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Cuomo Pushes for Coronavirus Testing, and University Classes GoOnline Cuomo Pushes for Coronavirus Testing, and University Classes GoOnline
(3 days later)
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It’s Thursday.It’s Thursday.
Weather: Cloudy, with a high near 50.Weather: Cloudy, with a high near 50.
Alternate-side parking: In effect until April 9 (Holy Thursday).Alternate-side parking: In effect until April 9 (Holy Thursday).
Officials and decision makers across New York State are continuing to weigh possible responses to the spread of the coronavirus. Yesterday, they took steps to reduce large gatherings — including canceling in-person classes at the biggest university systems — and to expand testing of people who are exhibiting symptoms.Officials and decision makers across New York State are continuing to weigh possible responses to the spread of the coronavirus. Yesterday, they took steps to reduce large gatherings — including canceling in-person classes at the biggest university systems — and to expand testing of people who are exhibiting symptoms.
[Latest coverage of the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area.][Latest coverage of the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area.]
Governor Cuomo has said the state should be testing 1,000 people for the coronavirus a day, but since late February, fewer than 2,000 in total have been tested.Governor Cuomo has said the state should be testing 1,000 people for the coronavirus a day, but since late February, fewer than 2,000 in total have been tested.
[Desperate for a coronavirus test, they couldn’t get one.][Desperate for a coronavirus test, they couldn’t get one.]
The governor acknowledged that disparity yesterday at a news conference and said that he had asked 28 private labs to begin testing for the virus. Still, the labs must receive federal approval to move forward.The governor acknowledged that disparity yesterday at a news conference and said that he had asked 28 private labs to begin testing for the virus. Still, the labs must receive federal approval to move forward.
“We can’t just wait anymore,” Mr. Cuomo said. “It’s compounding the problem.”“We can’t just wait anymore,” Mr. Cuomo said. “It’s compounding the problem.”
Following the lead of private colleges across the state, schools in the City University of New York and State University of New York systems will hold most classes online beginning on March 19.Following the lead of private colleges across the state, schools in the City University of New York and State University of New York systems will hold most classes online beginning on March 19.
The campuses will remain open, and certain classes, such as labs, may still be taught in person. Students who live on campus and have no other place to go will have access to housing.The campuses will remain open, and certain classes, such as labs, may still be taught in person. Students who live on campus and have no other place to go will have access to housing.
“They are not evicting anyone,” Mr. Cuomo said.“They are not evicting anyone,” Mr. Cuomo said.
The decision might affect graduation ceremonies. One Cuomo aide said the ceremonies would probably “not be happening in person” this spring.The decision might affect graduation ceremonies. One Cuomo aide said the ceremonies would probably “not be happening in person” this spring.
The governor announced yesterday that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City had been postponed. It is the first time that the event, which in recent years has drawn about 150,000 marchers and as many as two million spectators, will not go on in more than 250 years.The governor announced yesterday that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City had been postponed. It is the first time that the event, which in recent years has drawn about 150,000 marchers and as many as two million spectators, will not go on in more than 250 years.
The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center has cleared its event calendar through mid-April because of several cancellations and postponements. The venue’s popular New York International Auto Show has been rescheduled for August.The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center has cleared its event calendar through mid-April because of several cancellations and postponements. The venue’s popular New York International Auto Show has been rescheduled for August.
On Broadway, shows have not been canceled, but my colleague Michael Paulson reported that an usher who had recently worked at two theaters had tested positive for the virus, prompting a scramble to inform the public and clean the buildings.On Broadway, shows have not been canceled, but my colleague Michael Paulson reported that an usher who had recently worked at two theaters had tested positive for the virus, prompting a scramble to inform the public and clean the buildings.
As of yesterday, 15 percent of the state’s patients had been hospitalized.As of yesterday, 15 percent of the state’s patients had been hospitalized.
New Jersey’s governor said yesterday that 23 people in his state had the virus. In Connecticut, three people have tested positive.New Jersey’s governor said yesterday that 23 people in his state had the virus. In Connecticut, three people have tested positive.
Harvey Weinstein’s Stunning Downfall: 23 Years in PrisonHarvey Weinstein’s Stunning Downfall: 23 Years in Prison
N.J. Transit’s Most Troubled Trains Are Older Than Many of the RidersN.J. Transit’s Most Troubled Trains Are Older Than Many of the Riders
Activist Museum Director Named New York Cultural Affairs CommissionerActivist Museum Director Named New York Cultural Affairs Commissioner
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.
Transgender minors born in New York State will be allowed to change the sex designation on their birth certificates. [State of Politics]Transgender minors born in New York State will be allowed to change the sex designation on their birth certificates. [State of Politics]
A minor earthquake shook areas north of Albany yesterday morning. [Albany Times Union]A minor earthquake shook areas north of Albany yesterday morning. [Albany Times Union]
A driver in the Bronx accused of hitting and killing a toddler was charged with criminally negligent homicide. [Gothamist]A driver in the Bronx accused of hitting and killing a toddler was charged with criminally negligent homicide. [Gothamist]
Join Julie and Will Horowitz, authors and co-owners of Ducks Eatery, for a discussion on finding a sustainable future through nature and tradition, at Archestratus Books + Foods in Brooklyn. 6:30 p.m. [$5]Join Julie and Will Horowitz, authors and co-owners of Ducks Eatery, for a discussion on finding a sustainable future through nature and tradition, at Archestratus Books + Foods in Brooklyn. 6:30 p.m. [$5]
Aurora Diaz of the Bettys art collective hosts a zine-making workshop at Nowadays in Brooklyn. 8 p.m. [Free]Aurora Diaz of the Bettys art collective hosts a zine-making workshop at Nowadays in Brooklyn. 8 p.m. [Free]
— 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.
