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20-Somethings Now Realizing That They Can Get Coronavirus, Too 20-Somethings Now Realizing That They Can Get Coronavirus, Too
(1 day later)
Marissa Crider set up strict house rules after recently taking in a third roommate in her apartment in Queens.Marissa Crider set up strict house rules after recently taking in a third roommate in her apartment in Queens.
First, she told her new roommate — who had fled his apartment because he feared getting the coronavirus from one of his five other housemates — that he could not see friends in person. Then, she explained that each person in the apartment had to give detailed accounts of their movements and whereabouts every day.First, she told her new roommate — who had fled his apartment because he feared getting the coronavirus from one of his five other housemates — that he could not see friends in person. Then, she explained that each person in the apartment had to give detailed accounts of their movements and whereabouts every day.
“It feels like we’re at war, and it’s a set of different rules at wartime,” said Ms. Crider, 27. “It’s to ease the anxiety of the other people. We kind of make a big effort to talk about what we’ve been doing. We are on the same page on what is smart and not smart to do right now.”“It feels like we’re at war, and it’s a set of different rules at wartime,” said Ms. Crider, 27. “It’s to ease the anxiety of the other people. We kind of make a big effort to talk about what we’ve been doing. We are on the same page on what is smart and not smart to do right now.”
In just weeks, as New York City has become a global epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, residents, young and old, have had to rethink how they live. For older people, who knew they were at risk, the changes came quickly. But for young New Yorkers, for whom the appeal of New York has long been the ability to freely move around the city to socialize, work and live, it’s been a more gradual process. Now, they are starting to reluctantly accept that they too are in danger.In just weeks, as New York City has become a global epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, residents, young and old, have had to rethink how they live. For older people, who knew they were at risk, the changes came quickly. But for young New Yorkers, for whom the appeal of New York has long been the ability to freely move around the city to socialize, work and live, it’s been a more gradual process. Now, they are starting to reluctantly accept that they too are in danger.
While the common misperception has been that only the old and frail can contract the coronavirus, early testing data in the city has shown that young New Yorkers have also been vulnerable. People ranging in ages from 18 to 44 have accounted for 46 percent of positive tests, according to city data as of Monday.While the common misperception has been that only the old and frail can contract the coronavirus, early testing data in the city has shown that young New Yorkers have also been vulnerable. People ranging in ages from 18 to 44 have accounted for 46 percent of positive tests, according to city data as of Monday.
“Part of it is because we are testing more people as tests become more available and also because folks in this age group were out and about and weren’t necessarily engaging in social distancing like other age groups,” said Dr. Danielle Ompad, associate professor of epidemiology at N.Y.U.’s School of Global Public Health.“Part of it is because we are testing more people as tests become more available and also because folks in this age group were out and about and weren’t necessarily engaging in social distancing like other age groups,” said Dr. Danielle Ompad, associate professor of epidemiology at N.Y.U.’s School of Global Public Health.
So far in New York, three people in the under-44 category have died after contracting the virus, but a report issued last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that across the United States, 38 percent of those hospitalized were between the ages of 20 and 54.So far in New York, three people in the under-44 category have died after contracting the virus, but a report issued last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that across the United States, 38 percent of those hospitalized were between the ages of 20 and 54.
Nationally, 12 percent of the intensive care patients were between the ages of 20 and 44. Some experts suggested vaping might make young people more vulnerable to the virus.Nationally, 12 percent of the intensive care patients were between the ages of 20 and 44. Some experts suggested vaping might make young people more vulnerable to the virus.
In the early stages of the outbreak, young people appeared to be largely unmoved by the threat of the virus. They posted memes and videos of themselves defying the guidelines on social media. Images appeared of young people lounging on the beach in Florida for spring break. In New York City, throngs of young people continued to frequent bars and restaurants after city and state officials had issued social distancing guidelines.In the early stages of the outbreak, young people appeared to be largely unmoved by the threat of the virus. They posted memes and videos of themselves defying the guidelines on social media. Images appeared of young people lounging on the beach in Florida for spring break. In New York City, throngs of young people continued to frequent bars and restaurants after city and state officials had issued social distancing guidelines.
