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As the Restaurant Industry Struggles, the President Talks About Butter As the Restaurant Industry Struggles, the President Talks About Butter
(1 day later)
I once knocked on the back door of a cheesemonger in Brooklyn and waited outside for a lump of hard-to-find, extremely expensive, unmarked butter produced by Diane St. Clair at her tiny creamery in Orwell, Vt.I once knocked on the back door of a cheesemonger in Brooklyn and waited outside for a lump of hard-to-find, extremely expensive, unmarked butter produced by Diane St. Clair at her tiny creamery in Orwell, Vt.
It was delicious — sunshine-yellow and sweet — but the last thing I expected was that President Trump would discuss it in a meeting at the White House. On Monday, he did just that.It was delicious — sunshine-yellow and sweet — but the last thing I expected was that President Trump would discuss it in a meeting at the White House. On Monday, he did just that.
At the gathering, fast-food executives and owners of fine-dining restaurants sat down with the president, Vice President Mike Pence and other administration officials to discuss plans for reopening and the government’s relief programs for the industry.At the gathering, fast-food executives and owners of fine-dining restaurants sat down with the president, Vice President Mike Pence and other administration officials to discuss plans for reopening and the government’s relief programs for the industry.
But as restaurateurs tried to steer the conversation toward topics like Paycheck Protection Program loans, extending the window for spending relief money, public health and economic uncertainty, Mr. Trump repeatedly went off course.But as restaurateurs tried to steer the conversation toward topics like Paycheck Protection Program loans, extending the window for spending relief money, public health and economic uncertainty, Mr. Trump repeatedly went off course.
He claimed he’d already “saved” the restaurant business, and at one point asked the chef Thomas Keller about his favorite butter:He claimed he’d already “saved” the restaurant business, and at one point asked the chef Thomas Keller about his favorite butter:
THE PRESIDENT: What’s the difference in butter? Tell me. The difference in butter between what she sells you and what you would normally be able to buy. Out of curio- — I don’t want to —THE PRESIDENT: What’s the difference in butter? Tell me. The difference in butter between what she sells you and what you would normally be able to buy. Out of curio- — I don’t want to —
MR. KELLER: It’s — it is extraordinary because it is — it is truly a seasonal product, so the butter changes flavor and color depending on the season. So in the early —MR. KELLER: It’s — it is extraordinary because it is — it is truly a seasonal product, so the butter changes flavor and color depending on the season. So in the early —
THE VICE PRESIDENT: There’s no comparison.THE VICE PRESIDENT: There’s no comparison.
MR. KELLER: — in the spring, when they’re eating green, when they’re grazing on grass — green grass — the butter is —MR. KELLER: — in the spring, when they’re eating green, when they’re grazing on grass — green grass — the butter is —
THE PRESIDENT: That’s fantastic.THE PRESIDENT: That’s fantastic.
MR. KELLER: — a beautiful orange hue. And, of course, in the summertime, it turns lighter because they’re eating hay. So — and the flavors taste —MR. KELLER: — a beautiful orange hue. And, of course, in the summertime, it turns lighter because they’re eating hay. So — and the flavors taste —
THE PRESIDENT: Mike just said there is no comparison. He knows. (Laughter.)THE PRESIDENT: Mike just said there is no comparison. He knows. (Laughter.)
MR. KELLER: There’s a —MR. KELLER: There’s a —
THE PRESIDENT: He knows. (Inaudible) from Indiana. He knows.THE PRESIDENT: He knows. (Inaudible) from Indiana. He knows.
MR. KELLER: There’s a tremendous — a tremendous difference in the butter from —MR. KELLER: There’s a tremendous — a tremendous difference in the butter from —
THE PRESIDENT: No kidding. So, that’s good.THE PRESIDENT: No kidding. So, that’s good.
MR. KELLER: Oh, yeah. It’s extraordinary.MR. KELLER: Oh, yeah. It’s extraordinary.
For those watching the remarks, or reading the transcript published by the White House, it often seemed like a few men — and all 10 of the restaurant representatives at the table were men — tipsily chatting over their picket fences on a summer afternoon.For those watching the remarks, or reading the transcript published by the White House, it often seemed like a few men — and all 10 of the restaurant representatives at the table were men — tipsily chatting over their picket fences on a summer afternoon.
It did not seem like a conversation happening in the workplace of the president of the United States in the middle of a global pandemic. It did not seem as if many thousands of Americans had died, and millions were out of work, or as if one of the nation’s most important economic engines — the hospitality industry — was in a tailspin.It did not seem like a conversation happening in the workplace of the president of the United States in the middle of a global pandemic. It did not seem as if many thousands of Americans had died, and millions were out of work, or as if one of the nation’s most important economic engines — the hospitality industry — was in a tailspin.
