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Puzzles and Potato Goulash: How Energy Workers Keep Lights On in Vienna Puzzles and Potato Goulash: How Energy Workers Keep Lights On in Vienna
(3 days later)
BERLIN — When Helmut Wallner heard that the energy company he worked for was looking for volunteers to be in isolation for at least a month to ensure the lights stayed on in Vienna during the coronavirus crisis, the decision to go was easy.BERLIN — When Helmut Wallner heard that the energy company he worked for was looking for volunteers to be in isolation for at least a month to ensure the lights stayed on in Vienna during the coronavirus crisis, the decision to go was easy.
“I didn’t even need a second to think,” he said in a video call from the bed of a shipping container in the Simmering power plant, where he has been living with 20 others since March 20. “I was together with my wife, and we knew within seconds that I had to go.”“I didn’t even need a second to think,” he said in a video call from the bed of a shipping container in the Simmering power plant, where he has been living with 20 others since March 20. “I was together with my wife, and we knew within seconds that I had to go.”
Mr. Wallner was one of 53 employees ultimately selected to enter isolation at four power stations across the Austrian capital run by the Wien Energie company, which provides power and heat to two million people in the city.Mr. Wallner was one of 53 employees ultimately selected to enter isolation at four power stations across the Austrian capital run by the Wien Energie company, which provides power and heat to two million people in the city.
Days after Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of Austria ordered public life in the country reduced to a minimum to try to counter the virus, Wien Energie’s crisis team began turning conference rooms into dormitories and organizing washing machines, fitness equipment and wireless internet in the power stations. These would become homes to the teams in isolation, which number six to 21 workers per squad.Days after Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of Austria ordered public life in the country reduced to a minimum to try to counter the virus, Wien Energie’s crisis team began turning conference rooms into dormitories and organizing washing machines, fitness equipment and wireless internet in the power stations. These would become homes to the teams in isolation, which number six to 21 workers per squad.
“It is an exceptional measure in an exceptional time,” Alexander Kirchner, who heads the crisis team, said of the decision to isolate critical workers at the power plants, where just one infected employee could force an entire team into quarantine, jeopardizing the ability to run the plant.“It is an exceptional measure in an exceptional time,” Alexander Kirchner, who heads the crisis team, said of the decision to isolate critical workers at the power plants, where just one infected employee could force an entire team into quarantine, jeopardizing the ability to run the plant.
“They are completely cut off from the rest of the world, so that they can remain healthy,” Mr. Kirchner said in a telephone interview. “They are the last resort, the guarantee that all power plants will continue to function.”“They are completely cut off from the rest of the world, so that they can remain healthy,” Mr. Kirchner said in a telephone interview. “They are the last resort, the guarantee that all power plants will continue to function.”
The employees were selected from a pool of volunteers on criteria including professionalism, overall psychological stability, ability to work in a team and a negative test for coronavirus. Most of the volunteers were men.The employees were selected from a pool of volunteers on criteria including professionalism, overall psychological stability, ability to work in a team and a negative test for coronavirus. Most of the volunteers were men.
Depending on how the situation develops, their assignment may be extended for up to two weeks beyond the current April 16 deadline. If even one member of a team wanted out, the whole group would be swapped out, Mr. Kirchner said.Depending on how the situation develops, their assignment may be extended for up to two weeks beyond the current April 16 deadline. If even one member of a team wanted out, the whole group would be swapped out, Mr. Kirchner said.
At the moment, things look relatively positive for the teams to be withdrawn on time. Last week, Mr. Kurz, the chancellor, announced a “step-by-step resurrection” of the economy, allowing more shops to open, starting April 14.At the moment, things look relatively positive for the teams to be withdrawn on time. Last week, Mr. Kurz, the chancellor, announced a “step-by-step resurrection” of the economy, allowing more shops to open, starting April 14.
As one of the more senior members of his team, Mr. Wallner, a 30-year veteran of Wien Energie, was chosen to serve largely because of his well of knowledge. His experience would help ensure that he would be able to take over and run things, with three other colleagues, if an infection were to break out among the team of 21 at the Simmering plant.As one of the more senior members of his team, Mr. Wallner, a 30-year veteran of Wien Energie, was chosen to serve largely because of his well of knowledge. His experience would help ensure that he would be able to take over and run things, with three other colleagues, if an infection were to break out among the team of 21 at the Simmering plant.
Upon arrival, Mr. Wallner learned that he would be taking on another, unexpected job.Upon arrival, Mr. Wallner learned that he would be taking on another, unexpected job.
“I am spending most of my time in the kitchen,” Mr. Wallner said, laughing. “My wife is an exceptional cook, and normally I am not even allowed in the kitchen, but here we have to prepare the meals for all of the 53 workers in isolation so that we can remain autonomous.”“I am spending most of my time in the kitchen,” Mr. Wallner said, laughing. “My wife is an exceptional cook, and normally I am not even allowed in the kitchen, but here we have to prepare the meals for all of the 53 workers in isolation so that we can remain autonomous.”
The Simmering station was the only plant of the four that was equipped with a full industrial kitchen. A chef was included as part of the team to help prepare menus, order ingredients and oversee the cooking of meals, which are then distributed to the three other plants.The Simmering station was the only plant of the four that was equipped with a full industrial kitchen. A chef was included as part of the team to help prepare menus, order ingredients and oversee the cooking of meals, which are then distributed to the three other plants.
“So far, we haven’t had any complaints,” Mr. Wallner said.“So far, we haven’t had any complaints,” Mr. Wallner said.
For Steven Schacher, 24, an engineer at the Flötzersteig plant, the potato goulash served on Saturdays is worthy of anticipation. “It’s one of my favorite dishes, and theirs is very good,” he said.For Steven Schacher, 24, an engineer at the Flötzersteig plant, the potato goulash served on Saturdays is worthy of anticipation. “It’s one of my favorite dishes, and theirs is very good,” he said.
