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U.S. Sailors’ New Reality: Confinement on Land and at Sea U.S. Sailors’ New Reality: Confinement on Land and at Sea
(7 days later)
As the U.S. Navy tries to adjust the operational tempo of its aircraft carriers during a global pandemic, it is taking unprecedented measures to ensure its ships deploy infection-free. Following guidance from the Pentagon and Navy leadership, Rear Adm. George M. Wikoff, the commander of Carrier Strike Group Five in Yokosuka, Japan, this month ordered roughly 1,300 sailors from the carrier U.S.S. Ronald Reagan and its air wing into what he called “predeployment sequestration” in barracks at military bases in Yokota and Atsugi, according to documents obtained by The New York Times. The remaining crew members will be sequestered in waves in the coming weeks until the ship deploys, most likely in June.As the U.S. Navy tries to adjust the operational tempo of its aircraft carriers during a global pandemic, it is taking unprecedented measures to ensure its ships deploy infection-free. Following guidance from the Pentagon and Navy leadership, Rear Adm. George M. Wikoff, the commander of Carrier Strike Group Five in Yokosuka, Japan, this month ordered roughly 1,300 sailors from the carrier U.S.S. Ronald Reagan and its air wing into what he called “predeployment sequestration” in barracks at military bases in Yokota and Atsugi, according to documents obtained by The New York Times. The remaining crew members will be sequestered in waves in the coming weeks until the ship deploys, most likely in June.
The original plan directed that after 14 days of confinement, the sailors would move onto the moored ship while it prepared to deploy, according to the documents. However, additional directives show that on April 20 the U.S. Pacific Fleet in Hawaii, which commands all vessels based in the Pacific Ocean, including the Ronald Reagan, put a hold on anyone leaving isolation or quarantine regardless of his or her coronavirus status until further notice — meaning sailors now sequestered in the barracks are there indefinitely.The original plan directed that after 14 days of confinement, the sailors would move onto the moored ship while it prepared to deploy, according to the documents. However, additional directives show that on April 20 the U.S. Pacific Fleet in Hawaii, which commands all vessels based in the Pacific Ocean, including the Ronald Reagan, put a hold on anyone leaving isolation or quarantine regardless of his or her coronavirus status until further notice — meaning sailors now sequestered in the barracks are there indefinitely.
The U.S.S. Ronald Reagan typically deploys every year from April to October, stopping at ports across East Asia and doing naval training exercises with allied nations. In the middle of that deployment, the ship usually returns to Yokosuka for a month of maintenance and to give the crew a break. This year, however, the carrier, which has already had 16 sailors test positive for the coronavirus, delayed its departure by several weeks. Sailors have been told that all port visits are canceled, and that no one will be allowed to disembark the ship for the duration of the deployment, except for necessary supply runs, even when it returns to Yokosuka for brief maintenance visits. The sailors will quite likely be confined to the aircraft carrier until November.The U.S.S. Ronald Reagan typically deploys every year from April to October, stopping at ports across East Asia and doing naval training exercises with allied nations. In the middle of that deployment, the ship usually returns to Yokosuka for a month of maintenance and to give the crew a break. This year, however, the carrier, which has already had 16 sailors test positive for the coronavirus, delayed its departure by several weeks. Sailors have been told that all port visits are canceled, and that no one will be allowed to disembark the ship for the duration of the deployment, except for necessary supply runs, even when it returns to Yokosuka for brief maintenance visits. The sailors will quite likely be confined to the aircraft carrier until November.
All sailors deploying overseas will be required to do some form of 14-day sequestration before they depart, according to the Navy, including submarine crews and special operations units. The Ronald Reagan’s restrictions on sailors’ movements are some of the more severe steps being taken, especially for a deployment not scheduled to support continuing combat operations in Iraq, Syria or Afghanistan. The U.S.S. Nimitz, a carrier based in Bremerton, Wash., was scheduled to deploy in June, but the ship has delayed its departure by at least two weeks as it wrestles with quarantine procedures and procuring enough coronavirus test kits for the crew. The Nimitz’s sailors are also being sequestered until the aircraft carrier departs.All sailors deploying overseas will be required to do some form of 14-day sequestration before they depart, according to the Navy, including submarine crews and special operations units. The Ronald Reagan’s restrictions on sailors’ movements are some of the more severe steps being taken, especially for a deployment not scheduled to support continuing combat operations in Iraq, Syria or Afghanistan. The U.S.S. Nimitz, a carrier based in Bremerton, Wash., was scheduled to deploy in June, but the ship has delayed its departure by at least two weeks as it wrestles with quarantine procedures and procuring enough coronavirus test kits for the crew. The Nimitz’s sailors are also being sequestered until the aircraft carrier departs.
