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‘Containment Area’ Is Ordered for New Rochelle Coronavirus Cluster ‘Containment Area’ Is Ordered for New Rochelle Coronavirus Cluster
(8 days later)
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — The National Guard will move in. Schools, churches and synagogues will be shut down. Large indoor gatherings will be officially banned.NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — The National Guard will move in. Schools, churches and synagogues will be shut down. Large indoor gatherings will be officially banned.
The sights and rituals of life in this New York City suburb, which had already been altered, took an eerie turn on Tuesday when Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced a drastic new step to try to control the spread of the coronavirus in the largest cluster in the United States.The sights and rituals of life in this New York City suburb, which had already been altered, took an eerie turn on Tuesday when Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced a drastic new step to try to control the spread of the coronavirus in the largest cluster in the United States.
State officials created a one-mile radius “containment area” in New Rochelle, in Westchester County, a move that echoed measures taken in other health crises. The midpoint of the zone was a synagogue that is at the center of the state’s worst outbreak.State officials created a one-mile radius “containment area” in New Rochelle, in Westchester County, a move that echoed measures taken in other health crises. The midpoint of the zone was a synagogue that is at the center of the state’s worst outbreak.
The move seemed likely to be a precursor to similar, and perhaps more severe, actions elsewhere as the virus continues to spread quickly around the country. On Monday, officials in Santa Clara County, Calif., enacted a ban on gatherings of more than 1,000 people, and other locations were poised to follow suit.The move seemed likely to be a precursor to similar, and perhaps more severe, actions elsewhere as the virus continues to spread quickly around the country. On Monday, officials in Santa Clara County, Calif., enacted a ban on gatherings of more than 1,000 people, and other locations were poised to follow suit.
There are now more than 1,000 cases of the virus in the United States, including more than 170 in New York, which has the third-highest total among states after Washington and California.There are now more than 1,000 cases of the virus in the United States, including more than 170 in New York, which has the third-highest total among states after Washington and California.
Unlike those two states, New York has yet to report a death caused by the virus, and Mr. Cuomo’s decision appeared to be geared toward stamping out a disease by eliminating close contact among large numbers of people in an area just north of the nation’s largest city.Unlike those two states, New York has yet to report a death caused by the virus, and Mr. Cuomo’s decision appeared to be geared toward stamping out a disease by eliminating close contact among large numbers of people in an area just north of the nation’s largest city.
“This is literally a matter of life and death,” Mr. Cuomo said. “That’s not an overly rhetorical statement.”“This is literally a matter of life and death,” Mr. Cuomo said. “That’s not an overly rhetorical statement.”
Beginning Thursday, members of the state National Guard will be deployed to New Rochelle to clean schools and to deliver food to quarantined residents and thousands of students who are now facing two weeks at home without free or reduced cost meals. Mr. Cuomo said that large gathering places in the containment area, including schools, community centers and houses of worship, would be closed for two weeks.Beginning Thursday, members of the state National Guard will be deployed to New Rochelle to clean schools and to deliver food to quarantined residents and thousands of students who are now facing two weeks at home without free or reduced cost meals. Mr. Cuomo said that large gathering places in the containment area, including schools, community centers and houses of worship, would be closed for two weeks.
The state did not plan to close streets or to impose travel restrictions, Mr. Cuomo said, noting that he was only “containing facilities” where the virus might spread. Businesses like grocery stores and delis will remain open.The state did not plan to close streets or to impose travel restrictions, Mr. Cuomo said, noting that he was only “containing facilities” where the virus might spread. Businesses like grocery stores and delis will remain open.
Still, the spiraling scope of infection in New Rochelle, and the increasingly disruptive measures being used to fight it, were unnerving for residents. The streets inside the zone had been fairly empty in recent days and they appeared even more so on Tuesday. And the looming arrival of the National Guard was sure to exacerbate that.Still, the spiraling scope of infection in New Rochelle, and the increasingly disruptive measures being used to fight it, were unnerving for residents. The streets inside the zone had been fairly empty in recent days and they appeared even more so on Tuesday. And the looming arrival of the National Guard was sure to exacerbate that.
“When you see someone from the National Guard on your street, or outside your home, it is natural and human to find it somewhat unsettling, because it is a visible illustration that things in your community are not functioning as they normally do,” Noam Bramson, the city’s mayor, said at a news conference at City Hall on Tuesday.“When you see someone from the National Guard on your street, or outside your home, it is natural and human to find it somewhat unsettling, because it is a visible illustration that things in your community are not functioning as they normally do,” Noam Bramson, the city’s mayor, said at a news conference at City Hall on Tuesday.
“But I want to emphasize that the guard is here to help us,” he continued. “They are not here to provide a military function, they are not here to provide a policing function. New Rochelle is not on martial law.”“But I want to emphasize that the guard is here to help us,” he continued. “They are not here to provide a military function, they are not here to provide a policing function. New Rochelle is not on martial law.”
State and local officials sought to strike a balance between alerting and alarming residents, some of whom had begun to stockpile items like toilet paper, water, and medical supplies.State and local officials sought to strike a balance between alerting and alarming residents, some of whom had begun to stockpile items like toilet paper, water, and medical supplies.
The affected area is a mix of homes and businesses, and it includes at least one country club, as well as houses of worship and a dozen schools — public, private and religious — where sporting events and student plays were already being canceled.The affected area is a mix of homes and businesses, and it includes at least one country club, as well as houses of worship and a dozen schools — public, private and religious — where sporting events and student plays were already being canceled.
The news spread quickly around New Rochelle, by word of mouth or, in many cases, through a robocall from Mr. Bramson’s office.The news spread quickly around New Rochelle, by word of mouth or, in many cases, through a robocall from Mr. Bramson’s office.
