This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/business/us-china-coronavirus-donations.html
The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 12 | Version 13 |
|---|---|
| Frantic for Coronavirus Gear, Americans in Need Turn to China’s Elite | Frantic for Coronavirus Gear, Americans in Need Turn to China’s Elite |
| (6 days later) | |
| HONG KONG — U.S. hospitals and state officials face desperate shortages of the masks, ventilators and other gear they need to fight the coronavirus. Chinese factories can make the equipment and sell it to them, but huge obstacles stand in the way — and Washington’s stumbles and growing hostility with Beijing aren’t helping. | HONG KONG — U.S. hospitals and state officials face desperate shortages of the masks, ventilators and other gear they need to fight the coronavirus. Chinese factories can make the equipment and sell it to them, but huge obstacles stand in the way — and Washington’s stumbles and growing hostility with Beijing aren’t helping. |
| Now some of China’s elite — and others with big stakes in keeping the U.S.-China relationship alive — are stepping in to help. | Now some of China’s elite — and others with big stakes in keeping the U.S.-China relationship alive — are stepping in to help. |
| An ad hoc network of companies, wealthy individuals, academics and former diplomats has emerged to help the United States get the Chinese-made goods it needs to save patients and protect front-line workers — and, perhaps, help polish China’s dented image along the way. They are trying to navigate snarled supply chains, connect wary buyers and sellers and help overwhelmed local officials in desperate need of equipment. | An ad hoc network of companies, wealthy individuals, academics and former diplomats has emerged to help the United States get the Chinese-made goods it needs to save patients and protect front-line workers — and, perhaps, help polish China’s dented image along the way. They are trying to navigate snarled supply chains, connect wary buyers and sellers and help overwhelmed local officials in desperate need of equipment. |
| The group includes people like Jack Ma and Joseph Tsai, the co-founders of Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce giant; Marc Benioff, a co-founder of Salesforce, who struck a pact with Alibaba last year to sell its services in China; and Yichen Zhang, the chairman of Citic Capital, a major Chinese investment firm affiliated with a state-run conglomerate. | The group includes people like Jack Ma and Joseph Tsai, the co-founders of Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce giant; Marc Benioff, a co-founder of Salesforce, who struck a pact with Alibaba last year to sell its services in China; and Yichen Zhang, the chairman of Citic Capital, a major Chinese investment firm affiliated with a state-run conglomerate. |
| Responding to calls for help from doctors, Mr. Zhang saw a chance to help one of Citic Capital’s portfolio companies, which got into the business of making protective gear for China during its own outbreak, and Yale University, which his daughter attends. He donated 10,000 masks and 40 protective gowns to Yale’s health clinic. | Responding to calls for help from doctors, Mr. Zhang saw a chance to help one of Citic Capital’s portfolio companies, which got into the business of making protective gear for China during its own outbreak, and Yale University, which his daughter attends. He donated 10,000 masks and 40 protective gowns to Yale’s health clinic. |
| “It’s a business opportunity and a social responsibility,” said Henry Yin, Mr. Zhang’s assistant. | “It’s a business opportunity and a social responsibility,” said Henry Yin, Mr. Zhang’s assistant. |
| Altruism may be just one factor for the others as well. Under pressure to deflect criticism of its own performance, the Trump administration has blamed China for the global spread of the devastating virus. President Trump has also accused China of taking American jobs and launched a trade war against Beijing. Two-thirds of Americans now hold unfavorable views of China, according to a Pew Research Center survey released this week, the highest level since it began asking the question in 2005. | Altruism may be just one factor for the others as well. Under pressure to deflect criticism of its own performance, the Trump administration has blamed China for the global spread of the devastating virus. President Trump has also accused China of taking American jobs and launched a trade war against Beijing. Two-thirds of Americans now hold unfavorable views of China, according to a Pew Research Center survey released this week, the highest level since it began asking the question in 2005. |
