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At Least 12 Nations Ease Coronavirus Lockdowns: Live Coverage At Least 12 Nations Ease Coronavirus Lockdowns: Live Coverage
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新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
At least 12 countries began easing restrictions on public life on Monday, as the world tries to figure out how to placate restless populations tired of being inside and reboot stalled economies without creating opportunities for the coronavirus to spread.At least 12 countries began easing restrictions on public life on Monday, as the world tries to figure out how to placate restless populations tired of being inside and reboot stalled economies without creating opportunities for the coronavirus to spread.
The measures, which included reopening schools and allowing airports to begin domestic service, offer a preview of how areas that have managed to blunt the toll of the coronavirus might work toward resuming pre-pandemic life, though with strict parameters around what will be allowed.The measures, which included reopening schools and allowing airports to begin domestic service, offer a preview of how areas that have managed to blunt the toll of the coronavirus might work toward resuming pre-pandemic life, though with strict parameters around what will be allowed.
They also serve as test cases for whether the countries can maintain positive momentum through the reopenings, trying to find a delicate balance between protecting lives and reinvigorating livelihoods, or whether a desire for normalcy could put more people at risk.They also serve as test cases for whether the countries can maintain positive momentum through the reopenings, trying to find a delicate balance between protecting lives and reinvigorating livelihoods, or whether a desire for normalcy could put more people at risk.
Most of the countries easing their restrictions are in Europe — including Italy, one of the places where the virus hit earliest and hardest, leaving more than 28,000 dead as of Monday. The country plans to reopen some airports to passengers.Most of the countries easing their restrictions are in Europe — including Italy, one of the places where the virus hit earliest and hardest, leaving more than 28,000 dead as of Monday. The country plans to reopen some airports to passengers.
Spain on Monday kicked off the start of a four-stage plan to return the country to a “new normalcy” by late June, with small stores and businesses like hairdressers reopening. Deaths there have dwindled in recent days, with just 164 reported in the previous 24 hours on Monday, the lowest since before the lockdown.Spain on Monday kicked off the start of a four-stage plan to return the country to a “new normalcy” by late June, with small stores and businesses like hairdressers reopening. Deaths there have dwindled in recent days, with just 164 reported in the previous 24 hours on Monday, the lowest since before the lockdown.
In Germany, where widespread testing has helped keep the pandemic under control, some children will return to schools. Neighboring Austria also plans to restart its school system.In Germany, where widespread testing has helped keep the pandemic under control, some children will return to schools. Neighboring Austria also plans to restart its school system.
In Lebanon, bars and restaurants will reopen, while Poland plans to allow patrons to return to hotels, museums and shops. Several Canadian provinces also eased some restrictions on Monday.In Lebanon, bars and restaurants will reopen, while Poland plans to allow patrons to return to hotels, museums and shops. Several Canadian provinces also eased some restrictions on Monday.
India allowed businesses, local transportation and activities like weddings to resume in areas with few or no known infections. Wedding ceremonies with fewer than 50 guests will be permitted, and self-employed workers like maids and plumbers can return to work. Liquor stores also opened, prompting large, unruly crowds to gather and underscoring the challenges that India will face in lifting its lockdown, one of the most severe anywhere.India allowed businesses, local transportation and activities like weddings to resume in areas with few or no known infections. Wedding ceremonies with fewer than 50 guests will be permitted, and self-employed workers like maids and plumbers can return to work. Liquor stores also opened, prompting large, unruly crowds to gather and underscoring the challenges that India will face in lifting its lockdown, one of the most severe anywhere.
On Monday, Japan announced an extension of its state of emergency through the end of this month. And Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in a news conference that the government was considering allowing public facilities like museums and libraries to reopen if they maintain social distancing controls.On Monday, Japan announced an extension of its state of emergency through the end of this month. And Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in a news conference that the government was considering allowing public facilities like museums and libraries to reopen if they maintain social distancing controls.
