This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . 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/2020/03/15/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-shutdown.html

The article has changed 42 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
New York City Schools, Restaurants and Bars Are Shut Down Over Coronavirus New York City Schools, Restaurants and Bars Are Shut Down Over Coronavirus
(2 days later)
Facing mounting pressure, New York City officials announced on Sunday a sweeping shutdown of tens of thousands of bars and restaurants, and the closure of the city’s public school system — the largest in the nation — in an effort to suppress the spread of the coronavirus.Facing mounting pressure, New York City officials announced on Sunday a sweeping shutdown of tens of thousands of bars and restaurants, and the closure of the city’s public school system — the largest in the nation — in an effort to suppress the spread of the coronavirus.
From California to Washington, D.C., governors and mayors are grappling with how far government should go in constricting people’s daily lives to keep them home.From California to Washington, D.C., governors and mayors are grappling with how far government should go in constricting people’s daily lives to keep them home.
A patchwork of recent measures — mandatory curfews in Puerto Rico and Hoboken, N.J.; the closing of restaurant and bar dining rooms in Ohio and Illinois; and the closure of public schools in several states, including Minnesota, South Carolina and Rhode Island — was a sign that the restrictive interventions could soon become the norm nationwide.A patchwork of recent measures — mandatory curfews in Puerto Rico and Hoboken, N.J.; the closing of restaurant and bar dining rooms in Ohio and Illinois; and the closure of public schools in several states, including Minnesota, South Carolina and Rhode Island — was a sign that the restrictive interventions could soon become the norm nationwide.
New York provided another stark example on Sunday: Shortly before 10 p.m., Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city will close its bars and restaurants, except for delivery and pickup services, leaving waiters, bartenders and baristas uncertain about their next paycheck.New York provided another stark example on Sunday: Shortly before 10 p.m., Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city will close its bars and restaurants, except for delivery and pickup services, leaving waiters, bartenders and baristas uncertain about their next paycheck.
The mayor also ordered the closings of nightclubs, movie theaters, small theater houses and concert venues. The closings go into effect on Tuesday morning, for an indefinite period.The mayor also ordered the closings of nightclubs, movie theaters, small theater houses and concert venues. The closings go into effect on Tuesday morning, for an indefinite period.
The order came just a few hours after officials had announced the suspension of public schools in New York City as of Monday — a move that will, at least temporarily, upend the routines of 1.1 million students and 75,000 teachers, as the city transitions to remote learning.The order came just a few hours after officials had announced the suspension of public schools in New York City as of Monday — a move that will, at least temporarily, upend the routines of 1.1 million students and 75,000 teachers, as the city transitions to remote learning.
“Our lives are all changing in ways that were unimaginable just a week ago,” Mr. de Blasio said in a statement Sunday night. “This is not a decision I make lightly. These places are part of the heart and soul of our city.”“Our lives are all changing in ways that were unimaginable just a week ago,” Mr. de Blasio said in a statement Sunday night. “This is not a decision I make lightly. These places are part of the heart and soul of our city.”
The moves dovetailed with new guidelines issued on Sunday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; they recommended that local governments and individuals cancel large gatherings of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks. The recommendations apply to “planned or spontaneous” events, including conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events and weddings.The moves dovetailed with new guidelines issued on Sunday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; they recommended that local governments and individuals cancel large gatherings of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks. The recommendations apply to “planned or spontaneous” events, including conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events and weddings.
Earlier on Sunday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned that people were “going to have to hunker down significantly more than we as a country are doing.”Earlier on Sunday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned that people were “going to have to hunker down significantly more than we as a country are doing.”
He suggested a 14-day national shutdown could be warranted down the road and urged young people to practice social distancing out of fear they could spread the disease to older people.He suggested a 14-day national shutdown could be warranted down the road and urged young people to practice social distancing out of fear they could spread the disease to older people.
But while many government and health officials urged people to observe such distancing, some Americans had ignored those pleas, including in New York City.But while many government and health officials urged people to observe such distancing, some Americans had ignored those pleas, including in New York City.
