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Coronavirus Outbreak Will Spread in New York City, Officials Warn Coronavirus Outbreak Will Spread in New York City, Officials Warn
(about 7 hours later)
New York officials warned on Monday that the coronavirus was likely to spread in New York City, a day after confirming that a Manhattan woman had contracted the virus while traveling in Iran and was now isolated in her home.New York officials warned on Monday that the coronavirus was likely to spread in New York City, a day after confirming that a Manhattan woman had contracted the virus while traveling in Iran and was now isolated in her home.
“Community spread is going to be real,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at a news conference, alongside Mayor Bill de Blasio. “That is inevitable.”“Community spread is going to be real,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at a news conference, alongside Mayor Bill de Blasio. “That is inevitable.”
The patient, the city’s first confirmed case, is not in serious condition, the governor added.The patient, the city’s first confirmed case, is not in serious condition, the governor added.
She returned from Iran on Tuesday with her husband and was tested after going to Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan on Saturday with mild respiratory symptoms; she has been staying at home, Mr. Cuomo said, and it was assumed that her husband was also infected.She returned from Iran on Tuesday with her husband and was tested after going to Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan on Saturday with mild respiratory symptoms; she has been staying at home, Mr. Cuomo said, and it was assumed that her husband was also infected.
The governor and mayor both pleaded for residents to remain calm, noting that the disease, which emerged in China in December and has recently spread to every continent except Antarctica, produces only mild symptoms in many people. Early estimates of the death rate had been around 2 percent, although that number could fall. On average, the seasonal flu strain kills about 0.1 percent of people who become infected.The governor and mayor both pleaded for residents to remain calm, noting that the disease, which emerged in China in December and has recently spread to every continent except Antarctica, produces only mild symptoms in many people. Early estimates of the death rate had been around 2 percent, although that number could fall. On average, the seasonal flu strain kills about 0.1 percent of people who become infected.
“The facts defeat fear,” the governor said.“The facts defeat fear,” the governor said.
Still, the news that the coronavirus had landed in Manhattan was sure to raise the level of anxiety across this dense city, where people spend their days in close quarters.Still, the news that the coronavirus had landed in Manhattan was sure to raise the level of anxiety across this dense city, where people spend their days in close quarters.
By rush hour on Monday morning, every cough or sneeze on the subway sounded a little louder and closer than it did last week. A few people wore surgical masks; one woman held the end of a paisley scarf to her mouth and nose.By rush hour on Monday morning, every cough or sneeze on the subway sounded a little louder and closer than it did last week. A few people wore surgical masks; one woman held the end of a paisley scarf to her mouth and nose.
Appearing on “CBS This Morning” on Monday, Mr. Cuomo said the city’s first patient was a 39-year-old health care worker, so “she knew to take precautions and stay in a controlled situation.” He added that she had not used public transportation since returning to New York.Appearing on “CBS This Morning” on Monday, Mr. Cuomo said the city’s first patient was a 39-year-old health care worker, so “she knew to take precautions and stay in a controlled situation.” He added that she had not used public transportation since returning to New York.
The governor said health officials did not believe the woman was contagious when she was flying from Iran to New York, nor when she took a private car home from the airport.The governor said health officials did not believe the woman was contagious when she was flying from Iran to New York, nor when she took a private car home from the airport.
“But out of an abundance of caution, we’ll be contacting people who were on the flight with her from Iran to New York and the driver for that car service,” Mr. Cuomo said, though he did not have the specific details of which flight she took.“But out of an abundance of caution, we’ll be contacting people who were on the flight with her from Iran to New York and the driver for that car service,” Mr. Cuomo said, though he did not have the specific details of which flight she took.
Mr. Cuomo also said the state would institute new cleaning protocols in crowded public places, including schools and busses. “If it smells like bleach when you get on a bus or when a child goes to school, it is not bad cologne,” he said. “It is bleach.”Mr. Cuomo also said the state would institute new cleaning protocols in crowded public places, including schools and busses. “If it smells like bleach when you get on a bus or when a child goes to school, it is not bad cologne,” he said. “It is bleach.”
