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519 People Have Died in New York, Up From 385 on Thursday: Live Updates 519 People Have Died in New York, Up From 385 on Thursday: Live Updates
(32 minutes later)
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Friday said that 519 people in New York State have died of the coronavirus, a one-day increase of 134 deaths since Thursday morning. And he rebutted comments from President Trump that New York was overstating its need for ventilators and that New York already had thousands in storage. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Friday that 519 people in New York State have died of the coronavirus, a one-day increase of 134 deaths since Thursday morning. And he rebutted comments from President Trump that New York was overstating its need for ventilators and that New York was overlooking thousands 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 in storage. “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 in storage. “We don’t need them today because we’re not at capacity today.”
On Thursday night, Mr. Trump and the White House’s coronavirus response coordinator had both cast doubt on New York’s claim that it will need 30,000 ventilators to fight the crisis. State officials have repeatedly asked the federal government to supply them. On Thursday night, Mr. Trump had cast doubt on New York’s claim that it will need at least 30,000 ventilators to fight the crisis. State officials have repeatedly asked the federal government to help close the shortfall, which currently stands at more than 20,000.
“I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators,” Mr. Trump said on Fox News.“I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators,” Mr. Trump said on Fox News.
The response coordinator, Dr. Deborah L. Birx, said: “To say that to the American people, to make the implication when they need a hospital bed, it won’t be there, or when they need that ventilator, it won’t be there, we don’t have evidence of that right now.” Mr. Cuomo said on Friday, of the 30,000 figure, “Look I don’t have a crystal ball. Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion. But I don’t operate here on opinion. I operate on facts, and on data and on numbers and on projections.”
Mr. Cuomo said on Friday of the estimate that the state will need 30,000 ventilators, “Look I don’t have a crystal ball. Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion. But I don’t operate here on opinion. I operate on facts, and on data and on numbers and on projections.” As of Friday morning, nearly 1,600 Covid-19 patients in New York State were in intensive care units, most of them on ventilators, a 22 percent increase from Thursday morning. The state has projected that the growth of coronavirus cases will continue to accelerate for several more weeks.
The governor delivered his daily briefing at the Javits Center, a mammoth convention center in Manhattan that has been converted into an emergency hospital with military help and is slated to open next week.The governor delivered his daily briefing at the Javits Center, a mammoth convention center in Manhattan that has been converted into an emergency hospital with military help and is slated to open next week.
“What you did in this facility in one week, creating a hospital, is just incredible,” Mr. Cuomo said, addressing members of the National Guard.“What you did in this facility in one week, creating a hospital, is just incredible,” Mr. Cuomo said, addressing members of the National Guard.
Other highlights from Mr. Cuomo’s morning briefing:Other highlights from Mr. Cuomo’s morning briefing:
More than 44,600 people have tested positive for the virus, an increase of more than 7,300 from Thursday morning. More than 25,000 of those cases are in New York City.More than 44,600 people have tested positive for the virus, an increase of more than 7,300 from Thursday morning. More than 25,000 of those cases are in New York City.
There are currently 6,481 hospitalized patients, about 20 percent more than yesterday. Of those, 1,583 are in intensive care. More than 2,000 have been discharged.There are currently 6,481 hospitalized patients, about 20 percent more than yesterday. Of those, 1,583 are in intensive care. More than 2,000 have been discharged.
More than 62,000 medical workers, many of them retired, have volunteered to assist in stemming the crisis. More than 62,000 medical workers, many of them retired, have volunteered to assist in stemming the crisis. Almost 10,100 mental health professionals have also stepped forward to treat New Yorkers coping with isolation.
The governor said he would extend school closings statewide an additional two weeks until April 15. Schools in New York City were already ordered closed until April 20.The governor said he would extend school closings statewide an additional two weeks until April 15. Schools in New York City were already ordered closed until April 20.
Mr. Cuomo said the state needed 20 million N-95 masks, 30 million surgical masks, 45 million exam gloves, 20 million gowns and 30,000 ventilators — all astronomical amounts compared to the state’s current stockpile.Mr. Cuomo said the state needed 20 million N-95 masks, 30 million surgical masks, 45 million exam gloves, 20 million gowns and 30,000 ventilators — all astronomical amounts compared to the state’s current stockpile.
