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New York Will Restrict Most Gatherings of More Than 500 People: Live Updates New York Will Restrict Most Gatherings of More Than 500 People: Live Updates
(32 minutes later)
New York will ban most gatherings of more than 500 people, including at Broadway shows, and restrict smaller gatherings in an extraordinary step to fight the growing outbreak of the coronavirus in the state, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Thursday. Broadway will go dark for at least a month beginning Thursday, after Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York announced restrictions on public gatherings in an extraordinary step to fight the growing outbreak of the coronavirus.
The restrictions represent New York’s most forceful move yet to try to mitigate the spread of the virus. They are expected to have a profound impact on the city’s cultural institutions, including Broadway, a multibillion dollar industry at the heart of New York’s tourist trade. The governor’s decision to limit gatherings of more than 500 people is a blow one of the crown jewels of the city’s tourist trade, its theater industry. Last season, the industry drew 14.8 million patrons and grossed $1.8 billion.
The ban will take effect at 5 p.m. Thursday for Broadway theaters and will go into effect for other venues on Friday at 5 p.m., Mr. Cuomo said. All 41 Broadway theaters have at least 500 seats, and most have more than 1,000.
The restrictions were announced just hours after other cultural institutions including the Metropolitan Museum, the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall announced that they would be suspending visits and performances.
All Broadway theaters will suspend their performances through April 12, according to a statement from the Broadway League, a trade organization representing producers and theater owners.
Under the state’s new guidance, New York State will ban most gatherings of more than 500 people, Mr. Cuomo said. Small gatherings would still be permitted, but venues that hold fewer than 500 people would be required to reduce their occupancy by half, he said.
Schools, hospitals, nursing homes and public transit will be exempt from the guidelines, which take effect at 5 p.m. Thursday for Broadway theaters and will go into effect for other venues on Friday at 5 p.m., Mr. Cuomo said.
In New Jersey, Gov. Philip D. Murphy recommended that all public gatherings of more than 250 people, including concerts, sporting events, and parades, be canceled across the state.In New Jersey, Gov. Philip D. Murphy recommended that all public gatherings of more than 250 people, including concerts, sporting events, and parades, be canceled across the state.
“Our front line efforts right now must be to aggressively mitigate the potential for exposure and further spread,” Mr. Murphy said in a statement. “We are taking this step because social distancing works.”“Our front line efforts right now must be to aggressively mitigate the potential for exposure and further spread,” Mr. Murphy said in a statement. “We are taking this step because social distancing works.”
As of Thursday, New York has confirmed 328 cases of the coronavirus, with 112 new cases overnight, Mr. Cuomo said. Of those cases, 148 are in Westchester County and 95 of them are in New York City. As of Thursday, New York State has confirmed 328 cases of the coronavirus, with 112 new cases overnight, Mr. Cuomo said. Of those cases, 148 are in Westchester County and 95 of them are in New York City.
More than 225 people statewide have tested positive so far. In Nassau County on Long Island, 40 people now have the virus, with ten of them hospitalized and one person in critical condition, officials there said. In Nassau County on Long Island, 40 people now have the virus, with ten of them hospitalized and one person in critical condition, officials there said.
Mr. de Blasio said he hoped to introduce measures that would reduce crowds at gatherings and audiences at events. He specifically mentioned Broadway, where producers and theater owners have taken steps to try to stay open.
“I don’t want to see Broadway go dark if we can avoid it,” the mayor said. “I want to see if we can strike some kind of balance.”
Mr. de Blasio said he did not plan to shut down the subway system or close all of the city’s public schools, but he did not provide more details on his plans, saying only that his administration planned to take steps on Thursday or Friday.
Starting Friday, all events and public programing at New York City public libraries have been canceled. For now, library branches remain open, a spokeswoman said.Starting Friday, all events and public programing at New York City public libraries have been canceled. For now, library branches remain open, a spokeswoman said.
Across the river, the mayor of Jersey City, Steven Fulop, announced that the city had set a curfew of 10 p.m. on nightclubs and bars.Across the river, the mayor of Jersey City, Steven Fulop, announced that the city had set a curfew of 10 p.m. on nightclubs and bars.
