'Coronavirus in N.Y.: Riders Ditch the Subway as Fear Spreads' diff viewer (2/3)

This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on March 13, 2020 10:18 (UTC). It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/nyregion/coronavirus-subway-public-transit.html

The article has changed 19 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Previous version 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Next version

Previous version 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Next version

Version 2	Version 3
Coronavirus in N.Y.: Riders Ditch the Subway as Fear Spreads	Coronavirus in N.Y.: Riders Ditch the Subway as Fear Spreads
2020-06-27 16:42:19 UTC	2020-07-01 14:25:02 UTC (4 days later)
Cyclists have flooded bike lanes and bridges to avoid taking the New York City subway. One man in his 50s has started walking two hours from Brooklyn to Manhattan for work each day to avoid taking the train. A recent college graduate who lives in Manhattan is considering moving in with her parents so she can use their car to drive to work in the Bronx.	Cyclists have flooded bike lanes and bridges to avoid taking the New York City subway. One man in his 50s has started walking two hours from Brooklyn to Manhattan for work each day to avoid taking the train. A recent college graduate who lives in Manhattan is considering moving in with her parents so she can use their car to drive to work in the Bronx.
As concerns over the coronavirus escalate across the New York City region, many riders have abandoned crowded public transit to protect themselves from the virus, which as of Thursday had infected nearly 330 people in the state.	As concerns over the coronavirus escalate across the New York City region, many riders have abandoned crowded public transit to protect themselves from the virus, which as of Thursday had infected nearly 330 people in the state.
“To be on public transportation, I just feel like it’s a risk that’s not really worth taking,” said Joe Misseri, 30, who started biking to his office in Manhattan’s Battery Park City from the East Village this week.	“To be on public transportation, I just feel like it’s a risk that’s not really worth taking,” said Joe Misseri, 30, who started biking to his office in Manhattan’s Battery Park City from the East Village this week.
Others have decided to walk to work instead of using the subway.	Others have decided to walk to work instead of using the subway.
Gilbert Midonnet, a software developer, began walking two hours from his home in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, to his office in midtown Manhattan this week to avoid any possible exposure on the train.	Gilbert Midonnet, a software developer, began walking two hours from his home in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, to his office in midtown Manhattan this week to avoid any possible exposure on the train.
“I like walking, and of course it’s been nice outside,” Mr. Midonnet said. “Of course, if it gets cold again I’m not sure how sustainable this lifestyle is, unless it’s a World War Z sort of thing where no one is going into the subway.”	“I like walking, and of course it’s been nice outside,” Mr. Midonnet said. “Of course, if it gets cold again I’m not sure how sustainable this lifestyle is, unless it’s a World War Z sort of thing where no one is going into the subway.”
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees the subway, buses and two commuter railroads, said that on Wednesday ridership fell by nearly 20 percent on subways and 15 percent on buses compared with a similar day last year. The subway system typically handles around 5.5 million riders each weekday.	The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees the subway, buses and two commuter railroads, said that on Wednesday ridership fell by nearly 20 percent on subways and 15 percent on buses compared with a similar day last year. The subway system typically handles around 5.5 million riders each weekday.
During the morning rush on Thursday, ridership on the Long Island Rail Road was down 31 percent, and on Metro-North Railroad, which serves suburbs north of New York, it was down by 48 percent compared with a similar rush hour last year, M.T.A. officials said.	During the morning rush on Thursday, ridership on the Long Island Rail Road was down 31 percent, and on Metro-North Railroad, which serves suburbs north of New York, it was down by 48 percent compared with a similar rush hour last year, M.T.A. officials said.
Metro-North provides service to New Rochelle, the town in Westchester County that has been the site of the state’s worst outbreak and where Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo declared a “containment zone” to effectively quarantine part of the town.	Metro-North provides service to New Rochelle, the town in Westchester County that has been the site of the state’s worst outbreak and where Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo declared a “containment zone” to effectively quarantine part of the town.
New Jersey Transit, which operates a vast network of commuter trains and buses, has seen a roughly 20 percent decline in bus and rail ridership this week compared to the same days last week, according to preliminary data from agency officials. Ridership on the PATH rail network, which links cities in northern New Jersey to Manhattan, also declined nearly 20 percent in the first three days of this week compared to last week, according to Port Authority officials.	New Jersey Transit, which operates a vast network of commuter trains and buses, has seen a roughly 20 percent decline in bus and rail ridership this week compared to the same days last week, according to preliminary data from agency officials. Ridership on the PATH rail network, which links cities in northern New Jersey to Manhattan, also declined nearly 20 percent in the first three days of this week compared to last week, according to Port Authority officials.
“I think that we’re going to see an uptick in ridership falling off a little bit and that’s to be expected,’’ Sarah Feinberg, the interim president of New York City Transit, which operates the subway and buses, said Thursday on the Brian Lehrer radio show. “I mean, I think we have not seen the worst of this virus yet.”	“I think that we’re going to see an uptick in ridership falling off a little bit and that’s to be expected,’’ Sarah Feinberg, the interim president of New York City Transit, which operates the subway and buses, said Thursday on the Brian Lehrer radio show. “I mean, I think we have not seen the worst of this virus yet.”
