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Panic Shopping for Coronavirus Supplies, but Brunch Is Packed Panic Shopping for Coronavirus Supplies, but Brunch Is Packed
(3 days later)
Some pharmacies are seeing huge queues of customers buying hand sanitizers and face masks. One newsstand owner is cleaning his hands obsessively with a bowl of warm water that he keeps inside his stall. A bar owner has written to the mayor to see whether the city can offer licenses for takeout cocktails.Some pharmacies are seeing huge queues of customers buying hand sanitizers and face masks. One newsstand owner is cleaning his hands obsessively with a bowl of warm water that he keeps inside his stall. A bar owner has written to the mayor to see whether the city can offer licenses for takeout cocktails.
For weeks, New Yorkers braced for the arrival of the coronavirus, even while day-to-day life in the city seemingly had not changed.For weeks, New Yorkers braced for the arrival of the coronavirus, even while day-to-day life in the city seemingly had not changed.
Through this weekend, restaurants had been full, and tourists still headed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and lined up for Broadway shows.Through this weekend, restaurants had been full, and tourists still headed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and lined up for Broadway shows.
But that resiliency may soon be tested as the first case of coronavirus in New York State was confirmed on Sunday night. A woman in her 30s who had traveled in Iran has the virus and is isolated in her home in Manhattan, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced.But that resiliency may soon be tested as the first case of coronavirus in New York State was confirmed on Sunday night. A woman in her 30s who had traveled in Iran has the virus and is isolated in her home in Manhattan, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced.
Even before this first confirmed case, many pharmacies in the city said that they had been out of sanitizers, antibacterial wipes and masks for weeks. Jean-Marie Maroulis, a pharmacist at the Village Apothecary in Manhattan, said that the number of customers there had increased by a third amid fears of the virus. Toni Tooley, an employee at a Rite Aid in Chelsea, said those supplies were out of stock.Even before this first confirmed case, many pharmacies in the city said that they had been out of sanitizers, antibacterial wipes and masks for weeks. Jean-Marie Maroulis, a pharmacist at the Village Apothecary in Manhattan, said that the number of customers there had increased by a third amid fears of the virus. Toni Tooley, an employee at a Rite Aid in Chelsea, said those supplies were out of stock.
“When we get them, people buy like 10 boxes,” she said. “Every time we get them, the next day they are gone.” She added: “We don’t have any hand sanitizer in the store at all. We barely have wipes.”“When we get them, people buy like 10 boxes,” she said. “Every time we get them, the next day they are gone.” She added: “We don’t have any hand sanitizer in the store at all. We barely have wipes.”
Before the announcement on Sunday night, New York City’s health department said that two more people had been tested for the virus and were awaiting results, bringing the total number tested to 11. The nine other tests had come back negative.Before the announcement on Sunday night, New York City’s health department said that two more people had been tested for the virus and were awaiting results, bringing the total number tested to 11. The nine other tests had come back negative.
The case that was confirmed on Sunday night was tested at the Wadsworth Center in Albany and will be sent on to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s lab in Atlanta for confirmation. Previously, all patient samples had been sent to the C.D.C. for initial testing.The case that was confirmed on Sunday night was tested at the Wadsworth Center in Albany and will be sent on to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s lab in Atlanta for confirmation. Previously, all patient samples had been sent to the C.D.C. for initial testing.
New York City officials also said that the Food and Drug Administration had approved their application to develop their own coronavirus test and would soon begin administering it in the city.New York City officials also said that the Food and Drug Administration had approved their application to develop their own coronavirus test and would soon begin administering it in the city.
“This approval will expedite wait time and improve New York’s ability to more effectively manage the coronavirus situation as it unfolds,” Mr. Cuomo said in a statement.For many, Sunday night, life was continuing as usual — with some small adjustments. Some said they were reducing handshakes and hugs, while others said they were contorting themselves on the subway to keep from touching the poles. Street entertainers were asking to be paid by credit card rather than with cash.“This approval will expedite wait time and improve New York’s ability to more effectively manage the coronavirus situation as it unfolds,” Mr. Cuomo said in a statement.For many, Sunday night, life was continuing as usual — with some small adjustments. Some said they were reducing handshakes and hugs, while others said they were contorting themselves on the subway to keep from touching the poles. Street entertainers were asking to be paid by credit card rather than with cash.
Meryam Khodja, 27, a regular commuter into New York who was at the Port Authority on Friday, rattled off a list of people who were worried about the disease: “My sister, her boyfriend, my boyfriend, his mom, my parents,” she said.Meryam Khodja, 27, a regular commuter into New York who was at the Port Authority on Friday, rattled off a list of people who were worried about the disease: “My sister, her boyfriend, my boyfriend, his mom, my parents,” she said.
