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Parents Scramble as N.Y.C. Schools Close Over Coronavirus Parents Scramble as N.Y.C. Schools Close Over Coronavirus
(1 day later)
Adriana Cortés sat in a swing next to her 7-year-old daughter on Monday morning and watched her 10-year-old son kick a soccer ball against the fence. It would have been a blithe picture in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Queens, except for how the trio came to be there.Adriana Cortés sat in a swing next to her 7-year-old daughter on Monday morning and watched her 10-year-old son kick a soccer ball against the fence. It would have been a blithe picture in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Queens, except for how the trio came to be there.
The closure of New York City’s public school system had left the children with nowhere to go and Ms. Cortés, 42, unable to take them to her usual job cleaning houses.The closure of New York City’s public school system had left the children with nowhere to go and Ms. Cortés, 42, unable to take them to her usual job cleaning houses.
“We can make it for at least two months, but just food and rent, and that’s it,” she said.“We can make it for at least two months, but just food and rent, and that’s it,” she said.
The fear of the coronavirus has led to extraordinary shutdowns across the New York City region as well as the country. In New York State, New Jersey and Connecticut, officials banned gatherings of more than 50 people and many nonessential businesses were ordered to close.The fear of the coronavirus has led to extraordinary shutdowns across the New York City region as well as the country. In New York State, New Jersey and Connecticut, officials banned gatherings of more than 50 people and many nonessential businesses were ordered to close.
Perhaps among the most aggressive decrees has been the closure of public schools, sending families scrambling for resources and child care and placing a strain on parents — many of whom are already struggling with changes in their work lives.Perhaps among the most aggressive decrees has been the closure of public schools, sending families scrambling for resources and child care and placing a strain on parents — many of whom are already struggling with changes in their work lives.
The usual options are limited since after-school programs and activities have also been canceled. Employees who have been allowed to work from home must now multitask like never before, while others who continue going into work worry over becoming sick and about who will watch their children.The usual options are limited since after-school programs and activities have also been canceled. Employees who have been allowed to work from home must now multitask like never before, while others who continue going into work worry over becoming sick and about who will watch their children.
“It’s very stressful,” said Ava Davis, from Brooklyn, who works for the New York City Housing Authority and has four children. She is also helping raise three of her sister’s children.“It’s very stressful,” said Ava Davis, from Brooklyn, who works for the New York City Housing Authority and has four children. She is also helping raise three of her sister’s children.
“I’m trying to figure out how that goes, who’s going to be at home watching the kids, who’s going to pay the bills,” Ms. Davis, 44, said.“I’m trying to figure out how that goes, who’s going to be at home watching the kids, who’s going to pay the bills,” Ms. Davis, 44, said.
Those who rely on grandparents for help are anxious about exposing them to potential germs. Families who can afford to hire a babysitter are unsure whether it’s appropriate to have someone come into their home.Those who rely on grandparents for help are anxious about exposing them to potential germs. Families who can afford to hire a babysitter are unsure whether it’s appropriate to have someone come into their home.
Some continue paying their absent nanny, not wanting to be the cause of anyone’s financial burden.Some continue paying their absent nanny, not wanting to be the cause of anyone’s financial burden.
In New York City, a vast system of 1,800 public schools that serves 1.1 million students — the largest by far in the country — faces its most serious challenge in decades with a shutdown that could potentially last through the end of the school year.In New York City, a vast system of 1,800 public schools that serves 1.1 million students — the largest by far in the country — faces its most serious challenge in decades with a shutdown that could potentially last through the end of the school year.
The city’s vulnerable student population, including 114,000 homeless children, many of whom rely on the meals offered at school, are particularly affected.The city’s vulnerable student population, including 114,000 homeless children, many of whom rely on the meals offered at school, are particularly affected.
City school buildings will remain open this week for children to pick up food, and after that alternative sites will be used to continue the distribution.City school buildings will remain open this week for children to pick up food, and after that alternative sites will be used to continue the distribution.
