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Anxiety in New York Over Coronavirus Spread Anxiety in New York Over Coronavirus Spread
(3 days later)
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It’s Friday.It’s Friday.
Weather: Watch out for rain this afternoon, with a high in the upper 40s. Partly sunny Saturday, then bright and warm on Sunday.Weather: Watch out for rain this afternoon, with a high in the upper 40s. Partly sunny Saturday, then bright and warm on Sunday.
Alternate-side parking: In effect until Tuesday (Purim).Alternate-side parking: In effect until Tuesday (Purim).
When the new coronavirus was first reported in New York on Sunday, many hoped that the state could do what others could not: Contain it.When the new coronavirus was first reported in New York on Sunday, many hoped that the state could do what others could not: Contain it.
Since then, the number of confirmed cases has reached at least 33. Now, anxious New Yorkers are wondering just how wide the virus will spread.Since then, the number of confirmed cases has reached at least 33. Now, anxious New Yorkers are wondering just how wide the virus will spread.
[Update: Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has declared a state of emergency in New York over the coronavirus.][Update: Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has declared a state of emergency in New York over the coronavirus.]
Here’s what we know.Here’s what we know.
A rabbi at a synagogue in Westchester County who is connected to a number of cases in the state tested positive for the coronavirus, according to an email he sent to his congregation last night.A rabbi at a synagogue in Westchester County who is connected to a number of cases in the state tested positive for the coronavirus, according to an email he sent to his congregation last night.
Today, New York City officials also announced a new confirmed case in Manhattan, a man in his 50s.Today, New York City officials also announced a new confirmed case in Manhattan, a man in his 50s.
Also yesterday, officials confirmed several cases of the coronavirus. Two were in New York City: A man in his 40s and a woman in her 80s were both hospitalized and in critical condition, Mayor de Blasio said.Also yesterday, officials confirmed several cases of the coronavirus. Two were in New York City: A man in his 40s and a woman in her 80s were both hospitalized and in critical condition, Mayor de Blasio said.
“City disease detectives are tracing close contacts of both individuals and will ensure they are appropriately isolated and tested immediately,” the mayor wrote on Twitter.“City disease detectives are tracing close contacts of both individuals and will ensure they are appropriately isolated and tested immediately,” the mayor wrote on Twitter.
Governor Cuomo also announced new cases, in the suburbs: eight in Westchester County, and one in Nassau County on Long Island. The patient on Long Island was critically ill.Governor Cuomo also announced new cases, in the suburbs: eight in Westchester County, and one in Nassau County on Long Island. The patient on Long Island was critically ill.
In New Jersey, officials announced late Wednesday that a 32-year-old man from Fort Lee in Bergen County tested positive for the virus, making him the state’s first confirmed case. A second case was confirmed in the county yesterday.In New Jersey, officials announced late Wednesday that a 32-year-old man from Fort Lee in Bergen County tested positive for the virus, making him the state’s first confirmed case. A second case was confirmed in the county yesterday.
On Sunday, a 39-year-old health care worker from Manhattan who had recently traveled to Iran became the first person in New York to test positive for the virus.On Sunday, a 39-year-old health care worker from Manhattan who had recently traveled to Iran became the first person in New York to test positive for the virus.
Two days later, a Westchester County man who works as a lawyer in Manhattan became the second. Nine people connected to him, including his wife, their two children and a neighbor, also contracted the illness.Two days later, a Westchester County man who works as a lawyer in Manhattan became the second. Nine people connected to him, including his wife, their two children and a neighbor, also contracted the illness.
[Read more: New York in the Age of Coronavirus][Read more: New York in the Age of Coronavirus]
Mayor de Blasio said that as of yesterday morning, the city’s Department of Health was monitoring nearly 2,800 New Yorkers in home isolation.Mayor de Blasio said that as of yesterday morning, the city’s Department of Health was monitoring nearly 2,800 New Yorkers in home isolation.
The day before, state officials said they were asking more than 1,000 residents to self-quarantine. That number included eight doctors at a hospital where the lawyer from Westchester was first admitted; some members of the synagogue in New Rochelle that his family attends; and several students at Yeshiva University in Manhattan, where his son is enrolled.The day before, state officials said they were asking more than 1,000 residents to self-quarantine. That number included eight doctors at a hospital where the lawyer from Westchester was first admitted; some members of the synagogue in New Rochelle that his family attends; and several students at Yeshiva University in Manhattan, where his son is enrolled.
One person at the lawyer’s firm and a group of people who had come in contact with the man before attending a conference in Washington were also asked to isolate themselves.One person at the lawyer’s firm and a group of people who had come in contact with the man before attending a conference in Washington were also asked to isolate themselves.
