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Coronavirus Changed China’s Big Political Event. Here’s What to Expect. Coronavirus Changed China’s Big Political Event. Here’s What to Expect.
(1 day later)
China’s biggest event on the political calendar, the annual session of the National People’s Congress, is always a tightly choreographed legislative pageant aimed at conveying the strength of the ruling Communist Party.China’s biggest event on the political calendar, the annual session of the National People’s Congress, is always a tightly choreographed legislative pageant aimed at conveying the strength of the ruling Communist Party.
Expect even more pomp and propaganda this year.Expect even more pomp and propaganda this year.
The event, which starts Friday morning in Beijing, is a chance for China to show the world that it has tamed the coronavirus epidemic, in the face of growing international criticism over its early mishandling of the outbreak.The event, which starts Friday morning in Beijing, is a chance for China to show the world that it has tamed the coronavirus epidemic, in the face of growing international criticism over its early mishandling of the outbreak.
It will all be wrapped in the policies and plans for the Communist Party. The leadership will lay out its agenda for the country’s biggest challenges — including the threat of higher unemployment, coronavirus outbreaks and security in Hong Kong — and the delegates will give their ceremonial stamp of approval.It will all be wrapped in the policies and plans for the Communist Party. The leadership will lay out its agenda for the country’s biggest challenges — including the threat of higher unemployment, coronavirus outbreaks and security in Hong Kong — and the delegates will give their ceremonial stamp of approval.
Here’s what you need to know.Here’s what you need to know.
The congress is a logistical nightmare even in normal times.The congress is a logistical nightmare even in normal times.
Traffic is snarled as about 3,000 delegates stream into Beijing, the capital. Security checks blanket the city. Every detail of the event is carefully crafted, down to how uniformed waiters serve tea to China’s leaders seated on a stage.Traffic is snarled as about 3,000 delegates stream into Beijing, the capital. Security checks blanket the city. Every detail of the event is carefully crafted, down to how uniformed waiters serve tea to China’s leaders seated on a stage.
Now add the complexities of the coronavirus. The congress was already delayed for weeks because of the epidemic.Now add the complexities of the coronavirus. The congress was already delayed for weeks because of the epidemic.
It will be an affair designed for the social distancing age. Delegates have been made to take nucleic acid tests for the virus before being allowed to travel to Beijing. Masks will be required, windows will be opened to improve ventilation and plastic dividers will sit atop dinner tables.It will be an affair designed for the social distancing age. Delegates have been made to take nucleic acid tests for the virus before being allowed to travel to Beijing. Masks will be required, windows will be opened to improve ventilation and plastic dividers will sit atop dinner tables.
The government is preventing many journalists from attending the congress, citing safety concerns. Most interviews will be conducted by video.The government is preventing many journalists from attending the congress, citing safety concerns. Most interviews will be conducted by video.
China faces growing criticism around the world for its early attempts to conceal the outbreak in Wuhan. Many governments are demanding an investigation into the origins of the virus. Relations with the United States have soured, raising the specter of a new Cold War.China faces growing criticism around the world for its early attempts to conceal the outbreak in Wuhan. Many governments are demanding an investigation into the origins of the virus. Relations with the United States have soured, raising the specter of a new Cold War.
At home, the party retains broad public support for curbing the spread of the outbreak, but critics have urged it to admit its early missteps and reflect on the pitfalls of its penchant for secrecy and control.At home, the party retains broad public support for curbing the spread of the outbreak, but critics have urged it to admit its early missteps and reflect on the pitfalls of its penchant for secrecy and control.
“When decisions lead to policy failure, not only should the course be corrected, those responsible must acknowledge their mistakes, appeal in all humility for public forgiveness and be held accountable,” wrote Xu Zhangrun, a law professor in Beijing who has been punished for criticizing China’s leader, Xi Jinping. “Without this as a bottom line, we will all be confronted by the worst possible kind of rulership, one under which people are forced to live as if in a foreign land.”“When decisions lead to policy failure, not only should the course be corrected, those responsible must acknowledge their mistakes, appeal in all humility for public forgiveness and be held accountable,” wrote Xu Zhangrun, a law professor in Beijing who has been punished for criticizing China’s leader, Xi Jinping. “Without this as a bottom line, we will all be confronted by the worst possible kind of rulership, one under which people are forced to live as if in a foreign land.”
But such voices will not be heard inside the ornate Great Hall of the People, where the congress will take place, and where the mood will likely be positive as Chinese leaders celebrate the country’s progress in reducing infections.But such voices will not be heard inside the ornate Great Hall of the People, where the congress will take place, and where the mood will likely be positive as Chinese leaders celebrate the country’s progress in reducing infections.
The congress will provide party leaders a forum to declare victory in what Mr. Xi has described as a “people’s war” against the virus — a chance to beat back criticism from abroad and rally the public behind him.The congress will provide party leaders a forum to declare victory in what Mr. Xi has described as a “people’s war” against the virus — a chance to beat back criticism from abroad and rally the public behind him.
“They want to remind people in China, ‘Just think how lucky you are that you have Xi Jinping and the Communist Party governing you,’ ” said Steve Tsang, the director of the China Institute at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. “The message is: ‘Imagine what suffering you would have if you have Boris Johnson or Donald Trump as your leader.’“They want to remind people in China, ‘Just think how lucky you are that you have Xi Jinping and the Communist Party governing you,’ ” said Steve Tsang, the director of the China Institute at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. “The message is: ‘Imagine what suffering you would have if you have Boris Johnson or Donald Trump as your leader.’
