'Canada’s ‘Voice of the Nation’ Rings Out in a Capital Quieted by a Virus' diff viewer (6/7)

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Canada’s ‘Voice of the Nation’ Rings Out in a Capital Quieted by a Virus	Canada’s ‘Voice of the Nation’ Rings Out in a Capital Quieted by a Virus
2020-06-06 09:32:36 UTC	2020-06-09 01:59:09 UTC (3 days later)
OTTAWA — Finding a spot on the sweeping lawn in front of Canada’s ornately Gothic Parliament buildings to hear a concert this month was not a problem in the middle of a pandemic.	OTTAWA — Finding a spot on the sweeping lawn in front of Canada’s ornately Gothic Parliament buildings to hear a concert this month was not a problem in the middle of a pandemic.
As the 53-bell carillon of the Peace Tower rang out songs marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Holland by Canadian troops, an audience of just two listened, with people in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, heeding calls to avoid crowds during the coronavirus crisis.	As the 53-bell carillon of the Peace Tower rang out songs marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Holland by Canadian troops, an audience of just two listened, with people in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, heeding calls to avoid crowds during the coronavirus crisis.
But the symbolic import of these bells to Ottawa, and Canada, shouldn’t be judged by the sparse turnout.	But the symbolic import of these bells to Ottawa, and Canada, shouldn’t be judged by the sparse turnout.
Anthony Rota, the speaker of the House of Commons, is among the lawmakers who believe it is important that the bells continue to chime during the national health emergency.	Anthony Rota, the speaker of the House of Commons, is among the lawmakers who believe it is important that the bells continue to chime during the national health emergency.
“When you’re walking around and you see the Peace Tower and then you hear it, you get a certain feeling of pride of being Canadian,” Mr. Rota said. “It really gives you that feeling of, yeah, this is Canada. It’s just got that sound.”	“When you’re walking around and you see the Peace Tower and then you hear it, you get a certain feeling of pride of being Canadian,” Mr. Rota said. “It really gives you that feeling of, yeah, this is Canada. It’s just got that sound.”
To encourage social distancing, officials have been urging the Canadian public to listen to the chiming online.	To encourage social distancing, officials have been urging the Canadian public to listen to the chiming online.
For the bells to keep pealing, however, someone needs to play them, and that someone is Dr. Andrea McCrady, who bears an official title: the Dominion Carillonneur of Canada.	For the bells to keep pealing, however, someone needs to play them, and that someone is Dr. Andrea McCrady, who bears an official title: the Dominion Carillonneur of Canada.
With Canada’s Parliament eager for the bells to sound during the outbreak — for reasons of morale and to provide a touch of normalcy — Dr. McCrady’s performances have become the only sanctioned musical events for a live audience in Canada’s capital during the shutdown.	With Canada’s Parliament eager for the bells to sound during the outbreak — for reasons of morale and to provide a touch of normalcy — Dr. McCrady’s performances have become the only sanctioned musical events for a live audience in Canada’s capital during the shutdown.
Keeping the bells ringing is no easy feat. The Peace Tower, at 322-feet tall, defines Ottawa’s skyline. The tower’s elevator has an operator but not enough room for passengers to remain two meters apart, Canada’s distancing minimum, so Dr. McCrady must climb 188 steps to the snug room inside that contains the keyboard she uses to control the bells.	Keeping the bells ringing is no easy feat. The Peace Tower, at 322-feet tall, defines Ottawa’s skyline. The tower’s elevator has an operator but not enough room for passengers to remain two meters apart, Canada’s distancing minimum, so Dr. McCrady must climb 188 steps to the snug room inside that contains the keyboard she uses to control the bells.
As many musicians turn to performing online during the pandemic, they are navigating for the first time how to connect with an audience watching over a screen instead of in-person.	As many musicians turn to performing online during the pandemic, they are navigating for the first time how to connect with an audience watching over a screen instead of in-person.
For Dr. McCrady, a physical disconnection from her audience has long been part of the job.	For Dr. McCrady, a physical disconnection from her audience has long been part of the job.
“In the carillon world, you never know who’s on the ground,” she said. “And most people have no clue that it’s a live person up there.”	“In the carillon world, you never know who’s on the ground,” she said. “And most people have no clue that it’s a live person up there.”
The Peace Tower, built to commemorate the Canadian troops killed and maimed during World War I, was completed in 1927. During the opening ceremony, the first event to be broadcast live throughout Canada by radio, Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King declared the carillon to be the “voice of the nation.”	The Peace Tower, built to commemorate the Canadian troops killed and maimed during World War I, was completed in 1927. During the opening ceremony, the first event to be broadcast live throughout Canada by radio, Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King declared the carillon to be the “voice of the nation.”
While the bells, the largest of which weighs more than 22,000 pounds, have occasionally been refurbished, “the mechanism, and everything else that’s up there now, is pretty much what was there in 1927,” said Johanna K. Mizgala, the curator of the House of Commons and Dr. McCrady’s supervisor.	While the bells, the largest of which weighs more than 22,000 pounds, have occasionally been refurbished, “the mechanism, and everything else that’s up there now, is pretty much what was there in 1927,” said Johanna K. Mizgala, the curator of the House of Commons and Dr. McCrady’s supervisor.