He said that the public health system was focused on reducing the spread of the virus, but suggested that eliminating it in New York was likely to prove impossible in the short term.He said that the public health system was focused on reducing the spread of the virus, but suggested that eliminating it in New York was likely to prove impossible in the short term.
“That’s all this is about, reducing the spread, not eliminating the spread,” Mr. Cuomo said.“That’s all this is about, reducing the spread, not eliminating the spread,” Mr. Cuomo said.
For weeks, the city has been bracing for the virus’s arrival, as it spread across much of the world.For weeks, the city has been bracing for the virus’s arrival, as it spread across much of the world.
By this weekend, several stores in the city had run out of sanitary supplies such as hand sanitizer, masks and antibacterial wipes. Some people had tried three or four stores in search of hand sanitizer, before admitting defeat. Boxes of surgical masks that sold last month for $20 were going for $75 at one grocery store in Chinatown in Manhattan.By this weekend, several stores in the city had run out of sanitary supplies such as hand sanitizer, masks and antibacterial wipes. Some people had tried three or four stores in search of hand sanitizer, before admitting defeat. Boxes of surgical masks that sold last month for $20 were going for $75 at one grocery store in Chinatown in Manhattan.
At Costco in Brooklyn, people were stocking up on bottled water, Clorox wipes, cold medicine and cans of food, anxious for the days and weeks ahead.At Costco in Brooklyn, people were stocking up on bottled water, Clorox wipes, cold medicine and cans of food, anxious for the days and weeks ahead.
Emily Kunstler, 41, arrived at the store before it opened on Monday and was shocked to find long lines at the door.Emily Kunstler, 41, arrived at the store before it opened on Monday and was shocked to find long lines at the door.
“I assume the news will only get worse before it gets better,” she said. She filled her cart with cans of tuna and canisters of sanitary wipes. She said the teeming scene in the parking lot was more unnerving than the prospect of the virus itself. “I’m not worried about sickness,” she said, “as much as about chaos.”“I assume the news will only get worse before it gets better,” she said. She filled her cart with cans of tuna and canisters of sanitary wipes. She said the teeming scene in the parking lot was more unnerving than the prospect of the virus itself. “I’m not worried about sickness,” she said, “as much as about chaos.”
At least 103 people in the United States have been confirmed through laboratory testing to have the coronavirus. Many had been passengers on a cruise ship ravaged by the virus or had been infected in China and then returned to the United States.At least 103 people in the United States have been confirmed through laboratory testing to have the coronavirus. Many had been passengers on a cruise ship ravaged by the virus or had been infected in China and then returned to the United States.
But there have also been several confirmed cases of person-to-person spread in the United States. And researchers say that in Washington State, the virus may have been spreading for weeks, largely undetected, and that hundreds of people may have been infected. As of Monday afternoon, six people had died in Washington after falling ill with the coronavirus.But there have also been several confirmed cases of person-to-person spread in the United States. And researchers say that in Washington State, the virus may have been spreading for weeks, largely undetected, and that hundreds of people may have been infected. As of Monday afternoon, six people had died in Washington after falling ill with the coronavirus.
The new virus, officially known as Covid-19, 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, South Korea and Iran.The new virus, officially known as Covid-19, 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, South Korea and Iran.
Iran, the epicenter of the outbreak in the Middle East, has confirmed at least 987 cases, state news media reported. At least seven Iranian officials have been infected, including a Health Ministry deputy who was leading the coronavirus response.
Over the last month, there have been obstacles to widespread testing that may have limited the ability of the authorities to detect cases. Until this weekend, New York State health authorities could not test patients locally and had to send samples to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of the C.D.C.’s narrow criteria on who was eligible for testing, the number of people tested was quite limited.
But testing procedures changed over the weekend, when the state’s public health laboratory in Albany, Wadsworth Center, began administering coronavirus tests after receiving permission from the federal government.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
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.
