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Coronavirus in N.Y.: Without Chinese Tourists, Business Sags Coronavirus in N.Y.: Without Chinese Tourists, Business Sags
(about 20 hours later)
The manager of a hotel near Newark Liberty International Airport that relies on tourists from China estimated the loss from the coronavirus outbreak at “well over $100,000 and climbing.”The manager of a hotel near Newark Liberty International Airport that relies on tourists from China estimated the loss from the coronavirus outbreak at “well over $100,000 and climbing.”
A company that arranges Chinese-language bus tours of the sights in Manhattan is dealing with as many as 300 cancellations from Chinese tourists who cannot come to New York this week.A company that arranges Chinese-language bus tours of the sights in Manhattan is dealing with as many as 300 cancellations from Chinese tourists who cannot come to New York this week.
The owner of a travel agency in Queens who had booked trips for 200 Chinese tourists this week and next has already thought about when he might have to lay off two of his five employees.The owner of a travel agency in Queens who had booked trips for 200 Chinese tourists this week and next has already thought about when he might have to lay off two of his five employees.
With health officials scrambling to deal with an outbreak that is spreading around the world, tour operators and travel agents in the New York area are bracing for the economic pain that will come with empty rooms in hotels and empty seats on tour buses.With health officials scrambling to deal with an outbreak that is spreading around the world, tour operators and travel agents in the New York area are bracing for the economic pain that will come with empty rooms in hotels and empty seats on tour buses.
“It’s going to be a serious financial burden,” said Elizabeth Chin, a travel agent in Fort Lee, N.J., and the chairwoman of the New York chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, a trade group. “The flights are canceled. The tour operators have canceled.”“It’s going to be a serious financial burden,” said Elizabeth Chin, a travel agent in Fort Lee, N.J., and the chairwoman of the New York chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, a trade group. “The flights are canceled. The tour operators have canceled.”
Across the globe, many cities are starting to experience the fallout from the precipitous drop in visitors from China now that the Chinese government has imposed a ban on organized tours and many airlines have suspended flights to and from that country. The coronavirus is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China, late last year.Across the globe, many cities are starting to experience the fallout from the precipitous drop in visitors from China now that the Chinese government has imposed a ban on organized tours and many airlines have suspended flights to and from that country. The coronavirus is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China, late last year.
In London, restaurant operators in the city’s Chinatown have noticed a steep drop in business since the country’s first two cases of the coronavirus were confirmed last week in northeast England.In London, restaurant operators in the city’s Chinatown have noticed a steep drop in business since the country’s first two cases of the coronavirus were confirmed last week in northeast England.
“Compared to the last few months, we lost around 50 percent of our customers,” said Martin Ma, the general manager of Jinli, a restaurant with two locations in London’s Chinatown. “The reason is the virus.”“Compared to the last few months, we lost around 50 percent of our customers,” said Martin Ma, the general manager of Jinli, a restaurant with two locations in London’s Chinatown. “The reason is the virus.”
Health officials in New York had identified three possible cases of the virus. On Tuesday, test results for one of the three patients, all of whom had recently been to China, came back negative. Results for the two other patients were pending. The officials said the city was prepared for the possible spread of the virus, but they cautioned people not to panic.Health officials in New York had identified three possible cases of the virus. On Tuesday, test results for one of the three patients, all of whom had recently been to China, came back negative. Results for the two other patients were pending. The officials said the city was prepared for the possible spread of the virus, but they cautioned people not to panic.
Still, beyond a plunge in Chinese visitors, owners of restaurants and stores in New York’s three main Chinatowns — in Lower Manhattan; Flushing, Queens; and Sunset Park, Brooklyn — say the coronavirus and the fears it has stoked are hurting business.Still, beyond a plunge in Chinese visitors, owners of restaurants and stores in New York’s three main Chinatowns — in Lower Manhattan; Flushing, Queens; and Sunset Park, Brooklyn — say the coronavirus and the fears it has stoked are hurting business.
At restaurants in Manhattan’s Chinatown, workers and owners said business had dropped 50 to 70 percent in the last 10 days.At restaurants in Manhattan’s Chinatown, workers and owners said business had dropped 50 to 70 percent in the last 10 days.
In New York City, Chinese tourists represent the second-largest group of foreign travelers. (Visitors from Britain are No. 1.)In New York City, Chinese tourists represent the second-largest group of foreign travelers. (Visitors from Britain are No. 1.)
Nationwide, China was the third-largest source of overseas visitors to the United States in 2018, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Among cities, New York was the top destination, followed by Los Angeles.Nationwide, China was the third-largest source of overseas visitors to the United States in 2018, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Among cities, New York was the top destination, followed by Los Angeles.
