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Senators Descend on Quiet Capitol, Sacrificing Pomp for Safety’s Sake Senators Descend on Quiet Capitol, Sacrificing Pomp for Safety’s Sake
(8 days later)
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers donned face masks. Congressional employees’ desks were ensconced in plexiglass shields. The floors and sidewalks of Capitol Hill were marked with circular panels emblazoned with images of feet to show lawmakers and aides where to stand to keep a safe social distance — like dance-step diagrams, but for trying to avert the transmission of a lethal virus.WASHINGTON — Lawmakers donned face masks. Congressional employees’ desks were ensconced in plexiglass shields. The floors and sidewalks of Capitol Hill were marked with circular panels emblazoned with images of feet to show lawmakers and aides where to stand to keep a safe social distance — like dance-step diagrams, but for trying to avert the transmission of a lethal virus.
With the Senate back in Washington for a session that Congress’s top doctor said carried health risks given the continued spread of the coronavirus, the chamber has quickly resumed a semblance of its routine, but with some trappings that cast an eerie pall on the proceedings.With the Senate back in Washington for a session that Congress’s top doctor said carried health risks given the continued spread of the coronavirus, the chamber has quickly resumed a semblance of its routine, but with some trappings that cast an eerie pall on the proceedings.
Senators across the country traveled back to the Capitol in time for a confirmation vote on Monday afternoon, with one or two stragglers rushing to the floor in the jeans they wore on the plane. Hearings unfolded on Tuesday as usual — albeit in half-empty rooms, in line with new policies to avert the spread of the virus. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, readied yet another vote on a lifetime judicial appointment.Senators across the country traveled back to the Capitol in time for a confirmation vote on Monday afternoon, with one or two stragglers rushing to the floor in the jeans they wore on the plane. Hearings unfolded on Tuesday as usual — albeit in half-empty rooms, in line with new policies to avert the spread of the virus. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, readied yet another vote on a lifetime judicial appointment.
“Normal,” observed Senator James Lankford, Republican of Oklahoma, his deep drawl muffled slightly by a gray mask his wife made. “Except it’s not normal.”“Normal,” observed Senator James Lankford, Republican of Oklahoma, his deep drawl muffled slightly by a gray mask his wife made. “Except it’s not normal.”
Summoned back to Capitol Hill for the first time in 40 days, the Senate, an institution loath to change, found itself doing just that in the face of the pandemic. Though drastic measures were eschewed — a procedure for remote voting, for example, has not yet been established — lawmakers and their entourages took small steps to adjust their routines to accommodate the health precautions necessary to avoid the spread of the virus.Summoned back to Capitol Hill for the first time in 40 days, the Senate, an institution loath to change, found itself doing just that in the face of the pandemic. Though drastic measures were eschewed — a procedure for remote voting, for example, has not yet been established — lawmakers and their entourages took small steps to adjust their routines to accommodate the health precautions necessary to avoid the spread of the virus.
With many of their reliable direct flights to Washington canceled, several senators were forced to drive or add on layovers to reach the Capitol. Many directed all but one or two aides to work from home. The hallways — normally bustling on a Tuesday as senators huddle for party luncheons, reporters angle to question them about the latest developments and the machinery of the Senate grinds into full gear — were noticeably hushed.With many of their reliable direct flights to Washington canceled, several senators were forced to drive or add on layovers to reach the Capitol. Many directed all but one or two aides to work from home. The hallways — normally bustling on a Tuesday as senators huddle for party luncheons, reporters angle to question them about the latest developments and the machinery of the Senate grinds into full gear — were noticeably hushed.
Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Republican, and an aide rode the Senate subway in adjacent cars rather than together, staying far apart on a vehicle that is normally crammed with lawmakers, staff members and pages racing to reach the floor. Another aide paired his seersucker suit — a favorite warm-weather sartorial choice in the Senate — with black gloves and a mask, exuding a kind of Brooks Brothers meets the grim reaper look. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Democrat of Arizona, cast her vote on Monday with a finger pointing to her $12.99 lavender wig.Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Republican, and an aide rode the Senate subway in adjacent cars rather than together, staying far apart on a vehicle that is normally crammed with lawmakers, staff members and pages racing to reach the floor. Another aide paired his seersucker suit — a favorite warm-weather sartorial choice in the Senate — with black gloves and a mask, exuding a kind of Brooks Brothers meets the grim reaper look. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Democrat of Arizona, cast her vote on Monday with a finger pointing to her $12.99 lavender wig.
