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Virus Cases Approaching 21,000 in N.Y. Virus Cases Approaching 21,000 in N.Y.
(1 day later)
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It’s Tuesday.It’s Tuesday.
Weather: Mostly sunny, with a high in the mid-50s.Weather: Mostly sunny, with a high in the mid-50s.
Alternate-side parking: Suspended today because of the coronavirus outbreak.Alternate-side parking: Suspended today because of the coronavirus outbreak.
New Yorkers awoke yesterday to yet another changed reality, with all nonessential businesses closed and people ordered to stay home as much as possible.New Yorkers awoke yesterday to yet another changed reality, with all nonessential businesses closed and people ordered to stay home as much as possible.
The new restrictions, implemented by Governor Cuomo in the most intense effort yet to contain the coronavirus outbreak, took effect on Sunday night. They allow essential businesses, including grocery stores, laundromats and pharmacies, to remain open. Restaurants may operate for takeout and delivery only.The new restrictions, implemented by Governor Cuomo in the most intense effort yet to contain the coronavirus outbreak, took effect on Sunday night. They allow essential businesses, including grocery stores, laundromats and pharmacies, to remain open. Restaurants may operate for takeout and delivery only.
[Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.][Get the latest news and updates on the coronavirus in the New York region.]
New York State yesterday saw an increase of more than 4,000 confirmed cases since Sunday night, and the total number of cases is approaching 21,000.New York State yesterday saw an increase of more than 4,000 confirmed cases since Sunday night, and the total number of cases is approaching 21,000.
According to the White House’s coronavirus response coordinator, nearly one in 1,000 people in the New York metropolitan area have the coronavirus, an “attack rate” five times that of other areas. She said 28 percent of tests in the region were coming up positive, compared with less than 8 percent in the rest of the country.According to the White House’s coronavirus response coordinator, nearly one in 1,000 people in the New York metropolitan area have the coronavirus, an “attack rate” five times that of other areas. She said 28 percent of tests in the region were coming up positive, compared with less than 8 percent in the rest of the country.
[This is New York City’s big “enemy” in the coronavirus fight.][This is New York City’s big “enemy” in the coronavirus fight.]
New York State has tested more than 78,000 people, Mr. Cuomo said, accounting for a quarter of all tests nationwide. Of all the New Yorkers who have tested positive since the outbreak began, 13 percent are currently hospitalized, he said.New York State has tested more than 78,000 people, Mr. Cuomo said, accounting for a quarter of all tests nationwide. Of all the New Yorkers who have tested positive since the outbreak began, 13 percent are currently hospitalized, he said.
The cases have increased as the state has substantially increased its testing capacity, from 1,000 people a day 10 days ago to 16,000 a day now.The cases have increased as the state has substantially increased its testing capacity, from 1,000 people a day 10 days ago to 16,000 a day now.
The governor said the state was securing more medical supplies, including masks, gloves, gowns and face shields in the hundreds of thousands. He also said more than 30,000 retired doctors and health care professionals had responded to the state’s call for volunteers.The governor said the state was securing more medical supplies, including masks, gloves, gowns and face shields in the hundreds of thousands. He also said more than 30,000 retired doctors and health care professionals had responded to the state’s call for volunteers.
Mr. Cuomo issued an emergency order for state hospitals to increase capacity by at least 50 percent to address the imminent influx of patients infected with the coronavirus.Mr. Cuomo issued an emergency order for state hospitals to increase capacity by at least 50 percent to address the imminent influx of patients infected with the coronavirus.
Mayor de Blasio repeated a call for millions of masks and for medical personnel to be sent both from the military and from other parts of the country. He also said the federal government was sending New York City 400 ventilators, to add to the 2,000 ventilators the city had available as of last week.Mayor de Blasio repeated a call for millions of masks and for medical personnel to be sent both from the military and from other parts of the country. He also said the federal government was sending New York City 400 ventilators, to add to the 2,000 ventilators the city had available as of last week.
