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Italians Rediscover Their Museums, With No Tourists in Sight Italians Rediscover Their Museums, With No Tourists in Sight
(32 minutes later)
ROME — There was no red carpet, but even so, a cadre of photographers snapped frenziedly as the objects of their attention — the first visitors to the Vatican Museums when they reopened on Monday after the coronavirus lockdown — squirmed in the unexpected spotlight.ROME — There was no red carpet, but even so, a cadre of photographers snapped frenziedly as the objects of their attention — the first visitors to the Vatican Museums when they reopened on Monday after the coronavirus lockdown — squirmed in the unexpected spotlight.
With travel between Italian regions restricted until Tuesday, it was a local lineup, ready to experience what many Romans dream of: a tourist-free visit to one of the world’s greatest — and most popular — museums, which last year drew nearly seven million visitors.With travel between Italian regions restricted until Tuesday, it was a local lineup, ready to experience what many Romans dream of: a tourist-free visit to one of the world’s greatest — and most popular — museums, which last year drew nearly seven million visitors.
Though she lives in Rome, Simona Toti, a statistician, said she hadn’t seen the Sistine Chapel for years “because of the mobs.”Though she lives in Rome, Simona Toti, a statistician, said she hadn’t seen the Sistine Chapel for years “because of the mobs.”
While online reservations have shortened the mile-long queue that once snaked along the walls of Vatican City to the museum entrance, many Rome residents are still daunted by the crowds, and the crowding. “Normally it’s so packed that you just can’t appreciate anything,” Ms. Toti said.While online reservations have shortened the mile-long queue that once snaked along the walls of Vatican City to the museum entrance, many Rome residents are still daunted by the crowds, and the crowding. “Normally it’s so packed that you just can’t appreciate anything,” Ms. Toti said.
“For once, living in Rome is not a handicap,” she said.“For once, living in Rome is not a handicap,” she said.
Across town, at the Colosseum, which also reopened Monday, Margherita Blaconà and her teenage daughter Asia were enjoying a tourist-free tour as part of a 45-minute visit of the amphitheater, which now permits only 14 people to enter every 15 minutes.Across town, at the Colosseum, which also reopened Monday, Margherita Blaconà and her teenage daughter Asia were enjoying a tourist-free tour as part of a 45-minute visit of the amphitheater, which now permits only 14 people to enter every 15 minutes.
The same throngs that make the Colosseum Italy’s most visited monument, with more than 7.5 million visitors last year, are the reason that most locals give it a wide berth. “The queues, the people. It’s impossible,” said Ms. Blaconà, who hadn’t been to the Colosseum since she was in elementary school. “We’re going to profit from the lack of tourists these days and see other sites,” she said.The same throngs that make the Colosseum Italy’s most visited monument, with more than 7.5 million visitors last year, are the reason that most locals give it a wide berth. “The queues, the people. It’s impossible,” said Ms. Blaconà, who hadn’t been to the Colosseum since she was in elementary school. “We’re going to profit from the lack of tourists these days and see other sites,” she said.
But while locals were keen to reclaim Italy’s monuments, the directors of many cultural institutions were worried about the loss of much-needed revenue from ticket sales.But while locals were keen to reclaim Italy’s monuments, the directors of many cultural institutions were worried about the loss of much-needed revenue from ticket sales.
“It’s a disaster, obviously,” said Massimo Osanna, the director of the Pompeii archaeological site, which drew nearly four million visitors last year, including 40,000 on one day in May.“It’s a disaster, obviously,” said Massimo Osanna, the director of the Pompeii archaeological site, which drew nearly four million visitors last year, including 40,000 on one day in May.
Until next Tuesday, entrance at the site is capped at 400 visitors a day. Mr. Osanna said that last Thursday only 250 people had visited the site. “It was like being in a surrealist painting,” he said.Until next Tuesday, entrance at the site is capped at 400 visitors a day. Mr. Osanna said that last Thursday only 250 people had visited the site. “It was like being in a surrealist painting,” he said.
“The budget we reached last year will not be imaginable this year, so we won’t be able to carry out many of the projects we had planned,” Mr. Osanna said. “Now we’re focused on things that can’t be postponed, like ordinary maintenance.”“The budget we reached last year will not be imaginable this year, so we won’t be able to carry out many of the projects we had planned,” Mr. Osanna said. “Now we’re focused on things that can’t be postponed, like ordinary maintenance.”
In an interview, Anna Coliva, the director of the Borghese Gallery, also used the word “disaster” to describe the loss of revenue at the gallery, which can now allow 400 visitors a day instead of 2,000. “We’re losing 500,000 euros a month in ticket sales, events and royalties,” said Ms. Coliva, who will retire this month after more than a quarter century at the gallery.In an interview, Anna Coliva, the director of the Borghese Gallery, also used the word “disaster” to describe the loss of revenue at the gallery, which can now allow 400 visitors a day instead of 2,000. “We’re losing 500,000 euros a month in ticket sales, events and royalties,” said Ms. Coliva, who will retire this month after more than a quarter century at the gallery.
The coming months were going to be tough for MAXXI, Italy’s national museum of contemporary art, said the president of its foundation, Giovanna Melandri. “The damage is huge,” she said Tuesday, speaking of the lockdown that deprived the museum, and many Italians, of their livelihoods.The coming months were going to be tough for MAXXI, Italy’s national museum of contemporary art, said the president of its foundation, Giovanna Melandri. “The damage is huge,” she said Tuesday, speaking of the lockdown that deprived the museum, and many Italians, of their livelihoods.