China, where the virus first appeared and which became the initial center of the outbreak, has taken steps toward a return to normal life. And South Korea, which had a significant early outbreak, has also begun limited reopenings. Restaurants and art galleries are returning to a semblance of normal operation, although the introduction of hand sanitizer and other preventive measures remains a constant reminder of how Covid-19 has changed much of the world.China, where the virus first appeared and which became the initial center of the outbreak, has taken steps toward a return to normal life. And South Korea, which had a significant early outbreak, has also begun limited reopenings. Restaurants and art galleries are returning to a semblance of normal operation, although the introduction of hand sanitizer and other preventive measures remains a constant reminder of how Covid-19 has changed much of the world.
Other countries planning to lift some restrictions beginning on Monday include Belgium, Greece, Iceland, Hungary, Monaco, Nigeria, Poland and Portugal.Other countries planning to lift some restrictions beginning on Monday include Belgium, Greece, Iceland, Hungary, Monaco, Nigeria, Poland and Portugal.
China’s leaders, desperate to protect their people and deflect growing international criticism of how it has handled the coronavirus, have slashed red tape and offered resources to drug companies in a bid to empower the country’s vaccine industry.China’s leaders, desperate to protect their people and deflect growing international criticism of how it has handled the coronavirus, have slashed red tape and offered resources to drug companies in a bid to empower the country’s vaccine industry.
Beijing wants to come out on top in the race to find a coronavirus vaccine — and by some measures it is doing so. Four Chinese companies have begun testing their vaccine candidates on humans, more than the United States and Britain combined.Beijing wants to come out on top in the race to find a coronavirus vaccine — and by some measures it is doing so. Four Chinese companies have begun testing their vaccine candidates on humans, more than the United States and Britain combined.
The need for a coronavirus vaccine is urgent. More than 247,000 people have died globally, by official figures as of Monday, and the true count is probably much higher. The coronavirus remains difficult to stamp out — and China, which officially appears to have largely tamed the spread, has continued to have sporadic outbreaks.The need for a coronavirus vaccine is urgent. More than 247,000 people have died globally, by official figures as of Monday, and the true count is probably much higher. The coronavirus remains difficult to stamp out — and China, which officially appears to have largely tamed the spread, has continued to have sporadic outbreaks.
China also wants to deflect accusations that its silencing of early warnings contributed to the pandemic. And developing a vaccine for the world would burnish its standing as a global scientific and medical power.China also wants to deflect accusations that its silencing of early warnings contributed to the pandemic. And developing a vaccine for the world would burnish its standing as a global scientific and medical power.
The situation has given a boost to the country’s vaccine industry, which has long experienced quality problems and scandals. Two years ago, Chinese parents erupted in fury after they discovered ineffective vaccines had been given mostly to babies.The situation has given a boost to the country’s vaccine industry, which has long experienced quality problems and scandals. Two years ago, Chinese parents erupted in fury after they discovered ineffective vaccines had been given mostly to babies.
But finding a vaccine isn’t the entire goal. The companies also want to win over the trust of a Chinese public that might be more inclined to choose a foreign-made vaccine.But finding a vaccine isn’t the entire goal. The companies also want to win over the trust of a Chinese public that might be more inclined to choose a foreign-made vaccine.
“The Chinese now do not have confidence in the vaccines produced in China,” said Ray Yip, a former head of the Gates Foundation in China. “That’s probably going to be the biggest headache.”“The Chinese now do not have confidence in the vaccines produced in China,” said Ray Yip, a former head of the Gates Foundation in China. “That’s probably going to be the biggest headache.”
As Italy began its gradual reopening on Monday after the longest lockdown in Europe, success seemed to depend on how relative the meaning of the word “relative” is.As Italy began its gradual reopening on Monday after the longest lockdown in Europe, success seemed to depend on how relative the meaning of the word “relative” is.
In preparing for the easing of the restrictions last month, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, not known for plain speaking, said that Italians could visit their congiunti, a word that could be translated as relatives but is also broader. Things then got muddier when he said it meant a person of “stable affection.”In preparing for the easing of the restrictions last month, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, not known for plain speaking, said that Italians could visit their congiunti, a word that could be translated as relatives but is also broader. Things then got muddier when he said it meant a person of “stable affection.”
A national semantics debate ensued and this weekend, hours before the lockdown lifted, the government tried to settle the issue.A national semantics debate ensued and this weekend, hours before the lockdown lifted, the government tried to settle the issue.