Anthony Bulfamante, who runs a local landscaping business, said he had received such a call at 3:43 p.m. Ten minutes later, he said, his phone rang again, and it did not stop ringing for the rest of the day, as friends from around the country checked in.Anthony Bulfamante, who runs a local landscaping business, said he had received such a call at 3:43 p.m. Ten minutes later, he said, his phone rang again, and it did not stop ringing for the rest of the day, as friends from around the country checked in.
Two offered him places to sleep, including a secluded upstate cabin, Mr. Bulfamante said. But even though he had a heart procedure this summer, he declined.Two offered him places to sleep, including a secluded upstate cabin, Mr. Bulfamante said. But even though he had a heart procedure this summer, he declined.
“I have no problem sleeping in New Rochelle,” he said. “You’ve got to live your life.”“I have no problem sleeping in New Rochelle,” he said. “You’ve got to live your life.”
Mr. Bramson acknowledged that some New Rochelle businesses were already suffering, in large part “because a fair percentage of the customer base is already quarantined.” That included his mother, who lives in one of the area’s nursing homes, which have been a source of concern during the outbreak.Mr. Bramson acknowledged that some New Rochelle businesses were already suffering, in large part “because a fair percentage of the customer base is already quarantined.” That included his mother, who lives in one of the area’s nursing homes, which have been a source of concern during the outbreak.
There were 108 patients with the virus in Westchester on Tuesday, Mr. Cuomo said, adding that most of them were in New Rochelle.There were 108 patients with the virus in Westchester on Tuesday, Mr. Cuomo said, adding that most of them were in New Rochelle.
The Westchester cluster first came to the authorities’ attention last week, when a lawyer who lives in New Rochelle and works in Manhattan, Lawrence Garbuz, became the second person in New York to be found to have the coronavirus.The Westchester cluster first came to the authorities’ attention last week, when a lawyer who lives in New Rochelle and works in Manhattan, Lawrence Garbuz, became the second person in New York to be found to have the coronavirus.
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.
The Westchester health commissioner had previously ordered specific closings linked to Mr. Garbuz’s movements in the days before he received the diagnosis: The synagogue he attends, Young Israel of New Rochelle, was ordered closed, and congregants who had attended a bat mitzvah, a funeral or Shabbat services in last month were ordered to isolate themselves at home for 14 days.The Westchester health commissioner had previously ordered specific closings linked to Mr. Garbuz’s movements in the days before he received the diagnosis: The synagogue he attends, Young Israel of New Rochelle, was ordered closed, and congregants who had attended a bat mitzvah, a funeral or Shabbat services in last month were ordered to isolate themselves at home for 14 days.
The containment plan also included setting up a new satellite testing facility for New Rochelle that would increase officials’ ability to test for the virus in the city, which has a population of around 80,000.The containment plan also included setting up a new satellite testing facility for New Rochelle that would increase officials’ ability to test for the virus in the city, which has a population of around 80,000.
No student, teacher or parent at the three public schools that will be closed has tested positive for the virus. The closings will affect around half of the district’s roughly 10,000 students.No student, teacher or parent at the three public schools that will be closed has tested positive for the virus. The closings will affect around half of the district’s roughly 10,000 students.
The district has given the state a list of the 2,822 students who qualified for free and reduced-price lunched to better coordinate the National Guard’s meal deliveries.The district has given the state a list of the 2,822 students who qualified for free and reduced-price lunched to better coordinate the National Guard’s meal deliveries.
“It is inevitable that one of our students or staff will contract the virus,” Laura Feijoo, the schools superintendent, said on Tuesday. “What is in our control is for us to be ready.”“It is inevitable that one of our students or staff will contract the virus,” Laura Feijoo, the schools superintendent, said on Tuesday. “What is in our control is for us to be ready.”
Elsewhere in the city, limited signs of activity, routine and less so, were evident: A girl’s lacrosse team practiced at the Ursuline School, inside the containment zone, and a group of yeshiva students strolled around the streets, offering open air readings of traditional Purim texts to anyone who could not go to synagogue for the holiday.Elsewhere in the city, limited signs of activity, routine and less so, were evident: A girl’s lacrosse team practiced at the Ursuline School, inside the containment zone, and a group of yeshiva students strolled around the streets, offering open air readings of traditional Purim texts to anyone who could not go to synagogue for the holiday.
A Chinese restaurant delivered care packages of food that were festooned with stickers reading: “We are thinking of you.”A Chinese restaurant delivered care packages of food that were festooned with stickers reading: “We are thinking of you.”
And late on Tuesday, at a Mexican restaurant in New Rochelle, Summer Pabon, 20, sat alongside a near casualty of the impending containment: a goldfish named Ritz in a plastic cup.And late on Tuesday, at a Mexican restaurant in New Rochelle, Summer Pabon, 20, sat alongside a near casualty of the impending containment: a goldfish named Ritz in a plastic cup.
Ms. Pabon, 20, who lives in the containment area, said that the goldfish’s owner had left town after the creation of the zone was announced.Ms. Pabon, 20, who lives in the containment area, said that the goldfish’s owner had left town after the creation of the zone was announced.
“I was like, ‘Oh my God, Ritz the fish, what are you going to do with Ritz?’” said Ms. Pabon, a junior studying chemistry at Iona College, which has also suspended classes.“I was like, ‘Oh my God, Ritz the fish, what are you going to do with Ritz?’” said Ms. Pabon, a junior studying chemistry at Iona College, which has also suspended classes.
“People think like the apocalypse is starting here in New Rochelle,” she said. “It’s crazy.”“People think like the apocalypse is starting here in New Rochelle,” she said. “It’s crazy.”
Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Gold and Nikita Stewart contributed reporting.Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Gold and Nikita Stewart contributed reporting.