This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/22/world/europe/italy-circus-coronavirus.html

The article has changed 30 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 14 Version 15
The Circus Came to Town, Then It Couldn’t Leave The Circus Came to Town, Then It Couldn’t Leave
(about 1 hour later)
CORCOLLE, Italy — At the end of Italy’s coronavirus lockdown, one of the camels broke free.CORCOLLE, Italy — At the end of Italy’s coronavirus lockdown, one of the camels broke free.
On a narrow field surrounded by low-rise apartments, bus stops and a tangled ribbon of highway ramps, the camel scampered past lions, which leapt against their cage. It distracted the acrobats practicing their flips on an aerial hoop and sauntered toward the languid, pregnant tiger, and stalls of horses and African Watusi bulls.On a narrow field surrounded by low-rise apartments, bus stops and a tangled ribbon of highway ramps, the camel scampered past lions, which leapt against their cage. It distracted the acrobats practicing their flips on an aerial hoop and sauntered toward the languid, pregnant tiger, and stalls of horses and African Watusi bulls.
An animal tamer, wearing a welding helmet as he attended to some repairs, quickly chased the camel down.An animal tamer, wearing a welding helmet as he attended to some repairs, quickly chased the camel down.
In early March, the Rony Roller Circus came to Corcolle, on the outskirts of Rome. And because of Italy’s coronavirus epidemic, it has stayed there.In early March, the Rony Roller Circus came to Corcolle, on the outskirts of Rome. And because of Italy’s coronavirus epidemic, it has stayed there.
“We’re stuck,” said Daniela Vassallo, 52, as she walked the field and steered clear of Giulio, the escaped camel.“We’re stuck,” said Daniela Vassallo, 52, as she walked the field and steered clear of Giulio, the escaped camel.
A former contortionist-turned-administrator, Ms. Vassallo belongs to a family that has worked in the circus for at least six generations and has owned this particular show for 29 years. The last period has been perhaps the least eventful, as she and her relatives and assorted circus performers have passed the months here hunkered down in trailers next to peppermint-striped tents.A former contortionist-turned-administrator, Ms. Vassallo belongs to a family that has worked in the circus for at least six generations and has owned this particular show for 29 years. The last period has been perhaps the least eventful, as she and her relatives and assorted circus performers have passed the months here hunkered down in trailers next to peppermint-striped tents.
In reality, the Rony Rollers aren’t trapped so much as unwilling to go their separate ways. Like other dynasties in Italy’s vibrant, 60-circus strong big-top culture, the Vassallos own homes and property about an hour south in Latina, a town which is to circus people what Tampa is to professional wrestlers.In reality, the Rony Rollers aren’t trapped so much as unwilling to go their separate ways. Like other dynasties in Italy’s vibrant, 60-circus strong big-top culture, the Vassallos own homes and property about an hour south in Latina, a town which is to circus people what Tampa is to professional wrestlers.
While eased travel restrictions left them free to leave with their menagerie and tents since early May, Ms. Vassallo said that Latina was packed with other circus acts and animals, and that her performers dreaded the solitude of home isolation. She said the troupe had agreed it was preferable to keep renting this land across from a cornfield and pass the lockdown training together.While eased travel restrictions left them free to leave with their menagerie and tents since early May, Ms. Vassallo said that Latina was packed with other circus acts and animals, and that her performers dreaded the solitude of home isolation. She said the troupe had agreed it was preferable to keep renting this land across from a cornfield and pass the lockdown training together.
“Better in the company,” she said was the consensus, “with my people.”“Better in the company,” she said was the consensus, “with my people.”
The problem is that they don’t exactly know what they are training for. And Ms. Vassallo was furious that the government hadn’t deigned to discuss their plight.The problem is that they don’t exactly know what they are training for. And Ms. Vassallo was furious that the government hadn’t deigned to discuss their plight.
“They talk about lyrical opera, plays and cinema, but they never ever mention the circus,” Ms. Vassallo said. “We are invisible. We have no political power and less economic influence than ever. We are only left here to wait.”“They talk about lyrical opera, plays and cinema, but they never ever mention the circus,” Ms. Vassallo said. “We are invisible. We have no political power and less economic influence than ever. We are only left here to wait.”
