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N.Y.C. Death Toll Hits 365 as Case Count Tops 23,000 N.Y.C. Death Toll Hits 365 as Case Count Tops 23,000
(2 months later)
[This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Friday’s live coverage.][This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Friday’s live coverage.]
Health officials reported late Thursday that New York City had added 3,101 new confirmed coronavirus cases since the same time on Wednesday, bringing the total to 23,112. By comparison, more than 4,400 new cases were added from Tuesday to Wednesday.Health officials reported late Thursday that New York City had added 3,101 new confirmed coronavirus cases since the same time on Wednesday, bringing the total to 23,112. By comparison, more than 4,400 new cases were added from Tuesday to Wednesday.
The total number of virus-related deaths climbed to 365 on Thursday, up from 280 the day before.The total number of virus-related deaths climbed to 365 on Thursday, up from 280 the day before.
Of the latest death total, the Bronx accounted for 80 deaths (22 percent); Brooklyn, 81 (22 percent); Manhattan, 55 (15 percent); Queens, 123 (34 percent); and Staten Island, 26 (7 percent). An overwhelming majority of the dead had underlying illnesses, officials said.Of the latest death total, the Bronx accounted for 80 deaths (22 percent); Brooklyn, 81 (22 percent); Manhattan, 55 (15 percent); Queens, 123 (34 percent); and Staten Island, 26 (7 percent). An overwhelming majority of the dead had underlying illnesses, officials said.
From Wednesday morning to Thursday morning, 100 people died of the coronavirus in New York State, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at a news briefing on Thursday where the message was notably less hopeful than it had been the previous day.From Wednesday morning to Thursday morning, 100 people died of the coronavirus in New York State, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at a news briefing on Thursday where the message was notably less hopeful than it had been the previous day.
Mr. Cuomo said the number of patients hospitalized in New York had shot up 40 percent in a day, the sharpest increase in days.Mr. Cuomo said the number of patients hospitalized in New York had shot up 40 percent in a day, the sharpest increase in days.
One factor in the rising death toll, he said, was that older and weaker patients were staying on ventilators 20 days or longer before succumbing to respiratory failure.One factor in the rising death toll, he said, was that older and weaker patients were staying on ventilators 20 days or longer before succumbing to respiratory failure.
“The longer you are on a ventilator, the more probability of a bad outcome,” he said.“The longer you are on a ventilator, the more probability of a bad outcome,” he said.
The governor emphasized that the numbers on any single day did not necessarily capture the damage being caused by the virus.The governor emphasized that the numbers on any single day did not necessarily capture the damage being caused by the virus.
“When you talk to the projection models, what they’ll say is you get a fluctuation,” he said, noting that the data was being reported by hospitals. “They don’t know if it’s a deviation in what the hospitals happen to report that day.”“When you talk to the projection models, what they’ll say is you get a fluctuation,” he said, noting that the data was being reported by hospitals. “They don’t know if it’s a deviation in what the hospitals happen to report that day.”
For that reason, he said, “Don’t look at any one day. Don’t look at any period less than three or four days in sequence.”For that reason, he said, “Don’t look at any one day. Don’t look at any period less than three or four days in sequence.”
Still, the briefing on Thursday was a significant swing from Wednesday’s version, when Mr. Cuomo led with optimistic projections about a slowing growth rate of hospitalization in the state.Still, the briefing on Thursday was a significant swing from Wednesday’s version, when Mr. Cuomo led with optimistic projections about a slowing growth rate of hospitalization in the state.
More updates from the Thursday morning briefing:More updates from the Thursday morning briefing:
With the 100 new deaths, New York’s toll from the virus was 385 on Thursday morning.With the 100 new deaths, New York’s toll from the virus was 385 on Thursday morning.
The number of virus patients hospitalized on Thursday was 5,327. Of those, 1,290 were in intensive care, up 45 percent from the 888 in intensive care on Wednesday.The number of virus patients hospitalized on Thursday was 5,327. Of those, 1,290 were in intensive care, up 45 percent from the 888 in intensive care on Wednesday.
New York State had 37,258 confirmed cases as of Thursday morning, up more than 6,400 from Wednesday morning. More than 23,000 of the cases were in New York City.New York State had 37,258 confirmed cases as of Thursday morning, up more than 6,400 from Wednesday morning. More than 23,000 of the cases were in New York City.
New York hopes to build at least one facility with more than 1,000 beds in each of New York City’s five boroughs and surrounding counties to manage an imminent overflow of patients.New York hopes to build at least one facility with more than 1,000 beds in each of New York City’s five boroughs and surrounding counties to manage an imminent overflow of patients.
