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‘Thousands of People Will Pass Away’ From Virus, Cuomo Warns ‘Thousands of People Will Pass Away’ From Virus, Cuomo Warns
(2 months later)
[This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Monday’s live coverage.][This briefing has ended. For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the New York area, read Monday’s live coverage.]
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Sunday offered a grim assessment of the coronavirus pandemic engulfing the state, as he reported that 237 people had died since the day before, the largest one-day increase since the coronavirus outbreak began.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Sunday offered a grim assessment of the coronavirus pandemic engulfing the state, as he reported that 237 people had died since the day before, the largest one-day increase since the coronavirus outbreak began.
And the projections, he added, suggests that the crisis facing New York could grow even worse.And the projections, he added, suggests that the crisis facing New York could grow even worse.
“I don’t think there’s any way to look at those numbers,” Mr. Cuomo said, “without seeing thousands of people pass away.”“I don’t think there’s any way to look at those numbers,” Mr. Cuomo said, “without seeing thousands of people pass away.”
The total number of deaths in the state stood at 965 on Sunday morning, before New York City reported its most recent count.The total number of deaths in the state stood at 965 on Sunday morning, before New York City reported its most recent count.
The number of confirmed cases jumped by 7,200 in one day, putting the total of confirmed cases at 59,513 cases as of Sunday. More than half of the cases, or 33,768, are in New York City, according to the latest figures from the city and state.The number of confirmed cases jumped by 7,200 in one day, putting the total of confirmed cases at 59,513 cases as of Sunday. More than half of the cases, or 33,768, are in New York City, according to the latest figures from the city and state.
About 8,500 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 16 percent from Saturday to Sunday. Of those, 2,037 are in intensive care units, which are equipped with ventilators.About 8,500 people are currently hospitalized, an increase of 16 percent from Saturday to Sunday. Of those, 2,037 are in intensive care units, which are equipped with ventilators.
“People asked ‘when is this over?,’ Mr. Cuomo said. “When they come up with an inexpensive home test or point of care test that can be brought to volume.”“People asked ‘when is this over?,’ Mr. Cuomo said. “When they come up with an inexpensive home test or point of care test that can be brought to volume.”
In New Jersey, Gov. Philip D. Murphy said on Sunday afternoon that the state had recorded 21 coronavirus deaths since the previous day, bringing the statewide total to 161. The state also recorded an additional 2,316 confirmed cases, raising the total to 13,386, the second highest in the country.In New Jersey, Gov. Philip D. Murphy said on Sunday afternoon that the state had recorded 21 coronavirus deaths since the previous day, bringing the statewide total to 161. The state also recorded an additional 2,316 confirmed cases, raising the total to 13,386, the second highest in the country.
Among other developments reported by Mr. Cuomo:Among other developments reported by Mr. Cuomo:
The governor extended his order for all nonessential workers to stay home until April 15.The governor extended his order for all nonessential workers to stay home until April 15.
Mr. Cuomo said he would ask Mayor Bill de Blasio to devise a plan for the city’s 11 public hospitals to coordinate how patients and resources are distributed. He also wants public and private hospitals to work together throughout the state. “There is an artificial wall between those two systems right now. That wall has to come down,” Mr. Cuomo said.Mr. Cuomo said he would ask Mayor Bill de Blasio to devise a plan for the city’s 11 public hospitals to coordinate how patients and resources are distributed. He also wants public and private hospitals to work together throughout the state. “There is an artificial wall between those two systems right now. That wall has to come down,” Mr. Cuomo said.
More than 76,000 health care workers, many of them retirees, have volunteered to work in hospitals should the facilities become strained.More than 76,000 health care workers, many of them retirees, have volunteered to work in hospitals should the facilities become strained.
Mr. Cuomo said he supported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel advisory for New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, urging residents to refrain from nonessential domestic travel for 14 days. “It’s nothing we haven’t been doing,” Mr. Cuomo said.Mr. Cuomo said he supported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel advisory for New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, urging residents to refrain from nonessential domestic travel for 14 days. “It’s nothing we haven’t been doing,” Mr. Cuomo said.
