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Governor Cuomo Orders New York Hospitals to Increase Capacity: Live Updates Coronavirus ‘Attack Rate’ in N.Y. Concerns White House: Live Updates
(32 minutes later)
The White House’s coronavirus response coordinator offered a grim assessment of the virus’s assault on the New York metropolitan area Monday evening: She said that nearly 1 in 1,000 people in the region have the virus, an “attack rate” five times that of other areas.
The coordinator, Dr. Deborah L. Birx, said at a White House briefing that the rate of infection showed that the virus has been spreading for weeks.
Dr. Birx added that 28 percent of tests for coronavirus in the region were coming up positive, while in the rest of the country the rate is less than 8 percent.
“To all of my friends and colleagues in New York, this is the group that needs to absolutely social distance and self-isolate at this time,” Dr. Birx said. “Clearly, the virus had been circulating there for a number of weeks to have this level of penetrance into the general community.”
In epidemiology, the attack rate is the percentage of a population that has a disease. In New York City itself, where there have been 12,339 cases in a population of 8.6 million, the attack rate works out to about 1 in 700. The city has about a third of the nation’s coronavirus cases.
To address the imminent influx of patients infected with coronavirus in New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said he was issuing an emergency order requiring hospitals to increase capacity by at least 50 percent.To address the imminent influx of patients infected with coronavirus in New York, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said he was issuing an emergency order requiring hospitals to increase capacity by at least 50 percent.
The order was a mandatory directive from the state, Mr. Cuomo said on Monday, adding, “I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say, try to reach a 100 percent increase, but you must reach a 50 percent increase.”The order was a mandatory directive from the state, Mr. Cuomo said on Monday, adding, “I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say, try to reach a 100 percent increase, but you must reach a 50 percent increase.”
New York now accounts for 6 percent of global cases, and Mr. Cuomo’s order followed a string of increasingly urgent measures to suppress the spread of disease. Still, on Monday, the governor also began to speak about taking steps to pivot to a more functional economy.New York now accounts for 6 percent of global cases, and Mr. Cuomo’s order followed a string of increasingly urgent measures to suppress the spread of disease. Still, on Monday, the governor also began to speak about taking steps to pivot to a more functional economy.
“I take total responsibility for shutting off the economy in terms of essential workers,” he said. “But we also have to start to plan the pivot back to economic functionality. You can’t stop the economy forever.”“I take total responsibility for shutting off the economy in terms of essential workers,” he said. “But we also have to start to plan the pivot back to economic functionality. You can’t stop the economy forever.”
Other highlights from briefings today by the governor and New York City mayor Bill de Blasio:Other highlights from briefings today by the governor and New York City mayor Bill de Blasio:
The state has tested more than 78,000 people — a quarter of all tests nationwide, the governor said.The state has tested more than 78,000 people — a quarter of all tests nationwide, the governor said.
More than 30,000 retired doctors and health care professionals have responded to the state’s call to volunteer their services.More than 30,000 retired doctors and health care professionals have responded to the state’s call to volunteer their services.
New York has ramped up its testing capacity from 1,000 people a day 10 days ago to 16,000 a day.New York has ramped up its testing capacity from 1,000 people a day 10 days ago to 16,000 a day.
Mr. Cuomo said he was still awaiting New York City’s plan to further reduce density, especially among young people, by imposing more restrictions on public spaces and potentially opening some streets to pedestrians.Mr. Cuomo said he was still awaiting New York City’s plan to further reduce density, especially among young people, by imposing more restrictions on public spaces and potentially opening some streets to pedestrians.
The governor said the state had made headway in securing hundreds of thousands of medical supplies that will be distributed to different parts of the state. New York City will receive more than 169,000 N-95 masks, 430,000 surgical masks, 176,000 gloves, 72,000 gowns and 98,000 face shields.The governor said the state had made headway in securing hundreds of thousands of medical supplies that will be distributed to different parts of the state. New York City will receive more than 169,000 N-95 masks, 430,000 surgical masks, 176,000 gloves, 72,000 gowns and 98,000 face shields.
New York State saw an increase of more than 4,000 confirmed cases since Sunday night, putting the total at 20,909 as of Monday afternoon.New York State saw an increase of more than 4,000 confirmed cases since Sunday night, putting the total at 20,909 as of Monday afternoon.
On Monday afternoon, there were 12,339 cases in New York City, the city said. Of those, 3,621 were in Queens; 3,494 were in Brooklyn; 2,572 were in Manhattan; 1,829 were in the Bronx and 817 were on Staten Island.On Monday afternoon, there were 12,339 cases in New York City, the city said. Of those, 3,621 were in Queens; 3,494 were in Brooklyn; 2,572 were in Manhattan; 1,829 were in the Bronx and 817 were on Staten Island.
