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| Businesses Tiptoe Into a World of Masks, Gloves and Wary Customers | Businesses Tiptoe Into a World of Masks, Gloves and Wary Customers |
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| ATLANTA — Weeks after a deadly virus reordered daily life in America, shuttering most businesses and forcing most people indoors, three states on Friday took tentative steps toward something resembling normalcy. But across Georgia, Alaska and Oklahoma, it was anything but business as usual. | ATLANTA — Weeks after a deadly virus reordered daily life in America, shuttering most businesses and forcing most people indoors, three states on Friday took tentative steps toward something resembling normalcy. But across Georgia, Alaska and Oklahoma, it was anything but business as usual. |
| A barber giving a trim in Atlanta, with a face mask and latex gloves in place, was dressed more like a surgeon preparing for an appendectomy. Beauty salons were asking customers to sign legal waivers before they had their hair colored or curled. And Georgia officials recommended that salon owners perform temperature checks at their entrances. | A barber giving a trim in Atlanta, with a face mask and latex gloves in place, was dressed more like a surgeon preparing for an appendectomy. Beauty salons were asking customers to sign legal waivers before they had their hair colored or curled. And Georgia officials recommended that salon owners perform temperature checks at their entrances. |
| The openings triggered passionate criticism, some of it coming from residents and business owners and some from much higher places. Gov. Brian Kemp’s order for Georgia was criticized as premature this week by President Trump, who has generally expressed eagerness to open the American economy. In Atlanta, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms went on national television on Friday morning to urge her constituents to stay home. | The openings triggered passionate criticism, some of it coming from residents and business owners and some from much higher places. Gov. Brian Kemp’s order for Georgia was criticized as premature this week by President Trump, who has generally expressed eagerness to open the American economy. In Atlanta, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms went on national television on Friday morning to urge her constituents to stay home. |
| Not everybody listened. | Not everybody listened. |
| Chris Edwards opened his Atlanta barbershop on Friday at 7 a.m., just as he did before the pandemic swept the country. He wore a blue surgical mask and squeezed his hands into latex gloves that barely covered his palms. He did not think he would be busy, given the controversy over the governor’s order to let shops like his reopen in Georgia. | Chris Edwards opened his Atlanta barbershop on Friday at 7 a.m., just as he did before the pandemic swept the country. He wore a blue surgical mask and squeezed his hands into latex gloves that barely covered his palms. He did not think he would be busy, given the controversy over the governor’s order to let shops like his reopen in Georgia. |
| And yet a modest stream of customers soon arrived, some braving the wait inside in chairs spread several feet apart, others hanging out just outside the door or in their cars. | And yet a modest stream of customers soon arrived, some braving the wait inside in chairs spread several feet apart, others hanging out just outside the door or in their cars. |
| “I didn’t think I would be slammed,” Mr. Edwards, 47, said. “Some people are scared to get out. I get it.” | “I didn’t think I would be slammed,” Mr. Edwards, 47, said. “Some people are scared to get out. I get it.” |
| The relaxed rules varied in the handful of states that took initial steps this week to reopen. Most of the nation was being far more circumspect, aware that the United States has turned into the country with the highest number of known cases. Although there are signs that the alarming growth in Covid-19 infections has slowed, the national death toll continues to climb, with more than 45,000 deaths combined across every state, Washington, D.C., and four U.S. territories. | The relaxed rules varied in the handful of states that took initial steps this week to reopen. Most of the nation was being far more circumspect, aware that the United States has turned into the country with the highest number of known cases. Although there are signs that the alarming growth in Covid-19 infections has slowed, the national death toll continues to climb, with more than 45,000 deaths combined across every state, Washington, D.C., and four U.S. territories. |
| On Friday, there were little windows opening: Alaska allowed limited in-store shopping at retail stores. Oklahoma reopened its state parks. South Carolina, which was in front of the rest of the country in its effort to draw residents out of their homes, once again allowed access to public beaches. | On Friday, there were little windows opening: Alaska allowed limited in-store shopping at retail stores. Oklahoma reopened its state parks. South Carolina, which was in front of the rest of the country in its effort to draw residents out of their homes, once again allowed access to public beaches. |
| Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa on Friday said she would allow farmers’ markets to reopen and let doctors perform nonessential surgeries beginning on Monday. That came as the state health department announced that the state had confirmed 521 new coronavirus cases and 11 deaths in a 24-hour period, its largest one-day jump in cases. | Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa on Friday said she would allow farmers’ markets to reopen and let doctors perform nonessential surgeries beginning on Monday. That came as the state health department announced that the state had confirmed 521 new coronavirus cases and 11 deaths in a 24-hour period, its largest one-day jump in cases. |
| Some other states — including Pennsylvania, Illinois and North Carolina — were being far more cautious, with governors announcing extensions of their stay-at-home orders for another few weeks. | Some other states — including Pennsylvania, Illinois and North Carolina — were being far more cautious, with governors announcing extensions of their stay-at-home orders for another few weeks. |
| And in New York, where deaths from the virus continued their gradual descent, with the state recording 422 on Thursday, the smallest number since April 1, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said he would not decide until next week whether to keep New York City’s schools closed for the rest of the academic year. | And in New York, where deaths from the virus continued their gradual descent, with the state recording 422 on Thursday, the smallest number since April 1, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said he would not decide until next week whether to keep New York City’s schools closed for the rest of the academic year. |
| The state-by-state approach meant there was no one unified strategy for reopening the nation. | The state-by-state approach meant there was no one unified strategy for reopening the nation. |
| Supporters of the relaxed rules said it was time to end the stranglehold on states’ economies and allow business owners to open when they were ready. | Supporters of the relaxed rules said it was time to end the stranglehold on states’ economies and allow business owners to open when they were ready. |
| Mr. Trump signed a $484 billion relief bill into law on Friday, replenishing a fund for small businesses strapped by the lockdowns and providing money for hospitals and increased testing, as the Congressional Budget Office said it expected the federal budget deficit to hit $3.7 trillion for the 2020 fiscal year and unemployment to hover at about 12 percent. | Mr. Trump signed a $484 billion relief bill into law on Friday, replenishing a fund for small businesses strapped by the lockdowns and providing money for hospitals and increased testing, as the Congressional Budget Office said it expected the federal budget deficit to hit $3.7 trillion for the 2020 fiscal year and unemployment to hover at about 12 percent. |
| State Representative Kasey Carpenter, a Georgia Republican who represents the city of Dalton, plans to open the two restaurants he owns with limited seating starting on Monday, when Mr. Kemp’s order allows restaurants to begin dine-in service again. | State Representative Kasey Carpenter, a Georgia Republican who represents the city of Dalton, plans to open the two restaurants he owns with limited seating starting on Monday, when Mr. Kemp’s order allows restaurants to begin dine-in service again. |
| Mr. Carpenter lauded the governor’s decision, and compared the situation, favorably, to the aftermath of a shark attack: Some beachgoers, he said, would rush right back into the water. Others would stay safely on the sand. | Mr. Carpenter lauded the governor’s decision, and compared the situation, favorably, to the aftermath of a shark attack: Some beachgoers, he said, would rush right back into the water. Others would stay safely on the sand. |
| In most of Alaska, rules for restaurants, while formally allowing them to reopen, were so tightly constrained that it would not make economic sense for most to open, at least anytime soon, said Sarah Oates, the president and chief executive of the Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association. | In most of Alaska, rules for restaurants, while formally allowing them to reopen, were so tightly constrained that it would not make economic sense for most to open, at least anytime soon, said Sarah Oates, the president and chief executive of the Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association. |
| Indoor seating in restaurants there is limited to 25 percent capacity, and tables must be 10 feet apart, measured edge to edge. | Indoor seating in restaurants there is limited to 25 percent capacity, and tables must be 10 feet apart, measured edge to edge. |
| In Midwest City, Okla., customers sat in pickup trucks outside Joe’s Barber Shop on Friday morning, waiting for their turn to go in one at a time. After shutting down for five weeks, the owner, Joe Gann, said he was booked for appointments all day. | In Midwest City, Okla., customers sat in pickup trucks outside Joe’s Barber Shop on Friday morning, waiting for their turn to go in one at a time. After shutting down for five weeks, the owner, Joe Gann, said he was booked for appointments all day. |
| “I’m glad it’s starting to open up,” Mr. Gann said, speaking through a white surgical mask as he gave a customer a tight crew cut. He had grown frustrated during the shutdown, wondering whether officials had overreacted. | “I’m glad it’s starting to open up,” Mr. Gann said, speaking through a white surgical mask as he gave a customer a tight crew cut. He had grown frustrated during the shutdown, wondering whether officials had overreacted. |