Ms. Khodja had hoped to see “Aladdin” on Broadway, she said, but that plan was abandoned after her boyfriend said that sitting in a packed room with strangers was too much of a risk.Ms. Khodja had hoped to see “Aladdin” on Broadway, she said, but that plan was abandoned after her boyfriend said that sitting in a packed room with strangers was too much of a risk.
And then there was Keyur Patel, 21, who runs a newsstand near Herald Square in Manhattan.And then there was Keyur Patel, 21, who runs a newsstand near Herald Square in Manhattan.
Mr. Patel keeps hand sanitizer and a bowl of water for washing his hands inside his stall. When a sneezing customer makes a purchase, Mr. Patel said, he makes sure to wait until that person has walked away before vigorously washing his hands.Mr. Patel keeps hand sanitizer and a bowl of water for washing his hands inside his stall. When a sneezing customer makes a purchase, Mr. Patel said, he makes sure to wait until that person has walked away before vigorously washing his hands.
“I don’t know if they’re sick or not, but they do buy Kleenex,” he said. “This one, Kleenex, has been selling a lot.”“I don’t know if they’re sick or not, but they do buy Kleenex,” he said. “This one, Kleenex, has been selling a lot.”
Some museums have seen a dip in the number of visitors.Some museums have seen a dip in the number of visitors.
“Attendance is only slightly below what we modeled for the year during the past couple of weeks, although we are mindful that the rapidly changing environment may deter some travel plans,” said Kenneth Weine, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.“Attendance is only slightly below what we modeled for the year during the past couple of weeks, although we are mindful that the rapidly changing environment may deter some travel plans,” said Kenneth Weine, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Mr. Weine said museum officials were consulting with staff and community members to ensure a safe environment. Safety concerns over the virus caused workers at the Louvre in Paris to walk out on Sunday, causing the museum to turn away tourists.Mr. Weine said museum officials were consulting with staff and community members to ensure a safe environment. Safety concerns over the virus caused workers at the Louvre in Paris to walk out on Sunday, causing the museum to turn away tourists.
In New York, some people said they were not entirely sure what the virus was or what exactly would prevent it, so they were taking all precautionary measures, like hoarding face masks, even though the surgeon general has urged people to stop buying them because they are not effective.In New York, some people said they were not entirely sure what the virus was or what exactly would prevent it, so they were taking all precautionary measures, like hoarding face masks, even though the surgeon general has urged people to stop buying them because they are not effective.
“Self-preservate! That’s the best way to put it without saying, ‘Don’t be dirty,’” said Jaquan Jones, 28, who operates a carousel in Battery Park and who asks customers to pay by credit card. “That’s right — treat yourself like your favorite meal.”“Self-preservate! That’s the best way to put it without saying, ‘Don’t be dirty,’” said Jaquan Jones, 28, who operates a carousel in Battery Park and who asks customers to pay by credit card. “That’s right — treat yourself like your favorite meal.”
Ayushi Kedar, 25, who was visiting from Boston, said she had heard from her sister that the virus came from sea animals. (Nothing from news reports so far indicate that this is true.) “So I stopped eating seafood for some time,” she said.Ayushi Kedar, 25, who was visiting from Boston, said she had heard from her sister that the virus came from sea animals. (Nothing from news reports so far indicate that this is true.) “So I stopped eating seafood for some time,” she said.
Bentley Eldridge, 17, who was visiting from Seattle with classmates to attend a model United Nations conference, said his grandmother had told him to take zinc during the trip. Others on the trip said their mothers had urged them to take multivitamins. “How many thousands of people were just at the opening ceremony?” Mr. Eldridge asked nervously.Bentley Eldridge, 17, who was visiting from Seattle with classmates to attend a model United Nations conference, said his grandmother had told him to take zinc during the trip. Others on the trip said their mothers had urged them to take multivitamins. “How many thousands of people were just at the opening ceremony?” Mr. Eldridge asked nervously.
Annie Lanier, who owns Black Rabbit, a bar in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, said she was starting to get nervous about the potential repercussions from the coronavirus on her business and the thousands of other small businesses in New York, which employ about four million people.Annie Lanier, who owns Black Rabbit, a bar in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, said she was starting to get nervous about the potential repercussions from the coronavirus on her business and the thousands of other small businesses in New York, which employ about four million people.
