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Engineer Crashes Train Near Hospital Ship in Los Angeles Engineer Crashes Train Near Hospital Ship in Los Angeles
(7 days later)
The U.S.N.S. Mercy, a Navy hospital ship, arrived at the Port of Los Angeles on Friday to bolster a health care system that officials worry could be overwhelmed by a surge in coronavirus patients.The U.S.N.S. Mercy, a Navy hospital ship, arrived at the Port of Los Angeles on Friday to bolster a health care system that officials worry could be overwhelmed by a surge in coronavirus patients.
One train operator and engineer who worked at the port grew suspicious, he later told the authorities, according to an affidavit by an F.B.I. special agent, Douglas Swain.One train operator and engineer who worked at the port grew suspicious, he later told the authorities, according to an affidavit by an F.B.I. special agent, Douglas Swain.
The engineer, Eduardo Moreno, told investigators that he wondered if the ship had some unstated purpose, or something to do with a government takeover, one of several baseless conspiracy theories emerging about the government’s handling of the outbreak.The engineer, Eduardo Moreno, told investigators that he wondered if the ship had some unstated purpose, or something to do with a government takeover, one of several baseless conspiracy theories emerging about the government’s handling of the outbreak.
Those unfounded suspicions bubbled over on Tuesday when Mr. Moreno, at the end of his shift, sent a train off its tracks at full speed and crashed it some 250 yards away from the Mercy, according to prosecutors and Mr. Moreno’s statements recorded in the affidavit.Those unfounded suspicions bubbled over on Tuesday when Mr. Moreno, at the end of his shift, sent a train off its tracks at full speed and crashed it some 250 yards away from the Mercy, according to prosecutors and Mr. Moreno’s statements recorded in the affidavit.
No one was injured in the crash and the Mercy was not damaged. Mr. Moreno, 44, was charged with one count of train wrecking, according to a statement released Wednesday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. The crime carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.No one was injured in the crash and the Mercy was not damaged. Mr. Moreno, 44, was charged with one count of train wrecking, according to a statement released Wednesday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. The crime carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Mr. Moreno was in custody on Wednesday, prosecutors said. His lawyer, Lisa LaBarre, could not immediately be reached for comment.Mr. Moreno was in custody on Wednesday, prosecutors said. His lawyer, Lisa LaBarre, could not immediately be reached for comment.
Mr. Moreno said he acted alone, according to prosecutors.Mr. Moreno said he acted alone, according to prosecutors.
He told detectives with the Los Angeles Port Police that he had not planned to crash the train, according to remarks from their interview included in the affidavit. But while he was “pushing” the last train car of the day, his thoughts “just kept going and going,” he told the detectives according to remarks included in the affidavit.He told detectives with the Los Angeles Port Police that he had not planned to crash the train, according to remarks from their interview included in the affidavit. But while he was “pushing” the last train car of the day, his thoughts “just kept going and going,” he told the detectives according to remarks included in the affidavit.
“Sometimes you just get a little snap,” he said, according to the affidavit. “I just had it and I was committed. I just went for it, I had one chance.”“Sometimes you just get a little snap,” he said, according to the affidavit. “I just had it and I was committed. I just went for it, I had one chance.”
A spokesman for the port, Phillip Sanfield, said the ship was separated from the tracks by a grassy area, a parking lot and a channel of water.A spokesman for the port, Phillip Sanfield, said the ship was separated from the tracks by a grassy area, a parking lot and a channel of water.
“There was no way either on the tracks or off the tracks to get to the vessel,” Mr. Sanfield said.“There was no way either on the tracks or off the tracks to get to the vessel,” Mr. Sanfield said.
Mr. Moreno worked for a private rail company, Pacific Harbor Line, said Stefan Friedman, a spokesman for the company. He said Mr. Moreno had been “decertified” and could no longer work as an engineer.Mr. Moreno worked for a private rail company, Pacific Harbor Line, said Stefan Friedman, a spokesman for the company. He said Mr. Moreno had been “decertified” and could no longer work as an engineer.
Prosecutors said the locomotive crashed through at least three barriers and stopped near three occupied vehicles. They said the authorities had to clean up a “substantial amount of fuel” that leaked from the train.Prosecutors said the locomotive crashed through at least three barriers and stopped near three occupied vehicles. They said the authorities had to clean up a “substantial amount of fuel” that leaked from the train.
Video footage from the locomotive showed a man riding in the cab before the crash holding a lighted flare, prosecutors said.Video footage from the locomotive showed a man riding in the cab before the crash holding a lighted flare, prosecutors said.
An officer with the California Highway Patrol witnessed the crash and saw Mr. Moreno, wearing a bright yellow safety vest, climbing out of the locomotive’s cab after the crash, according to the affidavit.An officer with the California Highway Patrol witnessed the crash and saw Mr. Moreno, wearing a bright yellow safety vest, climbing out of the locomotive’s cab after the crash, according to the affidavit.
Updated June 16, 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.
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.
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.
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.
In interviews with the authorities included in the affidavit, Mr. Moreno admitted to crashing the train, saying he knew it would draw the attention of the news media. He said he was suspicious of the Navy ship and “wanted to bring attention to the government’s activities,” according to the affidavit.In interviews with the authorities included in the affidavit, Mr. Moreno admitted to crashing the train, saying he knew it would draw the attention of the news media. He said he was suspicious of the Navy ship and “wanted to bring attention to the government’s activities,” according to the affidavit.
The Mercy is handling patients who have ailments unrelated to the coronavirus to “allow local hospitals in Los Angeles to concentrate on Covid-19 care,” the Department of Defense said Friday. The ship provides a “full spectrum of medical care, including general surgeries, critical care and ward care for adults,” according to the department.The Mercy is handling patients who have ailments unrelated to the coronavirus to “allow local hospitals in Los Angeles to concentrate on Covid-19 care,” the Department of Defense said Friday. The ship provides a “full spectrum of medical care, including general surgeries, critical care and ward care for adults,” according to the department.
Another hospital ship, the U.S.N.S. Comfort, arrived in New York Harbor on Monday with a similar mission.Another hospital ship, the U.S.N.S. Comfort, arrived in New York Harbor on Monday with a similar mission.