Just friends just didn’t cut it.Just friends just didn’t cut it.
Spouses, partners in civil unions and people who had moved in together but found themselves separated by the lockdown could see one another again. But so could people with a “stable affectionate connection.” Also, Italian privacy laws mean that the police cannot force anyone to reveal the identity of the object, or destination, of their affection.Spouses, partners in civil unions and people who had moved in together but found themselves separated by the lockdown could see one another again. But so could people with a “stable affectionate connection.” Also, Italian privacy laws mean that the police cannot force anyone to reveal the identity of the object, or destination, of their affection.
Even despite the confusion, many Italians expect things to be very different in the country starting today.Even despite the confusion, many Italians expect things to be very different in the country starting today.
Donatella Mugnano, a 45-year-old lawyer, sat in a small piazza next to Rome’s Coliseum on Saturday watching her daughter play with friends. She said she felt “serene” to do so, because she knew the other family well and trusted that they had followed the restrictions.Donatella Mugnano, a 45-year-old lawyer, sat in a small piazza next to Rome’s Coliseum on Saturday watching her daughter play with friends. She said she felt “serene” to do so, because she knew the other family well and trusted that they had followed the restrictions.
“People can’t wait to get out,” she said, adding that already over the weekend “there are a lot more people out on the street.” She said that at the beginning of the lockdown, people looked at one another as if everyone on the street were “an enemy.”“People can’t wait to get out,” she said, adding that already over the weekend “there are a lot more people out on the street.” She said that at the beginning of the lockdown, people looked at one another as if everyone on the street were “an enemy.”
But she also worried that Italians would take advantage of the liberty allotted them and act in a way that sets off another lockdown.But she also worried that Italians would take advantage of the liberty allotted them and act in a way that sets off another lockdown.
“There is this tendency to question every rule, to say that it is explained badly and so there is no need to follow it. The feeling,” she said was, “It’s over, enough.”“There is this tendency to question every rule, to say that it is explained badly and so there is no need to follow it. The feeling,” she said was, “It’s over, enough.”
A migrant shelter in southern Mexico called La 72 has for years been a popular way station for those traveling from Central America to the United States. Last year it received a record number of visitors, sometimes sheltering more than 2,000 a month.
In recent weeks, however, that traffic has come to a grinding halt, and even gone into reverse.
Since late March, amid the coronavirus pandemic, no more than 100 migrants have passed through the shelter. And nearly all were heading south, trying to get back to their homes in Central America.
“We’ve never seen this before,” said Ramón Márquez, the former director of the shelter, told Kirk Semple, a Times reporter based in Mexico City. “I’ve never seen anything slow migration like the coronavirus.”
Border closures, suspended asylum programs, interruptions in global transportation and stay-at-home lockdowns have drastically curbed migration around the world, particularly from poorer nations to rich ones.
In Latin America, once-crowded migratory routes that led from South America, through Central America and Mexico and to the United States, have gone quiet, with the Trump administration seizing on the virus to close the border to almost all migrants.
But the phenomenon extends well beyond the Americas. The number of East Africans crossing the Gulf of Aden to seek work in the Gulf States has plunged. Farms in western Europe are contending with severe labor shortfalls as travel bans have blocked the movement of seasonal migrant laborers from Eastern Europe.
“The pandemic has essentially — not absolutely, but essentially — stopped international migration and mobility dead in its tracks,” said Demetrios G. Papademetriou, co-founder and president emeritus of the Migration Policy Institute in Washington.
Australia and New Zealand are moving closer toward creating a “travel bubble” that would allow people to fly between the two countries without quarantines — a resumption of traffic that would be a boost for both countries’ economies.Australia and New Zealand are moving closer toward creating a “travel bubble” that would allow people to fly between the two countries without quarantines — a resumption of traffic that would be a boost for both countries’ economies.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, who will join Australia’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday to discuss the steps required, said on Monday that the move would depend on continued progress in testing and tracing of coronavirus infections in both countries. That could take weeks or months.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, who will join Australia’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday to discuss the steps required, said on Monday that the move would depend on continued progress in testing and tracing of coronavirus infections in both countries. That could take weeks or months.