“If we had a 20 percent decrease in business, that would be really scary,” she said, adding that she had written to the mayor to see whether alcohol licenses could be altered to allow home deliveries of cocktails and alcoholic beverages. “We would not be able to pay bills and salary. It would get serious very quickly.”“If we had a 20 percent decrease in business, that would be really scary,” she said, adding that she had written to the mayor to see whether alcohol licenses could be altered to allow home deliveries of cocktails and alcoholic beverages. “We would not be able to pay bills and salary. It would get serious very quickly.”
While people were not scared yet, she said, a possible death in the city as a result of the virus would probably shift attitudes quickly.While people were not scared yet, she said, a possible death in the city as a result of the virus would probably shift attitudes quickly.
Updated June 2, 2020 Updated June 5, 2020
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.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.
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.
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.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
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.
The new virus is believed to have originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year before spreading to more than 50 other countries. More than 86,000 people have been infected, and more than 2,800 have died. New hubs of transmission have emerged in Italy, Iran, and South Korea.The new virus is believed to have originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year before spreading to more than 50 other countries. More than 86,000 people have been infected, and more than 2,800 have died. New hubs of transmission have emerged in Italy, Iran, and South Korea.
In the United States, more than 70 cases of the virus have been confirmed. On Saturday, a man from Washington State became the first person in the United States to die as a result of the illness.In the United States, more than 70 cases of the virus have been confirmed. On Saturday, a man from Washington State became the first person in the United States to die as a result of the illness.
New York City’s tourism agency had already forecast a decline in visitors from foreign countries before the virus spread to Italy and other countries.New York City’s tourism agency had already forecast a decline in visitors from foreign countries before the virus spread to Italy and other countries.
Fred Dixon, the chief executive of NYC & Company, said the agency’s latest projection for 2020 was for about 285,000 fewer visitors from China, the city’s second-biggest source of international tourists. That would be a decline of more than 25 percent from the 1.1 million Chinese visitors last year, he said. But the agency is still forecasting a slight increase in total visitors this year, to 68 million from 66.6 million in 2019.Fred Dixon, the chief executive of NYC & Company, said the agency’s latest projection for 2020 was for about 285,000 fewer visitors from China, the city’s second-biggest source of international tourists. That would be a decline of more than 25 percent from the 1.1 million Chinese visitors last year, he said. But the agency is still forecasting a slight increase in total visitors this year, to 68 million from 66.6 million in 2019.
Narelle Lange, a tourist from California, had planned her trip to New York months ago. The threats of the coronavirus were not going to alter her travel plans, Ms. Lange said as she sat on a bench waiting for a train to the Bronx.Narelle Lange, a tourist from California, had planned her trip to New York months ago. The threats of the coronavirus were not going to alter her travel plans, Ms. Lange said as she sat on a bench waiting for a train to the Bronx.
“I am not fearful at this point,” said Ms. Lange, a registered nurse. “I take my chances.”“I am not fearful at this point,” said Ms. Lange, a registered nurse. “I take my chances.”
Her plans for the next four days in the city were all about crowds. On Saturday, she would visit a museum. On Sunday, she would attend “To Kill a Mockingbird” on Broadway, the second play she would see during her trip.Her plans for the next four days in the city were all about crowds. On Saturday, she would visit a museum. On Sunday, she would attend “To Kill a Mockingbird” on Broadway, the second play she would see during her trip.
“Life still needs to be lived,” Ms. Lange, 58, said.“Life still needs to be lived,” Ms. Lange, 58, said.
Rubirosa, an Italian-American pizza restaurant on Mulberry Street in the NoLIta section of Manhattan, was packed for brunch on Saturday. The coronavirus was on the minds of most people there, but not enough to change their routines.Rubirosa, an Italian-American pizza restaurant on Mulberry Street in the NoLIta section of Manhattan, was packed for brunch on Saturday. The coronavirus was on the minds of most people there, but not enough to change their routines.
Amanda Delaney, 19, of Queens, a hostess at the restaurant who works the weekend brunch shift — which, she said, could get “psychotic” — said that the restaurant gets about 700 diners per work shift.Amanda Delaney, 19, of Queens, a hostess at the restaurant who works the weekend brunch shift — which, she said, could get “psychotic” — said that the restaurant gets about 700 diners per work shift.
Still, she was unfazed by the number of people she encounters per day.Still, she was unfazed by the number of people she encounters per day.
“You always have to be conscious in a city like this about germs, no matter what’s going around,” she said.“You always have to be conscious in a city like this about germs, no matter what’s going around,” she said.
Reporting was contributed by Jo Corona, Patrick McGeehan, Andrea Salcedo, Ed Shanahan, Alex Traub and Katie Van Syckle.Reporting was contributed by Jo Corona, Patrick McGeehan, Andrea Salcedo, Ed Shanahan, Alex Traub and Katie Van Syckle.