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De Blasio Threatens Fines for Social-Distance Violators De Blasio Threatens Fines for Social-Distance Violators
(3 days later)
[This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Saturday’s live coverage.][This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Saturday’s live coverage.]
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Friday rebutted President Trump’s comments that New York was overstating its need for ventilators and that the state was overlooking thousands of the machines in storage.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Friday rebutted President Trump’s comments that New York was overstating its need for ventilators and that the state was overlooking thousands of the machines in storage.
“We’re gathering them in the stockpile so that when we need them they will be there,” Mr. Cuomo said of the ventilators. “We don’t need them today because we’re not at capacity today.”“We’re gathering them in the stockpile so that when we need them they will be there,” Mr. Cuomo said of the ventilators. “We don’t need them today because we’re not at capacity today.”
Later, in an interview on the radio station WAMC, Mr. Cuomo took another swipe at Mr. Trump while discussing the topic.Later, in an interview on the radio station WAMC, Mr. Cuomo took another swipe at Mr. Trump while discussing the topic.
“It’s a sort of sensational but ignorant point,” the governor said, adding that “if he got it from Fox, you know the old expression, garbage in, garbage out? That’s what I would say about that.”“It’s a sort of sensational but ignorant point,” the governor said, adding that “if he got it from Fox, you know the old expression, garbage in, garbage out? That’s what I would say about that.”
The governor’s remarks came as deaths related to the virus statewide jumped by 134 in 24 hours, to 519.The governor’s remarks came as deaths related to the virus statewide jumped by 134 in 24 hours, to 519.
In an interview on Fox News on Thursday, Mr. Trump scoffed at New York’s claim that it needs at least 30,000 ventilators — machines that help the sickest patients keep breathing — to fight the crisis. State officials have repeatedly asked the federal government to help close a shortfall they have estimated at more than 20,000.In an interview on Fox News on Thursday, Mr. Trump scoffed at New York’s claim that it needs at least 30,000 ventilators — machines that help the sickest patients keep breathing — to fight the crisis. State officials have repeatedly asked the federal government to help close a shortfall they have estimated at more than 20,000.
“You know, you go into major hospitals, sometimes they’ll have two ventilators and now, all of a sudden, they’re saying, ‘Can we order 30,000 ventilators?’” Mr. Trump said in the interview. “I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators.”“You know, you go into major hospitals, sometimes they’ll have two ventilators and now, all of a sudden, they’re saying, ‘Can we order 30,000 ventilators?’” Mr. Trump said in the interview. “I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Friday that Mr. Trump failed to grasp the outbreak’s severity. “He’s not looking at the facts of the astronomical growth of this crisis,” the mayor said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Friday that Mr. Trump failed to grasp the outbreak’s severity. “He’s not looking at the facts of the astronomical growth of this crisis,” the mayor said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
As of Friday morning, 1,583 coronavirus patients in New York State were in intensive care units, nearly all of them on ventilators — a number that has almost doubled in two days. The state has projected that the need for I.C.U. beds will grow for at least several weeks.As of Friday morning, 1,583 coronavirus patients in New York State were in intensive care units, nearly all of them on ventilators — a number that has almost doubled in two days. The state has projected that the need for I.C.U. beds will grow for at least several weeks.
“The only way we can obtain these ventilators is from the federal government,” Mr. Cuomo said this week. “Period.”“The only way we can obtain these ventilators is from the federal government,” Mr. Cuomo said this week. “Period.”
In a survey released on Friday, the United States Conference of Mayors found that 85 percent of American cities did not have an adequate supply of ventilators.In a survey released on Friday, the United States Conference of Mayors found that 85 percent of American cities did not have an adequate supply of ventilators.
Mr. Trump, who had been hesitant to use the Defense Production Act to mobilize private businesses to make ventilators, changed course on Friday, officially invoking the act to compel General Motors to produce the devices.Mr. Trump, who had been hesitant to use the Defense Production Act to mobilize private businesses to make ventilators, changed course on Friday, officially invoking the act to compel General Motors to produce the devices.
If the rate of growth in the New York City metropolitan region continues at its current pace, the area will experience a more severe outbreak than those in Wuhan, China, or Italy’s Lombardy region.If the rate of growth in the New York City metropolitan region continues at its current pace, the area will experience a more severe outbreak than those in Wuhan, China, or Italy’s Lombardy region.
