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| When the Mall Reopened, She Was Ready | When the Mall Reopened, She Was Ready |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Malls, retail stores, restaurants and movie theaters sprawled across Texas were allowed to reopen on May 1, for the first time since March 31, when Gov. Greg Abbott told residents to stay home. That included Saks Fifth Avenue, whose Houston and San Antonio shops are the retailer’s only locations in the United States to resume normal business, as of Monday. | Malls, retail stores, restaurants and movie theaters sprawled across Texas were allowed to reopen on May 1, for the first time since March 31, when Gov. Greg Abbott told residents to stay home. That included Saks Fifth Avenue, whose Houston and San Antonio shops are the retailer’s only locations in the United States to resume normal business, as of Monday. |
| When Delia Hickman (@mommalovesfashionblog) got an email about the Saks reopening in San Antonio, and detailing the store’s new safety plan, she didn’t think twice. | When Delia Hickman (@mommalovesfashionblog) got an email about the Saks reopening in San Antonio, and detailing the store’s new safety plan, she didn’t think twice. |
| “I thought, ‘I’m in,’” she said. | “I thought, ‘I’m in,’” she said. |
| As retailers test the waters of reopening, gauging whether people are ready to shop again — and shop in a more clinical, alien way than ever before — this response is their best-case scenario. After driving to North Star Mall, Ms. Hickman was surprised, she said, to find many other stores still closed; she’d wanted to pop into H & M and make returns at Zara while she was there. | As retailers test the waters of reopening, gauging whether people are ready to shop again — and shop in a more clinical, alien way than ever before — this response is their best-case scenario. After driving to North Star Mall, Ms. Hickman was surprised, she said, to find many other stores still closed; she’d wanted to pop into H & M and make returns at Zara while she was there. |
| For now, the department store would have to do. | For now, the department store would have to do. |
| The following was condensed and edited for clarity. | The following was condensed and edited for clarity. |
| Why did you decide to go shopping on Friday? | Why did you decide to go shopping on Friday? |
| Like a lot of people, I’ve been shopping online lately — what else do I do for fun right now, other than cook and watch TV and go running? I was ready. Plus, I was ready to get a break from my kids. | Like a lot of people, I’ve been shopping online lately — what else do I do for fun right now, other than cook and watch TV and go running? I was ready. Plus, I was ready to get a break from my kids. |
| Were you nervous about going out? | Were you nervous about going out? |
| A little bit of me was like, “What if …?” But 95 percent of me was not afraid. When I got there, I was even less afraid. | A little bit of me was like, “What if …?” But 95 percent of me was not afraid. When I got there, I was even less afraid. |
| Was the store busy? | Was the store busy? |
| My day to go to Saks is usually Friday. That’s my free day, when I give myself the opportunity to go out. I’m there maybe every other week. Usually I walk in when the store is opening at 10 a.m., and there’s nobody there. | My day to go to Saks is usually Friday. That’s my free day, when I give myself the opportunity to go out. I’m there maybe every other week. Usually I walk in when the store is opening at 10 a.m., and there’s nobody there. |
| This time it opened at 11, and I was there around 11:15. It was a shocker to me: When I walked in, there were more people than I usually see on a normal day. Five people were right inside the entrance, all wearing masks. | This time it opened at 11, and I was there around 11:15. It was a shocker to me: When I walked in, there were more people than I usually see on a normal day. Five people were right inside the entrance, all wearing masks. |
| I thought, “Are people tired of being locked up and everyone just came here?” | I thought, “Are people tired of being locked up and everyone just came here?” |
| What kind of changes did you notice right away? | What kind of changes did you notice right away? |
| All the employees were wearing masks, and there was hand sanitizer all over the place. | All the employees were wearing masks, and there was hand sanitizer all over the place. |
| What was the atmosphere like inside the store? | What was the atmosphere like inside the store? |
| It was like watching people be reunited after a long time apart. All I could see was employees saying hi and being really excited to be greeting each other. They were coming up to me, too. Everyone was really joyful. | It was like watching people be reunited after a long time apart. All I could see was employees saying hi and being really excited to be greeting each other. They were coming up to me, too. Everyone was really joyful. |
| Were you shopping for anything specific? | Were you shopping for anything specific? |
| I went to the Chanel counter — I wanted to get some Chanel eye patches. | I went to the Chanel counter — I wanted to get some Chanel eye patches. |
| The lady there showed me how the eye patches work. She was wearing gloves and a mask. She unlocked the serum, and when I reached out to try some, she said she couldn’t touch me. That was totally fine. I totally respected it. I remembered, Oh yeah, of course. She was wearing glasses, but she showed me the motion of putting it on under her eyes. | The lady there showed me how the eye patches work. She was wearing gloves and a mask. She unlocked the serum, and when I reached out to try some, she said she couldn’t touch me. That was totally fine. I totally respected it. I remembered, Oh yeah, of course. She was wearing glasses, but she showed me the motion of putting it on under her eyes. |
| Updated June 22, 2020 | Updated June 22, 2020 |
| 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. | 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. | 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. |
| No one seemed to be like “get away from me” when I walked next to them. That’s what I’ve encountered at grocery stores. | |
| Were you touching items as you browsed? | Were you touching items as you browsed? |
| I did touch a Prada handbag. I was trying it on, looking at myself in the mirror, and no one really cared. I tried some shoes on, and someone asked if I needed help. I said no. They were not weird about me touching anything. | I did touch a Prada handbag. I was trying it on, looking at myself in the mirror, and no one really cared. I tried some shoes on, and someone asked if I needed help. I said no. They were not weird about me touching anything. |
| How was the fitting room? | How was the fitting room? |
| It was very normal. I was at the store for like two hours, and most of that time I was in the dressing room, trying a thousand things on. I ended up buying some things from Alice + Olivia and a Tanya Taylor blazer. | It was very normal. I was at the store for like two hours, and most of that time I was in the dressing room, trying a thousand things on. I ended up buying some things from Alice + Olivia and a Tanya Taylor blazer. |
| Did you notice anything different at the cash registers? | Did you notice anything different at the cash registers? |
| No. I just put my card in the machine like I usually do. | No. I just put my card in the machine like I usually do. |
| Did you feel comfortable at the store, in general? | Did you feel comfortable at the store, in general? |
| I was very comfortable. I felt free and happy to go out — finally. I’ve been staying home and only going to the grocery store. I ordered myself an Alice + Olivia mask, and I do wear it. But I’ve really never felt scared. | I was very comfortable. I felt free and happy to go out — finally. I’ve been staying home and only going to the grocery store. I ordered myself an Alice + Olivia mask, and I do wear it. But I’ve really never felt scared. |
| So will you keep going back on Fridays? | So will you keep going back on Fridays? |
| Definitely. I have friends who were like, “You went shopping?!” And I’m like: “Yeah, let’s go. Let’s go when you feel secure.” | Definitely. I have friends who were like, “You went shopping?!” And I’m like: “Yeah, let’s go. Let’s go when you feel secure.” |
| My personal opinion is that people should just do it. Just go and shop — at least the people who want to and love shopping. Everybody there was clean and wearing masks and very respectful. | My personal opinion is that people should just do it. Just go and shop — at least the people who want to and love shopping. Everybody there was clean and wearing masks and very respectful. |