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FEMA Declares New York a ‘Major Disaster’: Live Updates FEMA Declares New York a ‘Major Disaster’: Live Updates
(about 1 hour later)
The Trump administration has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state, meaning more federal aid is coming to New York as cases of coronavirus show no sign of abating.The Trump administration has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state, meaning more federal aid is coming to New York as cases of coronavirus show no sign of abating.
As of Saturday morning, 10,356 New York state residents had tested positive for the virus. With 6 percent of the U.S. population, the state now accounts for nearly half of the 18,000 cases in the country tallied by The New York Times.As of Saturday morning, 10,356 New York state residents had tested positive for the virus. With 6 percent of the U.S. population, the state now accounts for nearly half of the 18,000 cases in the country tallied by The New York Times.
The designation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which was announced by Senator Chuck Schumer of New York on Friday night, gives New York access to billions of dollars in aid from the Disaster Relief Fund.The designation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which was announced by Senator Chuck Schumer of New York on Friday night, gives New York access to billions of dollars in aid from the Disaster Relief Fund.
State officials and doctors have been sounding the alarm about an impending shortage of supplies, hospital beds and ventilators as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continue to climb.State officials and doctors have been sounding the alarm about an impending shortage of supplies, hospital beds and ventilators as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continue to climb.
On Saturday President Trump described the designation an “unprecedented action.”On Saturday President Trump described the designation an “unprecedented action.”
Earlier Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, speaking to reporters from Albany, said he welcomed the federal government’s assistance.Earlier Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, speaking to reporters from Albany, said he welcomed the federal government’s assistance.
“We are working at every level, every piston is firing,” Mr. Cuomo said. “Everything that can be done is being done.”“We are working at every level, every piston is firing,” Mr. Cuomo said. “Everything that can be done is being done.”
Mr. Cuomo said that included sending one million N-95 protective masks to hospitals in New York City and another 500,000 to Long Island.Mr. Cuomo said that included sending one million N-95 protective masks to hospitals in New York City and another 500,000 to Long Island.
The state had also identified about 6,000 ventilators from “places all across the globe” for purchase, the governor said. He estimates the state would need about 30,000 ventilators to keep with the demand of new patients.The state had also identified about 6,000 ventilators from “places all across the globe” for purchase, the governor said. He estimates the state would need about 30,000 ventilators to keep with the demand of new patients.
New York City recently began to increase its testing for the new coronavirus, with Mayor Bill de Blasio saying the public health system would soon be conducting 5,000 tests a day. Mr. Cuomo said the state was looking to house as many as 2,000 patients in makeshift hospitals at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, a sprawling, glass complex in Manhattan.
As recently as Friday morning, about 100 people lined up outside the emergency room at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, one of more than half a dozen public hospitals that were testing for the virus by appointment only. Several drive-through test sites were also planned. State officials have asked FEMA for four fully staffed field hospitals that would be located indoors, according to a spokesman for Mr. Cuomo.
But later on Friday, the city Health Department moved to curtail widespread testing, saying that it was undermining the city’s broader strategy for stopping the virus’s spread. Separately, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is also looking at using the center for the construction of a temporary hospital, the spokesman said, one of four recommended initially for New York. The others would be located on two State University of New York campuses on Long Island, and at the Westchester Convention Center.
“Outpatient testing must not be encouraged, promoted or advertised,” the Health Department said in an advisory to health care providers that advised facilities “to immediately stop testing non-hospitalized patients” for the virus absent specific circumstances that made it medically necessary. Weeks after demanding that the federal government send more coronavirus test kits to New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the public health system would soon be conducting 5,000 tests a day.
Legions of anxious New Yorkers responded by lining up at hospitals, including about 100 outside the emergency room at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens.
But by late Friday, the city’s health department seemed to reverse course: It moved to curtail widespread testing, saying it was undermining the broader strategy to stop the virus’s spread.
“Outpatient testing must not be encouraged, promoted or advertised,” the health department said in an advisory. Facilities were asked to “immediately stop testing non-hospitalized patients” for the virus unless medically necessary.
Mark Levine, a City Council member who leads the health committee, said he understood the desire to make testing widely available, but that it was too late for that.Mark Levine, a City Council member who leads the health committee, said he understood the desire to make testing widely available, but that it was too late for that.
“We had a chance at mass testing at an early stage, but we blew it as a country,” he said. “Now testing mildly sick people poses an enormous threat. They should be at home resting, not waiting in line at a testing site.”“We had a chance at mass testing at an early stage, but we blew it as a country,” he said. “Now testing mildly sick people poses an enormous threat. They should be at home resting, not waiting in line at a testing site.”