Kious Kelly, an assistant nurse manager at Mount Sinai West hospital in Manhattan, texted his sister, Marya Patrice Sherron, on March 18 to say he had tested positive for the coronavirus and was on a ventilator in the intensive care unit.Kious Kelly, an assistant nurse manager at Mount Sinai West hospital in Manhattan, texted his sister, Marya Patrice Sherron, on March 18 to say he had tested positive for the coronavirus and was on a ventilator in the intensive care unit.
He said he could text, but not talk.He said he could text, but not talk.
“‘I’m okay,’” he wrote, Ms. Sherron recalled in an interview on Thursday. “‘Don’t tell Mom and Dad. They’ll worry.’”“‘I’m okay,’” he wrote, Ms. Sherron recalled in an interview on Thursday. “‘Don’t tell Mom and Dad. They’ll worry.’”
Mr. Kelly, 48, died late Tuesday, touching off an outpouring of fury and grief among colleagues and family members upset about the lack of protective gear being provided to those, like him, on the front lines of the fight against the virus.Mr. Kelly, 48, died late Tuesday, touching off an outpouring of fury and grief among colleagues and family members upset about the lack of protective gear being provided to those, like him, on the front lines of the fight against the virus.
“His death could have been prevented,” Ms. Sherron said on Facebook on Wednesday. Later, she added: “I’m angry. He was healthy.”“His death could have been prevented,” Ms. Sherron said on Facebook on Wednesday. Later, she added: “I’m angry. He was healthy.”
Mr. Kelly lived a few blocks away from the hospital and was described by colleagues as a dedicated, good-humored colleague.Mr. Kelly lived a few blocks away from the hospital and was described by colleagues as a dedicated, good-humored colleague.
“He used to carry around a thick notepad holder that hides a box full of chocolates and candies so he can have it handy to give out to miserable/grumbly nurses and doctors who are more likely than not ‘hangry,’” Joanne Loo, a nurse at Mount Sinai West, posted on Facebook on Wednesday.“He used to carry around a thick notepad holder that hides a box full of chocolates and candies so he can have it handy to give out to miserable/grumbly nurses and doctors who are more likely than not ‘hangry,’” Joanne Loo, a nurse at Mount Sinai West, posted on Facebook on Wednesday.
Nursing was not his first vocation. A native of Michigan, Mr. Kelly moved to New York over 20 years ago to pursue a career as a dancer, his sister said. He then went to nursing school and worked as a nurse at Mount Sinai West, before being promoted to the post of assistant manager in the telemetry department.Nursing was not his first vocation. A native of Michigan, Mr. Kelly moved to New York over 20 years ago to pursue a career as a dancer, his sister said. He then went to nursing school and worked as a nurse at Mount Sinai West, before being promoted to the post of assistant manager in the telemetry department.
Workers at Mount Sinai West, the hospital on 10th Avenue formerly known as Roosevelt Hospital, said that the hospital did not have sufficient personal protective equipment, or P.P.E. Over the weekend, photos on social media showed nurses wearing garbage bags because of a shortage of gowns.Workers at Mount Sinai West, the hospital on 10th Avenue formerly known as Roosevelt Hospital, said that the hospital did not have sufficient personal protective equipment, or P.P.E. Over the weekend, photos on social media showed nurses wearing garbage bags because of a shortage of gowns.
“We do not have enough P.P.E., we do not have the correct P.P.E., and we do not have the appropriate staffing to handle this pandemic,” Bevon Bloise, a registered nurse at the hospital wrote on Facebook.“We do not have enough P.P.E., we do not have the correct P.P.E., and we do not have the appropriate staffing to handle this pandemic,” Bevon Bloise, a registered nurse at the hospital wrote on Facebook.
A hospital spokeswoman, Lucia Lee, disputed the assertion that the hospital had not furnished protective equipment to its staff.A hospital spokeswoman, Lucia Lee, disputed the assertion that the hospital had not furnished protective equipment to its staff.
“This crisis is straining the resources of all New York area hospitals,” she wrote, “and while we do — and have had — enough protective equipment for our staff, we will all need more in the weeks ahead.”“This crisis is straining the resources of all New York area hospitals,” she wrote, “and while we do — and have had — enough protective equipment for our staff, we will all need more in the weeks ahead.”
More governors on Thursday targeted travelers from the New York area, the center of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, in an effort to limit the spread in their own states.More governors on Thursday targeted travelers from the New York area, the center of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, in an effort to limit the spread in their own states.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas ordered anyone flying into the state from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the city of New Orleans to self-isolate for 14 days. Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island said she was requiring that anyone traveling from New York do the same.Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas ordered anyone flying into the state from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the city of New Orleans to self-isolate for 14 days. Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island said she was requiring that anyone traveling from New York do the same.
