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New York is Bracing for the Coronavirus New York is Bracing for the Coronavirus
(7 days later)
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It’s Tuesday.It’s Tuesday.
Weather: Breezy and partly sunny, with a high in the low 40s.Weather: Breezy and partly sunny, with a high in the low 40s.
Alternate-side parking: In effect until Feb. 12 (Lincoln’s Birthday).Alternate-side parking: In effect until Feb. 12 (Lincoln’s Birthday).
New York City is home to the largest Chinese population of any city outside Asia, officials here say. And people have been celebrating the Lunar New Year, one of China’s biggest holidays, with events throughout New York and trips to China to visit relatives.New York City is home to the largest Chinese population of any city outside Asia, officials here say. And people have been celebrating the Lunar New Year, one of China’s biggest holidays, with events throughout New York and trips to China to visit relatives.
So, when a new coronavirus began spreading in Wuhan, China, New York officials took notice.So, when a new coronavirus began spreading in Wuhan, China, New York officials took notice.
In China, the virus has killed more than 100 people and sickened more than 4,500. In affected areas, Chinese officials have closed schools, curtailed bus travel and canceled public gatherings, hoping to prevent the virus from spreading.In China, the virus has killed more than 100 people and sickened more than 4,500. In affected areas, Chinese officials have closed schools, curtailed bus travel and canceled public gatherings, hoping to prevent the virus from spreading.
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in the United States, including in California, Washington State, Arizona and Chicago. All of those patients had recently traveled to China, The Times reported.Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in the United States, including in California, Washington State, Arizona and Chicago. All of those patients had recently traveled to China, The Times reported.
[New York braces for the coronavirus.][New York braces for the coronavirus.]
In New York, “it’s inevitable that we will have someone who is positive with coronavirus,” the city’s health commissioner, Dr. Oxiris Barbot, told my colleagues on Sunday.In New York, “it’s inevitable that we will have someone who is positive with coronavirus,” the city’s health commissioner, Dr. Oxiris Barbot, told my colleagues on Sunday.
It is a virus that attacks the respiratory system in humans and animals.It is a virus that attacks the respiratory system in humans and animals.
Symptoms can include a fever, severe cough, difficulty breathing and lung lesions. Milder cases may seem to be the flu or a bad cold. After a person is infected, it can take up to two weeks for symptoms to appear.Symptoms can include a fever, severe cough, difficulty breathing and lung lesions. Milder cases may seem to be the flu or a bad cold. After a person is infected, it can take up to two weeks for symptoms to appear.
Officials have not fully determined where exactly the virus started or how it is transmitted.Officials have not fully determined where exactly the virus started or how it is transmitted.
Though coronavirus has been reported in countries other than China, it does not appear to be spreading within those countries, according to the World Health Organization.Though coronavirus has been reported in countries other than China, it does not appear to be spreading within those countries, according to the World Health Organization.
“At this time, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission outside China,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the W.H.O.’s director general, said at a news conference. “That doesn’t mean it won’t happen.”“At this time, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission outside China,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the W.H.O.’s director general, said at a news conference. “That doesn’t mean it won’t happen.”
Finding out how the coronavirus spreads may require help from a disease detective (like those who investigated the measles outbreak in New York last year).Finding out how the coronavirus spreads may require help from a disease detective (like those who investigated the measles outbreak in New York last year).
The mystery surrounding the coronavirus may also overshadow the dangers that New Yorkers face from a more common virus: the flu.The mystery surrounding the coronavirus may also overshadow the dangers that New Yorkers face from a more common virus: the flu.
New York State keeps track of flu cases and reports the totals each week. Starting in October, cases start trickling in. They peak around January and February and usually peter out by August.New York State keeps track of flu cases and reports the totals each week. Starting in October, cases start trickling in. They peak around January and February and usually peter out by August.
The 2017-18 flu season was particularly bad in the state. At its peak, there were more than 10,000 flu cases reported each week for five consecutive weeks, starting toward the end of January.The 2017-18 flu season was particularly bad in the state. At its peak, there were more than 10,000 flu cases reported each week for five consecutive weeks, starting toward the end of January.
This flu season looks as if it may be worse. More than 57,000 flu cases have been reported across the state, according to the New York State Flu Tracker.This flu season looks as if it may be worse. More than 57,000 flu cases have been reported across the state, according to the New York State Flu Tracker.
There were more than 13,000 cases in the state for the week that ended on Jan. 18, the most recent week for which data was available. Of those, more than 7,000 were in New York City.There were more than 13,000 cases in the state for the week that ended on Jan. 18, the most recent week for which data was available. Of those, more than 7,000 were in New York City.
Some people in Queens who recently traveled to China have self-quarantined.Some people in Queens who recently traveled to China have self-quarantined.
Dr. Barbot, the health commissioner, said New Yorkers should remain calm, take precautions and go about their day normally. Travelers should note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that people avoid all nonessential travel to China.Dr. Barbot, the health commissioner, said New Yorkers should remain calm, take precautions and go about their day normally. Travelers should note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that people avoid all nonessential travel to China.
