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With 2 Lawmakers Sick, the Rest Take Turns Voting in an Empty Chamber With 2 Lawmakers Sick, the Rest Take Turns Voting in an Empty Chamber
(2 months later)
ALBANY, N.Y. — In New York’s State Capitol, lawmakers voted one at a time or in small groups in nearly empty chambers. In Boston, legislators postponed public hearings, promising to take virtual testimony on bills. State lawmakers in Mississippi, California and Nebraska gaveled out, holding hope of returning once the crisis passes.ALBANY, N.Y. — In New York’s State Capitol, lawmakers voted one at a time or in small groups in nearly empty chambers. In Boston, legislators postponed public hearings, promising to take virtual testimony on bills. State lawmakers in Mississippi, California and Nebraska gaveled out, holding hope of returning once the crisis passes.
As the coronavirus continues to radically change the day-to-day rituals of tens of millions of Americans, state lawmakers across the country are scrambling to balance their sworn duties with fears of infection and legislative priorities that have been upended and reshuffled.As the coronavirus continues to radically change the day-to-day rituals of tens of millions of Americans, state lawmakers across the country are scrambling to balance their sworn duties with fears of infection and legislative priorities that have been upended and reshuffled.
That was especially the case in Albany, where two members of the State Assembly from Brooklyn, Helene Weinstein and Charles Barron, have tested positive for the virus, leading to canceled legislative sessions and a surge of lawmakers and staff who are seeking tests.That was especially the case in Albany, where two members of the State Assembly from Brooklyn, Helene Weinstein and Charles Barron, have tested positive for the virus, leading to canceled legislative sessions and a surge of lawmakers and staff who are seeking tests.
Indeed, passionate debate of social issues like criminal justice reform and climate change has quickly given way to more pressing financial concerns, as states grapple with swelling unemployment figures and the prospect of plummeting tax receipts.Indeed, passionate debate of social issues like criminal justice reform and climate change has quickly given way to more pressing financial concerns, as states grapple with swelling unemployment figures and the prospect of plummeting tax receipts.
Around the country, legislatures rushed to pass costly emergency funding to beef up local health departments on the front lines of the response, trampling ambitious agendas laid out at the beginning of the year.Around the country, legislatures rushed to pass costly emergency funding to beef up local health departments on the front lines of the response, trampling ambitious agendas laid out at the beginning of the year.
At least 17 statehouses have postponed their legislative sessions, with lawmakers effectively retreating from public view, reshaping a core function of government and the way constituents are able to access their elected officials at the height of a pandemic.At least 17 statehouses have postponed their legislative sessions, with lawmakers effectively retreating from public view, reshaping a core function of government and the way constituents are able to access their elected officials at the height of a pandemic.
The decision to shutter drew a stark contrast to Congress, whose leaders remain resistant to closing the Capitol. In the Senate, lawmakers continued to meet in large groups in defiance of guidance from public health officials, though they attempted to impose social-distancing restrictions on the Senate floor.The decision to shutter drew a stark contrast to Congress, whose leaders remain resistant to closing the Capitol. In the Senate, lawmakers continued to meet in large groups in defiance of guidance from public health officials, though they attempted to impose social-distancing restrictions on the Senate floor.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last week that members of Congress would be the last to leave, like captains of a ship. And Representative Steny H. Hoyer, Democrat of Maryland and the majority leader, said remote voting would set a bad precedent, even as a dozen or so members are in self-quarantine.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last week that members of Congress would be the last to leave, like captains of a ship. And Representative Steny H. Hoyer, Democrat of Maryland and the majority leader, said remote voting would set a bad precedent, even as a dozen or so members are in self-quarantine.
On Wednesday, Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, a Republican from South Florida, confirmed that he had tested positive for coronavirus after suffering from a fever and a headache over the weekend. He is the first member of Congress to test positive and said he was quarantining in his apartment in Washington.On Wednesday, Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, a Republican from South Florida, confirmed that he had tested positive for coronavirus after suffering from a fever and a headache over the weekend. He is the first member of Congress to test positive and said he was quarantining in his apartment in Washington.
Later, on Wednesday evening, Rep. Ben McAdams of Utah tweeted that he had tested positive and was self-quarantined.Later, on Wednesday evening, Rep. Ben McAdams of Utah tweeted that he had tested positive and was self-quarantined.
Outside the nation’s capital, governments big and small, from village councils in Florida to the Massachusetts statehouse, were taking extraordinary measures to retrofit traditional and often recalcitrant ways of governing to the age of the coronavirus. Many statehouses have shut their doors to the public.Outside the nation’s capital, governments big and small, from village councils in Florida to the Massachusetts statehouse, were taking extraordinary measures to retrofit traditional and often recalcitrant ways of governing to the age of the coronavirus. Many statehouses have shut their doors to the public.
Utah is looking to allow lawmakers to convene digitally. The Connecticut Legislature revised its rules to permit committees to vote by phone. Other states were also considering changes to rules that require members to be physically present to cast a vote.Utah is looking to allow lawmakers to convene digitally. The Connecticut Legislature revised its rules to permit committees to vote by phone. Other states were also considering changes to rules that require members to be physically present to cast a vote.