Bruce Zhu, the manager of China Tour Travel Services in Flushing, Queens, had booked hotel rooms and made sightseeing-tour arrangements for 200 people who were scheduled to arrive from China in the next two weeks. He said that was a typical number for early to mid-February.Bruce Zhu, the manager of China Tour Travel Services in Flushing, Queens, had booked hotel rooms and made sightseeing-tour arrangements for 200 people who were scheduled to arrive from China in the next two weeks. He said that was a typical number for early to mid-February.
“It’s a big problem,” he said. “We have to cancel the bookings, cancel the hotels. We lose a lot of money on the bookings.”“It’s a big problem,” he said. “We have to cancel the bookings, cancel the hotels. We lose a lot of money on the bookings.”
He said he might have to lay off two of his five employees, the two who work in the office full time. (The other three employees work from home as needed, he said.)He said he might have to lay off two of his five employees, the two who work in the office full time. (The other three employees work from home as needed, he said.)
He said he would decide whether to cut back in about a month. “If there’s good news, they’ll continue,” he said. “If the news is no good, not.”He said he would decide whether to cut back in about a month. “If there’s good news, they’ll continue,” he said. “If the news is no good, not.”
Don Chan, the manager at a company that schedules Chinese-language bus tours, said that after the coronavirus outbreak became known but before travel restrictions took effect, the number of customers on each bus had been about half what it was a year ago — 10 to 20 customers a day, compared with 30 to 40 a day last year.Don Chan, the manager at a company that schedules Chinese-language bus tours, said that after the coronavirus outbreak became known but before travel restrictions took effect, the number of customers on each bus had been about half what it was a year ago — 10 to 20 customers a day, compared with 30 to 40 a day last year.
Now, he said, he has 15 tour guides who know that fewer passengers will mean less wrangling on and off the buses, and also less in tips.Now, he said, he has 15 tour guides who know that fewer passengers will mean less wrangling on and off the buses, and also less in tips.
“It’s all stopped — zero,” said another travel agent in Flushing, Lijun Yang, who typically arranges one tour bus a day to Manhattan. “No Times Square, no Empire State Building, no Metropolitan Museum, no Wall Street, no United Nations.”“It’s all stopped — zero,” said another travel agent in Flushing, Lijun Yang, who typically arranges one tour bus a day to Manhattan. “No Times Square, no Empire State Building, no Metropolitan Museum, no Wall Street, no United Nations.”
Outside the office of Universal Vision in Flushing, which books sightseeing trips to Manhattan as well as to places like Niagara Falls, brochures promised “tours every day.” But employees said there was no one to fill the seats on the company’s minivans and buses.Outside the office of Universal Vision in Flushing, which books sightseeing trips to Manhattan as well as to places like Niagara Falls, brochures promised “tours every day.” But employees said there was no one to fill the seats on the company’s minivans and buses.
One employee said on Monday that the company had handled cancellations for 200 to 300 customers for this week and at least as many cancellations for the weeks ahead.One employee said on Monday that the company had handled cancellations for 200 to 300 customers for this week and at least as many cancellations for the weeks ahead.
Hotels popular with Chinese tour operators and travel agents are also feeling the pinch. The manager of the Best Western Queens Court in Flushing said cancellations and no-shows had begun before travel restrictions took effect, reducing business 25 percent in the last two weeks of January.Hotels popular with Chinese tour operators and travel agents are also feeling the pinch. The manager of the Best Western Queens Court in Flushing said cancellations and no-shows had begun before travel restrictions took effect, reducing business 25 percent in the last two weeks of January.
Another hotel that counts on business from China, the Wyndham Garden Newark Airport, is likely to lose $250,000 to $300,000 worth of business in the next 90 days, said the general manager, Dwayne Cronce. He said he was already facing a loss of well over $100,000 from cancellations and no-shows.Another hotel that counts on business from China, the Wyndham Garden Newark Airport, is likely to lose $250,000 to $300,000 worth of business in the next 90 days, said the general manager, Dwayne Cronce. He said he was already facing a loss of well over $100,000 from cancellations and no-shows.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
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.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“Like everything else, it will work itself out,” he said. “But the initial impact? Very difficult.”“Like everything else, it will work itself out,” he said. “But the initial impact? Very difficult.”
Tourism Economics, which conducts travel-industry research, is predicting a 28 percent drop in visitors to the United States from China in 2020 and $5.8 billion less in spending. The firm based its forecast on the timeline of the SARS outbreak in 2003 — which lasted about four months — and the travel industry’s rebound. It took another three years for the number of travelers from China to return to pre-SARS numbers.Tourism Economics, which conducts travel-industry research, is predicting a 28 percent drop in visitors to the United States from China in 2020 and $5.8 billion less in spending. The firm based its forecast on the timeline of the SARS outbreak in 2003 — which lasted about four months — and the travel industry’s rebound. It took another three years for the number of travelers from China to return to pre-SARS numbers.
