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New York Receives Federal Approval to Conduct Local Coronavirus Testing: Live Updates New York Receives Federal Approval to Conduct Local Coronavirus Testing: Live Updates
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Life for New Yorkers will change dramatically on Friday night, when restrictions that limit public gatherings go into effect in an extraordinary step to fight the growing outbreak of the coronavirus.Life for New Yorkers will change dramatically on Friday night, when restrictions that limit public gatherings go into effect in an extraordinary step to fight the growing outbreak of the coronavirus.
On Thursday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York placed an indefinite ban on most gatherings of more than 500 people and commanded smaller spaces, like restaurants and bars, to slash their occupancy by half.On Thursday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York placed an indefinite ban on most gatherings of more than 500 people and commanded smaller spaces, like restaurants and bars, to slash their occupancy by half.
The restrictions took immediate effect in Broadway theaters on Thursday but will spread to a broader set of venues at 5 p.m., striking a blow to New York City’s typically bustling hospitality industry as it heads into the weekend.The restrictions took immediate effect in Broadway theaters on Thursday but will spread to a broader set of venues at 5 p.m., striking a blow to New York City’s typically bustling hospitality industry as it heads into the weekend.
Mr. Cuomo’s decision to limit gatherings of more than 500 people was an especially heavy blow to the live theater business, a crown jewel of New York City’s tourist trade. Last season, the industry drew 14.8 million patrons and grossed $1.8 billion.Mr. Cuomo’s decision to limit gatherings of more than 500 people was an especially heavy blow to the live theater business, a crown jewel of New York City’s tourist trade. Last season, the industry drew 14.8 million patrons and grossed $1.8 billion.
Under the guidance announced by Mr. Cuomo, gatherings of fewer than 500 people will still be allowed.Under the guidance announced by Mr. Cuomo, gatherings of fewer than 500 people will still be allowed.
Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a state of emergency on Thursday. Among the steps the mayor said the city could take under a state of emergency were ordering people off the streets, rationing supplies, imposing curfews and closing the street to vehicles, he said. None of those steps is imminent.Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a state of emergency on Thursday. Among the steps the mayor said the city could take under a state of emergency were ordering people off the streets, rationing supplies, imposing curfews and closing the street to vehicles, he said. None of those steps is imminent.
As of Thursday afternoon, there were 328 confirmed coronavirus cases in the state, with 148 in Westchester County and 95 in New York City, officials said.As of Thursday afternoon, there were 328 confirmed coronavirus cases in the state, with 148 in Westchester County and 95 in New York City, officials said.
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 stay off 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 stay off 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 region, many riders have abandoned crowded public transit to protect themselves. As of Thursday, the virus had infected nearly 330 people in the state. As concerns over the coronavirus escalate across the region, many riders have abandoned crowded public transit to protect themselves.
“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 from the East Village to his office in Battery Park City this week.
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.
“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.”
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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees the subway, buses and two commuter railroads, said that ridership on Wednesday fell by nearly 20 percent on subways and 15 percent on buses compared with a similar day last year. The subway system typically handles about 5.5 million riders each weekday.The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees the subway, buses and two commuter railroads, said that ridership on Wednesday fell by nearly 20 percent on subways and 15 percent on buses compared with a similar day last year. The subway system typically handles about 5.5 million riders each weekday.
On Friday morning, officials squashed rumors that the authority was planning to shut down public transit.On Friday morning, officials squashed rumors that the authority was planning to shut down public transit.
“No. Period. Full Stop. Not happening,” Patrick J. Foye, chairman of the M.T.A., said in an interview on NY1.“No. Period. Full Stop. Not happening,” Patrick J. Foye, chairman of the M.T.A., said in an interview on NY1.
Mr. Foye noted that essential workers, like doctors and nurses, rely on the subway and buses to get to work, which is why officials are not planning to fully shut down service even as ridership continues to decline. Get an informed guide to the global outbreak with our daily coronavirus
“It’s important to emphasize that the system is safe,” Mr. Foye said, adding that the agency will be rolling out a new technology to disinfect trains and buses in the days to come. newsletter.
“It’s important to emphasize that the system is safe,” Mr. Foye added, and said that the agency will be rolling out a new technology to disinfect trains and buses in the days to come.
The Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that it would allow New York State’s public health department to authorize local labs to perform coronavirus tests, a move requested by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and other officials exasperated by delays in getting the federal government to ease restrictions on where and how tests can be conducted.The Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that it would allow New York State’s public health department to authorize local labs to perform coronavirus tests, a move requested by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and other officials exasperated by delays in getting the federal government to ease restrictions on where and how tests can be conducted.