In the tower, Dr. McCrady performs with a keyboard made up of a vertical panel of levers known as manuals and a pedal board connected by cables to the clappers that strike the bells.	In the tower, Dr. McCrady performs with a keyboard made up of a vertical panel of levers known as manuals and a pedal board connected by cables to the clappers that strike the bells.
When the National Film Board of Canada climbed up the tower for a 1951 documentary, Robert Donnell, the carillonneur at the time, prepared for a performance as if he was getting ready to brawl. He removed his jacket and tie, unbuttoned his shirt and slipped two thick leather protective rings around his pinkie fingers to protect them before striking the levers.	When the National Film Board of Canada climbed up the tower for a 1951 documentary, Robert Donnell, the carillonneur at the time, prepared for a performance as if he was getting ready to brawl. He removed his jacket and tie, unbuttoned his shirt and slipped two thick leather protective rings around his pinkie fingers to protect them before striking the levers.
But Dr. McCrady said that adjustments to the mechanism during the 1980s made the carillon as subtle and sensitive an instrument as a piano. Not only does she not use leather rings, she wears dancing shoes to get a better feel of the pedals.	But Dr. McCrady said that adjustments to the mechanism during the 1980s made the carillon as subtle and sensitive an instrument as a piano. Not only does she not use leather rings, she wears dancing shoes to get a better feel of the pedals.
“If I pound the bells, it’s a very ugly sound,” she said. “It does not take physical endurance whatsoever. It’s much more mentally taxing than physically.”	“If I pound the bells, it’s a very ugly sound,” she said. “It does not take physical endurance whatsoever. It’s much more mentally taxing than physically.”
The appointment of Dr. McCrady as the fifth Dominion Carillonneur in 2008, after a worldwide search, prompted some mild controversy. She is a native of Pittsburgh, and the decision meant that Canada’s national voice would be controlled by an American.	The appointment of Dr. McCrady as the fifth Dominion Carillonneur in 2008, after a worldwide search, prompted some mild controversy. She is a native of Pittsburgh, and the decision meant that Canada’s national voice would be controlled by an American.
She did, however, have ties to Canada, having studied medicine at McGill University in Montreal and having done her residency in Toronto. During her time in Canada, she regularly performed on carillons in both cities.	She did, however, have ties to Canada, having studied medicine at McGill University in Montreal and having done her residency in Toronto. During her time in Canada, she regularly performed on carillons in both cities.
Updated June 5, 2020	Updated June 5, 2020
	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.	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.
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.
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.
There was, however, no questioning her carillon credentials. Before starting her medical studies, Dr. McCrady, a former pianist who found that her hands were too small to play that instrument at the highest levels, studied the carillon in Belgium, Holland and France.	There was, however, no questioning her carillon credentials. Before starting her medical studies, Dr. McCrady, a former pianist who found that her hands were too small to play that instrument at the highest levels, studied the carillon in Belgium, Holland and France.
Outside and on the grounds around Parliament, the carillon’s music floats ethereally through the air, the opposite of a pipe organ dominating a cathedral or a hockey arena.	Outside and on the grounds around Parliament, the carillon’s music floats ethereally through the air, the opposite of a pipe organ dominating a cathedral or a hockey arena.
Paul de Broeck was one of the two listeners at the recent 45-minute concert, which concluded with “Het Wilhelmus,” Holland’s national anthem. Mr. de Broeck, who cycles over from neighboring Gatineau, Quebec, for nearly all of Dr. McCrady’s shows, said he was disappointed that the best area for listening, out of the wind on the east side of the center block, is now fenced off for construction.	Paul de Broeck was one of the two listeners at the recent 45-minute concert, which concluded with “Het Wilhelmus,” Holland’s national anthem. Mr. de Broeck, who cycles over from neighboring Gatineau, Quebec, for nearly all of Dr. McCrady’s shows, said he was disappointed that the best area for listening, out of the wind on the east side of the center block, is now fenced off for construction.
The center block of Parliament, the building connected to the Peace Tower, closed last year for a complex restoration project that will last about a decade. The House of Commons and Senate now meet in temporary chambers, and Dr. McCready has become Parliament’s lone employee not involved in the renovations still working inside of Canada’s seat of government.	The center block of Parliament, the building connected to the Peace Tower, closed last year for a complex restoration project that will last about a decade. The House of Commons and Senate now meet in temporary chambers, and Dr. McCready has become Parliament’s lone employee not involved in the renovations still working inside of Canada’s seat of government.
The drop in traffic on the busy road in front of Parliament has reduced one source of noise competing with the carillon but the construction has added another. During Dr. McCrady’s two most recent concerts, some large excavators suspended their digging. But other workers continued sawing and nailing, and driving lifts that loudly beeped as they were moved.	The drop in traffic on the busy road in front of Parliament has reduced one source of noise competing with the carillon but the construction has added another. During Dr. McCrady’s two most recent concerts, some large excavators suspended their digging. But other workers continued sawing and nailing, and driving lifts that loudly beeped as they were moved.