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Confusion Over Coronavirus Quarantines Feeds Anxiety Confusion Over Coronavirus Quarantines Feeds Anxiety
(8 days later)
For two women who had learned just the day before that they had tested positive for the coronavirus, the call on Saturday from the New York City Health Department offered some implausibly good news.For two women who had learned just the day before that they had tested positive for the coronavirus, the call on Saturday from the New York City Health Department offered some implausibly good news.
One of the women had to stay under quarantine. The other, who had been without symptoms for a few days, was free to go about her life.One of the women had to stay under quarantine. The other, who had been without symptoms for a few days, was free to go about her life.
As strange as that sounded, what happened next further underscored the haphazard oversight of the quarantine process, one of the most important tools that public health officials have to curb the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.As strange as that sounded, what happened next further underscored the haphazard oversight of the quarantine process, one of the most important tools that public health officials have to curb the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
Hours after the initial call, a Health Department worker came to the apartment where the women had been staying since they returned sick from a cruise, the women recalled. He told them not to open the door and he slid a sheet of paper under it. They said they were told to sign the document and slide it back out.Hours after the initial call, a Health Department worker came to the apartment where the women had been staying since they returned sick from a cruise, the women recalled. He told them not to open the door and he slid a sheet of paper under it. They said they were told to sign the document and slide it back out.
It was an isolation agreement: Both women were confined to the apartment indefinitely, until the Health Department declared them safe.It was an isolation agreement: Both women were confined to the apartment indefinitely, until the Health Department declared them safe.
[Read our full Coronavirus in New York coverage here.][Read our full Coronavirus in New York coverage here.]
As the number of coronavirus cases in New York State rose to 142 on Monday, government officials scrambled to limit the spread. Dozens of colleges and schools were closed, events were canceled and thousands of people were under quarantine. Many thousands more were in home isolation around the United States.As the number of coronavirus cases in New York State rose to 142 on Monday, government officials scrambled to limit the spread. Dozens of colleges and schools were closed, events were canceled and thousands of people were under quarantine. Many thousands more were in home isolation around the United States.
But a week after the virus first appeared in New York, many state residents under quarantine feel they have largely been left to fend for themselves.But a week after the virus first appeared in New York, many state residents under quarantine feel they have largely been left to fend for themselves.
Local health departments in New York are supposed to check in daily even with people under precautionary quarantine, the lowest category of risk for contracting the virus. But in many cases, they have not started to do so yet.Local health departments in New York are supposed to check in daily even with people under precautionary quarantine, the lowest category of risk for contracting the virus. But in many cases, they have not started to do so yet.
And when the authorities do issue guidance or directives, they can seem contradictory or illogical.And when the authorities do issue guidance or directives, they can seem contradictory or illogical.
“We’ve been told everything from it was OK to go out, to we had to sign a release that we’re housebound now,” said one of the women who received an isolation order and who spoke on the condition that her name not be published. “We’ve been told we don’t need to be tested, to we have to be tested. We’ve been told that someone’s coming to our house to test us, to ‘You’ve got to find someplace.’“We’ve been told everything from it was OK to go out, to we had to sign a release that we’re housebound now,” said one of the women who received an isolation order and who spoke on the condition that her name not be published. “We’ve been told we don’t need to be tested, to we have to be tested. We’ve been told that someone’s coming to our house to test us, to ‘You’ve got to find someplace.’
“We’ve been told to call ahead for testing so that they’re prepared, and we get there, and nobody is prepared, we’re just in the emergency room with everyone else who’s waiting. It’s been very crazy.”“We’ve been told to call ahead for testing so that they’re prepared, and we get there, and nobody is prepared, we’re just in the emergency room with everyone else who’s waiting. It’s been very crazy.”
The presence of the coronavirus in New York had been anticipated for weeks; in January, New York City’s health commissioner declared that it was “inevitable.”The presence of the coronavirus in New York had been anticipated for weeks; in January, New York City’s health commissioner declared that it was “inevitable.”
Yet city and state health officials said that because the outbreak had accelerated so quickly, it required a constantly evolving public health response.Yet city and state health officials said that because the outbreak had accelerated so quickly, it required a constantly evolving public health response.
“This thing is moving like a freight train,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Monday. “A lot is changing quickly.”“This thing is moving like a freight train,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Monday. “A lot is changing quickly.”
A state official said the official containment guidelines issued on Friday by the state Health Department had been put together in consultation with local health agencies and that they covered every quarantine situation that had come up.A state official said the official containment guidelines issued on Friday by the state Health Department had been put together in consultation with local health agencies and that they covered every quarantine situation that had come up.