Some good news: The Westchester County man who was New York’s second confirmed case, bringing attention to a cluster of cases in New Rochelle, has been discharged from the hospital, Mr. Cuomo said.Some good news: The Westchester County man who was New York’s second confirmed case, bringing attention to a cluster of cases in New Rochelle, has been discharged from the hospital, Mr. Cuomo said.
In Connecticut, officials reported on Sunday that the number of confirmed infections in the last 24-hour period had increased to 1,993 cases from 1,524 cases. There was only one death, raising the statewide total to 34.In Connecticut, officials reported on Sunday that the number of confirmed infections in the last 24-hour period had increased to 1,993 cases from 1,524 cases. There was only one death, raising the statewide total to 34.
The number of coronavirus deaths in New York City increased by 161 from Saturday night to Sunday morning, pushing the statewide total to over 1,000 fatalities, according to the latest figures from the city and state, and county-level data compiled by The New York Times.The number of coronavirus deaths in New York City increased by 161 from Saturday night to Sunday morning, pushing the statewide total to over 1,000 fatalities, according to the latest figures from the city and state, and county-level data compiled by The New York Times.
The city also recorded its first death of a patient under 18. City officials said the patient had underlying health conditions, but no other details were immediately available.The city also recorded its first death of a patient under 18. City officials said the patient had underlying health conditions, but no other details were immediately available.
As of Sunday night, the city’s death toll from the infection stood at 776, while the number of cases jumped to nearly 33,500, from about 30,000 the day before.As of Sunday night, the city’s death toll from the infection stood at 776, while the number of cases jumped to nearly 33,500, from about 30,000 the day before.
“The numbers are staggering,” Mr. de Blasio said during a news conference.“The numbers are staggering,” Mr. de Blasio said during a news conference.
Earlier on Sunday, the state said it had recorded 965 deaths, but that figure did not include the new fatality numbers provided by the mayor later in the day.Earlier on Sunday, the state said it had recorded 965 deaths, but that figure did not include the new fatality numbers provided by the mayor later in the day.
The city will add more emergency personnel, more ambulances and more shifts in response to the record number of calls to 911, Mr. de Blasio said.The city will add more emergency personnel, more ambulances and more shifts in response to the record number of calls to 911, Mr. de Blasio said.
“This is unprecedented,’’ he said. “We’ve never seen our E.M.S. system get this many calls, ever.”“This is unprecedented,’’ he said. “We’ve never seen our E.M.S. system get this many calls, ever.”
Mr. de Blasio said the city has also sent 169 additional health care workers to Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, which is reeling from the number of patients it is treating.Mr. de Blasio said the city has also sent 169 additional health care workers to Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, which is reeling from the number of patients it is treating.
“This is going to an extraordinarily tough next few weeks, but we will keep sending more and more reinforcements,” Mr. de Blasio said.“This is going to an extraordinarily tough next few weeks, but we will keep sending more and more reinforcements,” Mr. de Blasio said.
The Mayor emphasized that playgrounds in New York City would stay open, but that the police would step up its enforcement of social distancing rules.The Mayor emphasized that playgrounds in New York City would stay open, but that the police would step up its enforcement of social distancing rules.
“If someone is told by an officer, disperse, keep moving, you’re not distanced, and they don’t follow the direct instruction of the officer,’’ he said, “I’m comfortable at this point that they will be fined.”“If someone is told by an officer, disperse, keep moving, you’re not distanced, and they don’t follow the direct instruction of the officer,’’ he said, “I’m comfortable at this point that they will be fined.”
New York City has a one-week supply of medical supplies to care for any New Yorker who is sick, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Sunday.New York City has a one-week supply of medical supplies to care for any New Yorker who is sick, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Sunday.
