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/2020/04/25/us/coronavirus-alaska-fairbanks-restaurants-reopen.html

The article has changed 31 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Serving Wings and a Prayer: It’s Back to Business for Fairbanks Restaurants Serving Wings and a Prayer: It’s Back to Business for Fairbanks Restaurants
(32 minutes later)
FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Most of America now eats at the dining room table, or at the kitchen table, or on the couch, or in bed, or out on the front stoop. But in Alaska, at a place called the Roundup Steakhouse and Saloon, something remarkable happened in this age of infection.FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Most of America now eats at the dining room table, or at the kitchen table, or on the couch, or in bed, or out on the front stoop. But in Alaska, at a place called the Roundup Steakhouse and Saloon, something remarkable happened in this age of infection.
The place was open! People weren’t sitting at home! Food could be ordered and served, and it wasn’t in a takeout box!The place was open! People weren’t sitting at home! Food could be ordered and served, and it wasn’t in a takeout box!
Walt Rodgers, a 55-year-old car salesman, came in Friday night to feel it and celebrate it, and think about the meaning of it all: ordinary things, long taken for granted, now feeling wondrous and different — if just a little bit dangerous.Walt Rodgers, a 55-year-old car salesman, came in Friday night to feel it and celebrate it, and think about the meaning of it all: ordinary things, long taken for granted, now feeling wondrous and different — if just a little bit dangerous.
“People need personal interaction,” he said, sitting at the bar with a beer and a basket with the remains of his fried dinner. “I mean, text messages and Skyping and all that, that’s not how we exist,” he said. “It’s just not. We are designed for personal interaction. That’s how we exist. We need to figure out a way.”“People need personal interaction,” he said, sitting at the bar with a beer and a basket with the remains of his fried dinner. “I mean, text messages and Skyping and all that, that’s not how we exist,” he said. “It’s just not. We are designed for personal interaction. That’s how we exist. We need to figure out a way.”
Fairbanks’s restaurants were among the only ones in the country open to in-person indoor dining, a distinction that came as the first few states began to reopen amid the pandemic. It happened through an alignment of state and local relaxation of rules in Alaska last week, and a handful of restaurants including the Roundup that were ready to restart under strict limits about capacity and separation of customers.Fairbanks’s restaurants were among the only ones in the country open to in-person indoor dining, a distinction that came as the first few states began to reopen amid the pandemic. It happened through an alignment of state and local relaxation of rules in Alaska last week, and a handful of restaurants including the Roundup that were ready to restart under strict limits about capacity and separation of customers.
Other states were also moving slowly to lure diners out of their homes.Other states were also moving slowly to lure diners out of their homes.
In Colleyville, Texas, near Fort Worth, restaurants reopened outdoor patio dining on Friday. In South Dakota, where the governor has not issued a formal stay-at-home order, some restaurants have remained open for at least some portion of the pandemic — as long as only a few customers were inside at a time. By Monday, restaurants are expected to open for limited dine-in service in Georgia, where Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, has moved quickly to reopen, defying even guidance from the White House.In Colleyville, Texas, near Fort Worth, restaurants reopened outdoor patio dining on Friday. In South Dakota, where the governor has not issued a formal stay-at-home order, some restaurants have remained open for at least some portion of the pandemic — as long as only a few customers were inside at a time. By Monday, restaurants are expected to open for limited dine-in service in Georgia, where Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, has moved quickly to reopen, defying even guidance from the White House.
Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, also expected to see its first restaurant reopenings on Monday, after the city ordered them to stay closed through the weekend as an exception to the statewide relaxation that took effect on Friday.Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, also expected to see its first restaurant reopenings on Monday, after the city ordered them to stay closed through the weekend as an exception to the statewide relaxation that took effect on Friday.
Even here in Fairbanks, a region of about 100,000 that prides itself on its remoteness from the ordinary doings of American life — it lies just 200 miles from the Arctic Circle — only a few places were able to open their doors right away.Even here in Fairbanks, a region of about 100,000 that prides itself on its remoteness from the ordinary doings of American life — it lies just 200 miles from the Arctic Circle — only a few places were able to open their doors right away.