And in Connecticut, where many wealthy New Yorkers own second homes, Gov. Ned Lamont urged all travelers from New York City to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering the state.And in Connecticut, where many wealthy New Yorkers own second homes, Gov. Ned Lamont urged all travelers from New York City to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering the state.
The new orders came after Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland imposed similar restrictions and after White House officials said that anyone who had recently been in New York, which had more than 37,000 cases and nearly 400 deaths as of Thursday, should self-quarantine for two weeks.The new orders came after Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland imposed similar restrictions and after White House officials said that anyone who had recently been in New York, which had more than 37,000 cases and nearly 400 deaths as of Thursday, should self-quarantine for two weeks.
Mayor Bill de Blasio questioned the wisdom of such directives at a news briefing on Wednesday.Mayor Bill de Blasio questioned the wisdom of such directives at a news briefing on Wednesday.
“I think there’s a little bit of a lack of recognition right now of just how much this disease has already spread around the country,” he said.“I think there’s a little bit of a lack of recognition right now of just how much this disease has already spread around the country,” he said.
Mr. Abbott’s executive order applies only to those traveling into Texas by air. He said it would be enforced by the state’s Department of Public Safety, and that violations would be considered a criminal offense punishable by a fine, jail time or both. State troopers will conduct visits to travelers’ isolation locations to verify compliance.Mr. Abbott’s executive order applies only to those traveling into Texas by air. He said it would be enforced by the state’s Department of Public Safety, and that violations would be considered a criminal offense punishable by a fine, jail time or both. State troopers will conduct visits to travelers’ isolation locations to verify compliance.
Ms. Raimondo said that to enforce her order, National Guard troops would be stationed at bus and train stations, and that the State Police would help check cars with New York plates.Ms. Raimondo said that to enforce her order, National Guard troops would be stationed at bus and train stations, and that the State Police would help check cars with New York plates.
Late Thursday, the New York Police Department reported that Dennis C. Dickson, a custodian at Police Headquarters and a 14-year employee, had died earlier in the day, the department’s first coronavirus death.Late Thursday, the New York Police Department reported that Dennis C. Dickson, a custodian at Police Headquarters and a 14-year employee, had died earlier in the day, the department’s first coronavirus death.
Mr. Dickson, 63, died at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, the department said in a news release.Mr. Dickson, 63, died at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, the department said in a news release.
The release described Mr. Dickson as a “revered member of the custodial staff,” noting in particular a 17-day stint he worked during and after Hurricane Sandy assisting with emergency cleanup operations at headquarters.The release described Mr. Dickson as a “revered member of the custodial staff,” noting in particular a 17-day stint he worked during and after Hurricane Sandy assisting with emergency cleanup operations at headquarters.
During the virus outbreak, the release said, “Mr. Dickson was again on the front line cleaning and disinfecting 1 Police Plaza so that our personnel could be here safely.”During the virus outbreak, the release said, “Mr. Dickson was again on the front line cleaning and disinfecting 1 Police Plaza so that our personnel could be here safely.”
Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said on Thursday that 19 more people had died of the coronavirus, bringing the total number of deaths in the state to 81. There were 2,492 new recorded cases of virus, bringing the state total to 6,876, Mr. Murphy said.Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey said on Thursday that 19 more people had died of the coronavirus, bringing the total number of deaths in the state to 81. There were 2,492 new recorded cases of virus, bringing the state total to 6,876, Mr. Murphy said.
Forty-three of 375 long-term care facilities in the state now have at least one patient who has tested positive for coronavirus, the state health commissioner said. Three of the 19 people whose deaths were reported on Thursday had recently been in nursing homes.Forty-three of 375 long-term care facilities in the state now have at least one patient who has tested positive for coronavirus, the state health commissioner said. Three of the 19 people whose deaths were reported on Thursday had recently been in nursing homes.
Updated June 5, 2020
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’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.
On the economic front, 16 times as many New Jersey residents filed for unemployment insurance last week — 155,000 people — as did the week before, Mr. Murphy said.On the economic front, 16 times as many New Jersey residents filed for unemployment insurance last week — 155,000 people — as did the week before, Mr. Murphy said.
The governor also said that New Jersey schools would remain closed until at least April 20.The governor also said that New Jersey schools would remain closed until at least April 20.
Like cities around the country, New York is moving to release vulnerable, nonviolent inmates from jail to stem the spread of the virus among the incarcerated.Like cities around the country, New York is moving to release vulnerable, nonviolent inmates from jail to stem the spread of the virus among the incarcerated.
