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How a Pharmacist on the Front Lines Spends Her Sundays How a Pharmacist on the Front Lines Spends Her Sundays
(about 16 hours later)
Chia Liang is a pharmacist manager at the Walgreens in Jackson Heights, Queens, near one of the neighborhoods hit hardest by the coronavirus. Her Sunday shift there, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., has remained one of the few details of her day that has not changed in recent weeks. Ms. Liang, 31, lives with her husband, Adam, 34, a car mechanic, and Cody, their Maltese, in a two-family home in Elmhurst, Queens, where she grew up. Her parents and younger brother live downstairs.Chia Liang is a pharmacist manager at the Walgreens in Jackson Heights, Queens, near one of the neighborhoods hit hardest by the coronavirus. Her Sunday shift there, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., has remained one of the few details of her day that has not changed in recent weeks. Ms. Liang, 31, lives with her husband, Adam, 34, a car mechanic, and Cody, their Maltese, in a two-family home in Elmhurst, Queens, where she grew up. Her parents and younger brother live downstairs.
ALONE TIME My mother usually wakes me and we have breakfast together, but that’s changed. Now I wake up on my own, make coffee, shower, dress, and walk Cody at 7:30 a.m. It’s time for myself, and the only chance to get some air. I try not to think about anything, and to just clear my mind.ALONE TIME My mother usually wakes me and we have breakfast together, but that’s changed. Now I wake up on my own, make coffee, shower, dress, and walk Cody at 7:30 a.m. It’s time for myself, and the only chance to get some air. I try not to think about anything, and to just clear my mind.
PHONE IN THE CORNER Usually I’d be at the gym before I start my shift, but since that’s closed, I’m on my phone, or I’ll check emails and surf the web. I have a yoga mat I’ve set up, but have yet to be active. I’ll make avocado toast or oatmeal for breakfast, which I eat by myself. We’ve all taken to our own corners. My husband is in the living room and my parents and brother stay in their home underneath us.PHONE IN THE CORNER Usually I’d be at the gym before I start my shift, but since that’s closed, I’m on my phone, or I’ll check emails and surf the web. I have a yoga mat I’ve set up, but have yet to be active. I’ll make avocado toast or oatmeal for breakfast, which I eat by myself. We’ve all taken to our own corners. My husband is in the living room and my parents and brother stay in their home underneath us.
EARLY ARRIVAL It’s a 13-minute walk to work, but I’m lazy, so I’ll drive there and arrive by around 9:15, which is early because we need time to sanitize everything. That’s new. So is the line of people wearing masks that stand outside. That moment is an awakening. It started last week since we can only let in 10 people at a time. We have tape on the floor now in the pharmacy area that’s six feet apart. People like to crowd around the pharmacy so they’re a little frustrated because they haven’t gotten used to it yet.EARLY ARRIVAL It’s a 13-minute walk to work, but I’m lazy, so I’ll drive there and arrive by around 9:15, which is early because we need time to sanitize everything. That’s new. So is the line of people wearing masks that stand outside. That moment is an awakening. It started last week since we can only let in 10 people at a time. We have tape on the floor now in the pharmacy area that’s six feet apart. People like to crowd around the pharmacy so they’re a little frustrated because they haven’t gotten used to it yet.
COMMUNITY I know some dread going in, but I want to be here to help. I started as an intern and have been at this store for 10 years. This is my community. We are more accessible at the moment than doctors. My customers feel like they can rely on me. It’s important for me to be here for them during this critical time. I’m not scared of catching the virus here. Walgreens has provided us with tools and education.COMMUNITY I know some dread going in, but I want to be here to help. I started as an intern and have been at this store for 10 years. This is my community. We are more accessible at the moment than doctors. My customers feel like they can rely on me. It’s important for me to be here for them during this critical time. I’m not scared of catching the virus here. Walgreens has provided us with tools and education.
DEALING WITH CUSTOMER ANXIETY I put on my jacket and roll up the gate. Our hours have always been shorter on Sundays, but with the virus there’s an increase in people and pace. People are very anxious; I can see it in their faces. They are asking for their daily essentials: masks, alcohol, Tylenol, hand sanitizer, they’re worried and frantically looking for items.DEALING WITH CUSTOMER ANXIETY I put on my jacket and roll up the gate. Our hours have always been shorter on Sundays, but with the virus there’s an increase in people and pace. People are very anxious; I can see it in their faces. They are asking for their daily essentials: masks, alcohol, Tylenol, hand sanitizer, they’re worried and frantically looking for items.
I’m seeing newer customers come in on top of our regular ones. Everyone is scared if they have a little cough, or they’re anxious because they have a fever. I can’t be as intimate as I would be in the past, and that’s hard. A lot of customers usually say hello and shake my hand. Now we wave at a distance.I’m seeing newer customers come in on top of our regular ones. Everyone is scared if they have a little cough, or they’re anxious because they have a fever. I can’t be as intimate as I would be in the past, and that’s hard. A lot of customers usually say hello and shake my hand. Now we wave at a distance.