Food supplies are tough to get, for one thing, restaurateurs said, with several wholesalers shut down. Some employees are nervous about going back to work. And the economics are difficult; the state rules allow only 25 percent of normal seating capacity, with tables at least 10 feet apart, edge to edge.Food supplies are tough to get, for one thing, restaurateurs said, with several wholesalers shut down. Some employees are nervous about going back to work. And the economics are difficult; the state rules allow only 25 percent of normal seating capacity, with tables at least 10 feet apart, edge to edge.
Just how brisk business will be also remains a question. Some would-be diners no doubt remain nervous about closed spaces and the adequacy of safety protocols and are no more willing to walk into a restaurant than they are to board an airplane. Anchorage’s mayor, Ethan Berkowitz, said on Friday that even when things open in that city on Monday, he would be sticking with takeout, at least for the time being.Just how brisk business will be also remains a question. Some would-be diners no doubt remain nervous about closed spaces and the adequacy of safety protocols and are no more willing to walk into a restaurant than they are to board an airplane. Anchorage’s mayor, Ethan Berkowitz, said on Friday that even when things open in that city on Monday, he would be sticking with takeout, at least for the time being.
Sam Slater, who owns a glass repair business in Fairbanks, may well have been the pioneering diner in the city, first of the first as doors began to open. He had heard last week that the Red Fox Bar and Grill, co-owned by a friend of his, Rick Mensik, was aiming to open for lunch on Friday at 11 a.m.Sam Slater, who owns a glass repair business in Fairbanks, may well have been the pioneering diner in the city, first of the first as doors began to open. He had heard last week that the Red Fox Bar and Grill, co-owned by a friend of his, Rick Mensik, was aiming to open for lunch on Friday at 11 a.m.
“So I just texted Rick and I said, ‘What do I got to do, make a reservation or what, you know?’ I said it kind of jokingly,” Mr. Slater said. Under the new rules — no walk-in customers allowed — a reservation was indeed required, Mr. Mensik replied. “So I put it in and I was there at 11,” Mr. Slater said.“So I just texted Rick and I said, ‘What do I got to do, make a reservation or what, you know?’ I said it kind of jokingly,” Mr. Slater said. Under the new rules — no walk-in customers allowed — a reservation was indeed required, Mr. Mensik replied. “So I put it in and I was there at 11,” Mr. Slater said.
Mr. Mensik said he took the order at 11:01: wings, the house specialty and one of Mr. Slater’s favorite dishes, and a beer.Mr. Mensik said he took the order at 11:01: wings, the house specialty and one of Mr. Slater’s favorite dishes, and a beer.
“He wanted to be the first, so that’s what we did,” said Mr. Mensik, 69, a musician who rambled across the country playing in soul bands and Las Vegas lounges before arriving in Fairbanks in the early 1970s for a gig and falling in love with the city.“He wanted to be the first, so that’s what we did,” said Mr. Mensik, 69, a musician who rambled across the country playing in soul bands and Las Vegas lounges before arriving in Fairbanks in the early 1970s for a gig and falling in love with the city.
Fairbanks has not been among the nation’s hardest-hit places in the pandemic, with 79 coronavirus cases and two deaths — though it has the third-highest incidence rate of any borough, as counties are called here, in the state. The economic downturn has been less gloomy than in some places, too. In March, the unemployment rate was 5 percent, one of the lowest in the state, partly because of expansion at nearby Eielson Air Force Base, which has had spillover benefits.Fairbanks has not been among the nation’s hardest-hit places in the pandemic, with 79 coronavirus cases and two deaths — though it has the third-highest incidence rate of any borough, as counties are called here, in the state. The economic downturn has been less gloomy than in some places, too. In March, the unemployment rate was 5 percent, one of the lowest in the state, partly because of expansion at nearby Eielson Air Force Base, which has had spillover benefits.
