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/2020/05/25/us/memorial-day-coronavirus-beaches.html

The article has changed 28 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
Americans Ponder Losses Past and Present on a Subdued Memorial Day Americans Ponder Losses Past and Present on a Subdued Memorial Day
(about 1 hour later)
On a holiday that usually mixes somber remembrance and blissful renewal, the nation marked an unusually grim Memorial Day in which losses from the past merged with ones from the present.On a holiday that usually mixes somber remembrance and blissful renewal, the nation marked an unusually grim Memorial Day in which losses from the past merged with ones from the present.
Gray skies and rain in much of the United States on Monday provided a muted backdrop as crowds flocked to beaches, amusement parks, lakes and boardwalks on the first long weekend since the coronavirus began to tear through the country, taking almost 100,000 lives with it.Gray skies and rain in much of the United States on Monday provided a muted backdrop as crowds flocked to beaches, amusement parks, lakes and boardwalks on the first long weekend since the coronavirus began to tear through the country, taking almost 100,000 lives with it.
For many people, the day was an attempt to turn the page from the lockdowns of the past two months to something more resembling the traditional beginning of summer. Still, moving beyond the virus remains a long way off, and the juxtaposition of past and present had its jarring elements this weekend.For many people, the day was an attempt to turn the page from the lockdowns of the past two months to something more resembling the traditional beginning of summer. Still, moving beyond the virus remains a long way off, and the juxtaposition of past and present had its jarring elements this weekend.
At beaches, seaside arcades and other attractions, even in states where infections are on the rise, there was often a disregard of masks and social distancing, as if they were too-persistent reminders of the virus people hoped to escape.At beaches, seaside arcades and other attractions, even in states where infections are on the rise, there was often a disregard of masks and social distancing, as if they were too-persistent reminders of the virus people hoped to escape.
Meanwhile, on the nation’s most hallowed ground, the families of service members who were slain by snipers or blown up by improvised bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan visited their loved ones’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery, clad in face masks and required to observe social distancing.Meanwhile, on the nation’s most hallowed ground, the families of service members who were slain by snipers or blown up by improvised bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan visited their loved ones’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery, clad in face masks and required to observe social distancing.
To gain access, mourners had to show entry guards three items: a family pass, a government-issued ID, and a face covering, which they had to wear anywhere they could not maintain a six-foot separation.To gain access, mourners had to show entry guards three items: a family pass, a government-issued ID, and a face covering, which they had to wear anywhere they could not maintain a six-foot separation.
Even the soldiers of the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, wore masks as they planted small American flags next to every grave at Arlington before the holiday.Even the soldiers of the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, wore masks as they planted small American flags next to every grave at Arlington before the holiday.
There was one exception: At a gravesite, members of the same household could kneel and weep and pray together without masks.There was one exception: At a gravesite, members of the same household could kneel and weep and pray together without masks.
The virus has struck war veterans hard. More than 1,000 patients of the Department of Veterans Affairs have died from complications of Covid-19. At least 89 veterans at one state-run facility, the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in Massachusetts, have died since March; 74 tested positive for the disease.The virus has struck war veterans hard. More than 1,000 patients of the Department of Veterans Affairs have died from complications of Covid-19. At least 89 veterans at one state-run facility, the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in Massachusetts, have died since March; 74 tested positive for the disease.
In many places, including Florida, the weather did not cooperate on Monday. Clouds and bursts of rain dampened a lot of beach plans in the state, but surfers were eager to test the waters. A dozen or so rode the waves in Boca Raton just before another thunderstorm was expected to pass through.In many places, including Florida, the weather did not cooperate on Monday. Clouds and bursts of rain dampened a lot of beach plans in the state, but surfers were eager to test the waters. A dozen or so rode the waves in Boca Raton just before another thunderstorm was expected to pass through.
“Are you kidding me? Look at those waves,” Don Thomas, 55, a lawyer who grew up near the beach, said on Monday morning. “I woke up at 5 a.m., had a cup of coffee and was at the beach by 6 a.m.”“Are you kidding me? Look at those waves,” Don Thomas, 55, a lawyer who grew up near the beach, said on Monday morning. “I woke up at 5 a.m., had a cup of coffee and was at the beach by 6 a.m.”
Mr. Thomas said the beach was so packed a day earlier that he had to draw a circle in the sand, reinforced with a few rocks, to keep people six feet away.Mr. Thomas said the beach was so packed a day earlier that he had to draw a circle in the sand, reinforced with a few rocks, to keep people six feet away.
“People have been inside so long that they are not thinking, they just want to enjoy the outside,” he said.“People have been inside so long that they are not thinking, they just want to enjoy the outside,” he said.