But she emphasized that the prospect of revived travel reflected the shared success of Australia and New Zealand, which have crushed the peaks of their initial outbreaks faster than expected.But she emphasized that the prospect of revived travel reflected the shared success of Australia and New Zealand, which have crushed the peaks of their initial outbreaks faster than expected.
“Both our countries’ strong record of fighting the virus has placed us in the enviable position of being able to plan the next stage in our economic rebuild,” she said.“Both our countries’ strong record of fighting the virus has placed us in the enviable position of being able to plan the next stage in our economic rebuild,” she said.
Such a travel arrangement could potentially be extended into the Pacific — Fiji has only a handful of reported cases and zero deaths. And plans are also being laid for limited travel between other countries that have controlled the spread of infection.Such a travel arrangement could potentially be extended into the Pacific — Fiji has only a handful of reported cases and zero deaths. And plans are also being laid for limited travel between other countries that have controlled the spread of infection.
China and South Korea began easing quarantine requirements for some business travelers on Friday. A day later, trade ministers from Australia, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand and Singapore agreed to a collective effort to resume the flow of not just goods and services, but also people traveling “for purposes such as maintaining global supply chains, including essential business travel,” according to a joint statement.China and South Korea began easing quarantine requirements for some business travelers on Friday. A day later, trade ministers from Australia, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand and Singapore agreed to a collective effort to resume the flow of not just goods and services, but also people traveling “for purposes such as maintaining global supply chains, including essential business travel,” according to a joint statement.
Public health experts say that any resumption of travel comes with risks, but they also note that conditions vary by country. Travelers from the United States, the main source of coronavirus infections in Australia, may have to wait far longer to book flights around the world without being subject to 14-day quarantines.Public health experts say that any resumption of travel comes with risks, but they also note that conditions vary by country. Travelers from the United States, the main source of coronavirus infections in Australia, may have to wait far longer to book flights around the world without being subject to 14-day quarantines.
The global monitoring and combating of the coronavirus pandemic, while coordinated by the World Health Organization, largely relies on countries’ abiding by its guidelines and transparently assessing the situation within their borders.The global monitoring and combating of the coronavirus pandemic, while coordinated by the World Health Organization, largely relies on countries’ abiding by its guidelines and transparently assessing the situation within their borders.
But now, as the crisis deepens, the failure of nations to do both is being called into question.But now, as the crisis deepens, the failure of nations to do both is being called into question.
Tanzania’s government has drawn criticism for its handling of a coronavirus outbreak, with the W.H.O. saying last month that delays in introducing restrictions might have contributed to a rapid increase in cases in the east African nation.Tanzania’s government has drawn criticism for its handling of a coronavirus outbreak, with the W.H.O. saying last month that delays in introducing restrictions might have contributed to a rapid increase in cases in the east African nation.
Now, the country’s secretive handling of the outbreak has come into question, after videos of night burials with attendants wearing protective gear have surfaced online in recent days.Now, the country’s secretive handling of the outbreak has come into question, after videos of night burials with attendants wearing protective gear have surfaced online in recent days.
The reluctance to quickly tackle the disease has mostly come from the country’s top officials, particularly President John Magufuli. From the onset, Mr. Magufuli declined to close churches, saying that the virus “cannot survive in the body of Christ — it will burn.” He also said that updates from the country’s health ministry on coronavirus cases and deaths were “causing panic.”The reluctance to quickly tackle the disease has mostly come from the country’s top officials, particularly President John Magufuli. From the onset, Mr. Magufuli declined to close churches, saying that the virus “cannot survive in the body of Christ — it will burn.” He also said that updates from the country’s health ministry on coronavirus cases and deaths were “causing panic.”
Tanzania has reported just 480 coronavirus cases and 16 deaths, but experts say the toll is probably much higher. The deaths of three lawmakers in just over a week, including the justice minister, have also raised suspicions, though it is unclear whether they died as a result of the coronavirus.Tanzania has reported just 480 coronavirus cases and 16 deaths, but experts say the toll is probably much higher. The deaths of three lawmakers in just over a week, including the justice minister, have also raised suspicions, though it is unclear whether they died as a result of the coronavirus.