Asked about the Health Department’s guidance on Friday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “We have to keep focused on where the need is greatest and that’s how the testing programs will go.” Asked about the health department’s guidance, Mr. de Blasio said, “We have to keep focused on where the need is greatest and that’s how the testing programs will go.”
The testing centers worried city health officials because the sites were drawing sick people from their homes, where they were supposed to stay in isolation. In addition, to perform each test, health care workers have to use fresh personal protective equipment, including masks, that is already in short supply at hospitals. City officials said they were worried the testing centers were drawing sick people out of isolation in their homes. To perform each test, health care workers must use fresh protective gear, including masks, which are already in short supply.
“Demand for unnecessary testing is contributing to the rapidly diminishing supply “ of such equipment, the advisory said.
The Health Department also discouraged hospitals from testing asymptomatic health care workers, alarming some doctors who believe it could lead to increased transmission within hospitals.The Health Department also discouraged hospitals from testing asymptomatic health care workers, alarming some doctors who believe it could lead to increased transmission within hospitals.
The advisory suggested that the testing issue might be revisited “after the pandemic has peaked.” News about the new testing guidelines came as hospitals continued to see a sharp increase in cases. There have been more than 10,000 cases of coronavirus in New York State, thrusting the medical system toward a crisis point, officials have said.
For weeks, as the coronavirus has spread across the globe, New York officials have warned that a surge of cases could overwhelm the state’s health care system, jeopardizing thousands of patients. In the Bronx, for example, doctors at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center said they had only a few remaining ventilators. In Brooklyn, doctors at Kings County Hospital Center said they were so low on supplies that they were reusing masks for up to a week, slathering them with hand sanitizer between shifts.
Now, it seems, the surge has arrived. As it prepares for worst-case projections, the state is asking retired health care workers to volunteer. The city also is considering turning the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, the largest convention facility in the country, into a makeshift hospital.
In a startlingly quick ascent, New York officials said Saturday that the state had passed 10,000 positive tests, nearly half of the cases in the United States. The number was more than 10 times higher than what was reported earlier in the week. Outgoing flights were halted on Saturday afternoon at the airports serving New York City after a trainee in an air-traffic control center in Long Island tested positive for COVID-19, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
The sharp increase is thrusting the medical system toward a crisis point, officials said. The agency ordered a ground stop at the region’s airports and rerouted flights bound for them while the center is cleaned, the F.A.A. said in a statement. The center, in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., remained “open and operational,” it said.
In the Bronx, doctors at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center said they had only a few remaining ventilators. In Brooklyn, doctors at Kings County Hospital Center said they were so low on supplies that they were reusing masks for up to a week, slathering them with hand sanitizer between shifts. The infected trainee had not been in the center since March 17, and the F.A.A. said it was working with local health officials and employee representatives to determine how many personnel might have interacted with the trainee in recent days.
Some of the jump in New York’s cases can be traced to ramped-up testing, which the state began this week. But the escalation, and the response, could offer other states a glimpse of what might be in store if the virus continues to spread. Governor Cuomo is urging residents to stay indoors and nonessential businesses to keep workers home. Air travel has been in a free fall since President Trump limited travel as the virus spread across the country.
As it prepares for the worst-case projections, the state is asking retired health care workers to volunteer to help. The city is considering trying to turn the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, the largest convention center in the country, into a makeshift hospital. “The safety of our staff and the traveling public is the F.A.A.’s top priority,” the F.A.A. said in a statement. “Our controllers, technicians, inspectors and others with critical safety or security sensitive roles are essential components of our national airspace system.”
When the clock strikes 8 p.m. Sunday, the most populous city in the country will all but come to a halt.
That’s when a broad executive order by Governor Cuomo aimed at slowing down the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus is slated to take effect in New York State. Other states around the nation grappling with the epidemic, including California, Connecticut and New Jersey, have enacted similar restrictions.
Here’s what the governor told New Yorkers to expect:
Businesses considered nonessential must keep all of their workers at home.
Those older than 70 and those who have compromised immune systems or have underlying illnesses should stay indoors as much as possible to limit their exposure to the coronavirus. Plus, stronger restrictions for these groups, including having to wear a mask when in the company of others.
Those under 70 and healthy may leave the house for short periods of time to exercise, take a walk and participate in non-contact physical activities as long as they stand six feet apart, enough distance to keep contagion at bay.