Near Daytona Beach, hundreds of people had to be rescued from the surf over the long weekend as massive crowds took over the beaches of Volusia County. Six people were also wounded in a shooting.Near Daytona Beach, hundreds of people had to be rescued from the surf over the long weekend as massive crowds took over the beaches of Volusia County. Six people were also wounded in a shooting.
In many places, social distancing was a sometimes thing at best.In many places, social distancing was a sometimes thing at best.
Videos of partygoers enjoying the weekend at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri and Ocean City, Md., often with little more than sunscreen and bathing suits to separate them, dismayed and angered many on social media. But the mayor of one resort town in Missouri said nothing could stop the defiance of social-distancing guidelines, short of shutting down the whole area.Videos of partygoers enjoying the weekend at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri and Ocean City, Md., often with little more than sunscreen and bathing suits to separate them, dismayed and angered many on social media. But the mayor of one resort town in Missouri said nothing could stop the defiance of social-distancing guidelines, short of shutting down the whole area.
In Altamahaw, N.C., some 4,000 auto racing fans jammed into the Ace Speedway despite a state reopening plan that limited outdoor gatherings to 25 people.In Altamahaw, N.C., some 4,000 auto racing fans jammed into the Ace Speedway despite a state reopening plan that limited outdoor gatherings to 25 people.
Masking was hardly the only change for a holiday weekend that honors the nation’s war dead: Many traditional parades were canceled, replaced by video commemorations, and even what was billed as a MAGA boat parade in Charleston, S.C.Masking was hardly the only change for a holiday weekend that honors the nation’s war dead: Many traditional parades were canceled, replaced by video commemorations, and even what was billed as a MAGA boat parade in Charleston, S.C.
Much of California dodged the bad weather seen elsewhere. As the morning fog lifted along the Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles County, cars and R.V.s were already grinding bumper to bumper, struggling to find parking as surfers, paddle boarders and fishermen jockeyed for position.Much of California dodged the bad weather seen elsewhere. As the morning fog lifted along the Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles County, cars and R.V.s were already grinding bumper to bumper, struggling to find parking as surfers, paddle boarders and fishermen jockeyed for position.
At a rocky outcrop on the highway in Malibu, Grace Kim posed for selfies with a friend next to a pair of seagulls.At a rocky outcrop on the highway in Malibu, Grace Kim posed for selfies with a friend next to a pair of seagulls.
“I’m obviously nervous to be around people,” said Ms. Kim, 31, an apparel worker who lives in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. “This is my first outing, I’ve been alone for a month.”“I’m obviously nervous to be around people,” said Ms. Kim, 31, an apparel worker who lives in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. “This is my first outing, I’ve been alone for a month.”
As she spoke, the highway roared with motorcyclists while distant wafts of marijuana smoke mixed with the salty smell of the sea. It did not feel like a normal day, she said. “It is scary.”As she spoke, the highway roared with motorcyclists while distant wafts of marijuana smoke mixed with the salty smell of the sea. It did not feel like a normal day, she said. “It is scary.”
Further north on the highway, one group eager to make a statement formed a procession of pickup trucks waving American flags. Some flags read “POW MIA,” a homage to prisoners of war and missing soldiers.Further north on the highway, one group eager to make a statement formed a procession of pickup trucks waving American flags. Some flags read “POW MIA,” a homage to prisoners of war and missing soldiers.
The caravan included more than 100 F-250s and Dodge Rams, many featuring the slogan “Dirty Riders” with “Trump 2020” flags blowing in the wind. The coordinated effort zoomed past dozens of supporters who cheered in front of a Subway and held signs like “transition to greatness.”The caravan included more than 100 F-250s and Dodge Rams, many featuring the slogan “Dirty Riders” with “Trump 2020” flags blowing in the wind. The coordinated effort zoomed past dozens of supporters who cheered in front of a Subway and held signs like “transition to greatness.”
Even with national divisions and balky weather, a holiday beach trip — East Coast or West — offered a chance at a feeling of normalcy.Even with national divisions and balky weather, a holiday beach trip — East Coast or West — offered a chance at a feeling of normalcy.
For Francesca De Alejandro, the lockdown reduced an active life to endless hours inside her Fort Lauderdale, Fla., condo. The beach was closed. The gym too.For Francesca De Alejandro, the lockdown reduced an active life to endless hours inside her Fort Lauderdale, Fla., condo. The beach was closed. The gym too.
So Ms. De Alejandro, 31, a financial planner, made the 20-mile trip to a beach on the southern end of Boca Raton with her boyfriend on both Sunday and Memorial Day. Even wind gusts and a cloudy sky that promised more rain was better than being inside.So Ms. De Alejandro, 31, a financial planner, made the 20-mile trip to a beach on the southern end of Boca Raton with her boyfriend on both Sunday and Memorial Day. Even wind gusts and a cloudy sky that promised more rain was better than being inside.
