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Watch Now: Governor Cuomo Gives Coronavirus Update Watch Now: Governor Cuomo Gives Coronavirus Update
(32 minutes later)
With New York emerging as the U.S. epicenter of the coronavirus’s spread, White House officials on Tuesday focused on the crisis in the city and state amid their efforts to contain the virus from spreading widely elsewhere. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Wednesday said that there were early signs that stringent restrictions on social gatherings and other measures could be slowing the spread of the coronavirus, but that there was still far more work to be done.
Speaking at a White House briefing, officials said that anyone who recently left New York should self-quarantine at home for 14 days to prevent the virus from infecting those in other regions. Mr. Cuomo highlighted data that showed slowing hospitalizations rates. On Sunday, the state’s projections showed hospitalizations doubling every two days, while Tuesday’s estimates showed them doubling every 4.7 days.
“We’re starting to see new cases across Long Island that suggest people have left the city,” the White House’s coronavirus coordinator, Dr. Deborah Birx, said. “That is almost too good to be true,” he said, “but the theory is, given the density that we’re dealing with, it spreads very quickly, but if you reduce the density, you can reduce the spread very quickly.”
More than 26,000 people in New York State had tested positive for the virus as of Tuesday night. Other highlights from the governor’s morning briefing:
Mr. Cuomo said the $2 trillion stimulus package making its way through Washington would be “terrible” for the state. New York’s government would get $3.6 billion, the governor claimed, not enough to bridge the virus-related budget gap the state is facing.
There was encouraging news from Westchester County, where the rate of infection has slowed. “We have dramatically slowed what was an exponential rate of increase,” Mr. Cuomo said. “That was the hottest cluster in the United States of America. We closed the schools,we closed gatherings, we brought in testing, and we have dramatically slowed the increase.”
New York State now has 30,811 confirmed cases, an increase of more than 5,000 since Tuesday morning. That is more than 7 percent of the 431,000 worldwide tallied by The New York Times. New York City has 17,856 confirmed cases.
State officials project they will need 30,000 ventilators, of which they currently have 4,000. But the state is making headway: Mr. Cuomo said 7,000 more ventilators have been procured, in addition to 4,000 ventilators sent by the federal government.
The governor said more than 40,000 retired health care professionals have volunteered to work when hospitals become strained. Half are nurses.
More than 3,800 people are currently hospitalized, or 12 percent of all confirmed cases. Of those, 888 people are currently in intensive care.
Mr. Cuomo’s comments came the morning after federal officials, alarmed over the infection rate in New York City, urged anyone leaving the city to quarantine themselves for 14 days before mingling with the general population elsewhere.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that New Yorkers who were “understandably” trying to leave for places like Florida needed to make sure they were not “seeding” the rest of the United States.Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that New Yorkers who were “understandably” trying to leave for places like Florida needed to make sure they were not “seeding” the rest of the United States.
“When they go to another place, for their own safety, they have to be careful,” Dr. Fauci said.“When they go to another place, for their own safety, they have to be careful,” Dr. Fauci said.
Vice President Mike Pence called New York City a “high-risk” area and asked New Yorkers to avoid nonessential travel.Vice President Mike Pence called New York City a “high-risk” area and asked New Yorkers to avoid nonessential travel.
Early Wednesday morning, President Trump tweeted that he had sent 4,000 ventilators to the state (as had been pledged by Mr. Pence on Tuesday), and said he was “producing tremendously” for New York.
He later said on Twitter that he had a “good conversation” with Mr. Cuomo, and that federal officials were making progress toward building four field hospitals at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan.
Measures adopted to stop the spread of the coronavirus in New York appear to have put a dent in crime, New York City’s police commissioner said on Tuesday.Measures adopted to stop the spread of the coronavirus in New York appear to have put a dent in crime, New York City’s police commissioner said on Tuesday.
But the commissioner, Dermot F. Shea, speaking at a new briefing with Mayor Bill de Blasio, also expressed concern about the persistence of violent crimes like robberies and shootings. And he specifically said he was troubled by a “dramatic” decline in reports of sexual assaults and domestic violence.But the commissioner, Dermot F. Shea, speaking at a new briefing with Mayor Bill de Blasio, also expressed concern about the persistence of violent crimes like robberies and shootings. And he specifically said he was troubled by a “dramatic” decline in reports of sexual assaults and domestic violence.