There is no guarantee that current trends will continue, and it is possible that social distancing will soon slow or arrest the growth in cases. But the New York metro area has so far had less success in flattening the curve at this point in its outbreak than Wuhan or the Lombardy region did at the same point in theirs.There is no guarantee that current trends will continue, and it is possible that social distancing will soon slow or arrest the growth in cases. But the New York metro area has so far had less success in flattening the curve at this point in its outbreak than Wuhan or the Lombardy region did at the same point in theirs.
The governor delivered his daily briefing on Friday at the Javits Center, a mammoth convention hall in Manhattan that, with the military’s help, was converted into an emergency hospital set to open next week.The governor delivered his daily briefing on Friday at the Javits Center, a mammoth convention hall in Manhattan that, with the military’s help, was converted into an emergency hospital set to open next week.
“What you did in this facility in one week, creating a hospital, is just incredible,” Mr. Cuomo said, addressing National Guard members.“What you did in this facility in one week, creating a hospital, is just incredible,” Mr. Cuomo said, addressing National Guard members.
Other developments from the day:Other developments from the day:
More than 44,600 people have tested positive for the virus in New York State as of Friday morning, an increase of more than 7,300 from Thursday. The death toll was 519.More than 44,600 people have tested positive for the virus in New York State as of Friday morning, an increase of more than 7,300 from Thursday. The death toll was 519.
Late Friday, officials said the number of coronavirus cases in New York City had climbed above 26,000, and that the city’s death toll had reached 450. Almost half of the people in the city to test positive were 44 or younger.Late Friday, officials said the number of coronavirus cases in New York City had climbed above 26,000, and that the city’s death toll had reached 450. Almost half of the people in the city to test positive were 44 or younger.
In New Jersey, Gov. Philip D. Murphy said that 27 more people had died, bringing the total killed in the state to 108. In addition, another 1,982 people tested positive for the virus; 8,825 people have tested positive overall.In New Jersey, Gov. Philip D. Murphy said that 27 more people had died, bringing the total killed in the state to 108. In addition, another 1,982 people tested positive for the virus; 8,825 people have tested positive overall.
There were 6,481 hospitalized patients in New York, about 20 percent more than there were on Thursday. Of those, 1,583 were in intensive care. More than 2,000 had been discharged.There were 6,481 hospitalized patients in New York, about 20 percent more than there were on Thursday. Of those, 1,583 were in intensive care. More than 2,000 had been discharged.
More than 62,000 medical workers, many of them retired, have volunteered to help stem the crisis. Almost 10,100 mental health professionals have also stepped forward to treat New Yorkers coping with the effects of being isolated.More than 62,000 medical workers, many of them retired, have volunteered to help stem the crisis. Almost 10,100 mental health professionals have also stepped forward to treat New Yorkers coping with the effects of being isolated.
The governor said he would extend school closings statewide two more weeks, until April 15. Schools in New York City have already been ordered closed until then.The governor said he would extend school closings statewide two more weeks, until April 15. Schools in New York City have already been ordered closed until then.
Two weeks ago, an unexpected cluster of coronavirus cases in New Rochelle, N.Y., seemed to be an unnerving sign that an outbreak that had devastated China and Italy was taking hold in the New York region and could spread rapidly.Two weeks ago, an unexpected cluster of coronavirus cases in New Rochelle, N.Y., seemed to be an unnerving sign that an outbreak that had devastated China and Italy was taking hold in the New York region and could spread rapidly.
The state took drastic measures that stirred a backlash, including creating a containment zone. But now, the latest data indicates that the measures may be starting to work.The state took drastic measures that stirred a backlash, including creating a containment zone. But now, the latest data indicates that the measures may be starting to work.
The outbreak, which Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo once said was advancing “unabated” in New Rochelle, has appeared to slow: Over the last four days, only 38 new cases were reported in the county.The outbreak, which Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo once said was advancing “unabated” in New Rochelle, has appeared to slow: Over the last four days, only 38 new cases were reported in the county.
“Everybody talks about flattening the curve, and I think that’s exactly what we were able to do in New Rochelle,” said Dr. Sherlita Amler, the Westchester County health commissioner. “We know we can’t stop every single case, but our goal was to reduce the number of cases, and I do think the measures were successful in doing that.”“Everybody talks about flattening the curve, and I think that’s exactly what we were able to do in New Rochelle,” said Dr. Sherlita Amler, the Westchester County health commissioner. “We know we can’t stop every single case, but our goal was to reduce the number of cases, and I do think the measures were successful in doing that.”
After two transit workers died of the coronavirus, officials at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said late Friday that they were distributing 75,000 additional face masks to employees.After two transit workers died of the coronavirus, officials at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said late Friday that they were distributing 75,000 additional face masks to employees.