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.
“I have been locked in the house since the pandemic started,” she said. “I needed to be outside.”“I have been locked in the house since the pandemic started,” she said. “I needed to be outside.”
Surfboard in hand, she skipped across a nearly empty beach where fellow surfers rode waves brought by bands of stormy weather. A couple huddled under a blanket. A little boy dumped wet sand in his red plastic bucket.Surfboard in hand, she skipped across a nearly empty beach where fellow surfers rode waves brought by bands of stormy weather. A couple huddled under a blanket. A little boy dumped wet sand in his red plastic bucket.
Since the early days of the pandemic, the beach has been in sight but just out of reach for people like Ernesto Stephens, who recently lost his job as a restaurant waiter.Since the early days of the pandemic, the beach has been in sight but just out of reach for people like Ernesto Stephens, who recently lost his job as a restaurant waiter.
“I feel like the pandemic forces you to think about stuff that was just normal before, like a day at the beach,” Mr. Stephens said on Monday at a South Florida beach. “The weather is crappy, but I decided to come out anyway.”“I feel like the pandemic forces you to think about stuff that was just normal before, like a day at the beach,” Mr. Stephens said on Monday at a South Florida beach. “The weather is crappy, but I decided to come out anyway.”
A trip to the surf on Memorial Day was an important lesson in getting back to normal for Michelle Kelly’s 9-year-old daughter Sophia.A trip to the surf on Memorial Day was an important lesson in getting back to normal for Michelle Kelly’s 9-year-old daughter Sophia.
At Beachside Pizza & Pasta, where they ordered a few cheese slices before walking to the beach, Ms. Kelly, of Coral Springs, Fla., sprayed Lysol on her credit card after paying for the food.At Beachside Pizza & Pasta, where they ordered a few cheese slices before walking to the beach, Ms. Kelly, of Coral Springs, Fla., sprayed Lysol on her credit card after paying for the food.
She had been trying to find safe outdoor activities during the pandemic, taking Sophia on bike rides and making chalk drawings on the sidewalk. She wanted her daughter’s attention turned away from something so unpredictable and scary.She had been trying to find safe outdoor activities during the pandemic, taking Sophia on bike rides and making chalk drawings on the sidewalk. She wanted her daughter’s attention turned away from something so unpredictable and scary.
“How normal can you feel when you are standing with a mask on?” she said.“How normal can you feel when you are standing with a mask on?” she said.
Still, they made a trip to the beach part of the Memorial Day holiday — while both wearing masks.Still, they made a trip to the beach part of the Memorial Day holiday — while both wearing masks.
“I am not going to let this pandemic keep us from the beaches,” Ms. Kelly said. “I am not going to let this pandemic keep us from trying to have a normal life. We just have to take precautions.”“I am not going to let this pandemic keep us from the beaches,” Ms. Kelly said. “I am not going to let this pandemic keep us from trying to have a normal life. We just have to take precautions.”
In Long Beach, N.Y., about 30 miles from Manhattan, it was clear this was not a standard kickoff to summer. “Beach open to residents only, maintain social distance,” a highway sign announced on a main thoroughfare.In Long Beach, N.Y., about 30 miles from Manhattan, it was clear this was not a standard kickoff to summer. “Beach open to residents only, maintain social distance,” a highway sign announced on a main thoroughfare.
Along the boardwalk there, most people wore masks. And on the beach, separate parties kept their distance. One person played a recording of taps over a stereo.Along the boardwalk there, most people wore masks. And on the beach, separate parties kept their distance. One person played a recording of taps over a stereo.
Ray Ellmer, 64, a lawyer, said the beach, with the open space and stiff breeze, felt secure. To him, that was cathartic.Ray Ellmer, 64, a lawyer, said the beach, with the open space and stiff breeze, felt secure. To him, that was cathartic.
“You’re really safe here,” he said. “It’s a real treat to be outside, it makes it special, you can definitely honor what Memorial Day means.”“You’re really safe here,” he said. “It’s a real treat to be outside, it makes it special, you can definitely honor what Memorial Day means.”
Josh Horowitz, 52, a real estate broker, said the world was in “a weird time, a stressful time, an uncomfortable time.” He said the relative normalcy of Memorial Day on the beach was not a reprieve from worry.Josh Horowitz, 52, a real estate broker, said the world was in “a weird time, a stressful time, an uncomfortable time.” He said the relative normalcy of Memorial Day on the beach was not a reprieve from worry.
“An escape? You can’t escape,” he said. “Wherever you go, you’re reminded.”“An escape? You can’t escape,” he said. “Wherever you go, you’re reminded.”
Nate Schweber and Adam Popescu contributed reporting.Nate Schweber and Adam Popescu contributed reporting.