“We are depending on this,” said Ivonne Flores, 35, as she waited with her 7-year-old son, Obby, for a free breakfast outside a school in the Woodside neighborhood of Queens.“We are depending on this,” said Ivonne Flores, 35, as she waited with her 7-year-old son, Obby, for a free breakfast outside a school in the Woodside neighborhood of Queens.
About 14,000 children showed up on Monday for breakfast and lunch, a relatively small number, according to Richard A. Carranza, the chancellor of the city’s department of education.About 14,000 children showed up on Monday for breakfast and lunch, a relatively small number, according to Richard A. Carranza, the chancellor of the city’s department of education.
“Parents are still figuring out their situation, their circumstances,” Mr. Carranza said. “We’re expecting that number to continue to increase over the days and weeks.”“Parents are still figuring out their situation, their circumstances,” Mr. Carranza said. “We’re expecting that number to continue to increase over the days and weeks.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio had been under enormous pressure in recent days to close the schools as New York City attempts to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. The mayor said laptops would be lent to students who do not have computers at home, and the city will work on helping families who do not have internet access.Mayor Bill de Blasio had been under enormous pressure in recent days to close the schools as New York City attempts to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. The mayor said laptops would be lent to students who do not have computers at home, and the city will work on helping families who do not have internet access.
Next week, the city will move to remote learning, with several dozen school buildings used as centers to support the children of essential city workers like health care employees.Next week, the city will move to remote learning, with several dozen school buildings used as centers to support the children of essential city workers like health care employees.
The closure has thrown parents’ work lives for a loop, with some receiving the message late.The closure has thrown parents’ work lives for a loop, with some receiving the message late.
Steven Wu, 50, arrived at Yung Wing Elementary School in Chinatown in Manhattan on Monday morning only to discover that his 5-year-old daughter had no class. The principal tried to walk him through how to use a phone app that allows parents to communicate with the school.Steven Wu, 50, arrived at Yung Wing Elementary School in Chinatown in Manhattan on Monday morning only to discover that his 5-year-old daughter had no class. The principal tried to walk him through how to use a phone app that allows parents to communicate with the school.
“It’s a huge headache,” Mr. Wu said in Cantonese.“It’s a huge headache,” Mr. Wu said in Cantonese.
Shortly afterward, Yan Hua Chen arrived to pick up meals for her two children and the five others in her extended family who live in her apartment building.Shortly afterward, Yan Hua Chen arrived to pick up meals for her two children and the five others in her extended family who live in her apartment building.
She said she had quit her job at a restaurant to care for her children during the school closure.She said she had quit her job at a restaurant to care for her children during the school closure.
Those who already work from home still found it difficult to refocus their attention. Ismail Dale, an artist who lives in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, now has to look out for his son, Trabon, a sixth grader at Public School 364. “I had to cancel a lot of things,” Mr. Dale, 60, said.Those who already work from home still found it difficult to refocus their attention. Ismail Dale, an artist who lives in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, now has to look out for his son, Trabon, a sixth grader at Public School 364. “I had to cancel a lot of things,” Mr. Dale, 60, said.
He planned to keep a close eye on Trabon throughout the day, making sure his son was studying, was physically active and was not spending too much time online.He planned to keep a close eye on Trabon throughout the day, making sure his son was studying, was physically active and was not spending too much time online.
Trabon, 12, worried that the days away from school could mean that his grades would eventually drop. He hoped to keep up with friends via social media and play his favorite video games, Fortnite and Mario Kart.Trabon, 12, worried that the days away from school could mean that his grades would eventually drop. He hoped to keep up with friends via social media and play his favorite video games, Fortnite and Mario Kart.
At Travers Park in Queens, a group of lanky teens popped ollies, their skateboards slamming against the concrete. Excited about not attending classes, there was one problem that dawned on them. “The coronavirus is going to kill my social life,” one teen said.At Travers Park in Queens, a group of lanky teens popped ollies, their skateboards slamming against the concrete. Excited about not attending classes, there was one problem that dawned on them. “The coronavirus is going to kill my social life,” one teen said.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
Others worried about missing end-of-year festivities and sports championships.Others worried about missing end-of-year festivities and sports championships.