Public transportation will remain open, but roads and mass transit should only be used as a last resort.
Gatherings of any size will be prohibited.
A number of businesses deemed essential will remain open during the pandemic, officials said.
They include grocery stores, restaurants offering takeout or delivery, pharmacies, health care providers, banks, gas stations, liquor stores, child care providers, funeral homes and others.
Mr. Cuomo, who reminded New Yorkers these limitations weren’t optional, said he planned to visit the city Saturday afternoon ahead of the executive order’s implementation.
“These provisions will be enforced,” he said. “These are not helpful hints.”
On Saturday morning officials reported 6,211 confirmed coronavirus cases in New York City, 1,800 more than the day before, Mr. Cuomo said. More than 43 people had died from complications of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, officials said.On Saturday morning officials reported 6,211 confirmed coronavirus cases in New York City, 1,800 more than the day before, Mr. Cuomo said. More than 43 people had died from complications of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, officials said.
A day earlier officials had put the number of cases at 5,151 and the number of deaths at 29.A day earlier officials had put the number of cases at 5,151 and the number of deaths at 29.
As of late Friday, there were 736 confirmed cases in the Bronx (compared with 667 earlier in the day); 1,740 in Brooklyn (1,518); 1,402 in Manhattan (1,314); 1,514 in Queens (1,406); and 285 on Staten Island (242). Six cases were not linked to a specific borough.As of late Friday, there were 736 confirmed cases in the Bronx (compared with 667 earlier in the day); 1,740 in Brooklyn (1,518); 1,402 in Manhattan (1,314); 1,514 in Queens (1,406); and 285 on Staten Island (242). Six cases were not linked to a specific borough.
The state performed 10,000 tests overnight from Thursday to Friday, bringing the total number of people tested in the state to more than 32,000, officials said.The state performed 10,000 tests overnight from Thursday to Friday, bringing the total number of people tested in the state to more than 32,000, officials said.
As of Saturday, 1,603 or about 15 percent of those diagnosed were hospitalized, the governor said.As of Saturday, 1,603 or about 15 percent of those diagnosed were hospitalized, the governor said.
“Not a bad number,” the governor said. He added that New York was now testing more people per capita than China or South Korea.“Not a bad number,” the governor said. He added that New York was now testing more people per capita than China or South Korea.
Mr. Cuomo, dressed casually in a white polo shirt, also offered hints of optimism during a briefing with reporters Saturday. For the first time since pandemic reached the New Rochelle, New York’s first virus hot spot, cases had been rising more slowly when compared to other suburban areas, he said.Mr. Cuomo, dressed casually in a white polo shirt, also offered hints of optimism during a briefing with reporters Saturday. For the first time since pandemic reached the New Rochelle, New York’s first virus hot spot, cases had been rising more slowly when compared to other suburban areas, he said.
There were 294 cases reported there Saturday, fewer than the number of cases in Nassau County, which saw 480 people test positive for the coronavirus.There were 294 cases reported there Saturday, fewer than the number of cases in Nassau County, which saw 480 people test positive for the coronavirus.
Mr. Murphy said on Friday that 890 people in New Jersey had tested positive for the virus and that 11 had died, up from nine on Thursday. In Connecticut, officials reported 35 new confirmed cases on Friday, bringing the state’s total to 194. Four Connecticut residents have died of the virus. Mr. Murphy said on Saturday that 1,327 people in New Jersey had tested positive for the virus and that 16 had died, up from 11 on Friday. In Connecticut, officials reported 35 new confirmed cases on Friday, bringing the state’s total to 194. Four Connecticut residents have died of the virus.
Even as life slowed and streets emptied, New York City retained a bit of its quirky charm.Even as life slowed and streets emptied, New York City retained a bit of its quirky charm.
In Brooklyn, the pandemic has prompted a heaven-sent scavenger hunt. Children home from school began hanging drawings and paintings of rainbows in windows. As word spread, an interactive “quarantine rainbow map” sprung up for walking tours.In Brooklyn, the pandemic has prompted a heaven-sent scavenger hunt. Children home from school began hanging drawings and paintings of rainbows in windows. As word spread, an interactive “quarantine rainbow map” sprung up for walking tours.
“A lovely reminder for all of us that in a storm there is still something to look forward to,” an organizer wrote. Lovers and dreamers can expand the rainbow connection map by adding addresses here.“A lovely reminder for all of us that in a storm there is still something to look forward to,” an organizer wrote. Lovers and dreamers can expand the rainbow connection map by adding addresses here.