Last week, before the Trump administration advised Americans not to travel to China, STR, a travel research company, said 2020 would be a “non-growth year” for hotels in the United States in revenue per available room, the hotel industry’s benchmark indicator. That prediction came after nine years of relatively strong growth.Last week, before the Trump administration advised Americans not to travel to China, STR, a travel research company, said 2020 would be a “non-growth year” for hotels in the United States in revenue per available room, the hotel industry’s benchmark indicator. That prediction came after nine years of relatively strong growth.
“There’s never a good time for something like coronavirus,” said Carter Wilson, STR’s senior vice president of consulting and analytics, “but the U.S. hotel industry is in more of a vulnerable position now than it was three or four years ago.”“There’s never a good time for something like coronavirus,” said Carter Wilson, STR’s senior vice president of consulting and analytics, “but the U.S. hotel industry is in more of a vulnerable position now than it was three or four years ago.”
Sean F. Hennessey, an assistant professor at New York University who follows the travel industry, said the economic impact was likely to be greater than during the SARS outbreak because China accounted for less than 2 percent of the city’s foreign visitors then.Sean F. Hennessey, an assistant professor at New York University who follows the travel industry, said the economic impact was likely to be greater than during the SARS outbreak because China accounted for less than 2 percent of the city’s foreign visitors then.
In 2018, according to figures from NYC & Company, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, just under 8 percent of the foreign travelers who visited New York came from China.In 2018, according to figures from NYC & Company, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, just under 8 percent of the foreign travelers who visited New York came from China.
“New York will feel it,” Mr. Hennessey said, referring to the impact of the coronavirus, “because not only have Chinese travelers become an increasingly large portion of the visitor base, but they are one of the most profitable portions of the visitor base, not just for hotels but for the city as a whole. They stay longer and they tend to spend more money.”“New York will feel it,” Mr. Hennessey said, referring to the impact of the coronavirus, “because not only have Chinese travelers become an increasingly large portion of the visitor base, but they are one of the most profitable portions of the visitor base, not just for hotels but for the city as a whole. They stay longer and they tend to spend more money.”
The number of Chinese visiting New York has surged since 2008, when officials from the United States and China cleared the way for vacationers to visit.The number of Chinese visiting New York has surged since 2008, when officials from the United States and China cleared the way for vacationers to visit.
Still, the 1.08 million Chinese who traveled to New York in 2018 represented only 1.6 percent of the city’s 65 million tourists that year, the most recent for which NYC & Company has figures. The vast majority of travelers to New York, some 51.5 million, were Americans from beyond the New York region.Still, the 1.08 million Chinese who traveled to New York in 2018 represented only 1.6 percent of the city’s 65 million tourists that year, the most recent for which NYC & Company has figures. The vast majority of travelers to New York, some 51.5 million, were Americans from beyond the New York region.
For now, some restaurants and stores in Chinatown in Manhattan are not seeing the usual crowds.For now, some restaurants and stores in Chinatown in Manhattan are not seeing the usual crowds.
“For me going shopping, to see the community on the streets of Chinatown, I could tell,” said Joanna C. Lee, who with her husband, Ken Smith, publishes the Pocket Chinese Almanac. “What I would call the number of tourists, the non-Chinese people running around, they’re much less.”“For me going shopping, to see the community on the streets of Chinatown, I could tell,” said Joanna C. Lee, who with her husband, Ken Smith, publishes the Pocket Chinese Almanac. “What I would call the number of tourists, the non-Chinese people running around, they’re much less.”
Steve Ip, the manager of Yin Ji Chang Fen, a restaurant on Bayard Street in Manhattan, said business was off 50 percent. He said that after the Lunar New Year, he expected crowds of students who had been visiting their families in the New York area. But this year, many apparently did not come home.Steve Ip, the manager of Yin Ji Chang Fen, a restaurant on Bayard Street in Manhattan, said business was off 50 percent. He said that after the Lunar New Year, he expected crowds of students who had been visiting their families in the New York area. But this year, many apparently did not come home.
Andy Wang, a manager at the Taiwan Pork Chop House on Doyers Street in Manhattan, said the crowds had become sparse since the outbreak of the coronavirus. Business is down at lunchtime, when Wall Street types usually fill the tables, and also because tourism has fallen off. He said he was stocking his kitchen with fewer ingredients from neighborhood markets.Andy Wang, a manager at the Taiwan Pork Chop House on Doyers Street in Manhattan, said the crowds had become sparse since the outbreak of the coronavirus. Business is down at lunchtime, when Wall Street types usually fill the tables, and also because tourism has fallen off. He said he was stocking his kitchen with fewer ingredients from neighborhood markets.
Reporting was contributed by Michael Gold, Jeffrey E. Singer, Alex Traub and Anjali Tsui in New York, and Benjamin Mueller in London.Reporting was contributed by Michael Gold, Jeffrey E. Singer, Alex Traub and Anjali Tsui in New York, and Benjamin Mueller in London.