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What Coronavirus Means for Going to the Lake What Coronavirus Means for Going to the Lake
(8 days later)
Like many Canadians in areas where this is a holiday weekend, my wife and I would normally be at our cottage, dragging outdoor furniture and small boats out of their winter dens, assessing the handiwork of mice and squirrels and generally getting set up for a summer of fun.Like many Canadians in areas where this is a holiday weekend, my wife and I would normally be at our cottage, dragging outdoor furniture and small boats out of their winter dens, assessing the handiwork of mice and squirrels and generally getting set up for a summer of fun.
But the pandemic means that we’re not there this year. And like many matters pandemic-related, there is no consensus about what Canadian families fortunate enough to own a summer cottage, cabin, shack, chalet, camp — or whatever they’re called in your region — should do.But the pandemic means that we’re not there this year. And like many matters pandemic-related, there is no consensus about what Canadian families fortunate enough to own a summer cottage, cabin, shack, chalet, camp — or whatever they’re called in your region — should do.
Regulations and advice to cottage owners vary not just by province but often by regions. And I also found this week that guidelines can be vague or even contradictory within the same region.Regulations and advice to cottage owners vary not just by province but often by regions. And I also found this week that guidelines can be vague or even contradictory within the same region.
In New Brunswick, Premier Blaine Higgs said at the beginning of May that residents could go to their cottages as part of opening up “and enjoying the province and the many beauties it offers.” But if you’re not a resident of New Brunswick, that pleasure is currently off limits. The provincial government referred me to its Facebook post indicating that “nonessential travel into the province remains prohibited for campers and cottagers from outside New Brunswick.”In New Brunswick, Premier Blaine Higgs said at the beginning of May that residents could go to their cottages as part of opening up “and enjoying the province and the many beauties it offers.” But if you’re not a resident of New Brunswick, that pleasure is currently off limits. The provincial government referred me to its Facebook post indicating that “nonessential travel into the province remains prohibited for campers and cottagers from outside New Brunswick.”
Alberta has eased many restrictions within the province, except in Calgary and Brooks, which have been comparatively hard hit. But the mayors of Banff and neighboring Canmore, an exceptionally beautiful area where many Calgarians have secondary homes, are urging outsiders to stay away for now.Alberta has eased many restrictions within the province, except in Calgary and Brooks, which have been comparatively hard hit. But the mayors of Banff and neighboring Canmore, an exceptionally beautiful area where many Calgarians have secondary homes, are urging outsiders to stay away for now.
At the same time, Quebec has largely lifted its internal travel restrictions. As a result, its ministry of public safety told me in an email that Quebecers are free to visit their chalets provided that they don’t travel the area after they arrive and that they bring all of their groceries and supplies.At the same time, Quebec has largely lifted its internal travel restrictions. As a result, its ministry of public safety told me in an email that Quebecers are free to visit their chalets provided that they don’t travel the area after they arrive and that they bring all of their groceries and supplies.
But, and it’s a big but, the police will still turn around travelers from Ontario heading to their cottages in West Quebec across bridges from Ottawa.But, and it’s a big but, the police will still turn around travelers from Ontario heading to their cottages in West Quebec across bridges from Ottawa.
Then there’s Ontario. After urging its residents to stay away from their cottages at Easter, Premier Doug Ford acknowledged that he broke his own recommendation by making a quick trip up to his place near Huntsville to check on its plumbing.Then there’s Ontario. After urging its residents to stay away from their cottages at Easter, Premier Doug Ford acknowledged that he broke his own recommendation by making a quick trip up to his place near Huntsville to check on its plumbing.
Since then, Mr. Ford essentially left it up to local authorities to decide if cottagers will be welcome.Since then, Mr. Ford essentially left it up to local authorities to decide if cottagers will be welcome.
Emotions are strong on both sides. In some areas, the possibility of seasonal residents returning has inflamed the always lingering tensions between the year-round residents and the often much more affluent cottage owners.Emotions are strong on both sides. In some areas, the possibility of seasonal residents returning has inflamed the always lingering tensions between the year-round residents and the often much more affluent cottage owners.
Many cottagers, particularly those who live in high-rise buildings, see their second homes as an ideal solution for isolation.Many cottagers, particularly those who live in high-rise buildings, see their second homes as an ideal solution for isolation.
But one obvious concern is that the coronavirus will hitchhike into these areas along with the cottagers. Year-round residents are also worried that their small hospitals will be overwhelmed as will places like grocery stores, which are now operating under physical distancing restrictions that curb the number of customers allowed entry at once.But one obvious concern is that the coronavirus will hitchhike into these areas along with the cottagers. Year-round residents are also worried that their small hospitals will be overwhelmed as will places like grocery stores, which are now operating under physical distancing restrictions that curb the number of customers allowed entry at once.
The medical officer of health for Haldimand-Norfolk, which has been unusually hard hit by more than 30 deaths, is sticking with orders formally barring people from using their cottages on the shore of Lake Erie.The medical officer of health for Haldimand-Norfolk, which has been unusually hard hit by more than 30 deaths, is sticking with orders formally barring people from using their cottages on the shore of Lake Erie.
