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Coronavirus in New York: The Latest Coronavirus in New York: The Latest
(1 day later)
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It’s Wednesday. The L train was briefly shut down between Brooklyn and Manhattan this morning because of a water main break, disrupting the commute for thousands of people.It’s Wednesday. The L train was briefly shut down between Brooklyn and Manhattan this morning because of a water main break, disrupting the commute for thousands of people.
Weather: Sunny but gusty, with a high in the mid-50s.Weather: Sunny but gusty, with a high in the mid-50s.
Alternate-side parking: In effect until Tuesday (Purim).Alternate-side parking: In effect until Tuesday (Purim).
[Just in: Six people in New York have now tested positive for the new coronavirus, officials said on Wednesday.][Just in: Six people in New York have now tested positive for the new coronavirus, officials said on Wednesday.]
Two schools, in the Bronx and in Westchester County, were closed yesterday. A synagogue in nearby New Rochelle was shuttered. And nearly every one of the city’s 427 subway stations were disinfected with bleach.Two schools, in the Bronx and in Westchester County, were closed yesterday. A synagogue in nearby New Rochelle was shuttered. And nearly every one of the city’s 427 subway stations were disinfected with bleach.
These precautions and others came on the heels of the state’s second confirmed case of the coronavirus: a man in his 50s from Westchester. The first case was a Manhattan woman, 39, who had recently flown home from Iran.These precautions and others came on the heels of the state’s second confirmed case of the coronavirus: a man in his 50s from Westchester. The first case was a Manhattan woman, 39, who had recently flown home from Iran.
As officials in New York are scrambling to curb the outbreak, they are also trying to ease the public’s fears. “You cannot contain the spread,” Governor Cuomo said yesterday. “You can slow it.”As officials in New York are scrambling to curb the outbreak, they are also trying to ease the public’s fears. “You cannot contain the spread,” Governor Cuomo said yesterday. “You can slow it.”
Jesse McKinley, The Times’s Albany bureau chief, is covering the outbreak, and he spoke to me about the state’s response.Jesse McKinley, The Times’s Albany bureau chief, is covering the outbreak, and he spoke to me about the state’s response.
Jesse, how are state and local officials responding to the coronavirus?Jesse, how are state and local officials responding to the coronavirus?
The State Department of Health, in Albany, is testing possible cases and tracking people who may have come into contact with anyone who tested positive. City health officials are doing similar work.The State Department of Health, in Albany, is testing possible cases and tracking people who may have come into contact with anyone who tested positive. City health officials are doing similar work.
Federal health officials are examining whether the virus is mutating and seeing if the mortality rate is getting worse.Federal health officials are examining whether the virus is mutating and seeing if the mortality rate is getting worse.
[Worried about coronavirus on the subway? Here’s what we know.][Worried about coronavirus on the subway? Here’s what we know.]
A lot happened in the days after the state’s first case was confirmed. What could happen by Friday?A lot happened in the days after the state’s first case was confirmed. What could happen by Friday?
New York officials have two playbooks. One was written by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2017. The other was written by state officials in 2015. Both were written after the H1N1 swine flu of 2009.New York officials have two playbooks. One was written by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2017. The other was written by state officials in 2015. Both were written after the H1N1 swine flu of 2009.
Those playbooks called for pretty extreme stuff: closing schools, calling off concerts and sporting events. I don’t know if we’ll ever get to that. But this could accelerate quickly.Those playbooks called for pretty extreme stuff: closing schools, calling off concerts and sporting events. I don’t know if we’ll ever get to that. But this could accelerate quickly.
What is it exactly about the coronavirus that worries New York officials?What is it exactly about the coronavirus that worries New York officials?
Last week, I spoke with Howard A. Zucker, the state’s health commissioner. He said there were probably more people who have the coronavirus than officials have confirmed. That may mean that the mortality rate is probably lower than we realize.Last week, I spoke with Howard A. Zucker, the state’s health commissioner. He said there were probably more people who have the coronavirus than officials have confirmed. That may mean that the mortality rate is probably lower than we realize.
