This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/24/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-mta-cuts-.html

The article has changed 28 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
Subway Service Is Cut by a Quarter Because of Coronavirus Subway Service Is Cut by a Quarter Because of Coronavirus
(1 day later)
As the coronavirus engulfs New York, the city’s public transportation network is slashing service by at least 25 percent with ridership in free fall and an increasing number of sick workers hobbling its ability to run a normal operation.As the coronavirus engulfs New York, the city’s public transportation network is slashing service by at least 25 percent with ridership in free fall and an increasing number of sick workers hobbling its ability to run a normal operation.
The decision to cut service on the network, the nation’s largest, on Tuesday came after ridership on the subway plunged a staggering 87 percent — or nearly 4.8 million riders — compared with the same day last year.The decision to cut service on the network, the nation’s largest, on Tuesday came after ridership on the subway plunged a staggering 87 percent — or nearly 4.8 million riders — compared with the same day last year.
Personnel shortages forced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees subways, buses and two commuter rails, to temporarily eliminate service on three subway lines: the B, the W and the Z.Personnel shortages forced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees subways, buses and two commuter rails, to temporarily eliminate service on three subway lines: the B, the W and the Z.
So far, 52 M.T.A. workers have tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said, and worker shortages have caused around 800 service delays.So far, 52 M.T.A. workers have tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said, and worker shortages have caused around 800 service delays.
Patrick J. Foye, the chairman of the M.T.A., characterized the decision as a necessary measure to stem the spread of the virus, keep transit workers safe and respond to the declines in ridership.Patrick J. Foye, the chairman of the M.T.A., characterized the decision as a necessary measure to stem the spread of the virus, keep transit workers safe and respond to the declines in ridership.
“Most people should stay off mass transit,” said Mr. Foye. “The step we are taking today is a tenet to advance the governor’s goals of flattening the curve of positive cases and slowing the spread of the virus.”“Most people should stay off mass transit,” said Mr. Foye. “The step we are taking today is a tenet to advance the governor’s goals of flattening the curve of positive cases and slowing the spread of the virus.”
Starting on Wednesday, the authority will reduce bus service by around 25 percent. On Friday, it will cut service on the Long Island Rail Road by around 35 percent and service on Metro-North Railroad, which serves communities north of New York City, by around 50 percent though extra trains will run during peak hours.Starting on Wednesday, the authority will reduce bus service by around 25 percent. On Friday, it will cut service on the Long Island Rail Road by around 35 percent and service on Metro-North Railroad, which serves communities north of New York City, by around 50 percent though extra trains will run during peak hours.
Seven express subway lines, including the No. 4, 5, 6, 7 and the J and D lines, will run locally on all or part of their routes.Seven express subway lines, including the No. 4, 5, 6, 7 and the J and D lines, will run locally on all or part of their routes.
New York City’s transportation system typically carries eight million riders each weekday. But the sudden and steep drops in ridership have severely strained the authority’s operating budget, about half of which comes from fares and tolls.New York City’s transportation system typically carries eight million riders each weekday. But the sudden and steep drops in ridership have severely strained the authority’s operating budget, about half of which comes from fares and tolls.
On Monday, ridership had dropped 70 percent on buses compared to the same day last year. Ridership on Metro-North dropped 94 percent and on the Long Island Rail Road fell 76 percent at the end of last week compared with the same period last year, officials said.On Monday, ridership had dropped 70 percent on buses compared to the same day last year. Ridership on Metro-North dropped 94 percent and on the Long Island Rail Road fell 76 percent at the end of last week compared with the same period last year, officials said.
“It was just a matter of time for this logical next step. With increasing worker shortages and decreasing ridership, we appreciate that the M.T.A. will keep a good level of service to get front line workers where they need to go,” said Lisa Daglian, executive director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the M.T.A., a watchdog group.“It was just a matter of time for this logical next step. With increasing worker shortages and decreasing ridership, we appreciate that the M.T.A. will keep a good level of service to get front line workers where they need to go,” said Lisa Daglian, executive director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the M.T.A., a watchdog group.