This has pushed the main opposition party to call for the suspension of Parliament and for all lawmakers and staff to be tested for the virus.This has pushed the main opposition party to call for the suspension of Parliament and for all lawmakers and staff to be tested for the virus.
The Isle of Wight, off England’s southern coast, is renowned for a beautiful coastline and balmy climate, drawing crowds of summer tourists from across Britain.The Isle of Wight, off England’s southern coast, is renowned for a beautiful coastline and balmy climate, drawing crowds of summer tourists from across Britain.
And it is now at the forefront of national attention for a different reason: The British government is preparing to begin a trial there this week of a mobile app that will track the contacts of people infected with the coronavirus.And it is now at the forefront of national attention for a different reason: The British government is preparing to begin a trial there this week of a mobile app that will track the contacts of people infected with the coronavirus.
The app uses Bluetooth to “alert people if they have been near somebody who is later diagnosed with having coronavirus,” Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, said on Sunday. The tracking system will be rolled out by the National Health Service, and if the trials are successful, it will be available this month throughout the country.The app uses Bluetooth to “alert people if they have been near somebody who is later diagnosed with having coronavirus,” Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, said on Sunday. The tracking system will be rolled out by the National Health Service, and if the trials are successful, it will be available this month throughout the country.
Other countries, like South Korea and more recently Turkey, have used such technology to curb the spread of the virus, and France is preparing to begin its own trial soon. But the apps have raised questions about whether privacy should be sacrificed in order to stem the spread of the virus.Other countries, like South Korea and more recently Turkey, have used such technology to curb the spread of the virus, and France is preparing to begin its own trial soon. But the apps have raised questions about whether privacy should be sacrificed in order to stem the spread of the virus.
The program in Britain is voluntary, but Mr. Shapps said the government would encourage as many people as possible to take it up, but experts question how effective an app can be if it relies on self-reported data.The program in Britain is voluntary, but Mr. Shapps said the government would encourage as many people as possible to take it up, but experts question how effective an app can be if it relies on self-reported data.
The British government has already come under scrutiny over its response to the coronavirus, particularly around the transparency, or lack thereof, in its approach.The British government has already come under scrutiny over its response to the coronavirus, particularly around the transparency, or lack thereof, in its approach.
On Monday, it partly lifted the veil on a secretive scientific panel that advises it on the coronavirus, disclosing the names of members who had agreed to be identified. All but two of the 52 members on the panel were listed, as were most members of several subcommittees.On Monday, it partly lifted the veil on a secretive scientific panel that advises it on the coronavirus, disclosing the names of members who had agreed to be identified. All but two of the 52 members on the panel were listed, as were most members of several subcommittees.
Critics had put pressure on the government to name the members of the panel — known as the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, or SAGE — but the government had argued that keeping them confidential was important for their security and independence.Critics had put pressure on the government to name the members of the panel — known as the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, or SAGE — but the government had argued that keeping them confidential was important for their security and independence.
President Trump said on Sunday night that the death toll from the coronavirus in the United States might reach as high as 100,000 — far higher than he forecast just weeks ago — even as he pressed states to begin reopening shuttered businesses.President Trump said on Sunday night that the death toll from the coronavirus in the United States might reach as high as 100,000 — far higher than he forecast just weeks ago — even as he pressed states to begin reopening shuttered businesses.
Mr. Trump, who last month said that 60,000 lives could be lost in the country, acknowledged that the virus has proved more devastating than he had expected. He nonetheless said he believed that parks and beaches should begin reopening and that schools should resume classes in person by the fall.Mr. Trump, who last month said that 60,000 lives could be lost in the country, acknowledged that the virus has proved more devastating than he had expected. He nonetheless said he believed that parks and beaches should begin reopening and that schools should resume classes in person by the fall.
“We’re going to lose anywhere from 75, 80 to 100,000 people,” he said in a virtual town hall meeting on Fox News. “That’s a horrible thing. We shouldn’t lose one person over this.”“We’re going to lose anywhere from 75, 80 to 100,000 people,” he said in a virtual town hall meeting on Fox News. “That’s a horrible thing. We shouldn’t lose one person over this.”