| But not everyone was so quick to return to business. Two storefronts down, a nail salon was still shuttered. And in Norman, Okla., where Mayor Breea Clark had issued a stay-at-home order, local restrictions remained in effect until at least May 1. | But not everyone was so quick to return to business. Two storefronts down, a nail salon was still shuttered. And in Norman, Okla., where Mayor Breea Clark had issued a stay-at-home order, local restrictions remained in effect until at least May 1. |
| In South Carolina, traffic was light along the Savannah Highway, a typically bustling corridor of car dealerships, restaurants and stores near Charleston. Grocery stores were busy, but most of the locally owned shops and all the spas and salons remained shuttered. | In South Carolina, traffic was light along the Savannah Highway, a typically bustling corridor of car dealerships, restaurants and stores near Charleston. Grocery stores were busy, but most of the locally owned shops and all the spas and salons remained shuttered. |
| In Georgia, Mr. Kemp received the most national attention — and condemnation — for his particularly aggressive plan, which takes place even as the virus continues its rampage and despite guidance from federal health officials that states should first record 14 days of a downward trajectory of cases. Georgia began the month with fewer than 5,000 known cases and fewer than 160 coronavirus deaths. In about three weeks, that figure has grown to 20,905 cases and 871 deaths, the majority of them black residents, even though they account for about one-third of the state’s population. | In Georgia, Mr. Kemp received the most national attention — and condemnation — for his particularly aggressive plan, which takes place even as the virus continues its rampage and despite guidance from federal health officials that states should first record 14 days of a downward trajectory of cases. Georgia began the month with fewer than 5,000 known cases and fewer than 160 coronavirus deaths. In about three weeks, that figure has grown to 20,905 cases and 871 deaths, the majority of them black residents, even though they account for about one-third of the state’s population. |
| A few hours before the first barbershops opened, Mr. Kemp again defended his decision on Twitter. “Now, with favorable data and approval from state health officials, we are taking another measured step forward by opening shuttered businesses for limited operations,” he wrote. | A few hours before the first barbershops opened, Mr. Kemp again defended his decision on Twitter. “Now, with favorable data and approval from state health officials, we are taking another measured step forward by opening shuttered businesses for limited operations,” he wrote. |
| Atlanta on Friday hardly felt like a city back to normal. Streets typically snarled with traffic still experienced a light trickle of vehicles. A number of stores that were allowed to open — hair places, nail salons, tattoo parlors, bowling alleys — remained shut. | Atlanta on Friday hardly felt like a city back to normal. Streets typically snarled with traffic still experienced a light trickle of vehicles. A number of stores that were allowed to open — hair places, nail salons, tattoo parlors, bowling alleys — remained shut. |
| Midtown Bowl, a 60-year-old Atlanta staple, was dark. But 25 minutes away in the suburb of Kennesaw, Ga., Bowlero, a sprawling bowling alley and arcade, had opened with special hours. All of the games were lit up and the prize counter was staffed, yet no one was playing. Bowlers were using only a couple of lanes. | Midtown Bowl, a 60-year-old Atlanta staple, was dark. But 25 minutes away in the suburb of Kennesaw, Ga., Bowlero, a sprawling bowling alley and arcade, had opened with special hours. All of the games were lit up and the prize counter was staffed, yet no one was playing. Bowlers were using only a couple of lanes. |
| 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. |
| In the Atlanta neighborhood of Buckhead, cars cruised by the Governor’s Mansion, drivers honking their displeasure with Mr. Kemp in a planned motor protest. A sign affixed to one car highlighted the first letters of the governor’s last name, declaring, “Killing Everyone’s Meemaw Prematurely.” | In the Atlanta neighborhood of Buckhead, cars cruised by the Governor’s Mansion, drivers honking their displeasure with Mr. Kemp in a planned motor protest. A sign affixed to one car highlighted the first letters of the governor’s last name, declaring, “Killing Everyone’s Meemaw Prematurely.” |
| The Georgia cosmetology board issued guidelines for reopening spas and salons, suggesting the use of masks for clients and workers, temperature checks with infrared thermometers, screening questions (“Have you had a cough? Have you had a fever?”), and by-appointment-only rules. But the guidelines were not being followed in many reopened salons visited on Friday. | The Georgia cosmetology board issued guidelines for reopening spas and salons, suggesting the use of masks for clients and workers, temperature checks with infrared thermometers, screening questions (“Have you had a cough? Have you had a fever?”), and by-appointment-only rules. But the guidelines were not being followed in many reopened salons visited on Friday. |