During the session, the congress is likely to approve a broad outline for new national security laws that would give the Communist Party more authority in Hong Kong.During the session, the congress is likely to approve a broad outline for new national security laws that would give the Communist Party more authority in Hong Kong.
The process would effectively circumvent the Hong Kong government, undercutting the relative autonomy granted to the territory under a political formula known as “one country, two systems.”The process would effectively circumvent the Hong Kong government, undercutting the relative autonomy granted to the territory under a political formula known as “one country, two systems.”
China announced its push for the new laws on Thursday. It is likely to reignite the fear and anger over the erosion of freedoms that distinguish the city from the rest of the country and led to last year’s widespread antigovernment protests.China announced its push for the new laws on Thursday. It is likely to reignite the fear and anger over the erosion of freedoms that distinguish the city from the rest of the country and led to last year’s widespread antigovernment protests.
The coronavirus outbreak has muted the protests in Hong Kong, where infections have remained low, but some expect the protests to ramp up again this summer.The coronavirus outbreak has muted the protests in Hong Kong, where infections have remained low, but some expect the protests to ramp up again this summer.
The legislative push in Beijing marks the most aggressive step by the party to exert its influence over the former British colony since it was reclaimed by China in 1997. The move would likely allow Beijing to take direct aim at the protests, which posed a challenge to the party and Mr. Xi.The legislative push in Beijing marks the most aggressive step by the party to exert its influence over the former British colony since it was reclaimed by China in 1997. The move would likely allow Beijing to take direct aim at the protests, which posed a challenge to the party and Mr. Xi.
The economy will be front and center at the congress as investors look for reassurances that China’s leaders have a plan to restart growth.The economy will be front and center at the congress as investors look for reassurances that China’s leaders have a plan to restart growth.
With export orders stalled and a dip in retail sales raising fears of a possible second downturn this summer, many are looking to Beijing to signal that it has a plan to increase government spending to offset the slowdown.With export orders stalled and a dip in retail sales raising fears of a possible second downturn this summer, many are looking to Beijing to signal that it has a plan to increase government spending to offset the slowdown.
The threat of mass unemployment is especially unnerving for the party, which has stayed in power for decades in part by delivering economic prosperity and stability.The threat of mass unemployment is especially unnerving for the party, which has stayed in power for decades in part by delivering economic prosperity and stability.
“The massive loss of jobs is bad for all governments, but for the Chinese government it is a question of regime survival,” said Diana Fu, an associate professor of political science at the University of Toronto.“The massive loss of jobs is bad for all governments, but for the Chinese government it is a question of regime survival,” said Diana Fu, an associate professor of political science at the University of Toronto.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
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.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
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.
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.)
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.
Professor Fu said that to avoid unrest as the slowdown continued, the government would need to move forward with plans to expand the social safety net.Professor Fu said that to avoid unrest as the slowdown continued, the government would need to move forward with plans to expand the social safety net.
“If college graduates, the urban middle class, and China’s 300 million migrant workers cannot find jobs quickly enough, who will they blame?” she said.“If college graduates, the urban middle class, and China’s 300 million migrant workers cannot find jobs quickly enough, who will they blame?” she said.
A big focus of the meeting will likely be Mr. Xi’s plans to eliminate extreme poverty in China, a politically popular proposal that the party is pushing forward, despite the outbreak. Mr. Xi is looking to declare victory in that campaign by the end of this year.A big focus of the meeting will likely be Mr. Xi’s plans to eliminate extreme poverty in China, a politically popular proposal that the party is pushing forward, despite the outbreak. Mr. Xi is looking to declare victory in that campaign by the end of this year.
The pandemic will hang over the entire congress, which is expected to be about a week long, several days shorter than usual.The pandemic will hang over the entire congress, which is expected to be about a week long, several days shorter than usual.
The coronavirus killed more than 4,000 people in China, though official figures are considered an underestimate.The coronavirus killed more than 4,000 people in China, though official figures are considered an underestimate.
On Thursday, in preparation for the meeting, Mr. Xi joined delegates to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, an advisory body to the central government, in holding a minute of silence to remember the victims of the pandemic.On Thursday, in preparation for the meeting, Mr. Xi joined delegates to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, an advisory body to the central government, in holding a minute of silence to remember the victims of the pandemic.
Despite the crisis, many traditions will remain the same.Despite the crisis, many traditions will remain the same.
Delegates, who represent a variety of backgrounds, including business executives, religious leaders and celebrities, will bring proposals — though there is no guarantee that such bills will go anywhere.Delegates, who represent a variety of backgrounds, including business executives, religious leaders and celebrities, will bring proposals — though there is no guarantee that such bills will go anywhere.
A lawyer from the southwestern city of Chongqing, for example, is calling for the government to grant single women the right to freeze their eggs, a practice currently banned in China. Pro-Beijing delegates from Hong Kong will propose enacting national security laws in the semiautonomous city, which has seen large and sometimes violent antigovernment protests over the past year.A lawyer from the southwestern city of Chongqing, for example, is calling for the government to grant single women the right to freeze their eggs, a practice currently banned in China. Pro-Beijing delegates from Hong Kong will propose enacting national security laws in the semiautonomous city, which has seen large and sometimes violent antigovernment protests over the past year.
Albee Zhang and Claire Fu contributed research.Albee Zhang and Claire Fu contributed research.