This behavior caused New York officials to issue stricter measures, which included closing bars, restaurants, gyms and music venues.This behavior caused New York officials to issue stricter measures, which included closing bars, restaurants, gyms and music venues.
“Young people can get coronavirus,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at a news conference last week in which he brought out his daughter Michaela to emphasize his message to young New Yorkers. “That’s one of the other myths, young people don’t get it. Young people do get it and young people can transfer it and you can wind up infecting someone, and possibly killing someone, if you’re exposed to it.”“Young people can get coronavirus,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at a news conference last week in which he brought out his daughter Michaela to emphasize his message to young New Yorkers. “That’s one of the other myths, young people don’t get it. Young people do get it and young people can transfer it and you can wind up infecting someone, and possibly killing someone, if you’re exposed to it.”
On the first Saturday night in the city after the restaurant and bar ban, young people in New York appeared to be listening to the warnings. Neighborhoods that would normally have been buzzing with activity were eerily quiet. The people out were mostly walking in pairs.On the first Saturday night in the city after the restaurant and bar ban, young people in New York appeared to be listening to the warnings. Neighborhoods that would normally have been buzzing with activity were eerily quiet. The people out were mostly walking in pairs.
Claudia Cruz, 26, and Moriah Berger, 25, met up in the East Village to grab a bite at Lil Frankie’s pizzeria. The pair ate in a nearby park, sitting on separate benches.Claudia Cruz, 26, and Moriah Berger, 25, met up in the East Village to grab a bite at Lil Frankie’s pizzeria. The pair ate in a nearby park, sitting on separate benches.
Ms. Berger said she was conscious of the fact that young people could get infected and still not show symptoms.Ms. Berger said she was conscious of the fact that young people could get infected and still not show symptoms.
“I’m concerned that I don’t want to spread it to someone else, even if I’m not showing symptoms,” Ms. Berger said.“I’m concerned that I don’t want to spread it to someone else, even if I’m not showing symptoms,” Ms. Berger said.
City officials have said in recent days that since younger people are less likely to die after contracting the virus, they hope the stricter social distancing measures would lead to fewer young people needing to be tested.City officials have said in recent days that since younger people are less likely to die after contracting the virus, they hope the stricter social distancing measures would lead to fewer young people needing to be tested.
“We need to shift as much of our focus as humanly possible to protecting folks who are older and have those pre-existing conditions,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Sunday.“We need to shift as much of our focus as humanly possible to protecting folks who are older and have those pre-existing conditions,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Sunday.
Still, some New Yorkers couldn’t resist going out with a group of friends on Saturday night after being cooped up for what they said felt like a long time. Johnny Liu, 23, ventured out of his apartment for the first time this week aside from dipping in and out for errands.Still, some New Yorkers couldn’t resist going out with a group of friends on Saturday night after being cooped up for what they said felt like a long time. Johnny Liu, 23, ventured out of his apartment for the first time this week aside from dipping in and out for errands.
“This never happens,” he said, surveying an empty street in the Lower East Side where he normally spends his nights out. “There are usually lines around the block for Pianos. There’s a line around the block for Hair of the Dog. It’s crazy.”“This never happens,” he said, surveying an empty street in the Lower East Side where he normally spends his nights out. “There are usually lines around the block for Pianos. There’s a line around the block for Hair of the Dog. It’s crazy.”
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
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.
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.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
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.
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.
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.
He, his roommate and the roommate’s boyfriend were having a friend over. Still, he said they were taking extra precautions. The friend took an Uber. Mr. Liu advised her to keep the windows open and gave her a mask when she arrived.He, his roommate and the roommate’s boyfriend were having a friend over. Still, he said they were taking extra precautions. The friend took an Uber. Mr. Liu advised her to keep the windows open and gave her a mask when she arrived.
