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Boris Johnson Defends ‘Toxic’ Aide Again. Why Protect a Political Burden? Boris Johnson Defends ‘Toxic’ Aide Again. Why Protect a Political Burden?
(about 2 hours later)
LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson went to the mat yet again on Wednesday for his embattled adviser, Dominic Cummings, signaling to lawmakers that he had no plans to dismiss Mr. Cummings for breaching the rules by driving 260 miles to his parents’ house during the country’s coronavirus lockdown.LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson went to the mat yet again on Wednesday for his embattled adviser, Dominic Cummings, signaling to lawmakers that he had no plans to dismiss Mr. Cummings for breaching the rules by driving 260 miles to his parents’ house during the country’s coronavirus lockdown.
But Mr. Johnson deflected the most telling question in a closely watched and often-contentious hearing: Why was he clinging to an aide who is so obviously damaged goods?But Mr. Johnson deflected the most telling question in a closely watched and often-contentious hearing: Why was he clinging to an aide who is so obviously damaged goods?
“You have a choice between protecting Dominic Cummings and putting the national interest first,” said Yvette Cooper, a Labour Party lawmaker, in a particularly heated exchange. “Which will it be, prime minister?”“You have a choice between protecting Dominic Cummings and putting the national interest first,” said Yvette Cooper, a Labour Party lawmaker, in a particularly heated exchange. “Which will it be, prime minister?”
“My choice is the choice of the British people,” a flustered Mr. Johnson replied, before accusing Ms. Cooper of trying to score political points when Britain needed to move on from a dispute that has inflamed public opinion, divided his Conservative Party, and eroded the prime minister’s popularity.“My choice is the choice of the British people,” a flustered Mr. Johnson replied, before accusing Ms. Cooper of trying to score political points when Britain needed to move on from a dispute that has inflamed public opinion, divided his Conservative Party, and eroded the prime minister’s popularity.
“What they want now is for us to focus on them and their needs rather than on a political ding-dong about what one adviser may or may not have done,” Mr. Johnson told a parliamentary committee.“What they want now is for us to focus on them and their needs rather than on a political ding-dong about what one adviser may or may not have done,” Mr. Johnson told a parliamentary committee.
Eager to change the subject, he announced plans for a large-scale track and trace system to head off a second spike in infections. Anyone suffering symptoms will be tested and, if positive, be asked to list all those with whom they have recently been in close contact for at least 15 minutes. Those people, in turn, will be contacted and asked to isolate themselves for 14 days.Eager to change the subject, he announced plans for a large-scale track and trace system to head off a second spike in infections. Anyone suffering symptoms will be tested and, if positive, be asked to list all those with whom they have recently been in close contact for at least 15 minutes. Those people, in turn, will be contacted and asked to isolate themselves for 14 days.
But the fallout from the Cummings affair overshadowed that news, as lawmaker after lawmaker challenged Mr. Johnson about how the government planned to force people to disclose their contacts or go into quarantine.But the fallout from the Cummings affair overshadowed that news, as lawmaker after lawmaker challenged Mr. Johnson about how the government planned to force people to disclose their contacts or go into quarantine.
Scientists have warned that Mr. Cummings’s breach of the lockdown rules will undermine public compliance with that system, as well as with the new quarantine regime for arriving travelers that begins next month.Scientists have warned that Mr. Cummings’s breach of the lockdown rules will undermine public compliance with that system, as well as with the new quarantine regime for arriving travelers that begins next month.
Ms. Cooper pressed Mr. Johnson on whether parents with extraordinary child care needs, such as what Mr. Cummings claimed in his case, could ignore the government’s guidance to stay home, even if they had symptoms of the virus, as Mr. Cummings’s wife did. The prime minister said it depended on the circumstances.Ms. Cooper pressed Mr. Johnson on whether parents with extraordinary child care needs, such as what Mr. Cummings claimed in his case, could ignore the government’s guidance to stay home, even if they had symptoms of the virus, as Mr. Cummings’s wife did. The prime minister said it depended on the circumstances.
Simon Hoare, a Conservative lawmaker, asked Mr. Johnson whether he understood the depth of anger at Mr. Cummings’s behavior, which sent a signal that senior officials did not have to abide by the rules that applied to everybody else.Simon Hoare, a Conservative lawmaker, asked Mr. Johnson whether he understood the depth of anger at Mr. Cummings’s behavior, which sent a signal that senior officials did not have to abide by the rules that applied to everybody else.
“I do understand people’s feelings,” Mr. Johnson said. “I do understand why people feel such indignation.”“I do understand people’s feelings,” Mr. Johnson said. “I do understand why people feel such indignation.”
The prime minister’s halting testimony laid bare, once again, how reliant he has become on Mr. Cummings. The 48-year-old strategist has shaped the agenda of the Johnson government, an ambitious plan known as “leveling up,” which aims to close the economic divide between London and northern England by spending on high-speed rail networks and other big-ticket projects.The prime minister’s halting testimony laid bare, once again, how reliant he has become on Mr. Cummings. The 48-year-old strategist has shaped the agenda of the Johnson government, an ambitious plan known as “leveling up,” which aims to close the economic divide between London and northern England by spending on high-speed rail networks and other big-ticket projects.
