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A Hospital Ship for N.Y.C. A Hospital Ship for N.Y.C.
(about 13 hours later)
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It’s Thursday. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, officials are urging a reduction in gatherings. As such, we are temporarily suspending our event listings.It’s Thursday. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, officials are urging a reduction in gatherings. As such, we are temporarily suspending our event listings.
Weather: Rainy for the first half of the day, with a high in the low 50s.Weather: Rainy for the first half of the day, with a high in the low 50s.
Alternate-side parking: Suspended through Tuesday because of the coronavirus outbreak.Alternate-side parking: Suspended through Tuesday because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Governor Cuomo said yesterday that President Trump had agreed to send a 1,000-bed Navy hospital ship to New York Harbor as the state struggles with the sharp rise in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases.Governor Cuomo said yesterday that President Trump had agreed to send a 1,000-bed Navy hospital ship to New York Harbor as the state struggles with the sharp rise in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases.
The ship is not expected to arrive until April.The ship is not expected to arrive until April.
The hospital ship, the Comfort, is part of an effort to expand hospital capacity, which Mr. Cuomo said would reach its peak demand in about 45 days, well before new permanent facilities can be built.The hospital ship, the Comfort, is part of an effort to expand hospital capacity, which Mr. Cuomo said would reach its peak demand in about 45 days, well before new permanent facilities can be built.
[Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.][Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.]
The question now facing New York, Mr. Cuomo said, is: “How do we set up temporary hospital facilities?”The question now facing New York, Mr. Cuomo said, is: “How do we set up temporary hospital facilities?”
The Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, construction trade unions and others are working together on a plan, Mr. Cuomo said.The Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, construction trade unions and others are working together on a plan, Mr. Cuomo said.
As of yesterday afternoon, New York officials said the state had 2,382 confirmed coronavirus cases, an increase of more than 1,000 since Tuesday. In numbers announced later, 1,871 people in New York City had tested positive, compared with 923 on Tuesday. Statewide there have been 21 coronavirus deaths, including 11 in New York City.As of yesterday afternoon, New York officials said the state had 2,382 confirmed coronavirus cases, an increase of more than 1,000 since Tuesday. In numbers announced later, 1,871 people in New York City had tested positive, compared with 923 on Tuesday. Statewide there have been 21 coronavirus deaths, including 11 in New York City.
Mr. Cuomo attributed much of the jump to an increase in testing. Of the 14,597 people to be tested so far, nearly 5,000 were tested on Tuesday.Mr. Cuomo attributed much of the jump to an increase in testing. Of the 14,597 people to be tested so far, nearly 5,000 were tested on Tuesday.
[Coronavirus in N.Y.: ‘Huge Spike’ in Brooklyn Hasidic Community][Coronavirus in N.Y.: ‘Huge Spike’ in Brooklyn Hasidic Community]
Here’s what else you should know:Here’s what else you should know:
The State Department of Health is asking retired health officials to volunteer at hospitals “to treat seriously ill coronavirus patients including those that may need to be intubated.” In Westchester County, which has the most confirmed cases of any county in the state, officials are asking retired and nonworking nurses to assist at nursing homes, child care programs and other sites with vulnerable populations.The State Department of Health is asking retired health officials to volunteer at hospitals “to treat seriously ill coronavirus patients including those that may need to be intubated.” In Westchester County, which has the most confirmed cases of any county in the state, officials are asking retired and nonworking nurses to assist at nursing homes, child care programs and other sites with vulnerable populations.
One of the new cases was an inmate at New York City’s sprawling Rikers Island jail complex, the Department of Correction said on Wednesday. That came hours after the correction officers’ union said that one of its members had the virus.One of the new cases was an inmate at New York City’s sprawling Rikers Island jail complex, the Department of Correction said on Wednesday. That came hours after the correction officers’ union said that one of its members had the virus.
The hospitality industry’s problems continued on Wednesday, with the Union Square Hospitality Group, one of the nation’s leading restaurant companies, saying it was laying off 2,000 employees “due to a near-complete elimination of revenue.”The hospitality industry’s problems continued on Wednesday, with the Union Square Hospitality Group, one of the nation’s leading restaurant companies, saying it was laying off 2,000 employees “due to a near-complete elimination of revenue.”
The state Department of Labor continues to have trouble keeping up with the flood of applications for unemployment benefits. On Tuesday, it added staff, expanded hours and instituted a new system limiting filings to certain days. Those with last names starting with the letters A through F can file on Mondays. Tuesdays are for letters G through N, and Wednesdays are for the rest of the alphabet. On Thursdays and Fridays, anyone can apply.The state Department of Labor continues to have trouble keeping up with the flood of applications for unemployment benefits. On Tuesday, it added staff, expanded hours and instituted a new system limiting filings to certain days. Those with last names starting with the letters A through F can file on Mondays. Tuesdays are for letters G through N, and Wednesdays are for the rest of the alphabet. On Thursdays and Fridays, anyone can apply.
With 2 Lawmakers Sick, the Rest Take Turns Voting in an Empty ChamberWith 2 Lawmakers Sick, the Rest Take Turns Voting in an Empty Chamber
‘I’m Really Isolated Now’: When Elders Have to Fight Coronavirus Alone‘I’m Really Isolated Now’: When Elders Have to Fight Coronavirus Alone
‘It Sort of Gives You Hope’: One Place New Yorkers Go to Escape Shutdown‘It Sort of Gives You Hope’: One Place New Yorkers Go to Escape Shutdown
Linda Fairstein Sues Netflix for Defamation in ‘When They See Us’Linda Fairstein Sues Netflix for Defamation in ‘When They See Us’
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.
