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Australia Is Returning to Normal. What Does That Mean? Australia Is Returning to Normal. What Does That Mean?
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The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter from our Australia bureau. Sign up to get it by email. This week’s issue is written by Isabella Kwai, a reporter with the Australia bureau.The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter from our Australia bureau. Sign up to get it by email. This week’s issue is written by Isabella Kwai, a reporter with the Australia bureau.
Recently, as coronavirus restrictions began lifting, I met up with my good friend Sofia for a long walk along Sydney’s coastline. The weather had turned, finally, from a perennial summer to something chillier, but the ocean was full of the usual smattering of surfers and brave swimmers.Recently, as coronavirus restrictions began lifting, I met up with my good friend Sofia for a long walk along Sydney’s coastline. The weather had turned, finally, from a perennial summer to something chillier, but the ocean was full of the usual smattering of surfers and brave swimmers.
Except for guards warning people against loitering, it felt almost like we had traveled back to a pre-pandemic past — except that version is a fantasy that no longer exists.Except for guards warning people against loitering, it felt almost like we had traveled back to a pre-pandemic past — except that version is a fantasy that no longer exists.
With Australia having controlled the pandemic’s spread, for now, much of the country is putting in place a three-step plan to restore normalcy — allowing restaurants and cafes to reopen for small groups and school to resume at least a few days a week. We are better off than many, escaping much of the devastation that is still ravaging much of the world.With Australia having controlled the pandemic’s spread, for now, much of the country is putting in place a three-step plan to restore normalcy — allowing restaurants and cafes to reopen for small groups and school to resume at least a few days a week. We are better off than many, escaping much of the devastation that is still ravaging much of the world.
But it means we are confronting the beginning of a new reality: What does normal look like when the virus is still a threat, and when life has already unquestionably changed?But it means we are confronting the beginning of a new reality: What does normal look like when the virus is still a threat, and when life has already unquestionably changed?
New figures reveal that 600,000 people in Australia lost their jobs in April, with the unemployment rate now above 6 percent. And with friction increasing with China over a call for an inquiry in to the pandemic’s origins, the country is facing a geopolitical shift in which it may suddenly play more leader than follower on the world stage, with all the risks that come with that.New figures reveal that 600,000 people in Australia lost their jobs in April, with the unemployment rate now above 6 percent. And with friction increasing with China over a call for an inquiry in to the pandemic’s origins, the country is facing a geopolitical shift in which it may suddenly play more leader than follower on the world stage, with all the risks that come with that.
Then there are things that have been knocked off course and are difficult to quantify: friends and family indefinitely separated, rising incidents of anti-Chinese racism, and the emotional impact on all of us, particularly health care workers on the front lines.Then there are things that have been knocked off course and are difficult to quantify: friends and family indefinitely separated, rising incidents of anti-Chinese racism, and the emotional impact on all of us, particularly health care workers on the front lines.
While many people are welcoming the revival of our economy, the life we return to now will still be full of uncertainty. Will a resurgence of the virus happen, as it has in other countries that initially had a handle on the outbreak? Is it even possible to plan for the future? Will we ever be able to cross borders so easily again?While many people are welcoming the revival of our economy, the life we return to now will still be full of uncertainty. Will a resurgence of the virus happen, as it has in other countries that initially had a handle on the outbreak? Is it even possible to plan for the future? Will we ever be able to cross borders so easily again?
But as I’ve spoken to doctors, cafe owners and friends who have lost their jobs, one thing has struck me deeply: the enduring ingenuity of the human spirit everywhere.But as I’ve spoken to doctors, cafe owners and friends who have lost their jobs, one thing has struck me deeply: the enduring ingenuity of the human spirit everywhere.