The State Legislature in Washington, which has seen the second-highest number of confirmed cases and highest number of deaths, adjourned its session last Thursday as scheduled. But the outbreak forced it to approve $200 million in virus-related spending and to scrap ambitious plans for new climate change and gun control laws.The State Legislature in Washington, which has seen the second-highest number of confirmed cases and highest number of deaths, adjourned its session last Thursday as scheduled. But the outbreak forced it to approve $200 million in virus-related spending and to scrap ambitious plans for new climate change and gun control laws.
California lawmakers went into recess on Monday night until at least April 13, even as the San Francisco Bay Area fell under a shelter-in-place order, which sharply limits residents’ mobility. State senator Toni G. Atkins, the San Diego Democrat who leads Sacramento’s upper chamber, said that the decision to recess gave lawmakers a chance to return to their districts to address mounting constituent concerns.California lawmakers went into recess on Monday night until at least April 13, even as the San Francisco Bay Area fell under a shelter-in-place order, which sharply limits residents’ mobility. State senator Toni G. Atkins, the San Diego Democrat who leads Sacramento’s upper chamber, said that the decision to recess gave lawmakers a chance to return to their districts to address mounting constituent concerns.
“I think we have a critical role to play whether in Sacramento or San Diego,” she said.“I think we have a critical role to play whether in Sacramento or San Diego,” she said.
In Albany, New York’s capital, lawmakers grappled with fears that the coronavirus could cripple the state’s finances and its progressive agenda. There were 2,382 positive cases in the state as of Wednesday, and 20 deaths linked to the disease.In Albany, New York’s capital, lawmakers grappled with fears that the coronavirus could cripple the state’s finances and its progressive agenda. There were 2,382 positive cases in the state as of Wednesday, and 20 deaths linked to the disease.
On Wednesday, Assembly and Senate members warily returned to Albany to find a different kind of Capitol: its usually bustling hallways empty, its cocktail bars shuttered and its fund-raisers canceled, with normally gregarious legislators avoiding shaking hands or hugging.On Wednesday, Assembly and Senate members warily returned to Albany to find a different kind of Capitol: its usually bustling hallways empty, its cocktail bars shuttered and its fund-raisers canceled, with normally gregarious legislators avoiding shaking hands or hugging.
The transformed landscape led veteran lawmakers to wonder aloud whether their tradition-bound rules needed to be adapted for the outbreak.The transformed landscape led veteran lawmakers to wonder aloud whether their tradition-bound rules needed to be adapted for the outbreak.
“There’s got to be a 21st-century way to deal with this,” said Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell, 59, a nine-term Democrat from Manhattan, who drove to Albany in a car packed with sanitary wipes and rubber gloves “to push a button.”“There’s got to be a 21st-century way to deal with this,” said Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell, 59, a nine-term Democrat from Manhattan, who drove to Albany in a car packed with sanitary wipes and rubber gloves “to push a button.”
“I’m not a hypochondriac,” he said. “But I’m very anxious about this.”“I’m not a hypochondriac,” he said. “But I’m very anxious about this.”
About 200 miles south, New Jersey lawmakers passed a rush of 29 coronavirus-related bills and resolutions in under an hour on Monday, as just two spectators watched from the gallery.About 200 miles south, New Jersey lawmakers passed a rush of 29 coronavirus-related bills and resolutions in under an hour on Monday, as just two spectators watched from the gallery.
The bipartisan bills, if approved by the New Jersey Senate on Thursday and signed into law by the governor, will fund extra cleanup at schools and nursing homes and offer job protections for workers affected by the coronavirus.The bipartisan bills, if approved by the New Jersey Senate on Thursday and signed into law by the governor, will fund extra cleanup at schools and nursing homes and offer job protections for workers affected by the coronavirus.
They would also give lawmakers the ability to vote remotely if they cannot make it to Trenton, the capital.They would also give lawmakers the ability to vote remotely if they cannot make it to Trenton, the capital.
In New York, lawmakers were ordered back to the Capitol — now closed to the public — on Wednesday to pass an emergency bill to guarantee sick leave to those under quarantine. Such issues have taken on more urgency in New York, which has the nation’s highest number of confirmed cases and a mandatory statewide shutdown of many businesses.In New York, lawmakers were ordered back to the Capitol — now closed to the public — on Wednesday to pass an emergency bill to guarantee sick leave to those under quarantine. Such issues have taken on more urgency in New York, which has the nation’s highest number of confirmed cases and a mandatory statewide shutdown of many businesses.
The legislation, which Mr. Cuomo signed Wednesday evening, requires government entities and private businesses with 100 or more employees to provide workers in mandatory or precautionary quarantine at least 14 days of paid sick leave. Smaller businesses would be able to tap into state insurance programs to help cover their employees’ leave.The legislation, which Mr. Cuomo signed Wednesday evening, requires government entities and private businesses with 100 or more employees to provide workers in mandatory or precautionary quarantine at least 14 days of paid sick leave. Smaller businesses would be able to tap into state insurance programs to help cover their employees’ leave.
