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New Rochelle, Once a Coronavirus Hot Spot, May Now Offer Hope New Rochelle, Once a Coronavirus Hot Spot, May Now Offer Hope
(about 4 hours later)
Two weeks ago, an unexpected cluster of coronavirus cases in New Rochelle, N.Y., seemed 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 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 to 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 to 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.”
State and local health officials cautioned that it was too early to declare victory, but the results seemed to show how tough social distancing measures, first adopted here and then imposed around the country, combined with an aggressive testing philosophy, can have an impact on curbing the coronavirus.State and local health officials cautioned that it was too early to declare victory, but the results seemed to show how tough social distancing measures, first adopted here and then imposed around the country, combined with an aggressive testing philosophy, can have an impact on curbing the coronavirus.
The experience in New Rochelle, a small city just north of New York City, has converted early skeptics, including some residents who had chafed at the restrictions.The experience in New Rochelle, a small city just north of New York City, has converted early skeptics, including some residents who had chafed at the restrictions.
“In the beginning, it felt like house arrest,” said Samuel Heilman, a New Rochelle resident whose family was among those ordered to self-quarantine on March 3. The families had all attended the same synagogue, Young Israel of New Rochelle, as a lawyer who was the first person diagnosed with the coronavirus in the community.“In the beginning, it felt like house arrest,” said Samuel Heilman, a New Rochelle resident whose family was among those ordered to self-quarantine on March 3. The families had all attended the same synagogue, Young Israel of New Rochelle, as a lawyer who was the first person diagnosed with the coronavirus in the community.
“In effect, it felt like we were being punished,” Mr. Heilman said. “But the punishment turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This is really a case of perspective.”“In effect, it felt like we were being punished,” Mr. Heilman said. “But the punishment turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This is really a case of perspective.”
Although aggressive testing and confinement orders have shown promise in New Rochelle and elsewhere, including in South Korea, it may be too late to employ similar strategies in places like New York City, where the number of positive cases has overwhelmed the city’s ability to offer tests broadly or to trace the contacts of those infected.Although aggressive testing and confinement orders have shown promise in New Rochelle and elsewhere, including in South Korea, it may be too late to employ similar strategies in places like New York City, where the number of positive cases has overwhelmed the city’s ability to offer tests broadly or to trace the contacts of those infected.
The lawyer at the center of the New Rochelle cluster, Lawrence Garbuz, 50, fell ill on about Feb. 27, and was confirmed on March 2 to have the coronavirus. Health officials began to trace his contacts and soon found more infections.The lawyer at the center of the New Rochelle cluster, Lawrence Garbuz, 50, fell ill on about Feb. 27, and was confirmed on March 2 to have the coronavirus. Health officials began to trace his contacts and soon found more infections.
State and Westchester County health officials ordered the closure of the synagogue, and on March 3 ordered quarantines for the more than 100 families that were exposed to Mr. Garbuz at a funeral and a bat mitzvah in late February. As more synagogue members became infected, those who came in contact with them were also quarantined.State and Westchester County health officials ordered the closure of the synagogue, and on March 3 ordered quarantines for the more than 100 families that were exposed to Mr. Garbuz at a funeral and a bat mitzvah in late February. As more synagogue members became infected, those who came in contact with them were also quarantined.
State and local health investigators also used contact-tracing techniques to track down people who were exposed to Mr. Garbuz, including workers at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, N.Y., where Mr. Garbuz was initially hospitalized.State and local health investigators also used contact-tracing techniques to track down people who were exposed to Mr. Garbuz, including workers at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, N.Y., where Mr. Garbuz was initially hospitalized.
The containment zone in New Rochelle began on March 12; it was a one-mile radius, with Young Israel at its epicenter, that was to last for 14 days. The order did not close streets or prevent people from leaving, but it banned gatherings of over 500 and closed schools, houses of worships and other large gathering spaces within the zone.The containment zone in New Rochelle began on March 12; it was a one-mile radius, with Young Israel at its epicenter, that was to last for 14 days. The order did not close streets or prevent people from leaving, but it banned gatherings of over 500 and closed schools, houses of worships and other large gathering spaces within the zone.