Mr. Trump also issued the latest in a series of accusations from members of his administration blaming China for the creation and spread of the virus. “We’re going to be giving a very strong report as to exactly what we think happened,” he said.Mr. Trump also issued the latest in a series of accusations from members of his administration blaming China for the creation and spread of the virus. “We’re going to be giving a very strong report as to exactly what we think happened,” he said.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was even more explicit, saying on Sunday that the coronavirus originated in a research laboratory in Wuhan, China, where the virus first appeared. That conflicts with the judgment of most virologists and of U.S. intelligence agencies, which say that the virus was “not man-made or genetically modified.”Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was even more explicit, saying on Sunday that the coronavirus originated in a research laboratory in Wuhan, China, where the virus first appeared. That conflicts with the judgment of most virologists and of U.S. intelligence agencies, which say that the virus was “not man-made or genetically modified.”
Their remarks came one day before the U.S. Supreme Court broke with history twice on Monday: hearing the first of 10 cases that will be argued in a telephone conference call and letting the public listen in. It is a momentous step for a cautious institution and yet another way in which the pandemic has forced U.S. society to adjust to a new reality.Their remarks came one day before the U.S. Supreme Court broke with history twice on Monday: hearing the first of 10 cases that will be argued in a telephone conference call and letting the public listen in. It is a momentous step for a cautious institution and yet another way in which the pandemic has forced U.S. society to adjust to a new reality.
Among the cases the justices will hear by phone over the next two weeks are three on May 12 about subpoenas from prosecutors and Congress seeking Mr. Trump’s financial records, which could yield a politically explosive decision this summer as the presidential campaign enters high gear.Among the cases the justices will hear by phone over the next two weeks are three on May 12 about subpoenas from prosecutors and Congress seeking Mr. Trump’s financial records, which could yield a politically explosive decision this summer as the presidential campaign enters high gear.
The pandemic has changed not just the way the world’s cities look these days, but also how they sound. Damien Cave, The Times’s bureau chief in Sydney, Australia, shares his reflections on how a part of the day that would typically be frantic has come to be a magical time.The pandemic has changed not just the way the world’s cities look these days, but also how they sound. Damien Cave, The Times’s bureau chief in Sydney, Australia, shares his reflections on how a part of the day that would typically be frantic has come to be a magical time.
Five weeks into Australia’s coronavirus isolation, children are the opening beat for an afternoon soundtrack that also includes barking dogs, shouting parents and buff 20-somethings jogging while talking about lust and love at volumes that belong onstage.Five weeks into Australia’s coronavirus isolation, children are the opening beat for an afternoon soundtrack that also includes barking dogs, shouting parents and buff 20-somethings jogging while talking about lust and love at volumes that belong onstage.
The time may shift — sometimes the noise rises at 3 p.m., sometimes later — but the swell of sound signals the start of Magic Hour, that ad hoc interlude when our very human need to move and chatter, even at a distance, breaks through the routine of quiet isolation.The time may shift — sometimes the noise rises at 3 p.m., sometimes later — but the swell of sound signals the start of Magic Hour, that ad hoc interlude when our very human need to move and chatter, even at a distance, breaks through the routine of quiet isolation.
And let’s be clear: It is heavenly. Actual voices! Kids! Couples! Arguments! What I hear outside my home office window, or passing by when I run, is the elevator music I never used to notice, and now eagerly anticipate for connection and to mark the passage of time.And let’s be clear: It is heavenly. Actual voices! Kids! Couples! Arguments! What I hear outside my home office window, or passing by when I run, is the elevator music I never used to notice, and now eagerly anticipate for connection and to mark the passage of time.
The Magic Hour is by no means unique to Sydney. It can’t be a coincidence that the cheers for health workers in New York, the block parties in San Francisco and the mass singing in Italy all tend to occur just before dusk. As sociologists are quick to note, many of us feel compelled to end our days of pandemic loneliness with some kind of connection, preferably outdoors.The Magic Hour is by no means unique to Sydney. It can’t be a coincidence that the cheers for health workers in New York, the block parties in San Francisco and the mass singing in Italy all tend to occur just before dusk. As sociologists are quick to note, many of us feel compelled to end our days of pandemic loneliness with some kind of connection, preferably outdoors.