MORE ANTIBIOTICS For the next several hours I’m filling prescriptions, answering the phone, which is ringing more often, taking blood pressure, doing immunizations, giving advice on medicine, and calming customers. A lot of people are picking up their maintenance medications. Because a lot are staying home, we’re filling a three-month supply. We do see antibiotics being dispensed more frequently.MORE ANTIBIOTICS For the next several hours I’m filling prescriptions, answering the phone, which is ringing more often, taking blood pressure, doing immunizations, giving advice on medicine, and calming customers. A lot of people are picking up their maintenance medications. Because a lot are staying home, we’re filling a three-month supply. We do see antibiotics being dispensed more frequently.
I wish I could do more. You can feel people’s appreciation; they thank us for being open, for being here. That motivates me and makes me feel proud. I’m making a difference. This has brought the community together to take care of each other. That’s encouraging.I wish I could do more. You can feel people’s appreciation; they thank us for being open, for being here. That motivates me and makes me feel proud. I’m making a difference. This has brought the community together to take care of each other. That’s encouraging.
WIPE IT DOWN, ROLL IT DOWN At 2 we roll down the gate. I’m not wearing a mask or gloves during the day, but I put on gloves to disinfect everything, which we do with Clorox wipes. I wipe down anything I’ve touched; the counters, phones, keyboard, pin pad. Then I throw out the garbage, get into my car and drive home.WIPE IT DOWN, ROLL IT DOWN At 2 we roll down the gate. I’m not wearing a mask or gloves during the day, but I put on gloves to disinfect everything, which we do with Clorox wipes. I wipe down anything I’ve touched; the counters, phones, keyboard, pin pad. Then I throw out the garbage, get into my car and drive home.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated 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.
SCREENS The first thing I do when I get home around 2:30ish is wash my hands and change out of my clothing before I touch the dog. My brother has walked him during the day. I go into my room, get on my laptop and spend the rest of the evening shopping online and watching Netflix. I’m following their Top 10 so I’m watching “Outbreak,” which is crazy, among their other picks. I’ve been looking into Peapod delivery for my parents so they don’t have to step out of the house to go to the market. They’re in their 60s and I worry about their health.SCREENS The first thing I do when I get home around 2:30ish is wash my hands and change out of my clothing before I touch the dog. My brother has walked him during the day. I go into my room, get on my laptop and spend the rest of the evening shopping online and watching Netflix. I’m following their Top 10 so I’m watching “Outbreak,” which is crazy, among their other picks. I’ve been looking into Peapod delivery for my parents so they don’t have to step out of the house to go to the market. They’re in their 60s and I worry about their health.
HOARDING JUNK FOOD I’ve been eating a lot of oranges to boost my vitamin C, and drinking hot water with lemon; and I’ve been hoarding Cheetos and chocolate-chip cookies.HOARDING JUNK FOOD I’ve been eating a lot of oranges to boost my vitamin C, and drinking hot water with lemon; and I’ve been hoarding Cheetos and chocolate-chip cookies.
PASTA, ALONE Around 6, I’ll have dinner in my room, which makes me feel isolated and bored. We used to do traditional Asian meals like bowls of rice and dim sum together where we sat around the dining room table. Now it’s pasta with tomato sauce and ground beef or meatballs. It’s quick and easy and lasts a long time. Sometimes we order from Uber Eats, who drop it off in front of your door. Sometimes we FaceTime each other while we eat.PASTA, ALONE Around 6, I’ll have dinner in my room, which makes me feel isolated and bored. We used to do traditional Asian meals like bowls of rice and dim sum together where we sat around the dining room table. Now it’s pasta with tomato sauce and ground beef or meatballs. It’s quick and easy and lasts a long time. Sometimes we order from Uber Eats, who drop it off in front of your door. Sometimes we FaceTime each other while we eat.
THE BEST PLAN My husband, who has been staying in the living room, and I haven’t hugged or kissed in over a week, which is sad. I miss the intimacy but we agree it’s the best plan for now. The whole family is practicing social distancing. I’m already in bed when he comes in and we’ll talk about our day for a few minutes and then we fall asleep. I go to bed early, by 9: mental preparation. I say, “I can do this, it’s going to be OK,” to myself. That calms me down.THE BEST PLAN My husband, who has been staying in the living room, and I haven’t hugged or kissed in over a week, which is sad. I miss the intimacy but we agree it’s the best plan for now. The whole family is practicing social distancing. I’m already in bed when he comes in and we’ll talk about our day for a few minutes and then we fall asleep. I go to bed early, by 9: mental preparation. I say, “I can do this, it’s going to be OK,” to myself. That calms me down.