Queens has the most cases of any borough in the city, but Staten Island has the highest rate of infection, with 172 confirmed cases per 100,000 residents. Queens and Manhattan both have 158 cases per 100,000 residents, Brooklyn has 134 cases per 100,000 residents, and the Bronx has 127 cases per 100,000 residents. Westchester County just north of the city, site of the first virus cluster, has 191 cases per 100,000 residents.Queens has the most cases of any borough in the city, but Staten Island has the highest rate of infection, with 172 confirmed cases per 100,000 residents. Queens and Manhattan both have 158 cases per 100,000 residents, Brooklyn has 134 cases per 100,000 residents, and the Bronx has 127 cases per 100,000 residents. Westchester County just north of the city, site of the first virus cluster, has 191 cases per 100,000 residents.
Of all those who have tested positive since the outbreak began, 2,635, or 13 percent, are currently hospitalized, and nearly a quarter of those hospitalized are in intensive care, Mr. Cuomo said.Of all those who have tested positive since the outbreak began, 2,635, or 13 percent, are currently hospitalized, and nearly a quarter of those hospitalized are in intensive care, Mr. Cuomo said.
New York State is now virtually tied with Italy in the rate of confirmed cases — both stand at around 105 per 100,000 residents — even though New York State is less densely populated than Italy, and Italy’s outbreak has about a two-week head start on New York’s.New York State is now virtually tied with Italy in the rate of confirmed cases — both stand at around 105 per 100,000 residents — even though New York State is less densely populated than Italy, and Italy’s outbreak has about a two-week head start on New York’s.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday evening that the federal government was sending the city 400 desperately needed ventilators.Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday evening that the federal government was sending the city 400 desperately needed ventilators.
“That’s going to make a huge difference,” Mr. de Blasio said. “Our need for ventilators is in the thousands, but we’re going to fight every day to stay ahead of this curve. We’re going to literally be in a race against time.”“That’s going to make a huge difference,” Mr. de Blasio said. “Our need for ventilators is in the thousands, but we’re going to fight every day to stay ahead of this curve. We’re going to literally be in a race against time.”
The city had only 2,000 ventilators available as of last week, so 400 represents a 20 percent increase. The city had only 2,000 ventilators available as of last week, according to the Greater New York Hospital Association, so 400 represents a 20 percent increase.
The mayor said the ventilators, crucial pieces of equipment in helping the sickest patients breathe, would “help us get through this week and into next.”The mayor said the ventilators, crucial pieces of equipment in helping the sickest patients breathe, would “help us get through this week and into next.”
After days of criticizing the Trump Administration for not doing enough to help the city, Mr. de Blasio said he had a “very substantial conversation” with President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday night about getting additional supplies, medical personnel and financial support.After days of criticizing the Trump Administration for not doing enough to help the city, Mr. de Blasio said he had a “very substantial conversation” with President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday night about getting additional supplies, medical personnel and financial support.
The mayor said that the administration’s new point person for the city, Peter Navarro, an assistant to the president for trade and manufacturing, had been “very focused today” and was “following up consistently.”The mayor said that the administration’s new point person for the city, Peter Navarro, an assistant to the president for trade and manufacturing, had been “very focused today” and was “following up consistently.”
“We appreciate every step forward — every additional shipment literally could mean the difference between life and death for some New Yorkers,” the mayor said, “but we’re nowhere near, of course, where we need to be.”“We appreciate every step forward — every additional shipment literally could mean the difference between life and death for some New Yorkers,” the mayor said, “but we’re nowhere near, of course, where we need to be.”
The mayor has said city hospitals would need 15,000 ventilators to get through the end of May.The mayor has said city hospitals would need 15,000 ventilators to get through the end of May.
The coronavirus will wreak havoc on the city’s budget, with tax revenues expected to drop by $5 billion to $6 billion over the next 15 months, according to an analysis by Comptroller Scott M. Stringer.The coronavirus will wreak havoc on the city’s budget, with tax revenues expected to drop by $5 billion to $6 billion over the next 15 months, according to an analysis by Comptroller Scott M. Stringer.
The shortfalls will come as restaurants, hotels and the retail sector conduct massive layoffs and the tax revenue they send to the city dries up.The shortfalls will come as restaurants, hotels and the retail sector conduct massive layoffs and the tax revenue they send to the city dries up.
Mr. Stringer said the analysis is based on a relatively optimistic estimate that recovery efforts will begin to take hold around June. “The longer this goes on, the wider this deficit will be,” he said.Mr. Stringer said the analysis is based on a relatively optimistic estimate that recovery efforts will begin to take hold around June. “The longer this goes on, the wider this deficit will be,” he said.