Compared with the previous week, the police recorded 443 fewer serious crimes, like assault and burglary, in the week that ended on Sunday, a 24.5 percent decline. Officers also made 1,538 fewer arrests last week compared with the week before.Compared with the previous week, the police recorded 443 fewer serious crimes, like assault and burglary, in the week that ended on Sunday, a 24.5 percent decline. Officers also made 1,538 fewer arrests last week compared with the week before.
Last week, detectives received just 25 new complaints that met the federal threshold for rape, compared with 51 the week before. The number of other sex crimes reported fell to 62 last week, compared with 102 on March 15.Last week, detectives received just 25 new complaints that met the federal threshold for rape, compared with 51 the week before. The number of other sex crimes reported fell to 62 last week, compared with 102 on March 15.
“Maybe I’m just glass half empty here,” Commissioner Shea said, “but I can’t imagine that the crimes aren’t happening. I’m sure that there’s many crimes happening.”“Maybe I’m just glass half empty here,” Commissioner Shea said, “but I can’t imagine that the crimes aren’t happening. I’m sure that there’s many crimes happening.”
Mr. de Blasio noted a surge in bias attacks aimed at the city’s Asian residents, and he urged the victims of such crimes to contact the police right away.Mr. de Blasio noted a surge in bias attacks aimed at the city’s Asian residents, and he urged the victims of such crimes to contact the police right away.
As crime ebbed, more Police Department employees became infected.As crime ebbed, more Police Department employees became infected.
As of Tuesday, Commissioner Shea said, 211 department members had tested positive for the virus, including 177 uniformed officers.That means that about 1 out of every 200 of the city’s 36,000 officers has tested positive.As of Tuesday, Commissioner Shea said, 211 department members had tested positive for the virus, including 177 uniformed officers.That means that about 1 out of every 200 of the city’s 36,000 officers has tested positive.
Commissioner Shea said Wednesday that about 3,200 uniformed members of the department were out sick, triple the normal rate.Commissioner Shea said Wednesday that about 3,200 uniformed members of the department were out sick, triple the normal rate.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo was once considered a bit player on the national stage, an abrasive presence who made his share of enemies among his Democratic Party peers.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo was once considered a bit player on the national stage, an abrasive presence who made his share of enemies among his Democratic Party peers.
But now, he is emerging as the party’s most prominent voice in a time of crisis.But now, he is emerging as the party’s most prominent voice in a time of crisis.
His briefings — articulate, consistent and often tinged with empathy — have become must-see television. On Tuesday, his address was carried live on all four networks in New York and a raft of cable news stations, including Fox News.His briefings — articulate, consistent and often tinged with empathy — have become must-see television. On Tuesday, his address was carried live on all four networks in New York and a raft of cable news stations, including Fox News.
In a sign of the way Mr. Cuomo has become the new face of the Democratic Party, his address even pre-empted an appearance by former Vice President Joseph Biden on ABC’s “The View” in New York.In a sign of the way Mr. Cuomo has become the new face of the Democratic Party, his address even pre-empted an appearance by former Vice President Joseph Biden on ABC’s “The View” in New York.
The sudden spotlight has shone on Mr. Cuomo at a politically inopportune time: His friend Mr. Biden is quickly closing in on the Democratic presidential nomination, something that Mr. Cuomo — like his father, the former Gov. Mario M. Cuomo — had been said to covet.The sudden spotlight has shone on Mr. Cuomo at a politically inopportune time: His friend Mr. Biden is quickly closing in on the Democratic presidential nomination, something that Mr. Cuomo — like his father, the former Gov. Mario M. Cuomo — had been said to covet.
Faced with a shortage of doctors, New York University’s medical school announced that it will allow students to graduate early if they agree to join the fight against the coronavirus epidemic.Faced with a shortage of doctors, New York University’s medical school announced that it will allow students to graduate early if they agree to join the fight against the coronavirus epidemic.
“We ask for your help,” the school said in an email to students this week. Only those set to graduate this year and who have met most of their requirements are allowed to take the offer.“We ask for your help,” the school said in an email to students this week. Only those set to graduate this year and who have met most of their requirements are allowed to take the offer.