The approval will help New York expand its testing capacity. Mr. Cuomo has declared that the state should be testing 1,000 people a day.The approval will help New York expand its testing capacity. Mr. Cuomo has declared that the state should be testing 1,000 people a day.
So far, it appears that a large majority of New Yorkers who end up having the coronavirus are likely to not know it during the duration of their illness because testing has been so limited.So far, it appears that a large majority of New Yorkers who end up having the coronavirus are likely to not know it during the duration of their illness because testing has been so limited.
The New York City Police Department is investigating at least three suspected anti-Asian bias incidents that occurred in Manhattan this week, the police said. They believe the incidents are connected to the panic surrounding the coronavirus.The New York City Police Department is investigating at least three suspected anti-Asian bias incidents that occurred in Manhattan this week, the police said. They believe the incidents are connected to the panic surrounding the coronavirus.
On Tuesday morning, a 23-year-old woman of Asian descent was pushed and slapped by another woman in Manhattan, the police said. The suspect, a woman in her 20s, made anti-Asian comments.On Tuesday morning, a 23-year-old woman of Asian descent was pushed and slapped by another woman in Manhattan, the police said. The suspect, a woman in her 20s, made anti-Asian comments.
Later that day, on the Upper East Side, a young man approached a 59-year-old man of Asian descent from behind, kicked him to the ground, and yelled anti-Asian statements, officials said.Later that day, on the Upper East Side, a young man approached a 59-year-old man of Asian descent from behind, kicked him to the ground, and yelled anti-Asian statements, officials said.
On Thursday night, a 47-year-old Asian man was walking to a bus stop in Forest Hills in Queens when a white man in his 40s approached him, shoved him, made anti-Asian comments and asked why the Asian man wasn’t wearing a mask.On Thursday night, a 47-year-old Asian man was walking to a bus stop in Forest Hills in Queens when a white man in his 40s approached him, shoved him, made anti-Asian comments and asked why the Asian man wasn’t wearing a mask.
None of the suspects have been apprehended by the police. The incidents are being investigated by the department’s Hate Crimes Task Force.None of the suspects have been apprehended by the police. The incidents are being investigated by the department’s Hate Crimes Task Force.
On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo addressed the first incident, saying the attack was “apparently motivated by the bigoted notion that an Asian person is more likely to carry or transmit the novel coronavirus.”On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo addressed the first incident, saying the attack was “apparently motivated by the bigoted notion that an Asian person is more likely to carry or transmit the novel coronavirus.”
He directed state authorities to investigate.He directed state authorities to investigate.
As of Friday morning, most public schools in New York remained open, with a few notable exceptions.As of Friday morning, most public schools in New York remained open, with a few notable exceptions.
But dozens of independent nursery, elementary, middle and high schools are now closed.But dozens of independent nursery, elementary, middle and high schools are now closed.
So some parents are turning to other options. On Wednesday, one such gathering was a two-hour nature class from Tree Bath, which runs after-school sessions in Manhattan parks, organized especially for healthy children whose schools have been closed because of coronavirus.So some parents are turning to other options. On Wednesday, one such gathering was a two-hour nature class from Tree Bath, which runs after-school sessions in Manhattan parks, organized especially for healthy children whose schools have been closed because of coronavirus.
It was a flash forward for the kinds of group gatherings that some New Yorkers are starting to turn to amid the coronavirus outbreak — even as assembling children amid the outbreak is becoming a topic of debate among parents.It was a flash forward for the kinds of group gatherings that some New Yorkers are starting to turn to amid the coronavirus outbreak — even as assembling children amid the outbreak is becoming a topic of debate among parents.
Christine Lee, whose five-year-old daughter, Leah, participated in the Tree Bath class, said: “I don’t know when the last time will be that she can be outside. So we should enjoy it while it’s still relatively safe.”Christine Lee, whose five-year-old daughter, Leah, participated in the Tree Bath class, said: “I don’t know when the last time will be that she can be outside. So we should enjoy it while it’s still relatively safe.”
But not all parents agree. A bitter divide has opened in online discussion groups about whether parents going about regular activities or seeking group-oriented replacements to closed schools are not taking the crisis seriously enough.But not all parents agree. A bitter divide has opened in online discussion groups about whether parents going about regular activities or seeking group-oriented replacements to closed schools are not taking the crisis seriously enough.
