This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/26/world/europe/uk-coronavirus-lockdown.html
The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Lockdown? What Lockdown? Heat Wave Brings Britons Out in Droves | Lockdown? What Lockdown? Heat Wave Brings Britons Out in Droves |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| LONDON — They descended by the tens of thousands on Britain’s southern beaches and jammed into city parks. They cavorted by the hundreds in swamps and streams. They attacked police officers who tried to disperse illegal block parties. And hundreds became stuck in mud flats while trying to reach the sea at low tide. | LONDON — They descended by the tens of thousands on Britain’s southern beaches and jammed into city parks. They cavorted by the hundreds in swamps and streams. They attacked police officers who tried to disperse illegal block parties. And hundreds became stuck in mud flats while trying to reach the sea at low tide. |
| By Friday, the third sweltering day in a row in a country where many homes lack air conditioning, the message was abundantly clear: Many Britons are done with the lockdown. | By Friday, the third sweltering day in a row in a country where many homes lack air conditioning, the message was abundantly clear: Many Britons are done with the lockdown. |
| Although Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain announced a major easing of lockdown restrictions this week and declared the beginning of the end of a “long national hibernation,” all pubs, restaurants and cafes will remain closed until July 4, leaving the public with few venues to enjoy their newfound freedom. | Although Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain announced a major easing of lockdown restrictions this week and declared the beginning of the end of a “long national hibernation,” all pubs, restaurants and cafes will remain closed until July 4, leaving the public with few venues to enjoy their newfound freedom. |
| “It’s like an avalanche of people everywhere,” said Rachel Cox, 55, a resident of Notting Hill in western London who said she had been woken up on Thursday night by the sound of partygoers pelting police officers with various objects. “It’s as if the last three months of fear and caution over the coronavirus vanished overnight.” | “It’s like an avalanche of people everywhere,” said Rachel Cox, 55, a resident of Notting Hill in western London who said she had been woken up on Thursday night by the sound of partygoers pelting police officers with various objects. “It’s as if the last three months of fear and caution over the coronavirus vanished overnight.” |
| Scores of officers came under attack this week as they tried to crack down on illegal street parties. At least 22 officers were injured in south London on Wednesday night as they were attacked with bottles and other objects while breaking up an unauthorized music event. | Scores of officers came under attack this week as they tried to crack down on illegal street parties. At least 22 officers were injured in south London on Wednesday night as they were attacked with bottles and other objects while breaking up an unauthorized music event. |
| Under the government’s new guidance, groups of up to six people are allowed to meet outdoors. But each night, hundreds of people have been gathering on Notting Hill’s Portobello Road for group drinks, block parties, music events and raves. | Under the government’s new guidance, groups of up to six people are allowed to meet outdoors. But each night, hundreds of people have been gathering on Notting Hill’s Portobello Road for group drinks, block parties, music events and raves. |
| Even as the rate of coronavirus deaths and new infections has fallen considerably in recent weeks, scientists have warned that complacency around social distancing measures could set off a second wave of the virus. Britain has the world’s third-highest confirmed coronavirus death toll, with more than 43,000 deaths, and over 300,000 reported infections. | Even as the rate of coronavirus deaths and new infections has fallen considerably in recent weeks, scientists have warned that complacency around social distancing measures could set off a second wave of the virus. Britain has the world’s third-highest confirmed coronavirus death toll, with more than 43,000 deaths, and over 300,000 reported infections. |
| “We’ve been cooped up for so long, and I think it’s understandable that while the virus is under control people want to just go out and have some fun,” said Amy Hodge, a 21-year-old design student who attended a small street party in western London on Thursday. “It was very mellow and chilled. Not everyone is out to cause trouble.” | “We’ve been cooped up for so long, and I think it’s understandable that while the virus is under control people want to just go out and have some fun,” said Amy Hodge, a 21-year-old design student who attended a small street party in western London on Thursday. “It was very mellow and chilled. Not everyone is out to cause trouble.” |
| Although the hot spell — which has sent temperatures into the high 80s Fahrenheit — is expected to subside on Saturday, police patrols will increase over the weekend and all unauthorized gathering will be dispersed, London’s police chief, Cressida Dick, said on Friday. | Although the hot spell — which has sent temperatures into the high 80s Fahrenheit — is expected to subside on Saturday, police patrols will increase over the weekend and all unauthorized gathering will be dispersed, London’s police chief, Cressida Dick, said on Friday. |
| “These events are unlawful,” she said. “They shouldn’t be happening, and for our officers who are simply doing their duty to be attacked in that manner is utterly unacceptable.” | “These events are unlawful,” she said. “They shouldn’t be happening, and for our officers who are simply doing their duty to be attacked in that manner is utterly unacceptable.” |
| In the beach resort of Bournemouth, a major incident was declared on Thursday after emergency response teams were deployed to deal with overcrowding, traffic gridlock and antisocial behavior that included leaving behind mounds of litter, fighting, and urinating and defecating in public. | In the beach resort of Bournemouth, a major incident was declared on Thursday after emergency response teams were deployed to deal with overcrowding, traffic gridlock and antisocial behavior that included leaving behind mounds of litter, fighting, and urinating and defecating in public. |