The students would have to begin working as interns in the university’s internal and emergency medicine departments in April, about three months earlier than they would normally begin working. A spokeswoman for the university confirmed that students would be allowed to graduate early pending approval from the New York State Department of Education.The students would have to begin working as interns in the university’s internal and emergency medicine departments in April, about three months earlier than they would normally begin working. A spokeswoman for the university confirmed that students would be allowed to graduate early pending approval from the New York State Department of Education.
At hospitals in New York and the region, a sense of desperation is setting in as waves of sick patients begin to overwhelm the healthcare system.At hospitals in New York and the region, a sense of desperation is setting in as waves of sick patients begin to overwhelm the healthcare system.
Some health care workers have begun to get sick or have been asked to quarantine, and hospitals are looking to augment their work force in any way they can. Mr. Cuomo has already asked retired doctors and nurses to volunteer to help fill staffing shortages.Some health care workers have begun to get sick or have been asked to quarantine, and hospitals are looking to augment their work force in any way they can. Mr. Cuomo has already asked retired doctors and nurses to volunteer to help fill staffing shortages.
Medical students at other institutions in New York expect to be called up as well.Medical students at other institutions in New York expect to be called up as well.
David Edelman, a medical student at Columbia, said that classes and rotations were canceled in early March, but students soon expected to be called in to help with routine matters as more experienced doctors become inundated.David Edelman, a medical student at Columbia, said that classes and rotations were canceled in early March, but students soon expected to be called in to help with routine matters as more experienced doctors become inundated.
“We need some kind of stable of support for when things are going to get worse,” he said.“We need some kind of stable of support for when things are going to get worse,” he said.
You can’t take the train to work because the governor ordered the office to close and told people to stay off mass transit except for emergencies.You can’t take the train to work because the governor ordered the office to close and told people to stay off mass transit except for emergencies.
So can you get a refund on the 30-day unlimited MetroCard you paid $127 for last week? Or on your monthly commuter rail pass?So can you get a refund on the 30-day unlimited MetroCard you paid $127 for last week? Or on your monthly commuter rail pass?
Relief is on its way, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said, though it was not clear yet what form it would take. Or how long.Relief is on its way, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said, though it was not clear yet what form it would take. Or how long.
“With respect to refunds, we’re going to do the right thing,” the authority’s chairman, Patrick J. Foye, said on NY1 on Monday.“With respect to refunds, we’re going to do the right thing,” the authority’s chairman, Patrick J. Foye, said on NY1 on Monday.
“Obviously, right now we’re in the middle of this pandemic situation and managing our way through that,” Mr. Foye said. The authority is seeking a $4 billion federal bailout to replace lost revenue from riders, and on Tuesday it cut subway service by at least 25 percent.“Obviously, right now we’re in the middle of this pandemic situation and managing our way through that,” Mr. Foye said. The authority is seeking a $4 billion federal bailout to replace lost revenue from riders, and on Tuesday it cut subway service by at least 25 percent.
When it comes to MetroCards, the authority’s current policy allows for refunds only when cards are lost, damaged or stolen. The existing refund policies of Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road, which the authority operates, call for commuters to forfeit the 50 percent discount that comes with monthly passes if they seek refunds for unused days.When it comes to MetroCards, the authority’s current policy allows for refunds only when cards are lost, damaged or stolen. The existing refund policies of Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road, which the authority operates, call for commuters to forfeit the 50 percent discount that comes with monthly passes if they seek refunds for unused days.
The agency’s press office said on Tuesday that its plan was still being put together.The agency’s press office said on Tuesday that its plan was still being put together.
New Jersey Transit, which operates trains and commuter buses in New Jersey, has a similar refund policy. Its monthly passes offer about a 35 percent discount for regular commuters, and that discount is forfeited when customers request refunds for unused days. The agency said Monday that it was not changing its policy.New Jersey Transit, which operates trains and commuter buses in New Jersey, has a similar refund policy. Its monthly passes offer about a 35 percent discount for regular commuters, and that discount is forfeited when customers request refunds for unused days. The agency said Monday that it was not changing its policy.