Ritchie Torres, a councilman in the Bronx and candidate for Congress, tested positive for the coronavirus. [Mott Haven Herald]Ritchie Torres, a councilman in the Bronx and candidate for Congress, tested positive for the coronavirus. [Mott Haven Herald]
The statewide ban on single-use plastic bags has been suspended because of the coronavirus. [Staten Island Advance]The statewide ban on single-use plastic bags has been suspended because of the coronavirus. [Staten Island Advance]
The Times’s Steven Kurutz reports:The Times’s Steven Kurutz reports:
Annie Simeone and Armando Morales planned to get married sometime in the next month. They were just waiting for a day when both were off from their freelance jobs in film and TV production. Then, last Friday, they were told production had been suspended and they were out of work as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.Annie Simeone and Armando Morales planned to get married sometime in the next month. They were just waiting for a day when both were off from their freelance jobs in film and TV production. Then, last Friday, they were told production had been suspended and they were out of work as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We thought, let’s do it as fast as possible, before City Hall gets shut down or we leave town,” said Ms. Simeone, 38, who was standing with Mr. Morales, also 38, inside the Manhattan Marriage Bureau in Lower Manhattan earlier this week.“We thought, let’s do it as fast as possible, before City Hall gets shut down or we leave town,” said Ms. Simeone, 38, who was standing with Mr. Morales, also 38, inside the Manhattan Marriage Bureau in Lower Manhattan earlier this week.
Ms. Simeone, who works as a production designer, and Mr. Morales, a carpenter, pedaled from their home in the Ridgewood section of Queens because the subway seemed too high risk.Ms. Simeone, who works as a production designer, and Mr. Morales, a carpenter, pedaled from their home in the Ridgewood section of Queens because the subway seemed too high risk.
The atmosphere they found at the Marriage Bureau was at once business as usual and strangely altered in the wake of the outbreak.The atmosphere they found at the Marriage Bureau was at once business as usual and strangely altered in the wake of the outbreak.
Many couples had stories of altered wedding plans and hastily made decisions that brought them there.Many couples had stories of altered wedding plans and hastily made decisions that brought them there.
Lillis Meeh, 30, works in special effects on Broadway, most recently for the play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Last Thursday, she learned the show was shutting down, leaving her without a job or health insurance.Lillis Meeh, 30, works in special effects on Broadway, most recently for the play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Last Thursday, she learned the show was shutting down, leaving her without a job or health insurance.
She was sitting on a bench beside her partner, Dr. Amelia Baxter-Stoltzfus, 31, a resident at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, who was wearing her hospital scrubs. “We can do a domestic partnership and then get married later,” Ms. Meeh said. “We were going to anyway.”She was sitting on a bench beside her partner, Dr. Amelia Baxter-Stoltzfus, 31, a resident at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, who was wearing her hospital scrubs. “We can do a domestic partnership and then get married later,” Ms. Meeh said. “We were going to anyway.”
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
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.
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.
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.
It’s Thursday — make time for one another.It’s Thursday — make time for one another.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
Several years ago I made a special trip to a well-known Jewish bakery to get cookies that were kosher for Passover. It was the first night of the holiday, and I was excited to present the coveted treats to my family.Several years ago I made a special trip to a well-known Jewish bakery to get cookies that were kosher for Passover. It was the first night of the holiday, and I was excited to present the coveted treats to my family.
My boyfriend and I were taking Metro-North to my parents’ house, and we were running late. As we made our way through Grand Central, I had bags looped over my arms, and my hands were cradling the box of cookies.My boyfriend and I were taking Metro-North to my parents’ house, and we were running late. As we made our way through Grand Central, I had bags looped over my arms, and my hands were cradling the box of cookies.
Stepping up to the booth to buy our train tickets, I set the box down on the ledge next to me.Stepping up to the booth to buy our train tickets, I set the box down on the ledge next to me.
Tickets in hand, I picked up the bags and started to walk to the train. I quickly realized I had left the cookies behind. I turned around to get them, but the box had disappeared. In the short time it had taken me to take a few steps, someone had grabbed it.Tickets in hand, I picked up the bags and started to walk to the train. I quickly realized I had left the cookies behind. I turned around to get them, but the box had disappeared. In the short time it had taken me to take a few steps, someone had grabbed it.
Dismayed, we looked around for a few minutes more before running to catch the train. I couldn’t believe someone had stolen our Passover cookies.Dismayed, we looked around for a few minutes more before running to catch the train. I couldn’t believe someone had stolen our Passover cookies.
As the train left the station and made its way toward 125th Street, I glanced over at the row of seats diagonally across from ours. A woman sitting there facing us was holding a bakery box. It was the perfect size for a pound of Passover cookies.As the train left the station and made its way toward 125th Street, I glanced over at the row of seats diagonally across from ours. A woman sitting there facing us was holding a bakery box. It was the perfect size for a pound of Passover cookies.
I looked at her, she looked at me, and before I could say a word, she blushed and handed me the box.I looked at her, she looked at me, and before I could say a word, she blushed and handed me the box.
We spent the rest of the ride in silence.We spent the rest of the ride in silence.
— Sara Shacket— Sara Shacket
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