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| Lululemon Fires Employee Over ‘Bat Fried Rice’ Shirt | Lululemon Fires Employee Over ‘Bat Fried Rice’ Shirt |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| The white, long-sleeve T-shirt was retailing for $60. | The white, long-sleeve T-shirt was retailing for $60. |
| The title: “Bat Fried Rice.” | The title: “Bat Fried Rice.” |
| It featured a small red image of chopsticks with bat wings on the front, and a larger design of a Chinese rice box with bat wings and the words “No Thank You” written on it on the back. “No Thank You” also appeared on the right sleeve. | It featured a small red image of chopsticks with bat wings on the front, and a larger design of a Chinese rice box with bat wings and the words “No Thank You” written on it on the back. “No Thank You” also appeared on the right sleeve. |
| Soon after Trevor Fleming, an art director for Lululemon Athletica, posted a link to the T-shirt in the bio section of his personal Instagram account, waves of online condemnation followed, and he was fired by the Canadian athletic apparel company. By a Reuters count, more than 1,000 comments were left on Lululemon’s official Instagram account criticizing the company for Mr. Fleming’s post. | Soon after Trevor Fleming, an art director for Lululemon Athletica, posted a link to the T-shirt in the bio section of his personal Instagram account, waves of online condemnation followed, and he was fired by the Canadian athletic apparel company. By a Reuters count, more than 1,000 comments were left on Lululemon’s official Instagram account criticizing the company for Mr. Fleming’s post. |
| “Should I burn all my lululemon now?,” one asked. “As a brand, you should be well aware of the people you hire because they in fact represent your organization,” read another. | “Should I burn all my lululemon now?,” one asked. “As a brand, you should be well aware of the people you hire because they in fact represent your organization,” read another. |
| In replies to the comments, the company was quick to say the T-shirt was not one of its products. | In replies to the comments, the company was quick to say the T-shirt was not one of its products. |
| “We apologize that an employee was affiliated with promoting an offensive T-shirt, and we take this very seriously,” it said. “The image and the post were inappropriate and inexcusable. We acted immediately, and the person involved is no longer an employee of Lululemon.” | “We apologize that an employee was affiliated with promoting an offensive T-shirt, and we take this very seriously,” it said. “The image and the post were inappropriate and inexcusable. We acted immediately, and the person involved is no longer an employee of Lululemon.” |
| Lululemon issued a separate statement Tuesday on Weixin, a Facebook-like company platform popular in China, where Instagram is banned, saying that the “person involved” in designing the shirt is not an employee of the company. “As a brand that advocates for a positive and healthy lifestyle, we are against all racist behavior. Lululemon’s brand, core values and culture represent our stance. We will treat this event very seriously.” | Lululemon issued a separate statement Tuesday on Weixin, a Facebook-like company platform popular in China, where Instagram is banned, saying that the “person involved” in designing the shirt is not an employee of the company. “As a brand that advocates for a positive and healthy lifestyle, we are against all racist behavior. Lululemon’s brand, core values and culture represent our stance. We will treat this event very seriously.” |
| The World Health Organization has said that the evidence shows the coronavirus may have originated in bats. Scientists believe it may have jumped from bats to another animal in a wet market in Wuhan and then infected humans. | The World Health Organization has said that the evidence shows the coronavirus may have originated in bats. Scientists believe it may have jumped from bats to another animal in a wet market in Wuhan and then infected humans. |
| The episode was the latest in a long line of racist tropes and attacks against Asians since the coronavirus emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Unfairly blamed for the outbreak, Asian-Americans in the United States have been spat on and yelled at, and Asians have been physically attacked in European cities like London. | The episode was the latest in a long line of racist tropes and attacks against Asians since the coronavirus emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Unfairly blamed for the outbreak, Asian-Americans in the United States have been spat on and yelled at, and Asians have been physically attacked in European cities like London. |
| Mr. Fleming has since deleted his Instagram and LinkedIn accounts. He said in a statement through a spokeswoman on Wednesday that he had nothing to do with the T-shirt’s design. But he apologized and said he made the wrong decision by sharing a link to the item. | Mr. Fleming has since deleted his Instagram and LinkedIn accounts. He said in a statement through a spokeswoman on Wednesday that he had nothing to do with the T-shirt’s design. But he apologized and said he made the wrong decision by sharing a link to the item. |
