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After Family Gets Coronavirus, New York Suburb Is Gripped by Anxiety After Family Gets Coronavirus, New York Suburb Is Gripped by Anxiety
(32 minutes later)
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — The restaurants on North Avenue were nearly empty. The stores were out of spray disinfectant, rubbing alcohol and bleach. At a convenience store, the shopkeeper finished a transaction with a squirt of hand sanitizer, first for himself and then his customer.NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — The restaurants on North Avenue were nearly empty. The stores were out of spray disinfectant, rubbing alcohol and bleach. At a convenience store, the shopkeeper finished a transaction with a squirt of hand sanitizer, first for himself and then his customer.
This was life in the latest ground zero for coronavirus in America, a small Westchester County city about five miles north of New York City, as it grappled with the revelation on Tuesday that one of its residents — a lawyer who works in Manhattan — had contracted the virus and may have exposed hundreds of others to it.This was life in the latest ground zero for coronavirus in America, a small Westchester County city about five miles north of New York City, as it grappled with the revelation on Tuesday that one of its residents — a lawyer who works in Manhattan — had contracted the virus and may have exposed hundreds of others to it.
By Wednesday, it was clear that the illness had spread: Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced at a morning news conference that the man’s wife, 20-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter all tested positive for the virus, as did a neighbor who drove him to the hospital last week. By day’s end, five more positive cases were disclosed: a man who was in “close proximity” with the Manhattan lawyer, as well as his wife and their three children.By Wednesday, it was clear that the illness had spread: Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced at a morning news conference that the man’s wife, 20-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter all tested positive for the virus, as did a neighbor who drove him to the hospital last week. By day’s end, five more positive cases were disclosed: a man who was in “close proximity” with the Manhattan lawyer, as well as his wife and their three children.
Even before the latest news, worry had already seeped across New Rochelle. At Mikey Dubb’s Frozen Custard shop, the custard machines whirred idle, and at Eden Wok, a kosher Chinese restaurant, workers stood in a doorway, anxiously peering around for customers.Even before the latest news, worry had already seeped across New Rochelle. At Mikey Dubb’s Frozen Custard shop, the custard machines whirred idle, and at Eden Wok, a kosher Chinese restaurant, workers stood in a doorway, anxiously peering around for customers.
“I recognize that the gentleman who is now in the hospital with coronavirus in New York was walking up and down this street,” said Vicky Sturner, 62, a landscape designer and one of the few customers dining at Maestro’s Italian restaurant on North Avenue on Tuesday evening.“I recognize that the gentleman who is now in the hospital with coronavirus in New York was walking up and down this street,” said Vicky Sturner, 62, a landscape designer and one of the few customers dining at Maestro’s Italian restaurant on North Avenue on Tuesday evening.
“I’m going to wash my hands, I’m going to try never to ever touch my face, and I feel terribly sorry for the family that has coronavirus — it affects everybody, the entire community,” Ms. Sturner added. “But I can’t stop it and I can’t change it, and I’m going to live my life.”“I’m going to wash my hands, I’m going to try never to ever touch my face, and I feel terribly sorry for the family that has coronavirus — it affects everybody, the entire community,” Ms. Sturner added. “But I can’t stop it and I can’t change it, and I’m going to live my life.”
Shortly before dusk on Tuesday, Nathan Lindenbaum, an accountant, had walked up to the temple doors of Young Israel of New Rochelle for evening prayers. He was perplexed to find them locked, and the synagogue empty. The man with coronavirus had attended services there.Shortly before dusk on Tuesday, Nathan Lindenbaum, an accountant, had walked up to the temple doors of Young Israel of New Rochelle for evening prayers. He was perplexed to find them locked, and the synagogue empty. The man with coronavirus had attended services there.
Hours before, the Westchester County health commissioner had ordered all services at the synagogue to halt, and the congregants who attended a funeral and a bat mitzvah there on Feb. 23 to self-quarantine in their homes. Over 100 families are under the order, according to the New Rochelle mayor, Noam Bramson.Hours before, the Westchester County health commissioner had ordered all services at the synagogue to halt, and the congregants who attended a funeral and a bat mitzvah there on Feb. 23 to self-quarantine in their homes. Over 100 families are under the order, according to the New Rochelle mayor, Noam Bramson.
“It is deeply concerning and distressing to see one’s own community, one’s own neighbors, dealing with a challenge of this scale and this intensity,” Mayor Bramson said after leaving City Hall at 8 p.m. Tuesday, where he said he spent the day huddling with faith leaders, officials and city staff to make sure that information like the town’s messaging was accurate.“It is deeply concerning and distressing to see one’s own community, one’s own neighbors, dealing with a challenge of this scale and this intensity,” Mayor Bramson said after leaving City Hall at 8 p.m. Tuesday, where he said he spent the day huddling with faith leaders, officials and city staff to make sure that information like the town’s messaging was accurate.
The mayor also hashed out thornier contingencies — including whether the New Rochelle Police Department would have to intercede if the self-quarantine had to be enforced. “The hope and expectation is that those subject to the quarantine will abide by its terms voluntarily,” Mr. Bramson said.The mayor also hashed out thornier contingencies — including whether the New Rochelle Police Department would have to intercede if the self-quarantine had to be enforced. “The hope and expectation is that those subject to the quarantine will abide by its terms voluntarily,” Mr. Bramson said.