On Wednesday, Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington announced a ban on public gatherings of 250 people or more in three counties in the Seattle area, the most far-reaching restriction in a major American metropolitan area to blunt the coronavirus outbreak so far.On Wednesday, Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington announced a ban on public gatherings of 250 people or more in three counties in the Seattle area, the most far-reaching restriction in a major American metropolitan area to blunt the coronavirus outbreak so far.
Oregon’s governor, Kate Brown, imposed a similar restriction in her state, and San Francisco announced a ban on large events of more than 1,000 people.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the city’s first district public school closures related to the virus on Thursday morning: two schools in the Bronx that share a building.
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Oregon’s governor, Kate Brown, imposed a similar restriction in her state, and San Francisco announced a ban on large events of more than 1,000 people.
The Archdiocese of New York will close all of its elementary schools next week, “with the possibility of a lengthier closure,” it said in a statement on Thursday.
The decision will affect over 19,000 students at 152 Catholic elementary schools in the archdiocese, which stretches from Staten Island to Dutchess County but does not include Brooklyn or Queens.
The Catholic Youth Organizations and the Catholic High School Athletic Associations will also “indefinitely” cancel all activities in the archdiocese, it said. 
“We truly understand that taking this action may cause some disruption to our families, but we strongly believe that these measures taken now will have the greatest success of decreasing risk to the whole community,” the archdiocese said.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the city’s first district public school closures related to the virus on Thursday morning: two schools in the Bronx that share a building.
The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, and South Bronx Preparatory: A College Board School, are both 6-12 grade schools at 360 East 145th Street in the Bronx. The schools serve about 1,300 students combined. Nearly all of the students at both Bronx schools closed Thursday are low-income and black or Hispanic.The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, and South Bronx Preparatory: A College Board School, are both 6-12 grade schools at 360 East 145th Street in the Bronx. The schools serve about 1,300 students combined. Nearly all of the students at both Bronx schools closed Thursday are low-income and black or Hispanic.
A student at one of the schools has a “self-confirmed” positive case of coronavirus, the mayor said in a statement.A student at one of the schools has a “self-confirmed” positive case of coronavirus, the mayor said in a statement.
A city official said that the child’s parent informed the city that they had tested positive for the virus, though the case is not formally logged in the state database. The city closed the schools based on the parent’s report.A city official said that the child’s parent informed the city that they had tested positive for the virus, though the case is not formally logged in the state database. The city closed the schools based on the parent’s report.
The city will disinfect the school, which will be closed for at least 24 hours, and the city’s health department will investigate close contacts of the infected student who might need testing or quarantine.The city will disinfect the school, which will be closed for at least 24 hours, and the city’s health department will investigate close contacts of the infected student who might need testing or quarantine.
“We don’t make this decision lightly, and we know the disruption and anxiety this means for students, faculty and parents,” he said.“We don’t make this decision lightly, and we know the disruption and anxiety this means for students, faculty and parents,” he said.
Thursday’s closures mark a new stage in the virus’s effect on city schools. Mr. de Blasio has consistently said that he will not implement mass school closures unless the situation changes dramatically.Thursday’s closures mark a new stage in the virus’s effect on city schools. Mr. de Blasio has consistently said that he will not implement mass school closures unless the situation changes dramatically.
New York City is home to the nation’s largest public school system, with 1,800 schools and 1.1 million students, and large-scale closures would inevitably be extremely disruptive.New York City is home to the nation’s largest public school system, with 1,800 schools and 1.1 million students, and large-scale closures would inevitably be extremely disruptive.
About 75 percent of the city’s students are low-income, and rely on schools not only for meals, but also for in-school medical clinics, guidance counselors, laundry machines, and many other services.About 75 percent of the city’s students are low-income, and rely on schools not only for meals, but also for in-school medical clinics, guidance counselors, laundry machines, and many other services.
Students at the two Bronx schools will be able to pick up lunch at the building’s main entrance on Thursday, the city said, during the same time that lunch is usually served.Students at the two Bronx schools will be able to pick up lunch at the building’s main entrance on Thursday, the city said, during the same time that lunch is usually served.
Mass school closures would also force many working parents — including essential city personnel like public hospital employees — to stay home or scramble to arrange child care.Mass school closures would also force many working parents — including essential city personnel like public hospital employees — to stay home or scramble to arrange child care.
