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As Virus Lingers in Michigan, a New Crisis Arrives: Flooding As Virus Lingers in Michigan, a New Crisis Arrives: Flooding
(about 3 hours later)
MIDLAND, Mich. — Along Main Street in the central Michigan city of Midland, residents crowded the sidewalk on Wednesday, watching the rising waters of the Tittabawassee River in stunned despair. Floodwaters lapped less than a block away, and a row of businesses, their electricity cut off, stood dark and quiet.MIDLAND, Mich. — Along Main Street in the central Michigan city of Midland, residents crowded the sidewalk on Wednesday, watching the rising waters of the Tittabawassee River in stunned despair. Floodwaters lapped less than a block away, and a row of businesses, their electricity cut off, stood dark and quiet.
For many, including Jeff De Vaney, the owner of Amazing Deli, the sight was pain on top of pain. Mr. De Vaney was hoping to fully reopen his sandwich shop soon and begin to recoup the revenue he has lost during the coronavirus crisis. He had just brought in portable coolers to store all the extra stock he expected to need.For many, including Jeff De Vaney, the owner of Amazing Deli, the sight was pain on top of pain. Mr. De Vaney was hoping to fully reopen his sandwich shop soon and begin to recoup the revenue he has lost during the coronavirus crisis. He had just brought in portable coolers to store all the extra stock he expected to need.
Then came the flood.Then came the flood.
“We can’t seem to catch a break,” Mr. De Vaney said.“We can’t seem to catch a break,” Mr. De Vaney said.
Michigan, one of the states hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, was left reeling again on Wednesday after days of torrential rainfall breached two privately owned dams the night before. Thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes, and much of Midland, the home of Dow Chemical and some of its plants, was submerged in murky floodwaters.Michigan, one of the states hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, was left reeling again on Wednesday after days of torrential rainfall breached two privately owned dams the night before. Thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes, and much of Midland, the home of Dow Chemical and some of its plants, was submerged in murky floodwaters.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who has clashed with Republicans over the state’s response to the coronavirus, found herself in an ever more complicated position: urging residents to flee their homes to avoid the rising waters while maintaining social distancing to avoid the spreading virus. Midland County has had 76 known cases, a relatively small number in a battered state.Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who has clashed with Republicans over the state’s response to the coronavirus, found herself in an ever more complicated position: urging residents to flee their homes to avoid the rising waters while maintaining social distancing to avoid the spreading virus. Midland County has had 76 known cases, a relatively small number in a battered state.
“It’s hard to believe that we’re in the middle of a 100-year crisis, a global pandemic, and we’re also dealing with a flooding event that looks to be the worst in 500 years,” Ms. Whitmer said.“It’s hard to believe that we’re in the middle of a 100-year crisis, a global pandemic, and we’re also dealing with a flooding event that looks to be the worst in 500 years,” Ms. Whitmer said.
For years, federal regulators had warned that a dam in nearby Edenville Township could rupture. They had chided its corporate owner, Boyce Hydro Power, for failing to make required structural changes to the dam, revoked the company’s license and declared that Boyce Hydro had displayed “a pattern of delay and indifference to addressing dam safety requirements.”For years, federal regulators had warned that a dam in nearby Edenville Township could rupture. They had chided its corporate owner, Boyce Hydro Power, for failing to make required structural changes to the dam, revoked the company’s license and declared that Boyce Hydro had displayed “a pattern of delay and indifference to addressing dam safety requirements.”
On Tuesday night, the dam gave way, sending a torrent of water gushing into streets, houses and businesses, and threatening Dow Chemical, the producer of plastics that sits along the Tittabawassee River. Ten miles south of the Edenville dam, water was spilling over a second dam, a structure feared to be on the verge of collapse on Wednesday.On Tuesday night, the dam gave way, sending a torrent of water gushing into streets, houses and businesses, and threatening Dow Chemical, the producer of plastics that sits along the Tittabawassee River. Ten miles south of the Edenville dam, water was spilling over a second dam, a structure feared to be on the verge of collapse on Wednesday.