Days later, I’m still bewildered. Mr. Trump’s response didn’t just minimize the most urgent concerns of millions of people, it tried to joke them away.Days later, I’m still bewildered. Mr. Trump’s response didn’t just minimize the most urgent concerns of millions of people, it tried to joke them away.
I’d expected little from the discussion. Small-restaurant owners and workers — among them the women, immigrants and undocumented people who work behind the scenes — weren’t represented at the table.I’d expected little from the discussion. Small-restaurant owners and workers — among them the women, immigrants and undocumented people who work behind the scenes — weren’t represented at the table.
Mr. Keller brought up diversity within the industry in a roundabout way, saying: “We don’t really care about your education. We’re not concerned about where you come from, your religious beliefs. We are open to everybody.”Mr. Keller brought up diversity within the industry in a roundabout way, saying: “We don’t really care about your education. We’re not concerned about where you come from, your religious beliefs. We are open to everybody.”
But this didn’t ring true. Restaurants may hire people of color, immigrants, undocumented people and Indigenous people, but they are generally relegated to low-paying kitchen jobs. And many of those workers struggle to secure benefits and move up in a system that depends on their cheap labor.But this didn’t ring true. Restaurants may hire people of color, immigrants, undocumented people and Indigenous people, but they are generally relegated to low-paying kitchen jobs. And many of those workers struggle to secure benefits and move up in a system that depends on their cheap labor.
The pandemic has only made the disparities within restaurants more obvious, and the need for changes more urgent.The pandemic has only made the disparities within restaurants more obvious, and the need for changes more urgent.
The meeting sputtered and went off on tangents — like the one about the butter — devolving again and again into empty superlatives and the smallest of small talk. Mr. Trump made several sweeping promises of “coming back stronger,” but shared no vision of how to accomplish that.The meeting sputtered and went off on tangents — like the one about the butter — devolving again and again into empty superlatives and the smallest of small talk. Mr. Trump made several sweeping promises of “coming back stronger,” but shared no vision of how to accomplish that.
By the end of the roughly 100-minute meeting, it was painfully apparent that there was no plan, no strategy, no blueprint in the works for the restaurant industry. It was up to restaurants to figure it all out for themselves.By the end of the roughly 100-minute meeting, it was painfully apparent that there was no plan, no strategy, no blueprint in the works for the restaurant industry. It was up to restaurants to figure it all out for themselves.
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.
On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also released its guidelines for the reopening of restaurants, after the White House shelved an earlier draft. Among other straightforward suggestions, the C.D.C. mentions masks, recommending that all restaurants reopening “require the use of cloth face coverings among all staff.”On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also released its guidelines for the reopening of restaurants, after the White House shelved an earlier draft. Among other straightforward suggestions, the C.D.C. mentions masks, recommending that all restaurants reopening “require the use of cloth face coverings among all staff.”
This seems like a simple directive, but because the federal government and many states have failed to issue clear, consistent rules, restaurants are largely left to make up their own. Many are not allowing staff to wear masks, or making that protection optional. For now, it’s unclear how severe the consequences will be.This seems like a simple directive, but because the federal government and many states have failed to issue clear, consistent rules, restaurants are largely left to make up their own. Many are not allowing staff to wear masks, or making that protection optional. For now, it’s unclear how severe the consequences will be.
Mr. Keller brought up that butter, made in a small creamery with just a few cows, to try to illustrate the symbiotic relationship between restaurants and farms. It was an esoteric example, sure, but it made a crucial point: Restaurants are inextricably connected to fisheries, farms, florists and hundreds of other kinds of small businesses across the country.Mr. Keller brought up that butter, made in a small creamery with just a few cows, to try to illustrate the symbiotic relationship between restaurants and farms. It was an esoteric example, sure, but it made a crucial point: Restaurants are inextricably connected to fisheries, farms, florists and hundreds of other kinds of small businesses across the country.
Shuttered restaurants create an extended national network of suffering — unemployment, missed rent payments, lapsed health insurance.Shuttered restaurants create an extended national network of suffering — unemployment, missed rent payments, lapsed health insurance.
A thoughtful, coordinated, government-led initiative to protect restaurant workers, owners and diners, and control the spread of the coronavirus as businesses reopen, is essential. And it’s already disturbingly late.A thoughtful, coordinated, government-led initiative to protect restaurant workers, owners and diners, and control the spread of the coronavirus as businesses reopen, is essential. And it’s already disturbingly late.
What happens next affects millions of lives, but as the conversation wound down, the president seemed to turn from the story about the desperation of the restaurant business and its critical needs, and focus on another.What happens next affects millions of lives, but as the conversation wound down, the president seemed to turn from the story about the desperation of the restaurant business and its critical needs, and focus on another.
“Beautiful story,” he said, “with a woman with the eight cows.”“Beautiful story,” he said, “with a woman with the eight cows.”
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