With a state budget due on April 1, legislators were also pushing to accomplish the once unthinkable in Albany: reach an early budget agreement, perhaps within the next week, though questions of how much revenue the state had lost from the virus-related economic swoon were complicating negotiations.With a state budget due on April 1, legislators were also pushing to accomplish the once unthinkable in Albany: reach an early budget agreement, perhaps within the next week, though questions of how much revenue the state had lost from the virus-related economic swoon were complicating negotiations.
Updated May 28, 2020
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.
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.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
There is an uptick in people reporting symptoms of chilblains, which are painful red or purple lesions that typically appear in the winter on fingers or toes. The lesions are emerging as yet another symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. Chilblains are caused by inflammation in small blood vessels in reaction to cold or damp conditions, but they are usually common in the coldest winter months. Federal health officials do not include toe lesions in the list of coronavirus symptoms, but some dermatologists are pushing for a change, saying so-called Covid toe should be sufficient grounds for testing.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
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.
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.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
Tax revenues will be $4 to $7 billion lower than originally projected, according to new estimates from the state comptroller.Tax revenues will be $4 to $7 billion lower than originally projected, according to new estimates from the state comptroller.
Lawmakers also returned after being chided by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who has taken a leading role among national leaders in responding to the crisis. Mr. Cuomo dismissed concerns that returning to the often close quarters of the legislative chambers was dangerous.Lawmakers also returned after being chided by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who has taken a leading role among national leaders in responding to the crisis. Mr. Cuomo dismissed concerns that returning to the often close quarters of the legislative chambers was dangerous.
“I want them to do their jobs,” Mr. Cuomo said on Sunday, when asked about whether lawmakers should continue to come to the Capitol. “If you didn’t want to be here, you shouldn’t have run for office.”“I want them to do their jobs,” Mr. Cuomo said on Sunday, when asked about whether lawmakers should continue to come to the Capitol. “If you didn’t want to be here, you shouldn’t have run for office.”
That call to duty was answered on Wednesday, albeit under unusual circumstances; in the State Assembly, lawmakers were told to stay in their offices before being called to the chamber to vote in small batches of a dozen or so.That call to duty was answered on Wednesday, albeit under unusual circumstances; in the State Assembly, lawmakers were told to stay in their offices before being called to the chamber to vote in small batches of a dozen or so.
“Group 6, please come to the chamber and cast your vote,” said Jeffrion L. Aubry, a Queens assemblyman and the Speaker pro tempore, calling in one delegation.“Group 6, please come to the chamber and cast your vote,” said Jeffrion L. Aubry, a Queens assemblyman and the Speaker pro tempore, calling in one delegation.
Carl E. Heastie, the Assembly speaker, said that with members trying to balance their “constitutional duties” with health protocols, the legislative agenda may have shrunk as the crisis has grown.Carl E. Heastie, the Assembly speaker, said that with members trying to balance their “constitutional duties” with health protocols, the legislative agenda may have shrunk as the crisis has grown.
“I would say the list isn’t as big as it was before,” he said of budget priorities.“I would say the list isn’t as big as it was before,” he said of budget priorities.
In the 63-member Senate, no legislative staff was allowed on the chamber floor on Wednesday. In a speech before a mostly vacant chamber, John Flanagan, the Senate Republican minority leader, announced his support for the bills — which passed with largely bipartisan support — and acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion.In the 63-member Senate, no legislative staff was allowed on the chamber floor on Wednesday. In a speech before a mostly vacant chamber, John Flanagan, the Senate Republican minority leader, announced his support for the bills — which passed with largely bipartisan support — and acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion.
“I use the word ‘solemn’ because it almost feels like I’m in a church,” Mr. Flanagan said. “It’s like a house of worship because it’s so quiet. There’s good reason for it.”“I use the word ‘solemn’ because it almost feels like I’m in a church,” Mr. Flanagan said. “It’s like a house of worship because it’s so quiet. There’s good reason for it.”
One of those overseeing the strange procession was Senator Michael Gianaris, a Democrat from Queens who serves as deputy majority leader, who said the Senate was trying to keep the “critical mass of actual humans” in the chamber as low as possible.One of those overseeing the strange procession was Senator Michael Gianaris, a Democrat from Queens who serves as deputy majority leader, who said the Senate was trying to keep the “critical mass of actual humans” in the chamber as low as possible.
“We have two motivations: One is to get our work done, and there’s important work to be done, given everything going on,” Mr. Gianaris said. “And the other is not to put anyone’s health at risk.”“We have two motivations: One is to get our work done, and there’s important work to be done, given everything going on,” Mr. Gianaris said. “And the other is not to put anyone’s health at risk.”
Catie Edmondson and Tracey Tully contributed reporting.Catie Edmondson and Tracey Tully contributed reporting.