| The companies and individuals are acting at a time of yawning gaps, both in the vast and important U.S.-China relationship and in the American government’s own response. The Trump administration has frustrated states by telling them to buy their own equipment and has struggled to meet the nation’s growing demand. | The companies and individuals are acting at a time of yawning gaps, both in the vast and important U.S.-China relationship and in the American government’s own response. The Trump administration has frustrated states by telling them to buy their own equipment and has struggled to meet the nation’s growing demand. |
| “It’s a new feudalism in America,” said Orville Schell, director of the Center on U.S.-China Relations at the Asia Society. “China recognizes this and China, too, they’ve had their talk with Trump, but they’re also trying to stitch into the American fabric at the sub-national and the corporate level.” | “It’s a new feudalism in America,” said Orville Schell, director of the Center on U.S.-China Relations at the Asia Society. “China recognizes this and China, too, they’ve had their talk with Trump, but they’re also trying to stitch into the American fabric at the sub-national and the corporate level.” |
| Filling those gaps could help the image of Chinese business in the eyes of the American public. | Filling those gaps could help the image of Chinese business in the eyes of the American public. |
| Mr. Ma of Alibaba, China’s richest person, chartered a plane to New York in March to deliver more than one million masks and testing kits, among other donations around the world. This week, Fortune magazine placed Mr. Ma at No. 3 on a list titled “Heroes of the pandemic.” Alibaba’s shares trade in both New York and Hong Kong. | Mr. Ma of Alibaba, China’s richest person, chartered a plane to New York in March to deliver more than one million masks and testing kits, among other donations around the world. This week, Fortune magazine placed Mr. Ma at No. 3 on a list titled “Heroes of the pandemic.” Alibaba’s shares trade in both New York and Hong Kong. |
| While Andrew M. Cuomo, the New York governor, assailed the federal response to New York’s plea for ventilators and protective gear, Mr. Tsai of Alibaba and his wife, Clara, together with Mr. Ma arranged for the delivery of 2,000 ventilators and millions of masks and goggles to the state. Mr. Tsai owns the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Liberty basketball teams | While Andrew M. Cuomo, the New York governor, assailed the federal response to New York’s plea for ventilators and protective gear, Mr. Tsai of Alibaba and his wife, Clara, together with Mr. Ma arranged for the delivery of 2,000 ventilators and millions of masks and goggles to the state. Mr. Tsai owns the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Liberty basketball teams |
| This week, the Tsais organized another shipment of half a million masks and goggles to the University of California, San Diego, which is in the city where Ms. Tsai and their children live. Mr. Tsai also owns the San Diego Seals indoor lacrosse team. | This week, the Tsais organized another shipment of half a million masks and goggles to the University of California, San Diego, which is in the city where Ms. Tsai and their children live. Mr. Tsai also owns the San Diego Seals indoor lacrosse team. |
| Mr. Cuomo appealed to the Asia Society for help when he called into the group’s remote March board meeting, said the institution’s president, Josette Sheeran. She worked with a community of former diplomats to get connections, she said, while Michael Evans, an Alibaba executive, helped pinpoint and vet reliable manufacturers. | Mr. Cuomo appealed to the Asia Society for help when he called into the group’s remote March board meeting, said the institution’s president, Josette Sheeran. She worked with a community of former diplomats to get connections, she said, while Michael Evans, an Alibaba executive, helped pinpoint and vet reliable manufacturers. |
| Chinese companies can also burnish their image at home, where the country’s leaders have been eager to paper over their own mistakes early in the outbreak and show China as a leader in the coronavirus fight. Shipments of protective gear by Huawei, the Chinese telecom equipment giant that American officials have accused of spying for the Communist Party, have been heavily covered by Chinese state-run media. Huawei has said it would never allow spying on its customers. | Chinese companies can also burnish their image at home, where the country’s leaders have been eager to paper over their own mistakes early in the outbreak and show China as a leader in the coronavirus fight. Shipments of protective gear by Huawei, the Chinese telecom equipment giant that American officials have accused of spying for the Communist Party, have been heavily covered by Chinese state-run media. Huawei has said it would never allow spying on its customers. |