The Times’s Kasia Pilat writes:The Times’s Kasia Pilat writes:
When we asked readers what they most wanted to know about New York City, hundreds of queries came in. As we sifted through them, a trend emerged: Several of the common questions had been answered in previous Times articles. So we dived into the archives to answer some of them.When we asked readers what they most wanted to know about New York City, hundreds of queries came in. As we sifted through them, a trend emerged: Several of the common questions had been answered in previous Times articles. So we dived into the archives to answer some of them.
Elizabeth Welch of Manhattan wanted to know about New Yorkers who collect and redeem bottles and cans. “Is it legal to take trash off the streets?” she asked. “Is it territorial? Where are the recycling centers located, and how do they get their massive bags of bottles to these centers? How much money does one make with a day’s work?”Elizabeth Welch of Manhattan wanted to know about New Yorkers who collect and redeem bottles and cans. “Is it legal to take trash off the streets?” she asked. “Is it territorial? Where are the recycling centers located, and how do they get their massive bags of bottles to these centers? How much money does one make with a day’s work?”
Andy Newman, who writes about jobs for The Times, has followed New York’s “canners,” who make a living returning deposit containers.Andy Newman, who writes about jobs for The Times, has followed New York’s “canners,” who make a living returning deposit containers.
The price of Manhattan real estate, he wrote late last year, forced every dedicated redemption center off the island, which means that canners must either load their containers individually into supermarket redemption machines, which sometimes have a $12-per-day limit, or take them to recycling centers in the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn.The price of Manhattan real estate, he wrote late last year, forced every dedicated redemption center off the island, which means that canners must either load their containers individually into supermarket redemption machines, which sometimes have a $12-per-day limit, or take them to recycling centers in the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
“Into this void have stepped redemption companies that send out trucks to buy from canners on the street, following the migrant miners who follow the city’s recycling schedule night after night,” he wrote.“Into this void have stepped redemption companies that send out trucks to buy from canners on the street, following the migrant miners who follow the city’s recycling schedule night after night,” he wrote.
Some canners, Mr. Newman explained, sell their cans to other canners, who sell to the trucks. Others buy empties from other workers for 3 cents each and sell them to the trucks for 5 cents.Some canners, Mr. Newman explained, sell their cans to other canners, who sell to the trucks. Others buy empties from other workers for 3 cents each and sell them to the trucks for 5 cents.
“One family works the Upper East Side with its own van to safeguard and transport its harvest to the trucks,” he wrote.“One family works the Upper East Side with its own van to safeguard and transport its harvest to the trucks,” he wrote.
“All of this activity occurs in a vast gray area of legality,” he added. “Technically, once recycling is left on the curb, it belongs to the city. It is a further violation to use a motor vehicle to collect recyclable materials from curbside.”“All of this activity occurs in a vast gray area of legality,” he added. “Technically, once recycling is left on the curb, it belongs to the city. It is a further violation to use a motor vehicle to collect recyclable materials from curbside.”
Rosa, one of the canners in the article, has established exclusive arrangements with custodial workers at certain buildings. On the money she earned through canning she was able to put her 19-year-old daughter through medical-assistant school. One Friday evening, she went home with $135 for five hours’ labor.Rosa, one of the canners in the article, has established exclusive arrangements with custodial workers at certain buildings. On the money she earned through canning she was able to put her 19-year-old daughter through medical-assistant school. One Friday evening, she went home with $135 for five hours’ labor.
It’s Thursday — stay calm and collected.It’s Thursday — stay calm and collected.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
I’m not a great runner. My form is stiff, my motivation is lacking and I don’t run often enough to really improve. Yet once or twice a week I head to Fort Greene Park, and I run a couple of laps on a trail there.I’m not a great runner. My form is stiff, my motivation is lacking and I don’t run often enough to really improve. Yet once or twice a week I head to Fort Greene Park, and I run a couple of laps on a trail there.
I typically pass at least a few other runners on my route. They are people of all ages and backgrounds. Sometimes they’re running with dogs. Sometimes they’re in groups. Occasionally we acknowledge one another, or I make way if someone else is moving faster than me.I typically pass at least a few other runners on my route. They are people of all ages and backgrounds. Sometimes they’re running with dogs. Sometimes they’re in groups. Occasionally we acknowledge one another, or I make way if someone else is moving faster than me.
Recently, I went for a run on a cold, dreary Sunday afternoon. I was feeling particularly out of shape. I was conscious of my labored breathing and lurching speed the entire time. I was done after three laps.Recently, I went for a run on a cold, dreary Sunday afternoon. I was feeling particularly out of shape. I was conscious of my labored breathing and lurching speed the entire time. I was done after three laps.
Approaching the spot where I exit the trail, I slowed to a walk. As I turned to leave, a man who must have been close behind me the whole time I was running sidled up to me.Approaching the spot where I exit the trail, I slowed to a walk. As I turned to leave, a man who must have been close behind me the whole time I was running sidled up to me.
“Now who am I going to chase?” he said.“Now who am I going to chase?” he said.
— Will Bareford— Will Bareford
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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