By then, floodwaters had crept high enough that red stop signs were barely peeking out in downtown Midland, a city of 42,000 residents about 130 miles northwest of Detroit. Evacuees, carrying suitcases and wearing face masks, arrived at local schools that had been repurposed as emergency shelters.By then, floodwaters had crept high enough that red stop signs were barely peeking out in downtown Midland, a city of 42,000 residents about 130 miles northwest of Detroit. Evacuees, carrying suitcases and wearing face masks, arrived at local schools that had been repurposed as emergency shelters.
Officials said there were no known injuries or deaths tied to the floods. One man who had driven his car into surging water was rescued.Officials said there were no known injuries or deaths tied to the floods. One man who had driven his car into surging water was rescued.
Ms. Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Midland County and said she would appeal for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. By Wednesday, 130 soldiers from the Michigan National Guard were dispatched to help state police evacuate residents.Ms. Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Midland County and said she would appeal for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. By Wednesday, 130 soldiers from the Michigan National Guard were dispatched to help state police evacuate residents.
In balmy spring temperatures on Wednesday morning, a pair of jet skiers roared down the swollen river, which was expected to rise nearly 10 feet above its flood level.In balmy spring temperatures on Wednesday morning, a pair of jet skiers roared down the swollen river, which was expected to rise nearly 10 feet above its flood level.
The site of the city’s farmers’ market along the banks of the river was swamped, while floodwaters were beginning to lap at the bottom of a pedestrian bridge crossing the river.The site of the city’s farmers’ market along the banks of the river was swamped, while floodwaters were beginning to lap at the bottom of a pedestrian bridge crossing the river.
“It’s disastrous,” said Sue Baranski, who had evacuated her home in nearby Sanford as the floodwaters rose. “Between the devastation from the flooding and the virus and the small-business owners trying to make their way through that, it’s just too much.”“It’s disastrous,” said Sue Baranski, who had evacuated her home in nearby Sanford as the floodwaters rose. “Between the devastation from the flooding and the virus and the small-business owners trying to make their way through that, it’s just too much.”
Dow Chemical said that floodwaters had reached containment ponds near its plants, but that there was no environmental damage or threat to residents.Dow Chemical said that floodwaters had reached containment ponds near its plants, but that there was no environmental damage or threat to residents.
“Dow’s local emergency operations center is fully activated and is implementing its flood preparedness plan,” the company said in a statement. “All operating units on site have been safely shut down, except for facilities needed for safely managing chemical containment, and all railcars are secured.”“Dow’s local emergency operations center is fully activated and is implementing its flood preparedness plan,” the company said in a statement. “All operating units on site have been safely shut down, except for facilities needed for safely managing chemical containment, and all railcars are secured.”
One of the largest chemical companies in the world, with $43 billion of revenue in 2019, Dow employs more than 4,000 people at its headquarters and manufacturing sites in Midland.One of the largest chemical companies in the world, with $43 billion of revenue in 2019, Dow employs more than 4,000 people at its headquarters and manufacturing sites in Midland.
The company’s influence is apparent everywhere in town, which houses Midland Center for the Arts, Dow Gardens and H.H. Dow High School. Dow helped pay for a rebuilt downtown, transforming it into a wide pedestrian thoroughfare filled with benches, Adirondack chairs, fire pits and blooming trees.The company’s influence is apparent everywhere in town, which houses Midland Center for the Arts, Dow Gardens and H.H. Dow High School. Dow helped pay for a rebuilt downtown, transforming it into a wide pedestrian thoroughfare filled with benches, Adirondack chairs, fire pits and blooming trees.
A short drive from downtown, at least 140 people evacuated from the flooding to Midland High School, a makeshift shelter. About 100 people spent the night on Tuesday; another 40 opted to sleep in their cars instead because of worries about the coronavirus.A short drive from downtown, at least 140 people evacuated from the flooding to Midland High School, a makeshift shelter. About 100 people spent the night on Tuesday; another 40 opted to sleep in their cars instead because of worries about the coronavirus.
Dot Costello, 101, had slept on a cot in the school after buses picked up residents from her apartment building.Dot Costello, 101, had slept on a cot in the school after buses picked up residents from her apartment building.
