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Over 140 Confirmed Cases of Coronavirus in New York State Over 140 Confirmed Cases of Coronavirus in New York State
(about 13 hours later)
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It’s Tuesday.It’s Tuesday.
Weather: Cloudy and windy, with a chance of afternoon showers and a high in the mid-60s.Weather: Cloudy and windy, with a chance of afternoon showers and a high in the mid-60s.
Alternate-side parking: Suspended today for Purim.Alternate-side parking: Suspended today for Purim.
There are now more than 140 confirmed cases of coronavirus in New York State, which has among the highest number in the country.There are now more than 140 confirmed cases of coronavirus in New York State, which has among the highest number in the country.
As fears over the virus grow, Mayor de Blasio is encouraging people to work from home and to avoid crowded subway trains. Schools are canceling classes. More New Yorkers are isolating themselves at home.As fears over the virus grow, Mayor de Blasio is encouraging people to work from home and to avoid crowded subway trains. Schools are canceling classes. More New Yorkers are isolating themselves at home.
[The Latest: Read our live coverage of the coronavirus outbreak in the New York Area.][The Latest: Read our live coverage of the coronavirus outbreak in the New York Area.]
Yesterday, New Jersey declared a state of emergency. And Governor Cuomo announced that the state’s prisoners are making hand sanitizer.Yesterday, New Jersey declared a state of emergency. And Governor Cuomo announced that the state’s prisoners are making hand sanitizer.
Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, tested positive for the coronavirus, Mr. Cuomo said yesterday. The Port Authority oversees numerous airports, bridges, tunnels and bus terminals in the New York area, making Mr. Cotton one of the most prominent officials in the United States to contract the virus.Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, tested positive for the coronavirus, Mr. Cuomo said yesterday. The Port Authority oversees numerous airports, bridges, tunnels and bus terminals in the New York area, making Mr. Cotton one of the most prominent officials in the United States to contract the virus.
[The head of the Port Authority tested positive for the coronavirus.][The head of the Port Authority tested positive for the coronavirus.]
“I’m in self-quarantine at home at the moment,” Mr. Cotton told The Times. His wife, Elizabeth Smith, president of the Central Park Conservancy, also has the virus and is working from home, a spokeswoman for the conservancy said.“I’m in self-quarantine at home at the moment,” Mr. Cotton told The Times. His wife, Elizabeth Smith, president of the Central Park Conservancy, also has the virus and is working from home, a spokeswoman for the conservancy said.
[Read our full Coronavirus in New York coverage here.][Read our full Coronavirus in New York coverage here.]
A 7-year-old girl in the Bronx has also tested positive; she is isolated at home and “doing well,” the mayor said. Also, according to a spokeswoman for a New York Fire Department union, an emergency medical worker has the virus.A 7-year-old girl in the Bronx has also tested positive; she is isolated at home and “doing well,” the mayor said. Also, according to a spokeswoman for a New York Fire Department union, an emergency medical worker has the virus.
[Confusion over quarantines feeds anxiety.][Confusion over quarantines feeds anxiety.]
Mr. de Blasio said there were no plans as of yesterday afternoon to close the city’s nearly 1,800 public schools. But some other schools and districts, including universities and colleges, were proceeding more cautiously.Mr. de Blasio said there were no plans as of yesterday afternoon to close the city’s nearly 1,800 public schools. But some other schools and districts, including universities and colleges, were proceeding more cautiously.
[Here’s a list of school closings in New York and New Jersey.][Here’s a list of school closings in New York and New Jersey.]
As of yesterday, Barnard College and Columbia University, both in Manhattan, had canceled classes through today and were planning to hold classes online for the rest of week. Yeshiva University, also in Manhattan, said that some classes would resume remotely tomorrow and others on Monday.As of yesterday, Barnard College and Columbia University, both in Manhattan, had canceled classes through today and were planning to hold classes online for the rest of week. Yeshiva University, also in Manhattan, said that some classes would resume remotely tomorrow and others on Monday.
Fordham University, which has campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, canceled classes through at least today, and planned for online classes later in the week.Fordham University, which has campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, canceled classes through at least today, and planned for online classes later in the week.
Just north of the city, Scarsdale public schools were closed through March 18.Just north of the city, Scarsdale public schools were closed through March 18.
Mr. Cuomo said that because of the price gouging and shortages, inmates would produce up to 100,000 gallons of hand sanitizer per week for CorCraft, the state’s prison-based product company.Mr. Cuomo said that because of the price gouging and shortages, inmates would produce up to 100,000 gallons of hand sanitizer per week for CorCraft, the state’s prison-based product company.
[The governor’s fix for the sanitizer shortage: 100,000 gallons made by prisoners.][The governor’s fix for the sanitizer shortage: 100,000 gallons made by prisoners.]
The sanitizer will be distributed to government offices, schools, transit locations and prisons, the governor said. He called the floral-scented substance “superior” to similar products on the market, citing its alcohol content: 75 percent.The sanitizer will be distributed to government offices, schools, transit locations and prisons, the governor said. He called the floral-scented substance “superior” to similar products on the market, citing its alcohol content: 75 percent.
The move was not universally welcomed. In a statement, the Legal Aid Society noted that inmates themselves might not be able to use the hand sanitizer — it could be considered contraband because of the alcohol content.The move was not universally welcomed. In a statement, the Legal Aid Society noted that inmates themselves might not be able to use the hand sanitizer — it could be considered contraband because of the alcohol content.