The government may not have a circus-specific decree, but it has made it clear that theatrical performances are out of the question until June 15. Even then, performances will be permitted only with assigned seats at least a meter apart, with no more than 1,000 patrons allowed out in the open and 200 in a closed area, such as, say, under a big tent.The government may not have a circus-specific decree, but it has made it clear that theatrical performances are out of the question until June 15. Even then, performances will be permitted only with assigned seats at least a meter apart, with no more than 1,000 patrons allowed out in the open and 200 in a closed area, such as, say, under a big tent.
The Rony Rollers, which shut down in the middle of a two-week run on March 10, don’t see the point.The Rony Rollers, which shut down in the middle of a two-week run on March 10, don’t see the point.
“We decided not to open in these conditions,” said Ms. Vassallo, who said she couldn’t imagine putting on a show without the jam-packed crowds, “the magic” — and she acknowledged, “the profits,” of popcorn and cotton candy.“We decided not to open in these conditions,” said Ms. Vassallo, who said she couldn’t imagine putting on a show without the jam-packed crowds, “the magic” — and she acknowledged, “the profits,” of popcorn and cotton candy.
Instead the Rollers have spent weeks mulling next steps on this sliver of land outside Tivoli, best known for the summer residence of the emperor Hadrian. That has also closed down.Instead the Rollers have spent weeks mulling next steps on this sliver of land outside Tivoli, best known for the summer residence of the emperor Hadrian. That has also closed down.
Surrounded by flocks of sheep, vegetable fields and rest stops, the roughly 30 members of the circus, many related, (“a typical Italian family,” Ms. Vassallo said) have had to content themselves with passers-by who come to admire the tigers, acrobats and jugglers.Surrounded by flocks of sheep, vegetable fields and rest stops, the roughly 30 members of the circus, many related, (“a typical Italian family,” Ms. Vassallo said) have had to content themselves with passers-by who come to admire the tigers, acrobats and jugglers.
On a recent afternoon, as one local couple marveled at the lions, the family’s patriarch, Edoardo, who disdains the Felliniesque depictions of Italy’s circus-folk as wild and tragic, brought water to the horses. (“This is his kingdom,” Ms. Vassallo said.)On a recent afternoon, as one local couple marveled at the lions, the family’s patriarch, Edoardo, who disdains the Felliniesque depictions of Italy’s circus-folk as wild and tragic, brought water to the horses. (“This is his kingdom,” Ms. Vassallo said.)
Her son Aris, 22, (“the acrobatic Spiderman”) helps fix the unused bleachers while her brother, Rony, keeps the lions and tigers tamed by running through the routines. “You don’t want them to lose the smell of the humans,” she explained.Her son Aris, 22, (“the acrobatic Spiderman”) helps fix the unused bleachers while her brother, Rony, keeps the lions and tigers tamed by running through the routines. “You don’t want them to lose the smell of the humans,” she explained.
The four lions lounged in their cage, staring at the adjacent Great American Bison in a ring of pale hay as if it were a Great American Bison Burger in the center of a bun. A few yards away, two tigers, one expecting, lay on their sides.The four lions lounged in their cage, staring at the adjacent Great American Bison in a ring of pale hay as if it were a Great American Bison Burger in the center of a bun. A few yards away, two tigers, one expecting, lay on their sides.
The circus buys the meat for the animals (it is a circus tradition to feed the animals first) but an agricultural association donates hay for the herbivores. Caritas, the charity arm of the Roman Catholic church, donates vouchers to the traveling performers to redeem in church food markets.The circus buys the meat for the animals (it is a circus tradition to feed the animals first) but an agricultural association donates hay for the herbivores. Caritas, the charity arm of the Roman Catholic church, donates vouchers to the traveling performers to redeem in church food markets.
The Italian Circus Association, which represents 20,000 workers, has requested 10 million euros in relief funds from the Culture Ministry while circus owners have appealed for tax suspensions and workers have had to access unemployment benefits.The Italian Circus Association, which represents 20,000 workers, has requested 10 million euros in relief funds from the Culture Ministry while circus owners have appealed for tax suspensions and workers have had to access unemployment benefits.
“It’s a sad period,” said Daniel Aanitei, 28, Ms. Vassallo’s nephew, who had walked up wearing a white mask over a short beard. “We’re in quarantine and we can’t do anything. And my girlfriend of three years, she just left me. At the worst possible time.”“It’s a sad period,” said Daniel Aanitei, 28, Ms. Vassallo’s nephew, who had walked up wearing a white mask over a short beard. “We’re in quarantine and we can’t do anything. And my girlfriend of three years, she just left me. At the worst possible time.”
