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In Spain, a Call to ‘Free Our Children’ From Coronavirus Confinement In Spain, a Call to ‘Free Our Children’ From Coronavirus Confinement
(3 days later)
BARCELONA, Spain — For five weeks, Lia Aparicio Cenador hasn’t been outside once.BARCELONA, Spain — For five weeks, Lia Aparicio Cenador hasn’t been outside once.
“I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be on a street,” said Lia, a 9-year-old girl.“I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be on a street,” said Lia, a 9-year-old girl.
Millions of children in Spain, stuck at home since the authorities implemented a nationwide lockdown in mid-March, have been unable to exercise outside, take a short walk around their block, go with their parents to the supermarket or leave their house except for medical reasons.Millions of children in Spain, stuck at home since the authorities implemented a nationwide lockdown in mid-March, have been unable to exercise outside, take a short walk around their block, go with their parents to the supermarket or leave their house except for medical reasons.
Such measures, the strictest in Europe, have left countless children bored, exhausted and sometimes depressed.Such measures, the strictest in Europe, have left countless children bored, exhausted and sometimes depressed.
As Spanish authorities have extended the lockdown into May, calls to ease confinement rules for children have recently intensified, as many parents and health specialists raise the alarm over the long-term consequences confinement will have on their physical and mental health. Even in most of Italy, the worst hit country on the continent in terms of number of deaths, parents can take their children out for a short walk.As Spanish authorities have extended the lockdown into May, calls to ease confinement rules for children have recently intensified, as many parents and health specialists raise the alarm over the long-term consequences confinement will have on their physical and mental health. Even in most of Italy, the worst hit country on the continent in terms of number of deaths, parents can take their children out for a short walk.
“Parents can be angry,” said Diego Figuera, a psychiatrist at the San Carlos hospital in Madrid who works with children. “How do you explain to them that you can take your dog out, but not your child?”“Parents can be angry,” said Diego Figuera, a psychiatrist at the San Carlos hospital in Madrid who works with children. “How do you explain to them that you can take your dog out, but not your child?”
Mr. Figuera said that public health experts and epidemiologists had advised Spain’s health ministry to confine children at the onset of the crisis because they were concerned that children could pass the virus to older people.Mr. Figuera said that public health experts and epidemiologists had advised Spain’s health ministry to confine children at the onset of the crisis because they were concerned that children could pass the virus to older people.
This week, Spain, which has reported over 20,000 deaths from the virus, began easing some aspects of its lockdown, allowing construction sites and factories to reopen. Public transportation in large cities like Madrid or Barcelona has grown a little busier, but the sight of parents pushing strollers or holding a child’s hand has yet to return.This week, Spain, which has reported over 20,000 deaths from the virus, began easing some aspects of its lockdown, allowing construction sites and factories to reopen. Public transportation in large cities like Madrid or Barcelona has grown a little busier, but the sight of parents pushing strollers or holding a child’s hand has yet to return.
On Saturday, Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s prime minister, said that some children will be able to go outside after April 27, as he announced another extension of the lockdown until May 9. Mr. Sánchez didn’t specify what exact leeway children would receive to step outdoors, but he suggested it would likely apply for those up to the age of 12. Mr. Sánchez’s announcement came amid mounting criticism from parents and health specialists, backed by some regional politicians, who have all warned that keeping children strictly indoors could harm their mental and physical health.On Saturday, Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s prime minister, said that some children will be able to go outside after April 27, as he announced another extension of the lockdown until May 9. Mr. Sánchez didn’t specify what exact leeway children would receive to step outdoors, but he suggested it would likely apply for those up to the age of 12. Mr. Sánchez’s announcement came amid mounting criticism from parents and health specialists, backed by some regional politicians, who have all warned that keeping children strictly indoors could harm their mental and physical health.
Alejandra Raventós, a psychologist and the director of the Anne Foundation, a nonprofit that helps disadvantaged children, said she had been “angered and shocked” at the lack of consideration given to children’s well-being when the lockdown was implemented in mid-March.Alejandra Raventós, a psychologist and the director of the Anne Foundation, a nonprofit that helps disadvantaged children, said she had been “angered and shocked” at the lack of consideration given to children’s well-being when the lockdown was implemented in mid-March.
As a mother of three and through her work at the Anne Foundation, Ms. Raventós said she was witnessing difficulties among some children, from nutrition to sleeping problems, as well as strong mood swings. For others, Ms. Raventós said, the “big risk is that boredom turns into complete apathy,” particularly given the lack of physical movement and variety in their activities.As a mother of three and through her work at the Anne Foundation, Ms. Raventós said she was witnessing difficulties among some children, from nutrition to sleeping problems, as well as strong mood swings. For others, Ms. Raventós said, the “big risk is that boredom turns into complete apathy,” particularly given the lack of physical movement and variety in their activities.
