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When Going to Work Means Taking a Calculated Risk When Going to Work Means Taking a Calculated Risk
(3 days later)
Last week I spoke with one of Canada’s leading experts about the effects of working from home. But the coronavirus shutdown has also created a class of people who still go to their regular workplaces but may not want to be there.Last week I spoke with one of Canada’s leading experts about the effects of working from home. But the coronavirus shutdown has also created a class of people who still go to their regular workplaces but may not want to be there.
There has been no obvious reluctance among health care workers, who have courageously been working all along.There has been no obvious reluctance among health care workers, who have courageously been working all along.
At several long-term care centers in Quebec and Ontario, caregivers and residents have been dealing with major coronavirus outbreaks, a situation made worse by the failures of management that were highlighted again this week in a horrifying report by the Canadian military on five homes in Ontario.At several long-term care centers in Quebec and Ontario, caregivers and residents have been dealing with major coronavirus outbreaks, a situation made worse by the failures of management that were highlighted again this week in a horrifying report by the Canadian military on five homes in Ontario.
And now, a growing number of shop workers are back on the job, after the easing of government orders that had closed most stores in Canada except in British Columbia. The latest reopenings came this week in Montreal.And now, a growing number of shop workers are back on the job, after the easing of government orders that had closed most stores in Canada except in British Columbia. The latest reopenings came this week in Montreal.
Masks and plastic shields may provide some protection. But the return to work, even if it means not being among the three million Canadians who have lost their jobs during the outbreak, will most likely feel uneasy for many. It’s a source of anxiety that even the bonus pay some now receive for continuing to work may not offset.Masks and plastic shields may provide some protection. But the return to work, even if it means not being among the three million Canadians who have lost their jobs during the outbreak, will most likely feel uneasy for many. It’s a source of anxiety that even the bonus pay some now receive for continuing to work may not offset.
In the meatpacking industry, staying on the job has brought not only widespread illness but also death.In the meatpacking industry, staying on the job has brought not only widespread illness but also death.
In High River, Alberta, a town in the foothills of the Rockies, a meatpacking plant owned by Cargill, which is headquartered in Minnesota, has Canada’s largest single outbreak. More than 1,500 coronavirus infections and three deaths have been linked to the outbreak within the plant, most of them employees. Another meatpacking plant, in Brooks, Alberta, owned by JBS of Brazil, is linked with hundreds of cases. And about 40 federal meat inspectors who work in those plants have become infected as well, says the union that represents them.In High River, Alberta, a town in the foothills of the Rockies, a meatpacking plant owned by Cargill, which is headquartered in Minnesota, has Canada’s largest single outbreak. More than 1,500 coronavirus infections and three deaths have been linked to the outbreak within the plant, most of them employees. Another meatpacking plant, in Brooks, Alberta, owned by JBS of Brazil, is linked with hundreds of cases. And about 40 federal meat inspectors who work in those plants have become infected as well, says the union that represents them.
The union representing the plants’ workers, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, told me that many of the employees were either recent immigrants or temporary foreign workers. (The union also noted that Cargill works with it to gain permanent immigration status for the latter.)The union representing the plants’ workers, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, told me that many of the employees were either recent immigrants or temporary foreign workers. (The union also noted that Cargill works with it to gain permanent immigration status for the latter.)
Neither plant is particularly automated. Employees stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the noisy plants, disassembling carcasses.Neither plant is particularly automated. Employees stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the noisy plants, disassembling carcasses.
Outbreaks in the meatpacking industry have also been common in the United States. My colleagues on the Business desk, Ana Swanson, David Yaffe-Bellany and Michael Corkery, have produced a harrowing, in-depth report about a pork plant in Iowa.Outbreaks in the meatpacking industry have also been common in the United States. My colleagues on the Business desk, Ana Swanson, David Yaffe-Bellany and Michael Corkery, have produced a harrowing, in-depth report about a pork plant in Iowa.
[Read: Pork Chops vs. People: Battling Coronavirus in an Iowa Meat Plant][Read: Pork Chops vs. People: Battling Coronavirus in an Iowa Meat Plant]
The High River plant was temporarily closed for cleaning and to allow the installation of, among other things, plastic shields. New safety protocols were also introduced.The High River plant was temporarily closed for cleaning and to allow the installation of, among other things, plastic shields. New safety protocols were also introduced.
