'A License to Drive the Autobahn Will Have to Wait' diff viewer (9/10)

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A License to Drive the Autobahn Will Have to Wait	A License to Drive the Autobahn Will Have to Wait
2020-06-17 03:51:04 UTC	2020-06-17 17:06:18 UTC (about 13 hours later)
FRANKFURT — When the economic victims of the coronavirus crisis are counted, probably not many tears will be shed for the driving instructors of the world, especially in Germany, where getting a license is a grueling and costly rite of passage that few people remember fondly.	FRANKFURT — When the economic victims of the coronavirus crisis are counted, probably not many tears will be shed for the driving instructors of the world, especially in Germany, where getting a license is a grueling and costly rite of passage that few people remember fondly.
Yet the driving school industry is a microcosm of how the pandemic has brought some service professions to a standstill with often devastating impact on a small but unexpectedly essential niche of the economy.	Yet the driving school industry is a microcosm of how the pandemic has brought some service professions to a standstill with often devastating impact on a small but unexpectedly essential niche of the economy.
Driver education is a big deal in Germany, reflecting the role that cars play in the national psyche as well as an obsession with formal training. It is mandatory for prospective drivers and notoriously difficult, requiring more than 20 hours of classroom instruction and often double that much time on the road with a professional instructor.	Driver education is a big deal in Germany, reflecting the role that cars play in the national psyche as well as an obsession with formal training. It is mandatory for prospective drivers and notoriously difficult, requiring more than 20 hours of classroom instruction and often double that much time on the road with a professional instructor.
Like restaurants and hair salons, driving schools can’t function without social contact, and are being pushed to the brink after lockdowns forced them to close, erasing their sales overnight. Though a few German states such as Hessen have allowed driving schools to resume if drivers and instructors wear masks and take other precautions, training is still paused in much of the country.	Like restaurants and hair salons, driving schools can’t function without social contact, and are being pushed to the brink after lockdowns forced them to close, erasing their sales overnight. Though a few German states such as Hessen have allowed driving schools to resume if drivers and instructors wear masks and take other precautions, training is still paused in much of the country.
“There is no money coming in at all,” said Christine Timmer, owner of a driving school in Munich that caters to English-speaking expatriates, whose driver’s licenses are often not valid in Germany. “I will be able to manage for two to three months, but after that I really don’t know.”	“There is no money coming in at all,” said Christine Timmer, owner of a driving school in Munich that caters to English-speaking expatriates, whose driver’s licenses are often not valid in Germany. “I will be able to manage for two to three months, but after that I really don’t know.”
More than a quarter of German driving schools believe that the coronavirus crisis will push them into bankruptcy, according to a survey by the Moving International Road Safety Association, an organization in Berlin that lobbies on behalf of driving schools. That would translate into roughly 10,000 lost jobs. It foreshadows how the virus will force a brutal culling of many kinds of small businesses.	More than a quarter of German driving schools believe that the coronavirus crisis will push them into bankruptcy, according to a survey by the Moving International Road Safety Association, an organization in Berlin that lobbies on behalf of driving schools. That would translate into roughly 10,000 lost jobs. It foreshadows how the virus will force a brutal culling of many kinds of small businesses.
With instruction at a standstill, the pipeline of new pizza delivery drivers is temporarily shut off, as is the supply of neophyte car buyers when the suffering German auto industry needs all the customers it can get.	With instruction at a standstill, the pipeline of new pizza delivery drivers is temporarily shut off, as is the supply of neophyte car buyers when the suffering German auto industry needs all the customers it can get.
As in many professions, the virus has prompted driving schools to re-examine assumptions about how they will conduct business when a semblance of normality returns.	As in many professions, the virus has prompted driving schools to re-examine assumptions about how they will conduct business when a semblance of normality returns.
Among German driving instructors, who suddenly have a lot of time on their hands, there is a furious debate about whether classroom instruction could be conducted online — a prospect that could have allowed the schools to keep operating through the lockdown. To get a license, applicants must attend 14 classroom sessions lasting 90 minutes each, typically held in a driving school’s crowded storefront premises.	Among German driving instructors, who suddenly have a lot of time on their hands, there is a furious debate about whether classroom instruction could be conducted online — a prospect that could have allowed the schools to keep operating through the lockdown. To get a license, applicants must attend 14 classroom sessions lasting 90 minutes each, typically held in a driving school’s crowded storefront premises.
Frank Dreier, who operates a driving school in Bad Nauheim, a city north of Frankfurt, said he didn’t think online courses would make much difference. Students would still have to wait until it was safe to resume road training, he said.	Frank Dreier, who operates a driving school in Bad Nauheim, a city north of Frankfurt, said he didn’t think online courses would make much difference. Students would still have to wait until it was safe to resume road training, he said.
“We don’t see a big advantage,” said Mr. Dreier, who is also president of a driving instructors’ association in the state of Hessen.	“We don’t see a big advantage,” said Mr. Dreier, who is also president of a driving instructors’ association in the state of Hessen.