But as the virus spreads, Mr. de Blasio is facing more pressure from some parents to either close schools or make school optional for students. On Wednesday, Seattle closed its public school district for at least two weeks, and hundreds of thousands of students across the country are out of school or using remote learning.But as the virus spreads, Mr. de Blasio is facing more pressure from some parents to either close schools or make school optional for students. On Wednesday, Seattle closed its public school district for at least two weeks, and hundreds of thousands of students across the country are out of school or using remote learning.
Remote learning presents a challenge for city public schools, since many students do not have internet at home or live in homeless shelters.Remote learning presents a challenge for city public schools, since many students do not have internet at home or live in homeless shelters.
In New Jersey, a public high school has closed to students and switched to online classes “until further notice” after a student’s sibling tested positive for coronavirus, officials said.In New Jersey, a public high school has closed to students and switched to online classes “until further notice” after a student’s sibling tested positive for coronavirus, officials said.
Red Bank Regional High School, in Little Silver, N.J., has about 1,200 students from Red Bank, Shrewsbury and Little Silver. It is believed to be the first public school in New Jersey to close and switch to remote learning.Red Bank Regional High School, in Little Silver, N.J., has about 1,200 students from Red Bank, Shrewsbury and Little Silver. It is believed to be the first public school in New Jersey to close and switch to remote learning.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art said Thursday that it will temporarily close its Fifth Avenue flagship and two other locations — the Met Breuer, in midtown Manhattan and the Met Cloisters in northern Manhattan — starting Friday in response to the coronavirus outbreak.The Metropolitan Museum of Art said Thursday that it will temporarily close its Fifth Avenue flagship and two other locations — the Met Breuer, in midtown Manhattan and the Met Cloisters in northern Manhattan — starting Friday in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The museum, which did not announce a target date to reopen, said it will undertake a thorough cleaning of its facilities and announce further steps early next week. It made its decision in consultation with the mayor’s office.The museum, which did not announce a target date to reopen, said it will undertake a thorough cleaning of its facilities and announce further steps early next week. It made its decision in consultation with the mayor’s office.
“The Met’s priority is to protect and support our staff, volunteers, and visitors,” Daniel Weiss, the Met’s president and chief executive, said in a statement.
The Met said it has two employees who have showed symptoms of the virus — one is awaiting a test; the other is at home.The Met said it has two employees who have showed symptoms of the virus — one is awaiting a test; the other is at home.
The Frick Collection, a museum on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, announced Thursday that it was closing its galleries and library, and canceling all public events.The Frick Collection, a museum on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, announced Thursday that it was closing its galleries and library, and canceling all public events.
The Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall canceled all performances and events through March 31.The Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall canceled all performances and events through March 31.
The city’s other major museums have yet to announce similar plans to close, but some have already scaled back public events.The city’s other major museums have yet to announce similar plans to close, but some have already scaled back public events.
Orthodox Jewish leaders in Bergen County, the most populous county in New Jersey, enacted sweeping social distancing policies in the community on Wednesday night, including the closure of synagogues and schools, restrictions on kosher restaurants and limits on funerals and mourning visitations.Orthodox Jewish leaders in Bergen County, the most populous county in New Jersey, enacted sweeping social distancing policies in the community on Wednesday night, including the closure of synagogues and schools, restrictions on kosher restaurants and limits on funerals and mourning visitations.
The Rabbinical Council of Bergen County said in a statement that it made its decision after being told that public health officials “need our help to slow the spread of the disease before their resources are overwhelmed.”The Rabbinical Council of Bergen County said in a statement that it made its decision after being told that public health officials “need our help to slow the spread of the disease before their resources are overwhelmed.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, 23 people in New Jersey had tested positive for the new coronavirus.As of Wednesday afternoon, 23 people in New Jersey had tested positive for the new coronavirus.
Ten of the cases are in Bergen County, which sits across the Hudson River from New York. Many of the New Jersey cases are linked to a cluster in New York’s Westchester County.Ten of the cases are in Bergen County, which sits across the Hudson River from New York. Many of the New Jersey cases are linked to a cluster in New York’s Westchester County.