Earlier this week, New York State, where the number of confirmed positive results rose to 729 on Sunday, implemented a ban on large gatherings and established rules to reduce capacity at places like restaurants with occupancies of fewer than 500 people.Earlier this week, New York State, where the number of confirmed positive results rose to 729 on Sunday, implemented a ban on large gatherings and established rules to reduce capacity at places like restaurants with occupancies of fewer than 500 people.
But the measures, put in place on Thursday, did not seem to be having their desired effect: A handful of elected officials called for a total shutdown of bars and restaurants following reports of large crowds over the weekend.But the measures, put in place on Thursday, did not seem to be having their desired effect: A handful of elected officials called for a total shutdown of bars and restaurants following reports of large crowds over the weekend.
“I am alarmed at the cavalier attitude of most New Yorkers who still don’t seem to understand what’s about to hit us and what we need to slow it,” Councilman Mark Levine, who is chairman of the Council Health Committee, said on Sunday morning.“I am alarmed at the cavalier attitude of most New Yorkers who still don’t seem to understand what’s about to hit us and what we need to slow it,” Councilman Mark Levine, who is chairman of the Council Health Committee, said on Sunday morning.
Mr. Levine, along with a handful of City Council members, including Corey Johnson, the Council speaker, as well as the city comptroller, Scott M. Stringer, expressed outrage that people ignored officials’ pleas to stay home and instead converged at clubs and bars.Mr. Levine, along with a handful of City Council members, including Corey Johnson, the Council speaker, as well as the city comptroller, Scott M. Stringer, expressed outrage that people ignored officials’ pleas to stay home and instead converged at clubs and bars.
The officials, using the hashtag #shutdownNYC on Twitter, described the disregard of social distancing as reckless behavior.The officials, using the hashtag #shutdownNYC on Twitter, described the disregard of social distancing as reckless behavior.
By Sunday evening, Mr. de Blasio succumbed to the escalating pressure, after both he and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo had resisted calls for a broader shutdown.By Sunday evening, Mr. de Blasio succumbed to the escalating pressure, after both he and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo had resisted calls for a broader shutdown.
By noon on Sunday, as support for a larger shutdown crescendoed on social media, Mr. Johnson, the Council speaker, had joined the campaign, calling for the closure of schools, restaurants and bars.By noon on Sunday, as support for a larger shutdown crescendoed on social media, Mr. Johnson, the Council speaker, had joined the campaign, calling for the closure of schools, restaurants and bars.
Mr. Johnson, a Democrat, said that grocery stores, bodegas, pharmacies and banks should remain open. He said all levels of government should intervene to ease the losses of business owners, provide financial assistance to affected workers and help parents with child care.Mr. Johnson, a Democrat, said that grocery stores, bodegas, pharmacies and banks should remain open. He said all levels of government should intervene to ease the losses of business owners, provide financial assistance to affected workers and help parents with child care.
Then, on Sunday afternoon, Mr. Cuomo changed course: He called on businesses to shutter voluntarily, as has happened in Boston, Cleveland and other parts of the nation. The governor of California on Sunday also asked bars, nightclubs and wineries to close.Then, on Sunday afternoon, Mr. Cuomo changed course: He called on businesses to shutter voluntarily, as has happened in Boston, Cleveland and other parts of the nation. The governor of California on Sunday also asked bars, nightclubs and wineries to close.
“I’m asking them voluntarily to shut down their bar, their restaurant, their gymnasium,” Mr. Cuomo said. “Let’s see what they do. If nobody does it, then we can take more actions.”“I’m asking them voluntarily to shut down their bar, their restaurant, their gymnasium,” Mr. Cuomo said. “Let’s see what they do. If nobody does it, then we can take more actions.”
In the end, however, as the number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus rose, New York officials acknowledged the urgency and necessity of a broader ban to keep people from gathering.In the end, however, as the number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus rose, New York officials acknowledged the urgency and necessity of a broader ban to keep people from gathering.
Mr. de Blasio said, “Our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality.”Mr. de Blasio said, “Our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality.”