But Dr. Zucker also said he worried that the coronavirus would “mutate to something which has more virulence to it.”But Dr. Zucker also said he worried that the coronavirus would “mutate to something which has more virulence to it.”
The state and city are working closely together. Did you expect that, given the tensions between Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio?The state and city are working closely together. Did you expect that, given the tensions between Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio?
It happened in 2014 with the Ebola virus. They set aside their qualms and came together. This is Governance 101: You have to set aside the politics for a second.It happened in 2014 with the Ebola virus. They set aside their qualms and came together. This is Governance 101: You have to set aside the politics for a second.
But I also think there will be some friction between state and city officials, particularly if you have hundreds of cases and you start taking drastic steps, like closing schools. But right now, everyone’s on the same page because they don’t want the public to freak out.But I also think there will be some friction between state and city officials, particularly if you have hundreds of cases and you start taking drastic steps, like closing schools. But right now, everyone’s on the same page because they don’t want the public to freak out.
Are there any big events that might force health officials to take decisive action?Are there any big events that might force health officials to take decisive action?
In New York City, there are big public events all of the time. Tonight, the New York Knicks are playing the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden; the Brooklyn Nets are playing the Memphis Grizzlies at the Barclays Center. And baseball season is four weeks away.In New York City, there are big public events all of the time. Tonight, the New York Knicks are playing the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden; the Brooklyn Nets are playing the Memphis Grizzlies at the Barclays Center. And baseball season is four weeks away.
It will be interesting to see if both city and state officials try to discourage people from attending things like that, or a Taylor Swift concert.It will be interesting to see if both city and state officials try to discourage people from attending things like that, or a Taylor Swift concert.
I’m sure that’s the only thing that could keep you away from a Taylor Swift concert.I’m sure that’s the only thing that could keep you away from a Taylor Swift concert.
Let’s be very clear: I am absolutely going to a Taylor Swift concert.Let’s be very clear: I am absolutely going to a Taylor Swift concert.
Learn more about the coronavirus:Learn more about the coronavirus:
How to Prepare for the CoronavirusHow to Prepare for the Coronavirus
Surfaces? Sneezes? Sex? How the Coronavirus Can and Cannot Spread.Surfaces? Sneezes? Sex? How the Coronavirus Can and Cannot Spread.
‘Fire Carranza!’: Why Asian-Americans Are Targeting Schools Chief‘Fire Carranza!’: Why Asian-Americans Are Targeting Schools Chief
After Decades of Suspicion, Robert Durst Faces JusticeAfter Decades of Suspicion, Robert Durst Faces Justice
Carmen Herrera Mural to Grace East HarlemCarmen Herrera Mural to Grace East Harlem
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.
“You know, we’re looking at it,” Andrew Yang, the entrepreneur who ran for president, said when asked if he was thinking about running for mayor of New York. [BuzzFeed]“You know, we’re looking at it,” Andrew Yang, the entrepreneur who ran for president, said when asked if he was thinking about running for mayor of New York. [BuzzFeed]
A video appears to show a city bus driver spitting on a woman. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said it was investigating. [New York Post]A video appears to show a city bus driver spitting on a woman. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said it was investigating. [New York Post]
To draw attention to the worst potholes in western New York, one radio personality has filled them with pizza, chicken wings and Cheerios. [WKBW]To draw attention to the worst potholes in western New York, one radio personality has filled them with pizza, chicken wings and Cheerios. [WKBW]
Solve puzzles onstage with comedians at “The Crossword Show,” at Caveat in Manhattan. 7 p.m. [$15]Solve puzzles onstage with comedians at “The Crossword Show,” at Caveat in Manhattan. 7 p.m. [$15]
Learn about the day-to-day experience of a New York City bus operator at the TransitCenter office in Manhattan. 6 p.m. [Free with R.S.V.P.]Learn about the day-to-day experience of a New York City bus operator at the TransitCenter office in Manhattan. 6 p.m. [Free with R.S.V.P.]
Watch a screening of the LCD Soundsystem concert at Madison Square Garden that inspired the documentary “Shut Up and Play the Hits,” at Nowadays in Brooklyn. 8 p.m. [Free]Watch a screening of the LCD Soundsystem concert at Madison Square Garden that inspired the documentary “Shut Up and Play the Hits,” at Nowadays in Brooklyn. 8 p.m. [Free]
— Jordan Allen— Jordan Allen
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.