The rabbinical council said members of the community were “strongly encouraged” to work from home and to keep their children from socializing with their classmates, which would undermine the purpose of closing schools.The rabbinical council said members of the community were “strongly encouraged” to work from home and to keep their children from socializing with their classmates, which would undermine the purpose of closing schools.
The council also instructed people not to gather for Shabbat meals and asked kosher restaurants to fill only delivery and takeout orders, instead of seating customers. Funerals will be restricted to a small group of the deceased’s family members and a minyan, or quorum needed for religious ceremonies, and the council said in-person Shiva visits should be replaced with phone calls or video chats.The council also instructed people not to gather for Shabbat meals and asked kosher restaurants to fill only delivery and takeout orders, instead of seating customers. Funerals will be restricted to a small group of the deceased’s family members and a minyan, or quorum needed for religious ceremonies, and the council said in-person Shiva visits should be replaced with phone calls or video chats.
On Thursday, New York enacted a set of restrictions in a “containment zone” in New Rochelle: a one-mile radius around a synagogue believed to be at the heart of the state’s coronavirus outbreak.On Thursday, New York enacted a set of restrictions in a “containment zone” in New Rochelle: a one-mile radius around a synagogue believed to be at the heart of the state’s coronavirus outbreak.
Within the area, large gathering spaces such as schools, houses of worship and community centers will be closed. Shops and businesses can remain open, and people may come and go freely in the area.
The National Guard began arriving on Wednesday, marking the start of a new phase in the state’s response to the virus. They were deployed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo primarily to deliver food and clean and sanitize buildings.The National Guard began arriving on Wednesday, marking the start of a new phase in the state’s response to the virus. They were deployed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo primarily to deliver food and clean and sanitize buildings.
At about 8:45 a.m., a truck pulled up outside a community center outside of the containment area. Half a dozen members of the Guard, in their military fatigues, marched out of the center and began unloading pallets of food.
New York’s state and city public university systems will conduct most classes online starting March 19, Mr. Cuomo said on Wednesday.New York’s state and city public university systems will conduct most classes online starting March 19, Mr. 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.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.
Neither the state or university system will cancel all in-person classes. Laboratory courses could continue to be held, although potentially with fewer students.Neither the state or university 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 all 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 all 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.”
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.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.
Columbia University will be moving its classes online through the end of the semester, the university’s president, Lee C. Bollinger, said in an email on Thursday. The school had initially planned a shorter period of online instruction.Columbia University will be moving its classes online through the end of the semester, the university’s president, Lee C. Bollinger, said in an email on Thursday. The school had initially planned a shorter period of online instruction.
Mr. Bollinger said that while the campus would remain open, students who can move out of their dormitories and go home were encouraged to do so, and that the university would help with students moving out. The university was also “strongly discouraging” events with more than 25 people.Mr. Bollinger said that while the campus would remain open, students who can move out of their dormitories and go home were encouraged to do so, and that the university would help with students moving out. The university was also “strongly discouraging” events with more than 25 people.
Already, some schools in the systems have faced cases of the novel coronavirus. On Wednesday, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a city university in Manhattan, closed after a student there tested positive. On Thursday, the State University of New York at Albany suspended classes after a student who lived off campus was found to have the virus.Already, some schools in the systems have faced cases of the novel coronavirus. On Wednesday, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a city university in Manhattan, closed after a student there tested positive. On Thursday, the State University of New York at Albany suspended classes after a student who lived off campus was found to have the virus.
If there is one thing New Yorkers believe about themselves, it’s that no one pulls together quite as well during a crisis.
Vigorous hand-washing, staying home, bumping elbows instead of hugging — we got that. But with more than 200 confirmed cases of coronavirus in New York and more than 1,110 nationwide, some people are asking if they can do more to help.
The Times spoke with several organizations about how best to help.
Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Michael Gold, John Koblin, Jesse McKinley, Sarah Maslin Nir, Azi Paybarah, Robin Pogrebin, Eliza Shapiro, Liam Stack and Tracey Tully. Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Michael Gold, John Koblin, Jesse McKinley, Sarah Maslin Nir, Azi Paybarah, Michael Paulson, Robin Pogrebin, Eliza Shapiro, Liam Stack and Tracey Tully.