“I’m afraid to see what’s happened to my city,” she said. “I do not like 2020 right now.”“I’m afraid to see what’s happened to my city,” she said. “I do not like 2020 right now.”
Another displaced Midland resident, Steve Blackhurst, 64, a retired lawyer, woke up Wednesday morning to a flooded yard and water pouring through his basement windows.Another displaced Midland resident, Steve Blackhurst, 64, a retired lawyer, woke up Wednesday morning to a flooded yard and water pouring through his basement windows.
“They had to bring an airboat to come get me out,” he said. “You’ve just got to get through it and make sure you stay alive. I’m going to miss my Scotch before I go to bed tonight.”“They had to bring an airboat to come get me out,” he said. “You’ve just got to get through it and make sure you stay alive. I’m going to miss my Scotch before I go to bed tonight.”
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.
Brad Kaye, the Midland city manager, said that damage had been extensive, with the first floor of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library swamped and four of the city’s 42 sewage pumping stations underwater and not functioning. All the while, public health concerns remained.Brad Kaye, the Midland city manager, said that damage had been extensive, with the first floor of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library swamped and four of the city’s 42 sewage pumping stations underwater and not functioning. All the while, public health concerns remained.
“We’ve still got Covid-19, and it didn’t go away miraculously because we had a flood,” he said.“We’ve still got Covid-19, and it didn’t go away miraculously because we had a flood,” he said.
Many in Midland expressed anger and frustration over the breaches of the dams, where failures were expected to require a costly and extensive cleanup.Many in Midland expressed anger and frustration over the breaches of the dams, where failures were expected to require a costly and extensive cleanup.
According to a database kept by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the two dams were rated in the highest risk category, along with about 300 other dams in the state. Both dams were last inspected in 2018.According to a database kept by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the two dams were rated in the highest risk category, along with about 300 other dams in the state. Both dams were last inspected in 2018.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission revoked the license of the Edenville dam in 2018, citing the failure of Boyce Hydro to put in place safety measures that would help prevent a flood. That year, a state agency assumed regulatory authority of the dam.The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission revoked the license of the Edenville dam in 2018, citing the failure of Boyce Hydro to put in place safety measures that would help prevent a flood. That year, a state agency assumed regulatory authority of the dam.
According to federal documents, Boyce Hydro insisted there was little chance that a catastrophic flood could happen.According to federal documents, Boyce Hydro insisted there was little chance that a catastrophic flood could happen.
“Boyce Hydro states that the probability of such a flood occurring in the next 5 to 10 years ranges from 5 to 10 in one million,” one report said.“Boyce Hydro states that the probability of such a flood occurring in the next 5 to 10 years ranges from 5 to 10 in one million,” one report said.
Late Wednesday, Boyce Hydro issued a statement expressing distress over what had transpired. It said the company’s operators had made efforts to lower water levels and prepare for the incoming rain, but that a combination of rainfall and high winds reached extraordinary levels.Late Wednesday, Boyce Hydro issued a statement expressing distress over what had transpired. It said the company’s operators had made efforts to lower water levels and prepare for the incoming rain, but that a combination of rainfall and high winds reached extraordinary levels.
“We sympathize with those who have lost property and been forced to relocate due to the resulting flooding in Gladwin and Midland Counties,” the statement said.“We sympathize with those who have lost property and been forced to relocate due to the resulting flooding in Gladwin and Midland Counties,” the statement said.
Nick Assendelft, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, said that inspectors in October 2018 found that the dam was in fair structural condition, but had concerns about its spillway capacity.Nick Assendelft, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, said that inspectors in October 2018 found that the dam was in fair structural condition, but had concerns about its spillway capacity.
A lack of investment and maintenance combined with excessive rainfall were factors in its failure, he said in an email.A lack of investment and maintenance combined with excessive rainfall were factors in its failure, he said in an email.
Kathleen Gray reported from Midland, and Julie Bosman from Chicago. Neal E. Boudette contributed reporting from Ann Arbor, Mich., and Ivan Penn from Burbank, Calif.Kathleen Gray reported from Midland, and Julie Bosman from Chicago. Neal E. Boudette contributed reporting from Ann Arbor, Mich., and Ivan Penn from Burbank, Calif.