“If schools closed, it’s only because they are trying to save your kids’ lives and not let the virus spread,” said Tamu Gvalia Shengeliasi, who has pulled her 4-year-old from pre-K in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn because of virus fears.“If schools closed, it’s only because they are trying to save your kids’ lives and not let the virus spread,” said Tamu Gvalia Shengeliasi, who has pulled her 4-year-old from pre-K in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn because of virus fears.
Several parents noted that the private school closures, for the most part, did not pose the same degree of logistical challenge as closing public schools would, as the private schools do not serve hundreds of thousands of families who live at or below the poverty line, as New York City public schools do.Several parents noted that the private school closures, for the most part, did not pose the same degree of logistical challenge as closing public schools would, as the private schools do not serve hundreds of thousands of families who live at or below the poverty line, as New York City public schools do.
“I have flexibility, but that doesn’t mean it is easy,” said one parent of a Brooklyn private school student, who said that for now, she is juggling her child’s online learning schedule while working from home.“I have flexibility, but that doesn’t mean it is easy,” said one parent of a Brooklyn private school student, who said that for now, she is juggling her child’s online learning schedule while working from home.
On Friday morning, Corey Johnson, New York’s City Council speaker, called for the closure of all public schools.On Friday morning, Corey Johnson, New York’s City Council speaker, called for the closure of all public schools.
“Teaching and learning can not take place under these circumstances for the safety and well being of the teachers and students,” he posted on Twitter. “We need food and medical services for students who need it. It is not time to panic. But it is time to act.”“Teaching and learning can not take place under these circumstances for the safety and well being of the teachers and students,” he posted on Twitter. “We need food and medical services for students who need it. It is not time to panic. But it is time to act.”
But Mayor Bill de Blasio and other officials have called widespread school closings a last resort, pointing out that hundreds of thousands of poor students rely on schools for meals and medical care in addition to education.But Mayor Bill de Blasio and other officials have called widespread school closings a last resort, pointing out that hundreds of thousands of poor students rely on schools for meals and medical care in addition to education.
However all New York City public school assemblies, plays, after-school sports and other activities have been canceled over concern about the virus.However all New York City public school assemblies, plays, after-school sports and other activities have been canceled over concern about the virus.
Two public schools in Staten Island were closed after a student tested positive for the coronavirus, school officials said on Friday morning.Two public schools in Staten Island were closed after a student tested positive for the coronavirus, school officials said on Friday morning.
Both New Dorp High School and The Richard H. Hungerford School, which serves grades 6-12, were shuttered “in an abundance of caution,” the education department said on Twitter.Both New Dorp High School and The Richard H. Hungerford School, which serves grades 6-12, were shuttered “in an abundance of caution,” the education department said on Twitter.
Brooklyn College Academy, a public high school on Brooklyn College’s campus, was also closed on Friday, after a student at Brooklyn College tested positive for the virus.Brooklyn College Academy, a public high school on Brooklyn College’s campus, was also closed on Friday, after a student at Brooklyn College tested positive for the virus.
The campus at Brooklyn College, part of the city’s university system, was closed, the school’s president, Michelle J. Anderson, said in a statement. The student was hospitalized and receiving medical care.The campus at Brooklyn College, part of the city’s university system, was closed, the school’s president, Michelle J. Anderson, said in a statement. The student was hospitalized and receiving medical care.
In-person classes were already canceled at the school as the city and state university systems prepared for a move to online classes beginning next Wednesday.In-person classes were already canceled at the school as the city and state university systems prepared for a move to online classes beginning next Wednesday.
New York State attorney general Letitia James on Thursday issued a cease-and-desist to Alex Jones, the conservative radio host, alarmed by claims on his website that his diet supplements and toothpaste could be used to fight the coronavirus.
According to Ms. James, Mr. Jones had made a series of false claims that his products could act as “stopgate” against the virus: one said that his Superblue brand of toothpaste “kills the whole SARS-corona family at point-blank range.”
There is no current medicine or cure for the virus, Ms. James noted in her letter, adding that Mr. Jones’ claims are “incredibly dangerous.”
“As the coronavirus continues to pose serious risks to public health, Alex Jones has spewed outright lies and has profited off of New Yorkers’ anxieties,” Ms. James, a Democrat, said in a statement.
In recent days, Ms. James had issued cease-and-desist letters to two other companies which were selling colloidal silver — in which small flakes of silver are suspended in fluid — and claiming it cured the disease.
Last week, She also ordered The Jim Bakker Show, hosted by disgraced tele-evangelist Jim Bakker, to stop allowing sales of such products on its website after one guest had claimed colloidal silver could “eliminate it within 12 hours.”