“We have enough supplies to get to a week from today, with the exception of ventilators, we’re going to need at least several hundred more ventilators very quickly,” Mr. de Blasio said in an appearance Sunday morning on CNN. “We are going to need a reinforcement.’’“We have enough supplies to get to a week from today, with the exception of ventilators, we’re going to need at least several hundred more ventilators very quickly,” Mr. de Blasio said in an appearance Sunday morning on CNN. “We are going to need a reinforcement.’’
Mr. de Blasio’s comments come as New York City’s 911 system is overwhelmed, hospitals in the New York area are deluged with new coronavirus cases and medical staff warn of shortages of personal protective equipment.Mr. de Blasio’s comments come as New York City’s 911 system is overwhelmed, hospitals in the New York area are deluged with new coronavirus cases and medical staff warn of shortages of personal protective equipment.
The mayor was also concerned about a shortage of medical personnel and said he has made a direct request to Mr. Trump to send more military and civilian doctors and nurses from around the country.The mayor was also concerned about a shortage of medical personnel and said he has made a direct request to Mr. Trump to send more military and civilian doctors and nurses from around the country.
“Our front line health care workers,” Mr. de Blasio said, “are giving their all, they’re in harm’s way. And, you know, we need to get them relief. We need to get them support and protection, but also relief. They can’t keep up at this pace.’’“Our front line health care workers,” Mr. de Blasio said, “are giving their all, they’re in harm’s way. And, you know, we need to get them relief. We need to get them support and protection, but also relief. They can’t keep up at this pace.’’
The White House official said on Sunday that an aircraft carrying gloves, masks, gowns and other medical supplies from Shanghai arrived on Sunday morning at Kennedy International Airport in New York, the first in a series of roughly 20 flights that officials say will funnel much-needed goods to the United States by early April.The White House official said on Sunday that an aircraft carrying gloves, masks, gowns and other medical supplies from Shanghai arrived on Sunday morning at Kennedy International Airport in New York, the first in a series of roughly 20 flights that officials say will funnel much-needed goods to the United States by early April.
The plane carried 130,000 N-95 masks, nearly 1.8 million surgical masks and gowns, more than 10 million gloves and more than 70,000 thermometers.The plane carried 130,000 N-95 masks, nearly 1.8 million surgical masks and gowns, more than 10 million gloves and more than 70,000 thermometers.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide the majority of the supplies to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, with the rest going to nursing homes in the region and other high-risk areas across the country, a White House spokesman said.The Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide the majority of the supplies to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, with the rest going to nursing homes in the region and other high-risk areas across the country, a White House spokesman said.
Mr. de Blasio and Mr. Cuomo did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the impact the shipment would have on the availability of medical supplies in the city and state.Mr. de Blasio and Mr. Cuomo did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the impact the shipment would have on the availability of medical supplies in the city and state.
In his appearance on CNN, Mr. de Blasio also brushed off criticism that he acted too slowly to respond to the spread of coronavirus in New York City.In his appearance on CNN, Mr. de Blasio also brushed off criticism that he acted too slowly to respond to the spread of coronavirus in New York City.
He dismissed clips of his appearances in January, February and in early March in which he repeatedly told New Yorkers to go about their lives as they normally would.He dismissed clips of his appearances in January, February and in early March in which he repeatedly told New Yorkers to go about their lives as they normally would.
“Everybody was working with the information we had and trying, of course, to avoid panic,” Mr. de Blasio said. “This was a very different world just a short time ago. But the bottom line is, none of us have time to look backwards. I’m trying to figure out how we get through to Sunday, next Sunday, and then what we do the week after that.”“Everybody was working with the information we had and trying, of course, to avoid panic,” Mr. de Blasio said. “This was a very different world just a short time ago. But the bottom line is, none of us have time to look backwards. I’m trying to figure out how we get through to Sunday, next Sunday, and then what we do the week after that.”
It was a jarring scene — a giant field hospital rising in the middle of one of New York City’s most iconic spots.It was a jarring scene — a giant field hospital rising in the middle of one of New York City’s most iconic spots.
