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[This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York Area, read Wednesday’s live coverage.][This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York Area, read Wednesday’s live coverage.]
New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the largest such celebration in the world, was postponed late Wednesday night for the first time over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. It is the first time in more than 250 years that the event will not go on as planned.New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the largest such celebration in the world, was postponed late Wednesday night for the first time over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. It is the first time in more than 250 years that the event will not go on as planned.
The announcement, made by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and parade organizers, follows the cancellation of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Chicago and Boston. Ireland on Monday canceled all parades nationwide.The announcement, made by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and parade organizers, follows the cancellation of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Chicago and Boston. Ireland on Monday canceled all parades nationwide.
The parade, traditionally held on March 17, draws an estimated 150,000 marchers and as many as two million spectators a year to Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, including many police and military groups, firefighters, Irish musicians and student groups from across the United States. It is one of the city’s largest recurring public events.The parade, traditionally held on March 17, draws an estimated 150,000 marchers and as many as two million spectators a year to Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, including many police and military groups, firefighters, Irish musicians and student groups from across the United States. It is one of the city’s largest recurring public events.
New York’s state and city public university systems, which have a combined enrollment of over 900,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs across dozens of campuses, will conduct most classes online starting March 19, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Wednesday.New York’s state and city public university systems, which have a combined enrollment of over 900,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs across dozens of campuses, will conduct most classes online starting March 19, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Wednesday.
The State University of New York system has more than 60 campuses, while the City University of New York system has about 20 colleges and community colleges in New York City, including Brooklyn College, City College, Queens College, and Hunter College.The State University of New York system has more than 60 campuses, while the City University of New York system has about 20 colleges and community colleges in New York City, including Brooklyn College, City College, Queens College, and Hunter College.
Neither system will cancel all in-person classes. Laboratory courses could continue to be held, although potentially with fewer students.Neither system will cancel all in-person classes. Laboratory courses could continue to be held, although potentially with fewer students.
CUNY officials said separately on Wednesday that in-person classes were being canceled from Thursday through next Wednesday so that students and faculty members could prepare for the move to online classes.CUNY officials said separately on Wednesday that in-person classes were being canceled from Thursday through next Wednesday so that students and faculty members could prepare for the move to online classes.
Some dormitories will probably remain open for students who cannot return home for hardship reasons.Some dormitories will probably remain open for students who cannot return home for hardship reasons.
“They are not evicting anyone,” Mr. Cuomo said at a news conference. “They are not closing the dorm and kicking you out.”“They are not evicting anyone,” Mr. Cuomo said at a news conference. “They are not closing the dorm and kicking you out.”
The purpose of the move was to “reduce density,” the governor said.The purpose of the move was to “reduce density,” the governor said.
Some SUNY and CUNY graduation ceremonies will probably “not be happening in person” this spring, said Melissa DeRosa, a top aide to the governor.Some SUNY and CUNY graduation ceremonies will probably “not be happening in person” this spring, said Melissa DeRosa, a top aide to the governor.
The decision to shift most public university classes in New York online followed similar moves by most major private universities in the state this week. However, private universities like Columbia and New York University have not said the suspension of in-person classes would last through the rest of the spring semester, which typically ends in May.The decision to shift most public university classes in New York online followed similar moves by most major private universities in the state this week. However, private universities like Columbia and New York University have not said the suspension of in-person classes would last through the rest of the spring semester, which typically ends in May.
SUNY’s student government body, the Student Assembly, released a statement on Wednesday saying students “appreciate” Mr. Cuomo’s decision.SUNY’s student government body, the Student Assembly, released a statement on Wednesday saying students “appreciate” Mr. Cuomo’s decision.
On Wednesday Mr. Cuomo confirmed 39 additional cases of the coronavirus, bringing the state’s total to 212.On Wednesday Mr. Cuomo confirmed 39 additional cases of the coronavirus, bringing the state’s total to 212.