“The guidance has never changed,” said Beth Garvey, special counsel to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, adding that anyone with questions could call the coronavirus hotline. “The recommendation has always been if you’re exposed or in close contact with someone who’s positive, you should isolate yourself.“The guidance has never changed,” said Beth Garvey, special counsel to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, adding that anyone with questions could call the coronavirus hotline. “The recommendation has always been if you’re exposed or in close contact with someone who’s positive, you should isolate yourself.
“We are not leaving any individual or any local health department alone through this process,” she added. “We are here to work with them and we will continue to work with them.”“We are not leaving any individual or any local health department alone through this process,” she added. “We are here to work with them and we will continue to work with them.”
A spokesman for New York City’s Health Department, Patrick Gallahue, said, “We’re committed to providing New Yorkers with the most up-to-date information. As the situation has evolved, so too has our guidance to people.”A spokesman for New York City’s Health Department, Patrick Gallahue, said, “We’re committed to providing New Yorkers with the most up-to-date information. As the situation has evolved, so too has our guidance to people.”
People under quarantine across the city nonetheless said they were finding more questions than answers about how to handle everything from the mundane chores of daily life to the most primal tasks of parenting.People under quarantine across the city nonetheless said they were finding more questions than answers about how to handle everything from the mundane chores of daily life to the most primal tasks of parenting.
What do you do if some of your children are quarantined and others aren’t? Can two children under precautionary quarantine play with each other? How should parents who are not under quarantine interact with children who are?What do you do if some of your children are quarantined and others aren’t? Can two children under precautionary quarantine play with each other? How should parents who are not under quarantine interact with children who are?
The other night, on the porch of her house in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, Jessica Haller took a calculated risk. She hugged her teenage daughter.The other night, on the porch of her house in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, Jessica Haller took a calculated risk. She hugged her teenage daughter.
A few blocks away, when Deborah Berkowitz’s 6-year-old son swooped in for a hug, she flinched. “I just patted him on the head,” she said.A few blocks away, when Deborah Berkowitz’s 6-year-old son swooped in for a hug, she flinched. “I just patted him on the head,” she said.
Both children seemed perfectly healthy but they were both under precautionary quarantine because people with the virus had been in their schools. The mothers were not under quarantine. Neither woman had any idea whether she had done the right thing, and both said that similar conundrums arose all day long.Both children seemed perfectly healthy but they were both under precautionary quarantine because people with the virus had been in their schools. The mothers were not under quarantine. Neither woman had any idea whether she had done the right thing, and both said that similar conundrums arose all day long.
“It’s funny,” said Ms. Haller, 44, a former technology executive who is running for City Council. “I’m not allowed to let people into the house, but I’m allowed in and out of the house.”“It’s funny,” said Ms. Haller, 44, a former technology executive who is running for City Council. “I’m not allowed to let people into the house, but I’m allowed in and out of the house.”
Ms. Berkowitz, 46, who works at a museum in New York City, expressed a similar sentiment.Ms. Berkowitz, 46, who works at a museum in New York City, expressed a similar sentiment.
“I could go to work tomorrow,” she said. “I think that’s weird. It seems extreme on one end and ‘Eh, just a precaution’ on the other.”“I could go to work tomorrow,” she said. “I think that’s weird. It seems extreme on one end and ‘Eh, just a precaution’ on the other.”
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
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.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
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.
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.
Late Sunday, the principal at the private school that Ms. Haller’s four children attend, Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy, which has been closed since last Tuesday, sent an email to parents acknowledging the confusion.Late Sunday, the principal at the private school that Ms. Haller’s four children attend, Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy, which has been closed since last Tuesday, sent an email to parents acknowledging the confusion.
“Thank you for your patience as we continue to wait to hear back from the New York State Department of Health with clearly written quarantine guidelines,” the principal, Rabbi Binyamin Krauss, wrote. “We know that many of you are awaiting clarification and answers.”“Thank you for your patience as we continue to wait to hear back from the New York State Department of Health with clearly written quarantine guidelines,” the principal, Rabbi Binyamin Krauss, wrote. “We know that many of you are awaiting clarification and answers.”
Rather than continue to wait, several parents at the school who are also doctors distributed their own guidelines for quarantined students and parents, addressing many of the questions the state has yet to answer.Rather than continue to wait, several parents at the school who are also doctors distributed their own guidelines for quarantined students and parents, addressing many of the questions the state has yet to answer.