Mayor de Blasio ordered city agencies on Monday evening to cut $1.3 billion from their spending because of the worsening budget picture. None of the cuts will come from items linked to the city’s coronavirus response. “Outside of that area, every agency will be asked to help,” Mr. de Blasio said.Mayor de Blasio ordered city agencies on Monday evening to cut $1.3 billion from their spending because of the worsening budget picture. None of the cuts will come from items linked to the city’s coronavirus response. “Outside of that area, every agency will be asked to help,” Mr. de Blasio said.
James Parrott, director of economic and fiscal policies at the Center for New York City Affairs at the New School, estimated that the city lost 750,000 jobs in the cultural, restaurant, retail, airline and other sectors, with lost wages of $1.5 billion to $2 billion per month.James Parrott, director of economic and fiscal policies at the Center for New York City Affairs at the New School, estimated that the city lost 750,000 jobs in the cultural, restaurant, retail, airline and other sectors, with lost wages of $1.5 billion to $2 billion per month.
The city does have a surplus in the fiscal year 2020 budget of about $2.7 billion, according to the comptroller’s office. The city also has about $4.7 billion in the retiree health fund that could serve as a rainy-day fund if necessary, the Independent Budget Office said.The city does have a surplus in the fiscal year 2020 budget of about $2.7 billion, according to the comptroller’s office. The city also has about $4.7 billion in the retiree health fund that could serve as a rainy-day fund if necessary, the Independent Budget Office said.
Mr. Stringer said direct federal aid to the city will be crucial because it is a difficult time for the city to raise taxes or cut services.Mr. Stringer said direct federal aid to the city will be crucial because it is a difficult time for the city to raise taxes or cut services.
“There is very little precedent for shutting down one of the world’s great economies,” he said.“There is very little precedent for shutting down one of the world’s great economies,” he said.
Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced film producer who was convicted in February of rape and other sex crimes, has contracted the coronavirus in prison, according to two people familiar with the matter.Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced film producer who was convicted in February of rape and other sex crimes, has contracted the coronavirus in prison, according to two people familiar with the matter.
Mr. Weinstein recently tested positive and was being held in isolation at the Wende Correction Facility near Buffalo, according to the two people, who spoke anonymously to discuss a private medical matter.Mr. Weinstein recently tested positive and was being held in isolation at the Wende Correction Facility near Buffalo, according to the two people, who spoke anonymously to discuss a private medical matter.
Mr. Weinstein falls squarely within the category of people for whom the disease could be dangerous. He is 68 and has had a series of recent health problems: He was hospitalized twice in the jail ward at Bellevue Hospital Center for high blood pressure, heart palpitations and chest pain — once after his conviction and once this month after he was sentenced to 23 years in prison. During his first stay there, he had a procedure to alleviate a blockage near his heart.Mr. Weinstein falls squarely within the category of people for whom the disease could be dangerous. He is 68 and has had a series of recent health problems: He was hospitalized twice in the jail ward at Bellevue Hospital Center for high blood pressure, heart palpitations and chest pain — once after his conviction and once this month after he was sentenced to 23 years in prison. During his first stay there, he had a procedure to alleviate a blockage near his heart.
Mr. Weinstein is one of only two inmates in the entire state prison system, out of 43,000, to test positive for the virus.Mr. Weinstein is one of only two inmates in the entire state prison system, out of 43,000, to test positive for the virus.
New Jersey’s county jails are expected to begin releasing as many as 1,000 inmates on Tuesday morning in response to the risks posed by the coronavirus.New Jersey’s county jails are expected to begin releasing as many as 1,000 inmates on Tuesday morning in response to the risks posed by the coronavirus.
The state’s chief justice, Stuart Rabner, signed an order late Sunday authorizing the release of offenders serving certain types of lower-level sentences. The order applies to inmates jailed for probation violations and those with convictions in municipal courts, such as disorderly conduct.The state’s chief justice, Stuart Rabner, signed an order late Sunday authorizing the release of offenders serving certain types of lower-level sentences. The order applies to inmates jailed for probation violations and those with convictions in municipal courts, such as disorderly conduct.
In New York City, the jails have already released 75 detainees, Mayor de Blasio said Monday. Law enforcement, corrections and city officials are reviewing hundreds of other inmates for potential release this week, he said, weighing factors that include their age, health and likelihood of recidivism.In New York City, the jails have already released 75 detainees, Mayor de Blasio said Monday. Law enforcement, corrections and city officials are reviewing hundreds of other inmates for potential release this week, he said, weighing factors that include their age, health and likelihood of recidivism.
The mayor did not offer any details about how exactly the detainees were being released back into the community.The mayor did not offer any details about how exactly the detainees were being released back into the community.
New Jersey officials announced 935 new coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing the statewide total to 2,844, including 27 deaths. The number of new cases represented a 49 percent increase in a single day — the state’s biggest daily spike since the outbreak began to pick up speed.New Jersey officials announced 935 new coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing the statewide total to 2,844, including 27 deaths. The number of new cases represented a 49 percent increase in a single day — the state’s biggest daily spike since the outbreak began to pick up speed.