More than half the total, 121 cases, were in Westchester County. Thirty-two people in the state were hospitalized, Mr. Cuomo said. New York City had 48 confirmed cases of the virus, with 12 new cases announced on Wednesday. (Later on Wednesday, the state Health Department updated its tally to show 216 total positive cases in the state, with 121 in Westchester and 52 in New York City.)More than half the total, 121 cases, were in Westchester County. Thirty-two people in the state were hospitalized, Mr. Cuomo said. New York City had 48 confirmed cases of the virus, with 12 new cases announced on Wednesday. (Later on Wednesday, the state Health Department updated its tally to show 216 total positive cases in the state, with 121 in Westchester and 52 in New York City.)
In New Jersey, Gov. Philip D. Murphy announced eight new cases of the virus, bringing the state’s total to 23, including a man who was the first in the state to die in connection with the virus.In New Jersey, Gov. Philip D. Murphy announced eight new cases of the virus, bringing the state’s total to 23, including a man who was the first in the state to die in connection with the virus.
Officials in Connecticut said on Wednesday that the state had a third confirmed case of infection, a 65-year-old man. Officials said that it appears to be the first state case of community spread.Officials in Connecticut said on Wednesday that the state had a third confirmed case of infection, a 65-year-old man. Officials said that it appears to be the first state case of community spread.
Globally, more than 120,000 people have been infected with the virus and more than 4,000 people have died, according to official counts. On Wednesday morning, the World Health Organization called the outbreak a global pandemic.Globally, more than 120,000 people have been infected with the virus and more than 4,000 people have died, according to official counts. On Wednesday morning, the World Health Organization called the outbreak a global pandemic.
In the United States, the number of known cases of coronavirus infection passed 1,000 on Tuesday night, with cases in 38 states and Washington, D.C. At least 31 people have died.In the United States, the number of known cases of coronavirus infection passed 1,000 on Tuesday night, with cases in 38 states and Washington, D.C. At least 31 people have died.
In an interview with MSNBC, Mr. Cuomo said that he intended to ask business leaders in New York to allow workers to telecommute to help stem the spread of the disease.In an interview with MSNBC, Mr. Cuomo said that he intended to ask business leaders in New York to allow workers to telecommute to help stem the spread of the disease.
He also slammed the federal response to the virus, likening it to the botched reaction to Hurricane Katrina.He also slammed the federal response to the virus, likening it to the botched reaction to Hurricane Katrina.
“What I’m saying is at least get out of the way,” Mr. Cuomo said of federal officials. “The horse is out of the barn.”“What I’m saying is at least get out of the way,” Mr. Cuomo said of federal officials. “The horse is out of the barn.”
A Harlem woman who wanted to be tested was told by health care workers not to worry about her coronavirus-like symptoms. In Brooklyn, a woman had to wait to get tested for the virus until her mother tested positive. A doctor at a statewide hospital network has turned away patients who probably had the virus because they did not meet the current testing criteria.A Harlem woman who wanted to be tested was told by health care workers not to worry about her coronavirus-like symptoms. In Brooklyn, a woman had to wait to get tested for the virus until her mother tested positive. A doctor at a statewide hospital network has turned away patients who probably had the virus because they did not meet the current testing criteria.
President Trump has proclaimed that anyone who wants to get a coronavirus test can. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has declared that the state should be testing 1,000 people a day.President Trump has proclaimed that anyone who wants to get a coronavirus test can. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has declared that the state should be testing 1,000 people a day.
In New York, though, the reality seems far more complicated.In New York, though, the reality seems far more complicated.
Numerous interviews with doctors, hospital administrators and health officials this week revealed a confused and often troubled testing system in New York that has left many people who believe that they have been exposed to the coronavirus deeply frustrated.Numerous interviews with doctors, hospital administrators and health officials this week revealed a confused and often troubled testing system in New York that has left many people who believe that they have been exposed to the coronavirus deeply frustrated.
On Wednesday, Mr. Cuomo acknowledged that the testing shortage was having a significant impact on the state’s effort to curb the outbreak. He said that he had asked 28 private labs in the state to “get up, get running and start moving forward with testing” in order to “greatly increase our testing capacity.”On Wednesday, Mr. Cuomo acknowledged that the testing shortage was having a significant impact on the state’s effort to curb the outbreak. He said that he had asked 28 private labs in the state to “get up, get running and start moving forward with testing” in order to “greatly increase our testing capacity.”