Members of the New York State National Guard were called in to deliver meals to people stuck in their homes, and to deep-clean communal buildings.Members of the New York State National Guard were called in to deliver meals to people stuck in their homes, and to deep-clean communal buildings.
An incident command center was established on Huguenot Street, from where health care workers would fan out across the city in groups of three, dressed head to toe in protective gear to test quarantined residents in their homes.An incident command center was established on Huguenot Street, from where health care workers would fan out across the city in groups of three, dressed head to toe in protective gear to test quarantined residents in their homes.
The state partnered with Northwell Health to open a drive-through testing center on March 13 on Glen Island, a 105-acre park connected by drawbridge to the mainland in New Rochelle.The state partnered with Northwell Health to open a drive-through testing center on March 13 on Glen Island, a 105-acre park connected by drawbridge to the mainland in New Rochelle.
But even as the city of 80,000 emerged as the face of the New York epidemic, the reaction from residents and even its leaders was at first uneven.But even as the city of 80,000 emerged as the face of the New York epidemic, the reaction from residents and even its leaders was at first uneven.
Amy Paulin, a state assemblywoman who represents the area, initially pushed back against the governor’s quarantine measures. Now she says the governor did a “phenomenal job.”Amy Paulin, a state assemblywoman who represents the area, initially pushed back against the governor’s quarantine measures. Now she says the governor did a “phenomenal job.”
“He proved me wrong, and he was absolutely right,” she said.“He proved me wrong, and he was absolutely right,” she said.
Other residents begged for the stringent measures in the containment zone to be expanded to the entire city. Groups of teachers at schools outside the zone that remained open — even though some students lived within the zone — gathered outside City Hall on North Avenue in the days after the announcement to demand their schools be shut, too.Other residents begged for the stringent measures in the containment zone to be expanded to the entire city. Groups of teachers at schools outside the zone that remained open — even though some students lived within the zone — gathered outside City Hall on North Avenue in the days after the announcement to demand their schools be shut, too.
On March 12, Laura Feijóo, the schools superintendent who initially resisted measures to close the entire district, relented, ordering all schools shut. (A little over a week later, on March 21, she disclosed that she had contracted Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.)On March 12, Laura Feijóo, the schools superintendent who initially resisted measures to close the entire district, relented, ordering all schools shut. (A little over a week later, on March 21, she disclosed that she had contracted Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.)
“Even though it’s leapfrogged continents and oceans, our leaders thought that they somehow could contain it in a one-mile circle?” said Calvin Heyward, 57, a sixth-grade math teacher at Isaac E. Young Middle School in New Rochelle, just outside the containment area.“Even though it’s leapfrogged continents and oceans, our leaders thought that they somehow could contain it in a one-mile circle?” said Calvin Heyward, 57, a sixth-grade math teacher at Isaac E. Young Middle School in New Rochelle, just outside the containment area.
Since March 13, Mr. Heyward said, he has been in and out of the emergency room with complications from the coronavirus, for which his partner also has tested positive.Since March 13, Mr. Heyward said, he has been in and out of the emergency room with complications from the coronavirus, for which his partner also has tested positive.
On Wednesday, the order declaring the containment area was lifted; but by then its requirements had been rendered moot by an encompassing stay-at-home statewide order that the governor enacted last week.On Wednesday, the order declaring the containment area was lifted; but by then its requirements had been rendered moot by an encompassing stay-at-home statewide order that the governor enacted last week.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
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.
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.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
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.
“The discouraging way to look at this is to say, the containment zone that was established in New Rochelle, and which looked like a forceful and necessary action when it was initiated, became obsolete within a week,” said Noam Bramson, the mayor of New Rochelle.“The discouraging way to look at this is to say, the containment zone that was established in New Rochelle, and which looked like a forceful and necessary action when it was initiated, became obsolete within a week,” said Noam Bramson, the mayor of New Rochelle.
“The positive way to look at it,” he added, “is to say that at least preliminarily, those early actions have been effective.”“The positive way to look at it,” he added, “is to say that at least preliminarily, those early actions have been effective.”
