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Outcry Over Dominic Cummings Turns Public Against Boris Johnson for 1st Time Outcry Over Dominic Cummings Turns Public Against Boris Johnson for 1st Time
(7 days later)
LONDON — For more than two months, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has floundered in his response to the coronavirus — abandoning widespread testing, dragging his feet on imposing a lockdown, leaving nursing homes unprotected, and muddling his message about how to reopen the British economy.LONDON — For more than two months, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has floundered in his response to the coronavirus — abandoning widespread testing, dragging his feet on imposing a lockdown, leaving nursing homes unprotected, and muddling his message about how to reopen the British economy.
But it took a rogue 260-mile car trip by Mr. Johnson’s closest adviser to turn the tide of public opinion against him.But it took a rogue 260-mile car trip by Mr. Johnson’s closest adviser to turn the tide of public opinion against him.
The outcry over Mr. Johnson’s chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, showed no signs of abating on Tuesday, as a junior minister in Mr. Johnson’s government resigned in protest and several additional lawmakers from his Conservative Party called on the prime minister to dismiss Mr. Cummings, taking the total number of those who have gone public against him to more than 35.The outcry over Mr. Johnson’s chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, showed no signs of abating on Tuesday, as a junior minister in Mr. Johnson’s government resigned in protest and several additional lawmakers from his Conservative Party called on the prime minister to dismiss Mr. Cummings, taking the total number of those who have gone public against him to more than 35.
Two new polls showed a sharp erosion of public support for Mr. Johnson and a wall of opposition for his aide.Two new polls showed a sharp erosion of public support for Mr. Johnson and a wall of opposition for his aide.
The image of a powerful government official flouting the lockdown rules that Downing Street enforces on everyone else has struck a nerve in a way that Britain’s haphazard response to the virus has not. Unlike the mysteries of epidemiology or the technical details of testing, Mr. Cummings’s decision to decamp for his parents’ house in Durham, in the north of England, when others were confined in their homes, is easy to understand.The image of a powerful government official flouting the lockdown rules that Downing Street enforces on everyone else has struck a nerve in a way that Britain’s haphazard response to the virus has not. Unlike the mysteries of epidemiology or the technical details of testing, Mr. Cummings’s decision to decamp for his parents’ house in Durham, in the north of England, when others were confined in their homes, is easy to understand.
“I have constituents who didn’t get to say goodbye to loved ones; families who could not mourn together; people who didn’t visit sick relatives because they followed the guidance of the government,” observed Douglas Ross, the under secretary of state for Scotland, in his resignation statement.“I have constituents who didn’t get to say goodbye to loved ones; families who could not mourn together; people who didn’t visit sick relatives because they followed the guidance of the government,” observed Douglas Ross, the under secretary of state for Scotland, in his resignation statement.
“I cannot in good faith tell them they were all wrong and one senior adviser to the government was right,” he said.“I cannot in good faith tell them they were all wrong and one senior adviser to the government was right,” he said.
Mr. Johnson showed no signs of abandoning Mr. Cummings, offering such an unequivocal defense, analysts said, that it likely forecloses the possibility of opening an inquiry into his conduct — one way the prime minister could have appeased critics.Mr. Johnson showed no signs of abandoning Mr. Cummings, offering such an unequivocal defense, analysts said, that it likely forecloses the possibility of opening an inquiry into his conduct — one way the prime minister could have appeased critics.
He risked his political capital to send his aide out to the garden at 10 Downing Street on Monday to mount an unrepentant defense of his actions. Mr. Cummings said that with his wife showing symptoms of the virus and him fearing he would soon contract it, he wanted to line up care for his 4-year-old child with relatives in Durham.He risked his political capital to send his aide out to the garden at 10 Downing Street on Monday to mount an unrepentant defense of his actions. Mr. Cummings said that with his wife showing symptoms of the virus and him fearing he would soon contract it, he wanted to line up care for his 4-year-old child with relatives in Durham.
On Tuesday, the British media remorselessly dissected Mr. Cummings’s account. They zeroed in on his claim that after he arrived in Durham and was bedridden for several days there, he drove to a scenic town more than 20 miles away to test his eyesight, which he said had been impaired by his illness, before embarking on the long journey back to London. The visit coincided with the birthday of Mr. Cummings’s wife.On Tuesday, the British media remorselessly dissected Mr. Cummings’s account. They zeroed in on his claim that after he arrived in Durham and was bedridden for several days there, he drove to a scenic town more than 20 miles away to test his eyesight, which he said had been impaired by his illness, before embarking on the long journey back to London. The visit coincided with the birthday of Mr. Cummings’s wife.
Kay Burley, an anchor at Sky News, pressed an ally of Mr. Cummings’s, Michael Gove, on whether people with damaged eyesight should “get in a car and drive half an hour with your 4-year-old strapped in the back.” Mr. Gove, a senior Cabinet minister, allowed that Mr. Cummings could have skipped the excursion to the town, Barnard Castle, and driven straight to London.Kay Burley, an anchor at Sky News, pressed an ally of Mr. Cummings’s, Michael Gove, on whether people with damaged eyesight should “get in a car and drive half an hour with your 4-year-old strapped in the back.” Mr. Gove, a senior Cabinet minister, allowed that Mr. Cummings could have skipped the excursion to the town, Barnard Castle, and driven straight to London.
That ordinary Britons were consumed by the picayune details of an unelected political strategist’s personal travels, on a day when new government statistics suggested that the death toll from the coronavirus was closing in on 50,000, showed why the Cummings affair poses such a threat to Mr. Johnson. It goes beyond the normal din of politics to become a topic for dinner table conversation.That ordinary Britons were consumed by the picayune details of an unelected political strategist’s personal travels, on a day when new government statistics suggested that the death toll from the coronavirus was closing in on 50,000, showed why the Cummings affair poses such a threat to Mr. Johnson. It goes beyond the normal din of politics to become a topic for dinner table conversation.
