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Closing Down the Schools Over Coronavirus Closing Down the Schools Over Coronavirus
(32 minutes later)
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It’s Monday. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, officials are urging a reduction in gatherings. As such, we are temporarily suspending our event listings.It’s Monday. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, officials are urging a reduction in gatherings. As such, we are temporarily suspending our event listings.
Weather: Bright in the morning, then building clouds; high in the mid-40s.Weather: Bright in the morning, then building clouds; high in the mid-40s.
Alternate-side parking: In effect until April 9 (Holy Thursday).Alternate-side parking: In effect until April 9 (Holy Thursday).
New York City’s public schools will begin shutting down this week, Governor Cuomo announced yesterday afternoon, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Hours later, Mayor de Blasio announced that he would soon order all bars and restaurants to close, limiting them to takeout and delivery.New York City’s public schools will begin shutting down this week, Governor Cuomo announced yesterday afternoon, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Hours later, Mayor de Blasio announced that he would soon order all bars and restaurants to close, limiting them to takeout and delivery.
Mr. de Blasio said that the schools would be closed today for all students and staff, but that teachers would be asked to report to work later in the week for training on remote learning. By March 23, the city will move to remote learning, and the school system will be closed except for several dozen buildings that will be used as “learning centers” to support the children of essential city workers like health care employees.Mr. de Blasio said that the schools would be closed today for all students and staff, but that teachers would be asked to report to work later in the week for training on remote learning. By March 23, the city will move to remote learning, and the school system will be closed except for several dozen buildings that will be used as “learning centers” to support the children of essential city workers like health care employees.
Schools will be closed until at least April 20, but could stay closed for longer, Mr. de Blasio said.Schools will be closed until at least April 20, but could stay closed for longer, Mr. de Blasio said.
City school buildings will remain open this week for children to pick up food, and then the city will find alternative sites for students who need food to receive it. Students who do not have computers at home will be lent laptops, and the city will work on helping students who do not have internet access get online.City school buildings will remain open this week for children to pick up food, and then the city will find alternative sites for students who need food to receive it. Students who do not have computers at home will be lent laptops, and the city will work on helping students who do not have internet access get online.
[Read more on the decision to close the city’s schools, and find the latest coverage on nytimes.com.][Read more on the decision to close the city’s schools, and find the latest coverage on nytimes.com.]
Around 10 p.m., Mr. de Blasio issued a statement saying that he was closing restaurants and bars, effective Tuesday at 9 a.m. He said his executive order would limit restaurants, bars and cafes to takeout and delivery. Nightclubs, movie theaters, small theater houses and concert venues must all close.Around 10 p.m., Mr. de Blasio issued a statement saying that he was closing restaurants and bars, effective Tuesday at 9 a.m. He said his executive order would limit restaurants, bars and cafes to takeout and delivery. Nightclubs, movie theaters, small theater houses and concert venues must all close.
“This is not a decision I make lightly,” he said. “These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality.”“This is not a decision I make lightly,” he said. “These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality.”
[“Everything is a black hole”: Mounting dread in the age of coronavirus.][“Everything is a black hole”: Mounting dread in the age of coronavirus.]
Mr. Cuomo called yesterday for private businesses to voluntarily close and have their employees work from home. And Mr. de Blasio ordered hospitals in the city to cancel all elective surgery, postponed an election for the Queens borough president and closed city senior centers.Mr. Cuomo called yesterday for private businesses to voluntarily close and have their employees work from home. And Mr. de Blasio ordered hospitals in the city to cancel all elective surgery, postponed an election for the Queens borough president and closed city senior centers.
The state’s presidential primary election could be moved from April 28 to June 23, the date of another scheduled statewide vote, officials said yesterday.The state’s presidential primary election could be moved from April 28 to June 23, the date of another scheduled statewide vote, officials said yesterday.
State courts will postpone many criminal cases indefinitely and stop performing all but the most essential functions to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, officials said.State courts will postpone many criminal cases indefinitely and stop performing all but the most essential functions to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, officials said.