The governor said he would seek President Trump’s permission today to authorize the construction of an additional four temporary hospitals with a total capacity of 4,000 hospital beds in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island.The governor said he would seek President Trump’s permission today to authorize the construction of an additional four temporary hospitals with a total capacity of 4,000 hospital beds in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island.
Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday sharply rebutted comments by President Trump that New York State was overstating its need for ventilators to treat the growing number of coronavirus patients and said the president failed to grasp the severity of the outbreak. Earlier on Friday, Mayor Bill de Blasio had criticized President Trump for saying that New York overstated its need for ventilators.
“With all due respect to him, he’s not looking at the facts of the astronomical growth of this crisis,” Mr. de Blasio said on “Good Morning America.”“With all due respect to him, he’s not looking at the facts of the astronomical growth of this crisis,” Mr. de Blasio said on “Good Morning America.”
A ventilator, Mr. de Blasio added, “means someone lives or dies.” Deborah L. Birx, the White House’s coronavirus response coordinator, had echoed the president on Thursday.
On Thursday night, Mr. Trump had said he doubted that the state would ever need the 30,000 ventilators that officials in New York have repeatedly asked Washington for.
“I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators,” Mr. Trump said on Fox News.
Deborah L. Birx, the White House’s coronavirus response coordinator, echoed the president.
“To say that to the American people, to make the implication when they need a hospital bed, it won’t be there, or when they need that ventilator, it won’t be there, we don’t have evidence of that right now,” Dr. Birx said.“To say that to the American people, to make the implication when they need a hospital bed, it won’t be there, or when they need that ventilator, it won’t be there, we don’t have evidence of that right now,” Dr. Birx said.
As of Thursday morning, nearly 1,300 Covid-19 patients in New York State were in intensive care units, most of them on ventilators, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said. That number had jumped by 45 percent from the day before, and the state has projected that the growth of coronavirus cases will continue to accelerate for several more weeks.
“The only way we can obtain these ventilators is from the federal government,” Mr. Cuomo said earlier in the week. “Period.”
Mr. de Blasio said that the city, which has about 60 percent of the state’s virus cases, would need 15,000 ventilators to fight the crisis.
The mayor’s office also said on Friday that Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla, was donating 615 ventilators to New York.
For more than a week, the outcry had resounded.For more than a week, the outcry had resounded.
Even as most businesses in the state were shut down to halt the spread of the coronavirus, construction workers kept building luxury towers, squeezing 20 at a time into service elevators and sharing portable restrooms.Even as most businesses in the state were shut down to halt the spread of the coronavirus, construction workers kept building luxury towers, squeezing 20 at a time into service elevators and sharing portable restrooms.
On Friday morning, Mayor de Blasio said that all nonessential construction, including the construction of luxury towers like a new Hard Rock Hotel in Manhattan, would cease. He said on WNYC radio that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo had decreed, “based on what was absolute agreement between New York City and New York State, that nonessential construction will end.”On Friday morning, Mayor de Blasio said that all nonessential construction, including the construction of luxury towers like a new Hard Rock Hotel in Manhattan, would cease. He said on WNYC radio that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo had decreed, “based on what was absolute agreement between New York City and New York State, that nonessential construction will end.”
Mr. de Blasio added: “Anything that is not directly part of the essential work of fighting coronavirus and the essential work of keeping the city running and the state running — any construction that is not about the public good is going to end. So luxury condos will not be built until this is over. Office buildings are not going to be built. That work’s going to end immediately. We need to protect people.”Mr. de Blasio added: “Anything that is not directly part of the essential work of fighting coronavirus and the essential work of keeping the city running and the state running — any construction that is not about the public good is going to end. So luxury condos will not be built until this is over. Office buildings are not going to be built. That work’s going to end immediately. We need to protect people.”
Governor Cuomo plans to announce the new restrictions on Friday morning.Governor Cuomo plans to announce the new restrictions on Friday morning.
The only projects that will be able to operate will be those that involve health care, transportation infrastructure, utilities, telecommunications, airports, hotels and seaports, according to two people briefed on the plans. All other projects must stop, but the state is allowing construction projects some time to wind down operations and secure the job sites.The only projects that will be able to operate will be those that involve health care, transportation infrastructure, utilities, telecommunications, airports, hotels and seaports, according to two people briefed on the plans. All other projects must stop, but the state is allowing construction projects some time to wind down operations and secure the job sites.