The M.T.A. expects revenue losses of roughly $3.7 billion if ridership trends continue for the next several months, and projects that coronavirus-related expenses, like disinfecting its equipment, will reach around $300 million.The M.T.A. expects revenue losses of roughly $3.7 billion if ridership trends continue for the next several months, and projects that coronavirus-related expenses, like disinfecting its equipment, will reach around $300 million.
These estimates do not take into account what is sure to be a major drop in the roughly $6 billion the authority receives from dedicated state and local taxes.These estimates do not take into account what is sure to be a major drop in the roughly $6 billion the authority receives from dedicated state and local taxes.
The reduction in service allows the M.T.A. to lower its operating costs and help stave off what the authority has called a “financial calamity.”The reduction in service allows the M.T.A. to lower its operating costs and help stave off what the authority has called a “financial calamity.”
But health professionals have raised concerns that running fewer trains will lead to more crowding on trains that remain in service, increasing the risk that passengers — many of whom are essential workers like doctors and nurses — are exposed to the virus during their commute.But health professionals have raised concerns that running fewer trains will lead to more crowding on trains that remain in service, increasing the risk that passengers — many of whom are essential workers like doctors and nurses — are exposed to the virus during their commute.
“We are trying to practice social distancing, and it’s already very hard on the subways to keep that six-foot distance. But the more crowded it is, the more likely it is that people will be spreading” the virus more, said Dr. Stephen S. Morse, an epidemiology professor at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University.“We are trying to practice social distancing, and it’s already very hard on the subways to keep that six-foot distance. But the more crowded it is, the more likely it is that people will be spreading” the virus more, said Dr. Stephen S. Morse, an epidemiology professor at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University.
Some transit advocates have voiced similar concerns. They point to Boston, where recent reductions in service led to overcrowded trains and prompted transit authorities to reconsider their modified schedules.Some transit advocates have voiced similar concerns. They point to Boston, where recent reductions in service led to overcrowded trains and prompted transit authorities to reconsider their modified schedules.
The M.T.A. should keep service running where it can and ensure “that it runs frequently enough that those people are safe,” said Danny Pearlstein, a spokesman for Riders Alliance, an advocacy group. “Public transit right now is the linchpin of public health. The majority of our key categories of essential workers go to work on our subways and buses.”The M.T.A. should keep service running where it can and ensure “that it runs frequently enough that those people are safe,” said Danny Pearlstein, a spokesman for Riders Alliance, an advocacy group. “Public transit right now is the linchpin of public health. The majority of our key categories of essential workers go to work on our subways and buses.”
M.T.A. officials said they do not believe the reductions in service will result in overcrowding given the current number of riders.M.T.A. officials said they do not believe the reductions in service will result in overcrowding given the current number of riders.
On Monday, the M.T.A. joined transit agencies across the country in urging congressional leaders to allocate $25 billion in their next stimulus package for transportation systems. The M.T.A. has requested a $4 billion federal bailout while New Jersey Transit has appealed for $1.25 billion, though it is likely the agencies will need more federal assistance as the crisis continues.On Monday, the M.T.A. joined transit agencies across the country in urging congressional leaders to allocate $25 billion in their next stimulus package for transportation systems. The M.T.A. has requested a $4 billion federal bailout while New Jersey Transit has appealed for $1.25 billion, though it is likely the agencies will need more federal assistance as the crisis continues.
Early Wednesday, lawmakers in Washington reached a deal on a $2 trillion relief package that includes $25 billion for transportation systems across the country.Early Wednesday, lawmakers in Washington reached a deal on a $2 trillion relief package that includes $25 billion for transportation systems across the country.
Of that, lawmakers allocated $4.35 billion for transit systems in New York, $3.8 of which is set aside for the M.T.A.Of that, lawmakers allocated $4.35 billion for transit systems in New York, $3.8 of which is set aside for the M.T.A.
“This is not a moment of celebration but rather one of necessity,” said Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York and the Senate minority leader. “These critical dollars will inject proverbial medicine into our state, city and localities.”“This is not a moment of celebration but rather one of necessity,” said Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York and the Senate minority leader. “These critical dollars will inject proverbial medicine into our state, city and localities.”