In addition, all eviction proceedings and pending eviction orders have been suspended statewide until further notice.In addition, all eviction proceedings and pending eviction orders have been suspended statewide until further notice.
New York State had 732 confirmed coronavirus cases officials said. The largest concentration of cases was in New York City, where 329 people had tested positive. Of the six deaths in the state from the virus, five were in the city.New York State had 732 confirmed coronavirus cases officials said. The largest concentration of cases was in New York City, where 329 people had tested positive. Of the six deaths in the state from the virus, five were in the city.
College in the Coronavirus Era: Wistful Goodbyes and a Sense of LossCollege in the Coronavirus Era: Wistful Goodbyes and a Sense of Loss
Stirring Sermons About Coronavirus, in Empty CathedralsStirring Sermons About Coronavirus, in Empty Cathedrals
Two Boys Jumped Into the Hudson River. They Haven’t Been Seen Since.Two Boys Jumped Into the Hudson River. They Haven’t Been Seen Since.
At the Library, Last Call for Beauty and BooksAt the Library, Last Call for Beauty and Books
Want more news? Check out our full coverage.Want more news? Check out our full coverage.
The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.
Orders to marijuana delivery services have reportedly seen a sharp increase since the coronavirus outbreak. [Complex]Orders to marijuana delivery services have reportedly seen a sharp increase since the coronavirus outbreak. [Complex]
Amazon is buying the former Lord & Taylor flagship building in Midtown for $1.15 billion. [The Street]Amazon is buying the former Lord & Taylor flagship building in Midtown for $1.15 billion. [The Street]
A Brooklyn man was reunited with two police officers who saved his life as an infant nearly 30 years ago. [New York Post]A Brooklyn man was reunited with two police officers who saved his life as an infant nearly 30 years ago. [New York Post]
The Times’s Rebecca Halleck writes:The Times’s Rebecca Halleck writes:
In the 17th century, Brooklyn was Breuckelen. Harlem was Haarlem. And Wall Street was an actual wall to keep the English from marching south on the Dutch colony of New Netherland.In the 17th century, Brooklyn was Breuckelen. Harlem was Haarlem. And Wall Street was an actual wall to keep the English from marching south on the Dutch colony of New Netherland.
Before the Treaty of Westminster in 1674, Britain and the Netherlands had spent two decades locked in a global game of capture the colony. As part of the pact’s terms, the Dutch surrendered Manhattan to the English and in exchange legitimized their control of several islands and other territories around the world, including the sugar-rich Suriname.Before the Treaty of Westminster in 1674, Britain and the Netherlands had spent two decades locked in a global game of capture the colony. As part of the pact’s terms, the Dutch surrendered Manhattan to the English and in exchange legitimized their control of several islands and other territories around the world, including the sugar-rich Suriname.
Several readers recently asked The Times what inspired the Dutch to trade Manhattan for Suriname and if there were remnants of Dutch history remaining in New York City today. Their questions are part of a project from The Times that invites readers to join in our reporting process.Several readers recently asked The Times what inspired the Dutch to trade Manhattan for Suriname and if there were remnants of Dutch history remaining in New York City today. Their questions are part of a project from The Times that invites readers to join in our reporting process.
Though it may seem like there was a simple swap of land, that would be an oversimplification, according to Charles Gehring, the director of the New Netherland Research Center in Albany.Though it may seem like there was a simple swap of land, that would be an oversimplification, according to Charles Gehring, the director of the New Netherland Research Center in Albany.
The English had controlled Manhattan for nine years, and mostly left alone a Dutch settlement on the southern tip of the island, before the summer of 1673. Then, 600 Dutch marines sailed into New York Harbor, emboldening Dutch settlers to take up arms against English troops.The English had controlled Manhattan for nine years, and mostly left alone a Dutch settlement on the southern tip of the island, before the summer of 1673. Then, 600 Dutch marines sailed into New York Harbor, emboldening Dutch settlers to take up arms against English troops.
The Dutch emerged victorious, renaming the whole island New Netherland. They signed it away 14 months later.The Dutch emerged victorious, renaming the whole island New Netherland. They signed it away 14 months later.
