This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/09/world/middleeast/coronavirus-palestinians-israel-gaza-west-bank.html
The article has changed 23 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 9 | Version 10 |
|---|---|
| Palestinians Fear a Coming Coronavirus Storm | Palestinians Fear a Coming Coronavirus Storm |
| (8 days later) | |
| NILIN, West Bank — Jalal Zuhair Mansour supports his wife and four children on the $2,800 a month he is paid as a maintenance man for a Tel Aviv housing complex. But on Tuesday, after a few weeks in an apartment his boss lent him because of an Israeli ban on commuting from the West Bank, he called it quits and journeyed home to Beitunia, on the outskirts of Ramallah. | NILIN, West Bank — Jalal Zuhair Mansour supports his wife and four children on the $2,800 a month he is paid as a maintenance man for a Tel Aviv housing complex. But on Tuesday, after a few weeks in an apartment his boss lent him because of an Israeli ban on commuting from the West Bank, he called it quits and journeyed home to Beitunia, on the outskirts of Ramallah. |
| The coronavirus was simply too widespread where he worked to take any chances, he said, adding: “I am not ready to lose myself and my family.” | The coronavirus was simply too widespread where he worked to take any chances, he said, adding: “I am not ready to lose myself and my family.” |
| Mr. Mansour, and thousands of others like him, have suddenly become the Palestinian Authority’s worst nightmare. | Mr. Mansour, and thousands of others like him, have suddenly become the Palestinian Authority’s worst nightmare. |
| Outbreaks at two kosher chicken slaughterhouses on the Israeli side sickened dozens of Palestinian workers, who brought the virus back to their hometowns. Palestinian officials now say that returning workers are responsible for at least a third of the known cases on the West Bank, including its only death. | Outbreaks at two kosher chicken slaughterhouses on the Israeli side sickened dozens of Palestinian workers, who brought the virus back to their hometowns. Palestinian officials now say that returning workers are responsible for at least a third of the known cases on the West Bank, including its only death. |
| As many as 150,000 West Bank residents ordinarily work in Israel or Israeli settlements, earning wages far better than they could command from Palestinian employers. They are vital to the West Bank economy, bringing in an estimated $2.5 billion a year, around 13 percent of total income. | As many as 150,000 West Bank residents ordinarily work in Israel or Israeli settlements, earning wages far better than they could command from Palestinian employers. They are vital to the West Bank economy, bringing in an estimated $2.5 billion a year, around 13 percent of total income. |
| Tens of thousands are still in Israel, but many are slowly making their way home for a variety of reasons: fear, homesickness or lack of a decent place to sleep; because they were laid off; or simply to observe Ramadan, which begins April 23, with their families. | Tens of thousands are still in Israel, but many are slowly making their way home for a variety of reasons: fear, homesickness or lack of a decent place to sleep; because they were laid off; or simply to observe Ramadan, which begins April 23, with their families. |
| As many as 8,000 workers returned through checkpoints from Sunday through Wednesday, Palestinian officials said, and neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians say they will be able to test them all for Covid-19, the disease produced by the virus. Some workers avoid the checkpoints altogether, slipping easily through gaps in the separation barrier between the West Bank and Israel. | As many as 8,000 workers returned through checkpoints from Sunday through Wednesday, Palestinian officials said, and neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians say they will be able to test them all for Covid-19, the disease produced by the virus. Some workers avoid the checkpoints altogether, slipping easily through gaps in the separation barrier between the West Bank and Israel. |
| About the best that officials can manage at the checkpoints is what happened when Mr. Mansour, 41, walked through the Nilin crossing on Tuesday. Security officers took his ID and work permit, promising to return them when he finishes his two-week quarantine, then medical workers checked his temperature, sprayed his clothes and cash with alcohol, and sent him on his way. | About the best that officials can manage at the checkpoints is what happened when Mr. Mansour, 41, walked through the Nilin crossing on Tuesday. Security officers took his ID and work permit, promising to return them when he finishes his two-week quarantine, then medical workers checked his temperature, sprayed his clothes and cash with alcohol, and sent him on his way. |
| Officials in Ramallah had initially gone along with Israel’s decision to allow some workers to remain in Israel for a month or two: those under the age of 50 in industries it deemed essential, including agriculture, health and construction. | Officials in Ramallah had initially gone along with Israel’s decision to allow some workers to remain in Israel for a month or two: those under the age of 50 in industries it deemed essential, including agriculture, health and construction. |
| But Palestinian officials expected Israel to care for any workers who contracted the virus. After an ailing worker was unceremoniously dumped at a checkpoint by the Israeli police (he later tested negative), the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, Muhammad Shtayyeh, reversed himself and urged workers to return to the West Bank for their own safety. | But Palestinian officials expected Israel to care for any workers who contracted the virus. After an ailing worker was unceremoniously dumped at a checkpoint by the Israeli police (he later tested negative), the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, Muhammad Shtayyeh, reversed himself and urged workers to return to the West Bank for their own safety. |
