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| To Beat the Virus, Colombia Tries Separating Men and Women | To Beat the Virus, Colombia Tries Separating Men and Women |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| BOGOTÁ, Colombia — So many men. Men at the bakery, men on bikes, men in parks, men in the grocery aisles. | BOGOTÁ, Colombia — So many men. Men at the bakery, men on bikes, men in parks, men in the grocery aisles. |
| “It’s weird,” said Adriana Pérez, a nurse in scrubs waiting at the bank, the only woman in sight. “But it’s working.” | “It’s weird,” said Adriana Pérez, a nurse in scrubs waiting at the bank, the only woman in sight. “But it’s working.” |
| Bogotá, Colombia’s capital and largest city, joined Panama this week in instituting a gender-based virus-prevention measure designed to limit the number of people in the streets. On odd-numbered days, men can leave the house to seek out essentials. On even-numbered days, it’s the women’s turn. | Bogotá, Colombia’s capital and largest city, joined Panama this week in instituting a gender-based virus-prevention measure designed to limit the number of people in the streets. On odd-numbered days, men can leave the house to seek out essentials. On even-numbered days, it’s the women’s turn. |
| The measure comes as cities across Latin America are struggling to keep people off the streets, despite quarantine orders that have been in place for weeks in most countries. | The measure comes as cities across Latin America are struggling to keep people off the streets, despite quarantine orders that have been in place for weeks in most countries. |
| The virus has been slower to hit the region, but it is starting to be felt with brutal force in some parts, particularly in Ecuador, where hundreds of people have died in recent weeks, overwhelming the business hub of Guayaquil. | The virus has been slower to hit the region, but it is starting to be felt with brutal force in some parts, particularly in Ecuador, where hundreds of people have died in recent weeks, overwhelming the business hub of Guayaquil. |
| Colombia has about 3,000 of Latin America’s more than 60,000 cases, most of them concentrated in Bogotá. | Colombia has about 3,000 of Latin America’s more than 60,000 cases, most of them concentrated in Bogotá. |
| To stop the spread of the virus, some countries in the region have begun arresting quarantine-breakers. Others have instituted curfews. Colombia’s capital is trying gender separation. | To stop the spread of the virus, some countries in the region have begun arresting quarantine-breakers. Others have instituted curfews. Colombia’s capital is trying gender separation. |
| There are exceptions for people working in critical industries, like food service and health care, and some other exemptions for special cases. Dog-walkers of any gender can leave for 20 minutes. But beyond that, anyone caught breaking the rule is subject to a fine of $240, about the minimum monthly salary in Colombia. | There are exceptions for people working in critical industries, like food service and health care, and some other exemptions for special cases. Dog-walkers of any gender can leave for 20 minutes. But beyond that, anyone caught breaking the rule is subject to a fine of $240, about the minimum monthly salary in Colombia. |
| Bogotá’s mayor, Claudia López, the first woman and the first openly gay individual to lead the city, has said transgender people can follow the gender with which they identify. The authorities, the health order says, should respect “diverse gender manifestations.” | Bogotá’s mayor, Claudia López, the first woman and the first openly gay individual to lead the city, has said transgender people can follow the gender with which they identify. The authorities, the health order says, should respect “diverse gender manifestations.” |
| The mayor has called the measure the easiest way to split the population in a way that police can verify. | The mayor has called the measure the easiest way to split the population in a way that police can verify. |
| During the first two days of the measure, police sanctioned 104 women and 610 men for violating the order, according to Ms. López. Violators must pay half the fine within five days or face a potential day in court. | During the first two days of the measure, police sanctioned 104 women and 610 men for violating the order, according to Ms. López. Violators must pay half the fine within five days or face a potential day in court. |
| Peru had enacted a similar measure, but President Martín Vizcarra canceled it following criticism that it would lead to discrimination against transgender people. | Peru had enacted a similar measure, but President Martín Vizcarra canceled it following criticism that it would lead to discrimination against transgender people. |
| Earlier this month, Human Rights Watch criticized Panama’s gender-separation policy, saying that the police had used it to detain and fine a transgender woman who had left the house on a day assigned to women. The police detained her, said the rights group, “apparently because the ‘male’ gender marker on her ID card did not match her appearance.” | Earlier this month, Human Rights Watch criticized Panama’s gender-separation policy, saying that the police had used it to detain and fine a transgender woman who had left the house on a day assigned to women. The police detained her, said the rights group, “apparently because the ‘male’ gender marker on her ID card did not match her appearance.” |
| The Colombia measure is reminiscent of Bogotá’s best known traffic policy, restricting which license plates can go out on which days, depending on the plate’s final number. | The Colombia measure is reminiscent of Bogotá’s best known traffic policy, restricting which license plates can go out on which days, depending on the plate’s final number. |
| Updated June 5, 2020 | |
| 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. | 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. |
| Bogotá, a city of 8 million, typically has some of the worst traffic in the world, and the policy is a defining feature of life in the city during normal times. | Bogotá, a city of 8 million, typically has some of the worst traffic in the world, and the policy is a defining feature of life in the city during normal times. |
| The country has already been under quarantine for nearly a month, a measure that limits most movement and has been particularly difficult on people with informal jobs who typically support their families on the work they do that day or that week. | The country has already been under quarantine for nearly a month, a measure that limits most movement and has been particularly difficult on people with informal jobs who typically support their families on the work they do that day or that week. |
| On Wednesday, Yesica Benavides stood amid the men on a Bogotá sidewalk, trying to sell candy. | On Wednesday, Yesica Benavides stood amid the men on a Bogotá sidewalk, trying to sell candy. |
| She had no gloves and no face protection, having given her only mask to her 3-year-old, Nicole. | She had no gloves and no face protection, having given her only mask to her 3-year-old, Nicole. |
| “We go out every day,” she said, Nicole by her side. The two have been sleeping in a motel, and they pay their rent nightly. “If we don’t go out,” Ms. Benavides said, “we don’t eat.” | “We go out every day,” she said, Nicole by her side. The two have been sleeping in a motel, and they pay their rent nightly. “If we don’t go out,” Ms. Benavides said, “we don’t eat.” |
| But the measure drew praise in several corners of the city. | But the measure drew praise in several corners of the city. |
| In the middle-class neighborhood of El Recuerdo, the police stopped women to ask why they were out. Men lined the doorways of supermarkets, trying to stand six feet apart. | In the middle-class neighborhood of El Recuerdo, the police stopped women to ask why they were out. Men lined the doorways of supermarkets, trying to stand six feet apart. |
| “The fewer people there are in the street,” said William Legizamón, an engineer leaving a grocery store, “the better.” | “The fewer people there are in the street,” said William Legizamón, an engineer leaving a grocery store, “the better.” |
| Jorge Chacón, a chef leaving a small market, said he noticed a decrease in street traffic and encouraged even stricter enforcement. “We need to be more drastic with these measures,” he said, “because people are going out.” | Jorge Chacón, a chef leaving a small market, said he noticed a decrease in street traffic and encouraged even stricter enforcement. “We need to be more drastic with these measures,” he said, “because people are going out.” |
| Jenny Carolina González contributed reporting. | Jenny Carolina González contributed reporting. |