| Some Chinese donors bristle at questions of the motives behind donations. Mr. Yin, of Citic Capital, said the Chinese government and public had warmly received donations early in the outbreak from American companies with big business interests in China like Honeywell, JPMorgan Chase, General Motors and Ford, all of which they announced publicly. | Some Chinese donors bristle at questions of the motives behind donations. Mr. Yin, of Citic Capital, said the Chinese government and public had warmly received donations early in the outbreak from American companies with big business interests in China like Honeywell, JPMorgan Chase, General Motors and Ford, all of which they announced publicly. |
| “Helping out is helping out,” Mr. Yin said. “If you have to tell everyone to donate anonymously, that is a pretty high bar to ask.” | “Helping out is helping out,” Mr. Yin said. “If you have to tell everyone to donate anonymously, that is a pretty high bar to ask.” |
| In Citic Capital’s case, the donations both met real needs and offered business opportunities. Citic owns a stake in Harbin Pharmaceutical, a company that began producing its own masks in February when it could not buy enough for its employees or local medical personnel. Selling those masks soon began to look promising. | In Citic Capital’s case, the donations both met real needs and offered business opportunities. Citic owns a stake in Harbin Pharmaceutical, a company that began producing its own masks in February when it could not buy enough for its employees or local medical personnel. Selling those masks soon began to look promising. |
| “In the medium term, this becomes a business for us,” said Helen Chui, Harbin’s chief executive officer. | “In the medium term, this becomes a business for us,” said Helen Chui, Harbin’s chief executive officer. |
| Donating to the United States could help Harbin make a name in a new market. But to get around the stricter regulations, Mr. Yin had to divide Harbin’s masks into 30 separate boxes addressed to his friends in the United States. Citic then got SF Express, a logistics company it is invested in, to bend its limit of only 100 masks per box. Mr. Zhang, of Citic, sent another 5,000 to his sister in New York to distribute to hospitals. | Donating to the United States could help Harbin make a name in a new market. But to get around the stricter regulations, Mr. Yin had to divide Harbin’s masks into 30 separate boxes addressed to his friends in the United States. Citic then got SF Express, a logistics company it is invested in, to bend its limit of only 100 masks per box. Mr. Zhang, of Citic, sent another 5,000 to his sister in New York to distribute to hospitals. |
| In many cases, Chinese entrepreneurs and their allies are stepping in to untangle logistical problems and shifting regulations in both countries — problems that the deteriorating relationship has made even more difficult to solve. Donations from China began to flow more easily only after Mr. Trump and Xi Jinping, China’s top leader, spoke by phone on March 27, according to several people involved in getting the goods moving. | In many cases, Chinese entrepreneurs and their allies are stepping in to untangle logistical problems and shifting regulations in both countries — problems that the deteriorating relationship has made even more difficult to solve. Donations from China began to flow more easily only after Mr. Trump and Xi Jinping, China’s top leader, spoke by phone on March 27, according to several people involved in getting the goods moving. |
| Updated July 7, 2020 | |
| The coronavirus can stay aloft for hours in tiny droplets in stagnant air, infecting people as they inhale, mounting scientific evidence suggests. This risk is highest in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, and may help explain super-spreading events reported in meatpacking plants, churches and restaurants. It’s unclear how often the virus is spread via these tiny droplets, or aerosols, compared with larger droplets that are expelled when a sick person coughs or sneezes, or transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, said Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech. Aerosols are released even when a person without symptoms exhales, talks or sings, according to Dr. Marr and more than 200 other experts, who have outlined the evidence in an open letter to the World Health Organization. | |
| 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. |
| 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. | 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. |
| 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. |
| Even then, problems stood in the way. | Even then, problems stood in the way. |
