodai: Trying to shower every weekday morning so I’m not disheveled in our video meetings, but I only wear caftans now. The shower also wakes me up. But after nine or 10 hours of work, the last thing I want to do is housework, which is why the dishes have piled up.
Lindsey: I have never looked worse. The only time I sort of care is when friends share screenshots of our FaceTimes or Zoom parties on Instagram. I’m like wait, I didn’t know we were going out in public! There’s something freeing in it, though. We have bigger fish to fry than whether my hair looks good.Lindsey: I have never looked worse. The only time I sort of care is when friends share screenshots of our FaceTimes or Zoom parties on Instagram. I’m like wait, I didn’t know we were going out in public! There’s something freeing in it, though. We have bigger fish to fry than whether my hair looks good.
(This conversation has been edited.)(This conversation has been edited.)
Some other things to read this week:Some other things to read this week:
Logan Paul is selling his $90,000 couch.Logan Paul is selling his $90,000 couch.
“Even Dr. Pimple Popper is tackling the coronavirus.”“Even Dr. Pimple Popper is tackling the coronavirus.”
What dating looks like now.What dating looks like now.
Don’t have a mask? Make one.Don’t have a mask? Make one.
"The hottest new club [adopting Bill Hader-as-Stefon voice] is Club Quarantine.”"The hottest new club [adopting Bill Hader-as-Stefon voice] is Club Quarantine.”
Have a good week!Have a good week!
Wait … arrives in your inbox on Tuesdays (with something to think about) and Fridays (with something to read). Sign up to get it in your inbox here.Wait … arrives in your inbox on Tuesdays (with something to think about) and Fridays (with something to read). Sign up to get it in your inbox here.