Mr. Cuomo announced on Wednesday that study abroad programs to China, Italy, Japan, Iran and South Korea organized by the State University of New York and City University of New York systems were suspended. Students and staff members were advised to return home and self-quarantine for two weeks.Mr. Cuomo announced on Wednesday that study abroad programs to China, Italy, Japan, Iran and South Korea organized by the State University of New York and City University of New York systems were suspended. Students and staff members were advised to return home and self-quarantine for two weeks.
More on the coronavirusMore on the coronavirus
Your face is very vulnerable to viruses and germs. Here are four tricks to help you stop touching it.Your face is very vulnerable to viruses and germs. Here are four tricks to help you stop touching it.
Coronavirus has arrived in some offices around the country, and employers are trying to adapt.Coronavirus has arrived in some offices around the country, and employers are trying to adapt.
Here’s what to do if you are sick and are worried it may be the coronavirus.Here’s what to do if you are sick and are worried it may be the coronavirus.
Weinstein Undergoes Heart Procedure Before Transfer to JailWeinstein Undergoes Heart Procedure Before Transfer to Jail
Loaded Gun Found Smuggled Into Jail Where Jeffrey Epstein Killed HimselfLoaded Gun Found Smuggled Into Jail Where Jeffrey Epstein Killed Himself
The Original Long Islanders Fight to Save Their Land From a Rising SeaThe Original Long Islanders Fight to Save Their Land From a Rising Sea
The Corner of N.Y.C. That’s Overrun by Deer, Turkeys and Feral CatsThe Corner of N.Y.C. That’s Overrun by Deer, Turkeys and Feral Cats
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.
Stuyvesant Town tenants are suing to block Blackstone, the world’s largest commercial landlord, from raising rents. [The Real Deal]Stuyvesant Town tenants are suing to block Blackstone, the world’s largest commercial landlord, from raising rents. [The Real Deal]
A restaurant that featured waiters dressed as ninjas has closed after 15 years. [Tribeca Citizen]A restaurant that featured waiters dressed as ninjas has closed after 15 years. [Tribeca Citizen]
What we’re watching: The Times columnist Paul Krugman talks about the economic impact of the coronavirus and his new book, “Arguing With Zombies,” on “The New York Times Close Up With Sam Roberts.” The show airs tonight at 8, tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. [CUNY TV]What we’re watching: The Times columnist Paul Krugman talks about the economic impact of the coronavirus and his new book, “Arguing With Zombies,” on “The New York Times Close Up With Sam Roberts.” The show airs tonight at 8, tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. [CUNY TV]
FridayFriday
“Modernology: Restoration,” a pop exhibit at the Ace Hotel in Manhattan, displays objects found in the hotel’s vicinity alongside works by the artist Takayuki Matsuo. 6:30 p.m. [Free]“Modernology: Restoration,” a pop exhibit at the Ace Hotel in Manhattan, displays objects found in the hotel’s vicinity alongside works by the artist Takayuki Matsuo. 6:30 p.m. [Free]
Stars Café in Brooklyn hosts a night of free beer and stand-up comedy for charity. 7:30 p.m. [$10 suggested donation]Stars Café in Brooklyn hosts a night of free beer and stand-up comedy for charity. 7:30 p.m. [$10 suggested donation]
SaturdaySaturday
Spend 15 minutes reading to the therapy dog Jackson at the Webster branch of the New York Public Library in Manhattan. 10:30 a.m. [Free]Spend 15 minutes reading to the therapy dog Jackson at the Webster branch of the New York Public Library in Manhattan. 10:30 a.m. [Free]
The People’s Forum in Manhattan screens “Los Eternos Indocumentados,” a documentary about Central American refugees in the United States. 6 p.m. [Free]The People’s Forum in Manhattan screens “Los Eternos Indocumentados,” a documentary about Central American refugees in the United States. 6 p.m. [Free]
SundaySunday
A walking tour hosted by Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts focuses on women’s history. 10 a.m. [$25]A walking tour hosted by Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts focuses on women’s history. 10 a.m. [$25]
See a screening of videos by the artist Kenneth Tam that explore vulnerabilities in masculinity at the New Museum in Manhattan. 3 p.m. [$10]See a screening of videos by the artist Kenneth Tam that explore vulnerabilities in masculinity at the New Museum in Manhattan. 3 p.m. [$10]
— Derek Norman— Derek Norman
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.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
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.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.)