| “It is something I deeply regret, and my eyes have been opened to the profound ripple effect that this mistake has had,” said Mr. Fleming, who worked at the company’s Vancouver headquarters as a full-time employee for two and a half years. | “It is something I deeply regret, and my eyes have been opened to the profound ripple effect that this mistake has had,” said Mr. Fleming, who worked at the company’s Vancouver headquarters as a full-time employee for two and a half years. |
| “I commit to standing up against racist or discriminatory behavior and will work hard to ensure that my personal and professional contributions in the future are kind, inclusive and supportive,” he said. | “I commit to standing up against racist or discriminatory behavior and will work hard to ensure that my personal and professional contributions in the future are kind, inclusive and supportive,” he said. |
| The designer of the T-shirt, Jess Sluder, an artist based in California, initially wrote on his website: “Where did COVID-19 originate? No one is certain, but we know a bat was involved. This quarantee offers a friendly reminder to avoid foods containing this nocturnal beast.” | The designer of the T-shirt, Jess Sluder, an artist based in California, initially wrote on his website: “Where did COVID-19 originate? No one is certain, but we know a bat was involved. This quarantee offers a friendly reminder to avoid foods containing this nocturnal beast.” |
| Updated June 24, 2020 | |
| 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. |
| 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.) |
| 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. |
| The T-shirt has since been removed from the website, and Mr. Sluder, too, has apologized. | The T-shirt has since been removed from the website, and Mr. Sluder, too, has apologized. |
| “As an artist I often toy with pushing boundaries with satirical work and I simply crossed the line,” he wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. “This situation has taught me to be more conscious of the impact of my work and I am deeply sorry to anyone who was offended or hurt by my actions,” he added. | “As an artist I often toy with pushing boundaries with satirical work and I simply crossed the line,” he wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. “This situation has taught me to be more conscious of the impact of my work and I am deeply sorry to anyone who was offended or hurt by my actions,” he added. |
| The T-shirt was the latest in a string of controversies that the company has weathered. In 2013, troubles arose when some of its yoga pants were found to be too sheer. This started an avalanche of complaints, ridicule and, eventually, a costly recall and a shareholders’ lawsuit accusing the company of concealing the problems. | The T-shirt was the latest in a string of controversies that the company has weathered. In 2013, troubles arose when some of its yoga pants were found to be too sheer. This started an avalanche of complaints, ridicule and, eventually, a costly recall and a shareholders’ lawsuit accusing the company of concealing the problems. |
| While trying to explain quality problems in an interview, the founder, Dennis J. Wilson, incited backlash when he said that some women’s bodies “just actually don’t work” in yoga pants. He later stepped down from the company. | While trying to explain quality problems in an interview, the founder, Dennis J. Wilson, incited backlash when he said that some women’s bodies “just actually don’t work” in yoga pants. He later stepped down from the company. |
| In 2018, Laurent Potdevin, the chief executive of Lululemon Athletica, resigned because of his behavior. The company gave few details but said he fell short of the company’s standards of conduct. | In 2018, Laurent Potdevin, the chief executive of Lululemon Athletica, resigned because of his behavior. The company gave few details but said he fell short of the company’s standards of conduct. |
| Recently, like other companies, Lululemon has had to navigate a difficult retail environment with the quarantine orders during the pandemic. It has adapted by offering discounts for its athletic wear, describing its yoga pants as “perfect to practice in the living room, the bedroom, and even on the patio” and encouraging workout enthusiasts to release their natural high, or “Indoorphins.” | Recently, like other companies, Lululemon has had to navigate a difficult retail environment with the quarantine orders during the pandemic. It has adapted by offering discounts for its athletic wear, describing its yoga pants as “perfect to practice in the living room, the bedroom, and even on the patio” and encouraging workout enthusiasts to release their natural high, or “Indoorphins.” |
| It closed stores in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia. It said it would continue to pay store employees at least through June 1, while company leaders were taking a 20 percent reduction in salaries, the chief executive officer, Calvin McDonald, said. | It closed stores in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia. It said it would continue to pay store employees at least through June 1, while company leaders were taking a 20 percent reduction in salaries, the chief executive officer, Calvin McDonald, said. |
| Tiffany May contributed reporting. | Tiffany May contributed reporting. |