The Cuomo administration had been working in recent days with labor and trade unions, along with Mr. de Blasio and City Council Member Carlos Menchaca, to limit the type of construction that should continue. Before Friday, the entire construction industry had been deemed essential work, exempting them from the broad stay-at-home order that has kept most New Yorkers indoors.The Cuomo administration had been working in recent days with labor and trade unions, along with Mr. de Blasio and City Council Member Carlos Menchaca, to limit the type of construction that should continue. Before Friday, the entire construction industry had been deemed essential work, exempting them from the broad stay-at-home order that has kept most New Yorkers indoors.
The projects that can continue to operate must adhere to social distancing guidelines, including when workers ride service elevators, which are typically packed with 10 or more people. Sites that violate those regulations could be fined up to $10,000.The projects that can continue to operate must adhere to social distancing guidelines, including when workers ride service elevators, which are typically packed with 10 or more people. Sites that violate those regulations could be fined up to $10,000.
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 by Thursday, one in every 10 nursing homes in the state — 43 facilities — reported that at least one patient had tested positive for the coronavirus, up from 19 on Tuesday.But by Thursday, one in every 10 nursing homes in the state — 43 facilities — reported that at least one patient had tested positive for the coronavirus, up from 19 on Tuesday.
Eighteen of the 81 people to die in New Jersey after contracting the virus had recently been treated in a nursing home, according to Alexandra Altman, a spokeswoman for Gov. Philip D. Murphy.Eighteen of the 81 people to die in New Jersey after contracting the virus had recently been treated in a nursing home, according to Alexandra Altman, a spokeswoman for Gov. Philip D. 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.
Eight recent deaths have been linked to Family of Caring. Several of those who died had tested positive for the virus, while others died before their test results were returned or died of a respiratory illness before being tested, Ms. Altman said.Eight recent deaths have been linked to Family of Caring. Several of those who died had tested positive for the virus, while others died before their test results were returned or died of a respiratory illness before being tested, Ms. Altman said.
Officials with Family of Caring at Montclair, which remains 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 30 minutes away.Officials with Family of Caring at Montclair, which remains 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 30 minutes away.
There have been three fatalities among the two dozen patients and five staff members to test positive for the virus, the state’s health commissioner said on Thursday.There have been three fatalities among the two dozen patients and five staff members to test positive for the virus, the state’s health commissioner said on Thursday.
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.
So far, 20 percent of the people who tested positive in New York City have required hospitalization, including more than half of those 75 years of age or older.So far, 20 percent of the people who tested positive in New York City have required hospitalization, including more than half of those 75 years of age or older.
Statewide, there were nearly 39,000 positive cases as of Thursday night, with well over 400 deaths.Statewide, there were nearly 39,000 positive cases as of Thursday night, with well over 400 deaths.
Can blood from coronavirus survivors help others fight the illness?Can blood from coronavirus survivors help others fight the illness?
Medical centers in New York will soon test the idea in hospitalized patients who are seriously ill.Medical centers in New York will soon test the idea in hospitalized patients who are seriously ill.
Blood from people who have recovered can be a rich source of antibodies — proteins made by the immune system to attack the virus. The part of the blood that contains antibodies, known as convalescent plasma, has been used for decades to treat infectious diseases, including Ebola and influenza.Blood from people who have recovered can be a rich source of antibodies — proteins made by the immune system to attack the virus. The part of the blood that contains antibodies, known as convalescent plasma, has been used for decades to treat infectious diseases, including Ebola and influenza.
“It’s kind of difficult scientifically to know how valuable it is in any disease until you try,” said Dr. David L. Reich, president of Mount Sinai Hospital, which will try the treatment. “It’s not exactly a shot in the dark, but it’s not tried and true.”“It’s kind of difficult scientifically to know how valuable it is in any disease until you try,” said Dr. David L. Reich, president of Mount Sinai Hospital, which will try the treatment. “It’s not exactly a shot in the dark, but it’s not tried and true.”
Across the New York region, all businesses have been ordered closed except for essential ones.Across the New York region, all businesses have been ordered closed except for essential ones.