But the structure of the meatpacking industry in the 21st century creates significant economic pressure to keep plants running. Sven Anders, an agricultural economist at the University of Alberta, told me that the two plants in Alberta plus a third Cargill facility in Guelph, Ontario, processed upward of 95 percent of Canada’s beef production, much of which is exported to the United States.But the structure of the meatpacking industry in the 21st century creates significant economic pressure to keep plants running. Sven Anders, an agricultural economist at the University of Alberta, told me that the two plants in Alberta plus a third Cargill facility in Guelph, Ontario, processed upward of 95 percent of Canada’s beef production, much of which is exported to the United States.
Calgary Stampede, canceled this year, isn’t a nostalgic throwback, he said: The cattle industry that it celebrates is still a vital segment of Alberta’s economy.Calgary Stampede, canceled this year, isn’t a nostalgic throwback, he said: The cattle industry that it celebrates is still a vital segment of Alberta’s economy.
Giant plants — the one in Brooks has more 2,600 employees — have become the foundation of the beef industry, Professor Anders said. They bring substantial cost reductions, but they also create working conditions that are ideal for spreading disease.Giant plants — the one in Brooks has more 2,600 employees — have become the foundation of the beef industry, Professor Anders said. They bring substantial cost reductions, but they also create working conditions that are ideal for spreading disease.
He said he doubted that the coronavirus would bring a return to small-scale meatpacking plants. That, Professor Anders said, might backfire on consumers.He said he doubted that the coronavirus would bring a return to small-scale meatpacking plants. That, Professor Anders said, might backfire on consumers.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“It’s a bit hypocritical to come back now and criticize the massive size of this industry because don’t we all want to buy a rib-eye steak two dollars cheaper if we could?” he said.“It’s a bit hypocritical to come back now and criticize the massive size of this industry because don’t we all want to buy a rib-eye steak two dollars cheaper if we could?” he said.
For the first time since early March, I recently left my home office to go reporting rather than working by phone or through the various forms of the internet. It wasn’t much of an excursion: a quick bike ride to Parliament Hill to listen to the Dominion Carillonneur of Canada. Despite the pandemic and the closing of the Center Block for renovations, Dr. Andrea McCrady is still going up to the belfry.For the first time since early March, I recently left my home office to go reporting rather than working by phone or through the various forms of the internet. It wasn’t much of an excursion: a quick bike ride to Parliament Hill to listen to the Dominion Carillonneur of Canada. Despite the pandemic and the closing of the Center Block for renovations, Dr. Andrea McCrady is still going up to the belfry.
The Spanish flu hadn’t ebbed when the 1919 Stanley Cup finals were played. And that push to return to sport, Kurt Streeter wrote, came at the cost of the death of Joe Hall of the Montreal Canadiens.The Spanish flu hadn’t ebbed when the 1919 Stanley Cup finals were played. And that push to return to sport, Kurt Streeter wrote, came at the cost of the death of Joe Hall of the Montreal Canadiens.
Kent Monkman, a Cree artist, has always been provocative. Catherine Porter spoke with some members of the Indigenous community who said that his latest work crossed the line.Kent Monkman, a Cree artist, has always been provocative. Catherine Porter spoke with some members of the Indigenous community who said that his latest work crossed the line.
The invasive Asian giant hornet has reappeared in British Columbia.The invasive Asian giant hornet has reappeared in British Columbia.
Canada’s largest newspaper, The Toronto Star, will have new owners who have pledged to uphold its tradition of championing liberal causes. The question now is how they will reverse its financial decline.Canada’s largest newspaper, The Toronto Star, will have new owners who have pledged to uphold its tradition of championing liberal causes. The question now is how they will reverse its financial decline.
Dan Bilefsky and Tracy Sherlock reported on the further souring of relations between Canada and China after a Vancouver court decision left Meng Wanzhou, financial officer of the Chinese technology giant Huawei, a step closer to being extradited to the United States to face fraud charges.Dan Bilefsky and Tracy Sherlock reported on the further souring of relations between Canada and China after a Vancouver court decision left Meng Wanzhou, financial officer of the Chinese technology giant Huawei, a step closer to being extradited to the United States to face fraud charges.
A native of Windsor, Ontario, Ian Austen was educated in Toronto, lives in Ottawa and has reported about Canada for The New York Times for the past 16 years. Follow him on Twitter at @ianrausten.A native of Windsor, Ontario, Ian Austen was educated in Toronto, lives in Ottawa and has reported about Canada for The New York Times for the past 16 years. Follow him on Twitter at @ianrausten.
We’re eager to have your thoughts about this newsletter and events in Canada in general. Please send them to nytcanada@nytimes.com.We’re eager to have your thoughts about this newsletter and events in Canada in general. Please send them to nytcanada@nytimes.com.
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