The speaker of the New York City Council, Corey Johnson, announced a plan that would shut down playgrounds, athletic fields and tennis and basketball courts. It would also close some city streets to cars to provide more space for outdoor recreation and reduce crowding in the city’s parks. The proposal came after the governor called for trying to reduce density in the city.The speaker of the New York City Council, Corey Johnson, announced a plan that would shut down playgrounds, athletic fields and tennis and basketball courts. It would also close some city streets to cars to provide more space for outdoor recreation and reduce crowding in the city’s parks. The proposal came after the governor called for trying to reduce density in the city.
[Twenty-somethings are now realizing that they can get the coronavirus, too.][Twenty-somethings are now realizing that they can get the coronavirus, too.]
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 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 Stringer.
Patrick Foye, the chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said the city’s subways, buses and commuter trains would “operate during the entire pandemic.”Patrick Foye, the chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said the city’s subways, buses and commuter trains would “operate during the entire pandemic.”
Yesterday afternoon, there were more than 12,000 cases in New York City. Of those, there were 3,621 in Queens; 3,494 in Brooklyn; 2,572 in Manhattan; 1,629 in the Bronx; and 817 in Staten Island, which has the highest rate of infection, with 172 confirmed cases per 100,000 residents.Yesterday afternoon, there were more than 12,000 cases in New York City. Of those, there were 3,621 in Queens; 3,494 in Brooklyn; 2,572 in Manhattan; 1,629 in the Bronx; and 817 in Staten Island, which has the highest rate of infection, with 172 confirmed cases per 100,000 residents.
New Jersey has nearly 3,000 confirmed cases, including 27 deaths.New Jersey has nearly 3,000 confirmed cases, including 27 deaths.
New York Philharmonic Cancels Season Because of CoronavirusNew York Philharmonic Cancels Season Because of Coronavirus
After the Fire, a Chinatown Museum Sifts Through What SurvivedAfter the Fire, a Chinatown Museum Sifts Through What Survived
1,000 Inmates Will Be Released From N.J. Jails to Curb Coronavirus Risk1,000 Inmates Will Be Released From N.J. Jails to Curb Coronavirus Risk
Want more news? Check out our full coverage.Want more news? Check out our full coverage.
The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.The Mini Crossword: Here is today’s puzzle.
A delivery app wants to offer the city’s bodegas as alternatives to large grocery stores. [Eater.com]A delivery app wants to offer the city’s bodegas as alternatives to large grocery stores. [Eater.com]
Members of the Broadway community are sewing thousands of gowns and masks for health care workers and patients. [Yahoo! News]Members of the Broadway community are sewing thousands of gowns and masks for health care workers and patients. [Yahoo! News]
The rapper 6ix9ine is asking a judge to let him out of prison early over fears of the coronavirus. [1010 WINS]The rapper 6ix9ine is asking a judge to let him out of prison early over fears of the coronavirus. [1010 WINS]
Eli Miller, one of the last of Brooklyn’s old-fashioned seltzer men, began delivering in 1960, when hundreds in his profession plied the streets.Eli Miller, one of the last of Brooklyn’s old-fashioned seltzer men, began delivering in 1960, when hundreds in his profession plied the streets.
When he retired, reluctantly, in 2017, there were almost none left, and seltzer was largely bought from stores in plastic bottles and cans.When he retired, reluctantly, in 2017, there were almost none left, and seltzer was largely bought from stores in plastic bottles and cans.
My colleague Daniel Slotnick wrote that Mr. Miller’s longevity in a disappearing business lent him a spritz of fame. He was profiled by numerous publications and inspired a children’s book, “The Seltzer Man,” by Ken Rush, a longtime customer.My colleague Daniel Slotnick wrote that Mr. Miller’s longevity in a disappearing business lent him a spritz of fame. He was profiled by numerous publications and inspired a children’s book, “The Seltzer Man,” by Ken Rush, a longtime customer.
Mr. Miller died on March 12 at his home in Brooklyn. He was 86.Mr. Miller died on March 12 at his home in Brooklyn. He was 86.
His deliveries were welcomed by his customers as enthusiastically as the seltzer, and he enjoyed close friendships with many of them.His deliveries were welcomed by his customers as enthusiastically as the seltzer, and he enjoyed close friendships with many of them.