Officials expect even steeper ridership declines in the coming weeks now that the state and city have imposed sweeping restrictions on large gatherings, forcing the closing of Broadway theaters and many museums. An increasing number of employers are telling their employees to work from home.	Officials expect even steeper ridership declines in the coming weeks now that the state and city have imposed sweeping restrictions on large gatherings, forcing the closing of Broadway theaters and many museums. An increasing number of employers are telling their employees to work from home.
So far transit officials have not considered reducing service, but may decide to do so if ridership drops dramatically or health officials advise it, Ms. Feinberg said.	So far transit officials have not considered reducing service, but may decide to do so if ridership drops dramatically or health officials advise it, Ms. Feinberg said.
N.J. Transit riders who purchased monthly passes but are now working from home can mail in their passes and receive a prorated refund, according to the New Jersey Transit website. An M.T.A. spokeswoman said that a refund policy for riders who have purchased monthly MetroCards will be reviewed.	N.J. Transit riders who purchased monthly passes but are now working from home can mail in their passes and receive a prorated refund, according to the New Jersey Transit website. An M.T.A. spokeswoman said that a refund policy for riders who have purchased monthly MetroCards will be reviewed.
A similar decline in ridership has taken place in public transit systems in other cities where confirmed cases of coronavirus are ballooning. Last week, on San Francisco’s BART commuter rail, ridership slipped by 8 percent from the previous week. On Monday, ridership dropped 25 percent compared with the previous Monday.	A similar decline in ridership has taken place in public transit systems in other cities where confirmed cases of coronavirus are ballooning. Last week, on San Francisco’s BART commuter rail, ridership slipped by 8 percent from the previous week. On Monday, ridership dropped 25 percent compared with the previous Monday.
As the pandemic unfolds, the advice from health professionals to avoid crowded places is creating concern among transit experts about what a loss of riders could do to the M.T.A.’s already worsening finances.	As the pandemic unfolds, the advice from health professionals to avoid crowded places is creating concern among transit experts about what a loss of riders could do to the M.T.A.’s already worsening finances.
Around half the M.T.A.’s operating budget comes from farebox and toll revenue, and a significant drop in ridership could have lasting economic consequences, experts say. An economic recession would also threaten the dedicated taxes that contribute over a third of the operating budget.	Around half the M.T.A.’s operating budget comes from farebox and toll revenue, and a significant drop in ridership could have lasting economic consequences, experts say. An economic recession would also threaten the dedicated taxes that contribute over a third of the operating budget.
The transit agency is already facing significantly high debt at the same time as it is embarking on an ambitious and expensive plan to modernize aging equipment like train cars and signals.	The transit agency is already facing significantly high debt at the same time as it is embarking on an ambitious and expensive plan to modernize aging equipment like train cars and signals.
Complicating the financial picture are questions about how soon the state will be able to introduce congestion pricing, a plan to impose a fee on drivers entering Manhattan’s most congested neighborhoods as a way to raise revenue for public transit.	Complicating the financial picture are questions about how soon the state will be able to introduce congestion pricing, a plan to impose a fee on drivers entering Manhattan’s most congested neighborhoods as a way to raise revenue for public transit.
The plan is supposed to start next year, but the state has yet to receive necessary approvals from the Trump administration.	The plan is supposed to start next year, but the state has yet to receive necessary approvals from the Trump administration.
“Even without the coronavirus pandemic, the M.T.A.’s finances look shaky; with it they look dire,” said Danny Pearlstein, a spokesman for the Riders Alliance, a grass-roots organization of transit riders.	“Even without the coronavirus pandemic, the M.T.A.’s finances look shaky; with it they look dire,” said Danny Pearlstein, a spokesman for the Riders Alliance, a grass-roots organization of transit riders.
The authority’s long-term debt is projected to hit nearly $53 billion by 2023, which will require transit officials to come up with around $4 billion a year by 2023 — around 22 percent of the agency’s operating budget — just for debt payments, according to a report released on Wednesday by the state comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli.	The authority’s long-term debt is projected to hit nearly $53 billion by 2023, which will require transit officials to come up with around $4 billion a year by 2023 — around 22 percent of the agency’s operating budget — just for debt payments, according to a report released on Wednesday by the state comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli.
Mr. DiNapoli warned that any sharp drop in revenue — similar to the one the M.T.A. experienced during the 2008 financial crisis — could force service cuts to save money and saddle riders with unplanned fares and toll hikes.	Mr. DiNapoli warned that any sharp drop in revenue — similar to the one the M.T.A. experienced during the 2008 financial crisis — could force service cuts to save money and saddle riders with unplanned fares and toll hikes.
~~Updated June ~~24,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 30, 2020
	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.	Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.	A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.	The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.	The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.	So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.	A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
In 2009, facing its worst financial crisis in decades, M.T.A. officials slashed bus service and eliminated two lines to save money.	In 2009, facing its worst financial crisis in decades, M.T.A. officials slashed bus service and eliminated two lines to save money.
“The big concern is the downward spiral of declining ridership and unaffordable fare hikes that further discourages people from riding the subway,” said Rachael Fauss, a senior research analyst at Reinvent Albany, a watchdog group. “It’s exactly the kind of thing you want to avoid with public transit.”	“The big concern is the downward spiral of declining ridership and unaffordable fare hikes that further discourages people from riding the subway,” said Rachael Fauss, a senior research analyst at Reinvent Albany, a watchdog group. “It’s exactly the kind of thing you want to avoid with public transit.”