| Now, however, the fear is that many will take his advice — and that large numbers of returning workers could prove unwitting carriers of the virus, an eventuality that would quickly overrun the West Bank’s underequipped hospitals. | Now, however, the fear is that many will take his advice — and that large numbers of returning workers could prove unwitting carriers of the virus, an eventuality that would quickly overrun the West Bank’s underequipped hospitals. |
| The stress on the Palestinian side is showing itself in a ratcheting up of rhetoric that belies the close cooperation between Israeli and West Bank officials behind the scenes — cooperation that the United Nations has publicly praised. | The stress on the Palestinian side is showing itself in a ratcheting up of rhetoric that belies the close cooperation between Israeli and West Bank officials behind the scenes — cooperation that the United Nations has publicly praised. |
| “The economy of Israel is not more precious than the lives of our children,” Mr. Shtayyeh declared at a news conference. | “The economy of Israel is not more precious than the lives of our children,” Mr. Shtayyeh declared at a news conference. |
| In Gaza, the pandemic prompted Hamas, the militant group that rules the coastal enclave, to float the possibility of a prisoner exchange, which Israel quickly said it would be happy to negotiate. But the Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, also blustered that if Gaza didn’t get the medical equipment it needs it would “stop the breathing of six million Israelis.” | In Gaza, the pandemic prompted Hamas, the militant group that rules the coastal enclave, to float the possibility of a prisoner exchange, which Israel quickly said it would be happy to negotiate. But the Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, also blustered that if Gaza didn’t get the medical equipment it needs it would “stop the breathing of six million Israelis.” |
| While Israel has seen scores die of the virus and more than 9,000 infected, the occupied Palestinian territories have so far actually been relatively unscathed, their isolation ironically offering a measure of protection. | While Israel has seen scores die of the virus and more than 9,000 infected, the occupied Palestinian territories have so far actually been relatively unscathed, their isolation ironically offering a measure of protection. |
| In Gaza, where Israel and Egypt have maintained a long blockade, only 13 people have tested positive, none of them showing symptoms. On the West Bank, about 250 people have tested positive. In East Jerusalem, testing centers only opened on Friday, but hospital officials there say they fear the disease may be spreading undetected. | In Gaza, where Israel and Egypt have maintained a long blockade, only 13 people have tested positive, none of them showing symptoms. On the West Bank, about 250 people have tested positive. In East Jerusalem, testing centers only opened on Friday, but hospital officials there say they fear the disease may be spreading undetected. |
| Officials are also deeply worried that the factors that help spread the virus — poverty, poor health, limited access to health care and large families living in tight quarters — are present in abundance in the West Bank and Gaza. | Officials are also deeply worried that the factors that help spread the virus — poverty, poor health, limited access to health care and large families living in tight quarters — are present in abundance in the West Bank and Gaza. |
| Mr. Shtayyeh’s administration earned broad approval for its aggressive response to an early outbreak involving Greek tourists in Bethlehem: It declared a national emergency on March 5, sealing off the Bethlehem area and abruptly shutting down the entire West Bank tourism industry. | Mr. Shtayyeh’s administration earned broad approval for its aggressive response to an early outbreak involving Greek tourists in Bethlehem: It declared a national emergency on March 5, sealing off the Bethlehem area and abruptly shutting down the entire West Bank tourism industry. |
| Its security officers imposed a strict ban on travel between cities, and officials at every level have made the crackdown their business: When a Ramallah barber reopened his shop, local leaders threw him in jail. | Its security officers imposed a strict ban on travel between cities, and officials at every level have made the crackdown their business: When a Ramallah barber reopened his shop, local leaders threw him in jail. |
| In Gaza, by contrast, longstanding deprivation has at least softened the blow: Unemployment was already more than 50 percent, and young people already complained that there was nothing to do. “In my opinion, thank you, corona, because corona put the Gaza Strip equal with everyone outside,” joked Rami Aman, an activist with the Gaza Youth Committee, on a Zoom call with other Palestinians and Israelis on Monday night. | In Gaza, by contrast, longstanding deprivation has at least softened the blow: Unemployment was already more than 50 percent, and young people already complained that there was nothing to do. “In my opinion, thank you, corona, because corona put the Gaza Strip equal with everyone outside,” joked Rami Aman, an activist with the Gaza Youth Committee, on a Zoom call with other Palestinians and Israelis on Monday night. |
| All manner of Palestinians are doing their bit: Ramallah disc jockeys are organizing flash mob-style dance parties in which residents take to their rooftops and terraces. The artist Emile Ashrawi, better known as husband of the longtime Palestinian spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi, reads children’s books on Facebook Live. | All manner of Palestinians are doing their bit: Ramallah disc jockeys are organizing flash mob-style dance parties in which residents take to their rooftops and terraces. The artist Emile Ashrawi, better known as husband of the longtime Palestinian spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi, reads children’s books on Facebook Live. |