“The more formal arrangements, from sports to events, are off the table, and even the informal interactions in shops and bars — that’s gone too,” said David Rowe, a sociologist at Western Sydney University. “People are finding that they need to interact with someone even if it’s just someone walking around a green space with you. You just want some kind of shared purpose.”“The more formal arrangements, from sports to events, are off the table, and even the informal interactions in shops and bars — that’s gone too,” said David Rowe, a sociologist at Western Sydney University. “People are finding that they need to interact with someone even if it’s just someone walking around a green space with you. You just want some kind of shared purpose.”
Ryan Driscoll is the sort of celebrity unique to luxury cruise lines. A singer and entertainer, dapper and dandy, he plays the big room at night, crooning like Sinatra and Darin.
That was before the coronavirus. Now Mr. Driscoll, a 26-year-old from California, is quarantined alone in a suite on the Seabourn Odyssey off the coast of Bridgetown, Barbados.
The ship’s crew members have been aboard without passengers for nearly seven weeks, caught up in an around-the-world oceanic race against infection. Dozens of cruise ships were out to sea as the virus began to spread, and as the toll of sick and dying passengers rose, port after port turned the vessels away.
Eventually, most passengers were able to disembark. Not so the crew members, many of whom continue to bob the seas in water-bound purgatory. Some of the ships are still riddled with coronavirus cases.
There are thousands of other ships and crews also at sea, many of them also stranded — tankers with no place to unload their oil, freighters that were bound for ports where they are no longer welcome.
Aboard each vessel are crew members who must still do their jobs — operating and maintaining the machinery, cooking and cleaning — even if the ship, itself, is going nowhere.
But there are those, like Mr. Driscoll, whose jobs cannot be performed now. He is an entertainer without an audience.
He sings to himself in the comically tiny shower. His tuxedo hangs uselessly pressed in the closet. His face wears the scruff of the two weeks since he ran out of razors.
The last time he got off the ship was in Chile on Feb. 23. He bought himself a coffee and some fresh fruit and never considered that it might be months before he touched land again.
Throngs of Palestinian laborers traveled to their workplaces in Israel on Sunday even though Palestinian officials have repeatedly expressed concerns about their contracting the coronavirus there and carrying it back to the West Bank.Throngs of Palestinian laborers traveled to their workplaces in Israel on Sunday even though Palestinian officials have repeatedly expressed concerns about their contracting the coronavirus there and carrying it back to the West Bank.
Ibrahim Milhim, a government spokesman for the Palestinian Authority, said that thousands of workers crossed into Israel on Sunday and that thousands more would do so this week.Ibrahim Milhim, a government spokesman for the Palestinian Authority, said that thousands of workers crossed into Israel on Sunday and that thousands more would do so this week.
Last week, an Israeli Defense Ministry body that liaises with the Authority said Palestinians with permits to work in construction, agriculture and other sectors would be allowed to cross into Israel. It also said their employers would be asked to provide them with accommodations until Eid al-Fitr, the festival at the conclusion of Ramadan in about three weeks.Last week, an Israeli Defense Ministry body that liaises with the Authority said Palestinians with permits to work in construction, agriculture and other sectors would be allowed to cross into Israel. It also said their employers would be asked to provide them with accommodations until Eid al-Fitr, the festival at the conclusion of Ramadan in about three weeks.
Rami Mehdawi, a spokesman for the Palestinian Authority Labor Ministry, said Palestinian officials remained concerned that infected workers could return to their homes and spread the virus, but he said the Palestinian authorities had worked with their Israeli counterparts to prevent such a scenario. He said Israel and the Palestinian Authority would coordinate the workers’ return to the West Bank.Rami Mehdawi, a spokesman for the Palestinian Authority Labor Ministry, said Palestinian officials remained concerned that infected workers could return to their homes and spread the virus, but he said the Palestinian authorities had worked with their Israeli counterparts to prevent such a scenario. He said Israel and the Palestinian Authority would coordinate the workers’ return to the West Bank.