Passing the time is one of the main challenges the teams face when they are not working one of three shifts that rotate over 24 hours, seven days a week. They have Wi-Fi access to connect with family and friends. Mr. Wallner and his wife have developed a regular time to speak by video.Passing the time is one of the main challenges the teams face when they are not working one of three shifts that rotate over 24 hours, seven days a week. They have Wi-Fi access to connect with family and friends. Mr. Wallner and his wife have developed a regular time to speak by video.
Each plant also has a fitness room and common living area, stocked with activities including PlayStations and board games.Each plant also has a fitness room and common living area, stocked with activities including PlayStations and board games.
“It took us five days to take out the PlayStation,” Mr. Wallner said, attributing that to the average age of his team, around 50. “And now it is gathering dust.”“It took us five days to take out the PlayStation,” Mr. Wallner said, attributing that to the average age of his team, around 50. “And now it is gathering dust.”
His team has turned to jigsaw puzzles, he said, adding, “We have finished about 20 puzzles with 2,000 pieces.”His team has turned to jigsaw puzzles, he said, adding, “We have finished about 20 puzzles with 2,000 pieces.”
At the Flötzersteig plant, the PlayStation also sits around largely unused, Mr. Schacher said. Although they are all in their 20s, the team of six has also been drawn to hunching over a table trying to fit together the 1,000 pieces of a puzzle showing the Brooklyn Bridge at night.At the Flötzersteig plant, the PlayStation also sits around largely unused, Mr. Schacher said. Although they are all in their 20s, the team of six has also been drawn to hunching over a table trying to fit together the 1,000 pieces of a puzzle showing the Brooklyn Bridge at night.
Their evening ritual involves a classic board game, he added.Their evening ritual involves a classic board game, he added.
“Every night at 9 p.m. sharp, the four of us who aren’t working get together and play Parcheesi,” he said. “It’s a more communal game, a nice way to interact with each other.”“Every night at 9 p.m. sharp, the four of us who aren’t working get together and play Parcheesi,” he said. “It’s a more communal game, a nice way to interact with each other.”
Interaction is difficult to avoid, with private space at a premium. Although the workers at Mr. Schacher’s plant were offered the option of separating those who snore from those who do not, they sleep two men to a space, taking turns to use it for making calls.Interaction is difficult to avoid, with private space at a premium. Although the workers at Mr. Schacher’s plant were offered the option of separating those who snore from those who do not, they sleep two men to a space, taking turns to use it for making calls.
“I miss my own bed,” Mr. Schacher admitted.“I miss my own bed,” Mr. Schacher admitted.
Like so many people who are sheltering in their homes, the workers said they missed contact with their wider family and friends, as well as hikes in the woods around Vienna, for Mr. Wallner, or hanging out on the banks of the Danube River, for Mr. Schacher.Like so many people who are sheltering in their homes, the workers said they missed contact with their wider family and friends, as well as hikes in the woods around Vienna, for Mr. Wallner, or hanging out on the banks of the Danube River, for Mr. Schacher.
Yet neither saw his situation as extreme, pointing out that doctors, nurses and other health workers had it much tougher and that all of them were just doing their part. “We are just a cog in a much bigger wheel,” Mr. Schacher said.Yet neither saw his situation as extreme, pointing out that doctors, nurses and other health workers had it much tougher and that all of them were just doing their part. “We are just a cog in a much bigger wheel,” Mr. Schacher said.
Instead, they said, they feel that life in isolation conditions has brought out the best in one another.Instead, they said, they feel that life in isolation conditions has brought out the best in one another.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
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.
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.
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.
“I have known many of these people since 30 years, and in this microcosm, we have become even more polite and even more conscientious of one another,” Mr. Wallner said.“I have known many of these people since 30 years, and in this microcosm, we have become even more polite and even more conscientious of one another,” Mr. Wallner said.
Mr. Schacher said members of his team who were off duty could often be found hanging around in the control room with those on the job, giving extra support, whether professional or moral.Mr. Schacher said members of his team who were off duty could often be found hanging around in the control room with those on the job, giving extra support, whether professional or moral.
“Everyone is looking out for everyone else, not just for themselves,” he said. “I hope that is something that will continue when this is over.”“Everyone is looking out for everyone else, not just for themselves,” he said. “I hope that is something that will continue when this is over.”
Praise for the teams has rolled in across social media from Vienna and around the world. “Thank you all,” a Facebook user called Helmut Zemlicka wrote in one of more than 400 posts on the company’s page. “It is immensely important that our infrastructure continues to function.”Praise for the teams has rolled in across social media from Vienna and around the world. “Thank you all,” a Facebook user called Helmut Zemlicka wrote in one of more than 400 posts on the company’s page. “It is immensely important that our infrastructure continues to function.”
In the Simmering plant, one colleague began printing the reactions and posting them near the central message board, as a reminder of why they were there.In the Simmering plant, one colleague began printing the reactions and posting them near the central message board, as a reminder of why they were there.
Mr. Kirchner said he was surprised by the attention.Mr. Kirchner said he was surprised by the attention.
“We’ve had offers of food, coaching, games and puzzles,” he said, all of which had to be turned down because of the isolation rules. “But I’m very proud of them and of the fact that these men, who have a high level of responsibility because they provide essential services, but are normally not seen, are now being recognized.”“We’ve had offers of food, coaching, games and puzzles,” he said, all of which had to be turned down because of the isolation rules. “But I’m very proud of them and of the fact that these men, who have a high level of responsibility because they provide essential services, but are normally not seen, are now being recognized.”