'Washington, the Nation’s Capital, Moves to Reopen. Washington, the City, Is Not Ready.' diff viewer (16/17)

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Washington, the Nation’s Capital, Moves to Reopen. Washington, the City, Is Not Ready.	Washington, the Nation’s Capital, Moves to Reopen. Washington, the City, Is Not Ready.
2020-06-24 11:42:29 UTC	2020-06-24 14:30:29 UTC (about 3 hours later)
WASHINGTON — As the Trump administration pushes for the federal government to lead the nation in reopening the doors to daily business, the leaders of the capital region that would live with the consequences are fragmented on how to move forward.	WASHINGTON — As the Trump administration pushes for the federal government to lead the nation in reopening the doors to daily business, the leaders of the capital region that would live with the consequences are fragmented on how to move forward.
This city, home to 700,000 people, anchors one of the most interconnected metropolitan regions in the nation, with a total population nearly 10 times larger than the District of Columbia. Washington and the close-in counties within Virginia and Maryland have a shared Metro system and populations that move daily across their borders, a large number of them workers for the government.	This city, home to 700,000 people, anchors one of the most interconnected metropolitan regions in the nation, with a total population nearly 10 times larger than the District of Columbia. Washington and the close-in counties within Virginia and Maryland have a shared Metro system and populations that move daily across their borders, a large number of them workers for the government.
Now, the region’s residents are headed toward a collision with its largest employer, the government, as Congress prepares to fully reconvene and President Trump presses to get tens of thousands of federal workers back at their desks, even as the White House struggles to contain coronavirus infections in its own ranks.	Now, the region’s residents are headed toward a collision with its largest employer, the government, as Congress prepares to fully reconvene and President Trump presses to get tens of thousands of federal workers back at their desks, even as the White House struggles to contain coronavirus infections in its own ranks.
The region is not yet open for business, and coronavirus cases are climbing steadily in Washington, Maryland and Virginia.	The region is not yet open for business, and coronavirus cases are climbing steadily in Washington, Maryland and Virginia.
In the early days of the pandemic, local leaders in the region tried to work more or less in tandem to contain the virus; the governors of Virginia and Maryland and Washington’s mayor moved together to issue stay-at-home orders in their respective areas in March.	In the early days of the pandemic, local leaders in the region tried to work more or less in tandem to contain the virus; the governors of Virginia and Maryland and Washington’s mayor moved together to issue stay-at-home orders in their respective areas in March.
But now they seem to be splitting on how to best reopen.	But now they seem to be splitting on how to best reopen.
Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia, a Democrat, is allowing limited hairstyling, churchgoing and mall reopenings, for example, but will not permit gyms to open their doors or restaurants to have indoor diners. Noting that Northern Virginia reported more than 700 new cases between Sunday and Monday compared with fewer than 300 for the rest of the state, Mr. Northam decided that the area would maintain its current restrictions while other parts of the state were expected to move forward with the first phase of reopening on Friday.	Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia, a Democrat, is allowing limited hairstyling, churchgoing and mall reopenings, for example, but will not permit gyms to open their doors or restaurants to have indoor diners. Noting that Northern Virginia reported more than 700 new cases between Sunday and Monday compared with fewer than 300 for the rest of the state, Mr. Northam decided that the area would maintain its current restrictions while other parts of the state were expected to move forward with the first phase of reopening on Friday.
In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, has permitted businesses now offering curbside service to slowly reopen to customers, but not in all areas.	In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, has permitted businesses now offering curbside service to slowly reopen to customers, but not in all areas.
Mayor Muriel E. Bowser of Washington said on Friday that she preferred a “telework posture” for “as long as possible.”	Mayor Muriel E. Bowser of Washington said on Friday that she preferred a “telework posture” for “as long as possible.”
In late April, all three leaders of the region — often called the D.M.V., for the District, Maryland and Virginia — wrote to the federal government asking for a slow roll back to work. “As executives of the three jurisdictions of the National Capital Region, we write to ask that you continue to implement broader telework policies for the federal work force while we continue to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” they wrote. Ms. Bowser said that position held.	In late April, all three leaders of the region — often called the D.M.V., for the District, Maryland and Virginia — wrote to the federal government asking for a slow roll back to work. “As executives of the three jurisdictions of the National Capital Region, we write to ask that you continue to implement broader telework policies for the federal work force while we continue to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” they wrote. Ms. Bowser said that position held.
“I am concerned with the D.C. metro region,” said Dr. Anand Parekh, the chief medical adviser for the Bipartisan Policy Center and a former official with the Department of Health and Human Services.	“I am concerned with the D.C. metro region,” said Dr. Anand Parekh, the chief medical adviser for the Bipartisan Policy Center and a former official with the Department of Health and Human Services.
“There are several hundred thousand federal employees in the D.C. region,” he added. “Their gradual return should be predicated upon the region having adequate testing capacity, a decline in confirmed cases for two to three weeks, a health care system that is under capacity with adequate P.P.E. and critical medical material, and a public health infrastructure that has enough contract tracers.” P.P.E. refers to personal protective equipment.	“There are several hundred thousand federal employees in the D.C. region,” he added. “Their gradual return should be predicated upon the region having adequate testing capacity, a decline in confirmed cases for two to three weeks, a health care system that is under capacity with adequate P.P.E. and critical medical material, and a public health infrastructure that has enough contract tracers.” P.P.E. refers to personal protective equipment.