As Spain will remain under lockdown until May, public pressure mounted in recent days to ease the rules for children, and some Spanish regions are now working on plans to allow them outdoors.As Spain will remain under lockdown until May, public pressure mounted in recent days to ease the rules for children, and some Spanish regions are now working on plans to allow them outdoors.
“If adults can go for a walk with a dog, and now some nonessential economic activities are resuming, why do our boys and girls have to keep waiting?” Barcelona’s mayor, Ada Colau, wrote on Facebook, urging the authorities to “free our children.” The hashtag #NiñosEnLaCalleYa, or “children on the streets now,” has circulated widely on social media.“If adults can go for a walk with a dog, and now some nonessential economic activities are resuming, why do our boys and girls have to keep waiting?” Barcelona’s mayor, Ada Colau, wrote on Facebook, urging the authorities to “free our children.” The hashtag #NiñosEnLaCalleYa, or “children on the streets now,” has circulated widely on social media.
Regional authorities in the Madrid region suggested this week that children under 14 should be allowed to go out for an hour once a day, but without their bicycle or scooter.Regional authorities in the Madrid region suggested this week that children under 14 should be allowed to go out for an hour once a day, but without their bicycle or scooter.
But the Madrid plan, as well as those outlined by other regions, would still need approval from the central government.But the Madrid plan, as well as those outlined by other regions, would still need approval from the central government.
In the meantime, parents are doing their best to keep their children busy and happy.In the meantime, parents are doing their best to keep their children busy and happy.
“She has adapted, but it’s traumatizing,” said Elena Parreño, who said her daughter, Maya Herrero, 7, had no energy and had experienced so many nightmares since the confinement started that she now sleeps with her and her husband. Maya said in a telephone interview that she missed walking outside and going to her weekly swimming sessions.“She has adapted, but it’s traumatizing,” said Elena Parreño, who said her daughter, Maya Herrero, 7, had no energy and had experienced so many nightmares since the confinement started that she now sleeps with her and her husband. Maya said in a telephone interview that she missed walking outside and going to her weekly swimming sessions.
“It’s a little bit like being in a prison,” Ms. Parreño said about the situation for children. “They’re surviving.”“It’s a little bit like being in a prison,” Ms. Parreño said about the situation for children. “They’re surviving.”
When Ms. Parreño took Maya on a short walk, defying the government’s ban, Maya called her the “best mother in the world,” Ms. Parreño said.When Ms. Parreño took Maya on a short walk, defying the government’s ban, Maya called her the “best mother in the world,” Ms. Parreño said.
Mr. Figuera, the psychiatrist in Madrid, said the psychological impact of confinement could affect children long term.Mr. Figuera, the psychiatrist in Madrid, said the psychological impact of confinement could affect children long term.
“After months of lockdown, we may ask 4-year-olds to put on a mask at an age when smiling is the most important form of social interaction,” said Mr. Figuera, who is among a group of experts advising the Spanish government on easing lockdown measures for children. “That new normality, which is abnormal, will leave children traumatized.”“After months of lockdown, we may ask 4-year-olds to put on a mask at an age when smiling is the most important form of social interaction,” said Mr. Figuera, who is among a group of experts advising the Spanish government on easing lockdown measures for children. “That new normality, which is abnormal, will leave children traumatized.”
Sara Jiménez, a dietitian and nutritionist, said some families were no longer sticking to strict meal timetables and also indulging their children. “The shopping basket gets filled with pastries and bad quality products to keep children happy during this period,” she said.Sara Jiménez, a dietitian and nutritionist, said some families were no longer sticking to strict meal timetables and also indulging their children. “The shopping basket gets filled with pastries and bad quality products to keep children happy during this period,” she said.
Many children started the lockdown feeling agitated, parents say, but then boredom sunk in. “Being alone is very hard,” said Lia, the 9-year-old, who is an only child. She said she had stopped calling her friends because she had “nothing more to tell them” and preferred to play alone. “It’s been long, very long,” she added.Many children started the lockdown feeling agitated, parents say, but then boredom sunk in. “Being alone is very hard,” said Lia, the 9-year-old, who is an only child. She said she had stopped calling her friends because she had “nothing more to tell them” and preferred to play alone. “It’s been long, very long,” she added.
