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/2020/03/17/us/coronavirus-buses-trains-detroit-boston.html
The article has changed 24 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 5 | Version 6 |
|---|---|
| No Bus Service. Crowded Trains. Transit Systems Struggle With the Virus. | No Bus Service. Crowded Trains. Transit Systems Struggle With the Virus. |
| (7 days later) | |
| BOSTON — Deanne Austin, a 34-year-old public-school teacher in Detroit, woke up on Tuesday morning with a plan. She needed groceries for herself, and food and litter for her cat, and planned to take buses for her errands. | BOSTON — Deanne Austin, a 34-year-old public-school teacher in Detroit, woke up on Tuesday morning with a plan. She needed groceries for herself, and food and litter for her cat, and planned to take buses for her errands. |
| She soon learned, though, that buses were not running because too few drivers had shown up to work, leaving her to ask her 65-year-old aunt who lives in Ann Arbor, Mich., to drive her. | She soon learned, though, that buses were not running because too few drivers had shown up to work, leaving her to ask her 65-year-old aunt who lives in Ann Arbor, Mich., to drive her. |
| In Boston, commuters also faced a problem: The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, contending with anxiety from within its ranks, had reduced the number of trains and buses overnight. Angry, frustrated riders posted photographs on social media of packed trains and platforms — exactly the kind of crowded indoor spaces that public health experts have cautioned people to avoid as the coronavirus spreads in the United States. | In Boston, commuters also faced a problem: The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, contending with anxiety from within its ranks, had reduced the number of trains and buses overnight. Angry, frustrated riders posted photographs on social media of packed trains and platforms — exactly the kind of crowded indoor spaces that public health experts have cautioned people to avoid as the coronavirus spreads in the United States. |
| And in the San Francisco area, ridership on the Bay Area Rapid Transit was down 70 percent on Monday, compared with an average Monday last month, according to BART officials — and that was before residents began a three-week period of sheltering at home on Tuesday, leaving only to fulfill essential needs, because of instructions from public health authorities. | And in the San Francisco area, ridership on the Bay Area Rapid Transit was down 70 percent on Monday, compared with an average Monday last month, according to BART officials — and that was before residents began a three-week period of sheltering at home on Tuesday, leaving only to fulfill essential needs, because of instructions from public health authorities. |
| Across the country, cities with public transit systems are being forced to adapt to the risks posed by the coronavirus. While carrying out stringent sanitation protocols, and amid a major decline in ridership, transit officials must also balance discouraging people from riding and reassuring those who have no other transportation options that their buses and trains are safe. | Across the country, cities with public transit systems are being forced to adapt to the risks posed by the coronavirus. While carrying out stringent sanitation protocols, and amid a major decline in ridership, transit officials must also balance discouraging people from riding and reassuring those who have no other transportation options that their buses and trains are safe. |
| And then there is the challenge of maintaining service while also protecting those who operate the trains and buses, a task that was on full display in cities across America on Tuesday. In Detroit, the mayor announced a series of changes intended to limit drivers’ exposure, and in Washington, D.C., the transit authority announced it was reducing service in a sharply worded news release. | And then there is the challenge of maintaining service while also protecting those who operate the trains and buses, a task that was on full display in cities across America on Tuesday. In Detroit, the mayor announced a series of changes intended to limit drivers’ exposure, and in Washington, D.C., the transit authority announced it was reducing service in a sharply worded news release. |
| “Stay home,” the statement urged. “Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.” | “Stay home,” the statement urged. “Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.” |
| It warned people against using the system for nonessential purposes, adding that it reserved the right to close stations near the Tidal Basin, where there are many trees with blooming cherry blossoms, to “reduce the use of Metro for tourist trips.” | It warned people against using the system for nonessential purposes, adding that it reserved the right to close stations near the Tidal Basin, where there are many trees with blooming cherry blossoms, to “reduce the use of Metro for tourist trips.” |
| With a virus that is extremely contagious, public transit systems have emerged as a focus of concern, each having enclosed spaces with surfaces where the coronavirus can linger for days if they are not sanitized. Drivers, too, are concerned about their potential exposure to the virus, and transit officials have worried about how they would function if a large number of workers are infected and unable to work. | With a virus that is extremely contagious, public transit systems have emerged as a focus of concern, each having enclosed spaces with surfaces where the coronavirus can linger for days if they are not sanitized. Drivers, too, are concerned about their potential exposure to the virus, and transit officials have worried about how they would function if a large number of workers are infected and unable to work. |
| The fears of Detroit’s bus drivers quickly reached a crisis point on Tuesday, when the early-morning crew arrived at their garages and found that the buses were not adequately cleaned, said Glenn Tolbert, the president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26. | The fears of Detroit’s bus drivers quickly reached a crisis point on Tuesday, when the early-morning crew arrived at their garages and found that the buses were not adequately cleaned, said Glenn Tolbert, the president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26. |
| “We just didn’t feel that the city, although they were making an effort, was doing enough to protect us and the public,” Mr. Tolbert said. | “We just didn’t feel that the city, although they were making an effort, was doing enough to protect us and the public,” Mr. Tolbert said. |