| The Taybeh brewery is bottling hand sanitizer, a Hebron shoemaker and Gaza apparel factory are making surgical masks and Al-Quds University is racing to turn out ventilators. A Hebron produce merchant let it be known he would give away tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes to customers who could not afford to pay. | The Taybeh brewery is bottling hand sanitizer, a Hebron shoemaker and Gaza apparel factory are making surgical masks and Al-Quds University is racing to turn out ventilators. A Hebron produce merchant let it be known he would give away tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes to customers who could not afford to pay. |
| Updated June 30, 2020 | |
| 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. | |
| 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. | 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. |
| 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. |
| But there is plenty to worry about besides returning workers. | But there is plenty to worry about besides returning workers. |
| Some 5,500 Palestinians are in Israeli prisons, and they are still being released at the end of their sentences. One was swarmed by a crowd of hundreds when he arrived home in Jenin, a social-distancing disaster. Another tested positive for the virus a few days after his release, raising the grim specter of an outbreak behind bars. | Some 5,500 Palestinians are in Israeli prisons, and they are still being released at the end of their sentences. One was swarmed by a crowd of hundreds when he arrived home in Jenin, a social-distancing disaster. Another tested positive for the virus a few days after his release, raising the grim specter of an outbreak behind bars. |
| Monitoring groups and security forces say that anti-Palestinian vandalism and violence have surged, as extremist Jewish settlers take advantage of the West Bank emergency by assaulting farmers, damaging property and trespassing or squatting on Palestinian land. | Monitoring groups and security forces say that anti-Palestinian vandalism and violence have surged, as extremist Jewish settlers take advantage of the West Bank emergency by assaulting farmers, damaging property and trespassing or squatting on Palestinian land. |
| “While Israelis and Palestinians are sheltering in their houses, fanatic settler groups are running wild,” said Firas Alami, director of field research for the rights group Yesh Din. | “While Israelis and Palestinians are sheltering in their houses, fanatic settler groups are running wild,” said Firas Alami, director of field research for the rights group Yesh Din. |
| Fatah, the political faction that already dominates the Palestinian Authority, has set up “emergency committees” of young activists in East Jerusalem and villages across the West Bank in a quasi-official role, spraying disinfectant, distributing food, driving cars with police sirens and generally asserting themselves. | Fatah, the political faction that already dominates the Palestinian Authority, has set up “emergency committees” of young activists in East Jerusalem and villages across the West Bank in a quasi-official role, spraying disinfectant, distributing food, driving cars with police sirens and generally asserting themselves. |
| Critics on the West Bank have accused Fatah of exploiting the emergency to expand and consolidate its power, and Israel has arrested a few Palestinian leaders in East Jerusalem, reportedly as a warning against trying to undercut Israel’s authority. | Critics on the West Bank have accused Fatah of exploiting the emergency to expand and consolidate its power, and Israel has arrested a few Palestinian leaders in East Jerusalem, reportedly as a warning against trying to undercut Israel’s authority. |
| Nothing compares to the fear of an uncontrolled outbreak, however — and nowhere is that fear more acute than in densely packed Gaza, where fewer than 90 ventilators are known to exist in a tiny territory with some 2 million residents. The United Nations is leading an effort to try to obtain 60 more ventilators. | Nothing compares to the fear of an uncontrolled outbreak, however — and nowhere is that fear more acute than in densely packed Gaza, where fewer than 90 ventilators are known to exist in a tiny territory with some 2 million residents. The United Nations is leading an effort to try to obtain 60 more ventilators. |
| Hamas has quarantined thousands of travelers returning from abroad, but its apparent success at containing the virus so far has given rise to a palpable overconfidence, with growing numbers of people flouting social-distancing rules. On Tuesday, Hamas sent masked security officers out to chase people off the beach. | Hamas has quarantined thousands of travelers returning from abroad, but its apparent success at containing the virus so far has given rise to a palpable overconfidence, with growing numbers of people flouting social-distancing rules. On Tuesday, Hamas sent masked security officers out to chase people off the beach. |
| Matthias Schmale, Gaza director of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees, which has begun home deliveries of food aid to 240,000 families, said people were celebrating too soon. | Matthias Schmale, Gaza director of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees, which has begun home deliveries of food aid to 240,000 families, said people were celebrating too soon. |
| “This is the wrong time to take the foot off the brakes,” Mr. Schmale said. “It’s an invisible enemy. We don’t know if it is here. And if it breaks out, it will be a disaster.” | “This is the wrong time to take the foot off the brakes,” Mr. Schmale said. “It’s an invisible enemy. We don’t know if it is here. And if it breaks out, it will be a disaster.” |
| Mohammed Najib reported from Nilin, and David M. Halbfinger from Jerusalem. Isabel Kershner contributed reporting from Jerusalem, and Iyad Abuheweila from Gaza City. | Mohammed Najib reported from Nilin, and David M. Halbfinger from Jerusalem. Isabel Kershner contributed reporting from Jerusalem, and Iyad Abuheweila from Gaza City. |