Vice Adm. Phillip G. Sawyer, a deputy chief of naval operations and a former commander of the Seventh Fleet in Japan, told The Times that the Navy was following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Protection on handwashing, face coverings and other preventive measures, as well as adding additional procedures to limit the potential for the coronavirus to enter its ships, submarines and aircrews. “We learn more everyday,” Sawyer said. “We will continue to evolve our measures to conform to the best practices that we know. We have to be able to protect our force, and we have to be able to conduct the missions that the nation requires of us.”Vice Adm. Phillip G. Sawyer, a deputy chief of naval operations and a former commander of the Seventh Fleet in Japan, told The Times that the Navy was following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Protection on handwashing, face coverings and other preventive measures, as well as adding additional procedures to limit the potential for the coronavirus to enter its ships, submarines and aircrews. “We learn more everyday,” Sawyer said. “We will continue to evolve our measures to conform to the best practices that we know. We have to be able to protect our force, and we have to be able to conduct the missions that the nation requires of us.”
The Navy is still contending with a major cluster of coronavirus infections aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, the aircraft carrier that has been moored in Guam since late March after an outbreak of the virus while it was at sea. As of Wednesday, a total of 777 sailors from the carrier had tested positive for the virus. A Navy spokesman said that 120 of those sailors had tested positive after leaving quarantine, which led military leaders to re-evaluate the criteria they used for quarantining those suspected of coming in contact with an infected person and for sequestering sailors preparing to deploy.The Navy is still contending with a major cluster of coronavirus infections aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, the aircraft carrier that has been moored in Guam since late March after an outbreak of the virus while it was at sea. As of Wednesday, a total of 777 sailors from the carrier had tested positive for the virus. A Navy spokesman said that 120 of those sailors had tested positive after leaving quarantine, which led military leaders to re-evaluate the criteria they used for quarantining those suspected of coming in contact with an infected person and for sequestering sailors preparing to deploy.
It is unclear whether the public will be informed of any outbreak of the coronavirus aboard the Ronald Reagan, or any of the Navy’s other ships, while it is at sea. On March 30, the Pentagon announced that it would not make public any information about coronavirus outbreaks in specific units, but in practice it has continued to provide data about cases aboard the Theodore Roosevelt and the hospital ship U.S.N.S. Comfort, which is docked in New York City. According to the documents obtained by The Times, the Navy’s Pacific Fleet commander in Hawaii declared that all information about coronavirus cases aboard Navy ships, aircraft and submarines was now classified at the “confidential” level. A Navy spokesman would not confirm that specific classification directive, but said that sick crew members were allowed to tell their families if they had contracted the virus.It is unclear whether the public will be informed of any outbreak of the coronavirus aboard the Ronald Reagan, or any of the Navy’s other ships, while it is at sea. On March 30, the Pentagon announced that it would not make public any information about coronavirus outbreaks in specific units, but in practice it has continued to provide data about cases aboard the Theodore Roosevelt and the hospital ship U.S.N.S. Comfort, which is docked in New York City. According to the documents obtained by The Times, the Navy’s Pacific Fleet commander in Hawaii declared that all information about coronavirus cases aboard Navy ships, aircraft and submarines was now classified at the “confidential” level. A Navy spokesman would not confirm that specific classification directive, but said that sick crew members were allowed to tell their families if they had contracted the virus.