At the Uffizi in Florence, which opened Wednesday, black dots have been glued to the floor in front of the museum’s heaviest hitters — works by Botticelli, Piero della Francesca, Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio — to ensure that people maintain social distancing. The gallery has halved the number of people who can visit at any time, to 450 from 900, and capped guided tours at 10 people.At the Uffizi in Florence, which opened Wednesday, black dots have been glued to the floor in front of the museum’s heaviest hitters — works by Botticelli, Piero della Francesca, Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio — to ensure that people maintain social distancing. The gallery has halved the number of people who can visit at any time, to 450 from 900, and capped guided tours at 10 people.
At a news conference on Wednesday, Eike Schmidt, the Uffizi’s director, said, “It would be wonderful if the model of relaxed tourism that we are experimenting at the Uffizi in this particular historical moment become the model for tourism in the future.”At a news conference on Wednesday, Eike Schmidt, the Uffizi’s director, said, “It would be wonderful if the model of relaxed tourism that we are experimenting at the Uffizi in this particular historical moment become the model for tourism in the future.”
The Uffizi had lost 12 million euros, around $13.5 million, during the 85 days it was closed, he told reporters in Florence.The Uffizi had lost 12 million euros, around $13.5 million, during the 85 days it was closed, he told reporters in Florence.
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.
With a maximum of 20,000 visitors per day at the Colosseum in pre-coronavirus times, the current cap of 650 made visiting the site refreshingly relaxing on Monday. Colosseum officials were happy that a “slow, more aware sort of tourism” would allow the monument to reopen “on the right foot,” said Alfonsina Russo, the state official who oversees the monument and other archaeological sites in downtown Rome.With a maximum of 20,000 visitors per day at the Colosseum in pre-coronavirus times, the current cap of 650 made visiting the site refreshingly relaxing on Monday. Colosseum officials were happy that a “slow, more aware sort of tourism” would allow the monument to reopen “on the right foot,” said Alfonsina Russo, the state official who oversees the monument and other archaeological sites in downtown Rome.
Normally, she said, the Colosseum — “a symbol of Italy and of Rome” — is “besieged by tourists” who “weren’t always aware of what they were visiting.”Normally, she said, the Colosseum — “a symbol of Italy and of Rome” — is “besieged by tourists” who “weren’t always aware of what they were visiting.”
But as the site’s revenues account for a chunk of financing for other monuments, their absence will be a big loss, said Federica Rinaldi, the state official responsible for the amphitheater.But as the site’s revenues account for a chunk of financing for other monuments, their absence will be a big loss, said Federica Rinaldi, the state official responsible for the amphitheater.
To say that the Vatican Museums are normally besieged by tourists is an understatement. Barbara Jatta, the director, said that some days as many as 29,000 have filed through the doors compared with the few hundred they are allowing in every hour. “Now, we are missing the crowds,” she said.To say that the Vatican Museums are normally besieged by tourists is an understatement. Barbara Jatta, the director, said that some days as many as 29,000 have filed through the doors compared with the few hundred they are allowing in every hour. “Now, we are missing the crowds,” she said.
The museum’s coffers had suffered, she said, not only for lost ticket and trinket sales but also because the Vatican had refunded thousands of tickets booked for 2020.The museum’s coffers had suffered, she said, not only for lost ticket and trinket sales but also because the Vatican had refunded thousands of tickets booked for 2020.
To commemorate the 500th anniversary this year of Raphael’s death, new lighting was installed in the room housing the famed tapestries based on his cartoons. The room was set to be inaugurated on April 20, during a symposium on the artist, when the museum also planned to unveil the recently restored Hall of Constantine, which visitors saw in its refreshed guise Monday.To commemorate the 500th anniversary this year of Raphael’s death, new lighting was installed in the room housing the famed tapestries based on his cartoons. The room was set to be inaugurated on April 20, during a symposium on the artist, when the museum also planned to unveil the recently restored Hall of Constantine, which visitors saw in its refreshed guise Monday.
On Monday, the Campbell family, Swiss residents who have lived in Rome for the past three years, were among the 30 people gaping at the Sistine Chapel, normally so crowded that guards spend most of their time shushing sardine-packed visitors.On Monday, the Campbell family, Swiss residents who have lived in Rome for the past three years, were among the 30 people gaping at the Sistine Chapel, normally so crowded that guards spend most of their time shushing sardine-packed visitors.
“It’s amazing,” said Franziska Campbell, the mother. She said that when a friend from Switzerland had visited last summer, she’d been pushed through so quickly she hadn’t had time to see the famed fresco of the creation of Adam and had to come back.“It’s amazing,” said Franziska Campbell, the mother. She said that when a friend from Switzerland had visited last summer, she’d been pushed through so quickly she hadn’t had time to see the famed fresco of the creation of Adam and had to come back.
“We’re seeing Rome as no one normally sees it, everything is tourist free,” said Valerie Chambert, a nuclear physicist who lives in Rome, after finishing her Vatican visit. “It’s a pity for the hotels and the restaurants, but for us it is great,” she said.“We’re seeing Rome as no one normally sees it, everything is tourist free,” said Valerie Chambert, a nuclear physicist who lives in Rome, after finishing her Vatican visit. “It’s a pity for the hotels and the restaurants, but for us it is great,” she said.