At the Roundup on Friday night, the bartender, Jonalynn Johnson, 22, was among those feeling grateful to be still collecting a paycheck. Ms. Johnson had only started the job in January. After the shutdown, she pivoted from bartending to running pickup and to-go orders, and was able to stay on.At the Roundup on Friday night, the bartender, Jonalynn Johnson, 22, was among those feeling grateful to be still collecting a paycheck. Ms. Johnson had only started the job in January. After the shutdown, she pivoted from bartending to running pickup and to-go orders, and was able to stay on.
“I had to totally change gears and learn a new job just to survive,” Ms. Johnson said through a face mask made from the cloth wrapper of a bottle of Crown Royal whisky. “But luckily I have a really awesome boss who puts up with me,” she said.“I had to totally change gears and learn a new job just to survive,” Ms. Johnson said through a face mask made from the cloth wrapper of a bottle of Crown Royal whisky. “But luckily I have a really awesome boss who puts up with me,” she said.
Updated May 28, 2020 Updated June 1, 2020
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
There is an uptick in people reporting symptoms of chilblains, which are painful red or purple lesions that typically appear in the winter on fingers or toes. The lesions are emerging as yet another symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. Chilblains are caused by inflammation in small blood vessels in reaction to cold or damp conditions, but they are usually common in the coldest winter months. Federal health officials do not include toe lesions in the list of coronavirus symptoms, but some dermatologists are pushing for a change, saying so-called Covid toe should be sufficient grounds for testing.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
Mr. Mensik at the Red Fox, who is getting by with only 11 of his usual 33 employees, said he had to improvise to get supplies for the kitchen. His regular produce supplier is not getting shipments from Anchorage, and another wholesaler no longer has delivery drivers, so Mr. Mensik has to dispatch someone to pick things up.Mr. Mensik at the Red Fox, who is getting by with only 11 of his usual 33 employees, said he had to improvise to get supplies for the kitchen. His regular produce supplier is not getting shipments from Anchorage, and another wholesaler no longer has delivery drivers, so Mr. Mensik has to dispatch someone to pick things up.
“We’re going to close Monday and Tuesday because we’re having trouble getting food,” he said. “We’re going to be out of chicken wings, and we can only get wings on Friday.”“We’re going to close Monday and Tuesday because we’re having trouble getting food,” he said. “We’re going to be out of chicken wings, and we can only get wings on Friday.”
The Roundup had 22 employees before the shutdown, said the owner, Gene Lunney. He kept eight on, working pickup and delivery orders and in the kitchen. On Friday night, he had two delivery drivers, a server, a cook and a bartender on the clock. Even back open, he said, the place seemed comparatively empty because of the new capacity limits.The Roundup had 22 employees before the shutdown, said the owner, Gene Lunney. He kept eight on, working pickup and delivery orders and in the kitchen. On Friday night, he had two delivery drivers, a server, a cook and a bartender on the clock. Even back open, he said, the place seemed comparatively empty because of the new capacity limits.
“I’ve got a 40-foot bar there and can only put four people there with the new mandates,” he said. “They’ve asked us to go 10 foot with the seating and we’ve got that. It really thins things down.”“I’ve got a 40-foot bar there and can only put four people there with the new mandates,” he said. “They’ve asked us to go 10 foot with the seating and we’ve got that. It really thins things down.”
New questions of dining logistics are emerging, too, like when to have a mask on in the restaurant. One can’t exactly eat through it when the food comes.New questions of dining logistics are emerging, too, like when to have a mask on in the restaurant. One can’t exactly eat through it when the food comes.
“Most people use them to order and put them on when the waitress is there, who’s also wearing a mask,” Mr. Mensik said. “And then, you know, you just put it around your chin and enjoy the meal.”“Most people use them to order and put them on when the waitress is there, who’s also wearing a mask,” Mr. Mensik said. “And then, you know, you just put it around your chin and enjoy the meal.”