But the coronavirus virus has upended life in New York City in many ways. Now Central Park has been chosen as a location for one of several temporary hospitals being erected to help hospitals inundated with coronavirus patients.But the coronavirus virus has upended life in New York City in many ways. Now Central Park has been chosen as a location for one of several temporary hospitals being erected to help hospitals inundated with coronavirus patients.
The filed hospital in the park, which is being set up by the Mt. Sinai hospital system, will have 68 beds and is expected to be operational by Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Sunday.The filed hospital in the park, which is being set up by the Mt. Sinai hospital system, will have 68 beds and is expected to be operational by Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Sunday.
“We’re going to use every place we need to use to help people,” Mr. de Blasio told reporters. “This is the kind of thing you will see now as this crisis develops.”“We’re going to use every place we need to use to help people,” Mr. de Blasio told reporters. “This is the kind of thing you will see now as this crisis develops.”
Mt. Sinai is working with Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational evangelical Christian humanitarian organization. The hospital is being built by volunteers from local churches.Mt. Sinai is working with Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational evangelical Christian humanitarian organization. The hospital is being built by volunteers from local churches.
On Sunday, the organization put out a call to Christian doctors, nurses, paramedics and other medical professionals willing to tend to coronavirus patients.On Sunday, the organization put out a call to Christian doctors, nurses, paramedics and other medical professionals willing to tend to coronavirus patients.
“This is what Samaritan’s Purse does — we respond in the middle of crises to help people in Jesus’ Name,’’ said Franklin Graham, the president of Samaritan’s Purse and the son of Billy Graham.“This is what Samaritan’s Purse does — we respond in the middle of crises to help people in Jesus’ Name,’’ said Franklin Graham, the president of Samaritan’s Purse and the son of Billy Graham.
Samaritan’s Purse also set up a field hospital in Cremona, outside of Milan, according to a news release from the organization.Samaritan’s Purse also set up a field hospital in Cremona, outside of Milan, according to a news release from the organization.
President Trump backtracked on Saturday night after earlier in the day floating the possibility of imposing an “enforceable” travel quarantine on the New York region.President Trump backtracked on Saturday night after earlier in the day floating the possibility of imposing an “enforceable” travel quarantine on the New York region.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Saturday night issued a formal travel advisory, urging residents from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to immediately refrain from nonessential domestic travel for 14 days. The order excludes workers in critical industries, including public health, food service and trucking.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Saturday night issued a formal travel advisory, urging residents from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to immediately refrain from nonessential domestic travel for 14 days. The order excludes workers in critical industries, including public health, food service and trucking.
Mr. Trump had come under intense criticism from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, who assailed the idea as “a declaration of war on states.”Mr. Trump had come under intense criticism from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, who assailed the idea as “a declaration of war on states.”
Mr. Cuomo, in an interview with CNN, expressed frustration and confusion over Mr. Trump’s vague suggestion that he was considering somehow sealing off New York, New Jersey and parts of Connecticut to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has the New York City area as its epicenter.Mr. Cuomo, in an interview with CNN, expressed frustration and confusion over Mr. Trump’s vague suggestion that he was considering somehow sealing off New York, New Jersey and parts of Connecticut to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has the New York City area as its epicenter.
The idea, Mr. Cuomo said, was at odds with Mr. Trump’s professed desire to restart the economy. “You would paralyze the financial sector,” the governor said.The idea, Mr. Cuomo said, was at odds with Mr. Trump’s professed desire to restart the economy. “You would paralyze the financial sector,” the governor said.
Updated 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.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
But on Saturday night, Mr. Trump appeared to abandon the proposal, announcing on Twitter that, “A quarantine will not be necessary.”But on Saturday night, Mr. Trump appeared to abandon the proposal, announcing on Twitter that, “A quarantine will not be necessary.”
He said he would instead issue what he referred to as a “ strong travel advisory,” without explaining what he meant.He said he would instead issue what he referred to as a “ strong travel advisory,” without explaining what he meant.