In British parlance, it is a story with “cut through.”In British parlance, it is a story with “cut through.”
“Sixty-five million of us have been locked up for weeks,” said Jonathan Powell, a former chief of staff to Prime Minister Tony Blair, “and this guy has the cheek to break the rules he created and then tell us he acted reasonably. That has a completely electric effect.”“Sixty-five million of us have been locked up for weeks,” said Jonathan Powell, a former chief of staff to Prime Minister Tony Blair, “and this guy has the cheek to break the rules he created and then tell us he acted reasonably. That has a completely electric effect.”
Mr. Cummings’s effort to explain himself rallied his supporters, who include most prominent cabinet ministers, but failed to turn the tide either among other lawmakers or, apparently, the general public.Mr. Cummings’s effort to explain himself rallied his supporters, who include most prominent cabinet ministers, but failed to turn the tide either among other lawmakers or, apparently, the general public.
A poll by the market research firm, YouGov, taken after Monday’s news conference, found that 71 percent of respondents believed Mr. Cummings violated government rules in traveling to Durham, and 59 percent believed he should resign.A poll by the market research firm, YouGov, taken after Monday’s news conference, found that 71 percent of respondents believed Mr. Cummings violated government rules in traveling to Durham, and 59 percent believed he should resign.
Mr. Johnson’s numbers have taken a hit as well. Another survey, by the polling firm Savanta ComRes, found that his approval rating plunged 20 percentage points in the last four days and now stands in negative territory for the first time since his landslide election victory in December.Mr. Johnson’s numbers have taken a hit as well. Another survey, by the polling firm Savanta ComRes, found that his approval rating plunged 20 percentage points in the last four days and now stands in negative territory for the first time since his landslide election victory in December.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
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.
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.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.
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.
For all of Mr. Johnson’s struggles in handling the coronavirus, the British public had been patient with him. His ratings surged after he imposed the lockdown on March 23 and peaked when he was admitted to an intensive care unit with the virus on April 8. After he was released from the hospital, and the spotlight shifted to Britain’s mounting death toll, his support began to weaken.For all of Mr. Johnson’s struggles in handling the coronavirus, the British public had been patient with him. His ratings surged after he imposed the lockdown on March 23 and peaked when he was admitted to an intensive care unit with the virus on April 8. After he was released from the hospital, and the spotlight shifted to Britain’s mounting death toll, his support began to weaken.
Unlike in the United States, however, where President Trump’s feuds with governors and his touting of dubious remedies have been polarizing, Britons have generally pulled together, showing their solidarity every Thursday night with a round of applause for the National Health Service. This week, critics are calling for people to boo Mr. Johnson before they cheer the health workers.Unlike in the United States, however, where President Trump’s feuds with governors and his touting of dubious remedies have been polarizing, Britons have generally pulled together, showing their solidarity every Thursday night with a round of applause for the National Health Service. This week, critics are calling for people to boo Mr. Johnson before they cheer the health workers.
Criticism of Mr. Cummings has come from across the political spectrum and includes both the Conservative Party establishment and die-hard supporters of Brexit. “No Apology, No Regrets,” said the headline of the staunchly pro-Conservative Daily Mail, which ran 12 pages of coverage, most of it scathing.Criticism of Mr. Cummings has come from across the political spectrum and includes both the Conservative Party establishment and die-hard supporters of Brexit. “No Apology, No Regrets,” said the headline of the staunchly pro-Conservative Daily Mail, which ran 12 pages of coverage, most of it scathing.
Robert Hayward, a Conservative member of the House of Lords and a polling expert, said the episode angered traditional law-and-order Conservatives who do not take kindly to rule breaking. But it has had the same effect on some who voted for the Conservatives for the first time in December in northern, working-class constituencies — the so-called “red wall” seats historically held by the Labour Party.Robert Hayward, a Conservative member of the House of Lords and a polling expert, said the episode angered traditional law-and-order Conservatives who do not take kindly to rule breaking. But it has had the same effect on some who voted for the Conservatives for the first time in December in northern, working-class constituencies — the so-called “red wall” seats historically held by the Labour Party.
“Boris Johnson successfully convinced a fair few people in the Midlands and the north that he was a different sort of Tory and my guess is that this group of people will be most offended by it,” Mr. Hayward said.“Boris Johnson successfully convinced a fair few people in the Midlands and the north that he was a different sort of Tory and my guess is that this group of people will be most offended by it,” Mr. Hayward said.
Some analysts suggested that the saga could do the same damage to the Conservatives as two other calamities in the party’s modern history.Some analysts suggested that the saga could do the same damage to the Conservatives as two other calamities in the party’s modern history.
One was the introduction of the poll tax in the 1980s, which crippled Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and paved the way for her downfall in 1990. The other was when Britain crashed out of a European currency mechanism in 1992, which haunted Prime Minister John Major until he was swept out of power in 1997.One was the introduction of the poll tax in the 1980s, which crippled Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and paved the way for her downfall in 1990. The other was when Britain crashed out of a European currency mechanism in 1992, which haunted Prime Minister John Major until he was swept out of power in 1997.
“This has that sort of potential, though whether it gets that far we can’t yet judge,” Mr. Hayward said. Certainly, he said, it was likely “to be damaging for months and possibly for longer.”“This has that sort of potential, though whether it gets that far we can’t yet judge,” Mr. Hayward said. Certainly, he said, it was likely “to be damaging for months and possibly for longer.”