| The drivers refused to set out on their routes. At 7:27 a.m., the city issued a statement saying that fewer than 10 percent of its buses were operating. It urged riders to seek other forms of transportation. Shortly after, the city issued another statement saying there would be no service at all. | The drivers refused to set out on their routes. At 7:27 a.m., the city issued a statement saying that fewer than 10 percent of its buses were operating. It urged riders to seek other forms of transportation. Shortly after, the city issued another statement saying there would be no service at all. |
| The drivers had already been upset, Mr. Tolbert said, because the city had not provided them with enough gloves or hand sanitizer. Once the state ordered restaurants and bars to switch to take-out service, on Monday afternoon, and hospitals began severely restricting visitors, the drivers no longer had any place to go to the bathroom or wash their hands, Mr. Tolbert said. | The drivers had already been upset, Mr. Tolbert said, because the city had not provided them with enough gloves or hand sanitizer. Once the state ordered restaurants and bars to switch to take-out service, on Monday afternoon, and hospitals began severely restricting visitors, the drivers no longer had any place to go to the bathroom or wash their hands, Mr. Tolbert said. |
| “It’s really unfortunate, and I apologize to the passengers,” Mr. Tolbert said. “As soon as they get that fleet sanitized and we feel like our safety is being taken seriously, we will definitely be back to pick up our passengers.” | “It’s really unfortunate, and I apologize to the passengers,” Mr. Tolbert said. “As soon as they get that fleet sanitized and we feel like our safety is being taken seriously, we will definitely be back to pick up our passengers.” |
| Mayor Mike Duggan met with drivers at one of the city’s two bus terminals on Tuesday morning, and in the late afternoon he announced a series of changes aimed at addressing their concerns, including increased cleaning of buses and the suspension of all fares to reduce passengers’ contact with drivers. The mayor said bus service would be restored on Wednesday morning. | Mayor Mike Duggan met with drivers at one of the city’s two bus terminals on Tuesday morning, and in the late afternoon he announced a series of changes aimed at addressing their concerns, including increased cleaning of buses and the suspension of all fares to reduce passengers’ contact with drivers. The mayor said bus service would be restored on Wednesday morning. |
| Many other systems are waiving bus fares and instructing passengers to board through rear doors. And others, in an effort to support social distancing, have suspended fare enforcement. | Many other systems are waiving bus fares and instructing passengers to board through rear doors. And others, in an effort to support social distancing, have suspended fare enforcement. |
| Compounding those concerns, transit systems across the country have seen drastic reductions in ridership, leading to financial worries for systems that depend on fares. In New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said on Tuesday it was facing “financial calamity” from a precipitous drop-off in ridership. In a letter to New York’s congressional delegation, it said that ridership was down 60 percent on the subway and nearly 50 percent on city buses as residents have stayed home amid coronavirus fears. | Compounding those concerns, transit systems across the country have seen drastic reductions in ridership, leading to financial worries for systems that depend on fares. In New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said on Tuesday it was facing “financial calamity” from a precipitous drop-off in ridership. In a letter to New York’s congressional delegation, it said that ridership was down 60 percent on the subway and nearly 50 percent on city buses as residents have stayed home amid coronavirus fears. |
| The letter said the authority was projecting revenue losses of $3.7 billion if the trends continue for several months, and was facing some $300 million in new expenses related to the pandemic, like the costs of sanitizing trains and stations. | The letter said the authority was projecting revenue losses of $3.7 billion if the trends continue for several months, and was facing some $300 million in new expenses related to the pandemic, like the costs of sanitizing trains and stations. |
| Updated 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. | |
| 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. |
| And on Monday, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority said it was reducing service because of reductions in ridership and in an effort “to protect the health and safety of M.B.T.A. employees and customers.” Commuters on certain lines on Tuesday morning tweeted pictures of crowded trains and platforms, accusing the authority of hindering efforts at social distancing. | And on Monday, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority said it was reducing service because of reductions in ridership and in an effort “to protect the health and safety of M.B.T.A. employees and customers.” Commuters on certain lines on Tuesday morning tweeted pictures of crowded trains and platforms, accusing the authority of hindering efforts at social distancing. |
| “Nothing like taking the safe, mostly empty commutes from earlier this week, canceling service, and creating tightly packed highways to transport covid around the state,” one rider, Jeremy Banchiere, wrote. “Nice work!” | “Nothing like taking the safe, mostly empty commutes from earlier this week, canceling service, and creating tightly packed highways to transport covid around the state,” one rider, Jeremy Banchiere, wrote. “Nice work!” |
| Mr. Banchiere said by email that he was headed to work at a Boston-area hospital. | Mr. Banchiere said by email that he was headed to work at a Boston-area hospital. |
| Lydia Edwards, a city councilor who represents East Boston, where some of the crowded conditions occurred on Tuesday, said she had been told that the transit authority was facing a worker shortage because of school closures. | Lydia Edwards, a city councilor who represents East Boston, where some of the crowded conditions occurred on Tuesday, said she had been told that the transit authority was facing a worker shortage because of school closures. |
| The authority said on Tuesday evening that it would add service on two train lines and several bus lines. It said it would continue monitoring ridership and would make adjustments as appropriate. | The authority said on Tuesday evening that it would add service on two train lines and several bus lines. It said it would continue monitoring ridership and would make adjustments as appropriate. |
| “The last thing that we want to do is to pack people into crowded spaces,” said Michelle Wu, a city councilor who has been critical of the transit system. | “The last thing that we want to do is to pack people into crowded spaces,” said Michelle Wu, a city councilor who has been critical of the transit system. |
| Reporting was contributed by Vanessa Swales and Christina Goldbaum in New York. | Reporting was contributed by Vanessa Swales and Christina Goldbaum in New York. |