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| NETHER WHITACRE, England — Last Tuesday, Morgan Philpott and Neal Foster of the Birmingham Stage Company were in the middle of rehearsing the latest “Horrible Histories” show: a highly successful family theater series in Britain where the country’s past is explained with the aid of fart jokes. | NETHER WHITACRE, England — Last Tuesday, Morgan Philpott and Neal Foster of the Birmingham Stage Company were in the middle of rehearsing the latest “Horrible Histories” show: a highly successful family theater series in Britain where the country’s past is explained with the aid of fart jokes. |
| They had meant to be in a London studio, but coronavirus had caused a change of plan. They were now rehearsing the two-actor, multicharacter show in Foster’s living room, watched over by a collection of china figurines and a family portrait. | They had meant to be in a London studio, but coronavirus had caused a change of plan. They were now rehearsing the two-actor, multicharacter show in Foster’s living room, watched over by a collection of china figurines and a family portrait. |
| The pair had spent much of the morning running through material added to the script to reflect life in the pandemic, such as a routine where Henry VIII’s lusty efforts to attract a wife are thwarted by social distancing. | The pair had spent much of the morning running through material added to the script to reflect life in the pandemic, such as a routine where Henry VIII’s lusty efforts to attract a wife are thwarted by social distancing. |
| But then they got to a scene where Philpott, as that king, had to throw a doll over his shoulder. His first attempt was halfhearted, the doll landing gently on a sofa. His second was anything but: Philpott threw the toy with such force, it smashed straight into a light fitting, sending glass over the carpet. | But then they got to a scene where Philpott, as that king, had to throw a doll over his shoulder. His first attempt was halfhearted, the doll landing gently on a sofa. His second was anything but: Philpott threw the toy with such force, it smashed straight into a light fitting, sending glass over the carpet. |
| Philpott swore loudly. “You don’t get that in London,” he said. Foster told him not to worry. “I’m sure it’ll be covered by my house insurance,” he said. | Philpott swore loudly. “You don’t get that in London,” he said. Foster told him not to worry. “I’m sure it’ll be covered by my house insurance,” he said. |
| “Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain” is, technically, the only West End show still standing after coronavirus, which closed all London’s theaters in March. Next month, the show — they are all written by Foster, and based on the children’s books by Terry Deary — was meant to start a run at London’s Apollo Theater. It is still going ahead, Foster said, except its run will now start July 4 in an altogether different location: the parking lot of Powderham Castle, a visitor attraction about 200 miles west of Britain’s capital city. | “Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain” is, technically, the only West End show still standing after coronavirus, which closed all London’s theaters in March. Next month, the show — they are all written by Foster, and based on the children’s books by Terry Deary — was meant to start a run at London’s Apollo Theater. It is still going ahead, Foster said, except its run will now start July 4 in an altogether different location: the parking lot of Powderham Castle, a visitor attraction about 200 miles west of Britain’s capital city. |
| It’ll then travel to other parking lots across Britain and Northern Ireland playing to drive-in audiences, who’ll stay sat in their cars. If anyone goes to the toilet, they will have to stay two meters (about six feet) away from others, as required by the British government’s social distancing rules. | It’ll then travel to other parking lots across Britain and Northern Ireland playing to drive-in audiences, who’ll stay sat in their cars. If anyone goes to the toilet, they will have to stay two meters (about six feet) away from others, as required by the British government’s social distancing rules. |
| The change of location had forced Foster into some rigorous cost-cutting, he said, starting by doing the rehearsals in his home among hundreds of costumes for his theater company’s other productions. | The change of location had forced Foster into some rigorous cost-cutting, he said, starting by doing the rehearsals in his home among hundreds of costumes for his theater company’s other productions. |
| The fact the show was going ahead at all is, though, one of the few bits of good news British theater has had recently. Since March, newspapers here have been filled with articles warning that theaters face financial ruin without government assistance because they can’t make a profit until social distancing is removed. | The fact the show was going ahead at all is, though, one of the few bits of good news British theater has had recently. Since March, newspapers here have been filled with articles warning that theaters face financial ruin without government assistance because they can’t make a profit until social distancing is removed. |
| “British theater is on the brink of total collapse,” wrote the producer Sonia Friedman in The Daily Telegraph. “I know it sounds melodramatic,” she added, “but it is a statement of fact.” Several major theaters, including Shakespeare’s Globe, have issued similar warnings, as have stars like the director Sam Mendes. | “British theater is on the brink of total collapse,” wrote the producer Sonia Friedman in The Daily Telegraph. “I know it sounds melodramatic,” she added, “but it is a statement of fact.” Several major theaters, including Shakespeare’s Globe, have issued similar warnings, as have stars like the director Sam Mendes. |
| On June 9, Oliver Dowden, Britain’s culture secretary, told The Evening Standard newspaper that help was coming. “Of course I want to get the money flowing,” he said. “I am not going to let anyone down.” But that vague promise has not stopped the talk of crisis. Cameron Mackintosh, the theater impresario behind shows like “Les Misérables,” had started consulting staff about potential redundancies, a spokeswoman said. | On June 9, Oliver Dowden, Britain’s culture secretary, told The Evening Standard newspaper that help was coming. “Of course I want to get the money flowing,” he said. “I am not going to let anyone down.” But that vague promise has not stopped the talk of crisis. Cameron Mackintosh, the theater impresario behind shows like “Les Misérables,” had started consulting staff about potential redundancies, a spokeswoman said. |