A Grandmother. A Doctor. A 10-Year-Old Boy: N.Y. Traffic Deaths RiseA Grandmother. A Doctor. A 10-Year-Old Boy: N.Y. Traffic Deaths Rise
Prince Andrew Is Stonewalling in Epstein Case, Prosecutor SaysPrince Andrew Is Stonewalling in Epstein Case, Prosecutor Says
Trial of Programmer Accused in C.I.A. Leak Ends in Hung JuryTrial of Programmer Accused in C.I.A. Leak Ends in Hung Jury
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.
The F train service between Church Avenue and Coney Island in Brooklyn will be suspended most weekends in 2020. [Gothamist]The F train service between Church Avenue and Coney Island in Brooklyn will be suspended most weekends in 2020. [Gothamist]
The police said they found over 30 sickly animals — including almost two dozen cats and five dogs, as well as ducks and turtles — in a Brooklyn basement. [New York Post]The police said they found over 30 sickly animals — including almost two dozen cats and five dogs, as well as ducks and turtles — in a Brooklyn basement. [New York Post]
Each year, city education officials recommend books that students should read for fun. This year’s list includes a larger percentage of black, Asian and Hispanic authors. [Staten Island Advance]Each year, city education officials recommend books that students should read for fun. This year’s list includes a larger percentage of black, Asian and Hispanic authors. [Staten Island Advance]
Watch the film “First Cow,” directed by Kelly Reichardt, at the Angelika Film Center in Manhattan. Screenings begin at 10:40 a.m. [$17.50]Watch the film “First Cow,” directed by Kelly Reichardt, at the Angelika Film Center in Manhattan. Screenings begin at 10:40 a.m. [$17.50]
Join a conversation, “Girls Behind Bars: A Historic Wrong and the Fight to End It,” at the Brooklyn Historical Society. 6:30 p.m. [$15]Join a conversation, “Girls Behind Bars: A Historic Wrong and the Fight to End It,” at the Brooklyn Historical Society. 6:30 p.m. [$15]
— 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.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
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.
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.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
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 Corey Kilgannon reports:The Times’s Corey Kilgannon reports:
Doug Roland, a filmmaker, was walking through the East Village around 4 a.m. when he noticed a man standing on a deserted street corner.Doug Roland, a filmmaker, was walking through the East Village around 4 a.m. when he noticed a man standing on a deserted street corner.
The man held a sign explaining that he was deaf and blind and needed help crossing the street. Mr. Roland instinctively used his hand to trace his end of the conversation on the man’s palm. The encounter was in 2011, but it stayed with Mr. Roland. Late last year, he released an 18-minute film inspired by that serendipitous meeting called “Feeling Through.”The man held a sign explaining that he was deaf and blind and needed help crossing the street. Mr. Roland instinctively used his hand to trace his end of the conversation on the man’s palm. The encounter was in 2011, but it stayed with Mr. Roland. Late last year, he released an 18-minute film inspired by that serendipitous meeting called “Feeling Through.”
Mr. Roland was adamant about finding a deaf-blind man for the lead role. Mr. Roland wanted to cast that man he had met on that street corner many years ago but could not locate him in time.Mr. Roland was adamant about finding a deaf-blind man for the lead role. Mr. Roland wanted to cast that man he had met on that street corner many years ago but could not locate him in time.
Mr. Roland found his lead actor, Robert Tarango, working in the kitchen of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, on Long Island. Acting in a movie was the fulfillment of a childhood dream, Mr. Tarango said with the help of a translator.Mr. Roland found his lead actor, Robert Tarango, working in the kitchen of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, on Long Island. Acting in a movie was the fulfillment of a childhood dream, Mr. Tarango said with the help of a translator.
Mr. Tarango stars alongside Steven Prescod, of Brooklyn, who plays a troubled teen helping Mr. Tarango’s character to a bus stop.Mr. Tarango stars alongside Steven Prescod, of Brooklyn, who plays a troubled teen helping Mr. Tarango’s character to a bus stop.
“Maybe I could transition to become an actor,” Mr. Tarango said. “I’ve worked in a kitchen for so many years, so I pray I can get picked for another role.”“Maybe I could transition to become an actor,” Mr. Tarango said. “I’ve worked in a kitchen for so many years, so I pray I can get picked for another role.”
It’s Tuesday — dream big.It’s Tuesday — dream big.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
Last spring, I spent a long weekend in New York with my mother. One morning, we went to a cafe in SoHo for breakfast.Last spring, I spent a long weekend in New York with my mother. One morning, we went to a cafe in SoHo for breakfast.
As we went inside, I held the door for a slim older woman with long gray hair who was wearing flannel and a black beanie.As we went inside, I held the door for a slim older woman with long gray hair who was wearing flannel and a black beanie.
As the woman walked inside ahead of us, my mother hit me in the back.As the woman walked inside ahead of us, my mother hit me in the back.
“Emma, do you know who that was?” she said.“Emma, do you know who that was?” she said.
“No,” I said honestly.“No,” I said honestly.
“That,” she said, “was Patti Smith.”“That,” she said, “was Patti Smith.”
— Emma Romell— Emma Romell
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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