Gov. Philip D. Murphy said the number was linked to both increased testing and the virus’s spread.Gov. Philip D. Murphy said the number was linked to both increased testing and the virus’s spread.
Two drive-through testing facilities opened in the state on Monday — one at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel and the second at Kean University in Union.Two drive-through testing facilities opened in the state on Monday — one at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel and the second at Kean University in Union.
But Mr. Murphy suggested that the focus may soon shift from testing toward treatment. To mobilize resources, all elective medical and dental surgeries would be suspended in the state effective Friday, Mr. Murphy said.But Mr. Murphy suggested that the focus may soon shift from testing toward treatment. To mobilize resources, all elective medical and dental surgeries would be suspended in the state effective Friday, Mr. Murphy said.
He also said public and private schools “will likely remain closed for a long and extended period of time.”He also said public and private schools “will likely remain closed for a long and extended period of time.”
In Connecticut, 415 people have tested positive, and 10 have died, according to Gov. Ned Lamont. Schools in Connecticut will stay closed until at least April 20, he said.In Connecticut, 415 people have tested positive, and 10 have died, according to Gov. Ned Lamont. Schools in Connecticut will stay closed until at least April 20, he said.
As of Monday, 17 people living in 12 different homeless shelters in New York City had tested positive for the virus, according to the city’s Department of Social Services.As of Monday, 17 people living in 12 different homeless shelters in New York City had tested positive for the virus, according to the city’s Department of Social Services.
Four are currently hospitalized, the department said.Four are currently hospitalized, the department said.
New York’s main shelter system is a complex patchwork of 450 traditional shelters, commercial hotels and private apartments. So far, the virus has spread most among single adults living in group settings.New York’s main shelter system is a complex patchwork of 450 traditional shelters, commercial hotels and private apartments. So far, the virus has spread most among single adults living in group settings.
The city has about 100 shelters for single adults, most with dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, shared bathrooms and shared eating areas.The city has about 100 shelters for single adults, most with dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, shared bathrooms and shared eating areas.
The city’s homeless population is estimated to be about 79,000, with about five percent living on the street. So far, there have been no positive cases among people living on the street, according to city officials.The city’s homeless population is estimated to be about 79,000, with about five percent living on the street. So far, there have been no positive cases among people living on the street, according to city officials.
To reduce crowding in New York City’s parks, the speaker of the City Council, Corey Johnson, proposed shutting down playgrounds and closing some city streets to cars to provide more space for outdoor recreation.To reduce crowding in New York City’s parks, the speaker of the City Council, Corey Johnson, proposed shutting down playgrounds and closing some city streets to cars to provide more space for outdoor recreation.
Mr. Johnson outlined his plan on Monday in a letter to Mr. Cuomo, who on Sunday had criticized New Yorkers who flocked to the parks despite social distancing guidelines and implored city officials to take action.Mr. Johnson outlined his plan on Monday in a letter to Mr. Cuomo, who on Sunday had criticized New Yorkers who flocked to the parks despite social distancing guidelines and implored city officials to take action.
Under Mr. Johnson’s proposal, parks would remain open, but playgrounds, athletic fields and tennis and basketball courts would close. Parks employees would be responsible for enforcing regulations, and more park enforcement patrol officers would be deployed.Under Mr. Johnson’s proposal, parks would remain open, but playgrounds, athletic fields and tennis and basketball courts would close. Parks employees would be responsible for enforcing regulations, and more park enforcement patrol officers would be deployed.
To offset the loss of playgrounds, Mr. Johnson proposed closing some city streets to vehicle traffic, opening them up for city residents seeking fresh air or exercise.To offset the loss of playgrounds, Mr. Johnson proposed closing some city streets to vehicle traffic, opening them up for city residents seeking fresh air or exercise.
The goal was to provide New Yorkers with spaces that would allow them to maintain the six feet of distance required to avoid spreading the virus.The goal was to provide New Yorkers with spaces that would allow them to maintain the six feet of distance required to avoid spreading the virus.
Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Ashley Southall, Annie Correal, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Gold, Joseph Goldstein, J. David Goodman, Jeffery C. Mays, Patrick McGeehan, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Azi Paybarah, Brian Rosenthal, Michael Rothfeld, Edgar Sandoval, Nikita Stewart, Nicole Hong and Tracey Tully. Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Ashley Southall, Annie Correal, Michael Crowley, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Gold, Joseph Goldstein, J. David Goodman, Jeffery C. Mays, Patrick McGeehan, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Azi Paybarah, Brian Rosenthal, Michael Rothfeld, Edgar Sandoval, Nikita Stewart, Nicole Hong and Tracey Tully.