Commuters who get their transit cards through a pretax benefit provider like TransitChek or Commuter Check should check with the provider. Commuter Check said that riders with annual MetroCards could get full refunds for April (but not for any of March) if they returned the card by April 1.Commuters who get their transit cards through a pretax benefit provider like TransitChek or Commuter Check should check with the provider. Commuter Check said that riders with annual MetroCards could get full refunds for April (but not for any of March) if they returned the card by April 1.
Mr. Foye said that riders had another option: offer a transit pass to someone who needs it. “Give your card to a firefighter, police officer, M.T.A. employee, someone who works for Con Edison or frankly to the man or woman that delivers groceries or prescription drugs from the pharmacy,” he said.Mr. Foye said that riders had another option: offer a transit pass to someone who needs it. “Give your card to a firefighter, police officer, M.T.A. employee, someone who works for Con Edison or frankly to the man or woman that delivers groceries or prescription drugs from the pharmacy,” he said.
An informal exchange has sprung up on Reddit matching people offering unlimited MetroCards to people who need them.An informal exchange has sprung up on Reddit matching people offering unlimited MetroCards to people who need them.
New York City’s taxi industry was already reeling from competition with Uber and Lyft and from the toll of drivers taking out reckless loans to buy medallions at artificially inflated prices.New York City’s taxi industry was already reeling from competition with Uber and Lyft and from the toll of drivers taking out reckless loans to buy medallions at artificially inflated prices.
Now, taxi owners and drivers who were barely holding on say their livelihood has evaporated with the city all but shut down.Now, taxi owners and drivers who were barely holding on say their livelihood has evaporated with the city all but shut down.
“When you have to wait six or seven hours to get one passenger, it’s really bad,” said Mario Darius, 66, a taxi owner who was camped out at Kennedy International Airport after picking up just three fares in three days.“When you have to wait six or seven hours to get one passenger, it’s really bad,” said Mario Darius, 66, a taxi owner who was camped out at Kennedy International Airport after picking up just three fares in three days.
Though ridership numbers for March are not yet available, some in the industry say business is down by two-thirds or more.Though ridership numbers for March are not yet available, some in the industry say business is down by two-thirds or more.
Taxi companies can no longer find enough drivers for their fleets because there is so little business, and some cabbies are so fearful of being exposed to the virus they are staying home with no way to pay mounting bills.Taxi companies can no longer find enough drivers for their fleets because there is so little business, and some cabbies are so fearful of being exposed to the virus they are staying home with no way to pay mounting bills.
As The New York Times follows the spread of the coronavirus across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we need your help. We want to talk to doctors, nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, emergency services workers, nursing home managers — anyone who can share what they are seeing in the region’s hospitals and other health care centers.As The New York Times follows the spread of the coronavirus across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, we need your help. We want to talk to doctors, nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, emergency services workers, nursing home managers — anyone who can share what they are seeing in the region’s hospitals and other health care centers.
Even if you haven’t seen anything yet, we want to connect now so we can stay in touch in the future.Even if you haven’t seen anything yet, we want to connect now so we can stay in touch in the future.
A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.A reporter or editor may contact you. Your information will not be published without your consent.
In response to the coronavirus, 20 juvenile offenders have been released from group homes to their families by child welfare officials and family court judges, according to a person familiar with the releases. The move cuts the number of juveniles being held in nonsecure detention by half.
At the city’s more secure detention centers, the agency is trying to contain the virus through isolation. As of Sunday, three youths at a juvenile detention center in the Bronx had tested positive for Covid-19.
Advocates have feared that the virus would spread among the youths held at the city’s two juvenile detention centers, Horizon Juvenile Center in the Bronx and Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn, after some staff members tested positive last week.
The Administration for Children’s Services said that three youths tested positive at the Bronx center but none at the Brooklyn center. Both centers are restricting visitors, and youth inmates must speak with relatives and lawyers through teleconferencing.
According to the most recent census available, 22 youths were being held at Horizon while 62 were at Crossroads. Any youths showing symptoms of the virus are to be moved to a special housing unit, tested at a hospital and returned to special housing while awaiting test results.
Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Michael Gold, Nicole Hong, Winnie Hu, Andy Newman, Nate Schweber, Michael Schwirtz, Ashley Southall and Nikita Stewart.Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Michael Gold, Nicole Hong, Winnie Hu, Andy Newman, Nate Schweber, Michael Schwirtz, Ashley Southall and Nikita Stewart.