“I think we’re all looking at one another going, this is weird, isn’t it?” said Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, who has not returned to her state in nearly two months because of a strict quarantine requirement that could prevent her from traveling back to the Capitol to vote. “It’s good to get out and see a little change of scenery.”“I think we’re all looking at one another going, this is weird, isn’t it?” said Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, who has not returned to her state in nearly two months because of a strict quarantine requirement that could prevent her from traveling back to the Capitol to vote. “It’s good to get out and see a little change of scenery.”
Sparse attendance was mandated at hearings to ensure appropriate distance between senators. When the Intelligence Committee convened the Senate’s first hearing in a month, to question — from ample distance — President Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, senators came and went from the room in carefully coordinated waves to limit its occupancy. The hearing stopped promptly at noon to allow time for a deep disinfection before another panel met in the room on Tuesday afternoon.Sparse attendance was mandated at hearings to ensure appropriate distance between senators. When the Intelligence Committee convened the Senate’s first hearing in a month, to question — from ample distance — President Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, senators came and went from the room in carefully coordinated waves to limit its occupancy. The hearing stopped promptly at noon to allow time for a deep disinfection before another panel met in the room on Tuesday afternoon.
The Banking Committee, meeting to consider the nomination of Brian D. Miller, the White House lawyer tapped to oversee the Treasury Department’s $500 billion coronavirus bailout, adopted a hybrid hearing system that allowed for senators to appear in person or over a livestream. Senator Sherrod Brown, Democrat of Ohio, questioned Mr. Miller from his home in Cleveland with his dogs barking in the background.The Banking Committee, meeting to consider the nomination of Brian D. Miller, the White House lawyer tapped to oversee the Treasury Department’s $500 billion coronavirus bailout, adopted a hybrid hearing system that allowed for senators to appear in person or over a livestream. Senator Sherrod Brown, Democrat of Ohio, questioned Mr. Miller from his home in Cleveland with his dogs barking in the background.
“I hope I’m not looking as yellow to the rest of my colleagues as I look on this screen to me — this is not a case of full-on jaundice yet,” said Senator Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia, who indeed appeared yellowish over the video stream. “This looks pretty God-awful.”“I hope I’m not looking as yellow to the rest of my colleagues as I look on this screen to me — this is not a case of full-on jaundice yet,” said Senator Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia, who indeed appeared yellowish over the video stream. “This looks pretty God-awful.”
So did the weekly Republican news conference, which usually unfolds in an ornate area just off the Senate floor known as the Ohio Clock Corridor, but on Tuesday took place in a bare basement meeting room where the glare of television lights cast looming shadows on the bright white walls. The party lunch was moved out of the stately but small, Vermont marble- and black walnut-paneled Mansfield Room in the Capitol to a larger space in a central hearing room tucked away in an office building nearby. Lunches were boxed, not served, and there were only three senators to every table, with a box of wipes and hand sanitizer on each.So did the weekly Republican news conference, which usually unfolds in an ornate area just off the Senate floor known as the Ohio Clock Corridor, but on Tuesday took place in a bare basement meeting room where the glare of television lights cast looming shadows on the bright white walls. The party lunch was moved out of the stately but small, Vermont marble- and black walnut-paneled Mansfield Room in the Capitol to a larger space in a central hearing room tucked away in an office building nearby. Lunches were boxed, not served, and there were only three senators to every table, with a box of wipes and hand sanitizer on each.
Senate Democrats outright canceled their lunch and conducted it by phone.Senate Democrats outright canceled their lunch and conducted it by phone.
Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, the sole senator to have tested positive for the virus, was one of the few lawmakers this week walking around without a mask, assuring reporters on Tuesday that, “of all the people you’ll meet here, I’m about the only safe person in Washington.” (It remains unclear, health experts say, whether antibodies prevent another round of infection.)Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, the sole senator to have tested positive for the virus, was one of the few lawmakers this week walking around without a mask, assuring reporters on Tuesday that, “of all the people you’ll meet here, I’m about the only safe person in Washington.” (It remains unclear, health experts say, whether antibodies prevent another round of infection.)
But with nearly half of the senators over the age of 65, putting them at higher risk for infection, the pandemic has prompted an undercurrent of anxiety in a building unaccustomed to accommodating for personal space.But with nearly half of the senators over the age of 65, putting them at higher risk for infection, the pandemic has prompted an undercurrent of anxiety in a building unaccustomed to accommodating for personal space.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
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.
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 press galleries and cafeterias, plexiglass shields protected those sitting behind desks. And some of the inner chamber doors, typically closed, were flung open during Monday’s vote so handles could remain untouched, making it possible to see the presiding senator from the Capitol Hill rotunda more than 65 yards away.In the press galleries and cafeterias, plexiglass shields protected those sitting behind desks. And some of the inner chamber doors, typically closed, were flung open during Monday’s vote so handles could remain untouched, making it possible to see the presiding senator from the Capitol Hill rotunda more than 65 yards away.
“Here’s one for the records,” a Capitol Police officer said on Monday as he pulled out his iPhone to snap photos of the transformed Senate basement: red and white posters offered a stick figure interpretation of how to properly stay six feet apart, and large yellow dots on the floor that Capitol Hill employees had measured with a six-foot wooden pole just hours earlier marked where to stand.“Here’s one for the records,” a Capitol Police officer said on Monday as he pulled out his iPhone to snap photos of the transformed Senate basement: red and white posters offered a stick figure interpretation of how to properly stay six feet apart, and large yellow dots on the floor that Capitol Hill employees had measured with a six-foot wooden pole just hours earlier marked where to stand.
Even with the House yet to return, the precautions extended across the Capitol to a swearing-in ceremony for Representative Kweisi Mfume, the Maryland Democrat newly elected to finish the term of Representative Elijah E. Cummings, who died in October.Even with the House yet to return, the precautions extended across the Capitol to a swearing-in ceremony for Representative Kweisi Mfume, the Maryland Democrat newly elected to finish the term of Representative Elijah E. Cummings, who died in October.
As his wife, Tiffany Mfume, held the family Bible on Tuesday to pose for a photograph, a single strap of her surgical mask, removed for the occasion, could be seen underneath. Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California also placed her pale pink mask, which matched her pantsuit and glittering stiletto heels, on her neck while photos were taken.As his wife, Tiffany Mfume, held the family Bible on Tuesday to pose for a photograph, a single strap of her surgical mask, removed for the occasion, could be seen underneath. Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California also placed her pale pink mask, which matched her pantsuit and glittering stiletto heels, on her neck while photos were taken.
The other Democrats in Maryland’s delegation were more torn about their face gear, debating what to do as Ms. Pelosi looked on. Representative Jaime Raskin kept his padded mask, featuring the state flag, securely fastened, while Representative Steny H. Hoyer, the majority leader, held his blue surgical mask by his side. Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger at one point let his Baltimore Ravens mask dangle from one ear as camera shutters clicked away.The other Democrats in Maryland’s delegation were more torn about their face gear, debating what to do as Ms. Pelosi looked on. Representative Jaime Raskin kept his padded mask, featuring the state flag, securely fastened, while Representative Steny H. Hoyer, the majority leader, held his blue surgical mask by his side. Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger at one point let his Baltimore Ravens mask dangle from one ear as camera shutters clicked away.
“I don’t know how I’m going to get to know everybody,” said Mr. Mfume, who is about to begin a second stint representing Baltimore in Congress nearly 25 years after giving up his seat. “It’s going to take a minute.”“I don’t know how I’m going to get to know everybody,” said Mr. Mfume, who is about to begin a second stint representing Baltimore in Congress nearly 25 years after giving up his seat. “It’s going to take a minute.”
Nicholas Fandos contributed reporting.Nicholas Fandos contributed reporting.