The lockdown has likely hit low-income families especially hard, since many live in cramped quarters.The lockdown has likely hit low-income families especially hard, since many live in cramped quarters.
Mafus Rohman and his wife, Samina, share a two-bedroom apartment with their 5-year-old twins, who sleep in their bedroom, and an older family relative who sleeps in the other one. Mr. Rohman runs a bar that he has been forced to shut down during the lockdown, and he said that he couldn’t afford to pay the rent this month.Mafus Rohman and his wife, Samina, share a two-bedroom apartment with their 5-year-old twins, who sleep in their bedroom, and an older family relative who sleeps in the other one. Mr. Rohman runs a bar that he has been forced to shut down during the lockdown, and he said that he couldn’t afford to pay the rent this month.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
“They keep asking what’s going on,” Mr. Rohman said at his apartment as the twins, Misha and Maliha, colored pictures nearby. “At least we are all together.”“They keep asking what’s going on,” Mr. Rohman said at his apartment as the twins, Misha and Maliha, colored pictures nearby. “At least we are all together.”
The children who may be at the most risk of suffering long-term effects from the lockdown, said Mr. Figuera, the psychiatrist, are those who were in therapy before the coronavirus crisis hit.The children who may be at the most risk of suffering long-term effects from the lockdown, said Mr. Figuera, the psychiatrist, are those who were in therapy before the coronavirus crisis hit.
Children with autism, for example, are given an exemption that allows them to go out with a parent, but some families say they have tried to keep them inside to protect them.Children with autism, for example, are given an exemption that allows them to go out with a parent, but some families say they have tried to keep them inside to protect them.
“If I take him out and tell him that no, we can’t go to the park, that no, we can’t go to school, or that he can’t see his grandparents, he’s going to have a meltdown,” said Anais Sanchez of her 8-year-old son, Odaï Abdeldayem, who has autism.“If I take him out and tell him that no, we can’t go to the park, that no, we can’t go to school, or that he can’t see his grandparents, he’s going to have a meltdown,” said Anais Sanchez of her 8-year-old son, Odaï Abdeldayem, who has autism.
Ms. Sanchez, 32, who was supposed to start a job as a school cook but lost it when the lockdown started, said she had to tell her son that “something bad” was going on outside and that they couldn’t leave their apartment in La Trinitat Nova, one of Barcelona’s poorest neighborhoods.Ms. Sanchez, 32, who was supposed to start a job as a school cook but lost it when the lockdown started, said she had to tell her son that “something bad” was going on outside and that they couldn’t leave their apartment in La Trinitat Nova, one of Barcelona’s poorest neighborhoods.
Odaï has had nightmares and bouts of anger since the lockdown started, his mother said. “He keeps asking when this is going to be over, and I don’t know,” Ms. Sanchez said from the doorstep of the family apartment. “And I can’t lie to him.”Odaï has had nightmares and bouts of anger since the lockdown started, his mother said. “He keeps asking when this is going to be over, and I don’t know,” Ms. Sanchez said from the doorstep of the family apartment. “And I can’t lie to him.”
For children like Odaï who required therapy before the lockdown, online sessions have also had limited effect. Carmen Marco Llana, a child psychologist in Madrid, said she was struggling to treat her younger patients, particularly those below the age of about 8, some of whom suffered from attention deficit disorder, “because our sessions are always very dynamic and they are suddenly asked to concentrate long in front of a screen.”For children like Odaï who required therapy before the lockdown, online sessions have also had limited effect. Carmen Marco Llana, a child psychologist in Madrid, said she was struggling to treat her younger patients, particularly those below the age of about 8, some of whom suffered from attention deficit disorder, “because our sessions are always very dynamic and they are suddenly asked to concentrate long in front of a screen.”
Like other specialists, Ms. Marco Llana said the children were “really the abandoned ones in this crisis,” whose needs were ignored when the lockdown was decided.Like other specialists, Ms. Marco Llana said the children were “really the abandoned ones in this crisis,” whose needs were ignored when the lockdown was decided.
“I understand that we got hit by this like a Tsunami wave,” Ms. Marco Llana said. “But now that we are moving out of the real emergency phase, I think that we can begin to see issues that were not fully taken into account at the start, including our children.”“I understand that we got hit by this like a Tsunami wave,” Ms. Marco Llana said. “But now that we are moving out of the real emergency phase, I think that we can begin to see issues that were not fully taken into account at the start, including our children.”
Elian Peltier reported from Barcelona, and Raphael Minder from Madrid.Elian Peltier reported from Barcelona, and Raphael Minder from Madrid.