In Manhattan’s Yorkville neighborhood, residents have hauled exercise equipment into Carl Schurz Park to help fill the gap created by the shutdown of exercise centers. Ropes, a balance ball and some weights are available for communal use. B.Y.O. sanitizing hand wipes.In Manhattan’s Yorkville neighborhood, residents have hauled exercise equipment into Carl Schurz Park to help fill the gap created by the shutdown of exercise centers. Ropes, a balance ball and some weights are available for communal use. B.Y.O. sanitizing hand wipes.
A couple who had been planning a May wedding and a reception for 120 guests shifted gears last week to lock in health insurance for the groom. A handful of guests were invited to an impromptu wedding on Wednesday in Riverside Park. “Love in the time of Corona,” the invitation read. A friend, a Brooklyn schoolteacher with an online ordination through the Universal Life Church, officiated as the 14 guests all stood a safe 6-feet apart.A couple who had been planning a May wedding and a reception for 120 guests shifted gears last week to lock in health insurance for the groom. A handful of guests were invited to an impromptu wedding on Wednesday in Riverside Park. “Love in the time of Corona,” the invitation read. A friend, a Brooklyn schoolteacher with an online ordination through the Universal Life Church, officiated as the 14 guests all stood a safe 6-feet apart.
About 90 miles south in Long Beach Island, a popular Jersey Shore destination, officials were cautioning those looking to escape the coronavirus by retreating to the beach to think again and stay away.About 90 miles south in Long Beach Island, a popular Jersey Shore destination, officials were cautioning those looking to escape the coronavirus by retreating to the beach to think again and stay away.
A commissioner of Long Beach township, Dr. Joseph Lattanzi, said there had been an influx of people flocking to the area.A commissioner of Long Beach township, Dr. Joseph Lattanzi, said there had been an influx of people flocking to the area.
“We are strongly recommending that you remain in your primary service area and DO NOT relocate to the shore area,” Dr. Lattanzi, a past president of South Ocean Medical Center, wrote on the township website.“We are strongly recommending that you remain in your primary service area and DO NOT relocate to the shore area,” Dr. Lattanzi, a past president of South Ocean Medical Center, wrote on the township website.
“The local health care and other emergency services are not equipped to handle a mass influx of demand, which will likely overwhelm the system.”“The local health care and other emergency services are not equipped to handle a mass influx of demand, which will likely overwhelm the system.”
Governor Murphy also urged people on Saturday not to retreat to second homes at the Jersey Shore over a concern about a shortage of health care and emergency services in seaside communities. “I urge those who have homes at the Jersey Shore to not go to them at this time,” he said.
When the clock strikes 8 p.m. Sunday, the most populous city in the country will all but come to a halt.
That’s when a broad executive order by Governor Cuomo aimed at slowing down the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus is slated to take effect in New York State. Other states around the nation grappling with the epidemic, including California, Connecticut and New Jersey, have enacted similar restrictions.
Here’s what the governor told New Yorkers to expect:
Businesses considered nonessential must keep all of their workers at home.
Those older than 70 and those who have compromised immune systems or have underlying illnesses should stay indoors as much as possible to limit their exposure to the coronavirus. Plus, stronger restrictions for these groups, including having to wear a mask when in the company of others.
Those under 70 and healthy may leave the house for short periods of time to exercise, take a walk and participate in non-contact physical activities as long as they stand six feet apart, enough distance to keep contagion at bay.
Public transportation will remain open, but roads and mass transit should only be used as a last resort.
Gatherings of any size will be prohibited.
A number of businesses deemed essential will remain open during the pandemic, officials said.
They include grocery stores, restaurants offering takeout or delivery, pharmacies, health care providers, banks, gas stations, liquor stores, child care providers, funeral homes and others.
Mr. Cuomo, who reminded New Yorkers these limitations weren’t optional, said he planned to visit the city Saturday afternoon ahead of the executive order’s implementation.
“These provisions will be enforced,” he said. “These are not helpful hints.”
With air travel in free fall, thousands of airport workers have been laid off from their jobs at the major airports that serve New York City.With air travel in free fall, thousands of airport workers have been laid off from their jobs at the major airports that serve New York City.
More than 1,200 of these workers worked at restaurants and stores operated by OTG at La Guardia, Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International airports, according to the union that represents them, Unite Here Local 100.More than 1,200 of these workers worked at restaurants and stores operated by OTG at La Guardia, Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International airports, according to the union that represents them, Unite Here Local 100.