Rabbi Krauss said that he, too, had sometimes been left to wonder about the most basic questions. “Even the fact of whether I should be quarantined has not been consistent,” he said.Rabbi Krauss said that he, too, had sometimes been left to wonder about the most basic questions. “Even the fact of whether I should be quarantined has not been consistent,” he said.
There were also more prosaic quandaries.There were also more prosaic quandaries.
“Can we take out the trash?” asked the daughter of one of the women from the cruise, who put herself in precautionary quarantine after days of trying to get a straight answer from the health authorities on whether to do so. “Can we go in our backyard?” The woman, like her mother, spoke on the condition that her name not be published.“Can we take out the trash?” asked the daughter of one of the women from the cruise, who put herself in precautionary quarantine after days of trying to get a straight answer from the health authorities on whether to do so. “Can we go in our backyard?” The woman, like her mother, spoke on the condition that her name not be published.
The younger woman’s boyfriend chimed in: “What do the quarantined do about alternate side parking?” The city said on Monday that anyone under self-isolation who provided medical documentation or testimony can have their ticket dismissed.The younger woman’s boyfriend chimed in: “What do the quarantined do about alternate side parking?” The city said on Monday that anyone under self-isolation who provided medical documentation or testimony can have their ticket dismissed.
Even when the authorities provide answers, they are often inconsistent.Even when the authorities provide answers, they are often inconsistent.
Mr. Cuomo, for example, said last week that the “virus on a hard surface lives for about 24 hours.” The next day, a deputy commissioner from the City Health Department said it can survive only “a couple of minutes.”Mr. Cuomo, for example, said last week that the “virus on a hard surface lives for about 24 hours.” The next day, a deputy commissioner from the City Health Department said it can survive only “a couple of minutes.”
The state guidelines say that if someone is under precautionary quarantine, “food must be delivered to the person’s quarters.” Mr. de Blasio’s guidance was a little looser.The state guidelines say that if someone is under precautionary quarantine, “food must be delivered to the person’s quarters.” Mr. de Blasio’s guidance was a little looser.
“A person can stay in their apartment, can get, you know, if they’re able, food deliveries or friends or relatives can bring them food, whatever it is,” he said on Friday. “That doesn’t mean you can’t, you know, get a little fresh air for a minute.”“A person can stay in their apartment, can get, you know, if they’re able, food deliveries or friends or relatives can bring them food, whatever it is,” he said on Friday. “That doesn’t mean you can’t, you know, get a little fresh air for a minute.”
On Friday, after the chief rabbi of the Westchester County synagogue at the center of the biggest cluster of cases had tested positive for coronavirus but had no symptoms, Yeshiva University, where the rabbi teaches, sought to reassure students and co-workers.On Friday, after the chief rabbi of the Westchester County synagogue at the center of the biggest cluster of cases had tested positive for coronavirus but had no symptoms, Yeshiva University, where the rabbi teaches, sought to reassure students and co-workers.
The university said that doctors from the city Health Department had told the school that “individuals who have been in contact with an asymptomatic person who has tested positive for Covid-19 virus do not need to be placed in quarantine.”The university said that doctors from the city Health Department had told the school that “individuals who have been in contact with an asymptomatic person who has tested positive for Covid-19 virus do not need to be placed in quarantine.”
Yet on Saturday, the state Health Department ordered quarantine for members of the same synagogue who had been at any of five recent events, even though it was not clear whether symptomatic people were at all five events.Yet on Saturday, the state Health Department ordered quarantine for members of the same synagogue who had been at any of five recent events, even though it was not clear whether symptomatic people were at all five events.
The state of emergency declared by Mr. Cuomo over the weekend should help his administration quickly hire workers to help local health authorities monitor quarantined patients, but the process is just getting started.The state of emergency declared by Mr. Cuomo over the weekend should help his administration quickly hire workers to help local health authorities monitor quarantined patients, but the process is just getting started.
Ms. Haller, one of the Riverdale parents, spent most of last week wondering how to deal with her two older children being under precautionary quarantine while her two younger children were not.Ms. Haller, one of the Riverdale parents, spent most of last week wondering how to deal with her two older children being under precautionary quarantine while her two younger children were not.
By the end of the weekend, the question was moot: All students at her children’s school were placed under quarantine until at least March 16.By the end of the weekend, the question was moot: All students at her children’s school were placed under quarantine until at least March 16.
This time, Ms. Haller did not hesitate when she got the news.This time, Ms. Haller did not hesitate when she got the news.
“I will, and have, hugged and wiped the tears of my little ones,” she said.“I will, and have, hugged and wiped the tears of my little ones,” she said.
Jeffery C. Mays contributed reporting.Jeffery C. Mays contributed reporting.