Westchester County has adopted an aggressive testing philosophy: More than 29,000 of the county’s less than one million residents have been tested, according to the county Department of Health, with 7,187 positive for Covid-19 as of Friday. Statewide, about 138,000 people have been tested.Westchester County has adopted an aggressive testing philosophy: More than 29,000 of the county’s less than one million residents have been tested, according to the county Department of Health, with 7,187 positive for Covid-19 as of Friday. Statewide, about 138,000 people have been tested.
In New York City, with a population over eight times the size of Westchester County, just under 58,000 people had been tested as of Friday, according to the state.In New York City, with a population over eight times the size of Westchester County, just under 58,000 people had been tested as of Friday, according to the state.
The rate of hospitalization for cases in Westchester was hovering at around 1 percent. Of the more than 6,400 people hospitalized statewide, 73 were in Westchester, according to county health officials.The rate of hospitalization for cases in Westchester was hovering at around 1 percent. Of the more than 6,400 people hospitalized statewide, 73 were in Westchester, according to county health officials.
Of the 12 deaths in the county, none are from New Rochelle, although several patients are in critical condition, according to the mayor. There were 284 cases in the city as of Friday, according to data reported to him by the state.Of the 12 deaths in the county, none are from New Rochelle, although several patients are in critical condition, according to the mayor. There were 284 cases in the city as of Friday, according to data reported to him by the state.
“The way I heard someone say it?” said George Latimer, the Westchester County executive. “About New Rochelle, we aren’t the worst, we are just the first.”“The way I heard someone say it?” said George Latimer, the Westchester County executive. “About New Rochelle, we aren’t the worst, we are just the first.”
A new issue has emerged in the city, perhaps one that will be faced by thousands of people who test positive for the virus: New York State rules require anyone outside of New York City to receive two consecutive negative coronavirus tests before they can leave quarantine — a challenge when tests are in short supply.A new issue has emerged in the city, perhaps one that will be faced by thousands of people who test positive for the virus: New York State rules require anyone outside of New York City to receive two consecutive negative coronavirus tests before they can leave quarantine — a challenge when tests are in short supply.
On Friday, a group of quarantined residents sent a letter to Dr. Amler, the health commissioner, objecting to what they called their “illegal open-ended isolation orders.”On Friday, a group of quarantined residents sent a letter to Dr. Amler, the health commissioner, objecting to what they called their “illegal open-ended isolation orders.”
Dr. Amler said that as of Friday, there would be no change to the county’s policy.Dr. Amler said that as of Friday, there would be no change to the county’s policy.
There have been other consequences: Several nurses who worked swabbing throats and noses at the drive-through testing center have recently been instructed to isolate themselves after a colleague tested positive for the virus, according to a person familiar with the order.There have been other consequences: Several nurses who worked swabbing throats and noses at the drive-through testing center have recently been instructed to isolate themselves after a colleague tested positive for the virus, according to a person familiar with the order.
There also have been accommodations that have bound the community closer. Quarantined synagogue members prayed together over Zoom, a video calling app. Local restaurants delivered get-well packages.There also have been accommodations that have bound the community closer. Quarantined synagogue members prayed together over Zoom, a video calling app. Local restaurants delivered get-well packages.
“Everyone around here has taken this very seriously. We’ve all risen to the occasion,” said Susan Alcott, 81, as she walked her German shepherd mix on a trail in Ward Acres Park on Friday. “I believe it will pay off because I’ve read the numbers are starting to go down here.”“Everyone around here has taken this very seriously. We’ve all risen to the occasion,” said Susan Alcott, 81, as she walked her German shepherd mix on a trail in Ward Acres Park on Friday. “I believe it will pay off because I’ve read the numbers are starting to go down here.”
Nancy Hyland, 48, said that a few days ago she drove from her home in New Rochelle to a park in nearby Larchmont and was shocked to find it packed.Nancy Hyland, 48, said that a few days ago she drove from her home in New Rochelle to a park in nearby Larchmont and was shocked to find it packed.
“We turned around and left,” she said. “You definitely wouldn’t see that behavior in New Rochelle.”“We turned around and left,” she said. “You definitely wouldn’t see that behavior in New Rochelle.”
Rebecca Liebson contributed reporting from New Rochelle and Azi Paybarah contributed from New York.Rebecca Liebson contributed reporting from New Rochelle and Azi Paybarah contributed from New York.