“Essential,” though, does not always mean what it sounds like. Supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, sure. But bicycle sellers, marijuana-plant trimmers, candy factories and people who make tiny metal springs?“Essential,” though, does not always mean what it sounds like. Supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, sure. But bicycle sellers, marijuana-plant trimmers, candy factories and people who make tiny metal springs?
They are just a few of the groups of workers whose jobs have been deemed so important that they are working while most residents of the New York metropolitan area are hunkered down under stay-home orders.They are just a few of the groups of workers whose jobs have been deemed so important that they are working while most residents of the New York metropolitan area are hunkered down under stay-home orders.
Dennis C. Dickson, a 63-year-old custodian at Police Headquarters and a 14-year employee, died on Thursday, becoming the department’s first coronavirus death.Dennis C. Dickson, a 63-year-old custodian at Police Headquarters and a 14-year employee, died on Thursday, becoming the department’s first coronavirus death.
Mr. Dickson died at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, the department said, calling him a “revered member of the custodial staff” and noting a 17-day stint he worked during and after Hurricane Sandy assisting with emergency cleanup operations at headquarters.Mr. Dickson died at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, the department said, calling him a “revered member of the custodial staff” and noting a 17-day stint he worked during and after Hurricane Sandy assisting with emergency cleanup operations at headquarters.
During the virus outbreak, the department said in a statement, “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 department said in a statement, “Mr. Dickson was again on the front line cleaning and disinfecting 1 Police Plaza so that our personnel could be here safely.”
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 or the city of New Orleans to self-isolate for 14 days. Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island said she was requiring 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 or the city of New Orleans to self-isolate for 14 days. Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island said she was requiring 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 Texas order applies only to those arriving by air, and those who violate can be punished by fines or jail time. State troopers will visit travelers’ isolation locations to verify compliance, Mr. Abbott said.The Texas order applies only to those arriving by air, and those who violate can be punished by fines or jail time. State troopers will visit travelers’ isolation locations to verify compliance, Mr. Abbott said.
Ms. Raimondo said that in Rhode Island, National Guard troops would patrol bus and train stations and the State Police would check cars with New York plates. (The American Civil Liberties Union affiliate in the state has said the plan to check cars based on their plates is unconstitutional.)Ms. Raimondo said that in Rhode Island, National Guard troops would patrol bus and train stations and the State Police would check cars with New York plates. (The American Civil Liberties Union affiliate in the state has said the plan to check cars based on their plates is unconstitutional.)
Serena Brennan, 25, a social worker at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, has been spending her days tending to patients suffering from the coronavirus.Serena Brennan, 25, a social worker at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, has been spending her days tending to patients suffering from the coronavirus.
Her return home is brightened by a simple chore: walking her Border collie, Gracie. “This is one of the small enjoyments of our life right now,” she said.Her return home is brightened by a simple chore: walking her Border collie, Gracie. “This is one of the small enjoyments of our life right now,” she said.
As the coronavirus has warped life, for some city dwellers, the necessary act of walking the dog has become a glimmer of solace during a dark time.As the coronavirus has warped life, for some city dwellers, the necessary act of walking the dog has become a glimmer of solace during a dark time.
But the shift is putting professional dog walkers out of work.But the shift is putting professional dog walkers out of work.
“Most of my customers are working from home now, so they don’t need a dog walker,” said Randy Peralta, 23, a walker from the Bronx who went from handling 20 dogs a day to three. “A bunch of them just took the dog and headed to their second homes.”“Most of my customers are working from home now, so they don’t need a dog walker,” said Randy Peralta, 23, a walker from the Bronx who went from handling 20 dogs a day to three. “A bunch of them just took the dog and headed to their second homes.”
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.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.
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.
Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Manny Fernandez, Michael Gold, Denise Grady, Matthew Haag, Nicole Hong, Corey Kilgannon, Patrick McGeehan, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Ed Shanahan and Tracey Tully.Reporting was contributed by Jonah Engel Bromwich, Manny Fernandez, Michael Gold, Denise Grady, Matthew Haag, Nicole Hong, Corey Kilgannon, Patrick McGeehan, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Luis Ferré-Sadurní, Ed Shanahan and Tracey Tully.