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N.Y.C. Will Introduce ‘More Restrictions’ as Number of Cases Rises to 62: Live Updates N.Y.C. Will Introduce ‘More Restrictions’ as Number of Cases Rises to 62: Live Updates
(32 minutes later)
New York City could soon introduce “more restrictions” to contain the spread of the coronavirus, Mayor Bill de Blasio said in an interview on CNN on Thursday morning.New York City could soon introduce “more restrictions” to contain the spread of the coronavirus, Mayor Bill de Blasio said in an interview on CNN on Thursday morning.
The goal, he said, was “balancing the need to keep as much normalcy in society as possible while reducing the gatherings that are causing concern.”The goal, he said, was “balancing the need to keep as much normalcy in society as possible while reducing the gatherings that are causing concern.”
As of Thursday morning, New York City had 62 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, nine more than on Wednesday, the mayor said. As of Thursday morning, New York City had 62 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, nine more than on Wednesday, the mayor said. More than 216 people in the state have tested positive so far.
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.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.”“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.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.
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.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.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. 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.
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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. 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. 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.
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.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 23 people in New Jersey have tested positive for the coronavirus.
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.”
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.
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.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we are suspending so many of the most crucial routines of our daily lives and lifecycle moments,” the council said. “These measures are adopted as a reflection of our overarching commitment to the sanctity of all human life, and we pray that these will be very temporary measures.”
New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the largest such celebration in the world, was postponed late Wednesday over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, 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 over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, the first time in more than 250 years that the event will not go on as planned.
The announcement, made in a statement by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and parade organizers, followed the cancellation of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Chicago and Boston. On Monday, Ireland canceled all parades nationwide. The announcement followed the cancellation of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Chicago and Boston. On Monday, Ireland canceled all parades nationwide.
“While I know the parade organizers did not make this decision lightly, public health experts agree that one of the most effective ways to contain the spread of the virus is to limit large gatherings and close contacts,” Mr. Cuomo said. “And I applaud the parade’s leadership for working cooperatively with us.”
Sean Lane, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration Committee’s chairman, said the group looked forward “to celebrating the 259th St. Patrick’s Day Parade with the entire City of New York at a later date.”Sean Lane, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration Committee’s chairman, said the group looked forward “to celebrating the 259th St. Patrick’s Day Parade with the entire City of New York at a later date.”
The parade, traditionally held on March 17, draws an estimated 150,000 marchers and 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 two million spectators a year to Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. It is one of the city’s largest recurring public events.
On Thursday, New York enacted a set of restrictions in a “containment area” 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 area” 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.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. 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. 
Read our reporter’s dispatch from inside New York’s coronavirus containment zone.Read our reporter’s dispatch from inside New York’s coronavirus containment zone.
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 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.”
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.
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 University at Albany, a state university, suspended classes after a person connected to the 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.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.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.
“It’s been so internally focused,” Chris Principe, 40, said of the advice he had heard from public officials. Mr. Principe, who lives in Brooklyn and is a video director at the publishing company Condé Nast, said he assumed there would be ways for people to assist others. The Times spoke with several organizations about how best to help.
That has been a common question, said Kathryn S. Wylde, president and chief executive of the Partnership for New York City, an association of major businesses in New York. But large-scale efforts have been hampered in part by safety concerns. The number of cases has increased, even as the capacity to test for the virus has remained limited, prompting concerns about accidental exposure.
“Because of the fear of social contact, nobody fully knows who has it and who doesn’t it,” she said.
Still, there are some options for people who are feeling both healthy and altruistic. The Times spoke with several organizations about how best to help.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.”
Michael Gold, John Koblin, Sarah Maslin Nir, Azi Paybarah, Eliza Shapiro, Liam Stack and Tracey Tully contributed reporting.Michael Gold, John Koblin, Sarah Maslin Nir, Azi Paybarah, Eliza Shapiro, Liam Stack and Tracey Tully contributed reporting.