“Medical guidance on this issue remains the same,” said Patrick J. Foye, the chairman of the M.T.A., which oversees New York City’s subway and buses and two commuter rails. “Masks offer protection only for those who are ill, and only in prevention of their spreading of the virus.”“Medical guidance on this issue remains the same,” said Patrick J. Foye, the chairman of the M.T.A., which oversees New York City’s subway and buses and two commuter rails. “Masks offer protection only for those who are ill, and only in prevention of their spreading of the virus.”
Still, Mr. Foye added, “I know wearing a mask at this uncertain time offers additional comfort to many of our employees, and I am grateful we are able to provide that.”Still, Mr. Foye added, “I know wearing a mask at this uncertain time offers additional comfort to many of our employees, and I am grateful we are able to provide that.”
Over the past three weeks, transit workers have voiced growing concern that the authority was not providing protective equipment, like masks and gloves, to workers. Fifty-two M.T.A. employees had tested positive for the virus as of Wednesday, officials said.Over the past three weeks, transit workers have voiced growing concern that the authority was not providing protective equipment, like masks and gloves, to workers. Fifty-two M.T.A. employees had tested positive for the virus as of Wednesday, officials said.
On Thursday, Oliver Cyrus, a 61-year-old bus operator, and a Peter Petrassi, 49-year-old subway conductor, died of the virus, according to Transport Workers Union officials.On Thursday, Oliver Cyrus, a 61-year-old bus operator, and a Peter Petrassi, 49-year-old subway conductor, died of the virus, according to Transport Workers Union officials.
“This situation is going to spin out of control unless the M.T.A. gets proper protection to transit workers on the front lines,” John Samuelson, the union’s leader, said.“This situation is going to spin out of control unless the M.T.A. gets proper protection to transit workers on the front lines,” John Samuelson, the union’s leader, said.
As the weather gets warmer, New Yorkers may be itching to hang out together in the New York City’s parks.As the weather gets warmer, New Yorkers may be itching to hang out together in the New York City’s parks.
But Mr. de Blasio warned at a news conference on Friday that officials would decide this weekend whether to impose a $500 fine on those flouting social-distancing rules by gathering in large groups at parks and ignoring police orders to disperse.But Mr. de Blasio warned at a news conference on Friday that officials would decide this weekend whether to impose a $500 fine on those flouting social-distancing rules by gathering in large groups at parks and ignoring police orders to disperse.
The vast majority of New Yorkers have been respecting the rules, the mayor said, but officials have observed some violations in the past day.The vast majority of New Yorkers have been respecting the rules, the mayor said, but officials have observed some violations in the past day.
Mr. de Blasio also said that a small number of houses of worship were continuing to hold religious services, and that they risked fines or having their buildings permanently closed if the police caught them in congregations this weekend.Mr. de Blasio also said that a small number of houses of worship were continuing to hold religious services, and that they risked fines or having their buildings permanently closed if the police caught them in congregations this weekend.
Separately, Mr. de Blasio said that the city had only enough medical supplies and personnel to last until Sunday, April 5, and he reiterated his plea for additional federal resources, including military doctors.Separately, Mr. de Blasio said that the city had only enough medical supplies and personnel to last until Sunday, April 5, and he reiterated his plea for additional federal resources, including military doctors.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
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.
“There is still time to prepare and get ahead of that date,” he said.“There is still time to prepare and get ahead of that date,” he said.
The mayor also said he was working with state officials to freeze rents this year for 2.3 million tenants living in rent-stabilized apartments to provide them a measure of economic relief.The mayor also said he was working with state officials to freeze rents this year for 2.3 million tenants living in rent-stabilized apartments to provide them a measure of economic relief.
Nearly 150 inmates being held at the city’s Rikers Island jail complex for minor parole violations are expected to be released over the next few days, and about 250 more could be freed soon after, according to officials familiar with the plan.Nearly 150 inmates being held at the city’s Rikers Island jail complex for minor parole violations are expected to be released over the next few days, and about 250 more could be freed soon after, according to officials familiar with the plan.
The moves, part of a broader effort by criminal justice officials to release around 1,100 parole violators from jails around the state, are the most significant yet to stem the spread of the coronavirus in New York City’s jails.The moves, part of a broader effort by criminal justice officials to release around 1,100 parole violators from jails around the state, are the most significant yet to stem the spread of the coronavirus in New York City’s jails.