He walked off.
“He’s a clown,” Ms. Vassallo explained.
The troupe live in caravan trailers. The children keep up with the online lessons of the school, where they were enrolled before the virus broke out. They do math under family portraits taken with tiger cubs and then take turns gliding over the dirt on pink roller skates, pulled by a pet Chihuahua.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated 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.
He walked off.
“He’s a clown,” Ms. Vassallo explained.
The troupe live in caravan trailers. The children keep up with the online lessons of the school, where they were enrolled before the virus broke out. They do math under family portraits taken with tiger cubs and then take turns gliding over the dirt on pink roller skates, pulled by a pet Chihuahua.
In the back of the field, a foot juggler stepped out of her trailer to show off the stars of 101 Dalmatians, the name of the show suspended because of the outbreak. She whistled sweetly and a ferocious pack of feral dogs baring their teeth leapt at, and nearly over, a protective fence.In the back of the field, a foot juggler stepped out of her trailer to show off the stars of 101 Dalmatians, the name of the show suspended because of the outbreak. She whistled sweetly and a ferocious pack of feral dogs baring their teeth leapt at, and nearly over, a protective fence.
For decades the arrival of a traveling circus to Italy’s far-flung provinces was a major event. That kind of excitement has faded, and the mauling-death of a tamer by four tigers in southern Italy last year momentarily prompted Parliament to debate banning circus animals. But the furor died down and shows still casts a spell over many Italians.For decades the arrival of a traveling circus to Italy’s far-flung provinces was a major event. That kind of excitement has faded, and the mauling-death of a tamer by four tigers in southern Italy last year momentarily prompted Parliament to debate banning circus animals. But the furor died down and shows still casts a spell over many Italians.
On country roads, red-and-yellow, frozen-in-time circus posters are slapped up on the walls of underpasses. Some faded ones still carry the names of the late circus queens Lidia Togni and Moira Orfei, a.k.a. Moira of the Elephants, who appeared in many Italian sword-and-sandal movies.On country roads, red-and-yellow, frozen-in-time circus posters are slapped up on the walls of underpasses. Some faded ones still carry the names of the late circus queens Lidia Togni and Moira Orfei, a.k.a. Moira of the Elephants, who appeared in many Italian sword-and-sandal movies.
But now the Togni circus, celebrating its 150th year, was stuck in Salerno with performers picking up unemployment, practicing their routines and praying for the epidemic to pass. (“We are the only circus to have a church,” Vinicio Togni told a regional television station.) In the Sicilian town of Caltanisetta, Ms. Vassallo’s cousin, a horse tamer named Claudio, was stuck with the rest of the Sandro Orfei circus.But now the Togni circus, celebrating its 150th year, was stuck in Salerno with performers picking up unemployment, practicing their routines and praying for the epidemic to pass. (“We are the only circus to have a church,” Vinicio Togni told a regional television station.) In the Sicilian town of Caltanisetta, Ms. Vassallo’s cousin, a horse tamer named Claudio, was stuck with the rest of the Sandro Orfei circus.
Ms. Vassallo said circus performers were stuck all over the world.Ms. Vassallo said circus performers were stuck all over the world.
One of her 23 cousins (“on my father’s side”) was stuck in Greece, another in Portugal. Her cousin, Davis Vassallo, “the last of the great clowns of Ringling Barnum and Bailey,” was stuck in Moscow.One of her 23 cousins (“on my father’s side”) was stuck in Greece, another in Portugal. Her cousin, Davis Vassallo, “the last of the great clowns of Ringling Barnum and Bailey,” was stuck in Moscow.
“It’s a disaster,” said her brother, Rony.“It’s a disaster,” said her brother, Rony.
Things got worse on Tuesday, when the owner of the field told them he needed his land back. In order to stay together, the troupe had scoped out another field outside Rome where they could plan and prepare for their big winter show. If, that is, the coronavirus allowed it.Things got worse on Tuesday, when the owner of the field told them he needed his land back. In order to stay together, the troupe had scoped out another field outside Rome where they could plan and prepare for their big winter show. If, that is, the coronavirus allowed it.
“I miss the applause, the tent, the colors of the lights,” Ms. Vassallo said. “Everything is missing.”“I miss the applause, the tent, the colors of the lights,” Ms. Vassallo said. “Everything is missing.”