But in Muskoka, where Mr. Ford and I each go to get away, along with about 80,000 other seasonal residents, there have been mixed messages. Dr. Charles Gardner, the medical officer of health for Muskoka and another popular cottage area, wants everyone to stay away. His concern is transmission, and he has noted that Toronto, home to many of the cottage owners, has three times the rate of Covid-19 infections as Muskoka.But in Muskoka, where Mr. Ford and I each go to get away, along with about 80,000 other seasonal residents, there have been mixed messages. Dr. Charles Gardner, the medical officer of health for Muskoka and another popular cottage area, wants everyone to stay away. His concern is transmission, and he has noted that Toronto, home to many of the cottage owners, has three times the rate of Covid-19 infections as Muskoka.
The mayors of Muskoka, however, put out an open letter warning everyone to avoid creating an “us versus them” situation between seasonal and full-time residents. The letter left open the possibility that cottagers could come, while laying down some rules.The mayors of Muskoka, however, put out an open letter warning everyone to avoid creating an “us versus them” situation between seasonal and full-time residents. The letter left open the possibility that cottagers could come, while laying down some rules.
Phil Harding, the mayor of Muskoka Lakes township and one of the letter’s authors, spans both camps. He started coming to a family cottage in Muskoka from Toronto in 1966 and moved there during the 1990s. His township, which includes some of the most expensive cottages in Canada, has about 6,500 year-round residents and 13,500 cottagers.Phil Harding, the mayor of Muskoka Lakes township and one of the letter’s authors, spans both camps. He started coming to a family cottage in Muskoka from Toronto in 1966 and moved there during the 1990s. His township, which includes some of the most expensive cottages in Canada, has about 6,500 year-round residents and 13,500 cottagers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
While he was flatly against anyone without a cottage or home coming up to visit, he told me that he opposed any move to block cottagers from their properties.While he was flatly against anyone without a cottage or home coming up to visit, he told me that he opposed any move to block cottagers from their properties.
“I certainly would never want a military-type state with checkpoints on every highway and municipal border,” Mr. Harding said. “Most people have been and will continue to be respectful of the virus and of other people and of different communities.”“I certainly would never want a military-type state with checkpoints on every highway and municipal border,” Mr. Harding said. “Most people have been and will continue to be respectful of the virus and of other people and of different communities.”
Provided that they follow isolation rules and bring supplies, Mr. Harding’s message to cottagers is: “You are residents of Muskoka Lakes and you would be welcome to come.”Provided that they follow isolation rules and bring supplies, Mr. Harding’s message to cottagers is: “You are residents of Muskoka Lakes and you would be welcome to come.”
(For the record, the cottage I usually go to, my wife's family’s cottage, is in a different Muskoka township than Mr. Harding’s.)(For the record, the cottage I usually go to, my wife's family’s cottage, is in a different Muskoka township than Mr. Harding’s.)
Soon the curse of black flies will become an effective means of keeping cottagers away in many parts of the country for the next month or so. So many people may not make their cottage decisions until Canada Day.Soon the curse of black flies will become an effective means of keeping cottagers away in many parts of the country for the next month or so. So many people may not make their cottage decisions until Canada Day.
If you live in a community with vacation residences, I’d like to know what you think about cottagers returning to your area. Similarly, if you have a cottage, have you decided if you’ll use it this year? Please email me and include your full name and where you live or cottage at nytcanada@nytimes.com. Unless you indicate otherwise, your comments may appear in a future Canada Letter.If you live in a community with vacation residences, I’d like to know what you think about cottagers returning to your area. Similarly, if you have a cottage, have you decided if you’ll use it this year? Please email me and include your full name and where you live or cottage at nytcanada@nytimes.com. Unless you indicate otherwise, your comments may appear in a future Canada Letter.
The Overlooked No More series of obituaries has told the story of June Almeida. She developed new techniques for the electron microscope at Ontario Cancer Institute in Toronto that allowed her later to capture an image of the first coronavirus known to cause human disease.The Overlooked No More series of obituaries has told the story of June Almeida. She developed new techniques for the electron microscope at Ontario Cancer Institute in Toronto that allowed her later to capture an image of the first coronavirus known to cause human disease.
Churchill, Manitoba, is No. 29 on The New York Times’s 52 Places to Go in 2020. You can’t actually do that right now. But the freelance writer Hillary Richard went before the pandemic shutdown to kayak with Belugas.Churchill, Manitoba, is No. 29 on The New York Times’s 52 Places to Go in 2020. You can’t actually do that right now. But the freelance writer Hillary Richard went before the pandemic shutdown to kayak with Belugas.
A native of Windsor, Ontario, Ian Austen was educated in Toronto, lives in Ottawa and has reported about Canada for The New York Times for the past 16 years. Follow him on Twitter at @ianrausten.A native of Windsor, Ontario, Ian Austen was educated in Toronto, lives in Ottawa and has reported about Canada for The New York Times for the past 16 years. Follow him on Twitter at @ianrausten.
We’re eager to hear your thoughts about this newsletter and events in Canada in general. Please send them to nytcanada@nytimes.com.We’re eager to hear your thoughts about this newsletter and events in Canada in general. Please send them to nytcanada@nytimes.com.
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