Prince Andrew Offers ‘Zero Cooperation’ in Epstein Case, Prosecutor SaysPrince Andrew Offers ‘Zero Cooperation’ in Epstein Case, Prosecutor Says
Weinstein Trial: ‘I’m Being Raped,’ Recalls ‘Project Runway’ AssistantWeinstein Trial: ‘I’m Being Raped,’ Recalls ‘Project Runway’ Assistant
The Spotted Pig, Where Employees Were Sexually Harassed, ClosesThe Spotted Pig, Where Employees Were Sexually Harassed, Closes
With 130-Mile Coast, New Jersey Marks a First in Climate Change FightWith 130-Mile Coast, New Jersey Marks a First in Climate Change Fight
Want more news? Check out our full coverage.Want more news? Check out our full coverage.
The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.
Lawmakers will investigate why black and Latino people in New York City are issued a disproportionate number of jaywalking tickets. [Streetsblog]Lawmakers will investigate why black and Latino people in New York City are issued a disproportionate number of jaywalking tickets. [Streetsblog]
Will a new bookstore open in the space in Manhattan once occupied by Book Culture? [West Side Rag]Will a new bookstore open in the space in Manhattan once occupied by Book Culture? [West Side Rag]
If the mayor can’t reduce the deer population on Staten Island with vasectomies, the congressman there would be glad to participate in a cull, he said. [Staten Island Advance]If the mayor can’t reduce the deer population on Staten Island with vasectomies, the congressman there would be glad to participate in a cull, he said. [Staten Island Advance]
Learn about paintings inspired by the Indian epic “Ramayana” during a talk at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. 11 a.m. [$30]Learn about paintings inspired by the Indian epic “Ramayana” during a talk at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. 11 a.m. [$30]
The translators of “The Criminal Child: Selected Essays by Jean Genet” discuss their work at McNally Jackson on Prince Street in Manhattan. 7 p.m. [Free]The translators of “The Criminal Child: Selected Essays by Jean Genet” discuss their work at McNally Jackson on Prince Street in Manhattan. 7 p.m. [Free]
“JAMbalaya!” is an evening of New Orleans-style jamming with three brass bands at Drom in Manhattan. 8 p.m. [$10]“JAMbalaya!” is an evening of New Orleans-style jamming with three brass bands at Drom in Manhattan. 8 p.m. [$10]
— Alex Traub— Alex Traub
Events are subject to change, so double-check before heading out. For more events, see the going-out guides from The Times’s culture pages.Events are subject to change, so double-check before heading out. For more events, see the going-out guides from The Times’s culture pages.
Updated June 24, 2020 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.
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.
Kobe Bryant shooting over Jamal Crawford at Madison Square Garden in 2006 as his Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Knicks.Kobe Bryant shooting over Jamal Crawford at Madison Square Garden in 2006 as his Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Knicks.
Mr. Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash north of Los Angeles on Sunday, had a glittering 20-year career with the Lakers that included many visits to Madison Square Garden to take on the Knicks.Mr. Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash north of Los Angeles on Sunday, had a glittering 20-year career with the Lakers that included many visits to Madison Square Garden to take on the Knicks.
But when he first played with his team in New York City, on Nov. 5, 1996, Mr. Bryant didn’t exactly impress onlookers. He started the game on the bench and played just over three minutes. He made one of two free throws. He also had one turnover. By the end, he had scored only 1 point, but the Lakers edged out the Knicks, 98-92.But when he first played with his team in New York City, on Nov. 5, 1996, Mr. Bryant didn’t exactly impress onlookers. He started the game on the bench and played just over three minutes. He made one of two free throws. He also had one turnover. By the end, he had scored only 1 point, but the Lakers edged out the Knicks, 98-92.
Mr. Bryant went on, of course, to have a spectacular career that dazzled legions of fans in New York and beyond. His last game in Manhattan was on Nov. 8, 2015. He started, played more than 32 minutes and scored 18 points — with a pair of 3-pointers, a pair of rebounds, three assists and a steal.Mr. Bryant went on, of course, to have a spectacular career that dazzled legions of fans in New York and beyond. His last game in Manhattan was on Nov. 8, 2015. He started, played more than 32 minutes and scored 18 points — with a pair of 3-pointers, a pair of rebounds, three assists and a steal.
This time, though, the Knicks won, 99-95.This time, though, the Knicks won, 99-95.
It’s Tuesday — stay in the game.It’s Tuesday — stay in the game.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
I was in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal. The couple I was sharing a table with in the food pavilion warmed up to friendly conversation, sharing their recent food discoveries and favorite restaurants.I was in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal. The couple I was sharing a table with in the food pavilion warmed up to friendly conversation, sharing their recent food discoveries and favorite restaurants.
After chatting, they returned to their butternut squash soup, and I to my butter and knekkebrod.After chatting, they returned to their butternut squash soup, and I to my butter and knekkebrod.
The woman received something on her phone.The woman received something on her phone.
“Look,” she said to her husband, “he sent a picture.”“Look,” she said to her husband, “he sent a picture.”
She turned to me.She turned to me.
“Our son just shaved his head bald for the first time,” she said.“Our son just shaved his head bald for the first time,” she said.
Maybe it was my raised eyebrows, or the way I said, “Ohhh.” Either way, she felt the need to explain.Maybe it was my raised eyebrows, or the way I said, “Ohhh.” Either way, she felt the need to explain.
“He already lost most of his hair,” she said. “It’s called ‘embracing it.’”“He already lost most of his hair,” she said. “It’s called ‘embracing it.’”
— Paul Klenk— Paul Klenk
New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.
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