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Disease Detectives Disease Detectives
(3 days later)
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It’s Monday.It’s Monday.
Weather: Expect a sunny day, with a high near 70.Weather: Expect a sunny day, with a high near 70.
Alternate-side parking: In effect today. Suspended tomorrow for Purim.Alternate-side parking: In effect today. Suspended tomorrow for Purim.
In just over a week, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in New York State has jumped to at least 106, with about 4,000 people being isolated in their homes as a precaution.In just over a week, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in New York State has jumped to at least 106, with about 4,000 people being isolated in their homes as a precaution.
And yesterday, Scarsdale, a suburb in Westchester County, shut its public schools until March 18 after a faculty member tested positive. Columbia University shut classes for two days.And yesterday, Scarsdale, a suburb in Westchester County, shut its public schools until March 18 after a faculty member tested positive. Columbia University shut classes for two days.
[Coronavirus in N.Y.: Thousands of students face shuttered schools.][Coronavirus in N.Y.: Thousands of students face shuttered schools.]
Figuring out who might have been exposed to the virus — and who might need to be tested or get medical attention — requires some detective work by epidemiologists.Figuring out who might have been exposed to the virus — and who might need to be tested or get medical attention — requires some detective work by epidemiologists.
I spoke to one, Dr. Kryssie Woods, a hospital epidemiologist and the medical director of infection prevention at Mount Sinai West in Manhattan. She and her colleagues are working with health officials to track the coronavirus in New York.I spoke to one, Dr. Kryssie Woods, a hospital epidemiologist and the medical director of infection prevention at Mount Sinai West in Manhattan. She and her colleagues are working with health officials to track the coronavirus in New York.
The interview has been edited for clarity.The interview has been edited for clarity.
[Read our full Coronavirus in New York coverage here.][Read our full Coronavirus in New York coverage here.]
What do people say when you tell them you’re an epidemiologist, an infectious disease doctor?What do people say when you tell them you’re an epidemiologist, an infectious disease doctor?
People ask if I’m like the character from the television show “House.” It’s amazing how many people say that. I never watched it.People ask if I’m like the character from the television show “House.” It’s amazing how many people say that. I never watched it.
When you get a patient, what are you trying to figure out?When you get a patient, what are you trying to figure out?
We have to find out where a person has been and whom they’ve been in contact with.We have to find out where a person has been and whom they’ve been in contact with.
You’re basically drawing two different maps. One is a timeline of symptoms, and separately you’re drawing a map of where different groups of people might fit into, and how someone was feeling at that time.You’re basically drawing two different maps. One is a timeline of symptoms, and separately you’re drawing a map of where different groups of people might fit into, and how someone was feeling at that time.
What do you do for work? How do you get to work? Are you always on the 5 a.m. bus out of Scarsdale? Do you pick up coffee from a coffee cart on your way into the office?What do you do for work? How do you get to work? Are you always on the 5 a.m. bus out of Scarsdale? Do you pick up coffee from a coffee cart on your way into the office?
We even ask about extramarital affairs.We even ask about extramarital affairs.
What have we learned about coronavirus?What have we learned about coronavirus?
We’re still coming to an understanding of how it spreads. During the 2003 SARS outbreak, people initially thought it spread only through droplets. Later, there was evidence of airborne spread, which is when the idea of wearing N95 respirator masks came in.We’re still coming to an understanding of how it spreads. During the 2003 SARS outbreak, people initially thought it spread only through droplets. Later, there was evidence of airborne spread, which is when the idea of wearing N95 respirator masks came in.
The coronavirus may be somewhere in between droplets and airborne spread, depending on the situation.The coronavirus may be somewhere in between droplets and airborne spread, depending on the situation.
Have you ever seen anything like the coronavirus?Have you ever seen anything like the coronavirus?
A few years ago, the hospital I worked at in Queens had an early case of the H1N1 swine flu. That was similar in that it was new and infecting people in a very different way than prior flus.A few years ago, the hospital I worked at in Queens had an early case of the H1N1 swine flu. That was similar in that it was new and infecting people in a very different way than prior flus.
Is your work harder in a place like New York City?Is your work harder in a place like New York City?
It’s kind of hard. There are going to be people that may have some kind of exposure, but you’re not going to be able to track them — like on a packed A train. I don’t know who was in there. The patient can only tell you that they were on it more or less at a certain time.It’s kind of hard. There are going to be people that may have some kind of exposure, but you’re not going to be able to track them — like on a packed A train. I don’t know who was in there. The patient can only tell you that they were on it more or less at a certain time.
Governor Cuomo announced over the weekend that New York is in a state of emergency. Is that helpful?Governor Cuomo announced over the weekend that New York is in a state of emergency. Is that helpful?
For hospitals, it’s a good thing. It allows us to access a bunch of different resources, like testing supplies and equipment, much faster. It also allows us to use more space for housing patients.For hospitals, it’s a good thing. It allows us to access a bunch of different resources, like testing supplies and equipment, much faster. It also allows us to use more space for housing patients.
Are you seeing signs that the coronavirus is changing the city?Are you seeing signs that the coronavirus is changing the city?
I’ve noticed an insane number of people driving. When I have taken the train or the bus, it’s much emptier. My sister went to a bar in the West Village and said practically nobody was there.I’ve noticed an insane number of people driving. When I have taken the train or the bus, it’s much emptier. My sister went to a bar in the West Village and said practically nobody was there.
[New York in the age of coronavirus.][New York in the age of coronavirus.]