The lawyer with the virus, in his 50s, is in serious condition at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, according to Dr. Demetre C. Daskalakis, the deputy commissioner for disease control at New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.The lawyer with the virus, in his 50s, is in serious condition at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, according to Dr. Demetre C. Daskalakis, the deputy commissioner for disease control at New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
His family members are being quarantined in their home in New Rochelle. The daughter is a student at the SAR Academy and High School in the Bronx, which was shut down by administrators on Tuesday and Wednesday.His family members are being quarantined in their home in New Rochelle. The daughter is a student at the SAR Academy and High School in the Bronx, which was shut down by administrators on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The son is a student at Yeshiva University in Manhattan. Classes at the university’s campus in Washington Heights were canceled on Wednesday, though dorms and food services remained open.The son is a student at Yeshiva University in Manhattan. Classes at the university’s campus in Washington Heights were canceled on Wednesday, though dorms and food services remained open.
The other six positive cases — the family of five, and the neighbor of the lawyer from Manhattan — are also being quarantined in their homes in New Rochelle.The other six positive cases — the family of five, and the neighbor of the lawyer from Manhattan — are also being quarantined in their homes in New Rochelle.
The same day as the man’s diagnosis on Tuesday, Josh Berkowitz, the owner of Eden Wok in New Rochelle, hired a public relations specialist and started offering 15-percent-off coupons to stem an anticipated drop in diners.The same day as the man’s diagnosis on Tuesday, Josh Berkowitz, the owner of Eden Wok in New Rochelle, hired a public relations specialist and started offering 15-percent-off coupons to stem an anticipated drop in diners.
Tending to his single table of customers during what is usually the dinner rush, Mr. Berkowitz answered the phone. A fellow caterer was calling to express shock at an order he had just received.
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.
Tending to his single table of customers during what is usually the dinner rush, Mr. Berkowitz answered the phone. A fellow caterer was calling to express shock at an order he had just received.
“The customer wanted sushi, but told him …” Mr. Berkowitz said, his voice dropping to a whisper. “He didn’t want any Asians to touch it.”“The customer wanted sushi, but told him …” Mr. Berkowitz said, his voice dropping to a whisper. “He didn’t want any Asians to touch it.”
Mr. Berkowitz shook his head. “People have just gone nuts,” he said.Mr. Berkowitz shook his head. “People have just gone nuts,” he said.
Ken Barrett, who works for an online food delivery service, arrived at the restaurant to fulfill an order, unaware of the situation in New Rochelle. He said he had been on high alert ever since hearing that the virus was diagnosed in Washington State, in late February, where at least nine people have died.Ken Barrett, who works for an online food delivery service, arrived at the restaurant to fulfill an order, unaware of the situation in New Rochelle. He said he had been on high alert ever since hearing that the virus was diagnosed in Washington State, in late February, where at least nine people have died.
“I might have to just back off from this neighborhood,” Mr. Barrett said when he learned of the quarantine for congregants who might be stuck at home, ordering delivery. “You don’t know who is ordering food.”“I might have to just back off from this neighborhood,” Mr. Barrett said when he learned of the quarantine for congregants who might be stuck at home, ordering delivery. “You don’t know who is ordering food.”
At his convenience store on North Avenue, Raj Shaikhar also learned on Tuesday evening that the synagogue down the street was shut. “I feel scared,” he said. “And so sorry for that man. He must have been my customer.”At his convenience store on North Avenue, Raj Shaikhar also learned on Tuesday evening that the synagogue down the street was shut. “I feel scared,” he said. “And so sorry for that man. He must have been my customer.”
His daughter, a nurse in a city hospital, had purchased a face mask for him that day; he said it cost $70. “Worth it,” Mr. Shaikhar said, whipping out a bottle of green hand sanitizer from behind his cash register and offering a pump to a customer across the counter. They both rubbed their hands as they said goodbye.His daughter, a nurse in a city hospital, had purchased a face mask for him that day; he said it cost $70. “Worth it,” Mr. Shaikhar said, whipping out a bottle of green hand sanitizer from behind his cash register and offering a pump to a customer across the counter. They both rubbed their hands as they said goodbye.
For the few residents who were out on Tuesday night, defiance mixed with fear. Some spoke of resilience and the importance of not panicking, even as they studiously declined to shake hands or headed off to hunt the shelves of the local drugstore for anti-bacterial soap.For the few residents who were out on Tuesday night, defiance mixed with fear. Some spoke of resilience and the importance of not panicking, even as they studiously declined to shake hands or headed off to hunt the shelves of the local drugstore for anti-bacterial soap.
They said they were glued to social media updates on the latest information, and were instructing their children not to hug their friends. Many expressed bewilderment about what would become of their city, and wondered whether it was inevitable that they, too, would fall ill.They said they were glued to social media updates on the latest information, and were instructing their children not to hug their friends. Many expressed bewilderment about what would become of their city, and wondered whether it was inevitable that they, too, would fall ill.
Inside a CVS, Kerry Johnson, an employee, transported a box with the last three bottles of Purell hand sanitizer in the store; a customer had asked her to put them aside, she said. But there were other things to consider: She was battling with whether to come to work the next day.Inside a CVS, Kerry Johnson, an employee, transported a box with the last three bottles of Purell hand sanitizer in the store; a customer had asked her to put them aside, she said. But there were other things to consider: She was battling with whether to come to work the next day.