Mr. Johnson, critics note, has always been more focused on amassing political power than on exercising it for particular purposes. He has little fixed ideology and is capable of shifting positions for political expediency. Mr. Cummings, on the other hand, brims with ideas, not all of them practical. He, too, resists ideological labels but is fueled by an abiding suspicion for established institutions.Mr. Johnson, critics note, has always been more focused on amassing political power than on exercising it for particular purposes. He has little fixed ideology and is capable of shifting positions for political expediency. Mr. Cummings, on the other hand, brims with ideas, not all of them practical. He, too, resists ideological labels but is fueled by an abiding suspicion for established institutions.
Since moving into Downing Street with Mr. Johnson last July, Mr. Cummings has seeded government ministries with loyalists and centralized economic policy in the prime minister’s office. His aggressive tactics contributed to driving out Mr. Johnson’s first chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, who was replaced with a younger, more compliant substitute, Rishi Sunak.Since moving into Downing Street with Mr. Johnson last July, Mr. Cummings has seeded government ministries with loyalists and centralized economic policy in the prime minister’s office. His aggressive tactics contributed to driving out Mr. Johnson’s first chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, who was replaced with a younger, more compliant substitute, Rishi Sunak.
Mr. Johnson’s loyalty to Mr. Cummings has already exacted a high political price, in terms of his personal popularity and the credibility of his government. The longer Mr. Johnson sticks by his aide, critics said, the worse the damage will be if he ultimately decides he has to cut him loose.Mr. Johnson’s loyalty to Mr. Cummings has already exacted a high political price, in terms of his personal popularity and the credibility of his government. The longer Mr. Johnson sticks by his aide, critics said, the worse the damage will be if he ultimately decides he has to cut him loose.
“He’s got a very binary choice,” said Jonathan Powell, a former chief of staff to Prime Minister Tony Blair. “Either he looks weak by letting the guy go, or he hangs on and it affects the government because the guy is toxic.”“He’s got a very binary choice,” said Jonathan Powell, a former chief of staff to Prime Minister Tony Blair. “Either he looks weak by letting the guy go, or he hangs on and it affects the government because the guy is toxic.”
In two decades in politics, Mr. Cummings acquired a fearsome reputation as a campaigner and disrupter, culminating in his pivotal role in the 2016 Brexit referendum that persuaded Britons to quit the European Union.In two decades in politics, Mr. Cummings acquired a fearsome reputation as a campaigner and disrupter, culminating in his pivotal role in the 2016 Brexit referendum that persuaded Britons to quit the European Union.
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.
But he has few allies in the Conservative Party, an organization he appears never to have joined. He has been as likely to disparage Conservative backbench lawmakers as to cultivate them — one reason, perhaps, that about 40 of them have called on Mr. Cummings to resign or be fired.But he has few allies in the Conservative Party, an organization he appears never to have joined. He has been as likely to disparage Conservative backbench lawmakers as to cultivate them — one reason, perhaps, that about 40 of them have called on Mr. Cummings to resign or be fired.
Ideological fellow travelers have not been spared either. He once said that members of a hard-line pro-Brexit caucus in Parliament, the European Research Group, “should be treated like a metastasizing tumor and excised from the U.K. body politic.”Ideological fellow travelers have not been spared either. He once said that members of a hard-line pro-Brexit caucus in Parliament, the European Research Group, “should be treated like a metastasizing tumor and excised from the U.K. body politic.”
During the referendum, he observed that some of these Conservative pro-Brexit lawmakers were too busy “shooting, skiing or chasing girls to do any actual work.” Among those he singled out for criticism was Bernard Jenkin, the chairman of the parliamentary committee that met digitally on Wednesday.During the referendum, he observed that some of these Conservative pro-Brexit lawmakers were too busy “shooting, skiing or chasing girls to do any actual work.” Among those he singled out for criticism was Bernard Jenkin, the chairman of the parliamentary committee that met digitally on Wednesday.
Others who felt the lash of Mr. Cummings’s tongue include the former party leader, Iain Duncan Smith (“incompetent”), and the former Brexit secretary, David Davis (“thick as mince, lazy as a toad, and vain as Narcissus”).Others who felt the lash of Mr. Cummings’s tongue include the former party leader, Iain Duncan Smith (“incompetent”), and the former Brexit secretary, David Davis (“thick as mince, lazy as a toad, and vain as Narcissus”).
Now, Mr. Cummings’s lack of friends in the party has come back to haunt him. Several Conservative lawmakers who called on him to resign pointedly mentioned, in doing so, that they had never met him. They included Douglas Ross, who resigned as the under secretary of state for Scotland in protest; Mark Harper, a former chief whip; and Harriett Baldwin, a former minister.Now, Mr. Cummings’s lack of friends in the party has come back to haunt him. Several Conservative lawmakers who called on him to resign pointedly mentioned, in doing so, that they had never met him. They included Douglas Ross, who resigned as the under secretary of state for Scotland in protest; Mark Harper, a former chief whip; and Harriett Baldwin, a former minister.
Others simply reacted badly to what they saw and heard. “It’s his cavalier, ‘I don’t care; I’m cleverer than you’ tone that infuriates people,” Mr. Hoare, the chairman of the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs select committee, wrote on Twitter before the committee hearing in which he took part. “I don’t like that,” he added.Others simply reacted badly to what they saw and heard. “It’s his cavalier, ‘I don’t care; I’m cleverer than you’ tone that infuriates people,” Mr. Hoare, the chairman of the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs select committee, wrote on Twitter before the committee hearing in which he took part. “I don’t like that,” he added.