In New York, the 7 p.m. daily tribute to health workers is still going on. In New Zealand, restaurants have banded together to pool staff for delivery services. In Taiwan, baseball games are going forward with cardboard cutout spectators, and one band of Australian soccer fans, dying for entertainment, helped create a surprising following for the Belarusian soccer team.In New York, the 7 p.m. daily tribute to health workers is still going on. In New Zealand, restaurants have banded together to pool staff for delivery services. In Taiwan, baseball games are going forward with cardboard cutout spectators, and one band of Australian soccer fans, dying for entertainment, helped create a surprising following for the Belarusian soccer team.
That walk with my friend Sofia may be one of our last. After weeks of agonizing back and forth, immigration pressures are forcing her to leave Australia, her home of six years, to return to Sweden — and to a different future than the one she had envisioned.That walk with my friend Sofia may be one of our last. After weeks of agonizing back and forth, immigration pressures are forcing her to leave Australia, her home of six years, to return to Sweden — and to a different future than the one she had envisioned.
Still, I keep coming back to the moments I’ve been fortunate to share with her and everyone else as we fumbled our way through the lockdown — two friends saying their vows over Zoom as the Internet froze, the taste of the air after a day inside, how green the trees looked the first time we emerged from our homes.Still, I keep coming back to the moments I’ve been fortunate to share with her and everyone else as we fumbled our way through the lockdown — two friends saying their vows over Zoom as the Internet froze, the taste of the air after a day inside, how green the trees looked the first time we emerged from our homes.
I wonder what we’ll hold onto, and what will fade.I wonder what we’ll hold onto, and what will fade.
Has your life changed during the pandemic? And what are you looking forward to the most as restrictions lift? Write to us at nytaustralia@nytimes.comHas your life changed during the pandemic? And what are you looking forward to the most as restrictions lift? Write to us at nytaustralia@nytimes.com
Now, for the stories of the week.Now, for the stories of the week.
A Nightmare’: Losing a Home to Australia’s Fires, Then Locked Down by a Virus: A double disaster unlike anything the country has seen before is raising concerns about victims’ mental health and safety.A Nightmare’: Losing a Home to Australia’s Fires, Then Locked Down by a Virus: A double disaster unlike anything the country has seen before is raising concerns about victims’ mental health and safety.
China Is Defensive. The U.S. Is Absent. Can the Rest of the World Fill the Void? Smaller countries like Australia are trying to build a new kind of alliance, by first investigating what went wrong in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.China Is Defensive. The U.S. Is Absent. Can the Rest of the World Fill the Void? Smaller countries like Australia are trying to build a new kind of alliance, by first investigating what went wrong in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.
Big Tech Has Crushed the News Business. That’s About to Change: News organizations have long hoped that tech platforms would pay them for news. Now regulators abroad are moving to make that happen.Big Tech Has Crushed the News Business. That’s About to Change: News organizations have long hoped that tech platforms would pay them for news. Now regulators abroad are moving to make that happen.
An Australian Soap Opera Returns, With Distance (and No Kissing): “Neighbours” is one of the world’s first live-action series to return to the set since the coronavirus outbreak started. Its new safety rules could point a way forward for the struggling entertainment industry.An Australian Soap Opera Returns, With Distance (and No Kissing): “Neighbours” is one of the world’s first live-action series to return to the set since the coronavirus outbreak started. Its new safety rules could point a way forward for the struggling entertainment industry.
Man Arrested in Notorious 1980s Killing of Gay American in Australia: The killing of Scott Johnson drew attention to a rash of crimes in past decades in which gay men were targeted by gangs of young people.Man Arrested in Notorious 1980s Killing of Gay American in Australia: The killing of Scott Johnson drew attention to a rash of crimes in past decades in which gay men were targeted by gangs of young people.
How a Band of Australians Made Belarus Soccer an Internet Smash: The group needed a fix when the coronavirus canceled games. When they discovered Belarusian soccer was still livestreaming, they converted thousands of fans worldwide.How a Band of Australians Made Belarus Soccer an Internet Smash: The group needed a fix when the coronavirus canceled games. When they discovered Belarusian soccer was still livestreaming, they converted thousands of fans worldwide.
