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Coronavirus Bandits? 2 Armed Men in Surgical Masks Rob Racetrack Coronavirus Bandits? 2 Armed Men in Surgical Masks Rob Racetrack
(1 day later)
Three workers at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens were transporting hundreds of thousands in dollars in cash on Saturday night when they were accosted by two gunmen, the police said. The thieves made off with more than $200,000, aided in part by surgical masks they wore to conceal their identities.Three workers at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens were transporting hundreds of thousands in dollars in cash on Saturday night when they were accosted by two gunmen, the police said. The thieves made off with more than $200,000, aided in part by surgical masks they wore to conceal their identities.
The masks, conspicuous items to wear at a racetrack, appear to have given the bandits cover among patrons who are increasingly wearing them as a protective measure against the coronavirus, people at the racetrack said on Sunday.The masks, conspicuous items to wear at a racetrack, appear to have given the bandits cover among patrons who are increasingly wearing them as a protective measure against the coronavirus, people at the racetrack said on Sunday.
The three workers — a racetrack employee and two unarmed security guards — took the cash from gaming machines and were moving it to a safe upstairs as the racetrack was preparing to close on Saturday night, the police said.The three workers — a racetrack employee and two unarmed security guards — took the cash from gaming machines and were moving it to a safe upstairs as the racetrack was preparing to close on Saturday night, the police said.
The masked gunmen, dressed all in black, accosted the workers in a hallway and forced them into a room at gunpoint, the police said. The thieves confiscated the workers’ cellphones before fleeing with the cash.The masked gunmen, dressed all in black, accosted the workers in a hallway and forced them into a room at gunpoint, the police said. The thieves confiscated the workers’ cellphones before fleeing with the cash.
The police believe the gunmen made off with $200,000 to $270,000 before the workers called 911 at 10:22 p.m. Investigators were still searching for the culprits on Sunday.The police believe the gunmen made off with $200,000 to $270,000 before the workers called 911 at 10:22 p.m. Investigators were still searching for the culprits on Sunday.
They might not need to look far. Investigators believe the heist was an inside job, and they are looking into why several employees called out sick that night, a police official said.They might not need to look far. Investigators believe the heist was an inside job, and they are looking into why several employees called out sick that night, a police official said.
Thieves commonly use surgical masks to conceal their faces, and the ones used on Saturday night made for a notable choice during the coronavirus outbreak. Several patrons were wearing them at the racetrack on Sunday.Thieves commonly use surgical masks to conceal their faces, and the ones used on Saturday night made for a notable choice during the coronavirus outbreak. Several patrons were wearing them at the racetrack on Sunday.
“I think a lot more people are wearing the masks out of fear,” said George Donate, who said he goes to the racetrack every other weekend.“I think a lot more people are wearing the masks out of fear,” said George Donate, who said he goes to the racetrack every other weekend.
In January in Chicago, a local television news truck recorded a group of teenagers wearing surgical masks as they fled a smash-and-grab robbery of a Gucci store on Magnificent Mile. And last month, Georgia authorities said they were looking for a man who wore a surgical mask during robberies of six banks in the suburbs north of Atlanta.In January in Chicago, a local television news truck recorded a group of teenagers wearing surgical masks as they fled a smash-and-grab robbery of a Gucci store on Magnificent Mile. And last month, Georgia authorities said they were looking for a man who wore a surgical mask during robberies of six banks in the suburbs north of Atlanta.
The Aqueduct Racetrack and the adjacent casino have been targeted by thieves for decades. In 2012, prosecutors said a Queens man stole $63,000 after handing a cashier a note demanding money; he was later arrested when the police found his fingerprints on the paper, and he pleaded guilty to grand larceny in 2017.The Aqueduct Racetrack and the adjacent casino have been targeted by thieves for decades. In 2012, prosecutors said a Queens man stole $63,000 after handing a cashier a note demanding money; he was later arrested when the police found his fingerprints on the paper, and he pleaded guilty to grand larceny in 2017.