My colleague at the hospital said that at times like this, we can either be a thermometer or a thermostat. A thermometer measures temperature and is reactive. A thermostat sets the temperature and is proactive. Thermostats impact how people feel and behave.My colleague at the hospital said that at times like this, we can either be a thermometer or a thermostat. A thermometer measures temperature and is reactive. A thermostat sets the temperature and is proactive. Thermostats impact how people feel and behave.
Coronavirus in Connecticut: Governor Announces First Case of ResidentCoronavirus in Connecticut: Governor Announces First Case of Resident
Coronavirus Bandits? 2 Armed Men in Surgical Masks Rob RacetrackCoronavirus Bandits? 2 Armed Men in Surgical Masks Rob Racetrack
For the Autistic, a Place Where Life Comes at You, but More QuietlyFor the Autistic, a Place Where Life Comes at You, but More Quietly
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.
Some motorists spend up to $900 a month to park their cars in the city. [New York Post]Some motorists spend up to $900 a month to park their cars in the city. [New York Post]
Andy Byford, the former subway chief, said he was undermined “to a large extent” by Governor Cuomo. [CBS New York]Andy Byford, the former subway chief, said he was undermined “to a large extent” by Governor Cuomo. [CBS New York]
When asked about abortion rights, candidates vying to become the Queens borough president “remained silent.” [Queens Chronicle]When asked about abortion rights, candidates vying to become the Queens borough president “remained silent.” [Queens Chronicle]
The Latinx Project hosts Ismael García Colón, the author of “Colonial Migrants at the Heart of Empire: Puerto Rican Workers on U.S. Farms,” for a discussion at 20 Cooper Square in Manhattan. 5 p.m. [Free with R.S.V.P.]The Latinx Project hosts Ismael García Colón, the author of “Colonial Migrants at the Heart of Empire: Puerto Rican Workers on U.S. Farms,” for a discussion at 20 Cooper Square in Manhattan. 5 p.m. [Free with R.S.V.P.]
A discussion with Kimmery Martin, the author of “The Antidote For Everything,” at the WORD Bookstore in Brooklyn. 7 p.m. [$5]A discussion with Kimmery Martin, the author of “The Antidote For Everything,” at the WORD Bookstore in Brooklyn. 7 p.m. [$5]
Learn about the Egyptian capital’s art and architecture in “Cairo: The City of 1,000 Minarets” at the National Arts Club in Manhattan. 8 p.m. [R.S.V.P.; $10 suggested donation]Learn about the Egyptian capital’s art and architecture in “Cairo: The City of 1,000 Minarets” at the National Arts Club in Manhattan. 8 p.m. [R.S.V.P.; $10 suggested donation]
— Melissa Guerrero— Melissa Guerrero
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.
Upper West Side.Upper West Side.
Upper East Side.Upper East Side.
Lower East Side.Lower East Side.
Some neighborhoods in New York City have names that need no explanation. In Manhattan, real estate pressure helped usher in several generic, geographically oriented names that have no real connection to New York history, according to the journalist C.J. Hughes.Some neighborhoods in New York City have names that need no explanation. In Manhattan, real estate pressure helped usher in several generic, geographically oriented names that have no real connection to New York history, according to the journalist C.J. Hughes.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
Before that happened, neighborhoods had unique or historically relevant names.Before that happened, neighborhoods had unique or historically relevant names.
The Upper West Side used to be called San Juan Hill, named after the site in Cuba of a battle in the Spanish-American War.The Upper West Side used to be called San Juan Hill, named after the site in Cuba of a battle in the Spanish-American War.
The Upper East Side went by the name Jones Wood because the area was first settled by John Jones, a merchant.The Upper East Side went by the name Jones Wood because the area was first settled by John Jones, a merchant.
The Lower East Side used to be called Mackarelville because fish vendors once worked along Avenue A.The Lower East Side used to be called Mackarelville because fish vendors once worked along Avenue A.
In the city’s four other boroughs, where real estate pressure was less intense, some of the old neighborhood names are still in use.In the city’s four other boroughs, where real estate pressure was less intense, some of the old neighborhood names are still in use.
Astoria, in Queens, is named for John Jacob Astor.Astoria, in Queens, is named for John Jacob Astor.
Brownsville, in Brooklyn, is where Charles S. Brown turned farms into apartment buildings.Brownsville, in Brooklyn, is where Charles S. Brown turned farms into apartment buildings.
Mott Haven, in the Bronx, got its name after Jordan L. Mott established a foundry there.Mott Haven, in the Bronx, got its name after Jordan L. Mott established a foundry there.
It’s Monday — know your neighborhood.It’s Monday — know your neighborhood.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
I was on the F train headed to an afternoon doctor’s appointment. As I usually do, I stood against the doors across from the ones that opened at each station.I was on the F train headed to an afternoon doctor’s appointment. As I usually do, I stood against the doors across from the ones that opened at each station.
There were not many other passengers in the car. A man sitting next to where I was standing was reading one of the tabloids. A headline about the travails of Harry and Meghan declaring their independence from the British royal family jumped out at me.There were not many other passengers in the car. A man sitting next to where I was standing was reading one of the tabloids. A headline about the travails of Harry and Meghan declaring their independence from the British royal family jumped out at me.
I wanted to know what was next for them. I had to crane my neck to read even the headline. The man holding the paper looked up at me and adjusted it so that I could see it more easily.I wanted to know what was next for them. I had to crane my neck to read even the headline. The man holding the paper looked up at me and adjusted it so that I could see it more easily.
When I got ready to get off the train, he looked up again and smiled.When I got ready to get off the train, he looked up again and smiled.
I blushed.I blushed.
“Thank you,” I said.“Thank you,” I said.
— Michael Brenner— Michael Brenner
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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