“The Dutch probably saw the writing on the wall,” Mr. Gehring said. “They were basically surrounded by the English colonies in the North and the tobacco farms in the South.”
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
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.
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.)
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.
“The Dutch probably saw the writing on the wall,” Mr. Gehring said. “They were basically surrounded by the English colonies in the North and the tobacco farms in the South.”
But there were also economic factors at play: The supply of beaver fur that initially brought the Dutch to the Hudson Valley was dwindling, while the demand for sugar, a crop grown in tropical climates like Suriname’s, had skyrocketed.But there were also economic factors at play: The supply of beaver fur that initially brought the Dutch to the Hudson Valley was dwindling, while the demand for sugar, a crop grown in tropical climates like Suriname’s, had skyrocketed.
Centuries later, here are four places you can see traces of New Netherland:Centuries later, here are four places you can see traces of New Netherland:
The Lovelace Tavern on Pearl Street: It was accidentally discovered by excavators searching for Stadt Huys, New Netherland’s City Hall, which was built in 1641.The Lovelace Tavern on Pearl Street: It was accidentally discovered by excavators searching for Stadt Huys, New Netherland’s City Hall, which was built in 1641.
The Schenck Houses at the Brooklyn Museum: The older of the pair was built by Jan Martense Schenck around 1675, and it survived in its original location for 275 years before being disassembled and reconstructed inside the museum in 1952.The Schenck Houses at the Brooklyn Museum: The older of the pair was built by Jan Martense Schenck around 1675, and it survived in its original location for 275 years before being disassembled and reconstructed inside the museum in 1952.
Wyckoff House in Brooklyn: The one-room house was constructed in 1652 and is thought to be the oldest building in the city. It has a packed-dirt floor and was the home of Pieter and Grietje Claesen and their 11 children.Wyckoff House in Brooklyn: The one-room house was constructed in 1652 and is thought to be the oldest building in the city. It has a packed-dirt floor and was the home of Pieter and Grietje Claesen and their 11 children.
The Dyckman farmhouse: The house was built in 1784, after the original farmstead was destroyed during the Revolutionary War. The site was once the centerpiece of a farm covering 250 acres of Upper Manhattan.The Dyckman farmhouse: The house was built in 1784, after the original farmstead was destroyed during the Revolutionary War. The site was once the centerpiece of a farm covering 250 acres of Upper Manhattan.
It’s Monday — know your history.It’s Monday — know your history.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
I was on my way to meet some friends for lunch. I was wearing my green dress with white polka dots. A young woman stopped me as I left the subway station.I was on my way to meet some friends for lunch. I was wearing my green dress with white polka dots. A young woman stopped me as I left the subway station.
“That is a great dress,” she said.“That is a great dress,” she said.
I was out to dinner one night at a local restaurant. I was wearing the polka dot dress again. When the waitress brought the check, there was a note at the bottom.I was out to dinner one night at a local restaurant. I was wearing the polka dot dress again. When the waitress brought the check, there was a note at the bottom.
“Best dress of the day,” it said.“Best dress of the day,” it said.
Another time, two men complimented me on my polka dots as I was leaving church one Sunday.Another time, two men complimented me on my polka dots as I was leaving church one Sunday.
I bought a new red dress with white polka dots. I was wearing it one night while waiting for the light to change on West End Avenue. A car that was turning slowed down, and the window rolled down.I bought a new red dress with white polka dots. I was wearing it one night while waiting for the light to change on West End Avenue. A car that was turning slowed down, and the window rolled down.
“Love the dress,” the woman who was driving shouted as she passed by.“Love the dress,” the woman who was driving shouted as she passed by.
That was when I realized that polka dots rule.That was when I realized that polka dots rule.
— Catherine Henihan— Catherine Henihan
New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.
We’re experimenting with the format of New York Today. What would you like to see more (or less) of? Post a comment or email us: nytoday@nytimes.com.We’re experimenting with the format of New York Today. What would you like to see more (or less) of? Post a comment or email us: nytoday@nytimes.com.