“I’m the product,” Mr. Miller was quoted as saying in “Seltzertopia: The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary Drink,” by Barry Joseph. “It’s not the seltzer. It’s all about Eli.”“I’m the product,” Mr. Miller was quoted as saying in “Seltzertopia: The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary Drink,” by Barry Joseph. “It’s not the seltzer. It’s all about Eli.”
He would show up at his customers’ homes bearing a wooden box of pewter-topped bottles filled with authentic seltzer, which he said was triple-filtered New York City water pressurized to about 60 to 80 pounds per square inch — perfect for enjoying plain or spritzing into an egg cream.He would show up at his customers’ homes bearing a wooden box of pewter-topped bottles filled with authentic seltzer, which he said was triple-filtered New York City water pressurized to about 60 to 80 pounds per square inch — perfect for enjoying plain or spritzing into an egg cream.
In 2013 Mr. Miller told The Times that he hoped to “die on the route.” But by 2017, when he was 84, carrying 70-pound cases of seltzer into homes had become too difficult.In 2013 Mr. Miller told The Times that he hoped to “die on the route.” But by 2017, when he was 84, carrying 70-pound cases of seltzer into homes had become too difficult.
“It’s too much wear and tear on my body,” he said, adding: “I can only do so much. I’m running on fumes.”“It’s too much wear and tear on my body,” he said, adding: “I can only do so much. I’m running on fumes.”
It’s Tuesday — stay bubbly.It’s Tuesday — stay bubbly.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
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.
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.
Dear Diary:Dear Diary:
There was a coffee cart outside my apartment building at Broadway and 95th Street that I would visit every day. The operator was a young man who often talked by Skype with his wife and son, who lived in Cairo.There was a coffee cart outside my apartment building at Broadway and 95th Street that I would visit every day. The operator was a young man who often talked by Skype with his wife and son, who lived in Cairo.
I introduced myself to the young man, and he must have misheard me, because he called me Miriam.I introduced myself to the young man, and he must have misheard me, because he called me Miriam.
I hesitated, but I didn’t correct him. Instead, I began to imagine my life as Miriam. She was a dancer, and her parents were European. She intrigued me.I hesitated, but I didn’t correct him. Instead, I began to imagine my life as Miriam. She was a dancer, and her parents were European. She intrigued me.
“Hello, Miriam,” the young man would say every day when I got my coffee. I would chat with him and his family on the laptop he had propped up inside the cart. Afterward, I would continue on my way, dreaming of my life as Miriam.“Hello, Miriam,” the young man would say every day when I got my coffee. I would chat with him and his family on the laptop he had propped up inside the cart. Afterward, I would continue on my way, dreaming of my life as Miriam.
When I became pregnant, the young man noticed early on. He must have told his wife, because she sang out, “Congratulations, Miriam!” from the laptop. Miriam was pregnant!When I became pregnant, the young man noticed early on. He must have told his wife, because she sang out, “Congratulations, Miriam!” from the laptop. Miriam was pregnant!
One Sunday, I felt too sick to go out for coffee. I asked my husband to stop at the cart for me. He was confused when he returned.One Sunday, I felt too sick to go out for coffee. I asked my husband to stop at the cart for me. He was confused when he returned.
“The man in the cart thinks your name is Miriam,” he said. “I had to correct him a few times, but he kept insisting.”“The man in the cart thinks your name is Miriam,” he said. “I had to correct him a few times, but he kept insisting.”
My heart broke. In an instant, the illusion of Miriam had vanished and my dreams about her seemed silly.My heart broke. In an instant, the illusion of Miriam had vanished and my dreams about her seemed silly.
I had betrayed my friend. I felt too ashamed to go back to his cart, and a few months later, he was gone.I had betrayed my friend. I felt too ashamed to go back to his cart, and a few months later, he was gone.
— Megan Monaghan— Megan Monaghan
New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.New York Today is published weekdays around 6 a.m. Sign up here to get it by email. You can also find it at nytoday.com.
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