Earlier, Mr. Trump, speaking on the White House lawn, had said he was considering imposing what he called, without elaborating, an “enforceable” quarantine that would restrict travel in and out of New York, New Jersey and parts of Connecticut.Earlier, Mr. Trump, speaking on the White House lawn, had said he was considering imposing what he called, without elaborating, an “enforceable” quarantine that would restrict travel in and out of New York, New Jersey and parts of Connecticut.
“Some people would like to see New York quarantined because it’s a hot spot — New York, New Jersey, one or two other places, certain parts of Connecticut, quarantined,” Mr. Trump told reporters.“Some people would like to see New York quarantined because it’s a hot spot — New York, New Jersey, one or two other places, certain parts of Connecticut, quarantined,” Mr. Trump told reporters.
He added: “I’m thinking about that right now. We might not have to do it, but there is a possibility that sometime today we’ll do a quarantine, short term, two weeks, on New York, probably New Jersey, certain parts of Connecticut,” adding that he would “restrict travel.”He added: “I’m thinking about that right now. We might not have to do it, but there is a possibility that sometime today we’ll do a quarantine, short term, two weeks, on New York, probably New Jersey, certain parts of Connecticut,” adding that he would “restrict travel.”
“They’re having problems down in Florida,” Mr. Trump said. “A lot of New Yorkers going down, we don’t want that, heavily infected.”“They’re having problems down in Florida,” Mr. Trump said. “A lot of New Yorkers going down, we don’t want that, heavily infected.”
Late Saturday, the governor of Rhode Island, Gina Raimondo, a Democrat, said she would repeal an earlier executive order that had singled out New York residents for self-quarantine, after an outcry and threats of a lawsuit from Mr. Cuomo. A new order from Ms. Raimondo asked that all out-of-state visitors to Rhode Island self-quarantine for 14 days.Late Saturday, the governor of Rhode Island, Gina Raimondo, a Democrat, said she would repeal an earlier executive order that had singled out New York residents for self-quarantine, after an outcry and threats of a lawsuit from Mr. Cuomo. A new order from Ms. Raimondo asked that all out-of-state visitors to Rhode Island self-quarantine for 14 days.
The first of many calls that night involved a 24-year-old man who had a fever, body aches and a cough that sounded like a cement mixer.The first of many calls that night involved a 24-year-old man who had a fever, body aches and a cough that sounded like a cement mixer.
While the Brooklyn paramedics took the man’s fever — 103 degrees — they noticed frightening vitals that hinted at coronavirus: a critically low level of oxygen was flowing into his otherwise clear lungs, while his heart thumped with the intensity of a marathon runner’s. He was taken to the nearest hospital.While the Brooklyn paramedics took the man’s fever — 103 degrees — they noticed frightening vitals that hinted at coronavirus: a critically low level of oxygen was flowing into his otherwise clear lungs, while his heart thumped with the intensity of a marathon runner’s. He was taken to the nearest hospital.
Then almost immediately came the next call: a 73-year-old man with symptoms similar to the young man’s. They took him to the hospital, too.Then almost immediately came the next call: a 73-year-old man with symptoms similar to the young man’s. They took him to the hospital, too.
“It’s all a war zone,” one of the paramedics said.“It’s all a war zone,” one of the paramedics said.
Days later, another paramedic, Phil Suarez, was dispatched to two homes in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood, where entire families, living in cramped apartments, appeared to be stricken with the virus.Days later, another paramedic, Phil Suarez, was dispatched to two homes in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood, where entire families, living in cramped apartments, appeared to be stricken with the virus.
“I’m terrified,” said Mr. Suarez, who has been a paramedic in New York City for 26 years and had assisted in rescue efforts during the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks and later served in the Iraq war. “I honestly don’t know if I’m going to survive. I’m terrified of what I’ve already possibly brought home.”“I’m terrified,” said Mr. Suarez, who has been a paramedic in New York City for 26 years and had assisted in rescue efforts during the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks and later served in the Iraq war. “I honestly don’t know if I’m going to survive. I’m terrified of what I’ve already possibly brought home.”