The 1985 Breeders Cup trophy and several laptops were stolen during a burglary at the track in 2014, and the following year a security guard was brutally beaten by a man who then stole the guard’s Lexus sedan.The 1985 Breeders Cup trophy and several laptops were stolen during a burglary at the track in 2014, and the following year a security guard was brutally beaten by a man who then stole the guard’s Lexus sedan.
In 1969 and 1970, thieves who targeted armored trucks servicing the racetrack made off with nearly $2 million. The robberies were timed precisely to the truck workers’ meal stops, which led the police to believe they were inside jobs.In 1969 and 1970, thieves who targeted armored trucks servicing the racetrack made off with nearly $2 million. The robberies were timed precisely to the truck workers’ meal stops, which led the police to believe they were inside jobs.
At the start of the first race at Aqueduct on Sunday afternoon, the track was operating as usual. No police officers were visible, and employees said they were not aware of any extra security measures in place.At the start of the first race at Aqueduct on Sunday afternoon, the track was operating as usual. No police officers were visible, and employees said they were not aware of any extra security measures in place.
One employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of safety concerns, said the security department seemed short-staffed.One employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of safety concerns, said the security department seemed short-staffed.
The worker said the lack of armed guards made the person transporting the money a target. Security at the racetrack is handled by peace officers, who typically do not carry guns or have as much authority as police officers. In contrast, the guards at the Resorts World Casino, which is adjacent to the racetrack, have many more resources, the worker said.The worker said the lack of armed guards made the person transporting the money a target. Security at the racetrack is handled by peace officers, who typically do not carry guns or have as much authority as police officers. In contrast, the guards at the Resorts World Casino, which is adjacent to the racetrack, have many more resources, the worker said.
Other Aqueduct employees who are involved in the racetrack’s security said staff members had previously gone to management to express concern about being robbed and to ask for more protection. But they said they had been ignored.Other Aqueduct employees who are involved in the racetrack’s security said staff members had previously gone to management to express concern about being robbed and to ask for more protection. But they said they had been ignored.
Representatives for the New York Racing Association would not say why the security guards are typically not armed.Representatives for the New York Racing Association would not say why the security guards are typically not armed.
Updated June 1, 2020 Updated June 2, 2020
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.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
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.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
“We will be reviewing all our security protocols and procedures,” said Patrick McKenna, a spokesman for the association, which operates the racetrack.“We will be reviewing all our security protocols and procedures,” said Patrick McKenna, a spokesman for the association, which operates the racetrack.
At Aqueduct on Sunday, regular patrons said there were no signs that there had been a robbery the day before; many had not even heard about it.At Aqueduct on Sunday, regular patrons said there were no signs that there had been a robbery the day before; many had not even heard about it.
“It feels like a normal day,” said Abdul Shaffie, who comes to Aqueduct every weekend. “Nobody even knows anything about it.”“It feels like a normal day,” said Abdul Shaffie, who comes to Aqueduct every weekend. “Nobody even knows anything about it.”
But regulars said that, in general, they did not feel particularly safe at Aqueduct. The racetrack is open until 11 p.m. on Saturday nights, and people stay late to place bets on races at tracks across the country.But regulars said that, in general, they did not feel particularly safe at Aqueduct. The racetrack is open until 11 p.m. on Saturday nights, and people stay late to place bets on races at tracks across the country.
“Security is very slack here — look around, I am drinking a beer right here,” Bernard Niranjan said, pointing to a can of Budweiser he had brought from home, which is against the track rules.“Security is very slack here — look around, I am drinking a beer right here,” Bernard Niranjan said, pointing to a can of Budweiser he had brought from home, which is against the track rules.
Lorna McPherson, who comes to the track every weekend, said news of the robbery had not deterred her from visiting on Sunday. She would just make a point to be cautious.Lorna McPherson, who comes to the track every weekend, said news of the robbery had not deterred her from visiting on Sunday. She would just make a point to be cautious.
“The key thing is when you win, you don’t let people know, and you don’t cash out the same day,” she said, adding, “You have a lot of people who are broke, are crooks, who watch people so they can wait for them in the parking lot.”“The key thing is when you win, you don’t let people know, and you don’t cash out the same day,” she said, adding, “You have a lot of people who are broke, are crooks, who watch people so they can wait for them in the parking lot.”