| Beaches in the area can usually accommodate high volumes of people. But many of their resources, including public bathrooms, are still largely unavailable because of coronavirus restrictions. | Beaches in the area can usually accommodate high volumes of people. But many of their resources, including public bathrooms, are still largely unavailable because of coronavirus restrictions. |
| Under regular circumstances, “the pubs are open, the cafes are open, the hotels are open, people aren’t just congregating here, they are not bringing vast quantities of alcohol,” Vicki Slade, the leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council said in a statement on Thursday. | Under regular circumstances, “the pubs are open, the cafes are open, the hotels are open, people aren’t just congregating here, they are not bringing vast quantities of alcohol,” Vicki Slade, the leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council said in a statement on Thursday. |
| “The behavior of people, parking on the middle of roundabouts and pavements, people defecating in a cardboard box on the beach and leaving it for our staff to deal with, refuse collectors being abused for doing their job,” she said — “that is what made it unprecedented, and that is why we had to take action.” | “The behavior of people, parking on the middle of roundabouts and pavements, people defecating in a cardboard box on the beach and leaving it for our staff to deal with, refuse collectors being abused for doing their job,” she said — “that is what made it unprecedented, and that is why we had to take action.” |
| Hundreds of beachgoers in the seaside town of Weston became trapped in mud flats as they tried to reach the sea during low tide. Pictures shared on social media showed women struggling as they tried to carry children out of the swampy terrain, and the Weston-super-Mare Coast Guard said it had been called out 55 times on Thursday to rescue people stuck in the mud. | Hundreds of beachgoers in the seaside town of Weston became trapped in mud flats as they tried to reach the sea during low tide. Pictures shared on social media showed women struggling as they tried to carry children out of the swampy terrain, and the Weston-super-Mare Coast Guard said it had been called out 55 times on Thursday to rescue people stuck in the mud. |
| In South Wales, where lockdown restrictions remain in place, a violent brawl broke out on a beach on Thursday — a scene that one official described as a “contagion of stupidity,” the BBC reported. | In South Wales, where lockdown restrictions remain in place, a violent brawl broke out on a beach on Thursday — a scene that one official described as a “contagion of stupidity,” the BBC reported. |
| Updated June 24, 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. | Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | 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. |
| Matt Hancock, the country’s health secretary, threatened to close down beaches if social distancing measures continued to be violated. | |
| “We do have that power,” he said. “I am reluctant to use it because people have had a pretty tough lockdown and I want everybody to be able to enjoy the sunshine. But the key is to do it with respect for the rules.” | “We do have that power,” he said. “I am reluctant to use it because people have had a pretty tough lockdown and I want everybody to be able to enjoy the sunshine. But the key is to do it with respect for the rules.” |
| Thousands of Liverpool soccer fans also gathered on Thursday night to celebrate their Premier League championship victory, even though the police had urged them to stay at home. Jubilant fans descended onto the streets outside the team’s stadium in northwestern England where they sang, danced and set off fireworks. | Thousands of Liverpool soccer fans also gathered on Thursday night to celebrate their Premier League championship victory, even though the police had urged them to stay at home. Jubilant fans descended onto the streets outside the team’s stadium in northwestern England where they sang, danced and set off fireworks. |
| Liverpool has been disproportionately hit by the coronavirus, and the city’s mayor, Joe Anderson, said it was disappointing that so many fans had ignored the pandemic guidelines. | Liverpool has been disproportionately hit by the coronavirus, and the city’s mayor, Joe Anderson, said it was disappointing that so many fans had ignored the pandemic guidelines. |
| “Not all of them young people, but most of them young people, gathered to celebrate and drink,” he told the BBC’s Today Program. “It’s disappointing, it’s absolutely disappointing in the same way that it was to see the scenes on Bournemouth beach.” | “Not all of them young people, but most of them young people, gathered to celebrate and drink,” he told the BBC’s Today Program. “It’s disappointing, it’s absolutely disappointing in the same way that it was to see the scenes on Bournemouth beach.” |
| On Friday, the weather cooled down a bit, but London’s parks were still full of large groups frolicking, sunbathing and exercising. | On Friday, the weather cooled down a bit, but London’s parks were still full of large groups frolicking, sunbathing and exercising. |
| “Thousands of people should not be sitting on top of each other at the beach, and the parks should not be this full during a pandemic,” said Anton Bregman, a dancer from western London, as he meandered through groups of people in London’s Hyde Park on his roller skates. | “Thousands of people should not be sitting on top of each other at the beach, and the parks should not be this full during a pandemic,” said Anton Bregman, a dancer from western London, as he meandered through groups of people in London’s Hyde Park on his roller skates. |
| “I get the frustration, though,” he said. “I mean, we’re allowed out now, but everywhere is still shut. Where exactly are we all supposed to go?” | “I get the frustration, though,” he said. “I mean, we’re allowed out now, but everywhere is still shut. Where exactly are we all supposed to go?” |