“I already got my prom dress,” Katherine Guttridge, 18, said. “Not having that final hurrah with your grade would hurt.”“I already got my prom dress,” Katherine Guttridge, 18, said. “Not having that final hurrah with your grade would hurt.”
Ms. Guttridge was also anxious about her lacrosse team getting a chance at the title this year. She attends Pleasantville High School in Westchester County, where all schools were ordered shut down by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.Ms. Guttridge was also anxious about her lacrosse team getting a chance at the title this year. She attends Pleasantville High School in Westchester County, where all schools were ordered shut down by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.
For Sailyn Ramos, 12, the next couple of weeks offer a respite. She lives in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx and won’t mind sleeping past her usual 5 a.m. alarm and skipping the train ride home from her middle school in Harlem.For Sailyn Ramos, 12, the next couple of weeks offer a respite. She lives in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx and won’t mind sleeping past her usual 5 a.m. alarm and skipping the train ride home from her middle school in Harlem.
“I like the freedom,” she said.“I like the freedom,” she said.
Some parents tried to set ground rules and put a daily regimen in place.Some parents tried to set ground rules and put a daily regimen in place.
“It’s not like a vacation. It’s a very confusing time,” said Sara Nichols, 42, whose husband, a philosophy professor, made a spreadsheet that tried to mimic their children’s schedule at school, including time for recess.“It’s not like a vacation. It’s a very confusing time,” said Sara Nichols, 42, whose husband, a philosophy professor, made a spreadsheet that tried to mimic their children’s schedule at school, including time for recess.
“I think it was his way of managing his anxiety about the situation,” said Ms. Nichols, a clinical psychologist.“I think it was his way of managing his anxiety about the situation,” said Ms. Nichols, a clinical psychologist.
The couple, who live in the East Village, plan to take turns home schooling their 6-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son. They had been struggling with whether to continue sending their children to school, so it was a relief to have the decision made for them.The couple, who live in the East Village, plan to take turns home schooling their 6-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son. They had been struggling with whether to continue sending their children to school, so it was a relief to have the decision made for them.
Teachers, who sent home extra books and now must oversee remote learning, worry about their students falling behind, especially those who were already struggling.Teachers, who sent home extra books and now must oversee remote learning, worry about their students falling behind, especially those who were already struggling.
“The gap is going to widen for those with no access to online learning or who are not able to do it on their own,” said Leah Grossman, 46, who teaches at a middle school in Long Island City, Queens.“The gap is going to widen for those with no access to online learning or who are not able to do it on their own,” said Leah Grossman, 46, who teaches at a middle school in Long Island City, Queens.
“We’re finally getting to a place where we know all our students and their needs, and all of a sudden they’re going to be without that.”“We’re finally getting to a place where we know all our students and their needs, and all of a sudden they’re going to be without that.”
Beyond the academics, schools also offer an intangible level of emotional support that some students will miss deeply.Beyond the academics, schools also offer an intangible level of emotional support that some students will miss deeply.
Mariluz Jimenez, 18, is homeless, and had found solace in LaGuardia Community College in Queens. It was a place where she felt in control of her future. She confided in school counselors who not only supported her education goals, but helped her find shelters and LGBT-friendly programs.Mariluz Jimenez, 18, is homeless, and had found solace in LaGuardia Community College in Queens. It was a place where she felt in control of her future. She confided in school counselors who not only supported her education goals, but helped her find shelters and LGBT-friendly programs.
“My stability is gone,” she said.“My stability is gone,” she said.
Michael Gold, Rebecca Liebson, Angela Macropoulos, Jeffery C. Mays, Aaron Randle, Nate Schweber, Eliza Shapiro and Anjali Tsui contributed reporting.Michael Gold, Rebecca Liebson, Angela Macropoulos, Jeffery C. Mays, Aaron Randle, Nate Schweber, Eliza Shapiro and Anjali Tsui contributed reporting.