OTG said the closings and layoffs were necessary because of the travel restrictions that had virtually grounded airlines.OTG said the closings and layoffs were necessary because of the travel restrictions that had virtually grounded airlines.
OTG, one of the biggest operators of airport concessions in New York, informed its workers that they would receive no severance, and that their health insurance would lapse on March 31.OTG, one of the biggest operators of airport concessions in New York, informed its workers that they would receive no severance, and that their health insurance would lapse on March 31.
Other unionized workers at the airports also were laid off in large numbers this week, including porters and airplane cleaning crews. Notices from some of their employers showed that they, too, were offering no pay or extended health benefits.Other unionized workers at the airports also were laid off in large numbers this week, including porters and airplane cleaning crews. Notices from some of their employers showed that they, too, were offering no pay or extended health benefits.
Edith Muzquiz, a bartender in Terminal C at Newark Liberty, said she was first told she would be laid off on Monday night, and got an official notice on Wednesday from OTG. “You should consider your layoff to be permanent as the situation is unprecedented and the effects are unknown,” the notice said.Edith Muzquiz, a bartender in Terminal C at Newark Liberty, said she was first told she would be laid off on Monday night, and got an official notice on Wednesday from OTG. “You should consider your layoff to be permanent as the situation is unprecedented and the effects are unknown,” the notice said.
Seventeen major foundations and philanthropists have pooled together $75 million which they plan to give to small and midsize nonprofit organizations in New York City struggling amid the coronavirus crisis.Seventeen major foundations and philanthropists have pooled together $75 million which they plan to give to small and midsize nonprofit organizations in New York City struggling amid the coronavirus crisis.
Applications for aid from the NYC Covid-19 Response & Impact Fund are now available from the New York Community Trust.Applications for aid from the NYC Covid-19 Response & Impact Fund are now available from the New York Community Trust.
Eligible organizations must be registered as 501(c)3s, in New York City, with an operating budget of $20 million or less (excluding government contracts). The money will be given as either interest-free loans, or grants.Eligible organizations must be registered as 501(c)3s, in New York City, with an operating budget of $20 million or less (excluding government contracts). The money will be given as either interest-free loans, or grants.
“Small and midsize nonprofits likely won’t be eligible for federal stimulus programs usually designed for larger and for-profit businesses,” said Kate D. Levin, who oversees the Bloomberg Philanthropies Arts program, a funder of the program.“Small and midsize nonprofits likely won’t be eligible for federal stimulus programs usually designed for larger and for-profit businesses,” said Kate D. Levin, who oversees the Bloomberg Philanthropies Arts program, a funder of the program.
“So it’s urgent to get these groups some kind of relief so they can continue serving as magnets for talent and creativity, ensuring that New York City survives and thrives,” she said.“So it’s urgent to get these groups some kind of relief so they can continue serving as magnets for talent and creativity, ensuring that New York City survives and thrives,” she said.
Other funders include the Ford Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, The JPB Foundation, The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Jennifer and Jonathan Allan Soros, Jon Stryker and Slobodan Randjelović, Charles H. Revson Foundation, Robin Hood, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Laurie M Tisch Illumination Fund, UJA-Federation of New York, and Wells Fargo Foundation.Other funders include the Ford Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, The JPB Foundation, The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Jennifer and Jonathan Allan Soros, Jon Stryker and Slobodan Randjelović, Charles H. Revson Foundation, Robin Hood, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Laurie M Tisch Illumination Fund, UJA-Federation of New York, and Wells Fargo Foundation.
“We are not providing a long-term solution,” said Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. “That long-term solution is going to have to come from the government and significant public investment to these institutions.”“We are not providing a long-term solution,” said Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. “That long-term solution is going to have to come from the government and significant public investment to these institutions.”
Reporting was contributed by Annie Correal, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Joseph Goldstein, J. David Goodman, Matthew Haag, Jeffery C. Mays, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Azi Paybarah, Brian Rosenthal, Edgar Sandoval, Ed Shanahan, Liam Stack, Tracey Tully, Neil Vigdor and Andrea Zagata.Reporting was contributed by Annie Correal, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Joseph Goldstein, J. David Goodman, Matthew Haag, Jeffery C. Mays, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Azi Paybarah, Brian Rosenthal, Edgar Sandoval, Ed Shanahan, Liam Stack, Tracey Tully, Neil Vigdor and Andrea Zagata.