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 Times’s Kasia Pilat writes:The Times’s Kasia Pilat writes:
When we asked readers what they most wanted to know about New York City, hundreds of queries came in. As we sifted through them, a trend emerged: Several of the common questions had been answered in previous Times articles. So, we dived into the archives to answer some of them.When we asked readers what they most wanted to know about New York City, hundreds of queries came in. As we sifted through them, a trend emerged: Several of the common questions had been answered in previous Times articles. So, we dived into the archives to answer some of them.
Marsha Brown of Hopkinton, R.I., was wondering: “Where do all the rats go at night? I know there are probably more rats than people.”Marsha Brown of Hopkinton, R.I., was wondering: “Where do all the rats go at night? I know there are probably more rats than people.”
A 2015 article in The New York Times Magazine is both fascinating and disgusting in its detailed depiction of the life of a New York City rat. The short answer to Ms. Brown’s question: “The city suits them,” Ryan Bradley wrote.A 2015 article in The New York Times Magazine is both fascinating and disgusting in its detailed depiction of the life of a New York City rat. The short answer to Ms. Brown’s question: “The city suits them,” Ryan Bradley wrote.
“With rats, the map is almost three-dimensional: the surface, the buildings, everything underneath,” Jason Munshi-South, a biology professor at Fordham University who has led “rat safaris” to observe the vermin in Manhattan, told Mr. Bradley.“With rats, the map is almost three-dimensional: the surface, the buildings, everything underneath,” Jason Munshi-South, a biology professor at Fordham University who has led “rat safaris” to observe the vermin in Manhattan, told Mr. Bradley.
Mr. Bradley wrote: “Rats hug structural edges (‘feeling’ the walls with whiskers), and their routes are marked by sebum, oil from their hair that rubs off and darkens the concrete landscape. Pay attention, and you’ll see these lines on walls, an inch or so above the sidewalk, sometimes smattered with little clumps of fur. Rats build their colonies wherever they can burrow: in dirt, certainly, but really anywhere crumbly and close to constant food, usually in the form of trash, which is more or less everywhere. (A few pockets of the Upper East Side are free of large permanent rat colonies, but that’s about it.)”Mr. Bradley wrote: “Rats hug structural edges (‘feeling’ the walls with whiskers), and their routes are marked by sebum, oil from their hair that rubs off and darkens the concrete landscape. Pay attention, and you’ll see these lines on walls, an inch or so above the sidewalk, sometimes smattered with little clumps of fur. Rats build their colonies wherever they can burrow: in dirt, certainly, but really anywhere crumbly and close to constant food, usually in the form of trash, which is more or less everywhere. (A few pockets of the Upper East Side are free of large permanent rat colonies, but that’s about it.)”
According to Winnie Hu, who covers infrastructure for The Times, rats are frequently spotted at night digging through trash to scavenge their next meal. “A major contributing factor is how the city collects trash,” she wrote. “Bags are left outside on the curb for hours.”According to Winnie Hu, who covers infrastructure for The Times, rats are frequently spotted at night digging through trash to scavenge their next meal. “A major contributing factor is how the city collects trash,” she wrote. “Bags are left outside on the curb for hours.”
New York is trying to address its rat problem, Dr. Munshi-South told Ms. Hu, but it will never be able to eradicate the creatures.New York is trying to address its rat problem, Dr. Munshi-South told Ms. Hu, but it will never be able to eradicate the creatures.
It’s Friday — stay alert.It’s Friday — stay alert.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
I went to the dentist with what I thought was bad news.I went to the dentist with what I thought was bad news.
“I’m moving to San Francisco,” I said as I plopped down into the leather dental chair. Although I had only been seeing him for two years, I felt lucky to have found a dentist who was skilled, conveniently located and someone I trusted.“I’m moving to San Francisco,” I said as I plopped down into the leather dental chair. Although I had only been seeing him for two years, I felt lucky to have found a dentist who was skilled, conveniently located and someone I trusted.
“Not a problem,” he said. “Just book an appointment whenever you’re back in the city. I have several patients who do it.”“Not a problem,” he said. “Just book an appointment whenever you’re back in the city. I have several patients who do it.”
So for the next three years I did just that. When friends asked why I was visiting New York, I would say that I was seeing my dentist. And it wasn’t a joke.So for the next three years I did just that. When friends asked why I was visiting New York, I would say that I was seeing my dentist. And it wasn’t a joke.
In January, having moved back to New York permanently, I eagerly scheduled a cleaning with plans to share the news of my return.In January, having moved back to New York permanently, I eagerly scheduled a cleaning with plans to share the news of my return.
“I’ve moved back to the city!” I said with a grin when I arrived.“I’ve moved back to the city!” I said with a grin when I arrived.
“Oh,” the dentist said, “have you been living somewhere else?”“Oh,” the dentist said, “have you been living somewhere else?”
— Stewart Bean— Stewart Bean
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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