The M.T.A. has requested a $4 billion federal bailout while New Jersey Transit has appealed for $1.25 billion, though it is likely the agencies will need more federal assistance as the crisis continues.The M.T.A. has requested a $4 billion federal bailout while New Jersey Transit has appealed for $1.25 billion, though it is likely the agencies will need more federal assistance as the crisis continues.
“The $4 billion is the minimum they need for right now, but that’s not going to be enough to solve the long term financial problems of the agency,” said Rachael Fauss, a senior research analyst at Reinvent Albany, a watchdog group.“The $4 billion is the minimum they need for right now, but that’s not going to be enough to solve the long term financial problems of the agency,” said Rachael Fauss, a senior research analyst at Reinvent Albany, a watchdog group.
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.
In a desperate step to fill the financial shortfall, the M.T.A. drew down $1 billion on its existing line of credit last week.In a desperate step to fill the financial shortfall, the M.T.A. drew down $1 billion on its existing line of credit last week.
Aside from saving money, the reduction in service could be an important step to ensure that transit workers stay healthy and are able to keep the system running.Aside from saving money, the reduction in service could be an important step to ensure that transit workers stay healthy and are able to keep the system running.
On Monday, facing pressure from the largest transit workers union, the authority sought to protect bus drivers from being exposed to any sick passengers. The authority is now asking bus riders to board through the rear door, which will allow for more space between riders and drivers at the front of buses and effectively makes those bus lines free.On Monday, facing pressure from the largest transit workers union, the authority sought to protect bus drivers from being exposed to any sick passengers. The authority is now asking bus riders to board through the rear door, which will allow for more space between riders and drivers at the front of buses and effectively makes those bus lines free.
On express buses, riders must still board those buses in the front and pay, though they will not be allowed to sit in the first three rows.On express buses, riders must still board those buses in the front and pay, though they will not be allowed to sit in the first three rows.
“They need people to run the system,” Dr. Morse said. “If they are running with fewer personnel then the M.T.A. could presumably stagger the shifts more and do other things to protect their own personnel.”“They need people to run the system,” Dr. Morse said. “If they are running with fewer personnel then the M.T.A. could presumably stagger the shifts more and do other things to protect their own personnel.”
The decision to reduce service in New York follows similar announcements in most major American cities, including Boston, Chicago and Washington.The decision to reduce service in New York follows similar announcements in most major American cities, including Boston, Chicago and Washington.
Last week, New Jersey Transit, which operates a vast network of commuter railroads, announced that it would reduce service on some of its rail lines after ridership dropped 88 percent since the beginning of March.Last week, New Jersey Transit, which operates a vast network of commuter railroads, announced that it would reduce service on some of its rail lines after ridership dropped 88 percent since the beginning of March.
DeCamp Bus Lines, which is based in Montclair, N.J., and provides commuter service to many surrounding communities, said it would suspend all service starting on Wednesday morning.DeCamp Bus Lines, which is based in Montclair, N.J., and provides commuter service to many surrounding communities, said it would suspend all service starting on Wednesday morning.
In New York, M.T.A. officials had resisted reducing service on the subways and buses, instead urging sick people to stay out of those networks, and advising riders to avoid densely packed train cars.In New York, M.T.A. officials had resisted reducing service on the subways and buses, instead urging sick people to stay out of those networks, and advising riders to avoid densely packed train cars.
Officials have emphasized that they do not plan to shut down the system entirely or close down roadways because essential workers rely on the system to get to their workplaces.Officials have emphasized that they do not plan to shut down the system entirely or close down roadways because essential workers rely on the system to get to their workplaces.
The public transit system in New York City has only shut down twice in the past decade, both times as a result of hurricanes when tunnels and stations were flooded and badly damaged.The public transit system in New York City has only shut down twice in the past decade, both times as a result of hurricanes when tunnels and stations were flooded and badly damaged.
“We are not shutting down, we are not going anywhere,” Mr. Foye said.“We are not shutting down, we are not going anywhere,” Mr. Foye said.