After Palestinian laborers were last permitted to travel to their jobs in Israel in late March, Palestinian officials accused the Israeli authorities of abandoning some of them at checkpoints and allowing others to cross back to the West Bank through areas they do not control.After Palestinian laborers were last permitted to travel to their jobs in Israel in late March, Palestinian officials accused the Israeli authorities of abandoning some of them at checkpoints and allowing others to cross back to the West Bank through areas they do not control.
The Palestinian Authority has said that more than 70 percent of the 336 known cases of the virus in the West Bank are linked to Palestinians employed in Israel.The Palestinian Authority has said that more than 70 percent of the 336 known cases of the virus in the West Bank are linked to Palestinians employed in Israel.
Separately, for the first time since mid-March, schools opened for some grades in Israel on Sunday, but local authorities in several cities, including Tel Aviv, kept them closed, citing concerns about safety and preparedness.Separately, for the first time since mid-March, schools opened for some grades in Israel on Sunday, but local authorities in several cities, including Tel Aviv, kept them closed, citing concerns about safety and preparedness.
Up and down Britain, local newspapers are struggling. Hundreds of journalists have been put on leave. More than 50 small and regional publications have suspended producing their print or online products. For those still printing, some communities are depending on volunteers to deliver newspapers.Up and down Britain, local newspapers are struggling. Hundreds of journalists have been put on leave. More than 50 small and regional publications have suspended producing their print or online products. For those still printing, some communities are depending on volunteers to deliver newspapers.
For many, cash has all but stopped coming in. With most retailers shuttered, advertising revenues have dwindled to near zero for many publications, leaving the print copies a skeleton of what they used to be.For many, cash has all but stopped coming in. With most retailers shuttered, advertising revenues have dwindled to near zero for many publications, leaving the print copies a skeleton of what they used to be.
And in Britain, where home delivery subscriptions are less common than in the United States, newspapers rely more heavily on street sales — and many newsstands and other stores are closed.And in Britain, where home delivery subscriptions are less common than in the United States, newspapers rely more heavily on street sales — and many newsstands and other stores are closed.
Readers may be hungry for local news during the pandemic — traffic to the newspapers’ websites is higher than normal — but relatively few outlets have pay walls to collect digital subscriptions.Readers may be hungry for local news during the pandemic — traffic to the newspapers’ websites is higher than normal — but relatively few outlets have pay walls to collect digital subscriptions.
The economic calamity facing publishers has not gone unnoticed by the government. It said on Thursday that it would scrap a tax on e-books and e-newspapers in an effort to help both publishers and readers. And it recently announced a three-month advertising campaign to support the National Health Service that will inject up to 35 million pounds (more than $43 million) into publishers across the country.The economic calamity facing publishers has not gone unnoticed by the government. It said on Thursday that it would scrap a tax on e-books and e-newspapers in an effort to help both publishers and readers. And it recently announced a three-month advertising campaign to support the National Health Service that will inject up to 35 million pounds (more than $43 million) into publishers across the country.
Still, while experts and publishers say the advertising campaign is a welcome influx of revenue, few expect it to save the industry.Still, while experts and publishers say the advertising campaign is a welcome influx of revenue, few expect it to save the industry.
Reporting was contributed by Melissa Eddy, Aurelien Breeden, Richard Pérez-Peña, Karen Zraick, Sui-Lee Wee, Abdi Latif Dahir, Jason Horowitz, Raphael Minder, Megan Specia, Tess Felder, Ben Dooley, Iliana Magra, Mark Landler, Damien Cave, John Branch, Adam Rasgon, Peter Baker, David E. Sanger, Adam Liptak, Neil Vigdor, Michael Levenson, Kai Schultz, Jeffrey Gettleman, Claire Moses, Caitlin Dickerson and Michael D. Shear.Reporting was contributed by Melissa Eddy, Aurelien Breeden, Richard Pérez-Peña, Karen Zraick, Sui-Lee Wee, Abdi Latif Dahir, Jason Horowitz, Raphael Minder, Megan Specia, Tess Felder, Ben Dooley, Iliana Magra, Mark Landler, Damien Cave, John Branch, Adam Rasgon, Peter Baker, David E. Sanger, Adam Liptak, Neil Vigdor, Michael Levenson, Kai Schultz, Jeffrey Gettleman, Claire Moses, Caitlin Dickerson and Michael D. Shear.