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
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.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
His remarks were a sign of the fast-paced fluidity of the situation and officials’ morphing response to it: On Saturday, the mayor had said he was not ready to support broader restrictions and business closures.His remarks were a sign of the fast-paced fluidity of the situation and officials’ morphing response to it: On Saturday, the mayor had said he was not ready to support broader restrictions and business closures.
“History shows us that in crisis relatively few people have a perfect, absolutely tried and true plan,” Mr. de Blasio said on Saturday. “I am not ready today at this hour to say, let’s have a city with no bars, no restaurants, no rec centers, no libraries. I’m not there.”“History shows us that in crisis relatively few people have a perfect, absolutely tried and true plan,” Mr. de Blasio said on Saturday. “I am not ready today at this hour to say, let’s have a city with no bars, no restaurants, no rec centers, no libraries. I’m not there.”
For days, Mr. de Blasio also faced calls to close public schools, a move he had been reluctant to make, arguing that it could lead to classes being canceled for the entire year.For days, Mr. de Blasio also faced calls to close public schools, a move he had been reluctant to make, arguing that it could lead to classes being canceled for the entire year.
Both the governor and mayor had raised concerns about what canceling classes would mean for parents who cannot afford child care and children who depend on school for their meals.Both the governor and mayor had raised concerns about what canceling classes would mean for parents who cannot afford child care and children who depend on school for their meals.
The mayor said the city would prepare teachers for remote learning this week, as well as open sites for at-need students to pick up food and “learning centers” for the children of essential city workers like health care employees.The mayor said the city would prepare teachers for remote learning this week, as well as open sites for at-need students to pick up food and “learning centers” for the children of essential city workers like health care employees.
“It has never been attempted by the City of New York at this scale, to say the least,” Mr. de Blasio said. “It is a system that will improve with each week.”“It has never been attempted by the City of New York at this scale, to say the least,” Mr. de Blasio said. “It is a system that will improve with each week.”
In Albany, state legislators were still planning on returning to the State Capitol on Monday, even after two members of the Assembly who represent parts of Brooklyn — Helene Weinstein and Charles Barron — tested positive for the virus.In Albany, state legislators were still planning on returning to the State Capitol on Monday, even after two members of the Assembly who represent parts of Brooklyn — Helene Weinstein and Charles Barron — tested positive for the virus.
Some lawmakers raised concerns about that prospect, considering the often close quarters in the legislative chambers as well as conference rooms where members meet, but Mr. Cuomo was adamant that lawmakers should return to the capital, likening it to service in war times.Some lawmakers raised concerns about that prospect, considering the often close quarters in the legislative chambers as well as conference rooms where members meet, but Mr. Cuomo was adamant that lawmakers should return to the capital, likening it to service in war times.
“Should the military not show up? Should the police officers not show up?” the governor said, adding that “If we can ask nurses to put on a hazmat suit and take blood, we can ask elected officials to come and sit at a desk and vote on a piece of legislation.”“Should the military not show up? Should the police officers not show up?” the governor said, adding that “If we can ask nurses to put on a hazmat suit and take blood, we can ask elected officials to come and sit at a desk and vote on a piece of legislation.”
Mr. Cuomo, who announced on Saturday that the statehouse would be closed to visitors, said he needed the Legislature to be present to authorize the laws and the measures the state may need to fight the outbreak. The state’s budget is also due April 1.Mr. Cuomo, who announced on Saturday that the statehouse would be closed to visitors, said he needed the Legislature to be present to authorize the laws and the measures the state may need to fight the outbreak. The state’s budget is also due April 1.
“We need soldiers to fight the war,” he said. “Government must function because government is doing all of this. Government goes home, none of this happens.”“We need soldiers to fight the war,” he said. “Government must function because government is doing all of this. Government goes home, none of this happens.”
Jesse McKinley contributed reporting from Albany. Matthew Haag and Jeffrey C. Mays contributed reporting from New York City.Jesse McKinley contributed reporting from Albany. Matthew Haag and Jeffrey C. Mays contributed reporting from New York City.