Even as hospitals across New York become inundated with coronavirus cases, some patients are being left behind in their homes because the health care system cannot handle them all, according to dozens of interviews with paramedics, New York Fire Department officials and union representatives, as well as city data.Even as hospitals across New York become inundated with coronavirus cases, some patients are being left behind in their homes because the health care system cannot handle them all, according to dozens of interviews with paramedics, New York Fire Department officials and union representatives, as well as city data.
State lawmakers in Albany have grappled with how to conduct business after four of their members tested positive for the coronavirus, forcing them to stay away from the State Capitol since mid-March.State lawmakers in Albany have grappled with how to conduct business after four of their members tested positive for the coronavirus, forcing them to stay away from the State Capitol since mid-March.
On Sunday, however, they settled on one never before tried solution: The State Senate passed a resolution to allow lawmakers to vote remotely via telephone or video conference.On Sunday, however, they settled on one never before tried solution: The State Senate passed a resolution to allow lawmakers to vote remotely via telephone or video conference.
Gary Ginsburg, a spokesman for the Senate majority leader, said it was the first time in the Legislature’s history that members would be allowed to vote remotely; traditionally lawmakers would be required to be present to cast a vote.Gary Ginsburg, a spokesman for the Senate majority leader, said it was the first time in the Legislature’s history that members would be allowed to vote remotely; traditionally lawmakers would be required to be present to cast a vote.
The resolution, meant to address the need for social distancing and safeguard members with health issues, is temporary and would expire after the national state of emergency is lifted.The resolution, meant to address the need for social distancing and safeguard members with health issues, is temporary and would expire after the national state of emergency is lifted.
Facing a looming deadline to pass a budget by April 1, lawmakers began to convene in the Albany on Sunday, with the Assembly also expected to pass measures to limit the number of people in the chamber.Facing a looming deadline to pass a budget by April 1, lawmakers began to convene in the Albany on Sunday, with the Assembly also expected to pass measures to limit the number of people in the chamber.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is making dozens of beds available for patients in New York who have not contracted coronavirus as a way to free up space in hospitals that are stretched thin.The Department of Veterans Affairs is making dozens of beds available for patients in New York who have not contracted coronavirus as a way to free up space in hospitals that are stretched thin.
Many hospitals across New York City are struggling to accommodate the surge in coronavirus patients, which officials say is expected to grow worse.Many hospitals across New York City are struggling to accommodate the surge in coronavirus patients, which officials say is expected to grow worse.
The move by the federal agency to offer 50 beds in its hospitals in Manhattan and Brooklyn comes as New York State has become the epicenter of the pandemic, with 965 deaths and 59,513 confirmed cases as of Sunday afternoon.The move by the federal agency to offer 50 beds in its hospitals in Manhattan and Brooklyn comes as New York State has become the epicenter of the pandemic, with 965 deaths and 59,513 confirmed cases as of Sunday afternoon.
“VA is proud to assist the City of New York while continuing its primary mission of caring for our nation’s veterans,” Robert Wilkie, the secretary of veterans affairs, said in a statement.“VA is proud to assist the City of New York while continuing its primary mission of caring for our nation’s veterans,” Robert Wilkie, the secretary of veterans affairs, said in a statement.
The agency’s decision to help came after officials determined that the move would not impact the care of veterans.The agency’s decision to help came after officials determined that the move would not impact the care of veterans.
Reporting was contributed by Aaron Randle, Christina Goldbaum, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Ed Shanahan, Katie Van Syckle, Tracey Tully, Ali Watkins and Benjamin Weiser.Reporting was contributed by Aaron Randle, Christina Goldbaum, Jesse McKinley, Andy Newman, Ed Shanahan, Katie Van Syckle, Tracey Tully, Ali Watkins and Benjamin Weiser.