But maintaining the six-feet social distancing rule in New York was tricky, he said. “How do we do it?” he said. “Do we just have to get used to saying, ‘Move away?’”But maintaining the six-feet social distancing rule in New York was tricky, he said. “How do we do it?” he said. “Do we just have to get used to saying, ‘Move away?’”
Even before the testing data showed they were at risk, many young people already were feeling the effects of the outbreak on almost everything from their bank accounts to their mental health. Ms. Crider said nearly every aspect of her life was upended within the span of a week.Even before the testing data showed they were at risk, many young people already were feeling the effects of the outbreak on almost everything from their bank accounts to their mental health. Ms. Crider said nearly every aspect of her life was upended within the span of a week.
A week and a half ago, she was employed as a part-time teacher. Now she has no income coming in, and can’t afford to pay next month’s rent. “Do we have to pay rent?” she wondered.A week and a half ago, she was employed as a part-time teacher. Now she has no income coming in, and can’t afford to pay next month’s rent. “Do we have to pay rent?” she wondered.
Still, despite the financial constraints, she agreed to let a friend live with her and her roommate in the already cramped railroad apartment in Ridgewood. “We’re all trying to be courteous,” she said, pausing, before adding: “But there was a moment the other day when I flipped out.”Still, despite the financial constraints, she agreed to let a friend live with her and her roommate in the already cramped railroad apartment in Ridgewood. “We’re all trying to be courteous,” she said, pausing, before adding: “But there was a moment the other day when I flipped out.”
She has experienced intense anxiety and has had panic attacks twice already this week.She has experienced intense anxiety and has had panic attacks twice already this week.
When she goes out, it’s only to go food shopping or to exercise. During her runs, she often passes by the window of one of her friends, who recently returned from traveling abroad and was mandated by the federal government to isolate herself for two weeks. “I see her at the window and we wave at each other,” Ms. Crider said.When she goes out, it’s only to go food shopping or to exercise. During her runs, she often passes by the window of one of her friends, who recently returned from traveling abroad and was mandated by the federal government to isolate herself for two weeks. “I see her at the window and we wave at each other,” Ms. Crider said.
Rachel Kessler, 28, and Glenn Porter, 30, kept a foot between themselves as they caught up on Sterling Place between Nostrand and New York Avenues in Brooklyn on Saturday, having coincidentally been biking at the same time.Rachel Kessler, 28, and Glenn Porter, 30, kept a foot between themselves as they caught up on Sterling Place between Nostrand and New York Avenues in Brooklyn on Saturday, having coincidentally been biking at the same time.
The pair, who are freelancers who work in the film industry, had spent the previous Saturday together saying farewell to socializing at a house party, packed with eight or nine people. Since then, Mr. Porter said he has been mostly getting outside just to bike.The pair, who are freelancers who work in the film industry, had spent the previous Saturday together saying farewell to socializing at a house party, packed with eight or nine people. Since then, Mr. Porter said he has been mostly getting outside just to bike.
This Saturday would be a much more subdued evening for each of them.This Saturday would be a much more subdued evening for each of them.
“Dinner and a movie,” Ms. Kessler said, noting that her sister, who has several roommates, would be joining her for the evening in her one-bedroom apartment.“Dinner and a movie,” Ms. Kessler said, noting that her sister, who has several roommates, would be joining her for the evening in her one-bedroom apartment.
Mr. Porter said his plans would consist of “heating leftovers.” He added that he and his friends had been getting together on FaceTime for daily drawing competitions.Mr. Porter said his plans would consist of “heating leftovers.” He added that he and his friends had been getting together on FaceTime for daily drawing competitions.
“Today’s theme was biker frog,” he said. “So we meet at 7 p.m. and show each other our drawings.”“Today’s theme was biker frog,” he said. “So we meet at 7 p.m. and show each other our drawings.”
Alexandra E. Petri and Matthew Sedacca contributed reporting.Alexandra E. Petri and Matthew Sedacca contributed reporting.