| Weiqi Zhang, the founder of Blue Oak Education, a start-up in Shanghai, has been working with an anonymous donor who wants to send masks to the network of hospitals at Harvard University, where Mr. Zhang is an alumnus. | Weiqi Zhang, the founder of Blue Oak Education, a start-up in Shanghai, has been working with an anonymous donor who wants to send masks to the network of hospitals at Harvard University, where Mr. Zhang is an alumnus. |
| First, he had to determine which hospital had the biggest need for masks. Then he had to sort out regulations. The donor originally wanted to send 40,000 KN95 masks — China’s version of the N95 mask used by front-line medical workers — but at the time the standard was not compliant with U.S. regulations. So Mr. Zhang could buy only 10,000 N95 masks with the money he had for the donation. | First, he had to determine which hospital had the biggest need for masks. Then he had to sort out regulations. The donor originally wanted to send 40,000 KN95 masks — China’s version of the N95 mask used by front-line medical workers — but at the time the standard was not compliant with U.S. regulations. So Mr. Zhang could buy only 10,000 N95 masks with the money he had for the donation. |
| There was also the issue of limited cargo space, as well as concerns that U.S. officials would seize the masks. | There was also the issue of limited cargo space, as well as concerns that U.S. officials would seize the masks. |
| “To be honest, we shouldn’t have to do anything,” Mr. Zhang said. “They should be there to help facilitate the donations.” | “To be honest, we shouldn’t have to do anything,” Mr. Zhang said. “They should be there to help facilitate the donations.” |
| Some governments have complained about the quality of equipment from China, making many Chinese companies leery of American orders. | Some governments have complained about the quality of equipment from China, making many Chinese companies leery of American orders. |
| “Many factories are scared by rumors that Trump will sue them if they sell to the U.S.,” said Zhou Hua, who runs a mask factory in China’s Anhui Province. | “Many factories are scared by rumors that Trump will sue them if they sell to the U.S.,” said Zhou Hua, who runs a mask factory in China’s Anhui Province. |
| When the University of California, San Francisco, anticipated a shortage of protective gear in March, it turned to Mr. Benioff, the chief executive of Salesforce and one of the school’s benefactors. In an interview, Mr. Benioff said he had called Daniel Zhang, chief executive of Alibaba, which Salesforce has a strategic partnership with. | When the University of California, San Francisco, anticipated a shortage of protective gear in March, it turned to Mr. Benioff, the chief executive of Salesforce and one of the school’s benefactors. In an interview, Mr. Benioff said he had called Daniel Zhang, chief executive of Alibaba, which Salesforce has a strategic partnership with. |
| Alibaba worked with the Salesforce team to identify trustworthy suppliers, ultimately helping them deliver millions of masks, face shields and swabs to U.C.S.F. | Alibaba worked with the Salesforce team to identify trustworthy suppliers, ultimately helping them deliver millions of masks, face shields and swabs to U.C.S.F. |
| But even the two well-connected tech companies faced challenges. Once, a Boeing 747 loaded with supplies was held up for several days in Zhengzhou, China, before it was cleared to leave for New York. | But even the two well-connected tech companies faced challenges. Once, a Boeing 747 loaded with supplies was held up for several days in Zhengzhou, China, before it was cleared to leave for New York. |
| At another point, the Salesforce team thought it had two million surgical masks from a source in Shenzhen, China. But as the truck made its way from the warehouse to the airport, some 1.5 million went missing. (The supplier eventually fulfilled the entire order.) | At another point, the Salesforce team thought it had two million surgical masks from a source in Shenzhen, China. But as the truck made its way from the warehouse to the airport, some 1.5 million went missing. (The supplier eventually fulfilled the entire order.) |
| “They were sold right off the truck,” said Ryan Aytay, a co-chief executive of Quip, a Salesforce collaboration tool, who was also pulled into the effort. “It was the wild, wild West.” | “They were sold right off the truck,” said Ryan Aytay, a co-chief executive of Quip, a Salesforce collaboration tool, who was also pulled into the effort. “It was the wild, wild West.” |
| Alexandra Stevenson reported from Hong Kong, Nicholas Kulish from New York and David Gelles from Bristol, N.H. Jesse McKinley contributed reporting from Albany, N.Y. Cao Li contributed research. | Alexandra Stevenson reported from Hong Kong, Nicholas Kulish from New York and David Gelles from Bristol, N.H. Jesse McKinley contributed reporting from Albany, N.Y. Cao Li contributed research. |