Two Navy officials who were not authorized to speak to The Times raised concerns about how the Ronald Reagan’s commanders would handle the exceptional levels of stress being put on the nearly 5,000-person crew by confining everyone to the ship for up to eight months. A Navy spokesman said that the ship would depart with three chaplains, a clinical psychologist and a counselor, but that it still did not have an assistant for the clinical psychologist on board. The spokesman did not elaborate on specific measures that the ship’s commanders planned to take to keep up morale, but Adm. Michael M. Gilday, the service’s top officer, gave a statement to The Times addressing the issue. “Our sailors and their families are resilient,” he said. “I know they will set an example for their friends, their neighbors and in their local communities on how to make personal sacrifices in the service of the collective good.”Two Navy officials who were not authorized to speak to The Times raised concerns about how the Ronald Reagan’s commanders would handle the exceptional levels of stress being put on the nearly 5,000-person crew by confining everyone to the ship for up to eight months. A Navy spokesman said that the ship would depart with three chaplains, a clinical psychologist and a counselor, but that it still did not have an assistant for the clinical psychologist on board. The spokesman did not elaborate on specific measures that the ship’s commanders planned to take to keep up morale, but Adm. Michael M. Gilday, the service’s top officer, gave a statement to The Times addressing the issue. “Our sailors and their families are resilient,” he said. “I know they will set an example for their friends, their neighbors and in their local communities on how to make personal sacrifices in the service of the collective good.”
The Navy officials also raised concerns that the indefinite extension of the two-week sequester period already in effect for all aircrew members would further harm the aircrews’ ability to safely fly planes and helicopters, especially after some of the crews’ predeployment training on Guam was cut short last month. The aircrews typically need to fly at least once every two weeks to stay current in their qualifications, but they require even more flight time in the critical run-up to deployment, when they practice landing on an aircraft carrier at sea.The Navy officials also raised concerns that the indefinite extension of the two-week sequester period already in effect for all aircrew members would further harm the aircrews’ ability to safely fly planes and helicopters, especially after some of the crews’ predeployment training on Guam was cut short last month. The aircrews typically need to fly at least once every two weeks to stay current in their qualifications, but they require even more flight time in the critical run-up to deployment, when they practice landing on an aircraft carrier at sea.
During the 14-day sequester period directed by Wikoff, sailors are not allowed to leave their rooms, according to the documents. (“A great time for self-improvement,” they say.) Packed two or three to a room, sailors are allowed to bring a computer, a tablet and a phone with them, but alcohol and tobacco products are banned, as are deliveries of care packages. They are also prohibited from taking and posting photos of their living quarters to social media sites. All sailors will be tested for the coronavirus and must have a negative test result before boarding the ship, but the recent directive from Pacific Fleet has made it unclear what the new criteria for leaving confinement will be.During the 14-day sequester period directed by Wikoff, sailors are not allowed to leave their rooms, according to the documents. (“A great time for self-improvement,” they say.) Packed two or three to a room, sailors are allowed to bring a computer, a tablet and a phone with them, but alcohol and tobacco products are banned, as are deliveries of care packages. They are also prohibited from taking and posting photos of their living quarters to social media sites. All sailors will be tested for the coronavirus and must have a negative test result before boarding the ship, but the recent directive from Pacific Fleet has made it unclear what the new criteria for leaving confinement will be.
The Navy’s efforts to keep at least one of its 11 carrier strike groups combat-ready has meant extending the deployment of the group supporting the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman; on April 13, the service announced the ship would stay at sea to keep its crew free from the coronavirus. The strike group had been on its way back to its home port in Norfolk, Va., after a five-month deployment. Sawyer declined to say when it would be allowed to return. “The crew will be the first to know,” he said. Updated June 22, 2020
Updated June 16, 2020 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Navy’s efforts to keep at least one of its 11 carrier strike groups combat-ready has meant extending the deployment of the group supporting the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman; on April 13, the service announced the ship would stay at sea to keep its crew free from the coronavirus. The strike group had been on its way back to its home port in Norfolk, Va., after a five-month deployment. Sawyer declined to say when it would be allowed to return. “The crew will be the first to know,” he said.
Thomas Gibbons-Neff contributed reporting.Thomas Gibbons-Neff contributed reporting.
If you’re part of the military community and want to tell the At War team how the military’s efforts to contain the coronavirus are affecting you, email us at atwar@nytimes.com or visit The Times’s Tips page.If you’re part of the military community and want to tell the At War team how the military’s efforts to contain the coronavirus are affecting you, email us at atwar@nytimes.com or visit The Times’s Tips page.