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.)
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.
Iran, the epicenter of the outbreak in the Middle East, has confirmed at least 987 cases, state news media reported. At least seven Iranian officials have been infected, including a Health Ministry deputy who was leading the coronavirus response.
Over the last month, there have been obstacles to widespread testing that may have limited the ability of the authorities to detect cases. Until this weekend, New York State health authorities could not test patients locally and had to send samples to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of the C.D.C.’s narrow criteria on who was eligible for testing, the number of people tested was quite limited.
But testing procedures changed over the weekend, when the state’s public health laboratory in Albany, Wadsworth Center, began administering coronavirus tests after receiving permission from the federal government.
In addition to faster turnaround, New York’s health authorities now have more control over who is tested, which could lead to far wider testing than has occurred so far.In addition to faster turnaround, New York’s health authorities now have more control over who is tested, which could lead to far wider testing than has occurred so far.
Mr. Cuomo said on Monday that he hoped to soon be able to test 1,000 samples a day.Mr. Cuomo said on Monday that he hoped to soon be able to test 1,000 samples a day.
Mr. de Blasio said that testing in the city would begin Monday, as the city’s health commissioner, Oxiris Barbot, announced a joint effort with the city’s public health system and two private hospitals to create an “early detection system” and ramp up testing.Mr. de Blasio said that testing in the city would begin Monday, as the city’s health commissioner, Oxiris Barbot, announced a joint effort with the city’s public health system and two private hospitals to create an “early detection system” and ramp up testing.
The mayor also encouraged people worried they might have the virus to contact 311 or to go to a public health facility for testing.The mayor also encouraged people worried they might have the virus to contact 311 or to go to a public health facility for testing.
He said the city has 1,200 hospital beds ready, if necessary. There are also likely to be cases like the health care worker’s, in which people not sick enough for a hospital can quarantine themselves.He said the city has 1,200 hospital beds ready, if necessary. There are also likely to be cases like the health care worker’s, in which people not sick enough for a hospital can quarantine themselves.
At 88 Palace, a restaurant in Chinatown, the regular customers — many in their 50s, 60s and 70s — were noticeably absent on Monday.At 88 Palace, a restaurant in Chinatown, the regular customers — many in their 50s, 60s and 70s — were noticeably absent on Monday.
“Now that New York has its first confirmed case, many elderly people are staying home,” Angel Chen, 40, a manager, said in Cantonese. She added, “Their children are telling them to stay home.”“Now that New York has its first confirmed case, many elderly people are staying home,” Angel Chen, 40, a manager, said in Cantonese. She added, “Their children are telling them to stay home.”
She expects business to continue to suffer. “No one can predict what will happen, but we’re scared.”She expects business to continue to suffer. “No one can predict what will happen, but we’re scared.”
At Grand Central Terminal, Robert Modica, 82, who lives in Midtown Manhattan, was passing through to grab a pastry on Monday morning. He said that he knew he was more vulnerable if he contracted coronavirus because of his age, but that it was too early for him to panic.At Grand Central Terminal, Robert Modica, 82, who lives in Midtown Manhattan, was passing through to grab a pastry on Monday morning. He said that he knew he was more vulnerable if he contracted coronavirus because of his age, but that it was too early for him to panic.
“We’ve had one case so far in the city,” Mr. Modica said. “There will be enough time if things get bad for me to overreact. I have lived a good life. I don’t have anything to fear if there’s another life.”“We’ve had one case so far in the city,” Mr. Modica said. “There will be enough time if things get bad for me to overreact. I have lived a good life. I don’t have anything to fear if there’s another life.”
Reporting was contributed by Jeffery C. Mays, Aaron Randle, Andrea Salcedo, Nate Schweber and Anjali Tsui.Reporting was contributed by Jeffery C. Mays, Aaron Randle, Andrea Salcedo, Nate Schweber and Anjali Tsui.