By late Wednesday, 200 inmates had been freed, bringing New York City’s jail population to 4,906, Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference on Thursday. The last time it was below 5,000, he said, was 1949. Another 175 inmates were expected to be released by Thursday night.By late Wednesday, 200 inmates had been freed, bringing New York City’s jail population to 4,906, Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference on Thursday. The last time it was below 5,000, he said, was 1949. Another 175 inmates were expected to be released by Thursday night.
Separately, Mr. de Blasio identified Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens as “the epicenter within the epicenter” of New York’s coronavirus crisis after 13 people died there in a 24-hour span.Separately, Mr. de Blasio identified Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens as “the epicenter within the epicenter” of New York’s coronavirus crisis after 13 people died there in a 24-hour span.
A top city health official said four people had died at the hospital in the past day, and Mr. de Blasio said that 40 additional ventilators and 56 additional staff members were on their way there.A top city health official said four people had died at the hospital in the past day, and Mr. de Blasio said that 40 additional ventilators and 56 additional staff members were on their way there.
City health officials also said on Thursday that they were studying how to extend the use of protective gear for hospital workers, including potential methods for re-sanitizing surgical masks, as supplies dwindle and needs rise.City health officials also said on Thursday that they were studying how to extend the use of protective gear for hospital workers, including potential methods for re-sanitizing surgical masks, as supplies dwindle and needs rise.
Allia Phillips was excited to pick up an iPad from her school in Harlem last week. She did not want to miss any classes and hoped to land on the fourth-grade honor roll again.Allia Phillips was excited to pick up an iPad from her school in Harlem last week. She did not want to miss any classes and hoped to land on the fourth-grade honor roll again.
On Monday, when New York City’s public schools began remote learning, Allia fired up the iPad at her family’s room in a homeless shelter on the Upper West Side.On Monday, when New York City’s public schools began remote learning, Allia fired up the iPad at her family’s room in a homeless shelter on the Upper West Side.
And saw nothing.And saw nothing.
“I went downstairs to find out that they don’t have any internet,” Allia’s mother said. “You’re screwing up my daughter’s education.”“I went downstairs to find out that they don’t have any internet,” Allia’s mother said. “You’re screwing up my daughter’s education.”
The public school system’s switch from regular school to remote learning is leaving poor and vulnerable students behind — especially the estimated 114,000 living in shelters and unstable housing — because most shelters in the city do not have Wi-Fi available for residents and the Department of Education has not yet provided devices with built-in internet.The public school system’s switch from regular school to remote learning is leaving poor and vulnerable students behind — especially the estimated 114,000 living in shelters and unstable housing — because most shelters in the city do not have Wi-Fi available for residents and the Department of Education has not yet provided devices with built-in internet.
The department is scrambling to fix the problem, as children fall further behind, and it has told shelter operators that deliveries of laptops would not begin until next week.The department is scrambling to fix the problem, as children fall further behind, and it has told shelter operators that deliveries of laptops would not begin until next week.
Almost overnight, an empty warehouse in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard was transformed into a makeshift factory churning out tens of thousands of face shields for medical workers on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus.Almost overnight, an empty warehouse in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard was transformed into a makeshift factory churning out tens of thousands of face shields for medical workers on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus.
The effort, a partnership between three firms that typically make fabrics or print marketing signage, stems from New York City’s call for businesses to help make protective gear, like masks and gowns, that is urgently needed.The effort, a partnership between three firms that typically make fabrics or print marketing signage, stems from New York City’s call for businesses to help make protective gear, like masks and gowns, that is urgently needed.
On Thursday, more than 100 workers sat around folding tables, turning pieces of plexiglass and foam bands into disposable face shields that cover the whole face and resemble welder’s masks. The three companies developed a prototype on Saturday and received city approval the next day.On Thursday, more than 100 workers sat around folding tables, turning pieces of plexiglass and foam bands into disposable face shields that cover the whole face and resemble welder’s masks. The three companies developed a prototype on Saturday and received city approval the next day.
They expect to produce 15,000 to 18,000 shields a day for city hospitals.They expect to produce 15,000 to 18,000 shields a day for city hospitals.
“This is a wartime effort,” Mr. de Blasio said after touring the cavernous warehouse on Thursday. “They created a factory from scratch.”“This is a wartime effort,” Mr. de Blasio said after touring the cavernous warehouse on Thursday. “They created a factory from scratch.”
Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Manny Fernandez, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Gold, Nicole Hong, John Leland, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Somini Sengupta, Ed Shanahan, Nikita Stewart and Tracey Tully.Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Manny Fernandez, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Michael Gold, Nicole Hong, John Leland, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Somini Sengupta, Ed Shanahan, Nikita Stewart and Tracey Tully.