Since the start of the outbreak, dozens of staff members and more than 100 inmates at Rikers have tested positive for the virus, prompting calls from public defenders and prisoner advocates to release hundreds of older and ailing inmates who are especially vulnerable to infection.Since the start of the outbreak, dozens of staff members and more than 100 inmates at Rikers have tested positive for the virus, prompting calls from public defenders and prisoner advocates to release hundreds of older and ailing inmates who are especially vulnerable to infection.
Working with the city’s five district attorney’s offices and state officials, the de Blasio administration has already released about 375 inmates from Rikers, many of whom were awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than a year.Working with the city’s five district attorney’s offices and state officials, the de Blasio administration has already released about 375 inmates from Rikers, many of whom were awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than a year.
Most of the inmates around the state were in jail on minor infractions, like smoking marijuana or failing to appear for meetings with parole officers.Most of the inmates around the state were in jail on minor infractions, like smoking marijuana or failing to appear for meetings with parole officers.
The cases of released inmates were closely reviewed to ensure that they had adequate housing and did not present an undue risk to public safety, the state Corrections Department said.The cases of released inmates were closely reviewed to ensure that they had adequate housing and did not present an undue risk to public safety, the state Corrections Department said.
It was not the joyous homecoming Fatehi Darhan had dreamed about while he lay alone for two weeks in a hospital room in Queens, fighting the coronavirus. He came close to death.It was not the joyous homecoming Fatehi Darhan had dreamed about while he lay alone for two weeks in a hospital room in Queens, fighting the coronavirus. He came close to death.
When he entered his small apartment in the Far Rockaway section of the borough and saw his three young children, their eyes longing for a fatherly hug, he fought every instinct to wrap his arms around them.When he entered his small apartment in the Far Rockaway section of the borough and saw his three young children, their eyes longing for a fatherly hug, he fought every instinct to wrap his arms around them.
“I froze,” Mr. Darhan, 34, said. “I wanted to hug them, but it did not feel safe. I don’t know when I would feel safe hugging them again.”“I froze,” Mr. Darhan, 34, said. “I wanted to hug them, but it did not feel safe. I don’t know when I would feel safe hugging them again.”
Mr. Darhan’s misgivings underscore the difficulties of returning to normal life after surviving a disease that has changed almost every aspect of living in New York City.Mr. Darhan’s misgivings underscore the difficulties of returning to normal life after surviving a disease that has changed almost every aspect of living in New York City.
New Jersey’s 375 long-term health care facilities and nursing homes have had no-visitor policies in place for nearly two weeks.New Jersey’s 375 long-term health care facilities and nursing homes have had no-visitor policies in place for nearly two weeks.
But on Friday, 55 nursing homes in the state had reported that at least one patient had tested positive for the coronavirus, up from 43 on Thursday.But on Friday, 55 nursing homes in the state had reported that at least one patient had tested positive for the coronavirus, up from 43 on Thursday.
Nineteen of the 108 people that died in New Jersey after contracting the virus were recently treated in a nursing home, according to Alexandra Altman, a spokeswoman for Govenor Murphy.Nineteen of the 108 people that died in New Jersey after contracting the virus were recently treated in a nursing home, according to Alexandra Altman, a spokeswoman for Govenor Murphy.
Two of the hardest-hit facilities, Family of Caring in Montclair and St. Joseph’s Senior Home in Woodbridge, are now considered sites of “outbreaks,” she said.Two of the hardest-hit facilities, Family of Caring in Montclair and St. Joseph’s Senior Home in Woodbridge, are now considered sites of “outbreaks,” she said.
Eleven recent deaths have been linked to Family of Caring. Six of those who died had tested positive for the virus; others died before their test results were returned or died of a respiratory illness before being tested.Eleven recent deaths have been linked to Family of Caring. Six of those who died had tested positive for the virus; others died before their test results were returned or died of a respiratory illness before being tested.
Officials at Family of Caring at Montclair, which remained open, did not return calls. St. Joseph’s closed on Wednesday after evacuating its 94 patients, most of whom were moved to a nursing home about a half-hour away.Officials at Family of Caring at Montclair, which remained open, did not return calls. St. Joseph’s closed on Wednesday after evacuating its 94 patients, most of whom were moved to a nursing home about a half-hour away.
Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Alan Feuer, Michael Gold, Christina Goldbaum, Nicole Hong, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Sarah Maslin Nir, Sharon Otterman, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Edgar Sandoval and Tracey Tully.Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Alan Feuer, Michael Gold, Christina Goldbaum, Nicole Hong, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Sarah Maslin Nir, Sharon Otterman, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Edgar Sandoval and Tracey Tully.