| In one neighborhood, a tattoo and piercing parlor called Be Iinked was busy, with 10 customers crammed into the small space. Brian Penn, the shop owner, was offering $10 piercings to walk-ins to his nearly 40,000 Instagram followers for the first day back open, and many people were taking advantage. | In one neighborhood, a tattoo and piercing parlor called Be Iinked was busy, with 10 customers crammed into the small space. Brian Penn, the shop owner, was offering $10 piercings to walk-ins to his nearly 40,000 Instagram followers for the first day back open, and many people were taking advantage. |
| Mr. Penn said they were being careful to keep things disinfected. But he was not wearing a mask, and only some workers and customers had them on. No one’s temperature was being taken. And while he said he was concerned about safety, he also wondered if the virus was as dangerous as had been reported. | Mr. Penn said they were being careful to keep things disinfected. But he was not wearing a mask, and only some workers and customers had them on. No one’s temperature was being taken. And while he said he was concerned about safety, he also wondered if the virus was as dangerous as had been reported. |
| “I still say stay at home,” said Amanda Jackson, a customer and a nurse at the public hospital downtown. But she made an exception for her birthday — to get a tongue piercing. | “I still say stay at home,” said Amanda Jackson, a customer and a nurse at the public hospital downtown. But she made an exception for her birthday — to get a tongue piercing. |
| At the Silver Star barbershop in the heart of Sweet Auburn, one of Atlanta’s most storied African-American neighborhoods, there were three barbers with gloves and masks, and two men without masks getting haircuts. | At the Silver Star barbershop in the heart of Sweet Auburn, one of Atlanta’s most storied African-American neighborhoods, there were three barbers with gloves and masks, and two men without masks getting haircuts. |
| “People will have to get the word out that we’re open,” said Will Edwards, a co-owner of the shop. “It’s going to take some time.” | “People will have to get the word out that we’re open,” said Will Edwards, a co-owner of the shop. “It’s going to take some time.” |
| Mr. Edwards said he supported the governor’s order allowing places like his to open. “If people don’t want to come, they don’t have to,” he said. | Mr. Edwards said he supported the governor’s order allowing places like his to open. “If people don’t want to come, they don’t have to,” he said. |
| Mr. Edwards said the barbershop applied for a federal loan from the Small Business Administration but had not received any assistance. That left the business little choice but to open its doors, he said. It was not checking customers’ temperatures with infrared thermometers because he had not received the shipment he had ordered. | Mr. Edwards said the barbershop applied for a federal loan from the Small Business Administration but had not received any assistance. That left the business little choice but to open its doors, he said. It was not checking customers’ temperatures with infrared thermometers because he had not received the shipment he had ordered. |
| Some health experts and activists argue that the reopening of businesses could increase the risks for infection among the most vulnerable, noting that many of those returning to their jobs will be low-income workers who have limited access to health care. | Some health experts and activists argue that the reopening of businesses could increase the risks for infection among the most vulnerable, noting that many of those returning to their jobs will be low-income workers who have limited access to health care. |
| Activists have noted the racial and socioeconomic disparities among those who have received coronavirus diagnoses, and the overlap with who has less access to health care. | Activists have noted the racial and socioeconomic disparities among those who have received coronavirus diagnoses, and the overlap with who has less access to health care. |
| “One of the things that concerns us greatly,” said Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald, who is part of the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative, “is this rush for going back to work is built on a premise that our workers and our people are replaceable.” | “One of the things that concerns us greatly,” said Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald, who is part of the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative, “is this rush for going back to work is built on a premise that our workers and our people are replaceable.” |
| Experts said it was critical for more widespread testing to be conducted to help protect these workers. | Experts said it was critical for more widespread testing to be conducted to help protect these workers. |
| “Otherwise, we are sending our people into a roaring furnace to get burned up,” said Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones, a professor of community health and preventive medicine at the Morehouse School of Medicine. | “Otherwise, we are sending our people into a roaring furnace to get burned up,” said Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones, a professor of community health and preventive medicine at the Morehouse School of Medicine. |
| Reporting was contributed by Sonam Vashi from Atlanta; Kirk Johnson from Seattle; Sarah Mervosh from Canton, Ohio; Ben Fenwick from Midwest City, Okla.; and Chris Dixon from Charleston, S.C. | Reporting was contributed by Sonam Vashi from Atlanta; Kirk Johnson from Seattle; Sarah Mervosh from Canton, Ohio; Ben Fenwick from Midwest City, Okla.; and Chris Dixon from Charleston, S.C. |