Colloidal silver is not safe or effective to treat any disease or symptoms, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark said on Thursday night that it would cancel public Masses on Saturday and Sunday. All Catholic schools in the diocese — which includes Bergen, Union, Hudson and Essex counties — were closed earlier in the day.The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark said on Thursday night that it would cancel public Masses on Saturday and Sunday. All Catholic schools in the diocese — which includes Bergen, Union, Hudson and Essex counties — were closed earlier in the day.
Newark was the first Catholic diocese in the New York area to announce a blanket suspension of Mass, and came shortly after the Archdiocese of Washington issued a similar — but more sweeping — measure. Masses there have been canceled “until further notice,” Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory said on Thursday.Newark was the first Catholic diocese in the New York area to announce a blanket suspension of Mass, and came shortly after the Archdiocese of Washington issued a similar — but more sweeping — measure. Masses there have been canceled “until further notice,” Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory said on Thursday.
In Newark, Cardinal Joseph Tobin had excused the faithful from the obligation to attend any Sunday Mass “until further notice,” the archdiocese said.In Newark, Cardinal Joseph Tobin had excused the faithful from the obligation to attend any Sunday Mass “until further notice,” the archdiocese said.
The move will also impact celebrations like weddings, baptisms and funerals. The archdiocese said those events would not be canceled, “but attendance should be limited to immediate family members only.”The move will also impact celebrations like weddings, baptisms and funerals. The archdiocese said those events would not be canceled, “but attendance should be limited to immediate family members only.”
“Churches of the Archdiocese will remain open and the faithful are encouraged to pray while maintaining a prudent distance from each other,” it said in a statement.“Churches of the Archdiocese will remain open and the faithful are encouraged to pray while maintaining a prudent distance from each other,” it said in a statement.
The Archdiocese of New York said on Thursday that it would close all of its elementary schools next week.The Archdiocese of New York said on Thursday that it would close all of its elementary schools next week.
The move affects over 19,000 students at 152 Catholic elementary schools in the archdiocese, which stretches from Staten Island north to Dutchess County.The move affects over 19,000 students at 152 Catholic elementary schools in the archdiocese, which stretches from Staten Island north to Dutchess County.
The Diocese of Brooklyn, which covers Brooklyn and Queens, said that one of its schools would be closed on Friday so it could be disinfected after a suspected coronavirus case.The Diocese of Brooklyn, which covers Brooklyn and Queens, said that one of its schools would be closed on Friday so it could be disinfected after a suspected coronavirus case.
With anxiety rising in New York, rumors have been circulating that a shutdown of public transit — or a full quarantine of Manhattan — are looming. But officials have repeatedly insisted that the information was false.With anxiety rising in New York, rumors have been circulating that a shutdown of public transit — or a full quarantine of Manhattan — are looming. But officials have repeatedly insisted that the information was false.
“If it’s not coming from my mouth,” Mr. de Blasio said, “don’t believe it.”“If it’s not coming from my mouth,” Mr. de Blasio said, “don’t believe it.”
On Friday, Mr. de Blasio reiterated that the information was simply not true.On Friday, Mr. de Blasio reiterated that the information was simply not true.
Mr. de Blasio has repeatedly said he does not want to totally shut down the city and views the subway as the foundation of the local economy and a vital resource for working people.Mr. de Blasio has repeatedly said he does not want to totally shut down the city and views the subway as the foundation of the local economy and a vital resource for working people.
On Thursday, a spokeswoman for the governor echoed the mayor in regard to rumors about the city or its mass transit shutting down.On Thursday, a spokeswoman for the governor echoed the mayor in regard to rumors about the city or its mass transit shutting down.
“To be clear, the state has the legal authority to overrule any locality’s decision to issue an order of mass quarantine or shut down,” the spokeswoman, Melissa DeRosa, said in a statement.“To be clear, the state has the legal authority to overrule any locality’s decision to issue an order of mass quarantine or shut down,” the spokeswoman, Melissa DeRosa, said in a statement.
“No locality will be closing down. The mass transit system is not shutting down. These rumors, caused by undue anxiety, are just that — rumors.”“No locality will be closing down. The mass transit system is not shutting down. These rumors, caused by undue anxiety, are just that — rumors.”
Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Gold, Christina Goldbaum, Jeffery C. Mays, Jesse McKinley, Sharon Otterman, Eliza Shapiro, Katie Thomas and Ali Watkins.Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Gold, Christina Goldbaum, Jeffery C. Mays, Jesse McKinley, Sharon Otterman, Eliza Shapiro, Katie Thomas and Ali Watkins.