| Foster said his show was not a sign the crisis in British theater has been overplayed, just as the boom in drive-in movies or drive-in discos did not mean there wasn’t a crisis in those areas of culture. “I don’t think theaters will be open until at least next spring,” he said. The simple reason to do the car park shows, he added, was “just to do something,” to keep telling stories and bring in money to pay his staff and freelancers. | Foster said his show was not a sign the crisis in British theater has been overplayed, just as the boom in drive-in movies or drive-in discos did not mean there wasn’t a crisis in those areas of culture. “I don’t think theaters will be open until at least next spring,” he said. The simple reason to do the car park shows, he added, was “just to do something,” to keep telling stories and bring in money to pay his staff and freelancers. |
| Philpott, who had been hired just for this series of shows, agreed. His first thought after being offered the job was, he said: “‘Flippin’ heck, I’m going to be able to pay my mortgage next month.’” | Philpott, who had been hired just for this series of shows, agreed. His first thought after being offered the job was, he said: “‘Flippin’ heck, I’m going to be able to pay my mortgage next month.’” |
| Some London theaters are trying to get plays restarted, but in much altered form. Beginning June 26, the Old Vic Theater is streaming performances of “Lungs,” starring Claire Foy and Matt Smith. The actors will perform in the empty theater, but tickets are being sold as if it were a normal performance, with people asked to pay for a specific seat at prices of up to £65, about $80. | Some London theaters are trying to get plays restarted, but in much altered form. Beginning June 26, the Old Vic Theater is streaming performances of “Lungs,” starring Claire Foy and Matt Smith. The actors will perform in the empty theater, but tickets are being sold as if it were a normal performance, with people asked to pay for a specific seat at prices of up to £65, about $80. |
| And the popular immersive version of “The Great Gatsby” plans to reopen in London in October, but with 90 guests per show (down from 240), and without dancing a Charleston that requires strangers to touch. | And the popular immersive version of “The Great Gatsby” plans to reopen in London in October, but with 90 guests per show (down from 240), and without dancing a Charleston that requires strangers to touch. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| In telephone interviews, the artistic directors of several London theaters, including the Royal Court and Young Vic, said they were examining ideas to create some form of theatrical experiences, such as staging one-off events outside this summer, dependent on financial assistance or philanthropy. But so far no one had got as far as the “Horrible Histories” events being organized by Car Park Party, a new company. | In telephone interviews, the artistic directors of several London theaters, including the Royal Court and Young Vic, said they were examining ideas to create some form of theatrical experiences, such as staging one-off events outside this summer, dependent on financial assistance or philanthropy. But so far no one had got as far as the “Horrible Histories” events being organized by Car Park Party, a new company. |
| Foster said he had no problem performing on a lorry to cars. It might even make for a better show, he said. “Sometimes in the West End, you get a group who’ve had to trudge in on the Underground and they sit in the front row, arms crossed, and you look down and think, ‘Why did you come?’” | Foster said he had no problem performing on a lorry to cars. It might even make for a better show, he said. “Sometimes in the West End, you get a group who’ve had to trudge in on the Underground and they sit in the front row, arms crossed, and you look down and think, ‘Why did you come?’” |
| “This will be totally different,” he added. “It’s so ridiculous and unusual and a one-off, I’ve got a feeling everyone will be up for it.” | “This will be totally different,” he added. “It’s so ridiculous and unusual and a one-off, I’ve got a feeling everyone will be up for it.” |
| Foster insisted that the change of venue wouldn’t impact the show’s content, but Britain’s rule on social distancing was proving a little harder for he and his co-star to manage. During the rehearsal, they ran through a scene based on the life of Guy Fawkes. At one point, Philpott had to creep up behind Foster and light a barrel of gunpowder he was holding. | Foster insisted that the change of venue wouldn’t impact the show’s content, but Britain’s rule on social distancing was proving a little harder for he and his co-star to manage. During the rehearsal, they ran through a scene based on the life of Guy Fawkes. At one point, Philpott had to creep up behind Foster and light a barrel of gunpowder he was holding. |
| “Ah, this is tricky,” Foster said. “How can you do that without you getting too close?” The two stood in silence for a moment. “Maybe we could get a really long match,” Philpott said, with a laugh. | “Ah, this is tricky,” Foster said. “How can you do that without you getting too close?” The two stood in silence for a moment. “Maybe we could get a really long match,” Philpott said, with a laugh. |
| Forster said that the coronavirus had also forced him to tone down a scene about the Black Death, the pandemic that ravaged Britain in the 14th century. But it did not seem that way during the rehearsal. “The bubonic plague?” Philpott said at one point, reading off the script. “Thank goodness things like that don’t happen today.” | Forster said that the coronavirus had also forced him to tone down a scene about the Black Death, the pandemic that ravaged Britain in the 14th century. But it did not seem that way during the rehearsal. “The bubonic plague?” Philpott said at one point, reading off the script. “Thank goodness things like that don’t happen today.” |
| The pair then rehearsed the scene, which detailed crackpot remedies to cure and avoid catching the plague: from drinking treacle to rubbing a toy chicken’s posterior on your face. | The pair then rehearsed the scene, which detailed crackpot remedies to cure and avoid catching the plague: from drinking treacle to rubbing a toy chicken’s posterior on your face. |
| The scene was very funny, but felt close to the bone given some of the crackpot cures that have been suggested for coronavirus. Foster said afterward that he hadn’t ever considered dropping the scene. It had a message for today. “The story of the plague is, ‘We survived it,’ he said. “It was horrific, much more than coronavirus, but we did.” | The scene was very funny, but felt close to the bone given some of the crackpot cures that have been suggested for coronavirus. Foster said afterward that he hadn’t ever considered dropping the scene. It had a message for today. “The story of the plague is, ‘We survived it,’ he said. “It was horrific, much more than coronavirus, but we did.” |