Why Are There Almost No Memorials to the Flu of 1918? A restaurant owner in Vermont and a professor from New Zealand are among the few to commemorate the most lethal pandemic since the bubonic plague.Why Are There Almost No Memorials to the Flu of 1918? A restaurant owner in Vermont and a professor from New Zealand are among the few to commemorate the most lethal pandemic since the bubonic plague.
Updated May 28, 2020 Updated June 1, 2020
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
There is an uptick in people reporting symptoms of chilblains, which are painful red or purple lesions that typically appear in the winter on fingers or toes. The lesions are emerging as yet another symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. Chilblains are caused by inflammation in small blood vessels in reaction to cold or damp conditions, but they are usually common in the coldest winter months. Federal health officials do not include toe lesions in the list of coronavirus symptoms, but some dermatologists are pushing for a change, saying so-called Covid toe should be sufficient grounds for testing.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
When Manhattan Was Mannahatta: A Stroll Through the Centuries: From lush forest to metropolis, the evolution of Lower Manhattan. Our critic walks with Eric W. Sanderson of the Wildlife Conservation Society.When Manhattan Was Mannahatta: A Stroll Through the Centuries: From lush forest to metropolis, the evolution of Lower Manhattan. Our critic walks with Eric W. Sanderson of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
How Pandemics End: An infectious outbreak can conclude in more ways than one, historians say. But for whom does it end, and who gets to decide?How Pandemics End: An infectious outbreak can conclude in more ways than one, historians say. But for whom does it end, and who gets to decide?
From Maternity Ward to Cemetery, a Morning of Murder in Afghanistan: Afghans don’t need a reminder that no one is safe from the country’s endless war, but they got one anyway on Tuesday.From Maternity Ward to Cemetery, a Morning of Murder in Afghanistan: Afghans don’t need a reminder that no one is safe from the country’s endless war, but they got one anyway on Tuesday.
So You Had a Bad Day … Here are some tips to pick yourself back up again, regain some dignity and soldier on after the lousiest of days.So You Had a Bad Day … Here are some tips to pick yourself back up again, regain some dignity and soldier on after the lousiest of days.
Last week, we wrote about Vernon Chalker, the man who helped turn bartending into a celebrated profession. Thanks to those of you who wrote in with your own recommendations.Last week, we wrote about Vernon Chalker, the man who helped turn bartending into a celebrated profession. Thanks to those of you who wrote in with your own recommendations.
I had traveled to Canada to visit my grandparents in the 1980s as a teen and learned the value of a good martini. This was my introduction to cocktails and I was excited to share my newfound knowledge on graduation night. I was dressed to impress, and thought I would even more so impress my date by ordering a martini at the bar. After a blank stare from the bartender, he returned soon after with a tall glass of Martini Cinzano on ice with no gin, no olives. I proceeded to describe how to make a martini like my grandfather made. The glaring response I got was a tall glass of ice filled with gin.I had traveled to Canada to visit my grandparents in the 1980s as a teen and learned the value of a good martini. This was my introduction to cocktails and I was excited to share my newfound knowledge on graduation night. I was dressed to impress, and thought I would even more so impress my date by ordering a martini at the bar. After a blank stare from the bartender, he returned soon after with a tall glass of Martini Cinzano on ice with no gin, no olives. I proceeded to describe how to make a martini like my grandfather made. The glaring response I got was a tall glass of ice filled with gin.
I am so excited to hear Australia is growing out of its hardened fist of just getting pissed and is appreciating what the cocktail can bring to life.I am so excited to hear Australia is growing out of its hardened fist of just getting pissed and is appreciating what the cocktail can bring to life.
— Kevin Cushing— Kevin Cushing
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For more Australia coverage and discussion, start your day with your local Morning Briefing and join us in our Facebook group.For more Australia coverage and discussion, start your day with your local Morning Briefing and join us in our Facebook group.