The national association of driving teachers is against the idea, pointing out that much of the classroom instruction consists of impressing on young people, who are allowed to buy beer at 16 but not drive alone until they are 18, the gravity of their responsibility when behind the wheel.	The national association of driving teachers is against the idea, pointing out that much of the classroom instruction consists of impressing on young people, who are allowed to buy beer at 16 but not drive alone until they are 18, the gravity of their responsibility when behind the wheel.
Personal interaction in a classroom “is an enormously important component for socializing young drivers,” Dieter Quentin, chairman of the Federal Union of Driving Instructor Associations, said in a statement.	Personal interaction in a classroom “is an enormously important component for socializing young drivers,” Dieter Quentin, chairman of the Federal Union of Driving Instructor Associations, said in a statement.
There are even a few murmurs about making it easier to get a license.	There are even a few murmurs about making it easier to get a license.
Germany is a country where it is illegal for a person to repair a tire, manufacture an accordion or blow glass without having been certified as a “meister,” which often requires years of apprenticeship and training. Getting a driver’s license is almost as demanding.	Germany is a country where it is illegal for a person to repair a tire, manufacture an accordion or blow glass without having been certified as a “meister,” which often requires years of apprenticeship and training. Getting a driver’s license is almost as demanding.
Students must take a first-aid course and spend as much time practicing behind the wheel as the instructor deems necessary. Road training costs an average of about 43 euros an hour, or $47. Including classroom training, the total to get a license is usually around €2,000.	Students must take a first-aid course and spend as much time practicing behind the wheel as the instructor deems necessary. Road training costs an average of about 43 euros an hour, or $47. Including classroom training, the total to get a license is usually around €2,000.
To pass the written test, aspiring drivers must memorize 1,000 possible questions and answers on the subtleties of right-of-way rules, road sign hieroglyphics and the mathematical formulas that predict how long it takes a vehicle to stop at a given speed.	To pass the written test, aspiring drivers must memorize 1,000 possible questions and answers on the subtleties of right-of-way rules, road sign hieroglyphics and the mathematical formulas that predict how long it takes a vehicle to stop at a given speed.
The failure rate is high. Of the 1.8 million written tests administered last year, fewer than two-thirds earned a passing score. (Applicants are allowed to retake the test.)	The failure rate is high. Of the 1.8 million written tests administered last year, fewer than two-thirds earned a passing score. (Applicants are allowed to retake the test.)
The temporary moratorium on driver training has economic consequences. Driver’s licenses are a prerequisite for many kinds of jobs. A delay in getting a license translates into a delay in earning money. One of Mr. Dreier’s students is scheduled to begin training as a police officer this year but would have to postpone if he can’t get his license in time. (The student could not be reached for comment.)	The temporary moratorium on driver training has economic consequences. Driver’s licenses are a prerequisite for many kinds of jobs. A delay in getting a license translates into a delay in earning money. One of Mr. Dreier’s students is scheduled to begin training as a police officer this year but would have to postpone if he can’t get his license in time. (The student could not be reached for comment.)
Immigrants and refugees from outside Europe, for whom driving a taxi or a delivery truck is often an entree to the work force, typically have to go through a driving school because Germany doesn’t recognize licenses from their countries. Driving school shutdowns present one more hurdle for immigrants trying to integrate into society.	Immigrants and refugees from outside Europe, for whom driving a taxi or a delivery truck is often an entree to the work force, typically have to go through a driving school because Germany doesn’t recognize licenses from their countries. Driving school shutdowns present one more hurdle for immigrants trying to integrate into society.
Ms. Timmer, the Munich instructor, said she thought the obstacle course for aspiring drivers had become too onerous. “You don’t have to be such a pro,” she said. “I think it is too much.”	Ms. Timmer, the Munich instructor, said she thought the obstacle course for aspiring drivers had become too onerous. “You don’t have to be such a pro,” she said. “I think it is too much.”
Updated June 16, 2020	Updated June 16, 2020
	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.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.	Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
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.
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.)
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.
But opponents say rigorous training is one reason Germany has one of the lowest rates of road fatalities in the world. That may come as a surprise to anyone who has driven on a German autobahn, stretches of which often have no speed limits, and where many drivers seem to be channeling their inner Roman gladiator. Statistically, though, an American is three times more likely to die from a traffic accident than a German.	But opponents say rigorous training is one reason Germany has one of the lowest rates of road fatalities in the world. That may come as a surprise to anyone who has driven on a German autobahn, stretches of which often have no speed limits, and where many drivers seem to be channeling their inner Roman gladiator. Statistically, though, an American is three times more likely to die from a traffic accident than a German.
“People are afraid that if they make it easier, the death rate would rise,” said Jochen Klima, chairman of a driving instructor’s association in the state of Baden-Württemberg. “That’s a taboo issue.”	“People are afraid that if they make it easier, the death rate would rise,” said Jochen Klima, chairman of a driving instructor’s association in the state of Baden-Württemberg. “That’s a taboo issue.”