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.
The Times’s Anne Barnard writes:The Times’s Anne Barnard writes:
It rained again in New York City yesterday. And before those March showers, there had been only a trace of snow in Central Park last month — only the sixth time the park had no measurable snow in February since records began in 1868.It rained again in New York City yesterday. And before those March showers, there had been only a trace of snow in Central Park last month — only the sixth time the park had no measurable snow in February since records began in 1868.
There was also no snow at the city’s airports for most of February, according to the National Weather Service — a record. But a few flakes fell on Saturday, the extra day of a leap year.There was also no snow at the city’s airports for most of February, according to the National Weather Service — a record. But a few flakes fell on Saturday, the extra day of a leap year.
[New York City had one of its least snowy winters on record.][New York City had one of its least snowy winters on record.]
The paltry snowfall has left children crestfallen, teenagers pining for snow days and commuters relieved. Coming on the heels of the world’s hottest year on record, the snow deficit was also a sign of climate change — though not in the way some people might assume.The paltry snowfall has left children crestfallen, teenagers pining for snow days and commuters relieved. Coming on the heels of the world’s hottest year on record, the snow deficit was also a sign of climate change — though not in the way some people might assume.
Climate change, said Mark Wysocki, the New York State climatologist, leads to volatile weather patterns. In Central Park, for instance, the past decade saw both the second-snowiest winter — 61.9 inches from December 2010 to February 2011 — and the second-least snowy, this season’s 4.8 inches.Climate change, said Mark Wysocki, the New York State climatologist, leads to volatile weather patterns. In Central Park, for instance, the past decade saw both the second-snowiest winter — 61.9 inches from December 2010 to February 2011 — and the second-least snowy, this season’s 4.8 inches.
This winter was one of the top-10 warmest for many places across the country, including New York. For record keeping, climatologists define winter as December, January and February.This winter was one of the top-10 warmest for many places across the country, including New York. For record keeping, climatologists define winter as December, January and February.
Chike Eleazu, jogging in Central Park over the weekend, said he associated snow with “a lot of unpleasantness,” but worried about global warming when it did not come.Chike Eleazu, jogging in Central Park over the weekend, said he associated snow with “a lot of unpleasantness,” but worried about global warming when it did not come.
“Obviously, something is not right,” he said.“Obviously, something is not right,” he said.
It’s Wednesday — look up.It’s Wednesday — look up.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
The M.T.A. is governed by one law of physics: You’re never as crammed in as you think you are.The M.T.A. is governed by one law of physics: You’re never as crammed in as you think you are.
One morning, the downtown No. 3 train I was on arrived at 72nd Street, and four people made their way out of my packed car. Ten more got on.One morning, the downtown No. 3 train I was on arrived at 72nd Street, and four people made their way out of my packed car. Ten more got on.
Without a handrail or pole to grab onto, I stayed upright by being pressed up against my fellow commuters.Without a handrail or pole to grab onto, I stayed upright by being pressed up against my fellow commuters.
The train began moving, and we whirred past 66th, 59th and 50th Streets. Pulling into the 42nd Street Station, the intercom crackled to life.The train began moving, and we whirred past 66th, 59th and 50th Streets. Pulling into the 42nd Street Station, the intercom crackled to life.
“Gooooood morning, ladies and gentleman,” the train operator said. “Welcome to Times Square, or as we like to call it, the heartbeat of New York City. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, perhaps with a transfer to the 1, 2, 7, A, C, E, N, Q, R or W.”“Gooooood morning, ladies and gentleman,” the train operator said. “Welcome to Times Square, or as we like to call it, the heartbeat of New York City. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, perhaps with a transfer to the 1, 2, 7, A, C, E, N, Q, R or W.”
The chest of every person near me seemed to swell with laughter. We must not have been as crammed in as we thought.The chest of every person near me seemed to swell with laughter. We must not have been as crammed in as we thought.
— Kristi Boyce— Kristi Boyce
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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