In Washington alone — where few of those benchmarks have been met — the percentage of positive coronavirus tests is roughly double the upper limit of what experts regard as sufficient to consider reopening, with confirmed cases still on the upswing. There were 6,389 total cases in the District of Columbia and 328 deaths — a higher rate of death than most states — as of Monday morning. Last Friday, the city reported 19 new deaths, the most deaths in a single day.	In Washington alone — where few of those benchmarks have been met — the percentage of positive coronavirus tests is roughly double the upper limit of what experts regard as sufficient to consider reopening, with confirmed cases still on the upswing. There were 6,389 total cases in the District of Columbia and 328 deaths — a higher rate of death than most states — as of Monday morning. Last Friday, the city reported 19 new deaths, the most deaths in a single day.
Over a dozen Capitol Police officers have been infected with the coronavirus, as have a smattering of members of Congress. Mr. Trump’s valet as well as Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary have confirmed cases, while the director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Food and Drug Administration commissioner and the chief of naval operations are all in quarantine. As official Washington opens, it will beckon thousands of staff members serving senior officials, and flocks of lobbyists, service personnel and tourists.	Over a dozen Capitol Police officers have been infected with the coronavirus, as have a smattering of members of Congress. Mr. Trump’s valet as well as Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary have confirmed cases, while the director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Food and Drug Administration commissioner and the chief of naval operations are all in quarantine. As official Washington opens, it will beckon thousands of staff members serving senior officials, and flocks of lobbyists, service personnel and tourists.
City officials in Washington, unlike governors, have limited autonomy to challenge any federal decisions, given the federal government’s control over a large percentage of the work force and vast swaths of buildings and land.	City officials in Washington, unlike governors, have limited autonomy to challenge any federal decisions, given the federal government’s control over a large percentage of the work force and vast swaths of buildings and land.
The Senate has already reconvened once to confirm judges, and the House is mulling a return as early as this week. The chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Senator Lamar Alexander, Republican of Tennessee, is in quarantine even as his panel prepares for a major coronavirus hearing on Tuesday.	The Senate has already reconvened once to confirm judges, and the House is mulling a return as early as this week. The chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Senator Lamar Alexander, Republican of Tennessee, is in quarantine even as his panel prepares for a major coronavirus hearing on Tuesday.
Federal officials said they were pushing for a “phased transition” back to work, although local officials view this warily.	Federal officials said they were pushing for a “phased transition” back to work, although local officials view this warily.
“As conditions warrant across each state, federal agencies are working to return to normal operations,” said Rob Kuhlman, a spokesman for the Office of Management and Budget. “Our federal workers have shown tremendous fortitude in keeping the U.S. strong throughout this emergency.”	“As conditions warrant across each state, federal agencies are working to return to normal operations,” said Rob Kuhlman, a spokesman for the Office of Management and Budget. “Our federal workers have shown tremendous fortitude in keeping the U.S. strong throughout this emergency.”
~~Updated June ~~22,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 24, 2020
	Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.	A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.	The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.	The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.	So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.	A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
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.)
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.
Health care officials around the region largely agree that the federal work force needs to move slowly to returning to offices. “We are very dependent on caution,” said Fran Phillips, a deputy secretary for Maryland’s Health Department. “Because the impact can ricochet across the region, it is very important that the government does not go headlong into reopening.”	Health care officials around the region largely agree that the federal work force needs to move slowly to returning to offices. “We are very dependent on caution,” said Fran Phillips, a deputy secretary for Maryland’s Health Department. “Because the impact can ricochet across the region, it is very important that the government does not go headlong into reopening.”
At the same time, Washington is struggling to manage a vast racial disparity among those becoming ill and dying. Although black people make up less than 50 percent of the city’s population, they account for 80 percent of those who have died from the coronavirus, in what experts believe is the largest such disparity in any metropolitan region. A similar dynamic is playing out in Maryland’s near-in suburbs.	At the same time, Washington is struggling to manage a vast racial disparity among those becoming ill and dying. Although black people make up less than 50 percent of the city’s population, they account for 80 percent of those who have died from the coronavirus, in what experts believe is the largest such disparity in any metropolitan region. A similar dynamic is playing out in Maryland’s near-in suburbs.
Washington has moved to send messages and outreach specifically to the more underserved areas of the city that have long lacked adequate health care, and where residents rely on low-wage jobs and public transportation and live in dense areas, all major risk factors for the disease. Michelle Obama was tapped to do robocalls to city residents.	Washington has moved to send messages and outreach specifically to the more underserved areas of the city that have long lacked adequate health care, and where residents rely on low-wage jobs and public transportation and live in dense areas, all major risk factors for the disease. Michelle Obama was tapped to do robocalls to city residents.
Still, the rates are startling.	Still, the rates are startling.
“The city’s response has been on track for the immediate crisis, but at a very slow pace,” said George A. Jones, the chief executive of Bread for the City, a social service organization in Washington. “For example, they just changed the criteria of who can get tested using the public health lab. Now everyone who needs or wants to be tested can do so. Before, you needed to call and get permission to test. No one has time for that.”	“The city’s response has been on track for the immediate crisis, but at a very slow pace,” said George A. Jones, the chief executive of Bread for the City, a social service organization in Washington. “For example, they just changed the criteria of who can get tested using the public health lab. Now everyone who needs or wants to be tested can do so. Before, you needed to call and get permission to test. No one has time for that.”
The nation’s capital has longstanding racial disparities by geography, particularly with its troubled hospital system, and black residents have more of the pre-existing conditions that can lead to death with the virus. While the city’s hospital capacity is at roughly 70 percent, much of that and other health care infrastructure are outside the city’s poorest wards. Last month, Ms. Bowser announced a deal to build two badly needed centers.	The nation’s capital has longstanding racial disparities by geography, particularly with its troubled hospital system, and black residents have more of the pre-existing conditions that can lead to death with the virus. While the city’s hospital capacity is at roughly 70 percent, much of that and other health care infrastructure are outside the city’s poorest wards. Last month, Ms. Bowser announced a deal to build two badly needed centers.