An usher who recently worked at two Broadway theaters has tested positive for the coronavirus, prompting a scramble to inform the public and clean the buildings, according to four industry officials who were briefed on the matter.An usher who recently worked at two Broadway theaters has tested positive for the coronavirus, prompting a scramble to inform the public and clean the buildings, according to four industry officials who were briefed on the matter.
Updated June 2, 2020 Updated June 5, 2020
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.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.
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 usher worked last week at performances of a new revival of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,” which is now in previews at the 766-seat Booth Theater, according to the officials, who declined to be identified because they had not been authorized to speak about it.The usher worked last week at performances of a new revival of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,” which is now in previews at the 766-seat Booth Theater, according to the officials, who declined to be identified because they had not been authorized to speak about it.
The usher previously helped manage lines at “Six,” a new British musical about the wives of Henry VIII, which is in previews at the 1,031-seat Brooks Atkinson Theater, the officials said.The usher previously helped manage lines at “Six,” a new British musical about the wives of Henry VIII, which is in previews at the 1,031-seat Brooks Atkinson Theater, the officials said.
It was unclear when the usher, who is under quarantine, began showing symptoms, which can emerge within two to 14 days of infection.It was unclear when the usher, who is under quarantine, began showing symptoms, which can emerge within two to 14 days of infection.
Both shows were expected to go on as scheduled on Wednesday night. The Shubert Organization, which operates the Booth, subjected the building to a deep clean on Wednesday, according to three people who were told about the measure. The Brooks Atkinson is operated by the Nederlander Organization.Both shows were expected to go on as scheduled on Wednesday night. The Shubert Organization, which operates the Booth, subjected the building to a deep clean on Wednesday, according to three people who were told about the measure. The Brooks Atkinson is operated by the Nederlander Organization.
Applause from a studio audience is as vital to talk shows as monologues and celebrity guests.Applause from a studio audience is as vital to talk shows as monologues and celebrity guests.
But that applause will be silenced for the foreseeable future in New York City after several shows, including “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” announced on Wednesday that they would begin taping without studio audiences because of concerns over the coronavirus.But that applause will be silenced for the foreseeable future in New York City after several shows, including “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” announced on Wednesday that they would begin taping without studio audiences because of concerns over the coronavirus.
“Per guidance from New York City officials, the company is hoping to do its part to help to decrease the rate of transmission in our communities,” officials from NBC, which produces Mr. Fallon’s show, said in a statement.“Per guidance from New York City officials, the company is hoping to do its part to help to decrease the rate of transmission in our communities,” officials from NBC, which produces Mr. Fallon’s show, said in a statement.
Other shows making the move included “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah,” “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver,” Samantha Bee’s “Full Frontal,” “Live With Kelly and Ryan” and “The View.”Other shows making the move included “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah,” “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver,” Samantha Bee’s “Full Frontal,” “Live With Kelly and Ryan” and “The View.”
As “The View" began taping on Wednesday, the camera panned to dozens of empty seats. “Well, hello, hello, hello,” Whoopi Goldberg, one of the show’s hosts, said. “Welcome to ‘The View,’ y’all!”As “The View" began taping on Wednesday, the camera panned to dozens of empty seats. “Well, hello, hello, hello,” Whoopi Goldberg, one of the show’s hosts, said. “Welcome to ‘The View,’ y’all!”
“Welcome to ‘The View’,” she repeated seven more times, pretending that there was an audience to hear her.“Welcome to ‘The View’,” she repeated seven more times, pretending that there was an audience to hear her.
Then, sitting at a table with her fellow hosts, Ms. Goldberg put it plainly: “For the first time ever, as you can see, if you looked around, we made the decision not to have a studio audience,” she said. “This is unprecedented.”Then, sitting at a table with her fellow hosts, Ms. Goldberg put it plainly: “For the first time ever, as you can see, if you looked around, we made the decision not to have a studio audience,” she said. “This is unprecedented.”
Reporting was contributed by Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Gold, John Koblin, Jeffery C. Mays, Patrick McGeehan, Jesse McKinley, Michael Paulson, Eliza Shapiro and Tracey Tully.Reporting was contributed by Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Gold, John Koblin, Jeffery C. Mays, Patrick McGeehan, Jesse McKinley, Michael Paulson, Eliza Shapiro and Tracey Tully.